What It’s Like Living in Canadian Town Where Hallmark Movies Are Filmed

Fernwood Square is an off-the-beaten-path, cobblestone-lined town square that’s become a favorite filming location for scenes with holiday markets.

When the cameras aren’t rolling, locals grab coffee at Little June, enjoy a romantic night under the twinkle lights at Stage Wine Bar, or shop for dreamy vintage finds at Cream.

At the heart of Fernwood Square is the Fernwood Inn. The charming neighborhood pub serves local brews in an inviting, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a small-town inn.

Unfortunately, the kind-eyed innkeeper with a heart of gold from half the Hallmark movie plots is not included — the pub looks like an inn but doesn’t have rooms for rent.

This time of year, Oak Bay Village is set up to feel like a quaint, small town featuring artisanal shops, independent restaurants, and seasonal decorations.

The luxurious spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel features stunning, heated mineral pools that are accessible year-round, making it the perfect escape from the stress of the holidays.

Locals love this place, too, so make sure to book your treatments in advance.

Our local mall never looks better than when it hosts the Festival of Trees, an annual event that features dozens of beautifully decorated one-of-a-kind Christmas trees.

The iconic, fairy-tale-like hotel is a holiday favorite for tourists and locals alike.

The Empress is mainly known for its afternoon tea, but in the evenings, you can head to the veranda bar to roast s’mores over an open fire and sip on hot buttered rum.

What we often lack in (real) snow here, we make up for in holiday lights.

Every year, Butchart Gardens transforms its 55-acre display garden into a holiday wonderland full of colorful string lights.

Tucked away in the woods is the award-winning Shirley Delicious, a popular café and brunch spot.

But if you’re in the mood for seafood, head to Shuck Taylor’s, another playfully named spot known for its fresh oysters and on-tap cocktails.

My hometown lives up to its namesake (Queen Victoria). You’ll find plenty of beautifully preserved Victorian homes and businesses all over the city.

Step back in time at Craigdarroch Castle before heading over to Hatley Castle — a popular filming location featured in the “X-Men” film series.

Named a national historic site in 1995, Victoria’s Chinatown is now home to a diverse collection of restaurants, artist lofts, and even the design studio of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Jimbo.

Behind San Francisco’s, it’s considered to be the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.

Named after the Chinese gambling game fan-tan, the alley was once notorious for its opium factories.

Now, it’s home to boutiques, cafés, and record shops.

Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city.

Whether you’re craving Vietnamese subs, El Salvadoran street food, or ethically sourced seafood sold out of a shipping container, you’ll find it all within a five-minute walk of the city center.

In addition to being a foodie’s paradise, Victoria has several award-winning cocktail bars and craft breweries.

Independent coffee shop culture is big here, and residents love a good tucked-away café that most tourists can’t find.

A favorite, the aptly named Hide + Seek Coffee, is in the “backyard” of a pharmacy.

Hallmark movies are usually set in winter, but my hometown thrives in the summer.

No matter where you are, you’re always within an eight- to 10-minute drive of a fantastic beach and an incredible view.

Palm trees aren’t indigenous to the area, but Victoria is one of the warmest cities in Canada and one of the few spots in the country where they can grow.

It’s not unusual to stumble across a movie set while going about daily errands.

Summer is peak filming season, so don’t be surprised if you arrive for a beach day and see a film crew setting up a Christmas display or come across a city street flooded with fake snow.

It’s moments like these that make me smile and remind me how unique it is to live here.

Depending on the neighborhood, it’s not unusual to see a peacock walking down the street or enjoying some birdseed outside a convenience store.

In Hallmark movies, there’s always a juxtaposition between “big city” and “small town” life.

After moving back here, I have a deep appreciation for what makes Victoria unique. It’s not a small town or a big city — it’s something in between.

Whether you’re looking to experience the charm of your favorite holiday movies, get a taste of the city’s foodie culture, or enjoy a beach getaway, you can find it here. You just might need to step over some fake snow now and then.

This story was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on December 8, 2025.