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Awarehouse Loft in Historical Downtown Enjoy a True Canadian Snowbird Experience

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Awarehouse Loft is on the second floor of the Leiser building.
Living area
Sunshine comes through a wall of floor to ceiling windows
Living area
Comfortable seating area to watch TV

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Victoria, BC
  • Royal BC Museum
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Victoria Harbour
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    ‪4 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Awarehouse Loft in Historical Downtown Enjoy a True Canadian Snowbird Experience

Escape the Crowds & Enjoy a True Canadian Snowbird Experience at Awarehouse Loft!

Looking for a winter escape that doesn’t require crossing the border? Skip the hassle of foreign healthcare, exchange rates, and long-distance travel. Stay in Victoria, BC—Canada’s mildest winter city!

Why Awarehouse Loft is the Perfect Snowbird Destination

Stay close to home—Enjoy a warm winter getaway without leaving Canada. No exchange rate worries—Your budget stretches further with stable Canadian pricing. Canadian healthcare—No need for travel insurance for unexpected medical expenses abroad. Canada’s mildest climate—Forget the extreme cold—Victoria boasts temperatures often above 10°C even in winter. Walkable & relaxing—No car needed! Historic streets, waterfront paths, and cultural landmarks make everyday strolling a pleasure. Local charm & vibrant community — experience Victoria’s arts, dining, and natural beauty at a relaxed pace.

Your Cozy Downtown Loft Awaits

811 sq. ft. of stylish comfort in a heritage brick warehouse, with a private bedroom and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Fully equipped kitchen—Cook at home with all the necessary appliances and stocked essentials like coffee, tea, spices, and more. High-speed WiFi & entertainment—Enjoy a 55” Ultra HD TV with cable & Personal Video Recorder. King-sized bed—Possibly the only loft in the Leiser Building with a ground-level enclosed bedroom. Luxury bath essentials — Bathtub/shower, heated towel rack, and fresh linens. Rooftop patio views — Shared space with tables & seating, offering gorgeous sunsets over the waterfront.
Downtown vibrancy—Being in the heart of Victoria means easy access to its best amenities, though urban life can bring noise.

Discover Victoria’s Snowbird-Friendly Lifestyle

Everything within walking distance! Explore Royal BC Museum, Parliament Buildings, waterfront trails, and historic sites. Sip & Dine in Victoria’s world-class restaurants, pubs, and cafés—many with cozy fireplaces for a perfect winter ambience. Culture & Events—Theatres, concerts, and seasonal markets make winters exciting without the rush of peak tourist seasons. Nature & Wellness—Mild temperatures mean easy access to gardens, parks, and oceanfront walks all winter long!

Important Notes

No smoking | No pets | No dedicated parking (car-sharing available across the street)
City of Victoria Business License: 00039900

Stay for 90+ days & experience a true Canadian snowbird escape—without leaving home! Whether you're avoiding extreme cold, saving on travel costs, or embracing the charm of Victoria, this loft is the perfect place to settle in for a comfortable winter stay.

Property manager

Doug Hensby

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Victoria

Located in Downtown Victoria, a neighbourhood in Victoria, this condo is near the airport and by the sea. Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Royal BC Museum and Butchart Gardens. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre or Royal Athletic Park. Discover the area's water adventures with sailing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours.
Map
Victoria, BC

What's nearby

  • Royal BC Museum - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Victoria Harbour - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Victoria Fisherman's Wharf - 4 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base) - 1 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Finn's Harbour-Front Restaurant & Oyster Bar - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Irish Times Pub - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Leopold's Tavern - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Darcy's Pub - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Saint Cecilia - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Awarehouse Loft in Historical Downtown Enjoy a True Canadian Snowbird Experience pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Awarehouse Loft in Historical Downtown Enjoy a True Canadian Snowbird Experience?

This property doesn't offer parking.

Where is Awarehouse Loft in Historical Downtown Enjoy a True Canadian Snowbird Experience located?

Located in Downtown Victoria, this condo building is within a 15-minute walk of Government Street, Victoria Harbour and Royal BC Museum. Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 78 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 78 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 78 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jefferson C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay for my parents.

Doug and Jackie were the best host possible. The unit was very clean and well equipped with all a couple needs for a vacation. It is a very central location to all that Victoria Downtown has to offer. My parents had a wonderful time.
Stayed 66 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

The apartment is very spacious and tastefully decorated; everything I would need is available, down to garbage bags and a full kitchen supply. The apartment is within a few minutes walk to the wharf and government street and is so convenient. The hosts are lovely and made my stay a smooth sailing. Would definitely recommend and stay again myself!
Stayed 60 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Willem V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We would love to come back

When we were looking to rent a place in Victoria we loved the look of the Awarehouse loft. Historic building but modern inside. It turned out to be more than we expected. This place is very charming and super clean. We liked the fact that the building is very secure with a locked gate and another lock to get to the elevator. There is also the rooftop to relax and watch the sun set. Our hosts Doug and Jacqui greeted us when we arrived and explained everything we needed to know. If we wanted to know more, Doug prepared an informative manual about the loft stuff, restaurants, coffee shops, public transit and more. We found the appliances good, great small appliances, many coffee makers, food processor, an amazing toaster, and more ... There are many pots and pans, bowls, many dishes, cups, glasses, good knives and everything you may need. For our use there was a spice rack with different spices, coffee, teas, and more. We didn't even have to bring soap, shampoo or toilet paper. The bed was comfortable, good size bathroom with a towel warmer and washer and dryer. In the living room there are comfortable recliners, a big TV, a nice dining table, and two stools to sit by the counter. There are books, magazines and playing cards. For us it was very interesting to sit by the window and watch the people walk by. The location couldn't be better. Just a short walk to the Inner Harbour, the museum, Parliament Building, China Town and the best restaurants, cafes and shopping. We went for a walk to a different location every day and our favorite was to cross the bridge and walk on the path to the left. There is noise from the street on weekends but it didn't bother us, we just closed the bedroom window and didn't hear it. To sum it up, we loved our five weeks at the loft, we would like to return, and recommend it to our friends and family.
Stayed 35 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jane and Larry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

In the Heart of Victoria

This condo was perfect! Excellent communication with hosts and numerous thoughtful touches made our stay very enjoyable. The location was perfect to enjoy the best of Victoria. Walkable to restaurants, shops, Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road.
Stayed 30 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great amenities, great location

This is a clean, well equipped, well maintained property in an excellent location (especially for those without a vehicle) and the owners are very responsive. Ours was a long stay and we had absolutely everything we needed to be comfortable. The area is downtown with easy access to shops, restaurants and coffee shops. We had a wonderful vacation.
Stayed 90 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect stay in Victoria!

Sparkling clean - so beautiful, even better than the pictures. Central location, very safe and secure. I would 100% book again. The recommendation book alone that the host put together is worth the cost of the stay! So much attention spent on details, kitchen was fully stocked with everything you'd need to cook, and the host was incredibly responsive and helpful with my request/questions. Noise: I want to speak to this specifically because it's the one hesitation I had when booking this spot. Some reviews said it was awful, some said it was ok, so I didn't know what to expect. I'm a medium to deep sleeper and I do cherish my rest so didn't want to find myself with sleepless nights on my vacation. Bottom line it's a apartment in a lively part of town. Sleeping with the bedroom window is probably not an option because of the street noise, especially of people leaving the bar across the street, but with the window shut and fan on (there is also a noise machine that I used one night and it was great) I had no issues sleeping. Unless you're a very sensitive, light sleeper you should be fine! Enjoy this great spot!

10/10 Excellent

Anthea P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Victoria

Property was great, everything you could want was there, hosts really friendly and Booking in was a real pleasure.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ron A., Kailua Kona ,USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home Away From Home

This is our fourth stay at the Hensby condo...wonderful as always. Perfect location, easy walk from the ferry and close to wonderful restaurants and entertainment. The condo has all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay....a home away from home. Thank you once again, Doug.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Emily F., Ashburn, VA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location.

Doug and Jacqui thought of everything. They were at the condo to greet us and make sure we knew where everything was and how to operate all of the appliances. They even put together an incredibly thorough binder with information about the condo, nearby restaurants, tourist information, and more. The condo itself was as advertised. It was spacious and comfortable with a fully appointed kitchen. As others have noted, it can be a bit loud with all of the nearby bars and restaurants, but with the wi Dow’s. Loses and the fan on, it wasn’t too loud for us. We highly recommend this rental and would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Larry D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful week in Victoria

What a wonderful time we had visiting and staying in the Awarehouse Loft. The hosts were very helpful in helping us through the process of securing our reservation as this was our first experience with Home Away. In planning our trip detailed instructions were provided to make our transit and check in easy. The hosts met us when we arrived and gave us a brief but thorough orientation . There was a problem with the washer but they were aware of it and had already scheduled maintenance appointment. The repair was done the first day we were there and caused us no inconvenience. The apartment was spacious, well furnished, secure and well located to the downtown area. We felt at home right away and the large picture windows provided an excellent view. The furnishings were great, there was more than enough kitchen equipment, china, cups and glasses and full size appliances to prepare and enjoy meals cooked there. The television is excellent as well as the furnishings in the living room. We slept well in the bed and were pleased with the large bathroom. Victoria is a wonderful city and the location of apartment made an easy walk to Chinatown, the Empress Hotel, Parliament House and museums. There are so many shops and restaurants close by it makes choosing a challenge. We felt very secure in the gate and door system in place. Overall the hosts and apartment made this an awesome vacation that we will cherish the memories of. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy, beautiful and close to many tourist attractions

We loved staying here and had everything we needed. It was very roomy and comfortable. The rooftop view was amazing! Doug and Jackie are amazing hosts and provided all the information we needed in a notebook so that we could navigate our way through town. We would recommend this to anyone
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Shauna K., Nanaimo, British Columbia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long Weekend Getaway

Our stay was perfect. Check-in was easy, the owners were wonderful to deal with. The unit was just great - the flowers and fruit were a very nice touch - thank you :) Everything is as described and everything you need is there for you - very well thought out by caring owners. We will highly recommend and will be back for another stay...soon we hope :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sylvie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place!

Great location, everything you could possibly want is there. Lots of light. The owners are very helpful and pleasant.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Anne Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We would definitely rebook if ever in Victoria!

Wow. The place was great. So clean with ALL the amenities we could possibly ask for. The owners are very hospitable. Thank you so much. We enjoyed our stay tremendously! And thanks for suggesting Rebar for dinner. We went there and thoroughly enjoyed our dinners! If ever in Victoria, we will book rebook Thanks again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Brooks P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Great apartment, noisy neighborhood

We just loved the apartment, but the level of noise VERY late at night in the neighborhood made it hard to sleep...
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy P.

Excellent stay at one of the best locations in downtown Victoria.

The place was spotless and the furniture was very comfortable to hang out. This was located close to the water and it’s close to wonderful trails to walk around the water.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

susan c.

Awarehouse Loft

Excellent location for sightseeing, restaurants, and all that downtown Victoria has to offer. Condo is well cared for, well supplied, and very comfortable and spacious. Have stayed here a number of times. No hesitation to recommend. Looking forward to our next visit!
Stayed 30 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Walter B., Canada

Premiere Loft

We have stayed at various VRBO rentals over several years and this loft has amenities that go beyond anything experienced to date. From the spices to the medicine cabinet, the fully equiped kitchen, the comfortable king bed the list goes on. The location is central to the waterfront, China Town, and an easy walk to theEmpress, museum, parliament buildings and the great stores a block away on Government Street. If you come to Victoria, this loft has a vast number of restaurants from the economical El Warehouse across the street to I’ll Terrazzo behind the unit and Olo 3 blocks away, two of the best restaurants in Victoria. A parking garage across the street makes this location walkable to the best Victoria has to offer. A stay here is not to be missed. Here for March ‘19 and plan to return for March ‘20.
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R.

Comfortable and Convenient

Well decorated, well equipped spot within easy walking distance to all amenities. Property is as advertised; you won’t be disappointed. We’d stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

ted c., Vancouver, BC, Canada

Wonderful place to stay in Victoria

This is not our first stay at Awareness Loft and once again we had a spectacular time. The loft has everything, is located in the perfect location and the owners make it so easy to enjoy your trip. Walking distance to 30 or more restaurants, including several across the street. This is the real thing...Stay here if you can..
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel V., Southampton, Ontario, Canada

Luxury Condo in Downtown Victoria

This rental is in a great location in downtown Victoria. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, huge windows and tasteful modern decor give this place a true feeling of luxury.We walked everywhere we wanted to go. Great restaurants and the harbour are nearby. Awarehouse loft is better equipped than most VRBO's; the bed is comfortable, the living room has great chairs for reading (and good lighting) the bedding above average, and the kitchen is large and well equipped. Even the toaster is above average. The shared rooftop patio has great harbour and city views. We enjoyed morning coffee there as well as takeout pizza with wine. The unit has no parking of it's own but the parking garage across the street is reasonable. If I visit Victoria again Awarehouse would be my first choice for accommodation.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Diane S.

Perfect Location

Perfect location, within walking distance of harbor, sites, restaurants, and shopping. Modern space, very secure, clean, very well furnished. Doug, the owner, was great to talk with. We needed to change the dates and he worked with us to do that. He also understood when I pulled the shade too far down and created a little problem. There isn't any air-conditioning but there is a good fan. It doesn't get too warm in Victoria so the fan and open windows is fine. Because it's in a great location it is close to a couple bars/nightclubs. Very noisy some nights and the club goers tend to party outside. I knew from reviews that it could be noisy. There is a door to the bedroom with a white noise machine and the fan can be moved into the bedroom. There is parking on the street and parking garage across the street with surprising affordable rates. A car is not necessary at all unless you want to explore further. There is a nice rooftop area with a nice view of the harbor and great sunsets. Murchies has great tea, Rogers has yummy chocolate, Big Bad John's is our favorite hole in the wall pub, Dutch Bakery has the best cookies and desserts. We had breakfast across the street; cooked simple meals in the loft. Kitchen has everything you could think of and then some. Went to Butchart Gardens & the museum.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Chris J., Duncan

Really Good

Good clean flat with all you need and lots of room. Its in the best location with tons of victoria right outside. why not 5 stars then? No private parking, no air conditioner, and not very sound proof. Im not a complainer, this place is really good, a couple degrees off of awesomeness. 4 stars! :)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wayde B., Calgary, AB

Great location with all the comforts of home!!!

Awarehouse Loft had everything we needed and wanted for a great stay in Victoria! The location was perfect and the loft was well stocked with all the comforts of home. Access by transit from the airport was quick, cheap and easy. No need to bring a car as everything (ocean, restaurants and shopping) is within walking distance from the loft. I would actually recommend leaving your car behind if you can to avoid the hassle and cost of ferry travel. We would certainly stay here again for future visits to Victoria.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Larry T., Where do you live?

A Very Comfortable Place to Stay

We rented to loft for a three day period in August and found it to be comfortable, very clean, and well equipped. During our stay we did not witness and nefarious or criminal activity. Security for the loft is excellent requiring triple security entry counting the Loft's entry door. The kitchen has everything that you could possibly ask for and expect and everything is in excellent working condition. The Loft is centrally located placing many of the restaurants and points of interest within walking distance to include the waterfront. The information folder in the Loft is packed with good information on local restaurants and activities. Mr. Doug Hensby, the owner of the loft, was timely in response to our questions and refund of the damage deposit. The only downside to the Loft is a bar and restaurant across the street that became loud during one evening and into early AM. Taking everything into consideration we would rent the loft again without hesitation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

About the host

Hosted by Doug Hensby

Host profile image
We love to travel and have stayed in vacation rentals in Europe and in the US. We have tried to implement comforts we missed in vacation rentals abroad.

Why they chose this property

We love charm of staying in a heritage building in the heart of Victoria's downtown. We travel to Victoria often and decided to purchase the loft for our use throughout the year and make it available to travellers who want to visit Victoria. We are now residents of Victoria and have made our lovely loft available to others on a monthly basis.

What makes this property unique

Central location, close to main tourist attractions, dining, bars, nightclubs and all within an easy walk, wonderful ambience with lots of sunshine from floor to ceiling windows, comfortable seating, fully equipped kitchen, full laundry facilities, king-sized bed and High Definition TV with free high speed WiFi.

Languages:

English
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