Your OneTeamGov Victoria Travel Guide
Need help planning your trip for the OneTeamGov Global Unconference this May 2019? We’ve got you covered.
The Basics
What?
The 2019 OneTeamGov Global unconference!
When?
May 21st, 2019
Registration opens at 8:00
Event is from 9:00 — 17:00
Where?
The conference is taking place in beautiful Victoria BC, at the Victoria Conference Centre.
If you are flying in to the Victoria International Airport, be prepared to take a taxi to your accommodations as the airport is a 30 minute drive from the conference centre. Note that Uber is not an option on the island, so if that was your plan, you will need to make alternative arrangements.
How?
If you have not already applied for your ticket to the unconference, you can do so on our open source form. You can also find pre-written business cases to help gain support from your organization for you to attend. You can find blogs and other information about the unconference on our OneTeamGov Global Unconference website.
Accommodations
Airbnb
Despite the relatively high cost of living in Victoria, Airbnb homes and rooms are a surprisingly affordable choice, often with beautiful views of the harbour and within walking distance to the venue. If you are inclined to stay in an Airbnb, make sure that you are searching within the vicinity of the conference centre to save on taxi costs. Victoria is a great place to walk instead of drive.
Hotels
If staying in someone else’s home is not your style, there are also hotels available near the conference centre for a variety of prices. You can check with your organization for discounts and group rates for corporate hotel bookings.
When in doubt, you can also stay with friends or family nearby.
Other things to do
If you are extending your trip to Victoria to include some sight seeing, there are a lot of activities close to the convention centre to fill your time.
OneTeamGov Unconference After Event Social
After you enjoy the conference, let the fun and networking continue at our after party social event at Bard and Banker! Register now on Eventbrite. Spaces are limited.
OneTeamGov Post-Unconference Breakfast
The morning after the conference, Wednesday, May 22, Ioana and I will be hosting a Victoria breakfast for anyone still in town. Follow us on Twitter @emrobeau, @iFiniq and @OneTeamGovCan for the location and time closer to the event.
Pacific Innovation Fair
If you dont mind taking a quick trip to Vancouver, the 2019 Pacific Innovation Fair will be taking place on Thursday May 23rd, hosted by the BC Federal Council. The event is free to attend and will be showcasing public service innovation.
Walk around the Harbour
Soak in the sun and watch the sea planes and the boats. Walk along the edge of the ocean until you find one of the many pubs and restaurant and treat yourself to a drink!
This stop is must on my itinerary. Emily Carr is a famous Canadian artist, most known for her images of totem poles and Canadian landscapes working closely with the group of 7. Emily was a BC native, and this is the home she grew up in, so I look forward to seeing her works in that context.
Also home to a number of Emily Carr paintings, this museum promises engaging exhibits and rich British Columbian history. On the long weekend before the seminar, the museum is opening a new exhibit called Maya: The great Jaguar Rises.
While you’re there, satisfy your inner foodie with the museum’s year long food truck festival. Food trucks include DeadBeetz, Rolling Reef, Puerto Vallarta Amigos, The Love Perogy and the Yummy Truck
Grab a coffee and a good book and relax in this large urban park. Walking paths, ponds and flower gardens make for scenic place to relax. Take some souvenir photos at Spiral Beach, or Finlayson Point on the ocean. The park is also host to the worlds largest free-standing totem pole.
Food & Drinks
Victoria has many of the franchise restaurants that can be found across Canada such as Cora’s, Milestones and Tim Hortons. But, Victoria is a diverse city with a variety of cultures represented. Their food options reflect this diversity and nearly any type of cuisine can be found.
In particular, the coffee scene in Victoria is both aesthetically beautiful and delicious, with barista competitions spurring on new talent. Since Victoria is costal, it is also highly recommended to sample the seafood.
Hey Happy Coffee
Sleek coffee bar serving up java drinks & an assortment of pastries in a snug interior.
Address: 560 Johnson St #122, Victoria, BC V8W 3C6
Hours:7:30-17:30
Phone: (250) 590–9680
Frankie’s Modern Diner
Casual, all-day haunt with simple Italian & American comfort foods including pizza & burgers.
Address: 910 Government St #38, Victoria, BC V8W 1X3
Hours: 7:00–22:00
Menu: frankiesmoderndiner.com
Phone: (778) 265–8575
The Japanese Village Restaurant
Longtime Japanese eatery with traditional decor offering teppanyaki meals, tempura & bento boxes.
Address: 734 Broughton St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E1
Hours: 11:30–14:00, 17:00–21:00
Phone: (250) 382–5165
Bartholomew’s English-Style Pub
Established watering hole providing draft beers, cocktails & pub grub, with a patio & regular bands.
Address: 777 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2B5
Hours: 11:00 am-midnight
Phone: (250) 940–3125
Tacofino
Popular compact taqueria serving up creative tacos & burritos in simple counter-serve environs
Website tacofino.com
Address: 787 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1G9
Hours:11:00–23:00
Phone: (778) 406–1787
Fishhook
Small, comfy standby with a patio showcasing local seafood with Indonesian & French flair.|
Address: 805 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1H6
Hours: 11:00–21:00
10 Acres Bistro
This romantic option for farm-to-fork meals also offers cocktails & garden patio dining.
Address: 611 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W8
Hours:11:00–23:00
Menu: 10acres.ca
Phone: (250) 220–8008
