The first cold morning always catches me by surprise. The windows fog up, the string lights come out along Beacon Avenue, and suddenly every community hall on the island is filling up with tables of handmade gifts. After 26 homes and a move across the country from Toronto, November is the month that reminds me how much a community can feel like family and I’m so here for it.

It’s also one of the easiest months to get to know a new place. Holiday markets bring makers, neighbours and local businesses together under one roof, and you’ll find them in almost every corner of the region. I’ve gathered the markets and events happening across Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, Sidney and the Westshore so you can plan your month in one place.

Holiday Markets in Early November

Market season starts strong this year, with something happening nearly every weekend from the first week of the month. These are wonderful places to find gifts that come with a story, and to meet the people who made them.

• 47th Annual Creative Craft Fair, G R Pearkes Recreation Centre, Saanich. November 6 to 8, with over 125 exhibitors. Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

• Christmas at the Lake, Prospect Lake Community Hall, 5358 Sparton Road. Saturday, November 7 from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $2 and children 12 and under are free.

• Bilston Creek Farm Holiday Market, 4185 Metchosin Road, Metchosin. November 7 and 8, 10am to 5pm.

• First Chance Christmas, Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney. November 7 and 8, with hours to be confirmed.

• Atomic Christmas Vintage Fair and Makers Market by Island Vintage Events, Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay Street. Friday, November 13 from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday, November 14 from 9am to 4pm. Admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free.

• 51st Annual All Sooke Arts and Crafts Show, Sooke. November 13 to 15, Friday 12pm to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

• Winter Craft Market, North Douglas Church, 675 Jolly Place, Saanich. Saturday, November 14 from 10am to 4pm.

• Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School Winter Market, 3090 Constellation Avenue, Langford. Saturday, November 14 from 10am to 3pm.

• Holiday Market at the Empress by Seek Bespoke Market, Fairmont Empress. November 14 and 15, with hours to be confirmed.

• Calico Christmas Market, Spectrum School, 957 Burnside Road West. November 14 and 15, 10am to 5pm. Weekend admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free.

• Wear2Start Winter Market, James Bay Community School Centre, 140 Oswego Street. November 14 and 15, with hours to be confirmed.

The holiday market at the Empress is a first for the hotel this year, and it is a lovely excuse to step inside one of Victoria's most beloved landmarks. If you’re new to the city, pair it with a walk along the Inner Harbour and you have a perfect November afternoon.

Holiday Markets Later in the Month

The second half of November brings some of the biggest markets of the season. Many of them run all weekend, so you can take your time and come back for the gift you could not stop thinking about.

• Magic of Christmas Artisan Market, Eagle Ridge Community Centre, 1089 Langford Parkway. November 20 to 22, with over 125 artisans. Friday 3pm to 8:30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm. Admission is $3 and children 12 and under are free, with accessible shopping the first hour each day.

• Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival, Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road. November 21 and 22, 9:30am to 4pm, with local makers, island food vendors and local wine, beer and cider.

• Victorian Christmas Craft Fair, Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive. Saturday, November 21 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, November 22 from 10am to 4pm. Weekend admission is $5.

• The Holiday Market at Uptown, Uptown, Saanich. November 21 and 22, with hours to be confirmed.

• Esquimalt Farmers Market Holiday Edition, Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street. Sunday, November 22 from 11am to 5pm.

• Winter Bazaar by the Fernwood Makers Party, Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road. November 27 to 29, with over 120 artists and food creatives. Friday 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

• VIDEA's Winter Fair, Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue. Saturday, November 28 from 11am to 4pm, featuring fair trade and Indigenous makers. Admission is free.

• Cook Street Village Holiday Market, Cook Street Village Activity Centre. Saturday, November 28 from 9am to 3pm.

• Babes in Biz Holiday Market, Westshore Masonic Centre, 2832 Bryn Maur Road. Saturday, November 28 from 1pm to 4pm, celebrating local women in business. Admission is by donation in support of Bridges for Women Society.

Where You Will Find Me

I’ll be at two of my favourite shows this month, and I would love to see you there. Atomic Christmas at the Da Vinci Centre is pure vintage holiday charm, and the team at Island Vintage Events puts so much heart into every market they host. The Winter Bazaar at Gorge Park Pavilion is one of the most thoughtfully curated markets of the year, and the Fernwood Makers Party always brings together an incredible group of local artists.

If you are thinking about a move or simply want to chat about life on the island, come find me and say hello. Some of my favourite conversations happen over a cup of cider at a market table.

Arts, Culture and Community

November kicks off with a little leftover Halloween fun. On Sunday, November 1, the Spooky Pumpkin Walk lights up Pineridge Park in Sooke, with carved pumpkins dropped off after 1pm and the trail glowing from 5pm to 7:30pm. That same afternoon, the Colwood Pumpkin Smash takes over Colwood City Hall from 1pm to 3pm, with donations welcome for the Goldstream Food Bank.

For a night out, Murder on Paper Street returns to Craigdarroch Castle from November 5 to 14 with immersive mystery theatre inside the castle itself. On November 6, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria celebrates its new winter exhibitions with an evening opening. Showtimes can change, so check each organizer's website before you go.

Wine lovers can mark November 6 and 7 for the Victoria International Wine Festival downtown, with grand tastings, seminars and wine dinners. The Intuitive Arts Festival also returns to Victoria on November 7 and 8, with location and times to be confirmed. On Sunday, November 8, the Orchard Market at Junction Orchard and Cidery on Prospect Lake Road runs from 12pm to 6pm and pairs local makers with fresh island cider.

On Thursday, November 12, Music Bingo with the Eves of Destruction Roller Derby comes to the Fernwood Inn, with doors at 7:30pm. Two days later, the Colourful Business Expo at Clifford Carl Hall in the Royal BC Museum showcases local entrepreneurs and the stories behind their businesses.

Getting Outside This November

The salmon run at Goldstream Provincial Park in Langford continues into early December. Walking the river trails on a misty November morning is one of my newer favourite island rituals, and it never fails to slow me down in the best way. Bring a warm layer (or two!) and stay on the paths so the river stays healthy for years to come.

The Holiday Season Begins

Bastion Square Christmas Village opens on November 12 and runs through December 24, with holiday vendors and seasonal entertainment in the heart of downtown. The Festival of Trees begins on November 18, and FOLKTORIA brings a multicultural celebration to the Royal BC Museum on November 21 and 22.

The month wraps up with the 44th Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 28, starting at Government and Belleville Streets. It is one of those evenings that makes Victoria feel like a small town in the best possible way. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and find your spot along the route early.

Finding Your People This Season

If you’re new to the island or planning a move, I hope this guide helps you find your people. Shopping local is one of the simplest ways to put down roots, because every market table is a chance to meet a neighbour.

Event details can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with organizers before you head out. If you’d like a monthly roundup like this in your inbox, you can sign up for my newsletter at yourvanislehome.com.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

Summer arrived on Vancouver Island and so did a shift in the mood of the market. June closed with 719 total property sales across Greater Victoria, just slightly ahead of May and part of a steadier, more measured pace that has been building throughout the second quarter of 2026. If you have been watching and waiting to understand what this market is actually doing, June's numbers give us a clearer picture than we have had in some time.

The headline is this: inventory is high, buyers have choices they have not had in years, and the market is rewarding preparation on both sides of the transaction. That is good news whether you are looking to buy or thinking about what your next move looks like.

What sold in June

A total of 719 properties changed hands across the region in June, down 5.5% from June 2025 but essentially flat compared to May. Single family home sales came in at 388, down 3.5% year over year. Condominium sales continued to soften significantly, with 182 units sold, a decrease of 26.9% compared to June of last year. Townhome sales bucked that trend, coming in at 94, up 25.3% year over year. That townhome number is worth noting, particularly for anyone in the middle of a downsizing decision or looking for a low maintenance option on the Peninsula.

What inventory is doing

There were 4,054 active listings on the market at the end of June, up 0.6% from May and 7.3% higher than this time last year. That level of inventory means buyers are spending more time comparing properties and looking carefully at value before committing. It also means that sellers who present and price their homes well are the ones standing out in a market where there is real competition for attention.

Single family home prices by area

Single family benchmarks are holding relatively firm across most of the region, though there are meaningful differences depending on where you look. The benchmark for a single family home in the Victoria Core sits at $1,326,500, down 0.6% from June 2025. The Westshore single family benchmark is $1,023,400, down 1.8% year over year. The Peninsula continues to hold its ground with a benchmark of $1,282,000, up 1.3% from last year. That Peninsula resilience is something I have been watching closely, and it continues to reflect steady, genuine demand in that area.

Condo prices by area

The condo market continues to soften across most of the region. The benchmark for a condo in the Victoria Core is $549,200, down 1.9% from June 2025 and continuing a gradual decline from May's reading of $551,400. The Westshore condo benchmark sits at $503,900, down 0.5% year over year. The Peninsula condo benchmark is $629,700, up 1.7% from last year, making it the one area where condo values are still moving in a positive direction. For buyers considering a condo purchase, particularly in the Core or Westshore, there is more room to negotiate right now than there has been in several years.

Townhome prices by area

Townhome benchmarks are relatively stable. The Greater Victoria townhome benchmark sits at $782,300, down 1.5% year over year. In the Core, the benchmark is $841,200, down 0.5% from last year. The Westshore townhome benchmark is $712,900, down 1.8% year over year. The Peninsula townhome benchmark sits at $826,800, down 1.3% from last year. Despite those modest year over year decreases, townhomes are selling with more consistency than condos right now, and the volume increase of 25.3% in June tells a meaningful story about where buyer interest is concentrated.

What this means if you are buying

With more than 4,000 active listings and condo sales down nearly 27% year over year, buyers in this market have options and negotiating room that simply did not exist two or three years ago. You have time to compare, ask questions, and find something that genuinely fits your life rather than settling because inventory was thin. That said, well priced homes in the right condition are still moving. Working with someone who knows which sub-markets are active and which are sitting longer will make a real difference in how confidently you move through this process. If you are not yet connected with a mortgage professional, this is a good time to do that. I am happy to make a personal introduction to someone I trust.

What this means if you are selling

This market is not forgiving of overpricing. Buyers are comparing properties carefully, they are taking their time, and they have enough options that a home priced above its current market value will simply be passed over. The good news is that well priced, well presented homes are selling. If you are thinking about downsizing and wondering what your current home is worth in this environment, a conversation with me is a useful starting point. I can give you an honest picture of value and help you think through the timing of both sides of that move.

The balanced market in plain terms

The sales to active listings ratio for June puts our market firmly in balanced territory, meaning there is neither strong upward nor strong downward pressure on prices overall. What that number does not capture is how differently the sub-markets are behaving. Condos in the Core and Westshore are softer. Detached homes and condos on the Peninsula are holding their value better than most. Townhomes are moving with more consistency than the condo segment. Understanding which of these markets you are operating in is the most important piece of information you can have right now.

If you would like to talk through what any of this means for your specific situation, I am always happy to have that conversation. No pressure, no pitch. Just an honest look at where things stand.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

The Greater Victoria real estate market is moving through spring with steady momentum—but what’s shaping today’s market isn’t just housing activity. It’s also the broader economic environment.

In April 2026, a total of 643 properties sold, up 11.1% from March and essentially flat year-over-year. At the same time, inventory climbed to 3,710 active listings, giving buyers more choice and helping create more balanced conditions overall.

The Bigger Picture: Interest Rates and the Economy

A key driver right now is the decision by the Bank of Canada to hold its overnight rate at 2.25%. Ok, but what does this mean to me… a buyer or seller?

When rates are rising quickly, buyers often pull back due to uncertainty and affordability concerns. When rates are falling, activity tends to surge. But when rates hold steady—as they are now—it creates something different: confidence and predictability.

For buyers, this means you can make decisions without worrying about sudden changes to your borrowing power. For sellers, it means the pool of active buyers becomes more stable and consistent. At the same time, the economy is still adjusting.

Unemployment has edged slightly higher in parts of Canada, and while this varies regionally, it contributes to a more cautious mindset among buyers. Household expenses—from groceries to insurance to utilities—remain elevated compared to previous years, which also impacts how buyers approach affordability.

The result isn’t a slowdown—it’s a shift in behaviour.

If you’d like to understand this further, I’m happy to connect you to my trusted mortgage partners. They can review your whole financial picture and help you understand what rates you would qualify for. Just let me know.

A Balanced Market Is Taking Shape

Right now, Greater Victoria is in what many are calling a “Goldilocks” market.

Prices have remained relatively stable:
Single-family homes benchmark around $1,339,100
Condominiums around $558,300

These small year-over-year adjustments, combined with recent monthly increases, reflect a market that is stabilizing rather than correcting sharply.

Inventory is up, buyer interest is steady, and conditions are landing in that middle ground where neither side has a strong advantage.

What This Means If You’re Buying in Victoria

If you’re buying right now, this is one of the more strategic windows we’ve seen in recent years. Seriously.

You have more choice across property types and price points
You’re less likely to face intense bidding competition
You can plan more confidently with stable interest rates

However, affordability still matters. With higher day-to-day expenses and borrowing costs compared to past years, buyers are being more selective—and that’s actually creating better long-term decisions.

What This Means If You’re Selling in Victoria

For sellers, the opportunity is still strong—but execution matters.

Homes that are priced appropriately and presented well are attracting attention
Buyers are taking their time, but they are still active and ready when the right property comes up
Overpricing or under-preparing a home can lead to extended time on market

This is no longer a market where everything sells quickly regardless of strategy. It’s a market where thoughtful positioning wins.

Why Local Expertise Matters More Right Now

Victoria is not one single market—it’s a collection of micro-markets. Real estate here is like the weather!

Sidney, Langford, Saanich, and Victoria proper are all behaving differently
Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are each responding differently to current conditions
Even within neighbourhoods, pricing and demand can vary significantly

This is why understanding your specific segment of the market is key to making the right move.

The Bottom Line

We’re in a rare moment where housing and the economy are aligning in a way that supports balanced, informed decision-making.

Stable interest rates
Increasing inventory
Measured buyer confidence

Whether you’re buying or selling, success right now comes down to strategy—not timing the market perfectly.

If you’re curious what’s happening in your neighbourhood—or how to position yourself in this market—I’m always happy to talk it through.

👉 Reach out anytime for a conversation
👉 Or request your home value to see where you stand in today’s market

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

April is one of those turning-point months in Victoria real estate. The energy shifts—more homes come to market, more buyers start looking seriously, and decisions that have been sitting quietly since winter begin to move forward.

If you’re wondering whether now is a good time to make a move (or even just thinking about it), here’s what I’m seeing on the ground right now.

More Listings, More Choice

We’re finally seeing inventory pick up across Greater Victoria, including Sidney, the Saanich Peninsula, and the WestShore.

For buyers, this means more options—and a bit of breathing room compared to the tighter conditions earlier this year.

But more choice doesn’t mean endless opportunity. The best homes are still standing out and attracting attention quickly.

Buyers Are More Thoughtful—But Still Acting

Buyers right now are taking a bit more time. They’re comparing options, revisiting homes, and making more considered decisions.

That said, when the right home comes along—well-priced, well-presented, and in a good location—they’re still stepping forward.

This is a more balanced market, but not a slow one.

Presentation Matters More Than Ever

With more listings to choose from, buyers are naturally comparing.

Homes that show well—clean, bright, and thoughtfully prepared—are the ones getting the strongest response.

This is especially important for downsizers or sellers who want to protect their value in a more competitive environment.

There’s Quiet Opportunity in Negotiation

One of the biggest shifts right now is happening behind the scenes.

We’re seeing more room for:

• Thoughtful offers

• Conditions that protect buyers

• Conversations that weren’t possible in more competitive markets

This doesn’t mean lowballing—it means strategy matters more than speed.

What This Means for You

For buyers:
You have more options right now—and the ability to make a thoughtful decision. But when the right home comes up, it’s still important to act with confidence.

For sellers:
Preparation and pricing strategy are key. The right approach can still generate strong interest and results.

Final Thoughts

Spring is often when plans start to take shape—even if the move itself happens later. If you’re thinking about downsizing, relocating, or making a change this year, this is a great time to start the conversation and understand your options.

👉 Reach out anytime for a conversation
👉 Or request your home value to see where you stand in today’s market

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

One of the best parts of living in Victoria, BC is discovering the small local businesses that make everyday life here feel special. From farmers markets to neighbourhood cafés, Vancouver Island is full of locally owned shops that bring personality and community to the region.

In this edition of my Local Love series, I stopped by Victoria Olive Oil Co to connect with owner Cherilee and see what’s new in the shop.

If you enjoy cooking, entertaining, or finding thoughtful gifts, this is a place worth knowing.

Watch the Local Love Feature

🎥 Watch the short video here:
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/xDkPd9brm6s 

What Makes Victoria Olive Oil Co Special

Victoria Olive Oil Co & Gourmet Foods has become a favourite destination for food lovers in Victoria. The shop specializes in premium extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars sourced from around the world.

Visitors can sample a wide range of flavours and learn how different oils and vinegars can elevate everyday cooking.

Some highlights include:

• Seasonal infused olive oils
• Rich, aged balsamic vinegars
• Gourmet pantry items
• Beautiful custom gift baskets
• Perfect hostess or housewarming gifts

Whether you’re preparing a meal for friends or looking for a unique local gift, the shop offers something special.

A Perfect Stop for Entertaining and Gift Giving

Many of my clients are surprised by how many locally owned specialty food shops exist across Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula.

Victoria Olive Oil Co is one of those places that makes entertaining easy. Their gift baskets are especially popular for:

• housewarming gifts
• hostess gifts
• holiday entertaining
• corporate or client gifts

Supporting businesses like this is one of the reasons living on Vancouver Island feels so connected to the community.

Living in Victoria Means Discovering Local Gems

When people move to Victoria, they often focus on finding the right home or neighbourhood. But what truly makes a place feel like home are the businesses, cafés, markets, and shops that shape daily life.

From Sidney to the Westshore, Vancouver Island has an incredible network of independent businesses that bring character to the community.

That’s exactly why I started the Local Love series — to highlight the people and places that make living here so enjoyable.

Thinking About Moving to Victoria BC?

If you're considering a move to Victoria, BC or exploring neighbourhoods across Vancouver Island, I’m always happy to share local recommendations and insights about the communities here.

Visit YourVanIsleHome.com to learn more about:

• moving to Victoria BC
• neighbourhood guides
• local lifestyle recommendations
• real estate opportunities across the region

And follow along for more Local Love features highlighting the businesses that make this community so special.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook