Existing outside the municipality of Victoria, BC is the appropriately named Outpost Board Game Café! Joshua and Elijah Driver run this operation, and they said to Goldstream News Gazette the idea came about when they realized the city was lacking options for evening entertainment.
While Everything Games cater to the miniatures war-gaming, role playing and trading card game crowd, this place aims to fill the missing niche of board games like Settlers of Catan and even the classic Monopoly. Both venues are located close to this area’s downtown strip. There’s also Hang and Play Videogames and Curious Comics satellite operation.
Folks don’t have to go far to satisfy their craving. And just like Island Fan Con, the emergence of options to keep locals entertained without having to visit the City of Victoria proper is growing. As the area is a gateway to other parts of Vancouver Island, to have this place as a stop is perfect and welcoming based on the response so far has been very positive since opening November 1, 2024!
What makes this establishment different from others is that they employ an in-house baker! If those scents of freshly made, don’t entice the casual in, then maybe pizza will. But that’s not what this place is about. While some quantities of nerd food will be available, it aims to please with pastries and offer something for coffee drinkers. They sell products from Drumroaster Coffee, a family operated roastery from the nearby Cobble Hill.
With most of the games from these brothers’ own collection, The Outpost Board Game Café is well-prepared! They are currently only offering a third of the games, but they will cycle most of the collection throughout the year, giving even forgotten games some attention.
They claim they own about 900 and that alone is still something to behold! I’m curious if these brothers will turn their operation into a museum. Their love for games made up a huge part of their childhood, and to know how long they’ve been going for is something I must ask when I’m in Langford next!