Victoria B.C.

[kw2662]

Hello Fellow FOH's,

I'm headed up to the beautiful and talented Victoria B.C. for a few days any recommendations for a place to purchase - and more importantly smoke a fine cigar?

Thanks,

Ken

[TiminBC]

There are a 3 shops downtown.

When I buy locally I usually buy at the first since I seem to save a few dollars but understand Canadian sourced cigars are as expensive as you will find just about anywhere. Check the first link for prices.

https://www.cubancigar-shop.com/ *** generally a little cheaper, good selection. Nice sales folks but not avid cigar smokers.

http://www.goodfellascigarshop.com/ *** Avid cigar smokers for staff which can be good or bad :}

http://www.oldmorris.com/ ** I find the staff annoying and do not go there.

By law you cannot smoke in any business on the island. This means you cannot smoke where you buy.

The law is being strengthened to include all downtown public spaces island parks and beaches. I do not think it has changed yet.

If the weather is nice then smoking along Dallas road on the beach can be very relaxing.

If you have any questions drop me a PM.

[scottm12]

That first shop you mentioned is a great little store. And an excellent sushi restraunt next door.

[puromaniac]

Cuban Cigars on Fort is a nice place to visit. As Timin says the laws are tightening (like everywhere) but Victoria is a spectacular walking location and I haven't found it a problem to walk most places with a cigar.

[aes8]

You're not going to like the prices.

During first trip to Vancity I actually asked a retailer if he wanted to buy some cigars from me based on his price.

[kw2662]

Great info - had looked at some of the shops online but nothing beats the underground real information. I know the prices are up there but I'm going to enjoy a few and a nice walk along with them. Gentlemen, much thanks

Ken

[TiminBC]

Well if your wallet can bare it you can find some nice cigars not easily found here or elsewhere online. The Cohiba 1966 comes to mind. Just prearrange the mortgage in advance.

[Peacock]

I've purchased from Goodfellow's. I bought a Monte 2 and a trinidad robo. The Monte was stellar, but the Trinidad was not up to par. Nice guys though, but the prices were crazy.

[puromaniac]

You don't come to Canada for the prices, that's for sure. Most of us Canucks also use that as an excuse to go to Cuba where we can avoid taxes and duty (mostly ignoring the other expenses of course). Good news for U.S. visitors is that your dollar here is strong compared to ours. Not sure even then I'd shell out close to $100 for a 1966!

[kw2662]

My girls will be at high tea - I will be high on a monte 2 - I don't think I can swing the 66 but if they go shopping and surpass their budget, which is a good bet...I might change my mind.

[ChanceSchmerr]

I'm in Victoria as well, Tim's nailed it for the cigar shops - with one exception. about 20 mins north of Victoria, in Sidney BC (which is on the way to the ferry to Vancouver), there is a tobacconist called "J Burke and Sons" on Sidney's main drag.

For my dollar AND my preferences - this is where I go to buy cigars locally. He has the best prices I've seen in Canada, a decently good selection of cigars, and he carries a good selection of aged and discontinued cigars that are otherwise hard to find. Over the last couple of years, I've picked up many Punch Petit Punches, Punch RS 12's, various Corona-size cigars, Boli Gold Medals and other HTF cigars.

Fort St. Cigar store has the best Selection in town, and Aemon (the proprietor) is a great fella. Goodfellas is a good middle-of-the-road tobacconist, and steer clear of Old Morris - a venerable name, ruined now by sky-high prices geared towards Cruise-ship tourists and staff working on commission who attempt to steer you towards the highest priced cigars, regardless of what you like.

As to where to smoke - I love strolling Beacon Hill Park with a cigar, but it can be windy near the water this time of year. No real cigar lounges in any shops or anywhere to speak of. I'd say "My Place", but I've been laying low with a high workload for so long, I can't remember the last time I was able to host anyone for a cigar. Tim - I was supposed to work out a meeting with you and still havn't been able to!

Hope that helps!

[CUBANO]

Man, those prices are crazy. Bring your own cigars and use the money to buy Cuban ashtrays or lighters, etc.

[TiminBC]

I'm in Victoria as well, Tim's nailed it for the cigar shops - with one exception. about 20 mins north of Victoria, in Sidney BC (which is on the way to the ferry to Vancouver), there is a tobacconist called "J Burke and Sons" on Sidney's main drag.

For my dollar AND my preferences - this is where I go to buy cigars locally. He has the best prices I've seen in Canada, a decently good selection of cigars, and he carries a good selection of aged and discontinued cigars that are otherwise hard to find. Over the last couple of years, I've picked up many Punch Petit Punches, Punch RS 12's, various Corona-size cigars, Boli Gold Medals and other HTF cigars.

Fort St. Cigar store has the best Selection in town, and Aemon (the proprietor) is a great fella. Goodfellas is a good middle-of-the-road tobacconist, and steer clear of Old Morris - a venerable name, ruined now by sky-high prices geared towards Cruise-ship tourists and staff working on commission who attempt to steer you towards the highest priced cigars, regardless of what you like.

As to where to smoke - I love strolling Beacon Hill Park with a cigar, but it can be windy near the water this time of year. No real cigar lounges in any shops or anywhere to speak of. I'd say "My Place", but I've been laying low with a high workload for so long, I can't remember the last time I was able to host anyone for a cigar. Tim - I was supposed to work out a meeting with you and still havn't been able to!

Hope that helps!

I have heard of the place in Sidney but always forget about it when I decide to spend crazily. Life can be busy at times! If we are lucky part of that is smoking a fine cigar. If you get some time when the weather is warmer give me shout. My favorite spot is still on Dallas road before or after the dog walkers invade my peace. Too cold this time of year but on top of Mount Douglas can be inspiring.

[TiminBC]

My girls will be at high tea - I will be high on a monte 2 - I don't think I can swing the 66 but if they go shopping and surpass their budget, which is a good bet...I might change my mind.

http://www.10best.com/destinations/canada/victoria/restaurants/afternoon-tea/

Here you go. Smoke on!

[kw2662]

Just getting back to some kind of normal but had to say Victoiria B.C. Is amazing- The people are stellar the food magnificent and the cigar shop you guided me to was like going into cigar wonderland. The shop was spectacular the service beyond compare. Prices - well up there but worth every penny. Thank you all for the information...I hope I can pay forward the good will and info on other FOH that happen my way. Had a lovely hour plus to enjoy a Monte 2 in a little courtyard outside the Emperess Hotel while the girls had high tea.

Ken

[Sver]

I just heard the Cuban cigar shop on Fort is moving across the street. Apparently the restaurant next door burned down this weekend, hope the cigar store made it fine, it's a great store.