Global Major Cities Guide

Shops offering fresh produce, packaged goods, and other essentials for cooking at home.

Sections

1. Major Grocery Store Chains in Victoria

Victoria is home to several well-known Canadian grocery chains, offering a wide range of products. Here are the most prominent ones:

a. Thrifty Foods

Overview: A local favorite, Thrifty Foods originated in Victoria and is known for its high-quality produce, fresh seafood, and excellent customer service.
Specialties: Organic produce, fresh bakery items, deli, and ready-to-eat meals.
Locations: Multiple locations across Victoria, including Fairfield, James Bay, and Uptown.
Hours: Typically open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Unique Features: Strong focus on supporting local farmers and suppliers.

b. Save-On-Foods

Overview: A popular Western Canadian chain offering a wide selection of groceries, including bulk items and pharmacy services.
Specialties: Affordable prices, loyalty program (More Rewards), and a good selection of international foods.
Locations: Found in areas like Saanich and Langford.
Hours: Usually open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Unique Features: Online shopping and delivery options.

c. Walmart Supercentre

Overview: A budget-friendly option for groceries and household items.
Specialties: Low prices, bulk items, and a wide variety of packaged goods.
Locations: Located in Uptown Shopping Centre.
Hours: Open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Unique Features: One-stop shop for groceries, clothing, electronics, and more.

d. Real Canadian Superstore

Overview: A large supermarket chain offering competitive prices and a wide selection of goods.
Specialties: Affordable produce, bulk items, and international food sections.
Locations: Located in Langford and Saanich.
Hours: Open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Unique Features: PC Optimum loyalty program for discounts and rewards.

e. Costco

Overview: A membership-based warehouse store offering bulk groceries and household items.
Specialties: Bulk goods, organic options, and high-quality meats.
Locations: Located in Langford.
Hours: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM (shorter hours on weekends).
Unique Features: Requires a membership, but offers significant savings for families or bulk shoppers.

2. Local and Specialty Grocery Stores

Victoria also boasts a variety of smaller, independent, and specialty stores that cater to specific needs:

a. Red Barn Market

Overview: A local chain known for its fresh, locally sourced produce and meats.
Specialties: Custom sandwiches, local produce, and specialty items.
Locations: Found in several neighborhoods, including Oak Bay and West Saanich.
Hours: Typically open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Unique Features: Focus on sustainability and supporting local farmers.

b. Market on Yates

Overview: A boutique-style grocery store offering high-quality and specialty items.
Specialties: Organic and gluten-free products, gourmet foods, and a large selection of cheeses.
Location: Downtown Victoria (Yates Street).
Hours: Open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Unique Features: Great for specialty diets and unique ingredients.

c. Root Cellar Village Green Grocer

Overview: A family-owned store specializing in fresh, local, and organic produce.
Specialties: Farm-fresh produce, bulk foods, and eco-friendly products.
Location: McKenzie Avenue.
Hours: Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Unique Features: Offers a zero-waste refill station for pantry staples.

d. Chinatown Grocers

Overview: Victoria’s Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) is home to several small grocers offering Asian ingredients.
Specialties: Fresh tofu, Asian vegetables, sauces, and spices.
Location: Fisgard Street in Chinatown.
Hours: Vary by store, but generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Unique Features: Great for authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian ingredients.

3. Categories of Items Available

Most grocery stores in Victoria stock the following categories:

Fresh Produce: Locally grown fruits and vegetables are widely available.
Meat and Seafood: High-quality meats and fresh seafood, including salmon and shellfish.
Dairy and Eggs: Local brands like Island Farms are popular.
Bakery Items: Fresh bread, pastries, and cakes.
Pantry Staples: Rice, pasta, canned goods, and spices.
Frozen Foods: Ready-to-eat meals, frozen vegetables, and desserts.
Specialty Diets: Gluten-free, vegan, and organic options are widely available.
International Foods: Asian, Indian, European, and Middle Eastern ingredients can be found in specialty sections or stores.

4. Estimated Costs of Common Goods

Here’s a rough estimate of grocery prices in Victoria (as of 2023):

Milk (1L): CAD 2.50–3.00
Bread (loaf): CAD 3.00–4.50
Eggs (dozen): CAD 4.00–6.00
Chicken (1kg): CAD 10.00–14.00
Apples (1kg): CAD 3.00–5.00
Potatoes (1kg): CAD 2.00–3.50
Rice (1kg): CAD 3.00–5.00
Cheese (200g): CAD 5.00–8.00
Coffee (ground, 1lb): CAD 8.00–15.00

5. Recommendations for Specialty or International Foods

Asian Ingredients: Visit Chinatown or T&T Supermarket (in nearby Vancouver or Richmond for larger selections).
European Foods: Check out The Dutch Bakery or European Deli in Victoria.
Indian Spices: Visit India Grocery & Spices on Quadra Street.
Middle Eastern Foods: Try Mediterranean Specialty Foods on Douglas Street.

6. Hours of Operation

Most grocery stores in Victoria operate between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM, though smaller stores may close earlier (around 8:00 PM). Always check individual store hours, especially on holidays.

7. Unique Local Practices and Procedures

Reusable Bags: Victoria has banned single-use plastic bags. Bring your own reusable bags or purchase paper/reusable bags at checkout (CAD 0.10–2.00).
Recycling and Composting: Victoria has a strong focus on sustainability. Many stores encourage recycling and offer compostable packaging.
Loyalty Programs: Sign up for loyalty programs like PC Optimum (Superstore) or More Rewards (Save-On-Foods) to save money.
Farmers’ Markets: For the freshest local produce, visit farmers’ markets like the Moss Street Market (Saturdays) or the Victoria Public Market.

8. Locations and Accessibility

Victoria’s grocery stores are well-distributed across the city, with most neighborhoods having at least one major chain or local store. Public transit (BC Transit buses) is reliable and can take you to most grocery stores. Parking is generally available at larger stores.

By following this guide, you’ll find grocery shopping in Victoria to be convenient, diverse, and tailored to your needs. Let me know if you’d like more specific recommendations or assistance!

Victoria

Grocery Stores and Supermarkets