- Victoria
- Victoria by Month
- November
Victoria in November
Discover the Spectacular Things to See and Do During Your Visit
If you are planning a trip to Victoria in November, then you’ve probably got questions like:
- what’s the weather going to be like
- what to pack and what to wear while you are here
- what’s happening in Victoria in November
- what are some things to do
- and most importantly, what food is in season
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If you’re coming in November, you are going to experience some of nature's wild moments, arts and craft shows and sales everywhere, and a city buzzing with energy as we gear up for seasonal festivities. While the abundance and variety of summer foods is behind us, we are still fortunate to enjoy a nice variety of fresh, local foods.
November 11 is Remembrance Day and is observed to commemorate the lives of those lost and those that served in the wars since the First World War.
Victoria is home to Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet and as a proud military town, we have several Remembrance Day services throughout the region. Wearing a poppy and attending a service at a local cenotaph are two ways Victorians mark this sombre occasion.
Most shops and activities will still be open however they may operate on reduced hours. School, banks and Provincial and Federal offices will all be closed.
Cruise ship season has ended by November and the city is noticeably quieter, especially in the downtown area. You probably don't need a reservation in order to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or the finest dining locations. Victoria in November is fairly quiet.
Indoor markets are popping up everywhere and people are generally happy to spend a bit of time indoors. This is a time of year the sunny days are fewer and grey, overcast skies are the norm.
Victoria is in the Pacific time zone and on November 3, 2024 we turn our clocks back one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends. Many British Columbians perpetually hope this will be the final year of clock changing however we are waiting for neighbouring provinces and states to collectively agree.
Weather in November
The weather in Victoria in November is cooler and wetter than October. The average high during the day is 10 C and cools down to a chilly 3-4 degrees at night. The average precipitation is 165 mm - almost all of which will come down in the form of rain. Lately colder weather seems to come earlier in the year and we have occasionally seen snow in November also however it usually only lasts a few hours to a few days.
Dressing for the Weather
OK, even I have put my sandals away for the year by now!
As we approach winter here in the Pacific Northwest, it's time to pull out those woollies, toques and sweaters and gloves and scarves. It is time to start dressing in warm layers and it is definitely time for the waterproof footwear, a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket and a wind-resistant umbrella. Because it can get fairly windy at times, many people choose a waterproof hat or forgo the umbrella altogether and just accept the fact that they will get wet :). I recently discovered this hairbrella and think it is a genius way to protect your head and all your hair in the rain.
Not sure what a 3-in-1 jacket is?
- A waterproof outer layer (honestly don't even bother if the jacket is not waterproof) that can be worn on its own as a light to medium-weight jacket.
- A warm, insulated inner layer - sometimes down (or a synthetic insulating material) or polar fleece that can be worn on its own for warmth.
- A warm, waterproof coat when you attach the inner layer to the outer layer - usually via a zipper or snaps.
I personally wear a 3-in-1 by Columbia similar to this one although if I was buying a new one, I’d likely get an Arc’teryx jacket. They are stylish, functional jackets designed and tested here in British Columbia.
What's in Season
Several of our local restaurants reinvent their menus seasonally to take advantage of local seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, beers, wines and produce. November sees less variety than the summer but still a great selection of local produce and seafood is available. To enjoy a good variety of the foods available here in Victoria, consider a food tour. These are an increasingly popular way to see some local sights as well as enjoy local cuisine.
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Fruits & Veggies
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Seafood & Herbs
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Things to Do in Victoria in November
For the ultimate West Coast experience, head to Goldstream Provincial Park for the magnificent old growth trees - some estimated to be approximately 800+ years old and the annual salmon run. From mid-October until early December each year, approximately 30,000 (mostly Chum) salmon return to the river at Goldstream to spawn and die. This is an incredible natural phenomena and if you're lucky enough to be here in Victoria in November, I encourage you to get out to Goldstream Provincial Park.
Another quintessential Canadian bucket list item is a visit to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. This is about a 4-5 hour road trip from Victoria (although you could fly in a fraction of the time with Tofino Air) but well worth it if you've never been to the area. You may have missed surfing season at Tofino but what you are just in time for, is storm watching season! From the beginning of November to the end of February, visitors from all over the planet arrive in Tofino to watch the dramatic skies and impressive swells! A favourite destination is the Wickaninnish Inn.
If you enjoy live sports, the Victoria Royals regular hockey season is in full swing and there is lots of high calibre BC Premier League rugby being played in the region.
Other highlight activities include Butchart Gardens, a tour of Craigdarroch Castle or Hatley Castle (or both) and a visit to China Town.
Annual Festivals and Events in Victoria in November
- 01-Nov-24 to 03-Nov-24 - Strawberry Vale Christmas Craft Fair, Strawberry Vale Community Centre, View Royal
- 02-Nov-24 - Christmas at the Lake Craft Fair, Prospect Lake Community Hall
- 02-Nov-24 - Scandinavian Craft & Bake Sale, Norway House on Hillside
- 02-Nov-24 to 03-Nov-24 - Victoria Quilters Guild Christmas Sale, Emmanuel Baptist Church
- 02-Nov-24 to 03-Nov-24 - Annual Craft Fair, Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre at Westshore Parks & Rec complex
- 02-Nov-24 to 03-Nov-24 - Spectrum Band Christmas Market, Spectrum Secondary School, Saanich
- 08-Nov-24 to 10-Nov-24 - Christmas Craft Fair, Pearkes Recreation, Saanich
- 08-Nov-24 to 10-Nov-24 - Nomad Holiday Market, Songhees Wellness Centre
- 08-Nov-24 to 10-Nov-24 - Yuletide Market Series at Bilston Creek Farm, Metchosin
- 09-Nov-24 to 10-Nov-24 - Calico Christmas Market, Spectrum Secondary School, Saanich
- 15-Nov-24 to 17-Nov-24 and 10-Dec-22 to 11-Dec-22 - Sooke Christmas Craft Fair & Artisan Market, Sooke Community Hall
- 11-Nov-24 - Remembrance Day
- 11-Nov-24 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Esquimalt Memorial Park
- 11-Nov-24 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Langford Veteran's Memorial Park
- 11-Nov-24 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Sidney Cenotaph
- 11-Nov-24 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Victoria Cenotaph
- 16-Nov-24 - Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Church of the Advent, Colwood
- 22-Nov-24 to 28-Nov-24 - The Studio 30 Art Club Show, Sidney ArtSea Gallery, Sidney
- 23-Nov-24 to 24-Nov-24 - Christmas in the Manger Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Main Hall RCMP Barn, Saanich Fairground
- 29-Nov-24 to 01-Dec-24 - Out of Hand Modern Market, Crystal Gardens30-Nov-24 - 42nd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade, starts at Belleville and Government Street in Victoria
- 2024 dates to be announced - Ruth King Elementary Annual Craft Fair, Ruth King School, Langford
- 2024 dates to be announced - Indigenous Pop Up Shop YYJ Christmas Market, Fernwood Community Centre, Victoria
- 2024 dates to be announced - Festival of Trees, Bay Centre, Victoria
- 2024 dates to be announced - Arts & Industry Open House, Rock Bay Square on Bridge Street in Victoria
- 2024 dates to be announced - Saanich Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary Annual Christmas Bazaar, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
- 2024 dates to be announced - Magic of Christmas Artisan Market, Eagle Ridge Community Centre at City Centre Park in Langford
- 2024 dates to be announced - Victorian Christmas Craft Fair, Commonwealth Place, Saanich
- 2024 dates to be announced - Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Sale, Metchosin Hall
- 2024 dates to be announced - Christmas Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show/Sale, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
- mid November to end of December annually - Light Up the City, various events and locations throughout Greater Victoria
- held annually on the second to last Saturday of November - Christmas Bazaar, St. Luke's Church, Saanich
- 2024 dates to be announced - Highlands Winter Craft Fair, Caleb Pike Heritage Park and Highlands Community Hall
- 2024 dates to be announced - Early Bird Holiday Market, The Arts Centre at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
- 2024 dates to be announced - Marina Light Up, Inner Harbour
- 2024 dates to be announced - Holiday Market & Silent Auction, Cook Street Village Activity Centre
- 2024 dates to be announced - Cheeky Birds Christmas Market, Colwood Children's Hall
- 2024 dates to be announced - Doncaster School Holiday Craft Fair, Doncaster Elementary
- 2024 dates to be announced - Holiday Gifts Galore, Luxton Hall
- 2024 dates to be announced - Craft & Gift Fair, Wishart Elementary School
- 2024 dates to be announced - Gingerbread Showcase, Parkside Hotel, Victoria
I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in November.
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