Dine Around Victoria is the foodie event of the winter season and it’s here from January 17th to February 2nd. Featuring over 50 restaurants offering $20, $30, $40, and $50 set three-course menus, the event is a favourite among locals and visitors on the hunt for good deals on great food. Paired with Stay in Town, where local hotels offer special rates during Dine Around, the next two weeks in Victoria are a food and drink lover’s dream.
Gala Launch Event
Dine Around kicks off with a gala launch event tomorrow, January 16th, at the Victoria Conference Centre from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Tasty bites from more than 50 restaurants will be served, as well as wine from VQA wineries and beer from some of BC’s finest craft breweries, making this is a great way to sample what’s to come during Dine Around. With around 700 guests anticipated for the gala and an evening of entertainment, fun, and delicious food and drinks, get a ticket to the launch event while you still can!
The BC Ale Trail booth will be in attendance at the gala too. We’ll be pouring a Juicy Data Hazy IPA from Category 12 Brewing and a Mystic Knot White Stout from Twa Dogs Brewery. There’s also a chance for new users to get a total of 50 bonus points on the BC Ale Trail app (redeemable for rewards and goodies at participating BC craft breweries) for creating an account and checking into the event during the evening.
If you don’t make it out to the launch for a tasty teaser, that’s alright too. You’ll have two weeks to explore the city and find yummy treats to eat at old favourites and new spots.
Dine Around stops with great craft beer
A well-paired beverage takes a dish to the next level and there are lots of restaurants to choose from on the Victoria Ale Trail when it comes to dining around with a craft beer lover.
Spinnakers Brewpub
At the top of the list is Spinnakers Brewpub, Canada’s oldest brewpub, opened in 1984. Besides making great craft beer and cider, the brewpub now has a distilling license, allowing them to produce craft spirits as well. With sours and a barrel-aged beer program, daily casks, and ciders, Spinnakers is a must-visit for drink enthusiasts.
But wait, there’s more! The small, but mighty kitchen at Spinnakers is creating a special menu for Dine Around. Committed to working closely with local farmers and food producers, diners can expect fresh seafood, meat, and seasonal veggies on the menu at $20, $30, and $40 during Dine Around.
In need of a power nap afterwards? Spinnakers also has guest houses available at special rates as part of Stay in Town.
Canoe Brewpub
Another craft-beer focused place to put on the list during Dine Around is Canoe Brewpub. With its own marina and stunning views of Victoria’s Upper Harbour, the brewpub’s historic location make it a sight in itself. After a major restoration of the City Lights Building, built in 1894 and initially used to house the coal-fired generators powering Victoria’s original streetlights, the brewpub opened in the heritage building in 1996.
Serving craft beer made in-house, along with $20, $30, and $40 menus of seasonally-inspired food during Dine Around, Canoe makes it easy to enjoy a great meal paired with a nice pint or flight. The brewpub also hosts live music on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays to help diners dance off some of those delicious calories.
Make the most of Dine Around Victoria
Plenty of other restaurants and hotels are involved in Dine Around and Stay in Town. Be sure to check out the full list of participating restaurants and make a plan to get your fill before February 2nd. For more places to stop for a sleeve or pint of local craft beer along with a good meal, visit some of the city’s other pubs and restaurants and ask your server what’s on tap at the bar. Here are a few to get you started:
- Smuggler’s Cove Pub
- Irish Times Pub
- Six Mile Pub & Eatery
- Bartholomew’s English-Style Pub
- Sticky Wicket Pub & Restaurant
- Lure Restaurant & Bar (host of Victoria Beer Week’s upcoming “In the Spirit of Beer” event!)
While you’re out gallivanting from delectable dish to refreshing ale, don’t forget to enter Tourism Victoria’s Dine Around 2020 contest for a chance to win gift certificates from the city’s finest restaurants.
Eat and drink to your heart’s content and be extra merry during Dine Around, Victoria!
