You’ve seen it. If you have ever driven into Victoria via the Trans-Canada Highway, that massive, sprawling complex on Douglas Street is basically impossible to miss. It’s the Red Lion Victoria BC, a place that occupies a strange, almost nostalgic space in the city's collective memory. For decades, it wasn’t just a hotel; it was a landmark. It was where you stayed for a hockey tournament, where you grabbed a pint at the pub, or where you parked when everything downtown was triple the price.
But things change.
Lately, the conversation around the Red Lion has shifted from "where should we book our stay?" to "what exactly is happening there now?" If you’re looking for a standard hotel review, you might be looking at the wrong decade. The Red Lion Inn and Suites has transitioned through various phases of utility, reflecting the broader housing and economic shifts hitting Vancouver Island. It’s a bit complicated. Honestly, it’s a lot complicated.
What the Red Lion Victoria BC Actually Is Today
When people search for the Red Lion Victoria BC, they are usually looking for one of two things: a budget-friendly place to sleep or an update on the building’s status as a housing site. Let’s get the logistics out of the way first. Historically, the property functioned as a traditional hotel and motel hybrid. It featured a mix of standard rooms, kitchenettes, and even a seasonal outdoor pool that was a huge hit with families back in the day.
However, the site’s role in the community evolved significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many large-scale motels in BC, the Red Lion became a focal point for BC Housing initiatives. It was leased to provide temporary, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. This wasn't a secret or a "hidden chapter"—it was a major news story covered extensively by local outlets like the Times Colonist.
This shift changed the vibe. It just did.
If you are a traveler looking for a quaint, boutique experience near the Inner Harbour, you need to understand that the Red Lion is located in the Douglas and Saanich corridor. It’s an urban, busy area. It’s not the Fairmont Empress. It’s a functional piece of Victoria’s infrastructure that has seen a lot of wear and tear over the years.
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The Location Factor: Why People Still Talk About It
The Red Lion sits at 3366 Douglas Street. That’s a prime piece of real estate. You’re right across from the Town & Country Shopping Centre (now the upgraded Uptown Mall) and minutes away from Mayfair Shopping Centre.
- Proximity: You can be downtown in ten minutes.
- Access: It’s the gateway to the Saanich Peninsula and the ferry terminals.
- The Vibe: High traffic, commercial, and very "working-class Victoria."
For years, the Jade Fountain Restaurant located within the complex was a staple for Dim Sum. People would travel from all over the city specifically for that. It’s these little pockets of utility that kept the Red Lion relevant even as the paint started to peel and the carpets grew a bit thin.
The BC Housing Era and the Current Transition
It’s important to be honest about the state of the property. In 2020, the provincial government, through BC Housing, took over the site to help manage the housing crisis. This wasn't unique to the Red Lion Victoria BC. Similar moves happened at the Paul’s Motor Inn and the Comfort Inn.
The goal was simple: get people off the streets and into a space with four walls and a roof.
But running a massive housing site in an old hotel comes with massive challenges. There were reports of increased police presence and community concerns from the surrounding Saanich neighborhoods. If you are reading this because you’re planning a vacation, you need to check the current operational status. For long stretches, the "hotel" side of the business was completely closed to the general public to accommodate these housing programs.
Recently, there has been talk of redevelopment. Because, let’s be real, a sprawling two-story motel isn't the most efficient use of land in a city where a one-bedroom apartment costs more than a small yacht.
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Why Do People Still Search for It?
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.
People remember the Red Lion as the spot for cheap wings and affordable stays. They remember the neon sign. They remember the ease of parking—a luxury that doesn't exist in Victoria’s downtown core anymore.
But there’s also the confusion. Because the name "Red Lion" is a brand used globally, people often mix up this specific Victoria location with others in the Pacific Northwest. Don't do that. This isn't a cookie-cutter corporate franchise anymore; it's a piece of local history that is currently in a state of flux.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you are actually trying to book a room here, do your homework. Seriously.
- Check the Current Status: Are they actually taking tourist bookings? During the height of the housing lease, they weren't. Always call the front desk directly rather than trusting a third-party booking site that might not have updated their inventory since 2019.
- Manage Expectations: This is a budget property. If it is operating as a hotel, expect "retro" decor—and not the cool, intentional kind. We’re talking about mid-90s floral patterns and slightly dim lighting.
- The Neighborhood: Uptown is great for shopping, but it’s not a "walkable tourist" area in the sense that you can stroll to the museum. You’ll need a car or a bus pass.
Dealing With the "Sketchiness" Factor
Is the Red Lion Victoria BC safe? That’s the question that pops up in every Reddit thread and TripAdvisor forum.
The answer is nuanced. Victoria, like every major Canadian city, is dealing with a visible mental health and addiction crisis. Because the Red Lion served as supportive housing, the area around it saw a shift in demographic. Is it dangerous? Generally, no more than any other busy urban intersection. Is it "gritty"? Yeah, kinda.
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If you are traveling with kids and want a sanitized, "Disney" version of Victoria, you’re better off heading to James Bay or the hotels along Belleville Street. But if you’re a budget traveler who just needs a place to crash near the highway and you aren't bothered by a bit of urban reality, it serves its purpose.
The Future of the Site
The writing is on the wall for the Red Lion.
With the massive "Uptown" development right across the street, the land the Red Lion sits on is worth a fortune. Most urban planners in Victoria expect the site to eventually be leveled to make way for high-density residential towers. It makes sense. You can’t have a 1960s-style motel sitting on one of the busiest transit hubs in the city forever.
When that happens, Victoria will lose a landmark, but it might gain a thousand apartments. That’s the trade-off the city is making right now.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit to Victoria
If you are looking at the Red Lion Victoria BC as an option, here is how you should handle it:
- Verify the Listing: Before hitting "confirm" on Expedia, check if the property is still being used for BC Housing. If it is, your "hotel reservation" might not even exist, or you might find yourself in a very different environment than you expected.
- Look at Alternatives in Saanich: If you want that location but a different vibe, look at the Hotel Zed. It’s right around the corner, it’s vibrant, and it caters specifically to the "fun, retro" tourist crowd with a high-end touch.
- Explore the Uptown Area: Regardless of where you stay, go to the Uptown Mall. It’s an outdoor "lifestyle center" and it’s actually one of the better-designed shopping areas in the province.
- The Jade Fountain Check: If you’re a fan of Dim Sum, verify if the Jade Fountain is open for dine-in. They have had periods of "take-out only" or limited hours depending on the building’s staffing and ownership changes.
The Red Lion isn't what it used to be. It’s a transition point. It’s a reflection of a city trying to figure out how to house people while remaining a top-tier travel destination. Whether you stay there or just drive past it, it’s a massive part of the Victoria story. Just make sure you know which version of that story you’re walking into.