About the building
The Zen Condos is a boutique 4-storey residential building featuring a modern urban design on the edge of Victoria’s vibrant Fort Street district. Completed in 2011, the complex is uniquely zoned for live/work use, offering 25 suites characterized by high ceilings, industrial-style open-air hallways, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Residents enjoy a walkable lifestyle steps from Cook Street Village, along with a premier common rooftop terrace that provides a BBQ area and panoramic views of the city and mountains.
The Zen's suites are compact: one-bedrooms of roughly 320 to 495 square feet with ceilings of 10 to 11 feet, Juliet balconies on the south side and in-suite laundry, and strata fees around $300 a month on the smallest homes. The zoning is CA-2, which allows a home office or professional use alongside residential, and the shared rooftop patio has barbecues and views over the city to the Sooke Hills.
The building has an elevator, secure entry, secure bike storage and owned storage lockers; parking is on-street only, so check whether a stall is included with any listing. Heating is electric baseboard. Listings report pets allowed with restrictions; confirm with the strata. Fort Street at Cook puts the antique row, Cook Street Village and the Royal Jubilee buses within a short walk, and downtown is ten minutes on foot.
About Downtown
Victoria’s Downtown is the most rapidly growing neighbourhood in the city. New residents of all ages are attracted to the area’s rich historic character and its vibrant waterfront. The downtown has a thriving arts, culture and entertainment district combined with an impressive variety of dining and shopping choices, all within easy walking distance. The Royal BC Museum and Chinatown (Canada’s oldest) are perennial attractions for visitors and residents alike. The neighbourhood also hosts celebrated landmarks like the Empress Hotel, provincial Parliament Buildings and the Royal and McPherson Theatres.
Parks
The Downtown neighbourhood has green space along the waterfront, which includes Reeson Park near the Johnson Street Bridge. Cridge Park is located to the south, next to the downtown Lawn Bowling Club and Crystal Garden and near the entrance to Beacon Hill Park. Centennial Square, situated next to Victoria’s historic City Hall, is the downtown’s primary venue for events.
Schools
Chinese Public School (Chinese language and cultural classes for children and adults)
Victoria Conservatory of Music
Victoria Academy of Ballet
Victoria School of Contemporary Dance
Pacific Design Academy
Over 15 English language schools
Gardens & Markets
The Yates Street Community Garden is operated by the Downtown Residents Association
Bastion Square Public Market runs Thursdays to Sundays between May and end of September
Ship Point Night Market operates Friday and Saturday evenings from mid June to mid September.
About Victoria
Victoria’s Downtown is the vibrant heart of British Columbia’s capital city, blending historic charm with modern urban energy. It is the city’s most rapidly growing neighbourhood, attracting new residents of all ages to its mix of heritage architecture, bustling waterfront, and thriving cultural scene. With scenic harbour views and tree-lined streets, downtown Victoria offers a dynamic urban lifestyle while remaining walkable and accessible.
The area boasts a rich arts, culture, and entertainment district, featuring galleries, theatres, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year. Residents and visitors enjoy an impressive variety of dining, shopping, and service options, all within convenient walking distance. Historic and iconic landmarks, such as the Royal BC Museum, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the provincial Parliament Buildings, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, provide both character and a strong sense of place. The Royal and McPherson Theatres further enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for the performing arts.
Downtown Victoria’s waterfront plays a central role in community life, offering promenades, marinas, and public spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and social engagement. The combination of rich history, vibrant culture, and urban amenities makes downtown Victoria a highly desirable neighbourhood for residents who value both convenience and quality of life.
Today, Victoria continues to grow while maintaining its unique blend of heritage, modern development, and coastal beauty, making it a welcoming and dynamic place to live, work, and explore.
