Introduction
Fernwood, Victoria is an eclectic neighbourhood known for its artistic vibe and strong community spirit. Haultain Street is the north border, Shelbourne Street is to the east, Fort Street is to the south and Cook Street is to the west. It’s largely residential, with a few clusters of shops and places to eat.
Lifestyle
There’s definitely a mellow atmosphere, although lots is happening. Cyclists abound, as do yoga students and health practitioners. The tattoo artists and the homeless intermingle with the urban professionals and families. The Neighbourhood Resource Group (NRG) is full of energy and provides child care, family programs and recreational activities. A non-profit run by and for Fernwood residents, they opened a café, and built affordable housing.
Dollars & Sense
Most eatery and coffee prices are in the usual range, with a pub and a few upmarket places a bit higher than average. Housing prices are typically on the higher end of affordable though there’s a range of homes and apartments that are clearly in the affordable category and built as such. There are speciality arts and crafts with appropriate pricing on offer. Plenty of apartments and suites, spaces above commercial properties and unusual living arrangements exist.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The lifestyle of a connected community is in evidence. Homes and gardens with personality make for interesting walks. There appears to be a large proportion of smokers in this area. Various homeless or hard-to-house individuals are present in the parks and the square. The playgrounds, parks and fields, in addition to the large tree-lines streets make this neighbourhood feel lush and green. Fernfest in June is a fabulous weekend street party.
1.6 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Cycling is the mode of choice here and many people walk, several with dogs. Lots of hills mean getting in shape happens pretty fast. Buses are easy to come by on the main roads. Plenty of people drive cars and scooters as well as motorcycles. Downtown with its bus station, ferries, float planes et al is mere minutes away.
In the Area
Victoria High School, George Jay Elementary School, a middle school and a preschool are all in this region. A Community Centre, community garden and a few parks are well loved. Some places of worship are here. Eateries are allergy sensitive with a focus on local and quality. Art studios and holistic health clinics are well used. The hospital is in the next neighbourhood.
Meet the Neighbours
Artistic and practical colourful foodie types who enjoy gardening, theatre and street festivals. Plenty of healers and hippies of various descriptions and ages cohabit peacefully. Classic “crunchy granola” archetypes abound. Families love it here for the strong sense of community. There are urban professionals here too of the laid-back variety.
The Vibe
This is the place to relax. In a nutshell, West Coast urban hippie. Many of the telephone poles are colourfully painted with peace signs, flowers, rainbows and the like. Trees have prayers written on papers hanging from their branches. Fanciful gardens are side by side with slightly bedraggled vegetable ones. The town square has a vibrancy and earthiness to it.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
The Yoga Den
Offers a variety of public meditation and yoga classes including kids’ yoga. Also a free class is available. The teacher training program has a trauma sensitive focus. Community events include kirtan sacred singing.
more infoStage
The place to take out of town visitors or a date that you want to impress. Well crafted, well thought out food and drink by people who deeply care about such things. Make a reservation.
more infoKoffi
Funky furniture and vegetarian offerings make this place appealing to locals of all stripes. Local art on the walls, meet the artist days and community events inside. A tiny front patio.
more infoThe Fernwood Inn
This meeting place offers fresh, local, organic and quality food. A pub and restaurant where live music can be found. The patio is popular as soon as the sun comes out.
more infoCornerstone Café
Owned and operated by the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group, all profits from this café are reinvested into the neighbourhood programs.
more infoThe Belfry Theatre
Professional not-for-profit theatre known for risk-taking as well as fresh takes on established works
more info