Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival

8 February 2026 victoriatastebuds

If you need an excuse to bundle up, grab a friend, and treat yourself this winter, this is it. February in Victoria means cozy layers, crisp air, and one very important seasonal highlight: the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival.

Each year, cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and even a few unexpected spots across Greater Victoria put their own spin on one of winter’s most comforting drinks. And honestly? The 2026 lineup might be one of the most creative (and tempting) yet.

From classic cocoa to inventive flavour combinations you won’t find any other time of year, this festival is all about celebrating local businesses, creativity, and a little mid-winter indulgence.

What Is the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival?

Think of the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival as a self-guided, city-wide cocoa crawl that runs throughout February. Participating venues create special hot chocolates just for the festival, many of which are only available for a few short weeks.

There’s no ticket, no schedule, and no pressure to try everything (though we won’t stop you). You can sip at your own pace, pop into a favourite café, or plan a full-on hot chocolate adventure with friends.

And there’s an extra feel-good reason to take part this year. One dollar from every festival hot chocolate sold goes directly to the BC SPCA, helping support animals in need across the province.

Whether you’re into rich dark chocolate, dairy-free options, or dessert-inspired drinks topped with all the extras, there’s truly something for everyone.

This Year’s Hot Chocolate Lineup

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer around Victoria and beyond this February:

The Ruby is serving two festival drinks: a Chocolate Chai Hot Chocolate made with Silk Road chai and cinnamon sugar, plus a playful Unicorn Hot Chocolate with white chocolate, marshmallows, and rainbow sprinkles.
Pendray Inn and Tea House brings elegance to the festival with a Lavender White Hot Chocolate finished with Earl Grey–infused cream, perfectly suited to their historic Inner Harbour setting.
Mosi Florentine Bakery & Café offers an Italian Amarena Cherry Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream and a chocolate cherry biscotti, available across their multiple locations.
Bean Around the World (The Bean) features a Pistachio Hot Chocolate, blending rich cocoa with smooth pistachio for a nut-forward twist on a classic.
The Fickle Fig Farm Market keeps things cozy with a Dark Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate topped with a house-made marshmallow.
Courtyard Café at Hotel Grand Pacific serves two options: a Hazelnut Hot Chocolate with cookie crumbles and a Macadamia Nut White Hot Chocolate, both ideal for warming up near the Inner Harbour.
Green Cuisine presents a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate topped with coconut whipped cream and house-made caramel, offering a vegan-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
Floyd’s Diner adds its signature personality with a Pink White Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream, candied bacon, and maple cream cheese drizzle.
LURE Restaurant & Bar leans into nostalgia with a S’mores Hot Chocolate featuring marshmallows, graham crumble, and chocolate drizzle.
Brentwood Bay Village Empourium also embraces the campfire classic with a S’mores Hot Chocolate made using house chocolate syrup and toasted marshmallow flavours.
Cold Comfort Ice Cream goes bold with a Spicy Hot Chocolate Baked Alaska Slice, offering a dessert-forward take on festival participation.
Chocolat & Co. highlights single-origin craftsmanship with a Vanuatu Drinking Chocolate sweetened with maple syrup and finished with sea salt.
Pure Lovin’ Chocolate brings variety with oat milk hot chocolates in Black Forest, Candy Cane, and Spicy Chili flavours, plus a create-your-own option.
Deer & Dough Bakery Café keeps it simple and comforting with an Orange Spiced Cocoa served alongside a chocolate orange cookie.
Jackson Brothers Coffeehouse offers a Warm Spiced Hot Chocolate featuring cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cloves.
OEB Breakfast Co. joins the festival with a Pistachio Hot Chocolate, perfect for pairing with brunch.
Caffe Fantastico and its sister locations serve the Sirene Zesty Orange Hot Chocolate, available across multiple Fantastico cafés.
Duo Café Bakery features a Caramelized White Chocolate with house-made miso caramel and Chantilly cream for a sweet-and-savoury balance.
Malahat SkyWalk pairs views with comfort, offering a layered hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, stroopwafel, chocolate minis, and marshmallow.
Interactivity Board Game Café makes things playful with Roll 4 Hot Chocolate, where dice decide the flavours and toppings.
House of Boateng Café introduces a Dark Rose Hot Chocolate made with rose water and dried rose petals.
The Empress Hotel presents The Purrrrfect Hot Chocolate, a Black Forest–style creation complete with vanilla diplomat cream, cherry bonbon, and chocolate garnishes.
Fire + Water at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour serves a Black Forest Hot Chocolate with cherry syrup and chocolate shavings.
Aerobic Geisha Coffee rounds out the festival with Cupid’s Red Velvet Cocoa, blending white and dark chocolate with cream cheese icing.

How to Enjoy the Festival

There’s no wrong way to do the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival. Some people go all-in and plan a full hot chocolate crawl, while others treat it as a reason to try one or two special drinks they wouldn’t normally order.

A few friendly tips before you head out:

Double-check hours and locations, especially for pop-ups and mobile vendors
Bring a friend and share drinks so you can try more flavours
Don’t overlook dairy-free and vegan options, there are plenty this year

A Sweet Way to Support Local

At its heart, the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival is about more than just cocoa. It’s about supporting local businesses, celebrating creativity, and finding small moments of joy during the coldest month of the year.

Whether you’re sticking with a classic mug or diving into something totally unexpected, February is the perfect time to explore the city one cup at a time.

So grab your mittens, make a loose plan (or no plan at all), and start sipping. Your new favourite hot chocolate might be closer than you think.