Vancouver Island Lodge - Canadian Cancer Society - Victoria, British Columbia

George S.

When I first arrived at the lodge, I was warmly welcomed by the staff. My time there was nothing but spectacular. Once you get to know the staff, volunteers, and residents staying there, it makes it that much more enjoyable.

Some of the activities that I partook in were the puzzle table, listening to some very talented guests playing the baby grand piano, drinking coffee and relaxing on the deck, puppy/dog night, as well as comparing tumors with each other.

Hey! You know when you're at home, standing in front of the fridge, wondering what to cook for survival! Well you don't have to do that here, every meal is planned out for you. Every meal is amazing! The kitchen staff are amazing as well.

Everything is taken care of for you so you don't have to worry about a thing. They even have transportation to your appointments!

Overall, my time spent at the lodge, was amazing. The staff and volunteers are an asset to the organization. Bravo Zulu. 👏

Mandy B.

I hated this place. I stayed here Aug 6 - Sep 10, 2025. Mismanagement, disorganised, lack of communication, lack of clarity, gaslighting... where do I begin?! This place is supposed to be respite. Something that is supposed to make cancer treatment easier, not be the sourcsource of suffering & stress, but it was the worst part. First, was told I wouldn't have parking until Mon Aug 11th, told upon check-in I had parking my entire stay & that they had told me. They did not. A "happy" surprise, but the beginning of the issues. Second, asked about my 2nd friend I had phoned about a week prior to beginning my stay. My 2nd friend was to stay w/ me @Lodge end of Aug. They didn't know what I was talking about. Then, they found paperwork, but said there wasn't room for us both, had started process of finding hotel for us to stay in for duration of her stay, & they had told me. Again, they had not. Third, was told I could have use of old wig room to work remotely out of for duration of my stay, as no longer being used. Told upon check-in couldn't use next day (Thurs) as they were moving boxes out. Set up on Fri. Came back on Mon to work out of old wig room. 2hrs after starting, front desk person came in, said rents starting, had 1hr to get out (@12 noon). I was working until 1pm & asked if they could wait until then. Told "no". Asked if this was for today only or rest of my stay. Told "rest of my stay". Told them I was told I could have use of room whole stay. Front desk person very condescending told me "this was an exception". I said I understood was exception, but was told no problem to use whole stay. Was told they didn't know when rents would be. I said they still knew there would be renos. They should have told me there are renos coming, we don't know when or if they'll affect you. This would've planted seed & I wouldn't have felt my entire world was shattered. They also renovated all lounges same time. Should have done them one at a time. Fouth, NO A/C in any public areas, or dining area. I almost fainted a few times. Only A/C in individual rooms.
After many issues, had a meeting w/ Patti (head honcho lady of lodge). Told her things needed to change. Asked for office chair since they were making me work out of my room now. Also demanded all things be in writing from that point forward. I requested an email laying out the facts as we knew it at that time. I would reply that I agreed/understood. Then, if anything changed on either side or either of us had any questions we would send an email. This was for both our sakes. Things improved from there. Not perfect, but much better.

Mike O.

A peaceful place to stay when going through Cancer treatment. Great staff and great food with comfort and care priorities
A very quiet atmosphere and a caring staff. Lots of facilities like a small.gym.and 2 tv rooms, pool table. You can bring a family member or friend with you as a caretaker. All. free for Cancer patients..Nice room and free transportation available.to get you to Victoria and in Victoria to Cancer Clinic

Clair C.

Such an INCREDIBLE space for all of the cancer community to come together. What an absolute pleasure to be able to have met all the friendly faces. I will forever recommend this place. Thank you for everything.

Bonnie W.

A truly wonderful place to stay while undergoing treatment. Cannot say enough about the lovely caring staff, wonderful people we met there and great food prepared by a caring Chef. It is an easy walk to the Cancer clinic too.❤️

Sonnie A.

It's hard to even put into words how valuable and wonderful this place is when you are going through treatment far away from home. The staff are kind and helpful and just a pleasure to be around. The accommodation is comfortable the food is nutritious with choices very appropriate for people going through treatment. Honestly other than being at home I can't think of anywhere better to be through this journey. Being with other patients and having this place to recoup at the end of every difficult day was amazing. Thank you

Mike A.

I spent a lot of my time with my mother here, every day. It was something we both looked forward to all the time. Thank you for making it be the best experience it could be. Just as a reference point, she made it through just fine but we lost her in a car accident shortly afterwards. Thank you again for creating such a wonderful experience for the both of us.

cindy G.

Shared room, zero privacy, and food not suitable for all cancers . .... Under cooked, high fiber, too spicy, rough texture ect.