tally ho babymoon in victoria bc

Tips for a Memorable Babymoon in Victoria, BC

For a Romantic Getaway or Fun Trip with Friends, Tally-Ho Can Help Create an Unforgettable Babymoon

Whether you’re expecting your first child or adding another kiddo to your family, expecting a new baby is an exciting time! But, as most parents will tell you, life changes drastically – in ways big and small – when a new little life enters the picture. More and more, expectant parents are taking time before the birth to enjoy a babymoon.  

At Tally-Ho, our priority is caring for our wonderful herd of draft horses and creating memorable carriage tours for our guests. Many of our guests are celebrating important occasions and milestones like graduations, birthdays, weddings, engagements and of course, the newly popular babymoon. 

Victoria has so much to offer and we’re very proud to live and operate in one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. Here are a few of our recommendations for a restful, rejuvenating and uniquely Victoria babymoon vacation– carriage tours included, of course! 

Enjoy a High Tea and Spa Experience Combined with a Tally-Ho Carriage Ride

Add opulence to your Babymoon with a hotel, high-tea & spa experience at the historic Fairmont Empress. Victoria has some of the highest-rated, luxurious hotels you’ll find on Vancouver Island.  Perhaps the most iconic of these is the Fairmont Empress.  

This chateau-style building was opened in January of 1908 and is considered one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. The Empress underwent two main expansions, the first from 1910-1912 and the second in 1928 and it was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981.  

In more recent times, this grand hotel underwent a significant restoration costing in excess of $60M.  Restoration of the exterior involved the removal of ancient ivy vines which had taken over nearly the entire frontal façade of the hotel, obscuring the impressive structure with its elements of French Renaissance architecture.  

Today, the Fairmont Empress boasts 464 well-appointed, air-conditioned guest rooms and suites. All rooms and suites have been tastefully designed to honour the distinction and opulence of its history while providing the best of modern luxury and amenities, including a full fitness centre with indoor heated pool. With spectacular views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, equally iconic Parliament Buildings and the surrounding City Gardens, nearly every room has a beautiful view as well.

Recognized by Conde Nast as a Top Resort Spa in Canada and Top 100 Spas of the Americas, the award-winning Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress is Victoria’s luxury spa and features signature, West Coast inspired treatments. Feel like royalty with the Empress for the Day package, or enjoy a soothing simple Mom to Be prenatal massage designed to soothe swelling and achy muscles.

After you’re blissfully rejuvenated from your spa treatment, we highly recommend indulging in one of the Hotel’s most noted culinary experiences – High Tea. Seasonally, High Tea at the Empress can be served on their well-appointed terraces with sweeping views of the harbour and in cooler months tea is served in their grand and picturesque Lobby with its turn-of-the-century elegance.  

Delicately tiered platters and royal china serve up a delectable selection of flakey, freshly baked scones with house-made strawberry preserves and cream, fluffy pastries with honey from the hotel’s hives, a variety of exquisite finger sandwiches and an exclusive selection of premium loose-leaf teas gifted to the Empress by Her Majesty in 1939.  

Indulge in a Little Retail Therapy on Your Babymoon in Victoria’s Picturesque Downtown

A Babymoon is not solely reserved for couples.  Many mothers-to-be are enjoying mother/daughter quality time or one last hurrah (at least for a while!) with their closest group of girlfriends.  If you are planning a girls-only Babymoon in Victoria, we would be remiss if we didn’t tempt you with a little retail therapy. 

From artisan jewelers to high-fashion clothiers, from West Coast crafts to First Nations artwork and from novelty gifts to practical mum-and-baby goods, Victoria’s downtown core has some of the most robust and satisfying shopping in the region – all of it easily walkable and charmingly picturesque. You’re sure to find the perfect Babymoon souvenir here.

Victoria’s Culinary Scene Will Satisfy all of Your Cravings

Some pretty specific food cravings can happen during pregnancy. Victoria’s Downtown offers an almost overwhelmingly wide variety of restaurants and eateries for adventurous and discriminating foodies alike. Go ahead and indulge!

From West Coast fresh-caught seafood restaurants to food markets or even just one-of-a-kind food trucks, you’ll be spoiled with the selection on offer.  Looking for gluten-free or vegan? No problem!  Many restaurants in Victoria offer delicious menu selections for those with special dietary requirements and there are a number of great vegetarian and vegan eateries that are favourites to many Victorian locals. Whether you want breakfast, brunch, or a quick bite late at night, our guides can help you discover the perfect spot to dine.

Get off Your Weary Feet and Explore the City by Horse and Carriage on your Babymoon

We’ve arguably saved the best for last (not that we’re biased) with our memorable Tally-Ho carriage tours! Continuing with the historic city theme, you’ll be whisked back in time with a sightseeing experience like no other.  Step aboard one of our cozy, old-style carriages, rest your weary, perhaps puffy (?) feet and slow things down with one of our popular city tours. It’s a quintessential centerpiece to your weekend getaway. Come in the spring and take in the award-winning gardens and cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Wind your way through Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park and gardens, breathe in the salt air on our ocean-site routes or capture the hustle and bustle of the city sites with one of our Inner Harbour tours.  Whether you select one of our set tours or have us create a special custom Babymoon Victoria package, there’s nothing quite like sightseeing to the sound of horse hooves.

Our professional, uniformed guides are passionate about their work and keep the horses’ and your safety as a top priority.  Well-versed in the history and significance of many of Victoria’s landmarks, our guides can enthrall you with stories or, if you’d prefer, leave you to enjoy the sights on your own terms. Our elegant carriages feature convertible roofs and warm faux-fur blankets to keep you cozy in all weather and they can seat up to six guests. 

We’re happy to help you make the most of your Babymoon in Victoria BC by providing contact details for any hotel, spa or restaurant – just tell us the experience you’d like to have. Contact us by phone or email to let us know what you have in mind for your Babymoon.