Victoria got some love from one of Canada’s most recognizable figures this week after retired astronaut Chris Hadfield paid a visit to the city over the weekend.
The former astronaut gave Victoria a shoutout on Monday morning when he shared a photo of the legislature on Facebook, X, and Instagram, writing that some places are so beautiful they feel surreal—a clear nod to Victoria.
Hadfield was in town for a stop on his ‘Final Orbit Canada Tour,’ promoting the third and final novel in his Apollo Murders series.
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His X post alone received more than 44,000 views within hours, drawing hundreds of comments from Canadians praising the city and the region.
Across his platforms, Hadfield has a massive following, with 1.2 million followers on Facebook, 2.1 million on X, and 411,000 on Instagram.
The online attention came as Hadfield was in Victoria on Sunday for the Final Orbit Canada Tour, where he visited Bolen Books to discuss Final Orbit, the concluding novel in his bestselling Apollo Murders series.
The event included a conversation with CBC’s Bob McDonald, an audience Q&A, and a book signing that filled the store from wall to wall.
Alyssa Brooks-Dowty, who attended the signing, told Victoria Buzz the atmosphere was electric.
“It was packed and everyone was excited. There was even a little boy in a full astronaut costume,” she said.
“A guy behind me said, ‘That was so cool, right? I’m still kind of shaking.’”
Brooks-Dowty said Hadfield made a point of remembering the names of people who asked questions, something that impressed the crowd.
“He inspired a brand-new air cadet by explaining how joining Air Cadets shaped the direction of his life,” she said.
Another moment stood out when Hadfield offered advice to an expectant father in the audience who said he had been influenced by Hadfield’s memoir.
“He told him to show up now and keep showing up, do everything he can for his partner, and that his job is to not be an idiot in the delivery room,” Brooks-Dowty said.
When asked how space travel changed his outlook, Hadfield spoke about the value of experiencing awe in everyday life.
“He said you don’t have to go to space to feel awe. We can all be curious and appreciate the world around us, and it will make our lives better,” she said.
Hadfield also shared a personal connection to the region.
“He mentioned that his mother-in-law lives here, and she was sitting in the front row,” Brooks-Dowty said.
Meeting him afterward was a memorable moment for most fans.
“We were over the moon and starstruck. He was so kind to everyone, but we were almost too overwhelmed to speak,” she said.
A longtime reader of Hadfield’s work, she said the Apollo Murders series stands out for its authenticity.
“He’s the only one who could write those books. They feel like a thrill ride and keep you on the edge of your seat,” she said.
She described the evening as “a once-in-a-lifetime night with a Canadian national treasure who is as down-to-earth as he is inspirational.”
Another Hadfield fan, Lucy Mears, said one of her favourite moments was also when Hadfield answered a question from a young new air cadet and reflected on how the leadership skills he learned in Air Cadets shaped his later work as commander of the International Space Station.
She said one comment in particular stayed with her.
“He said his chance of dying on the space shuttle was one in 38. He told us to imagine being in a room of 300 people and being warned there would be nine fatalities that night. Would we still have come?”
Mears said meeting Hadfield was a thrill.
“He put his arm around me for the photo. I was starstruck. He’s just so genuine.”
She noted that her own connection to Hadfield’s books came through her son.
“My son led the rocketry team at the University of Waterloo. I originally bought the books for him and he gave them rave reviews, so that’s how I got hooked.”
Mears said the evening delivered exactly what she was hoping for, with discussion about the book, personal anecdotes, and “motivational guidance to stay curious.”
Hadfield’s photo of Victoria continues to circulate widely online, giving the city an unexpected national moment in the spotlight.
