Hey Rebels!

We hereby declare it is time to get the heck out of those sweatpants (or leave them on! So comfy!), put away the cookie dough ice cream (no judgement here, friends) and leave the confines of your bunker.  Dr. Bonnie says it’s ok to nearcation – and we’re on it!

We are open and ready to welcome you for a well-deserved staycay.  But, before we get too carried away, let’s address our current situation with COVID-19.  We have been following the COVID-19 situation closely.  Our number one priority has been keeping our team and you, while you stay with us, safe. That’s why we have implemented additional training on enhanced COVID-19 awareness and heightened cleaning protocols.  For more details, check out what Mandy Farmer (our President & CEO) has to say here.

In both Victoria and Kelowna, Hotel Zed serves as the perfect home base to explore the city.

Top Local Activities in Victoria

Bike around and enjoy some ice-cream: The weather’s great, flowers are blooming, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the outdoors. Request a bike-friendly room when you book your stay, and bring your wheels with you for exploration! You can store your bike right in your room and use our warm-water bike water station to clean it up.  Hop on the bike trail right behind our hotel and get outta town! OR get into town. Enjoy views of downtown, Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and stop by Perverted ice-cream, it’s super cool (see what we did there?) for some delicious and very ‘Instagrammable’ sweet treats.


Market Mania Nothing says summer like neighbourhood markets, and we’re stoked to see them opening up.  Chock full of local & organic farmers, amazing prepared-foods and hot food vendors, and dozens of local crafters & artisans. Our local markets have some awesome social distancing measures in place so you can support local makers and farmers without very little risk!

Dine in Restaurants: Walk away from the bread machine and hit up a couple of Victoria’s fav eateries.  The Rooftop Patio at Strathcona, Bard & Banker, Irish Times, Boom + Batten and Earls’ Kitchen, to name a few, are open and ready for business.


 

Shop Until You Drop: While online shopping is great, nothing replaces a good old-fashioned shopping experience and the joy of physically browsing through some fresh threads. The Bay Centre, located right downtown, is open for business and has some great options. If you’re in a playful mood, pick up a game or puzzle from Interactivity Board Game Café or a unique retro toy from Cherry Bomb Toys. In the mood for something sparkly? Head over to Artina’s Jewellery which carries the world’s largest selection of hand-crafted Canadian jewelry (gotta love that!).

Top Local Activities in Kelowna

Beaches, Brews and Bites – Take advantage of our free bikes and check out Boyce Gyro Beach. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, with huge trees providing tons of shade and a big sandy beach. Grab a beer from Shore Line Brewing and bust into some delish vegan eats to go from KB&Co. Need we say more?

 

Myra Canyon & the Kettle Valley Rail – At this time of year, a scenic walk or ride through the impressive landmark and former railway takes you across trestle bridges with stunning views of the valley bottoms below. This is a free activity in Kelowna that is great for the whole family. You’re going to love the experience.


Check Out the North End – It’s time to partake in some local craft tastings and fresh local flavours.  It’s no secret that downtown Kelowna’s north end has become the mecca of craft beer culture in Kelowna. Here you’ll find five breweries (they all have patios and food offerings!), one cidery, and one winery all within two blocks of each other in what used to be an industrial park. Pick the one you like the most or try a flight at each. No better way to spend an afternoon we think!

Knox Mountain : A great hike not far from downtown Kelowna, which makes for a perfect outdoor activity. Choose between the Apex Trail or Paul’s Tomb for great views of Kelowna and Lake Okanagan

Retail & Ice Cream Therapy – The world’s most perfect combo. Support local and take in some much needed shopping at local haunts like Blonde, Alchemy and Funktional.  Then, just when you think it can’t get better, hit up MooLix (best name ever) for a Signature Sundae.  We suggest the Italian Cherry Stallion or a double scoop of Kahlua Chocolate Fudge but, hey, you do you.


 

Remember to bring Fido or Sylvester along since Hotel Zed is a pet friendly hotel.  This means your fur-baby can come along when you stay in a designated pet friendly room. That also means you won’t have to return home to a retaliatory mess from your lonely beast or pay for a pet sitter.

Feeling inspired? Go on and click that orange “Book now” button at the top of the page. And don’t forget to wash your hands!

See you soon!