I will always remember my first airport shuttle transport from the Victoria airport to the city proper. A couple of things stand out for me, how wooded everything was, how incredibly different this island in the Pacific was from Toronto, and the recommendations of the driver to a couple inquiring about the best fish and chips.
You see, Victoria takes it’s fish and chips seriously. In fact, it takes anything British seriously. From the accents, to high tea, Victoria has the Britannia schtick nailed down pat.
Of course, back then it hadn’t occurred to me to seek out fish and chips on the island but given the interest expressed by my fellow airport shuttle passengers, I knew I ought to listen to the answer.
And can you believe I managed to miss the name of the place he recommended?!?!? But I did manage to catch that it was on a barge in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf.
So a few days after my arrival, I set out for Fisherman’s Wharf in search of these famed fish and chips . . . and I hit the jackpot!
Since that day nearly eight years ago, I have been visiting Barb’s Fish and Chips on Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. The seafood has never failed to be anything but exquisitely fresh and the atmosphere (surrounded by a working wharf and Sleepless in Seattle type homes) is a definite bonus.
Sure, the fish and chips are no longer as affordable as they once were but the truth is the price of halibut has gone up everywhere you look. And at the end of the day, I still believe a halibut (or local oyster) dinner is worth every penny!
As long as Barb’s exist, I will continue to return to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy my seafood, spend time with the harbour seals, and drink up the atmosphere.
Honestly to me, there is no better way to spend a summer afternoon in Victoria.
Should you find yourself in Victoria between the months of April and October, do stop by and try Barb’s Fish and Chips. You can thank me later! 
Question: What would you say is the quintessential way to spend an afternoon in your hometown?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I love fish & chips!! Because my mum and dad lived in Ireland and England they say that they are never happy with fish & chips in this country because they just aren’t made properly. By the sounds of it, I think Victoria could win them over!
Sounds delicious!
Siobhan @ SiobhanMcCarthy.ca recently posted..2 Races in 2 Days Recap Part One!
Oh Victoria is definitely the place to go for your parents!!! There are loads of excellent fish and chips places, all with their slight variations!
Looks delicious! You are definitely making me want to go to Victoria! You should be on their tourist board hahahaha!
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lol You know what’s crazy? The weekend after I shot all these pictures, we went back to Victoria for one day…..to show a friend around. Gave him one fantastic tour! And I half-joked to the Husband that we should get in the tourist industry!
I think a trip to the island is in my summer agenda! It has been so long since I’ve been in Victoria that i can hardly remember all the cool sights and places it has to offer. By the way, i love all seafood but Cam is not a fan. Booo!
I might have to join you on your seafood extravaganza while Cam sits on the sidelines. Lol! When are you two heading back to the mainland?
These are actually pictures from our Victoria Day long weekend. I’m just slow as molasses at getting them up here!
And I’m always up for seafood adventures!!!! Just let me know!
Fact – I have never eaten at Barb’s. Can you believe this? And I must say, I’m partial to Red Fish Blue Fish for my seaworthy delights whilst in Victoria anyways. Have you tried it? You must!
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I tried Red Fish Blue Fish when it first opened and LOVED it!!!! But my in-laws aren’t fans and I’m rather partial to the Fisherman’s Wharf atmosphere. But definitely, next time I’m in town I’ll stray from my usual!
Any Vancouver fish and chip recommendations?
PS: Don’t be such a stranger!