Good coffee is one of the great joys of life. Fortunately, Victoria's tea-party Englishness hasn't stopped it from buzzing into the same coffee-cuckoo-ness that's engulfed Vancouver and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. Some to savor:
- On a sunny day, head for Willie's (537 Johnson St.; tel. 250/381-8414). Order your brew from the counter and take a seat on the patio. This bakery serves up excellent sweets and great hot breakfasts. It's open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, and Sunday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- Out in Oak Bay, Ottavio (2272 Oak Bay Ave.; tel. 250/592-4080; www.ottaviovictoria.com) is a charming cafe, bakery, and deli with great Italian pastries, snacks, and coffee. It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Take bus no. 2 Oak Bay to Oak Bay Avenue and Monterey Street.
- Some of the best all-round coffees in Victoria are served at the Caffè Artigiano (1140 Government St.; tel. 250/388-4147), beside the lobby of the Bedford Regency Hotel in Victoria's oldest (1867) building. It's open Monday through Friday from 6am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 6pm.
- It's not a glamorous place, but Habit (552 Pandora Ave.; tel. 250/294-1127; www.habitcoffee.com) is for coffee purists looking for hand-crafted java from seed to cup. Coffee here is custom-roasted using a 1918 vintage, cast-iron Royal #7 roaster! There's a newer, less bohemian, location in The Atrium (808 Yates St., tel.250/590-5953).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.