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23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

April 16, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

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Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

• Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
• Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
• Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
• Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

• Fairmont Empress (luxury)
• Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
• Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria.

Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk

The Malahat Skywalk , one of the newest attractions in Victoria, offers a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the top things to do in Victoria. Perched on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this awe-inspiring structure provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty—from the deep blue waters of the Saanich Inlet to the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The adventure begins with a scenic walk through a lush Arbutus forest, leading up to an exhilarating ascent of the spiralling, 10-story wooden tower. At the summit, guests can either soak in the breathtaking views or opt for a thrilling descent via the 20-meter spiral slide. The combination of stunning landscapes, innovative design, and adventurous elements makes the Malahat Skywalk a must-visit destination, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday fireworks show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moved with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching . Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

• Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Day Trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big , there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Best Hotels in Victoria
• Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
• Things to Do in Vancouver
• Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
• Canada Road Trip Ideas

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

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34 Incredible Things to Do In Victoria, BC (Our 2024 Guide)

Written By: Sara Oprasic

Published On: April 13, 2024

Set at the end of the mostly wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a wonderful city on Canada’s west coast. Known for the abundance of outdoor activities and stunning Victorian architecture, it’s a place where colonial history is intertwined with indigenous culture. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a year and got to explore all the great things that it has to offer. These are all my personal recommendations.

Attend high tea for brunch and then head to Chinatown for dinner while stopping by the harbor to watch seals and gigantic cruisers. Victoria is a city that can offer something to everyone because it has it all, from excellent art galleries to thrilling ziplines and hiking trails. 

Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, you won’t struggle to fill your itinerary with fun activities. With my insider knowledge, I compiled this guide of the top things to do in Victoria BC that will help you put together the best itinerary! 

Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Victoria BC is known for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching tours, and vast parks. The majority of the city’s best attractions are outdoors, making it a top destination for travelers who love exploring off the beaten path. 

But don’t let that fool you; Victoria also offers an endless amount of things to do indoors, including a haunted manor with a pinball machine and some of the best museums in British Columbia. 

Best of Victoria BC Quick Guide

• Must See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings,  Afternoon Tea
• Where To Stay: Ocean Island Inn , Fairmont Empress , The Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Fun To Do: Whale Watching, Zipline Tours, Mount Douglas, Boat Tours, Kayaking
• Day Trips: Fort Rodd Hill, Thetis Lake Park, Malahat SkyWalk 
• Must-Try Foods: Wild Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Bannock Bread, Chinese food 

1. Guided Walking Tour of Victoria

Victoria is a gorgeous city with many stunning buildings. Of course, if it’s your first visit, you won’t be familiar with the purpose of many of those buildings, and you might miss out on some gems that are open for visitors. 

Arrange a guided tour with a local, and you’ll not only be taken to all the best spots in the city but also learn the history behind some of its best architectural gems. Most walking tours of Victoria cover the city’s best neighborhoods and streets, including the famous Government Street and Fan Tan Alley. 

My favorite walking tours of Victoria also allow you to discover the city’s culinary scene. Strolling around the city will burn quite a few calories, and what better way to make up for them than to indulge in Victoria’s specialties in its best restaurants? 

Practical Information 

Walking tours of Victoria usually take 2-3 hours and cost $60-100 per participant. 

2. Royal BC Museum 

The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s best and most popular museum. If you have time to visit only one museum or gallery while you’re in the city, make it this one. It has three main galleries: Natural History, the First Peoples Gallery, and Becoming BC. 

Come here to learn about the indigenous people of British Columbia, as well as about the state’s general history and how it evolved over the years. Younger visitors are more likely to enjoy the Natural History gallery, which features dinosaur skeletons and models of various animals. 

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at this museum, and that’s if you’re going to rush through the place. If you take your time with each exhibit, the visit can easily last 3-4 hours. Also, I must mention that the museum has a nice IMAX theater, where you can attend screenings of nature documentaries as well as blockbuster films. 

Practical Information

The Royal BC Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an extra $12. 

3. Tour The Fantastic Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle is one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a very popular historical landmark. It was originally built by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, during the late 19th century. 

Visit the castle and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent period furniture, beautiful decorations, and lovely stained-glass windows. The building is magnificent both inside and out, and it’s one of the best locations for architecture tours in Victoria. 

The castle is situated in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute walk (or 10-minute bike ride) from Downtown Victoria. 

Craigdarroch Castle is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided tours are $20.60 for adults, and tickets can be bought online or at the entrance. 

4. Rent A Bicycle

Victoria BC is known as Canada’s cycling capital, and it’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Pacific Northwest. Bike rentals are available throughout the town, and many accommodations offer them to their guests. 

Cycling around Victoria is not just great for getting around the town quickly for very little money, but also a super way of immersing yourself in the local culture. Not to mention that it’s usually faster than traveling by bus, plus you won’t have to worry about rush hour traffic. 

If you’re in great physical condition, you might even be able to bike to attractions far outside the city center, and you’d get to see some wonderful scenery along the way. And if spending several hours on a bicycle isn’t all that appealing, consider it for a quick tour of Downtown Victoria at least. 

Bikes are available for hire in multiple spots throughout the town. The average price is $40 per day, although you can get a better rate when you rent a bike for a longer period. 

5. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a wonderful mid-size gallery housed in two distinct spaces. One part of the gallery is in a new, modern building, while the other sits inside the historic Spencer Mansion. 

Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable collection of gorgeous art, including pieces from Canada and Asia. In fact, the gallery’s garden even has a Shinto shrine that all visitors are encouraged to see. It’s one of Victoria’s best attractions for lovers of art, history, and architecture. 

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and charges a $15 entrance fee. However, admission is free on the first Sunday of the month and on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM. 

6. Tour The Parliament Buildings 

The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is hands down one of the most stunning government buildings I’ve seen in my entire life. For me, the buildings look like they were plucked from a European city and transported to Victoria. 

But they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings were constructed in neo-Baroque style at the end of the 19th century right here. The entire park between Government Street and Menzies Street is a fabulous place where you can enjoy some of the best architecture in the city. 

See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all the different memorial statues. You can even join a guided tour to see the impressive interior of these magnificent buildings. It will cost you nothing, and it will undoubtedly enrich your experience in Victoria, BC. 

Free guided tours of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria take place several times throughout the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. 

7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It is easily accessible from central Victoria and one of the best destinations in the city if you want to spend a couple of hours in nature but aren’t quite in the mood for an excursion that includes traveling far outside the city center. 

Featuring ponds, walking trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has everything from totems to peacocks, and coming here is a must for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, in general, are known for fantastic natural landmarks and outdoor activities. 

Beacon Hill Park is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Entrance to the park is free of charge. 

8. Walk Through Historic Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It is lined with restaurants and boutique shops on either side, which offer some excellent shopping and dining in the city. Here, you’ll find shops that sell everything from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s definitely a place you should check out if you’re looking for unique souvenirs to buy in Victoria. 

However, I will say that this experience is entirely skippable if you’re even a little bit claustrophobic. The alley is so narrow that passing next to someone isn’t always possible, and the buildings are tall enough to cause discomfort to people who don’t like confined spaces.

But if you can navigate the tight alley without a sense of dread, it will be a top experience. The red and green storefronts are charming and go wonderfully with the exposed red brick of the buildings. The entrance to the Chinese Canadian Museum is here, and although it is small, the exhibit is interesting and worth supporting.  

Fan Tan Alley is free to access at any time, but most shops are closed until 5 p.m. 

9. Visit Fort Rodd Hill

Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site best known for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park offers walking trails with views of old military structures, but it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that attracts the bulk of visitors to the site. 

Climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse to experience fantastic panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the way to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one side and the San Juan Islands on the other. 

Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission fee of $9.

10. Hike To The Top of Mount Douglas 

Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria City and a great place to come for 360° panoramic views. You can cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s just a 30-minute hike to the lookout point at the top. There’s even a parking lot at the summit, so you can just drive up to the scenic point if you’re not in the mood for an uphill walk.  

The vista from the lookout point is one of the best in Victoria BC and it stretches into the United States. Also, multiple hiking trails are available at Mount Douglas, and you could spend a couple of hours roaming exploring the area, and marveling at the nice views. But if you’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this activity is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria. 

Mount Douglas Park is open for visitors from 12 PM to 8 PM. Entrance to the area is free of charge, and parking at the top is also free but very limited. 

11. Historic Tours at Hatley Castle

Hatley Castle is situated in Greater Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike ride) from the city center. It is absolutely worth the hassle it takes to get there because the place is phenomenal. The early 20th-century castle was previously used as a residence and a naval training site and nowadays is a historic park. 

Can you imagine that people actually lived in this fantastic mansion? Even today, parts of it are used as office space and to hold classes, so you can’t just walk inside whenever you like. Visitors must sign up for guided tours to explore the interior of the mansion, but the formal gardens are accessible for free throughout the day. 

Guided tours of Hatley Castle are available upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to dusk, and access is free of charge. 

12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park

Thetis Lake Regional Park is the first nature sanctuary in Canada known for hiking trails and beaches on the lakeshore. Come here in the summer to relax in the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and enjoy some fantastic panoramic views. 

It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and an excellent place to come if you want to escape the crowds of the urban jungle. Pack a food basket and bring a blanket so you can set up a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day full of hiking and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a great destination for nature lovers in Victoria who want to explore beyond the city streets.  

Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There is no admission fee, but there is a parking fee of $2.25 per day. 

13. Bike Along The Galloping Goose Trail

This fun activity is only for the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it if you have zero interest in riding a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But if that sounds fun, the Galloping Goose Trail might just be the top Victoria activity for you! 

The trail follows an old railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you can cover this trail and be back in town for dinner if you’re fast enough on a mountain bike. 

This historic trail passes through urban and rural areas, as well as wilderness. You can follow the entire trail on a bike, or hike just a part of it. You can even choose to ride horses along the more rural sections of the trail, which is as much fun as it sounds. 

The Galloping Goose Trail is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is recommended only for experienced mountain bikers in excellent physical conditions, as it takes roughly 5 hours to complete. 

14. Walk To The Breakwater Lighthouse 

The Breakwater Lighthouse sits at the end of a long pedestrian pathway that extends into the sea. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get a good view of all the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s inner harbor. The walking path offers a good view of the city’s marine traffic, and it’s particularly enjoyable on warm, sunny days. 

The lighthouse at the end of the pathway dates back to 1916, and it’s surprisingly big. It doesn’t look that big from the distance, but the closer you get to it the more you’re impressed by its size. 

One thing to note is that it’s possible to walk down the Breakwater and the Lower Breakwater. I recommend you stick to the regular walking path that is fenced off. The lower path features no fence, and the concrete blocks are often very slippery. 

The Breakwater walking path is accessible at any time of day or night, free of charge. 

15. Wander Around Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Situated roughly a 20-minute drive from the city center, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a great place to come and forget you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, not to mention all the different trees and flowers. 

You could tour the place quickly in under an hour, but I’m positive you’ll want to spend more time at the gardens once you pass through the front door. Also, I really like that all the animals here are rescues or donations, and are thriving in the lush rainforest environment. 

One thing to note is that it gets really hot in the tropical jungle, so you might need to take breaks if you stay there for a while. Make sure to bring a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outside every now and then to cool down a bit.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance fee of $19.50 for adults. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor

Haunted Manor mini golf is not an activity for everyone, so feel free to leave it off your itinerary if it’s not something you’re likely to enjoy. But if you like mini golf or ping pong and you’re into haunted houses and ghost tours, it’s a very fun way of spending an evening in Victoria. 

The mansion offers an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a selection of (non) alcoholic drinks and classic pub food. 

Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. General admission to the place is $24.95. 

17. Feel Classy At Afternoon Tea

Victoria was once a British Colony, and today it’s recognized as the most British city in Canada. So, it’s not too surprising that many popular British traditions have survived in the city. One of those is high tea, and it’s the perfect afternoon activity for travelers who want to spend an afternoon feeling fancy. 

There are quite a few different tea houses in Victoria, but I think the one at Pendray Inn is a top choice for tourists in the city. It’s in a charming Victorian mansion in James Bay, so just a short walk from the downtown. The elegant interior of the tea house is perfectly appropriate for high tea, while the food and drinks served there get only the highest markings. 

Once you’re done with the afternoon tea, take this opportunity to walk around the neighborhood a bit. The harbor is just a couple of minutes from Pendray Inn with views of the sea and huge ships. 

The Pendray tea house is open daily from 11 AM to 3/4 PM. Reservations are recommended, and the average cost per person is $60-70. A vegan option is available.  

18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens

Spanning more than 22 hectares, this vast botanical garden is one of the best-known in British Columbia . With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and multiple eateries, you could spend the better part of the day roaming around the Butchart Gardens . 

One thing I will say is that this is one of the priciest attractions in Victoria, BC, so you might want to leave it off your itinerary if you’re on a tighter budget. With daily tickets going as high as $40, it’s not a place everyone can comfortably enjoy. 

But you can get a much better deal on tickets if you come in the off-season, and honestly, the place is so wonderful I’d say it’s worth the money. Come here to see the endless field of colorful flowers and enjoy possibly the best-scented part of Victoria, BC. 

The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The adult entrance fee is $25-40, depending on the season.  

19. Landscape Views at Malahat SkyWalk

Situated northwest of Victoria, just off the Trans-Canada highway, the Malahat SkyWalk offers possibly the best landscape views in British Columbia. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and well worth the trip if you’ve got access to a car. 

Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly ground in the middle of the forest. From the top, you can see the scenery of both the US and Canada, and it’s such a nice view that you’ll hardly want to leave. 

Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95. 

20. Be Amazed At Miniature World

Miniature World is a unique museum in Victoria, BC. It features miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy locations and is nicknamed The Greatest Little Show on Earth. The detail in the dioramas is staggering, whether you’re looking at the replica of Toronto in 1915 or the depiction of Camelot. 

A quick tour of the place is possible in 45 minutes, but only if you rush through the place. Take your time to appreciate all the little details and really understand everything about the dioramas, and you could easily spend 2+ hours at the museum. 

Miniature World is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is $19 for adults. 

21. Smell The Flowers at Abkhazi Garden

Victoria is well known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Garden is one of the best close to the city center. Situated just a 15-minute bike ride from the heart of Victoria, it’s an excellent alternative for travelers who don’t want to go out of their way to see the Butchart Gardens. 

This is a much smaller garden, covering an area of “only” 1.4 hectares. It first started back in 1946, and it took a while for all the plants and trees to grow to their current size. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the lovely garden, followed by the tea house and ponds. Afternoon tea at the Abkhazi Garden is a great idea, but I will say that it’s in the same price range as the teahouse at Pendray Inn, but the interior decorations are not quite as nice. 

The Abkhazi Garden is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission fee for adults is $10. 

22. Go For A Ride In A Pickle Boat 

Pickle boat tours are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, and they’re awesome. Discover Victoria from the sea while riding in a pickle boat, which sounds a lot cooler than it actually is. 

It’s just a small boat that can fit up to 12 passengers. While I love that it’s much more private than a classic tour boat, I was thoroughly disappointed to learn that it is not indeed shaped and painted like a pickle. 

The small boats will take you on tours of Victoria Harbor, and they often go all the way up to Burnside. It’s a great way of exploring even more of this wonderful city and seeing the areas that are not quite as convenient to reach on classic walking tours. 

Several options are available for tours of Victoria Inner Harbour, and they last from 45 to 75 minutes. The price is around $40-50. 

23. Check Out Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is the most picturesque area of Victoria Inner Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in bright colors, several of which serve as restaurants or shops. Just keep in mind that people live in many of those houseboats, so respect their privacy while exploring the area.  

As you stroll down the piers, you can often spot seals swimming in the water. They love the attention they get from visitors and often engage in playful antics to entertain the onlookers. 

Fisherman’s Wharf extends beyond the piers lined with colorful boats to encompass an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for kids. 

Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most shops and restaurants are open until 7 PM. 

24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway

Songhees Walkway is a waterfront walking path that extends from Johnson Street Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes around 40 minutes to do the entire walk in one direction, and there are plenty of benches along the way so you can sit down for breaks. 

The walkway offers nice views of Victoria Inner Harbor with plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way. It’s also a great path for joggers in the morning, but only if you’re not easily distracted by the view. 

Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time for free. The walking path extends for about 3 kilometers in one direction. 

25. Join a Food Tour 

Locals always know where the best food in their city is, and you’ll become privy to that knowledge if you join a local food tour. These usually include trips to the city’s best landmarks and plenty of stops in popular local eateries along the way. 

The cuisine of Victoria, BC, is diverse. The classical local cuisine is heavy on seafood, but a proper Victoria food tour will include much more than what is considered traditional Canadian food . After all, it’s the city with the oldest Chinese neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is complete without a stop there.  

Food tours of Victoria, BC, usually last 2-3 hours. The starting price is $60. 

26. Admire the Aircraft at The BC Aviation Museum

The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so you should have at least two opportunities to visit it. It’s also a great incentive to arrive at the airport early and ensure you don’t miss your flight. 

The museum exhibit spans three hangars full of historic and modern aircraft. Helicopters, warplanes, and aircraft engines are all on display at this museum. If you’re offered a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to learn so much about the aircraft on display, and it’s a lot better than just walking around the hangar on your own. 

The BC Aviation Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The entrance fee is $17 for adults. 

27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing 

Kayaking and canoeing are both very popular activities in Victoria, BC, and the perfect way to explore the city beyond its busy streets. Join a guided kayaking tour or rent a canoe and take to the seas on your own—whatever your preference is, it shouldn’t be a problem. 

One thing I will say is that guided tours are the best option for people with little experience in kayaks and canoes. The currents here can be unpredictable, and if you’re not familiar with the weather conditions it could become an unpleasant or even dangerous experience. 

The beauty of these water adventures is that they’ll take you to places that would otherwise remain undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and enjoy a different perspective on Victoria’s Inner Harbor. 

Several operates offer kayak and canoe tours in Victoria BC , but Kelp Reef Adventures is one of the most popular. 

28. See the Sakura Trees in Chinatown 

I’ve mentioned Fan Tan Alley as the central point of Victoria’s Chinatown, but the historic district extends way beyond it. It’s the oldest Chinese neighborhood in Canada and one of the prettiest parts of Victoria. 

A gate marks the entrance to this historic area, so it’s super easy to find. Sakura trees line the streets of Chinatown, and they’re reason enough to consider traveling to Victoria in the spring. The entire neighborhood is also decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns. 

Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown is also known for the best Chinese food in Victoria. You’ll also find loads of shops that sell traditional Chinese souvenirs, and you might want to peruse them if you’re in the market for unique souvenirs. 

The historic Chinatown neighborhood is in the northern part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC. 

29. Whale Watching Adventures

Victoria and British Columbia, in general, are some of Canada’s best spots for whale watching. There must be a dozen tour operators in the city, but my favorite one is Prince of Whales, situated in the Destination Greater Victoria tourism center building in the harbor. 

The experienced operators will take you to the best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. But they also know to keep their distance from the animals so they don’t disturb them in their daily routines. 

This operator offers year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success rate of the tours, you’re practically guaranteed to spot the majestic mammals. 

Prince of Whales whale-watching tours are available year-round. They start at $150 and last 3-6 hours. 

30. Venture Out To Swan Lake

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is within cycling distance of downtown Victoria. It’s a great place to visit if you don’t want to go to parks that are farther outside the city center but still want to enjoy a short hiking adventure. 

The nature sanctuary features a loop walking path that even crosses the lake at one point. It takes roughly 30 minutes to complete, and it’s a well-maintained and easy walking path suitable for everyone. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Swan Lake Loop, which will reward you with some beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding forest. 

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is open from 10?AM to 4?PM. Admission to the park is free of charge, but the entrance fee to the Nature House museum is a suggested $6 donation. 

31. Totems at Thunderbird Park 

Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Situated right next to the Royal BC Museum, the park is best known for its totem pole replicas and historic houses. 

The totems aren’t quite as spectacular as the ones in Vancouver, but they are still quite a lovely sight. Mungo Martin House is known for its painted exterior, while the Helmcken House Pioneer Doctor’s Residence offers short tours of a surgeon’s house with period furniture. 

Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time. 

32. Ziplining in The Forest 

Thrill seekers won’t be let down by the selection of activities in Victoria. Just a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll find Adrenaline Zip – a local company that operates ziplining tours in the rainforest. 

One thing to note is that this is along the way if you embark on the Galloping Goose Trail. The zipline rides are exciting and very fun. The entire adventure takes about two hours, and it includes 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV ride. 

The ziplining tour starts at $120. For an extra $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.

33. Ride The Hop On Hop Off Bus

I’m not the biggest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, but I have to admit they’re a great option for travelers who are in town for a very short time. If you’re in Victoria for only a day or two, riding the double-decker bus is great for seeing all the city’s top landmarks in that time. 

The beauty of these buses is that you can get out at any stop, explore the area, and then just get on the bus again. You can even stay seated on the bus the entire time and just sightsee from the comfort of your seat, while the tour guide tells you the story behind the different attractions. 

Buy Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (valid for 24 hours) or $88 (valid for 48 hours).

34. Craft Beer Crawl

With more than 20 craft breweries throughout Victoria, the city is truly a great spot for beer lovers. Loads of pubs in the city serve local craft beer, and you can even tour breweries to try the drink right at the source. 

The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is one of the best pubs in the city. It offers a wide selection of local and international craft beer. They even offer tasting menus, so you can try half a dozen glasses. 

The Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in the Downtown is my top choice for a local brewery tour. 

Pubs in Victoria, BC, are usually open until 9-11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends. 

FAQ For Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Is victoria, bc, worth visiting.

Yes, Victoria BC is worth visiting. It’s a gorgeous city with stunning Victorian architecture, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown area. 

What is Victoria BC well known for?

Victoria BC is known for many botanical gardens and gorgeous Victorian mansions. The city is also nicknamed the cycling capital of Canada, thanks to countless kilometers of cycling and mountain biking trails. 

What is the #1 tourist attraction in British Columbia?

The Stanley Park Totem Pole is by far the most popular tourist attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is the most famous tourist attraction in Greater Victoria. 

Is Victoria BC a walkable city?

Much of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. However, there are many interesting places outside the downtown that are worth visiting but not accessible on foot. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Victoria BC

Best Time To Visit 

The best time to visit Victoria depends on what your priorities are. If you want to be in the city when it’s warm and sunny, then you should plan a trip in the summer. But expect higher prices of hotels and large crowds of tourists. 

If, on the other hand, you don’t mind walking around in a jacket if it means fewer tourists and better hotel deals, travel to Victoria in April-May or September-October. Just keep in mind that the city gets quite a bit of rainfall in the spring and autumn, so it’s not the ideal period for outdoor activities. 

What about the winter season? Victoria is spectacular in the winter and the temperatures rarely drop below 0 Celsius. It is especially nice there during the Christmas festivities.

Getting There

Victoria International Airport is the closest airport to the city, but it has a direct connection to very few international destinations. The airport in Vancouver, on the other hand, is the second-busiest in the country and chances are it will be your first stop in Canada. 

From there you’ve got loads of options. Local flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it possible to travel from Vancouver to Victoria . You can even take a bus from the airport to the city, which takes about four hours to reach the destination, with a ferry crossing. 

Getting Around 

Downtown Victoria is a very walkable area and you can visit most attractions in the historic part of the city on foot. Cycling is a great way of getting around the city because you can get to the more remote parts of Greater Victoria in about an hour, plus you won’t have to deal with rush hour traffic as much. 

Bike rentals are available throughout the city and are great for travelers visiting Victoria. Because the city doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the only viable mode of public transport. They’re convenient for traveling around the city but are generally quite slow. 

Uber and taxis are another option for reaching the more remote areas, but they’re also the most expensive way of getting around Victoria. As for car rental, I think it makes sense only if you’re in town for a longer time. Otherwise, it’s really not worth it because most of the best attractions in the city are within walking distance of one another. 

How Much Time Do You Need

Victoria is a pretty big city and I reckon you need at least three days to explore all of the best attractions downtown and a few famous sights in Greater Victoria. I think it’s possible to cover the best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, but you will be in a bit of a rush the entire time. 

Travelers who love being outdoors and exploring nature will have a great time in Victoria. If you can swing five days here, you can have enough time to explore a good chunk of Vancouver Island, much of which is untouched nature. 

Where To Stay In Victoria BC

Stay in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for easy walking access to all the best landmarks and attractions in the city. Both areas offer a wide variety of hotels in every price range, as well as loads of interesting tourist attractions. Some of the best hotels in Victoria for all budgets are: 

• Ocean Island Inn offers budget accommodation with a fantastic location in Downtown Victoria. 
• Fairmont Empress is one of the best hotels in central Victoria, with lovely views of Victoria Inner Harbor. 
• The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a five-star hotel with an oceanfront location. It has a fantastic spa center and large rooms, but it is quite far from the city center. Consider staying at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel if you’re planning a relaxing vacation in Victoria, BC. 

Our BC Resources

• 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
• The Best Things to Do in Revelstoke, BC – Besides Skiing
• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
• Where to Stay in Vancouver – Best Areas to Stay
• 36 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada
• 21 Best Day Trips from Vancouver, British Columbia

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Sara Oprasic

Sara loves writing about travel as much as she loves traveling. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and crossing items off her bucket list. She’s yet to cross off Japan, Tromsø, and Hogsmeade. You can see what she’s up to on her Instagram Page

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The Perfect 3 Day Victoria Itinerary And Guide (2023)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Canada

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is located on Vancouver Island . Compact, colorful, and creative, Victoria is the perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver .

It doesn't matter if you have one day in Victoria or an entire week, there are plenty of fun things to do in Victoria for the entire family.

Victoria frequently features in Top Places to Visit lists from popular travel magazines and websites such as Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor and rightly so: Victoria is a beautiful city and highly worth a visit!

This Victoria itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to Victoria.

Victoria itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

What to do in Victoria: map

Click here for the interactive map

The best things to do in Victoria BC

• Get breakfast at the Crust Bakery
• Tour the British Columbia Parliament Building
• Walk around Victoria Old Town and Chinatown
• Enjoy the famous Tea at the Empress
• Hike around Beacon Hill Park
• Watch the sunset from the Inner Harbor
• Visit the Royal BC Museum
• Stroll around Fishermans's Wharf
• Admire Craigdarroch Castle
• Enjoy delicious tacos at Tacofino
• Take a trip to the Butchart Gardens
• Go on a whale-watching tour

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Where to stay in Victoria

There is plenty of accommodation available in Victoria, ranging from budget hostels to luxury (boutique hotels).

I've written a detailed guide to the best hotels in Victoria , be sure to check it out to make sure you choose the best Victoria accommodation for your stay.

If you are prepared to splurge , I'd recommend staying at the luxurious 5-star Fairmont Empress Hotel (pictured above). As I mentioned above, they serve a wicked high tea and it's one of Victoria's most famous buildings.

If available, book a room overlooking the Inner Harbour. You'll be able to watch the sunset from your window!

There are nice mid-range hotels as well, such as the Oswego Hotel (pictured below) and the Royal Scot Hotel & Suites .

There are a couple of options for budget travelers as well, the Helms Inn and Red Lion Inn are well-reviewed affordable hotels in Victoria.

Note: Prices for these Victoria accommodation options depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Press ‘click here' under book to see the latest prices on Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

How to get to Victoria

Since Victoria is located on an island you either have to take a ferry or a flight to get there.

Take the ferry to Victoria

If you are traveling from Tsawwassen, the ferry terminal closest to Victoria is Swartz Bay (about 30km north of Victoria). With BC Ferries Connector you can effortlessly travel directly from downtown Vancouver to Victoria City Center.

Note: if you are traveling from the U.S.A. you can take a ferry from Port Angeles and Seattle directly to Victoria Inner Harbour !

Book a flight to Victoria

The other option is to arrive by plane. Victoria has an International Airport located about 20km from downtown.

Click here for the best ticket deals on Kiwi.

3 days in Victoria summery

• Day 1: Grab some breakfast at Crust Bakery, take a tour around the British Columbia Parliament Building, stroll through Victoria Old Town , join the famous High Tea at the Empress, visit Beacon Hill Park and watch the sunset from the Inner Harbor.
• Day 2: Visit the Royal BC Museum, explore Fishermans’s Wharf, take a tour around Craigdarroch Castle, and eat your weight in tacos at Tacofino.
• Day 3: visit the Butchart Gardens , go on a whale-watching tour or join a guided 3-hour kayak tour in Victoria’s beautiful harbor.

? Short on time? Check out this 4-day adventure tour to Vancouver Island , including the most popular highlights in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Tofino. 

Victoria itinerary day 1

Breakfast at crust bakery.

On the first day of this Victoria 3 day itinerary, there is no better way to start your day than by getting a coffee from Canada's famous coffee chain Tim Hortons .

For breakfast, pick up some (or a lot;-) of the freshly bakes goodies at the Crust Bakery (which opens at 8 am).

British Columbia Parliament Building

Head to the British Columbia Parliament Building and join one of the free tours.

The British Columbia Parliament is not only an impressive building with unique architecture, but the story about how this building came to be is also a very amusing one…

Back in the 1890s, the British Columbia government held an architectural competition. Whoever won this competition would be the architect of their new legislative building.

There was one requirement though: the architect needed to be Canadian…

But Francis Rattenbury, a young and aspiring architect who had just emigrated from the U.K., entered the competition under a false name and won! To be fair, he designed a beautiful building that’s still in use.

I learned all this on a free tour around the Parliament Buildings which may have been the funniest tour I’ve ever taken…

The tour was led by a young actor playing the role of Francis Rattenbury, complete with a British accent and historic costume.

He led us around the building whilst sharing his life story and telling us more about the construction process.

Spoiler: the life of Francis Rattenbury was filled with scandals. He divorced his first wife and eventually was murdered back in England by his second wife’s lover…

Anyway, not only did I laugh throughout the entire tour, but I also learned a lot about the building. Altogether a highly recommended activity!

You can find more information about the free tours in the British Columbia Parliament Buildings  here .

Victoria Old Town

After the tour, it's time to head to Victoria Old Town which is just a short walk from the Parliament Buildings.

Victoria has one of the largest historic areas in British Columbia with many beautiful old buildings. There are three distinct areas in Victoria Old Town:

• The old commercial district
• The Inner Harbor (the buildings along the waterfront from the Gold Rush era)

A quick tip: pick up a free map of the historic area at the Visitor Center which contains lots of information about the Old Town and makes it easier to find the must-see historic buildings. Or join this great walking tour to learn more about Victoria's history and sample local products along the way.

The area belonging to Victoria's Old Town is located in the area between these streets: Chatham Street (north border), Humboldt Street (south border), Douglas Street (east border), the Wharf and Store Streets, and Waterfront (west border). 

You can easily spend the entire afternoon here as Victoria Old Town is a really nice area to wander around.

Take a stroll along Government Street, visit Market Square, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many (Chinese) restaurants!

Enjoy a high Tea at the Empress

Circling back to the Inner Harbour it's time for a traditional Victoria activity: Tea at the Empress at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Fun fact: this building was also designed by the ‘presenting to be Canadian architect’ Francis Rattenbury! Another fun fact: during the summer months, the Empress serves more afternoon tea than most hotels in London !

The Fairmont Empress Hotel opened its doors in 1908 and is a city icon. Their famous high tea is served in the beautiful Lobby Lounge, and over 21 different kinds of teas are available (all of which are ethically produced).

The tea is accompanied by freshly prepared scones and other pastries made with locally sourced ingredients.

For example, the strawberry jam is made in-house from local berries, the honey comes from the Empress Hotel beehives, and the lavender from their own rooftop garden.

Altogether, Tea at the Empress is a unique tea-drinking experience and one that cannot miss when you visit Victoria BC!

Beacon Hill Park

If you feel like burning off some calories after your sumptuous high tea, head to Beacon Hill Park for some of the best walking tracks in Victoria .

Within the park, there are several hiking trails, a lovely pond, and beautiful gardens. You will also find the world's tallest free-standing Totem Pole and the best views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Quick tip: visiting Victoria with kids? In Beacon Hill Park you can find two playgrounds as well as a petting zoo!

Inner Harbour

After all this walking it's time to relax. Head back to the Inner Harbour and have a pint at one of the cafes or watch the sunset from the grassy field in front of the British Columbia Parliament Building.

Victoria itinerary day 2

Royal bc museum.

On your second day in Victoria, it's time to visit the Royal BC Museum , which was founded in 1886. In this great museum, you can learn about the history of British Columbia.

There are three permanent galleries (about the First People, Natural History, and Modern History) and several temporary exhibitions. Check the website for more info about the current exhibitions .

Fisherman's Wharf

The next item on your ‘things to see in Victoria list' is Fisherman's Wharf , a very colorful and fun neighborhood.

In this floating village, you can admire the beautiful houseboats, explore quirky shops, and grab some lunch at one of the cute (floating) restaurants.

Craigdarroch Castle

A short drive from downtown Victoria (3.5km from Fisherman's Wharf, 2.5km from the Inner Harbour) you'll find Craigdarroch Castle .

This impressive mansion was built by self-made millionaire Robert Dunsmuir, who made a fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

Throughout the years the mansion served as a house, institutional school board office, the Victoria Conservatory, movie set, and wedding location.

After all this walking you are probably getting hungry! There are lots of great restaurants in Victoria, but if you like Mexican food you will love  Tacofino .

This lively taco bar with super helpful staff serves delicious tacos, burritos, and nachos for very reasonable prices.

Victoria itinerary day 3

Butchart gardens.

On your third day in Victoria, it's time to leave Victoria's city center and visit the famous Butchart Gardens .

Located only 20km north of Victoria these beautiful gardens are a great place to spend a day!

The Butchart Gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada and the result of the vision, passion, and dedication of Jenny Butchart.

There is the Sunken Garden (the first garden planted by Jennie Butchart, back in 1904!), the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden and Mediterranean Gardens, and the fragrant Rose garden.  

Another highlight, especially for families with kids, is the Rose Carousel with 30 hand-carved wooden animals. A ride on the Carousel is only 2 CAD!

Furthermore, there are also a coffee shop, restaurant, and gift store (where you can buy lots of seeds!). Read more about the Gardens and how to get there here .

The easiest way to visit (if you don't have your own transport) is by booking this tour . Transportation a comfortable shuttle and entrance to the gardens are included.

Click here to book your Butchart Gardens tour

Whale watching tour

Staying in Victoria a bit longer? If you have four days in Victoria I highly recommend adding a whale-watching tour to your Victoria BC itinerary!

Victoria is a great spot to see killer whales (orca) but you're also likely to encounter humpback and gray whales.

Click here to book your whale-watching tour

If your schedule allows it and you have time for another great outdoor activity, consider taking a kayaking trip .

Here are some of the most popular kayaking options in and around Victoria:

• Victoria Harbour Kayak Tour  (3 hours)
• Discovery Island Kayak Tour  (6-7 hours)
• Broken Islands Kayaking Expedition  (5 days)

Victoria things to do: printable checklist

Victoria trip: in conclusion

I hope you will love Victoria as much as I did! Below you can download the Victoria things to do checklist.

For more Vancouver Island travel tips, check these posts:

• 20 things to do in Campbell River
• 20 things to do on Pender Island
• 20 things to do in Ucluelet
• 21 things to do in Nanaimo
• 25 things to do in Port Alberni
• Vancouver Island road trip

If you are looking for more Canada travel inspiration, check out my Canada page where you can find all the posts I've written about this wonderful country.

A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Victoria BC Day Trip

One of the highlights of any visit to Canada is a Victoria BC day trip. Victoria is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, and its picturesque Inner Harbour and city center are easily explored by foot in just one day. If you use your time in Victoria wisely you can explore the city’s Indigenous, British and natural history, dine on some of Canada’s most delicious cuisine and visit one of the city’s top attractions… all without feeling rushed.

I consider myself to be a Victoria local because I lived here for more than ten years. While I was living in town, I worked at several of the biggest tourist attractions in Victoria and used my industry connections to have behind-the-scenes experiences at many other attractions too. Although I’ve now moved away, I still visit my friends and family in Victoria several times per year (I’m actually in Victoria as I write this guide, in autumn 2023).

I used my local knowledge and my years of experience helping other travelers plan their trips to Victoria to write this day trip guide. I hope it helps you plan your day in Victoria, and if you have any questions about what I’ve written here please don’t hesitate to comment at the bottom – I will respond as soon as possible!

How to Plan a Victoria BC Day Trip

Most of the famous tourist attractions in Victoria BC are clustered around the Inner Harbour area and the downtown core.  It’s very easy to explore this area by foot in about three hours, which makes a walking tour of Victoria the perfect way to start your day trip.

After you’ve walked around and seen the highlights, you’ll probably want to stop for lunch. I’ll recommend some of my favorite restaurants later in this guide.

After lunch, you’ll have the chance to get to know one of Victoria’s three most interesting attractions in more depth. Whether you’re traveling with kids, are passionate ecotourists or want to see one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, you’ll be able to end your one day in Victoria on an unforgettable note.

Things to See on a Victoria BC Day Trip (Morning)

Your day in Victoria is going to start with a self-guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour and Victoria’s historic downtown center. My recommended route follows a circular path, so you can start and end in the Inner Harbour area. Plan to spend about two to three hours walking, depending on how many stops you make en route.

#1 – The Parliament Buildings

The home of British Columbia’s provincial government, Victoria’s parliament buildings are one of the city’s most famous landmarks.  Construction on the buildings finished in 1897, about thirty years after British Columbia joined Canada.

There are several monuments and other sights on the grounds around the Legislature. Surely the most famous is the statue of Queen Victoria, front and center, but it’s also worth spotting the cenotaph (a memorial to the Unknown Soldier) and the Sir James Douglas Obelisk, which commemorates the province’s first premier.

To the west of the parliament buildings, just across Menzies Street, you’ll also find Confederation Garden Court. Here, an outdoor fountain and waterfall are backed by the Canadian coat of arms and the shields of each Canadian province or territory.

When the parliament buildings are open visitors are welcome to take a free self-guided tour inside. They also have free guided tours available most days (exact dates and times change each week depending on political goings-on). Check the BC Legislative Assembly’s website for details.

(I cheated and used a photo I took of the parliament buildings all lit up at night… I’m secretly trying to convince you to make your day trip to Victoria into a weekend!)

#2 – The Empress Hotel

In the 1800s the Canadian Pacific Railway was building a rail network across Canada and establishing their own line of grand hotels in the major cities en route. Although the train tracks didn’t extend all the way to Victoria (for obvious reasons), the CPR couldn’t imagine their portfolio without a waterfront property in Victoria. Thus, The Empress was born.

In the years since the hotel has hosted royals (including Will, Kate and Queen Elizabeth) and celebrities (from a young Shirley Temple to John Travola and Harrison Ford). It has its own myths and legends (many believe it’s haunted by the ghost of the hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury) and has served as a backdrop for Hollywood feature films.

Some parts of the hotel are open to the public, including the gift shops and the hotel gardens. If you’d like to see more, you could have high tea in the hotel lounge (see below) or turn your day trip into an overnight visit .

#3 – Thunderbird Park

While Victoria tends to be known for its many British influences, it’s extremely important for both locals and visitors to remember that Vancouver Island had a rich Indigenous history and culture long before Europeans colonized the region.

Thunderbird Park is located beside the Royal British Columbia Museum, between the parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel. This outdoor green space is home to the Mungo Martin House, named after a prolific Kwakwaka’wakw artist and carver.  When this house was opened in 1953, the event was celebrated by the first legal potlatch ceremony in over sixty years (as the Canadian government prohibited Indigenous people from practicing their culture and traditions). The grounds are also home to numerous totem poles – take a look and see which animal figures you can identify.

#4 – The Inner Harbour Causeway

Running along the waterfront, directly underneath both the parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel, you’ll find the Inner Harbour Causeway. As the Inner Harbour ceased to be a commercial and industrial port, and shifted towards being of more tourist importance, this pretty pedestrian area was added to turn the area into a social gathering spot.

There are some plaques and small monuments on the walls that line the causeway, but really you just want to walk down here to see if you can spot any seals in the water before strolling down to…

#5 – Victoria Harbour Ferries

Everyone in Victoria loves our little Harbour Ferries. The two main stops are here on the causeway and just west of the Inner Harbour at Fisherman’s Wharf (a community of floating houseboats and other local businesses). Upon request, they can also stop across the harbour in Songhees (you can walk back along a beautiful waterfront path) or down the water at the famous Red Fish Blue Fish restaurant (see below).

In the warmer months, the Victoria Harbour Ferries perform a “water ballet”. Several mornings per week, all of the ferries meet in front of the Steamship Terminal and perform a choreographed show on the water.  Check their website for dates and times (typically from April to September).

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#6 – Government Street

After exploring the Inner Harbour, you’ll want to walk north along pretty Government Street. This street is home to many of Victoria’s oldest shops, including the original locations of Rogers’ Chocolates and Murchies Tea & Coffee (more info on those below) and Munro’s Books. These three shops are beloved by both locals and tourists, and are definitely worth stopping inside as you are walking.

At the intersection of Government Street and View Street you’ll find two possible detours that might pique your interest: Trounce Alley on your right and Bastion Square on your left.

Trounce Alley is a small pedestrian street with quirky local shops and restaurants. The antique gaslights that illuminate the street at night are original, dating back 125 years.

Across the street (under the glass pyramid arch), Bastion Square lined with original 19th-century buildings, many of which are said to be haunted. Don’t worry – I promise it’s not spooky in the morning! This is where the city’s old courthouse was located, and it’s where you can now find Victoria’s Maritime Museum (closed for renovations at publication time). If you’re in Victoria in the summer, you can often find a street market here.

#7 – Chinatown

Follow Government Street north for a few more blocks until you reach Fisgard Street and the Gate of Harmonious Interest that marks the entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown. This is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second-oldest in all of North America (second only to San Francisco).

In Chinatown  you can find shops, restaurants and heritage sites like the Chinese Public School. A local institution, Don Mee Restaurant has been in operation for more than 80 years, and is known both for its iconic sign and its delicious dim sum. The Bubble Tea Place was the first cafe to introduce bubble tea to Victoria, and is now almost 25 years old.

If you’re traveling to Victoria BC with tweens, you can build excitement for your trip by reading Julie Lawson’s White Jade Tiger before your trip. This well-known Canadian young adult novel tells the story of Jasmine, a Chinese-Canadian teenager who finds a secret passage in Chinatown that allows her to step back in time to BC’s Gold Rush era.

#8 – Fan Tan Alley

On Fisgard Street, midway between Government Street and Wharf Street you’ll find Chinatown’s most famous landmark: Fan Tan Alley. Measuring only 90 centimeters (35 inches) across, this is the narrowest commercial street in North America.

A hundred years ago, Fan Tan Alley was known for its opium dens and gambling houses. As the police cracked down on those illegal activities the alley fell into disrepair, but local leaders worked to revitalize it in the 1980s and today it is one of the province’s most-visited attractions. Recently, Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian Museum opened a satellite museum here in the alley, which you can visit today by donation.

When you’re finished in Fan Tan Alley, turn towards the water and walk back in the direction of the Inner Harbour, along Wharf Street. There are three more sights to see along the way.

#9 – Market Square

Accessed from Wharf Street or Pandora Street, Market Square is one of Victoria’s liveliest plazas. Although many of the buildings surrounding the square date back to the 1890s, the commercial square itself was only opened in the mid-1970s. It features three levels of shops, restaurants and services, and often hosts free concerts, performances and flea markets.

If you’re looking for an eclectic souvenir, stop by The Little Shop of Strange (upper level, at the Johnson Street entrance). If you’re vegan, Green Cuisine has a great plant-based buffet and kombucha on tap!

#10 – Lower Johnson Street (LoJo)

Market Square has an exit directly onto Lower Johnson Street (known as LoJo), or you can arrive via Wharf Street. Known as the city’s premiere shopping block, the colorful facades here front independent boutiques, spas and restaurants.  Even if you’re not in a shopping mood, it’s worth checking out the meticulously-restored architecture along this block.

If you have more time, I recommend checking out these businesses on LoJo:

• Free Spirit Botanicals – The Gardener’s Tea Tree Cream saves my skin in the winter, and now that I’ve moved inland I rely on their Mermaid Magic Salt Scrub to make my bath smell like the sea.
• Still Life – They have two stores on LoJo: one for menswear and one for womenswear. This has long been Victoria’s been boutique for high-quality, unique fashions.
• Hey Happy – If you need a quick caffeine hit to sustain all this sightseeing, this independent coffee shop can tell you exactly where their beans came from and where they were roasted… or they can whip you up an iced turmeric vanilla latte with homemade oat milk!

#11 – Johnson Street Bridge

If you had visited Victoria ten years ago you would have seen its famous “Blue Bridge” at the end of Johnson Street. Designed by the same architect who built San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Blue Bridge was considered to be an icon of the city (if perhaps a bit unsafe…)

In 2013 the old blue bridge was replaced with the current iteration you can see above. This rolling bascule bridge can be raised to allow large boats to pass underneath, so if you see a big ship en route when you’re nearby it might be worth stopping to see the show.

Otherwise, if there are no big boats on the way, you can follow the waterfront back to the Inner Harbour area for lunch and to decide on which of the three activities below you’ll do during the afternoon of your Victoria BC day trip.  I’ve listed some restaurant recommendations towards the end of this guide.

Things to Do on a Victoria BC Day Trip (Afternoon)

Whoa!  I know that seems like a lot to do in the morning, but I promise that there’s still lots of time left in the day!  In fact, it probably took me longer to write that section than it will take you to visit all of those spots! Assuming you followed my recommended sightseeing route and stopped for lunch, it’s time to get on with your afternoon in Victoria BC.

I’m going to give you three different options for your one afternoon in Victoria. These are some of my favorite things to do in Victoria and they are exactly what I would do if I only had one day to show off this city to a first-time visitor.

• Best for Small Children – If you’re spending one day in Victoria BC with young children, you’ll want to spend the afternoon at the Royal British Columbia Museum. This is also the top choice if it’s pouring rain!
• Best for Adventurers – If you’re with adults, or children over the age of seven, whale-watching in Victoria BC is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
• Best for Nature Lovers – If you are an avid gardener, or just love beautiful natural landscapes, a half-day trip to the Butchart Gardens will be the highlight of your day.

Option #1 – The Royal British Columbia Museum

In Canada, the title “Royal” still has to be bestowed by the King or Queen (via their representative, the Governor General). When you see a museum or heritage site with this designation, you know that it’s of real cultural significance and is absolutely worth visiting. That’s why the Royal British Columbia Museum is one of my top three recommendations for the afternoon of your Victoria BC day trip.

Located on the Inner Harbour, between the parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel, the Royal British Columbia Museum is ideal for families visiting Victoria with small children or for anyone looking for an indoor activity in the city center.

The second floor of the museum is dedicated to BC’s natural history, and it’s where you’ll find the famous woolly mammoth (shown above). Upstairs, the third floor is undergoing renovations at publication time: the immersive walk-through Old Town is currently open, but the galleries about BC’s Indigenous people are undergoing renovation. You can also expect to find world-class temporary exhibits – on my most recent visit they were showing ancient treasures from Angor Wat.

The onsite IMAX movie theater shows both feature films and educational programs (made for IMAX screens) relating to the current exhibits.

Option #2 – Whale Watching in Victoria BC

I think that one of the most special things you can do with one day in Victoria BC is to get out on a boat in the Salish Sea and see some of the Pacific Northwest’s spectacular wildlife.

There are two companies right in Victoria’s Inner Harbour that operate daily boat tours to see orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other local creatures. Personally, I have always gone whale watching with Prince of Whales (their office is directly below the Tourist Information Center, across from the Empress Hotel), but I also know that Orca Spirit Adventures is a popular ecotourism company as well.

Most whale watching tours take about three hours, and you have the choice of going out on a high-speed inflatable zodiac boat (my favorite!) or a slower, more comfortable covered boat with a climate-controlled interior. I took pictures of both types of boats for you – at the top you’ve got one of Orca Spirit Adventures’ red zodiac boats (plus the all-weather flotation suit you wear to keep warm) and under that you’ve got one of Prince of Whales’ yellow covered boats. Both companies use both types of boats.

Prince of Whales 🐋

• Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour – I’ve taken this exact tour three times and can highly recommend it. I’ve seen orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions and even deer (on the shore!) with Prince of Whales. They guarantee that you’ll see whales – if you don’t, you can come back on another day for free.
• Whale Watching on a Covered Boat – The larger boat is a better option for small children, anyone who experiences motion sickness, or travelers with back injuries.

Orca Spirit Adventures 🦭

• Whale Watching on a Covered Boat – Again, this large, comfortable boat is a good choice for anyone who would be uncomfortable with the bumps and splashes you experience on a zodiac.
• Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour – For most of the year, Orca Spirit Adventures books their zodiac whale-watching tours under this branding. They have a 95% success rate of sighting whales on this tour during the months from April to October.
• Zodiac Marine Wildlife Tour – This appears to be the same zodiac tour as above, but renamed for the off season (November through mid-January). Although the Salish Sea has two resident orca communities, at certain times of year the chances of seeing whales is decreased as there aren’t any additional transient or migratory whales in the region. This tour name reflects the different wildlife that you’re more likely to spot.

Option #3 – An Afternoon at the Butchart Gardens

Lonely Planet calls The Butchart Gardens one of the “nine best botanical gardens in the world” and I completely agree. This is Victoria’s show-stopping attraction, and while it’s not in the city center it is still worth visiting on a Victoria BC day trip.

If you have your own car, it’s easy to drive to the Butchart Gardens in less than thirty minutes. However, if you need to use public transportation, the trip on Bus #75 does take a full hour in each direction.

For first-time visitors, you’ll want a minimum of two hours to walk through the 55-acre botanical gardens. Start by descending into the Sunken Gardens (located in a former limestone quarry), exit via the concert lawn, pass through the Rose Gardens and then get lost in the Japanese Gardens (my favorite, shown above in my guide to the Butchart Gardens in autumn ). As you leave you’ll pass by the Star Pond and cross the Italian Gardens, where you can sign your name along with the other one million annual visitors.

The Butchart Gardens is midway between the Swartz Bay ferry terminal and Victoria’s downtown, so if you end your day here you can drive straight back to the ferry terminal without backtracking into town.

Where to Eat on a Victoria BC Day Trip

Victoria has the most restaurants per capita of any city in Canada, with 4.6 restaurants per 1,000 residents. As a result, the restaurant scene in Victoria is competitive and if a restaurant sticks around for more than a few years, you know it’s going to be great. Here are a few of the places that I always recommend people eat when they’re visiting Victoria.

Breakfast Restaurants in Victoria BC

Whenever I’m meeting up with friends and family in Victoria I always suggest we go out for breakfast, because the city has so many amazing breakfast and brunch restaurants. You should be able to hit up any one of these for breakfast or lunch… whichever suits yours sightseeing schedule best.

• Murchie’s Tea and Coffee – For a light, European-style breakfast, stop into Canada’s oldest tea company: Murchies. At this flagship location on Government Street, the cafe is open daily for breakfast and serves coffee, tea and homemade baked goods. Freshly-roasted coffee and loose-leaf tea from the shop next door also make great souvenirs… and don’t leave without looking at the automated antique “tea grannies”!
• Jam Cafe – For something a lot bigger, come to Jam Cafe. Here, you’ll find plates heaped high with flavorful dishes like huevos rancheros (served with cornbread and jalapeno cream) eggs Benedict (I like the pear and Brie version) and French toast (topped with cinnamon apples sauteed in maple butter).
• John’s Place – This classic diner has been in operation for more than 40 years, and is popular with locals who like good, homestyle breakfast dishes. They were featured on “You Gotta Eat Here!” (the Canadian version of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”).

Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Victoria BC

• Noodlebox – Looking for quick eats?  Canadian stir-fry chain Noodlebox was born in Victoria. You can eat in or take your noodles to go – I recommend the Spicy Peanut Noodle Box and the Singapore Cashew Curry.
• Rebar Modern Food – My most-used cookbook comes from this Victoria staple in Bastion Square. My favorites include the Almond Burger and the Monk’s Curry. The menu is mostly vegetarian but some local fish is also served.
• Red Fish Blue Fish – There are no vegetarian dishes here (sorry), but all of the fish on the menu at this waterfront shipping container food truck has Oceanwise certification. Try the local halibut fish and chips, or have an order of wild BC salmon tacones (taco + cone = tacone).
• 10 Acres Bistro – Serving fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, this is a great place to taste authentic Pacific Northwest flavors. The menu may change by the time you visit, but when I was there I loved their “healthyish” toast with romesco sauce, avocado and salsa verde.

Other Places to Eat on a Day Trip to Victoria BC

You might have to scale back the rest of your itinerary to squeeze in a meal at one of these iconic Victoria restaurants, but if you’re a foodie it will be worth it!

• Lobby Lounge at the Empress Hotel – If you’ve got time, you can have the full royal experience with afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel.  You’ll be served an elegant assortment of savory sandwiches and sweet baked goods, along with the loose-leaf tea of your choice.
• Rogers’ Chocolates – Canada’s oldest chocolatier can be found in their original heritage shop on Government Street, just a few steps away from Murchie’s Tea and Coffee. Take home a box of indulgent Victoria creams (I recommend the caramel, chocolate, coffee and vanilla flavors).
• Jackson’s Ice Cream Float – Victoria doesn’t have a great ice cream scene (maybe I should move back and open a gelato shop!) but this floating ice cream parlour at Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun place to grab a cone or cup, and you might just spot a seal or two while you’re there. Access via the cute little harbour ferries from the Inner Harbour.
• Parliamentary Dining Room – You can actually join BC politicians and public servants for an affordable lunch at the restaurant inside the parliament buildings. Daily specials are usually posted on the website one business day in advance. Reservations (contact info at the link) are highly recommended.

How to Get to Victoria BC for a One-Day Trip

Victoria BC is on an island, which means you have to plan your transportation carefully if you’re only coming for one day.

In my opinion, Harbour Air is the best way to get to Victoria for a one-day trip. Harbour Air’s seaplanes fly from Vancouver’s Harbour to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, taking off and landing right on the water! This is the most efficient way to get to and from Victoria in a single day, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to fly in a seaplane over such a beautiful landscape! Book your flight well in advance.

There are other ways to get to Victoria for the day, but they don’t give you as much time in the city. Here are some alternatives:

• Kenmore Air – Seaplanes fly from Seattle’s Kenmore Harbour and Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• Coho Ferry – This vehicle ferry travels from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• Clipper Ferry – This passenger ferry arrives in Victoria’s Inner Harbour from Seattle’s Pier 69.
• BC Ferries – BC Ferries take cars and foot passengers from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal (outside Vancouver) to Swartz Bay ferry terminal in Sidney, north of Victoria. From Swartz Bay you can drive (much faster) or use public transit (much slower) to reach Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• BC Ferries Connector Service – This popular coach services picks up passengers at various locations in Vancouver and drops them off in downtown Victoria. Ferry fare is included in the ticket price.

Speaking of islands, I know that it’s kind of confusing but you should try to remember that Victoria is on Vancouver Island, while the city of Vancouver is on the mainland (not an island). Victoria Island is a completely different place, in Canada’s Arctic region. 🥶

I’m currently traveling around Western Canada and writing about all of the places that I visit. Check out all of my Canada travel guides , and if you have any questions, leave a comment below!

Planning a trip to Canada?  Pin this post for later!

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36 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC is one of our favorite places in the world and it’s not hard to see why. There’s just so much to love about this beautiful city!

Located on Vancouver Island’s southern edge, Victoria — the capital city of British Columbia — offers an amazing blend of natural coastal beauty, historical architecture, friendly locals, incredible restaurants, mild climate, and so many fun things to do!

As locals, we feel incredibly lucky to call this beautiful city home. Since moving here, we’ve explored every nook and cranny of Victoria and have uncovered some of the best things to do and places to see in the city.

Below, we cover the best things to do and see in Victoria, based on our local knowledge and experiences. We share the top activities, hidden gems, and must-visit landmarks, with insider tips to help you make the most of your time in our beloved city. Enjoy!

Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

From scenic seaplane flights and whale watching tours to famous flower gardens and beautiful beaches, Victoria is packed full of top things to do, beautiful places to see, and fun activities for just about every type of traveler!

Owing to the sheer abundance of activities, it can be hard to decide on what to do in Victoria, BC. We’ve been living here for years but still haven’t done and seen everything!

Don’t worry though — we’re here to help you pick the best things to do, places to see, activities, and must-visit attractions when visiting Victoria. Read on to discover the best that this city has to offer!

1. Butchart Gardens

Visiting the world-famous Butchart Gardens easily makes it to the top of our list of the best things to do in Victoria, BC — and for good reason!

One of the most popular gardens and tourist spots in Victoria, the Butchart Gardens are a must-see destination, year-round. Formerly a limestone quarry, the 55-acre property now houses thousands of colorful flowers and perfectly manicured plants, as well as stunning fountains, unique sculptures, totem poles, and even a carousel!

Related Article: Beautiful Gardens around Victoria, BC

Some of the most picturesque areas include the Sunken Garden, which is breathtaking every time we see it, and the Japanese Garden, complete with a towering Torii gate and gorgeous Japanese maples. We also love the impressive Ross Fountain and bronze Butchart Boar statue — apparently, rubbing its nose is good luck!

As if that all wasn’t enough, the Butchart Gardens also puts on a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evenings in summer. And in December, the gardens transform into a magical winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decorations during the Magic of Christmas event .

Related Article: Festive Things to Do at Christmas in Victoria, BC

Located in Brentwood Bay, the gardens are just a quick half-hour drive from downtown Victoria. Don’t have your own car to get there? This Butchart Gardens shuttle bus (admission included) will take you from downtown Victoria to the gardens, and back after!

For a daytrip from Vancouver to Victoria, this Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver will shuttle you by bus and ferry from Vancouver to Victoria and back. They even pick you up from your hotel in Vancouver.

Alternatively, arrive to Victoria in style on a seaplane flight from Vancouver , which includes transportation and admission to Butchart Gardens. Both of these day trips will also give you time to explore the Inner Harbour and see sights like Chinatown, BC Parliament Buildings, and the Empress Hotel.

Book the Butchart Gardens Shuttle Bus Here!

Book the butchart gardens bus tour from vancouver here, book the butchart gardens seaplane tour from vancouver here, 2. whale watching tour.

Who doesn’t want to experience the magic of spotting whales around Victoria?

Whale watching tours are one of the best ways to see these magnificent marine mammals, while also exploring Victoria’s coastal waters while you’re at it. If you’re lucky, you might spot a whale from land — but these tours guarantee a sighting!

Around Victoria, you’ll have the chance to spot gray, humpback, and minke whales, as well as our favorite — orcas! There are also the smaller Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour porpoises, and Dall’s porpoises, as well as other marine animals like Steller and California sea lions, harbour seals, river otters, and seabirds.

With a whale watching tour (like this half-day tour ), you’ll search for whales while experiencing the beauty of the Salish Sea. Don’t forget your camera! Thanks to marine experts, you’ll also learn more about the ecology of the whales in the area.

Sunset whale watching tours are our favorite. Ideal for photographers, these evening tours take you onto the water just before the sun sets, searching for whales in the golden light of dusk.

If you want to enjoy the sun more while you’re on the water, there are also half-day whale watching tours that head out in the morning or afternoon. You can choose to go out on a semi-covered vessel or for the more adventurous, a zodiac boat . If you don’t want to get splashed, we highly recommend sticking with the semi-covered boats!

Book the Sunset Whale Watching Tour Here!

Book the half-day whale watching tour (semi-covered boat) here, book the half-day whale watching tour (zodiac boat) here, 3. walking food tour.

Foodies, rejoice! A walking food tour in Victoria is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the city for those who want to experience all the local tastes.

Munch your way through Victoria’s culinary scene while enjoying a guided walking tour of the city with this Food and History Tour . Enjoy many local foods while learning about the rich history of the city!

Starting at the Victoria Public Market, you’ll explore highlights around downtown Victoria. Marvel at the Gate of Harmonious Interest in Chinatown, walk down the incredibly narrow Fan Tan Alley, stop at the historic Bastion Square, explore the charming Trounce Alley, and more!

Along the way, you’ll stop for food tastings from various local restaurants. Participants get to taste a wide range of locally sourced foods, from fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses to locally brewed beers and handcrafted chocolates.

The knowledgeable and friendly guides make this experience enjoyable and informative for all ages, making it a must-do activity for any visitor to Victoria!

Book a Food and History Walking Tour Here!

4. chinatown & fan tan alley.

Victoria is home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown (and North America’s second oldest), which is just north of downtown. This historical neighborhood offers visitors a taste of Chinese culture, with its vibrant colors, traditional architecture, delicious cuisine, and boutique shops.

The entrance of Chinatown is marked by the famous Gate of Harmonious Interest. This 38-foot tall ornate gate spans over Fisgard Street and welcomes visitors to the neighborhood with its intricate designs and stone lion sculptures.

Despite being small, Victoria’s Chinatown is packed full of unique shops selling all kinds of goods and souvenirs, restaurants serving Chinese cuisine like dim sum or bubble tea, grocery stores with specialty foods like durian and lychee, and narrow alleyways.

Don’t miss the easily-overlooked Fan Tan Alley while wandering around Chinatown. A hidden gem in Victoria, Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest street in all of Canada at only 0.9 meters (35 inches) wide in places! Marked only by a small sign on a lamppost, it’s easy to walk past this small street — keep your eyes peeled!

One of the best ways to fully experience Victoria’s Chinatown is on a two-hour Eat, Drink, and Explore Chinatown walking tour. On the tour, you’ll learn about the history of Chinatown’s heritage sites like the Chinese Language School, the Gate of Harmonious Interest, and Fan Tan Alley.

And of course, this food tour lets you sample a variety of foods and drinks from local vendors in the Victoria Public Market and Market Square. You’ll be treated to locally-roasted coffees, savory hand pies, arancini, and even some craft beer!

Book the Eat, Drink, Explore Chinatown Tour Here!

5. seaplane flight.

Scenic floatplane tours are one of the best ways to see Victoria — from a bird’s eye view!

Soaring above the city skyline is the ideal way to admire all the great sights that Victoria is known for. Not only that, the seaplanes take off and land right in the Inner Harbour.

If you haven’t flown in a floatplane before, it’s quite a unique experience!

Book a Panorama Seaplane Tour for an unforgettable adventure. You’ll board the seaplane at the Victoria Harbour Airport terminal. Then, the floatplane will skim quickly along the water of Victoria’s Harbour before taking to the skies.

From above, you’ll be treated to spectacular aerial views of Victoria and Vancouver Island’s southern coast. Look for landmarks like the Saanich Peninsula, Finlayson Arm, Mount Douglas, Salt Spring Island, and the distant Olympic Mountains over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Overall, a scenic floatplane tour is an excellent way to see the city of Victoria and its surroundings from a unique perspective, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Book a Scenic Floatplane Tour Here!

6. beacon hill park.

Looking for one of the best free things to do in Victoria? Check out Beacon Hill Park!

Beacon Hill Park is an expansive 75 hectare (200 acre) park by the Dallas Road waterfront. Not only does this park command an excellent location right by the ocean, but it is also within walking distance of downtown.

Often considered the crown jewel park of Victoria, Beacon Hill features rare Garry Oak meadows that fill with blossoms in the spring, year-round flower gardens , lily ponds with turtles, beautiful fountains, sports fields of all kinds, and more.

There’s even the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm (admission by donation), one of the fun family-friendly things to do in Victoria.

Beacon Hill Park is also home to what was once the tallest free-standing totem pole in the world. You’ll find this impressive carved cedar tree near the woods beside Dallas Road. Often, there will be a bald eagle perched at the very top!

Wander through Beacon Hill Park on foot or treat yourself to a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for unique sights like colorful peacocks or the Moss Lady statue. In the summer, the park is a popular spot for picnics, especially during the weekend concerts held at the Cameron Bandshell.

7. Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

One of the most unique ways to explore Victoria is on a horse-drawn carriage tour . Enjoy the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves on the pavement and the gentle pace of the carriage as you take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

These relaxing tours take visitors through Victoria’s picturesque downtown, past must-see spots, and beside the waterfront. Along the way, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Inner Harbour, BC Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel.

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share stories and anecdotes about the city as you ride through its streets.

For a full show of all that downtown Victoria has to offer, we recommend this 60-minute horse-drawn carriage tour . The tour cost covers the entire carriage (up to 6 people), making this one of the top things to do in Victoria with a group or for a romantic date.

You’ll start the tour beside the Empress Hotel and then journey through the stunning Beacon Hill Park. After, the carriage will head along the Dallas Road waterfront. Enjoy incredible views of the Olympic Mountains over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, before heading back downtown through the historic James Bay neighborhood.

Book the Horse Drawn Carriage Tour Here!

8. bc parliament buildings.

Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, the BC Parliament Buildings are truly a sight to behold. Standing on the edge of the Inner Harbour, the neo-baroque buildings feature a grand façade, renaissance-style copper domes, statues of historical figures, gorgeous water fountains, and more.

The Parliament Buildings are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, but you don’t need to be a fan of politics, history, or architecture to visit this beautiful landmark. Many visitors walk its gorgeous grounds to enjoy views of these iconic buildings or to just to snap a photo of the front.

While visitors often stop to admire the front of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, there is so much more to see than just that! Make sure to walk around the buildings to spot sights like the Centennial Fountain, Rose Garden, and all of the various statues and monuments. Visit at night to admire the building’s exterior lights, too.

And yes, you can go inside the Parliament Buildings! Don’t miss seeing the grand interior, like we did when we first moved here.

Entry is free from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. There are free self-guided or public tours, which include the Rotunda, Legislative Chamber, Legislative Library, and Hall of Honour.

Whether you want to observe a debate from the public gallery, take pictures of the stained glass windows (there are hundreds of them!), or see the traditional hand-crafted Shxwtitostel canoe, rest assured that there’s always plenty to keep you entertained for the day!

9. Craigdarroch Castle

Did you know that there’s a castle near downtown Victoria?

Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful Victorian-era mansion located in the heart of Victoria near the Government House — and it’s actually one of TWO castles in the city!

Originally, Craigdarroch Castle was an extravagant home for the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his family, built in the late 1800s. Now, the castle is a National Historic Site and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Victoria.

Wander through the castle on a self-guided tour, learning about its fascinating history and that of the family that lived there. The castle is open from Thursday through Sunday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm).

Even if you don’t want to tour the castle, it’s worth stopping by to see the outside! The historic building really stands out in the Rockland neighborhood. When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, the castle combined with the pink flowers make for stunning photographs!

For a unique experience, consider joining a 2.5-hour Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour which combines your castle admission with a pedicab tour of the area. On the way to the castle, you’ll pass by points of interest like the Government House (the gardens here are free and worth a visit ).

If you haven’t had enough of castles after exploring Craigdarroch, you can always head over to Hatley Castle in Colwood, another National Historic Site located just 20 minutes away!

Book a Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour Here!

10. fairmont empress hotel.

A visit to the historic and iconic Empress Hotel is an absolute must-do when you’re in Victoria, BC. While the Empress is one of the best oceanfront hotels in Victoria , it’s not just a hotel but a cultural landmark that has played an integral part in the city’s history for over 100 years.

One of the world’s most famous hotels, The Empress was built in the early 1900s and designated a National Historic Site in the 1980s. The hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, King George VI, and Shirley Temple.

To experience the most that The Empress has to offer, book a stay in one of its many luxurious guest rooms. But that’s not the only thing you can do at this hotel!

The Empress is well known for its world-renowned afternoon tea, a time-honored ritual lasting for over a century. This elegant experience treats guests to a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and decadent pastries, served on royal china and accompanied with classical piano.

Make reservations in advance — this is easily one of the most coveted activities in Victoria! Just be forewarned — the afternoon tea is on the pricey side.

Even if you don’t stay or eat at The Empress, make sure to visit this iconic landmark. The hotel’s stunning architecture and location on Victoria’s Inner Harbour make for some beautiful photographs. A visit to The Empress is a truly unforgettable experience that combines luxury, history, and stunning views, making it one of the best things to do in Victoria!

Check The Empress Hotel Prices Here!

11. inner harbor.

Don’t miss visiting the Inner Harbour if you’re looking for the must-see destinations in Victoria!

One of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Victoria’s Inner Harbour has everything — picturesque waterfront views, historic buildings, delicious dining options, boutique shops, and a vibrant atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the city. In addition, the harbor services many businesses like whale watching and floatplane tours .

Take a stroll along the harbor causeway and admire the stunning architecture of the Fairmont Empress Hotel and British Columbia Parliament Buildings. During the summer months, this area turns into bustling tourist hotspot with street performers, music, food vendors, and sightseers from all over the world.

Visitors can also enjoy whale watching excursions or simply relax in one of the many waterfront cafes and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a guided kayak tour to explore the waters of the Inner Harbour — one of the best harbours to paddle around in the world!

Of course, no visit to Victoria’s Inner Harbor would be complete without checking out the iconic Pickle Boats. These small ferry boats cruise all around the harbour, connecting different destinations like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Empress. And yes, these water taxis are shaped like tiny pickles!

12. Royal BC Museum

Home to over 7 million specimens and artifacts, the Royal BC Museum is one of the largest in Canada — and well worth a visit!

This world-class museum is dedicated to both human and natural history, offering incredible learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Visiting the museum is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Victoria — but it’s also lots of fun for adults too!

One of the most beloved exhibits at the Royal BC Museum is the Giant Mammoth. This life-size replica is named Woolly and was based on a real-life mammoth skeleton discovered in 1931.

For an immersive experience, check out the Old Town exhibit, designed to make visitors feel like they’re meandering through Victoria’s cobbled streets back at the turn of the century.

The museum also regularly brings in traveling exhibits, so there are always new things to see!

When you’re done look at artefacts, stop by the IMAX theatre in the Royal BC Museum to check out a movie or informative documentary. There are showtimes all through the day!

No trip to the Royal B.C. Museum would be complete without a visit to Thunderbird Park, known for its impressive collection of totem poles. Located just outside the museum, Thunderbird Park is free to visit — so make sure to check it out!

The Royal BC Museum is a must-see destination in Victoria, with its vast collection of specimens and artifacts, incredible exhibits, IMAX theatre, and stunning outdoor Thunderbird Park. Visiting this museum is a great way to spend a day and learn more about the fascinating history and culture of the area.

Note: The Royal BC Museum’s third floor is currently closed as they work on decolonization and renovation of the galleries. Click here for the museum’s current exhibitions .

13. Ghostly Walking Tour

Looking for a unique activity to do in Victoria ? If you’re in the mood for something different, consider taking a ghost tour of the city’s downtown!

The 60-minute Ghostly Walking Tours offer an unusual and intriguing way to experience the city. Led by talented storytellers, this spooky tour guides you through some of downtown’s most haunted spots. You’ll also get to see many of Victoria’s well known landmarks along the way.

Get ready to be spooked as your knowledgeable guide shares Victoria’s ghost stories and tragic tales! One of the best things about this tour is the opportunity to learn more about the unusual side of Victoria’s history.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an eerie adventure, this tour offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this spine-tingling opportunity to explore Victoria’s haunted history!

Book a Ghostly Walking Tour Here!

14. fisherman’s wharf.

Just a short walk around the corner from the Inner Harbour, you’ll find the quirky Fisherman’s Wharf. A floating marine destination, this must-visit spot features brightly-colored float homes, outdoor eateries, unique souvenir shops, and various ecotourism businesses like whale watching tours .

The colorful floating homes are one of the most whimsical features of Fisherman’s Wharf. Unfortunately, they are private residences and can’t be explored. But, if you want to experience what it’s like to stay in a floating home, book a room at the Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast !

Fisherman’s Wharf is a great spot to head for lunch. The floating outdoor restaurants serve all types of seafood, from fish n’ chips to freshly caught shellfish. Enjoy your meal at a picnic table, while taking in the lively atmosphere and watching the boats come and go. You might even catch a glimpse of seals!

After, if you’ve got some extra time to spare, you can always hop on a water taxi to explore the rest of Victoria’s Harbour. Alternatively, join one of the whale watching tours that depart from Fisherman’s Wharf to spot some marine wildlife like orcas and sea lions.

As a heads up, Fisherman’s Wharf is best visited in the summer months. Most businesses at the wharf are shut during the winter season. Also, expect crowds during peak tourist season!

Check Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast Prices Here!

15. victoria butterfly gardens.

Visiting the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is the perfect activity for a rainy or chilly day in the city. These indoor gardens provide an escape to the tropics without leaving British Columbia!

As you enter the gardens, you will be greeted by up to 70 species of butterflies, fluttering free among the plants. Our favorites are the massive atlas moths (which live less than a week after leaving their cocoons) and the orange-and-black monarch butterflies (known for their incredible multi-generational migrations).

Adding to the jungle experience, the gardens also house free-flying parrots and other tropical birds, like Caribbean flamingos! Other animals you’ll get to see include iguanas, tortoises, turtles, and poison dart frogs. You’ll also find a small stream, waterfall, and pond full of tropical fish!

Not only that, the indoor garden is a botanical wonderland. Here, you’ll find all kinds of flowers and plants from different parts of the world. They even have carnivorous plants that eat insects and sensitive Mimosa plants that close their leaves after being touched.

A visit to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a perfect way to spend a relaxing and fun-filled afternoon with your loved ones. Plus, since the Victoria Butterfly Gardens are located near Brentwood Bay, it’s an excellent activity to add to your day’s itinerary before or after visiting the Butchart Gardens.

Book Victoria Butterfly Garden Admission Tickets Here!

16. beaches.

It’s no secret that some of the most beautiful beaches in British Columbia are found in Victoria. After all, the city is practically surrounded by the ocean!

Willows Beach is by far the most popular beach in Victoria. One of the few sandy beaches in town, it does admittedly get crowded in the summer… but it’s so worth visiting.

With a grassy park, soft sand, and shallow water, Willows Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic, long walk, or quick dip in the ocean. We also love playing spikeball here!

Another incredible sandy beach in Victoria is Gonzales Beach . Located in a sheltered bay, we find that Gonzales is one of the best beaches in Victoria to head on a windy day. The water here is calm, making it a family-friendly beach that’s great for swimming — if you can brave the cold water, that is!

Head to the Dallas Road waterfront for another beautiful beach — Spiral Beach. This rocky beach isn’t great for swimming but it’s incredibly scenic! There are stairs to get down to the beach near Cook Street or Clover Point.

Looking for more beaches in Victoria to explore? Check out our articles on the best sandy beaches , most beautiful beaches , and most accessible beaches in town!

17. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

Hop-on hop-off buses are one of the best ways to explore the beautiful city of Victoria. Not to mention, they are all double-decker buses with an open top half — which makes them loads more fun to ride than a normal bus!

These sightseeing buses offer a convenient and flexible way to see the city’s top attractions. You get unlimited access for a half day. The buses are available from March through to October.

Points of interest on the bus routes include the Fairmont Empress Hotel , Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown, Old Town, Fisherman’s Wharf, Inner Harbour, BC Parliament Buildings, Christ Church Cathedral, Oak Bay Village and Marina, Cook Street Village, and the Breakwater .

With the freedom to get off at any stop and explore at your own pace, you can customize your tour according to your interests and schedule. They are the perfect way to get around if you don’t have a vehicle!

Buy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tickets Here!

18. government street.

Government Street is easily one of the most vibrant and pedestrian-friendly roads in Victoria. If you want to see some of the city’s iconic landmarks, check out local restaurants and bars, or just love shopping, this is the place to head!

While the street starts at Dallas Road and runs all the way to Douglas Street, the central portion (between Chinatown and the Inner Harbour) is the most lively and packed full of top things to do.

An entertainment and shopping hub, Government Street is lined with an assortment of boutique stores, restaurants, bars, historical buildings, and iconic landmarks. In the summer, there are often street performers, too!

Walking is the best way to explore Government Street. We recommend that you start at Beacon Hill Park or the BC Parliament buildings and head north towards Chinatown. Along the way, you’ll spot all kinds of must-see tourist destinations, including Bastion Square and the Empress.

If you want to learn more about the history of this area, we recommend joining a Historical Victoria Walking Tour !

Book a Historical Walking Tour Here!

19. malahat skywalk.

Looking for unparalleled views of the Salish Sea? If so, the Malahat SkyWalk should be at the top of your itinerary when visiting Victoria!

One of the more unique things to do in Victoria, the Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral 32-m high tower offering 360-degree views from the top. You’ll be able to see the Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, and all the way to Mount Baker!

Here’s one of the most fun parts about the Malahat Skywalk: when you’re done at the top, you get to slide all the way back down!

The Spiral Slide is 50 m (165 feet) long and 20 m (65 feet) tall. You can ride it as many times as you’d like.

There’s also an exciting adventure net at the top of the tower. Walk on it if you dare (don’t worry — it’s safe)!

The Malahat SkyWalk is just north of Victoria on the Malahat Highway, along the edge of the Saanich Inlet. You’ll need a vehicle to get there. If you don’t have one, consider this round-trip shuttle service from downtown Victoria (which also includes your admission ticket).

Book Malahat SkyWalk Shuttle and Admission Tickets Here!

20. pkols (mount douglas park).

For incredible 360-degree views of Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea, head to PKOLS (aka Mount Douglas Park) in Saanich.

At 225 meters high, the summit of Mount Doug offers spectacular views of much of Victoria and the surrounding regions. You’ll be able to see downtown Victoria, the rural Saanich Peninsula, Cordova Bay, and even Washington’s Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

There are many hiking trails that lead to the top of PKOLS. Alternatively, you can walk, bike, or drive up to the summit via Churchill Drive. The road is closed to vehicles until noon.

Don’t miss Mount Doug Beach when exploring the park! The beach is located near the large parking lot off Cordova Bay Road. We also recommend parking here, as the Churchill Drive parking lot is quite small.

21. Hot Tub Boat

Do you know what’s better than sightseeing on foot? Exploring Victoria from the cozy comfort of a hot tub boat , of course!

Hot tub boats are one of the most unique and fun ways to explore the Gorge Waterway and Upper Harbour of Victoria. These are Canada’s first hot tub boats and they are a blast to cruise around in.

The floating wood-fired hot tubs launch near the Johnson Street bridge. Each private hot tub boat rental has 1.5 hours on the water. You can cruise all the way to the Selkirk Trestle and back in that time!

The hot tub boats are equipped with waterproof speakers. Enjoy your favorite music while gazing out at Victoria’s historic waterfront. When you’re too hot, you can even go for a swim to cool off, thanks to the onboard ladder!

Book a Hot Tub Boat Here!

22. goldstream provincial park.

Goldstream Provincial Park has it all: stunning waterfalls, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, moss-covered forests, hiking trails, camping, epic panoramic views of the city…

Despite being on the city’s edge, this park is one of the best places to visit in Victoria if you’re a fan of the outdoors. It’s only 16-km from downtown Victoria, located at the start of the Malahat in Langford.

Goldstream is best known for its impressive salmon run in the fall. Thousands of Chum salmon return to the river and swim upstream to spawn. Visitors can watch this spectacle from late October through November. It’s also a great time of year to see the animals that feed upon the salmon, like bald eagles!

The park features one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Victoria — Niagara Falls. Yes, it has the same name as the one in Ontario. Now while it’s admittedly much smaller than its massive namesake in the east, Goldstream’s Niagara Falls is still quite beautiful! You’ll also find another waterfall, Goldstream Falls, near the campground.

Related Articles: Best Waterfalls Around Victoria, BC

Goldstream Provincial Park is also home to Mount Finlayson, one of Greater Victoria’s highest points and best scenic viewpoints . We do have to point out that the hike to the top isn’t exactly easy since it’s also the steepest trail in the area. But the view from the top is totally worth it, with amazing vistas of the island from every angle!

23. Hiking Trails

Do you love hiking? If so, here’s the great news about Victoria: the city is packed full of hiking trails, with options suitable for just about every fitness level!

A favorite of ours is PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) which just so happens to be one of Victoria’s most dog-friendly hikes . The top of Mount Doug (as locals often call it) offers some of the best views of the city . The summit takes about 20-40 minutes of walking, depending on your fitness level.

If you’re in the mood for something strenuous, climb to the top of Mount Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park. Remember to wear your best hiking boots since the walk to the top is super steep!

For a more relaxing walk, you could always check out the hiking paths around Thetis Lake. Or if you’re looking for spectacular ocean views, we highly recommend hiking part of the Coast Trail in East Sooke Park.

Traveling with kids or need a more accessible walk? Check out the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail, Kinsol Trestle Bridge, or Songhees Walkway!

24. Southern Gulf Islands

While Victoria itself has plenty of things to do, visiting one of the Southern Gulf Islands is an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed.

While the Gulf Islands archipelago stretches along much of Vancouver Island, the main islands around Victoria are Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Mayne, Pender, and Sidney Islands. Despite how close these islands are to Victoria, they have a distinct feel that makes them worthwhile adding to your Vancouver Island itinerary.

Each of the Southern Gulf Islands has its own charm and attractions, from the laid-back vibe of Galiano Island to the rugged beauty of Saturna Island. Salt Spring Island (also called Saltspring) is the largest, most developed, and most popular to visit.

Mayne Island features beautiful coastline, while Pender Island offers breathtaking hiking trails and chances to spot orcas. Sidney Island feels like a hidden gem, with long sandy beaches and tidal flats.

No matter which island you choose to visit, you’ll find a welcoming community, stunning island scenery, vibrant arts scene, farm-to-table foods, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

And with regular ferry service to and from Victoria, getting to the Gulf Islands is a breeze. These beautiful islands are perfect for a day trip (or longer) and the ferry is a great way to see the ocean scenery around Victoria!

25. Thetis Lake Regional Park

When we first moved to Victoria, Thetis Lake Regional Park quickly became one of our favorite spots in the city — and that hasn’t changed to this day!

Thetis Lake is a 921-hectare natural area featuring two beautiful lakes: Upper and Lower Thetis Lakes. Both lakes are quite popular for swimming, floating, kayaking, and just about any lakeside activity you can think of.

There’s also the smaller Prior Lake, but be warned — it’s clothing-optional!

Not only that, the park has over 40 kilometers of hiking trails. Wander through Douglar fir forests, explore around the lakes, and hike up to beautiful viewpoints at the top of Stewart Mountain, Seymour, or Scafe Hills.

Great for swimming, Thetis Lake is a very busy destination on hot days. In the summer, we highly recommend arriving before noon to beat the crowds. Parking gets pretty ridiculous, so arriving early will let you find a parking space and enjoy the lake before it gets busy.

Thetis Lake also offers ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding. Check out this paddleboarding lesson that’ll take you from the Main Beach to Upper Thetis Lake. Ideal for beginners, you’ll learn how to use a paddleboard while exploring the beautiful lakes!

Book a Thetis Lake Stand-Up Paddleboarding Session Here!

26. fort rodd hill & fisgard lighthouse.

Looking for a family-friendly thing to do or just want to learn about Victoria’s history? If so, head to Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood!

Both National Historic Sites, Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse offer a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s military and maritime history. The two sites are directly adjacent to each other.

Built in the 1890’s, Fort Rodd Hill was once an important coastal defense for Vancouver Island. Now, visitors can explore the historic remains, including gun batteries, barracks, command posts, and underground magazines, all while enjoying scenic ocean views.

Meanwhile, the Fisgard Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s west coast, dating back to 1860. While it no longer has a keeper, the red-and-white lighthouse is still operational. Enter the lighthouse to learn about everything from shipwrecks to lighthouse keepers.

Admission to Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse is cheap, under $10 for adults and free for youths, making them one of the best cheap things to do in Victoria!

Did you enjoy these historic sites? Visit Macaulay Point Park next! Here, you’ll find Fort Macaulay, another coastal defense battery that’s free to visit!

27. Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Offering spectacular hiking trails, breathtaking beaches, seaside backcountry camping, hidden waterfalls, wildlife spotting opportunities, and tide pools galore , the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true!

One of the park’s main draws is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. This popular hiking and backpacking trail stretches over 40 km along Vancouver Island’s shoreline, between China Beach and Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew.

The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail neighbors the famous West Coast Trail, which starts on the other side of Port Renfrew!

Within the park, you’ll find several incredibly beautiful beaches. From the bowl-shaped tide pools of Botanical Beach to the hidden waterfall at Sombrio, it’s worth checking out all of the beaches along this stretch of protected coastline.

Be sure to check out Mystic Beach, accessed via a short hike through the forest. Here, you’ll find a waterfall that tumbles directly onto the beach!

If you want to stay in the park overnight, there is frontcountry camping in the China Beach Campground. Most of the beaches also allow backcountry camping, with a permit.

28. Waterfalls

While Victoria may be known for its beautiful gardens and picturesque coastline, the city is also home to some stunning waterfalls that are not to be missed.

Chasing waterfalls is one of the top activities in Victoria for those seeking a little adventure and some incredible natural beauty. Because the waterfalls get more impressive after a good rainfall (and some even dry up in the summer), this is one of the best things to do in Victoria in the rainy winter season.

One of the most popular waterfalls in Victoria is Goldstream Provincial Park’s Niagara Falls. The waterfall is close to the parking lot and you can walk almost right up the base of the falls, depending on the time of year.

Another beautiful waterfall to visit is Sitting Lady Falls in Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. This waterfall resembles a sitting lady wearing a dress of water!

If you don’t mind driving outside of town, head to the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park for a couple of waterfalls right by the beach. Both Mystic and Sombrio Beaches feature waterfalls.

While Mystic Beach’s waterfall tumbles right onto the sand, you’ll need to search for the falls on Sombrio. Hint — the waterfall is hidden down a forest trail on the east side of the beach!

Click here to learn about more beautiful waterfalls in Victoria!

29. Cowichan Valley Wine Tour

Did you know that one of the major wine regions in British Columbia is found on Vancouver Island?

Most of Vancouver Island’s vineyards are located in the Cowichan Valley, just north of Victoria. While the vineyards on the island operate at a smaller scale than those in the BC Interior, the wines they produce are just as delicious!

With mild temperatures and a long growing season, the Cowichan Valley creates the ideal conditions for growing delicious grapes. Cowichan, a name given by the Quw’utsun people, even reflects the region’s Mediterranean climate and means “to warm one’s back in the sun”!

If you ask us, the Cowichan Valley is the ideal place for sipping on some of the best wines in the country. And the best way to experience the region’s incredible wine scene is by booking a wine tour!

Perfect for wine aficionados, this half-day Cowichan Valley Wine Tour takes you across three wineries — complete with tours and tastings! Offering round-trip transportation from Victoria’s downtown, this activity also includes a delicious lunch at a local boutique winery. 

Book a Cowichan Valley Wine Tour Here!

30. hatley castle.

Didn’t get enough of castles after Craigdarroch? If not, then head to Hatley Castle!

Built in 1908 for James Dunsmuir, Hatley Castle is a Edwardian stone mansion in Colwood that was designed to look just like a castle. The fancy castle stands at Hatley Park on the grounds of the Royal Roads University, overlooking the serene waters of Esquimalt Lagoon .

And if the place looks familiar to you, that’s because it was featured in several movies! Hatley Castle was in movies like Smallville, X-Men, Arrow, and even Deadpool! Cool, right?

Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, this National Historic Site is quite a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon. While the main castle grounds are free to explore, entry into the castle is only permitted on guided tours for a small fee.

While you’re in the area, make sure to explore the many walking trails that lead through the towering forest of Hatley Park. After, stop at the sandy beach of Esquimalt Lagoon , a migratory bird sanctuary known for its shallow lagoon, birdwatching opportunities, sandy beach , and driftwood sculptures.

31. Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Are you into watersports? If so, we’ve got some good news for you! Victoria just so happens to have some amazing kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) opportunities.

Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or are just trying these sports for the first time, Victoria has something for you! Best of all, you don’t need your own gear to try these sports.

If you have your own kayak or paddleboard, that’s great! If you don’t, there are plenty of places to rent gear in the city or take a lesson, if it’s your first time.

For beginner paddleboarders, try this SUP lesson which takes you onto the beautiful Thetis Lake — our favorite lake in all of Victoria! During this beginner-friendly activity, you’ll learn basic paddleboarding techniques while exploring the spectacular waters of Lower and Upper Thetis Lake. It’s a blast!

Prefer kayaking? Check out this 3-hour Victoria Harbour Kayak Tour . Paddle around the downtown waters, getting to see landmarks like the Fairmont Empress and BC Parliament Buildings from a different perspective. Your guide will safely navigate you through the harbour’s marine traffic, while providing insight on the historic sights along the way.

Have your own gear? Here’s a list of the best SUP spots in Victoria (these are also great for kayakers)!

Book a Thetis Lake SUP Lesson Here!

Book a victoria harbour kayak tour here, 32. dallas road waterfront & the breakwater.

Some of Victoria’s most beautiful coastline is found along Dallas Road. If you spend an afternoon here, you’ll be sure to agree!

Dallas Road follows along the southern edge of Victoria. The waterfront walkway along the street features incredible coastal views and the distant Olympic Mountains over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Walking or jogging the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail is the best way to enjoy the ocean vistas. This 4-km long trail stretches from Fisherman’s Wharf all the way to the Ross Bay Cemetery. Accessible and dog-friendly, the path is super walkable with no real elevation but features some really spectacular views!

Along the way, you’ll pass by all kinds of beautiful coastal parks, including the massive Beacon Hill Park (look for the tallest free-standing totem pole near Camas Circle), Holland Point Park, and Clover Point.

There are stairs near Cook Street that’ll take you down to the rocky Spiral Beach below Dallas Road, one of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria . Further down the road, you can also visit Ross Bay Beach near the cemetery.

For some of the best views, stroll over to the the Breakwater , a 762-meter long ocean walkway extending off Dallas Road. It has a cute lighthouse at the end and is great for watching boats go by and looking for seals!

33. Sooke Potholes Regional Park

Sooke Potholes Regional Park is among our top favorite swimming spots in Victoria. If you’re visiting Victoria in summer, swimming in the potholes is one of the best things to do!

The Sooke Potholes are a series of natural swimming pools along the Sooke River, about 45-minutes outside of Victoria. Carved into the rock by the cascading waters of the Sooke River, the potholes make for great swimming spots. Some thrill-seeking people even cliff jump here!

While the Sooke Potholes aren’t as chilly as the Pacific Ocean, we do find the river is colder than lakes like Thetis. On a hot day, you get used to the water though!

The main beaches along the river include Crescent (the most popular), Sand Pebble, Skipping Rock, Ripple Rock, and Hideaway Beaches. You’ll find people spread out all along the river, though.

Swimming isn’t the only thing to do here though. The riverside rocks are great for sunbathing, the shallows are great for wading, and you can walk the trail all along the Sooke River!

The park also borders the Sea to Sea Regional Park, which is great for hiking. Mary Vine Creek Waterfall is quite beautiful after a good rain and if you go just a bit further, Peden Lake is also quite scenic.

On a hot summer’s day, make sure to arrive at the Sooke Potholes Regional Park early. The parking lot gets quite busy! Parking is paid but if you get a season’s pass, it covers parking at both the Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake Regional Parks.

34. Craft Breweries

Visiting one (or more) of the amazing craft breweries around Victoria is one of the best things to do in the city for beer lovers. There’s nothing better than tasting some of the local brews while enjoying the sun on an outdoor patio!

Home to the first brewpub in Canada, Victoria is a city with a rich brewing history and thriving craft beer scene. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample some of the best beer that Vancouver Island has to offer.

From small-batch sours flavored with locally-grown fruits to West Coast-inspired IPA beers, there’s a beer to suit every taste. Sometimes the breweries even feature more unique brews, like kelp beer!

If you’re visiting at the right time, Victoria also has a couple of craft beer-focused festivals, including the Great Canadian Beer Festival and Victoria Beer Week . These events gather people from all over to celebrate the city’s craft beer culture.

35. The Gorge Waterway

The Gorge Waterway (known as the Gorge by locals) is the beautiful tidal inlet that starts at the Selkirk Trestle in the Victoria Harbour and extends north all the way to Portage Inlet.

This is a must-see destination for travelers looking for the best things to do in Victoria and it won’t take you long to understand why either! The Gorge is quite beautiful and peaceful.

Much of the Gorge can be enjoyed on foot. We usually like to start our walk at Saanich Gorge Park and then heading to Tillicum Bridge to see the Reversing Falls rapids.

After, we either continue onward along the Gorge Waterway Park Path to Craigflower-Kosapsom Park. Or, you can cross Tillicum Bridge to walk to Esquimalt Gorge Park, where you’ll find a peaceful Japanese garden!

While walking is an option, the best way to explore the Gorge is by stand-up paddleboard or kayak. You’ll be able to see much more of the waterway, especially Portage Inlet!

36. Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails are two of the best ways to explore the beauty of Victoria by bike.

These trails shouldn’t be missed! Both are mostly flat, paved, and accessible for bikers of all levels. The trails are multi-use so they’re also great for walking and running.

The Galloping Goose is a 55-kilometer trail stretching from Victoria all the way to Sooke. The trail offers stunning views of the city, with beautiful murals (some goose-themed ones!) along the way. The trail passes must-see spots like the Selkirk Trestle across the Gorge Waterway, Thetis Lake, Hatley Castle, and Sooke Potholes.

The Lochside Trail connects to the Galloping Goose at Switch Bridge and is a 29-kilometer north-south trail on the Saanich Peninsula. It runs from downtown Victoria to Swartz Bay, winding through rural landscapes along the way. Points of interest along the way include Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Mount Douglas Park, and the town of Sidney.

Don’t want to venture out on your own? Try this guided Castles and Neighborhoods Bike Tour . While it doesn’t take you on the Lochside or Galloping Goose Regional Trails, this bike tour will take you past some other landmarks around the city, like Craigdarroch Castle and Cook Street Village.

Book the Castles and Neighborhoods Bike Tour Here!

Top travel tips & resources for victoria, bc.

• Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
• Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com . They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
• Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
• Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
• Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

Related posts:

• Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for a Seattle to Victoria Trip
• One Day in Victoria, BC: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
• 8 Beautiful Gardens around Victoria, BC
• 9 Wheelchair Accessible Beaches around Victoria, BC
• 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Victoria, BC
• 20 Unusual Things to Do in Victoria, BC

Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

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The Ultimate Guide to Victoria, British Columbia (Things to Do)

Updated September 2023

As I watched a bald eagle swoop through the air, I was quickly reminded why British Columbia is so special. Welcome to British Columbia’s gem of a destination, Victoria.

Victoria, British Columbia seems to have it all — the wildlife, incredible cuisine, a warm welcome, and those landscapes you can’t get enough of. With four nights, I was ready to dive into everything that this vibrant city on Vancouver Island has to offer.

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the culture of Victoria has a lighthearted tempo to it, you are on an island after all. Between exploring the harbor and its wonderful restaurants and history, to getting outside for sea kayaking and whale watching, the time was the perfect blend of the outdoors and city.

It’s something truly unique to Victoria — the ability to experience otherworldly landscapes and then enjoy world-class cuisine right afterward. If you’re looking for an escape with the best of both worlds, take a look at just what I loved while visiting Victoria.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Victoria:

• Oak Bay Beach Ho tel , for the best Oak Bay hotel
• The Magnolia Hotel & Spa , for the best Inner Harbour hotel

Things to Do

Kayak on the salish sea.

• Go Whale Watching
• Book a Brewery and Food Tour

For more inspiration for how to spend your time in Victoria, check out 5 Experiences Not to Miss in Victoria, British Columbia .

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Victoria, British Columbia

 getting to victoria & transportation in victoria, getting there.

With daily flights offered into Victoria, you can easily arrive at Victoria International Airport from any major airport (some flights may require a layover in Vancouver). If you’re arriving from nearby destinations, a ferry into the harbor is also an option.

Upon arrival, depending on if you plan to explore more of the island, a rental car could be considered. If you are planning on exploring Victoria itself and plan to stay near the Inner Harbor, then there is no need for a car.

You can book transportation into the city with YYJ Airport transfer and the service will bring you from the airport to most hotels in Victoria. Once in the center, most of everything is within walking distance. There are also local taxis for longer distances. (Note: Uber is not available.)

Where to Stay in Victoria

Oak bay beach ho tel.

Located in the quiet community of Oak Bay, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is the hotel for those looking to be right on the ocean’s edge. It is a peaceful escape from the city center and only a ten-minute drive from the center. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service so you can still access the city and enjoy the retreat. At the hotel, each of the rooms is well-appointed and provides a cozy space. One highlight of a stay at Oak Bay Beach Hotel is their spa. Right on the water, the spa features heated mineral pools (open late) and rooms for treatments. Book the best rates here .

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa

In the heart of the Inner Harbour, the boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa is a charming place to stay. The rooms have fresh décor, each outfitted with amenities needed for a well-rounded stay. The hotel also has complimentary bikes to use while staying, making for a great adventure around the city (be sure to check out the personalized bike routes!). The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is footsteps from everything you’ll want to visit in Victoria and provides the perfect location for those looking to explore the downtown. Book the best rates here .

Other Hotels to Consider Booking

• Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour , for a modern stay with a central location.
• Oswego Hotel , for a boutique hotel right in the neighborhood of James Bay

Where to Eat in Victoria

In the Oak Bay Village is Vis-à-vis , a charming brasserie-style restaurant. Their menu has all of the classics you could wish for from a French restaurant — from French onion soup to moules, it’s a quaint dining experience.

Nourish Kitchen & Café

With brunch being one of the top meals in the city, Nourish is the place to go. Situated in an 1888 heritage home, their multi-level space has plenty of rooms to dine in. Their seasonal menu serves locally sourced ingredients and they even have their own garden. One of my favorite dishes was the “Sleeping Beauty Pancakes!” You can even stop in to grab a coffee to go at their coffee counter.

The Courtney Room

Inside the Magnolia Hotel & Spa , this newer, fine-dining restaurant has received recognition for its creative menu and cocktails. The Courtney Room’s fresh take on brasserie food meets British Columbia ingredients and finds dishes that are equally innovative and delicious. On the weekends, they also offer a delicious brunch that you can reserve for as well.

Q at the Empress

Inside the Fairmont Empress is Q at the Empress , an upscale restaurant that services one of the best meals in town. Their extensive menu and wine list showcase the best of British Columbia. I’d come in for a happy hour at the bar to soak in the harbor views and then enjoy dinner in the dining room afterward.

Superbaba is a casual restaurant in the heart of the city center. I loved their Mediterranean menu that featured everything from hummus plates to falafel bowls.

A favorite from Vancouver, Tacofino opened up a restaurant in Victoria. Their modern take on tacos and other classic Mexican dishes are delicious.

The Fish Store

Head to The Fish Store if you’re down in the wharf and want to get fish & chips or fresh seafood.

Grab a Coffee

There is great coffee to be found across the city. Some of my favorites were:

• Habit Coffee
• Discovery Coffee (multiple locations)
• Saint Cecilia
• Shatterbox Coffee

Things to Do in Victoria

Brewery hop.

As a key player in the microbrewery scene in Canada, Victoria has an incredible range of breweries to experience. You could spend a week there and not try them all.

You could book a brewery and food tour as well if you want something guided. This highly-rated tour also takes you to several breweries in town, covering art and the different locations.

My favorite breweries visited include:

• Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.
• The Drake Eatery
• Vancouver Island Brewing
• Ile Sauvage Brewing Co.

Check out the BC Ale Trail  for more locations.

What I loved about my time in Victoria was being so close to nature. One way to experience it is on a guided Oak Bay kayaking tour that takes you out onto the sea. We got to see so much wildlife up close from bald eagles to seals all while learning about the important eco-system that supports this part of Victoria. Book the tour here .

Explore the Royal BC Museum

I loved popping into this museum for a couple of hours and exploring the natural history room. The Royal BC Museum does a great job of exploring the local ecosystems and explaining the importance of conservation.

Go Whale Watching with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours

A highlight while visiting Victoria was an opportunity to go whale watching. On my four-hour tour , we had a chance to get up close (safely) to killer whales — we even saw one breach. It’s hard to put into words just how special it is to see whales in their natural habitat and would highly recommend this tour. Booking with Eagle Wing Whales is a great choice as they are the first carbon-neutral tour company and make a strong effort towards conservation for the whales. When going out on their tour, they often will stay out a little late if it means a better experience to see the whales, so you don’t feel rushed out. Truly an incredible adventure in Victoria. Book the tour here .

Enjoy a Spa Day at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

If you’re looking for a relaxing spa experience, then I would book a treatment at the spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel . With its mineral pools that overlook the sea, It’s the perfect city escape and not far from downtown. One standout treatment that I tried was the “Ocean Elements Body Ritual” which used local seaweed and other minerals to decompress and relax.

Experience Canada’s oldest Chinatown

One area of Victoria worth a visit is Chinatown and a walk-through Fan Tan Alley . Its colorful buildings and shops are so fun to explore and get a taste of local culture.

See the Butchart Gardens

Though I didn’t make it out to the gardens this trip, it is one of the top things to do in Victoria. It’s well worth a visit as these iconic gardens are stunning.

Tour the Craigdorrach Castle

Who would have thought there was a castle in the heart of Victoria? I did the self-guided tour through the well-preserved castle and enjoyed exploring the neighborhood afterward. This part of Victoria is stunning and great for an afternoon stroll.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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A weekend in Victoria, British Columbia: 2-day Victoria itinerary

Posted on Last updated: October 19, 2022

How to spend a weekend in Victoria, British Columbia: Discover the best things to see, do, eat and drink in Victoria in a two-day itinerary featuring whale-watching, parks, museums and cycle tours.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

AD: My trip was hosted by Explore Canada , but all views are my own.

Vancouver Island’s biggest city and the capital of British Columbia, Victoria is a relaxed, vibrant city on the edge of an island packed with spectacular scenery. It’s known for being one of Canada’s most English cities, and you can find manicured parks and afternoon teas.

But Victoria has a bit of everything – history and culture, bikes and boats, food and drink. Add in a temperate climate with plenty of sunshine, and a compact and walkable city centre and you’ve got an ideal city break. So here’s my two-day Victoria itinerary to help you plan the perfect weekend in Victoria, with what to see, where to eat, drink and stay.

How to spend a weekend in Victoria, BC

Friday evening

Once you’ve checked in to your hotel, start your weekend in Victoria at the heart of the city – its harbour. The water is alive with boats, with everything from cruise ships and luxury yachts to water taxis and dinghies. Take a walk along the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf, past the ferry terminal and around the headland by flower-filled Laurel Point Park.

Fisherman’s Wharf is around 15 minutes away. This waterfront district was built after the Second World War to house commercial fishing vessels. Today it’s home to a mix of colourful floating homes, food stalls, fishing boats – and the occasional seal.

From Fisherman’s Wharf, catch one of the Victoria Harbour Ferries back to the inner harbour. These dinky green and white ferries look like toy boats but will whisk you back to the harbour in 10 minutes, with on-board commentary from your captain.

Once you get to the inner harbour, follow the path in the opposite direction, past the craft and food stalls, buskers and street performers who gather in the evenings. Walk past the seaplane terminal and rows of yachts to Craft Victoria Harbour . This waterfront brew pub has 110 draft beers on tap, and a big waterside patio with harbour views.

Have dinner at at Little Jumbo restaurant, which is tucked away off Fort Street (look out for the neon elephant sign). It’s a cosy place which serves inventive cocktails – the name is a homage to two pioneering 19th-century bartenders. The small but perfectly formed menu uses local produce to create dishes like braised lamb shank and wild sablefish.

Then if you wander back to your hotel along the inner harbour after dark, you’ll see the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia building sparkling with the light of over 3300 bulbs, which looks extra beautiful when it’s reflected in the harbour waters.

Saturday morning

The following morning, explore Victoria on a bike tour with The Pedaler. They run a range of themed bike tours around the city to introduce visitors to their favourite local haunts, which are a good way to discover different neighbourhoods. Their Castles, ‘Hoods & Legends * tour takes in Victoria’s highlights over two hours and 6.8 miles/11km.

Along the route is Beacon Hill Park – 200 acres of gardens, ponds and trails along with a petting zoo and water park. It was made a protected area in 1858 by Sir James Douglas, governor of Vancouver Island, and is a favourite spot for Victorians to escape to.

It’s also home to a 39-metre-high totem pole which was the tallest in the world when it was erected in 1956 (it’s since been demoted to number four but is still an impressive sight). The Story Pole was carved from a single cedar tree. Their lifespan is usually no more than 50 years but it’s been restored and repainted and is still standing proud.

You visit Victoria’s Chinatown, where a gate guarded by stone lions welcomes you into Canada’s oldest Chinatown. There’s also Craigdarroch Castle, a Scottish-inspired Victorian castle built for a rich coal baron and restored to its 1890s glory. And the cool neighbourhoods of Cook Street and Fernwood with their boutique and vintage shops.

After the exercise, it’s time to eat. Nourish Kitchen and Café is just a short walk from The Pedaler’s shop. This historic 1888 building has been turned into a community hub, with a café serving nourishing, seasonal wholefoods. They have lots of tasty, healthy options, like oatmeal pancakes, tartines and salads, all of which are beautifully presented.

Saturday afternoon

After getting a taster of Victoria’s history on the cycle tour, head back to the harbour to find out more. You can take a tour of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly – the province’s parliament – which opened in February 1898 after five years of construction.

Tours of this ornate waterfront building are free, with a mix of 45-minute public tours with a guide (check their website for times which vary through the year) and self-guided tours, covering the province’s history and how Canada’s political system works.

Then head next door to the Royal BC Museum . It’s a fascinating place that splits the story of British Columbia into three strands – the natural history of the landscape and wildlife, the First Nations’ history of Canada’s indigenous peoples, and the province’s modern history. Don’t miss the Totem Hall, with its intricately carved totem poles and masks.

Later, take a walk along the harbourside to Finn’s Seafood Chops and Cocktails for dinner, in a red-brick former warehouse built for Roderick Finlayson, a businessman and politician known as the ‘father of Victoria’. Get an early booking or have a drink there before dinner so you can take advantage of the views over the harbour at sunset.

There’s lots of local seafood on the menu, including mussels, clams and Dungeness crab, as well as lobster from Nova Scotia and dishes like pizzas, burgers and salad bowls.

Sunday morning

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at John’s Place . It’s the oldest diner in Victoria and opened in 1984. On the menu are classic North American breakfast dishes like pancakes and Eggs Benedict, with a Canadian twist from maple-smoked bacon. And some more unusual options like southwestern-style meatloaf with eggs or Polish frittata.

Walk off all that food with a wander around the Victoria Public Market in the historic Hudson building, which opens at 11am. There are stalls selling locally-produced cheese, bread, pies, meats and groceries, as well as handmade arts and crafts.

Then go to the harbour for a lunchtime whale-watching trip with Prince of Whales. Vancouver Island is one of the best places to spot these magnificent creatures, especially when the salmon are migrating. Orcas, humpback and minke whales all live in the coastal waters as well as other wildlife like seals, sea lions and porpoises.

Tours take around three-four hours and you can choose between a larger catamaran * (available March–November) or a more adrenaline-fuelled – and wetter – trip on board a smaller zodiac boat * (available year-round). Both have a naturalist on board to look out for whales and tell you about the wildlife living in the waters around Victoria.

The company is carbon neutral and has a focus on sustainability and marine conservation. And if you’re not lucky enough to see any whales on your trip, they’ll let you take another tour for free – even if you don’t go back to Victoria until years later.

Sunday afternoon

Then finish your weekend in Victoria with afternoon tea at a city institution – the Fairmont Empress . This luxury hotel was built in 1908 for Canadian Pacific’s steamship passengers and became the city’s most famous building. Shockingly it was almost torn down in the 1960s, but was saved and brought back to its former glory to welcome guests again.

They serve a traditional English-style afternoon tea in their grand Lobby Lounge, with a classical pianist to accompany it. On the menu are dainty sandwiches, scones, cakes and macarons. And they cater for a variety of dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic diets – though you do need to book in advance.

It comes with a selection of teas, including their own Empress Tea which blends flavours from around the world. Or if you prefer something with more kick, add a glass of Champagne or an Empress 1908 cocktail, made with tea-infused vodka.

Map of things to do in Victoria, BC

The details

When to visit victoria.

Victoria has some of the mildest weather in Canada, and is sunnier and drier than nearby Vancouver. Summer is peak season on Vancouver Island . Victoria sees average high temperatures around 20ºC (68ºF) in July and August. It’s a great time to get outdoors, the city’s gardens are in full bloom and there are lots of summer events taking place.

But summer is the busiest and most expensive time for a weekend in Victoria, so book accommodation well in advance. Spring and autumn (fall) are pleasant with average highs of 12–16ºC (54–61ºF). Winters in Victoria are mild with daytime high temperatures around 7ºC (45ºF) and nighttime lows normally staying above freezing. And there are lots of festive events at Christmas in Victoria , from tree festivals to illuminated buildings.

Spring and summer are fairly dry, but rainfall starts to rise in late autumn. November and December are the rainiest months, so pack an umbrella and waterproof. And for the best opportunity to see whales, time your visit between April and October.

How to get to Victoria

Victoria is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and you can get there by air or sea. Victoria has an international airport 15 miles/24km north of the city. It’s connected by bus (1.5 hours), shuttle or taxi (25 minutes, approx $60 CAD).

Or if you’re travelling from Vancouver and fancy something more adventurous, you can take a Harbour Air floatplane .* The journey takes around 40 minutes with great views of the city, coast and Gulf Islands. And flights depart from Vancouver harbour and arrive into the inner harbour in central Victoria so it’s very convenient.

BC Ferries also carry both car and foot passengers from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. It’s not a direct route though, with ferries leaving from Tsawwassen, 22 miles/35km south of Vancouver, and arriving into Swartz Bay, 20 miles/32km north of Victoria.

Reservations are recommended, particularly if you’re travelling with a car. Foot passengers can book the BC Ferries Connector coach to take you from Vancouver airport/downtown to Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay to Victoria. Otherwise you can do it independently via public transport using a combination of buses and trains, but it’s slower and more fiddly.

You can also travel to Victoria by ferry from Washington State across the border in the USA, with services from Port Angeles, Anacortes and Seattle.

Where to stay in Victoria

The Hotel Grand Pacific * is set in a 10-storey building overlooking the inner harbour. Their spacious rooms have balconies looking out towards the Olympic Mountains in one direction or the harbour in the other, and there’s a pool, gym, hot tub and restaurants.

From its 250,000-crystal chandelier to its in-house gin, the five-star Fairmont Empress * is overflowing with glamour, but a recent revamp means facilities are right up to date. This huge 464-room hotel has a pool, spa, fitness centre, shops, bars and restaurants. And if you’re blowing the budget, stay on the Gold Floor for cocktails, canapés and terrace views.

Or the Oswego Hotel * is a good-value, modern boutique hotel located in a quiet area which has a mix of studio, one- and two-bed apartments with kitchenettes and dining areas – and some of the larger ones also have balconies looking out over the harbour.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Victoria?*

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Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Great suggestions ! We did a LOT of them this weekend and had beautiful weather to enjoy this amazing city !!

Lucy Dodsworth

That's great to hear!

Tuesday 25th of February 2020

Great article showcasing the wonderful things to do in Victoria. 10 years ago my wife and I visited the City fell in love with it and moved the next year. All the common tourist attractions you mentioned in the downtown core are great. If you have more time, a few suggestions I would add would be to go to the Wiffenspit in Sooke, or out to Sandcut beach. Market square is also another great little destination downtown. I could list many more because truth be told 48hrs is nowhere near enough time in Victoria.

Thank you – yes a weekend is only time for a taster, there's a lot of great things to do in the city, thanks for the suggestions for a few more to try out on my next trip too!

Thursday 6th of February 2020

Fantastic way to spend 48 hours here Lucy! If you come back again, save my contact info and I'd be happy to take you and your group on an amazing hike if that's your thing. Completely on the house and we'll see some amazing places.

Monday 10th of February 2020

Thanks so much – I'll keep in touch!

Traveling Canucks

Canada Family Travel Blog

20 Things to do in Victoria, Canada

01/30/2024 By Traveling Canucks 1 Comment Categories: British Columbia Canada Sightseeing Travel Tips Vancouver Vancouver Island Victoria

Victoria might just be the most charming capital in Canada

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island , the city of Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Today, we’d like to share some of our favourite things to do in Victoria with you.

It’s no surprise we have a soft spot for Victoria. This is the place where we met over 20 years ago. It’s where our story began. For this reason, we try to visit at least once a year. 

Victoria is located only 100 kilometres (62 miles) from both Vancouver BC and Seattle WA, making it the perfect weekend getaway for tourists and residents who live on the mainland.

That said, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can properly do Victoria in one day (unless you take a float plane from Vancouver to Victoria). We recommend you spend at least two days in Victoria, preferably three days if your itinerary allows it.

The Best Things to do in Victoria, BC

Table of Contents

Skip ahead using the Table of Contents above.

1. See Orca Whales on a Whale Watching Tour

Vancouver Island is home to some of the best whale watching in Canada. The best place to spot orcas in their natural habitat is the Salish Sea and Strait of Juan de Fuca . Whales, sea birds and other marine animals are attracted to the area to feed, resulting in a 95% success rate on whale watching tours.

While it is possible to see whales any time of the year, the peak Victoria whale watching season is in the summer months, from May to October during the salmon migration.

Victoria whale watching tours depart from the Inner Harbour. Tours depart several times per day. We went on a tour with Prince of Whales and would recommend them. You can book whale watching tours online ahead of time or simply show up and jump on the next departing boat. 

We hit the jackpot on our tour and spotted over 25 orca whales ! We could not have scripted a better whale watching experience. The water was calm, the sun was shining, and we witnessed a super pod. 

Book your Victoria whale watching tour here . Or join a zodiac tour here .

2. Take a Victoria Horse Carriage Tour 

A unique way to discover this historical city is by horse-drawn carriage. The relaxing and informative horse-drawn carriage tours allow visitors to see the city’s attractions in style. Tours travel through old residential neighbourhoods, scenic waterfront roads and the second oldest Chinatown in North America.

If you’re in the mood to turn up the romance, most operators allow you to open a bottle of champagne or wine while you tour the city by night.

We recommend using Victoria Carriage Tours . The horse carriage will pick you up directly from your hotel or restaurant. You can also organize your trip directly from the horse carriage operators, located beside the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. 

Tours range from 30 minutes to an 1.5 hours.

Book your Victoria horse carriage tour here .

3. Ride a Harbour Ferry around Inner Harbour

A fun way to get around Victoria’s Inner Harbour is to take a small Harbour Ferry. The little ferries depart from various points around the harbour, so you can bounce around the harbour and turn this convenient mode of transportation into a mini boat cruise. 

Stop at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub and grab a refreshing pint of local craft beer. Or, visit the colourful Fisherman’s Wharf and check out Barb’s Fish and Chips .

Tickets for the Victoria Harbour Ferry can be purchased as a Harbour Tour  ($30), Gorge Cruise ($30) or one-way fares starting from $7.00 per person.

Look for the ‘Ferry Stop’ signs at major waterfront locations around the harbour.

4. British Columbia Parliament Buildings

The iconic British Columbia Parliament Buildings are one of the star attractions in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The architectural style of these buildings has been described as a blend of Neo-baroque and Romanesque. 

Construction of the Parliament Buildings began in 1893 and they were officially opened in 1898. Other notable landmarks on the grounds are the Cenotaph (bronze War Memorial to the Unknown Soldier), Queen Victoria Statue, Douglas Obelisk, Knowledge Totem Pole, Speak Chair, Front Fountain and the Premier’s Rose Garden.

Visitors have the option to explore the inside of the BC Parliament Buildings. Door are open to the public Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

You can join a regularly-scheduled guided tours or explore the buildings on you own. Guided tours are free and last approx. 30 minutes. 

Related –  The Best Road Trip from Vancouver for first timers

The above photo is the fountain at the back of the BC Parliament Buildings.

Find deals on Victoria hotels using Booking.com or Hotels.com

5. Bike ride along Dallas Road 

Visitors to Victoria will find that most of its famous landmarks and tourist attractions are within walking distance to the BC Parliament Buildings and Inner Harbour.

To see what’s beyond the downtown core, rent a bike and cruise down Dallas Road to Beacon Hill Park, Clover Point Park and Ross Bay. The ocean views on Dallas Road are incredible, especially at sunset.

Start your bike ride in the residential area of James Bay. It’s a quiet area with some of the most beautiful heritage homes on Vancouver Island. James Bay’s claim to fame is that it’s said to be the oldest neighbourhood on the West coast of North America that’s north of San Francisco. Say that ten times fast.

After a brief stop at Fisherman’s Wharf, continue riding south on Dallas Road towards Ogden Point (the big pier where the cruise ships dock). Continue along the waterfront road towards Beacon Hill Park . You can ride your bike around the park or continue to Ross Bay and Gonzales Beach.

If bike riding is not your thing, you can also walk on the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail and visit Holland Point Park, Fonyon Beach, Finlayson Point and Spiral Beach.

6. Visit the Royal BC Museum and IMAX

Located between the Empress Hotel and the BC Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum specializes in British Columbia’s human and natural history. 

The elaborate galleries offer different environments, making it a great museum for all ages and preferences. There is a First Peoples Gallery, Modern History Gallery, Natural History Gallery and different traveling exhibitions. Our favourites are the life size woolly mammoth and the incredible collection of totem poles.

Plan to spend at least 3 hours at the museum, especially if you want to catch an IMAX film.

Royal BC Museum Hours of Operation here . 

While you’re in the neighbourhood, check out Thunderbird Park, located directly beside the Royal British Columbia Museum. Thunderbird Park is home to many totem poles and First Nation monuments.

7. Explore Beacon Hill Park in Victoria

Located along the shore of the Juan de Fuca Strait, Beacon Hill Park is the largest and most treasured park in Victoria. The 200 acre park is within walking distance to most downtown Victoria hotels, so it’s easily accessed by foot or bike. 

There are plenty of things to do in Beacon Hill Park , including a walk through its beautifully manicured gardens and weeping willows at Goodacre Lake, feed the goats at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm , photograph the peculiar Moss Lady sculpture and admire the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole.

You can access the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail from Beacon Hill Park. Walk towards Finlayson Point and search for little crabs on the rocky beaches. Have a seat on some driftwood and scan the ocean horizon for breaching whales and marine wildlife.

Take a deep breath and soak up those stunning Pacific Northwest views! 

8. Play Beach Volleyball on a Rooftop Bar

Have you played beach volleyball on the rooftop of a restaurant in the city? We’re guessing you haven’t because the Rooftop Patio  at the Strathcona is home to the world’s only rooftop beach volleyball courts.

We fondly remember our university days drinking pints with classmates and playing beach volleyball on the Strathcona rooftop. If you’ve got the time and desire, we recommend you give it a try!

If beach volleyball is not your thing, enjoy a pint at the Sticky Wicket or Big Bad John’s, one of Victoria’s best dive bars. The Strathcona has been a downtown Victoria landmark with roots dating back to the gold rush era in the early 1900’s.

With 7 venues, 5 levels, 5 diverse restaurants and 1,200+ seats, this is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. 

9. Hatley Park National Historic Site

Located in Colwood, about 20 minutes west of Victoria, the Hatley Park Historical Site is home to Hatley Castle (pictured above) and beautiful gardens, including the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden. 

Since 1995, the mansion and estate have been used for Royal Roads University , which is where Cameron went to university (more on that story here ).

You can take a tour of the castle and gardens, wander around the university grounds, hike through the forest and snap a photo with one of the resident peacocks (just don’t get too close, a few of them have tempers).

Hatley Castle has been featured in many blockbuster movies, including X-Men 2, X-Men: Last Stand, Deadpool, and Arrow. See the list of movies filmed at Hatley Castle here .

10. Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse

After visiting Hatley Park National Historic Site, check out nearby Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse Historical Site , the first lighthouse on Canada’s west coast that is still in operation.

The Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site allows visitors to see the 100-year-old coastal gun batteries, camouflaged searchlight emplacements, command posts, guardhouses and barracks.

These two national historic sites in Victoria are located on the same site. 

11. Walk the Inner Harbour Pathways

Victoria’s picturesque inner harbour is one of victoria’s most celebrated landmarks and attractions..

It’s often labelled as one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. We agree.

The most popular section of Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the marina in front of the Fairmont Empress and British Columbia Parliament Buildings (picture above). In the summer, this esplanade is filled with merchants, artists, street performers and food trucks.

Although the promenade in front of the Empress Hotel is the most popular, there are several pathways around the Inner Harbour, including the David Foster Harbour Pathway and Songhees Walkway . These pathways are the perfect place to watch the float planes take off and land on the bustling harbour.  

To get the this waterfront path, cross the new Johnson Street Bridge and pass the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort . The 3 km trail is flat and paved, so it’s fine for baby strollers, wheelchairs and bikes. 

Views of Victoria Inner Harbour on the waterfront Songhees Walkway.

The old Johnson Street Bridge in the distance. It was replaced in 2015.

12. Go on a Brewery Pub Crawl

Downtown Victoria is the perfect location for a brewery pub crawl. Victoria is very walkable and many of the brewpubs, bars and micro-breweries are located within walking distance to each other.  

Our favourite brewpubs and breweries in Victoria 

• Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
• Swans Brewery and Pub (pictured above) 
• Irish Times Pub
• Bard & Banker
• CANOE Brewpub
• Driftwood Brewery
• Vancouver Island Brewing
• Phillips Brewing Tasting Room
• Hoyne Brewing Company

If you’ve got the stamina, you can visit all of the above breweries and brewpubs by foot. They are located within about a 2-3 km radius. 

Here’s an interactive Victoria map with hotels, restaurants and attractions. If you prefer a guided tour look here or here .

Spinnakers Brewery is a long time favourite of ours. It’s located on Songhees Walkway.

Above is a flight of beer at Irish Times pub in Victoria. 

13. Craigdarroch Castle 

The Victorian-era Craigdarroch Castle is another National Historic Site in Victoria. Built in 1890 by a wealthy coal baron, during the reign of Queen Victoria, this fairy-tale castle has over 20,000 square feet of interior space. Learn more about this history of the castle here .

Ticket price to enter Craigdarroch Castle here . 

Craigdarroch Castle hours of operation are from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

14. Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo 

If you’re travelling to Victoria with kids, consider a short visit to the Victoria Bug Zoo , also known as the Bug Museum. It’s a two-room mini-zoo located in downtown Victoria, one block north of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The zoo creates an opportunity for you to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world. It has approx. 50 different species, including giant walking sticks, praying mantis, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and Canada’s largest ant colony.

Victoria Bug Zoo hours of operation and rates can be found here .

15. feel huge at miniature world victoria.

After you visit the Victoria Bug Zoo, walk one block south and check out Miniature World, one of the most popular tourist attractions in downtown Victoria.

Miniature World is trademarked at “The Greatest Little Show On Earth!” It has over 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the World’s Smallest Operational Sawmill and one of the longest model railways. 

Miniature World hours of operation and rates can be found here .

16. the maritime museum of british columbia.

After your visit to Miniature World, cross the street and visit the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Here you will find historical objects, art, photos & models showcasing the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest.

Maritime Museum of British Columbia hours of operation here .

17. Squeeze through Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown

Chinatown Victoria is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America, after San Francisco. You’ll want to start your visit to Chinatown at the Gate of Harmonious Interest , an ornately decorated arch at the entrance to Chinatown, located on Fisgard Street. 

Fan Tan Alley is a popular Chinatown tourist attraction.

Once home to brothels and opium dens, Fan Tan Alley is named after the Chinese gambling game Fan-Tan .

Today, its home to more than a dozen locally owned shops selling everything from vintage records to hand-crafted jewelry to organic treats. 

Fan Tan Alley’s modern day claim to fame is that it’s said to be the narrowest street in Canada. We love the unique architecture and red brick buildings that line this historical alley. 

The Gate of Harmonious Interest in Victoria’s Chinatown.

18. Fisherman’s Wharf 

Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun place to spend an hour or two. Enjoy Barb’s famous fish and chips on the pier and watch the playful seals swim around the colourful floating village. 

You will find a variety of shops and food kiosks at the pier, including freshly caught seafood, ice cream and milkshakes, sweet mini donuts, pizza and authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Fisherman’s Wharf is best reached via an Inner Harbour water taxi (see point #3). You can also walk or ride bikes along the the scenic Harbour Pathway. It’s an easy 15 minute walk from the BC Parliament Buildings to the Fisherman’s Wharf. 

While it may be tempting, DO NOT FEED seals or marine wildlife.

Many travel sites will recommend feeding the seals, but it’s now banned by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority . A scary incident happened with a seal that was fed at the Steveston dock in Richmond, BC. Watch the seal attack video here .

Barb’s famous fish and chips on the pier at Fisherman’s Wharf.

19. Smell the roses at The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens has become one of Victoria’s most visited tourist attractions with over 1 million visitors per year. Once a limestone quarry, these beautiful gardens have now been designated a National Historic Site of Canada .

The Butchart Gardens are located 30 minutes drive north of Downtown Victoria. More info on how to get to Butchart Gardens here .

If you do not have a vehicle you can join an organized tour that runs daily trips from Downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens. 

Butchart Gardens hours of operation for summer are 8:45 AM to 9:00 PM. Christmas hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. These times are subject to change. Visit website for up-to-date hours .  

Here’s an interactive map of Butchart Gardens.

You can join a Butchart Gardens tour here .

20. Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park is located only 16 km north of Victoria yet it feels far removed from the urban sprawl of downtown Victoria. The park is home to several hiking trails for all levels, ranging from an easy forest walk to the more challenging Mount Finlayson trail to the highest point in Greater Victoria . 

Goldstream Park is known for the annual salmon runs in the Goldstream River that happen in the fall. Hundreds of bald eagles congregate to the park to feed on the dead salmon. Read more about this impressive natural phenomenon here .

This park is also home to Niagara Falls.

Not the Niagara Falls in Southern Ontario. A smaller version that flows from Niagara Creek and drops 48 meters. The waterfall can be reached via a short 1.3 km round-trip hike (more info here ).

The other waterfall, Goldstream Falls , is located in the southwest corner of the park, near the campground.

Another popular hike is the Goldstream Railway Trestle Bridge . The 3 km hike takes about 2 hours round trip. Although it may be tempting, do NOT walk on the trestle bridge. There are no safety sidings and spacing between beams is inconsistent and can be quite slippery.

Parking at Goldstream Park can be chaotic on the weekends. To avoid the crowds, plan to arrive before 10:00 AM in the morning or after 3:00 in the afternoon. 

This Goldstream Park map shows the hiking trails, parking lots and campgrounds. The Goldstream Park campground fill up fast, so you’re best to make reservations well in advance.

Where to stay in Victoria?

We’ve stayed at the Magnolia Hotel , Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort , Fairmont Empress and Best Western Carlton Plaza and recommend them all. They are centrally located and family friendly.

Other family friendly hotels in Victoria:

• Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria
• Inn at Laurel Point
• Best Western Plus Inner Harbour

Search for last minute deals on Victoria hotels using Booking.com or Hotels.com

There is an increasing supply of short term apartment rentals in Victoria. Staying in a furnished apartment is convenient and affordable, especially if you’re traveling with a large family. Search for Victoria apartment rentals here .

The stunning Victoria Fairmont Empress hotel is recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the most Iconic Hotels in the World . 

Where to eat in Victoria?

You will not go hungry in Victoria. There are endless options for every type of cuisine. Being on the west coast, we’d recommend you dine at a seafood restaurant. The west coast is also known for quality sushi and Japanese cuisine.

• Fresh oysters and share plates at  10 Acres Commons
• Fancy tacos at Tacofino  
• Waterfront views at LURE Restaurant & Bar or Flying Otter Grill
• Popular Brew pubs –  Spinnakers ,  Swans Brewpub  and  CRAFT beer market
• Other favourites –  Bard & Banker , Nautical Nellies and Irish Times

How to get to Victoria from Vancouver

Most people will catch the ferry that  departs from Tsawwassen BC Ferries Terminal (and vice versa). You can also catch a bus from downtown Vancouver that will drop you off in downtown Victoria (ticket includes the ferry crossing).

Plan to arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour before your departure time. It’s wise to book a reservation ahead of time because it can get quite busy over a holiday weekend. If you miss the ferry it will be at least 2 hours before the next one.

The ferry will take about 4 hours, including drive time and wait time before boarding the ferry.

Each ferry crossing from Vancouver to Victoria will take about 1.5 hours. The drive from Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The drive from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to downtown Victoria takes about 30 minutes. 

You can also take a float plane or Helijet from downtown Vancouver. If you’ve only got one day to spend in Victoria, the float plane or helicopter is the fastest and most convenient option. 

Have you visited the city of Victoria?

Share your recommendations for things to do in Victoria in the comments section below.

Read more posts from British Columbia:

• 25 Awesome Day Trips from Vancouver
• 25 FREE Things to do in Vancouver
• Best Things to do Along the Sea to Sky Highway
• 15 Things to do in Squamish this summer
• Why you should visit Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island

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04/04/2021 at 9:08 am

Enjoyed your post on Victoria often visited hoping to return asap

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3 Days In Victoria BC – Itinerary & Guide (2024)

Victoria, BC is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities on the west coast. It is home to stunning ocean views, a thriving cafe culture, and friendly locals. And while it may be known as Canada’s Garden City, it has so much more to offer. Known for its vibrancy, creativity and culture, it’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable weekend getaway from Vancouver .

Victoria is a cosmopolitan city with cafes, pubs, bars, bistros, boutiques, galleries – all of which offer a vivid urban experience. Yet it’s also surrounded by nature so you won’t have to go far to get away from it all. You can take a quick stroll through Beacon Hill Park for incredible views of Juan de Fuca Strait or head down to Thetis Lake Park for some much-needed serenity in nature.

With its temperate climate and laidback island lifestyle, combined with plenty activities to keep you busy, spending 3 days in Victoria is the perfect amount of time to experience this fun-loving city. 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed trip, I’ve have put together the perfect 3 day itinerary to explore all that Victoria has to offer. 

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

Essential Links For Booking Your Trip To Victoria

Flights:  Book through  SkyScanner

Best Victoria Tours:

• 2-Hour Food & History Tour
• 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour
• History & Highlights Bike Tour

Top Victoria Accommodation:

• Fairmont Empress Hotel
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Robin Hood Inn & Suites

Where to Stay in Victoria BC

Whether you’re looking for an opulent hotel or a more casual retreat, Victoria has plenty of accommodation options—each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities.

The Fairmont Empress : The Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in all of Canada—and it recently underwent an extensive renovation project that has made it even more luxurious than ever before. Situated right on the harbourfront with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Victoria’s Inner Harbour, this hotel is ideal for those who want to experience opulence and luxury during their visit. When staying at Fairmont Empress Hotel in beautiful Victoria BC, you can expect everything from luxurious accommodations and amenities to breathtaking views and easy access to local attractions. 

Oak Bay Beach Hotel : The Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers guests unparalleled relaxation just minutes from downtown Victoria by car or bus. All guest rooms are equipped with private balconies overlooking beautiful Oak Bay Marina—the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring! 

Zed Hotel : If you’re looking for something a bit more fun and funky, check out Zed Hotel . This colourful boutique hotel features unique décor and amenities such as ping pong tables in their lobby and complimentary bike rentals which make exploring the city easy and enjoyable.

Robin Hood Inn : For a more outdoorsy escape within the city limits, head to Robin Hood Inn located near the Galloping Goose Trail. Not only does this inn offer guests complimentary e-bike and kayak rentals so they can explore nearby parks and trails but they also have access to laundry facilities which come in handy after long days spent outdoors.

When to Visit Victoria

Victoria’s mild climate means that visiting any time of year is possible. With average summer temperatures in the mid-twenties Celsius (mid-seventies Fahrenheit), it can be quite pleasant during the day and cooler at night. For those who prefer fewer crowds and more temperate weather, spring or fall may be the ideal time to visit. 

Many activities will depend on when you decide to visit Victoria. Summertime visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking around Fisherman’s Wharf or hiking up Mount Douglas Park; while winter visitors can explore downtown ice skating rinks or toboggan down snowy hills at local parks.

How Many Days to Spend in Victoria?

While Victoria makes for a great day trip from Vancouver, there is much more to explore further afield. You can do a lot with one day in Victoria , but there are lots of things to do in Victoria, so I recommend staying for at least three days—or even a full week if you want to really experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. 

With 3 days or more in this amazing city you can really explore all that there is on offer here while still having time left over for relaxation too! Whether it’s peaceful walks through gorgeous parks or learning about local culture through museums, spending 3 days in Victoria will allow you see the top sights as well as explore Greater Victoria attractions.  

How to Spend 3 Days in Victoria BC

Day 1 – inner harbour, parliament buildings & mount douglas, breakfast at blue fox café.

If you only have time for one breakfast place in Victoria, make it the Blue Fox Café. You cannot spend three days in Victoria without stopping here.

This place blew me away and I can’t wait to return! It’s a really popular place, especially on the weekends so you’ll more than likely have a wait, but trust me when I say it is worth it! 

The blue fox cafe has an extensive breakfast and brunch menu that it’s hard to choose. If you love eggs Benedict, their benny’s menu offers all kinds of variations.  

When it comes to coffee, you need to try the caramel macadamia nut latte. This coffee is to die for. It was by far one of the best I’ve ever tasted. 

Don’t forget to try their mimosas! They have several varieties on offer but my favourite is their blackberry guava mimosa. It’s made with sparkling wine, blackberries, guava juice which is made in-house. The combination of flavours in this drink is nothing short of heavenly. 

Explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour & Parliament Buildings

Start your day by exploring around Inner Harbour – one of the most iconic spots in Victoria. Here you can find historic architecture like The Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel – both architectural gems that are unique to this city.

The Parliament Buildings of BC are a must-see in Victoria when visiting this beautiful city. Designed by Francis Rattenbury and blending Baroque and Romanesque architectural styles, these buildings will take your breath away. 

The Parliament Buildings are open to visitors from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays. While admiring them from afar is definitely a sight to behold, they become even more special when you get an up close and personal look inside. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and cover topics such as the province’s history, Canada’s political system as well as fun facts about prominent historical figures.

BC Royal Museum

The Royal BC Museum is home to a wealth of cultural artifacts and educational programs that explore British Columbia’s natural history and cultural heritage. The museum is one of the best indoor activities in Victoria.

Visitors can learn about the province’s rich history through interactive activities and displays. The museum also features a variety of unique artifacts from around the world. And if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home with you, there are plenty of options in the gift shop! 

Fishermans Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of Victoria Harbour. It is home to several seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and snack stands where visitors can enjoy traditional British Columbian eats such as fish tacos, chowder and smoked salmon sandwiches. You can also find a wide selection of local handmade crafts from the area’s First Nations communities here.

The real highlight of Fisherman’s Wharf however are its vibrant floating homes which have become something of an icon in this part of town. Brightly painted and charming, these floating homes make for some great photo opportunities along the waterfront.

Nearby Barb’s is a great spot for lunch; it offers some of the best fish and chips in town as well as amazing views of the harbour. And no visit to Fisherman’s Wharf would be complete without trying out Jackson’s Ice Cream – an iconic local ice cream shop serving up delicious homemade flavours like lavender honey and salted caramel.

Visit the Fairmont Empress Hotel

The Empress has been gracing the shores of Victoria’s Inner Harbour since 1908 and should be part of your 3 day Victoria itinerary. This majestic building is hard to miss in Victoria and worth a visit even if you are not staying at the hotel. 

For those looking for a luxurious afternoon tea experience steeped in history and refinement, look no further than The Fairmont Empress. The hotel has been hosting afternoon tea for more than a century and is considered one of the most luxurious spots for high tea in Canada. With over 30 varieties of herbal teas and classic black teas to choose from as well as delicious food options prepared by their talented pastry chefs, it’s an experience that travellers won’t soon forget. 

Q at the Empress is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Victoria. Its modern yet cozy atmosphere invites customers to relax and enjoy their time spent at the restaurant. The chefs use fresh, local ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes that are bursting with flavour. 

The Q Bar menu features creative cocktails that focus on local ingredients and flavours. Many of these drinks contain their signature gin – Empress 1908 – which is inspired by the hotel itself.

Watch The Sunset From Mount Douglas

Mount Douglas or “Mount Doug” as the locals call it, is one of the top outdoor activities in Victoria. It is located in southeastern Vancouver Island on the Saanich Peninsula, and boasts spectacular views over Victoria and beyond. It is especially beautiful just before sunset when the sun hits the mountain peaks perfectly. 

It is considered part of the Greater Victoria area and is a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria. The mountain itself stands at over 600 metres tall with a total elevation of 1,190 metres. Its peak can be reached via one main trail that winds up through the forested slopes of the mountain. 

Day 2 – Malahat Skywalk & Hiking

Day two of this Victoria 3 day itinerary explores some of Victoria’s best outdoor spaces. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for a day spent in nature. 

Breakfast at Floyd’s Diner

Start your day by fuelling up at Floyd’s Diner, one of the best brunch spots in Victoria. This cozy diner has been serving up classic comfort food since 2004 and has become a beloved local spot. 

It’s an incredibly popular spot in Victoria with locals and tourists, so you’ll most likely have a wait ahead of you. We waited somewhere between 20 to 30 minutes on a Sunday during a long weekend in BC, and I really don’t think that was long at all considering. It was definitely worth it!

The staff here are some of the friendliest you’ll find in Victoria, while we were waiting we were offered complimentary coffee to stay warm. 

The menu is really extensive which makes it hard to choose – the chicken and waffles benny is probably one of the best things I’ve ever eaten, highly recommend! If you’re feeling adventurous try The Mahoney, a dish where the kitchen gets to choose what they cook you – then you choose whether to pay the mens price or flip for it. 

Malahat Skywalk

The Malahat Skywalk provides a chance to explore nature at its finest, plus interactive experiences about biodiversity conservation in British Columbia’s coastal rainforest.

Located 20-minutes north of Victoria, the Malahat Skywalk is an exciting new attraction that provides easy access for everyone – including strollers and wheelchairs. Your journey begins by walking the 600-metre elevated walkway through a west coast forest of Arbutus and Douglas Fir trees. 

After your exploration along the walkway comes time for your ascent up the 10-story spiral tower which stands 250 meters above sea level with some of best views on Vancouver Island. Here you will have sweeping panoramas of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula. You can even witness views of islands in two countries – Canada and USA! 

Kinsol Trestle

The Kinsol Trestle offers a great opportunity to get outdoors and is one of the top things to do near Victoria. This magnificent structure stands 44 meters high and spans 187 meters across the Koksilah River. Hiking the trestle is a great way to take in the stunning scenery of the region, as well as get some exercise! 

The Kinsol Trestle was built in 1920 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. At that time, it was considered one of the most spectacular engineering feats of its kind. Over time, however, it fell into disrepair and became unsafe for use. In 2011, a restoration project began with $14.9 million in funding from all levels of government and donations from local businesses and individuals. Today, it is one of Canada’s most impressive heritage sites. 

Niagara Falls in Goldstream Provincial Park

You’ve probably heard of the majestic Niagara Falls that sits on the border of Ontario and New York, but did you know Vancouver Island has its very own Niagara Falls? The thing I love about the Vancouver Island Niagara Falls is that it couldn’t be more different that it’s Ontario counterpart. 

Niagara Falls is located in Goldstream Provincial Park, just 15 km from downtown Victoria and is one of the easiest hikes in Victoria . The trail to the falls is well-maintained and winds through lush forest and creeks. Once you reach the destination, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Niagara Falls cascading down into a deep pool below. It’s a sight to behold and one that shouldn’t be missed during your 3 days in Victoria.

There are several access points to choose from depending on your desired route. The easiest route is from the small parking lot on Highway 1/Malahat Drive. On busy days you can also do the longer trip from the Goldstream Visitor Centre.

Dinner at Irish Times Pub

The Irish Times Pub has been around since 1994 and provides an atmosphere that is both relaxed and inviting. The pub itself is located on historic Government Street in downtown Victoria, making it easy to get to by foot or car. 

The Irish Times is everything you expect from a traditional Irish pub and more. The decor is super quaint and really transports you back in time. As for the food, you won’t be disappointed – my favourite items on the menu are the brie and bacon burger, the mac & cheese (it’s amazing with added pulled pork) and the mushroom truffle dip! End your meal with their iconic sticky toffee pudding. 

There’s also an extensive selection of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails so you can enjoy your meal with a refreshing drink. The pub often hosts live music events so you can enjoy your meal with some toe-tapping tunes! 

Day 3 – Butchart Gardens, Chinatown & Shopping

Breakfast at jam café.

Jam Café has been serving up quality food and drinks since 2012. The atmosphere is fun and inviting, with an emphasis on local ingredients.

Jam Cafe’s menu offers classic breakfast dishes like omelettes and eggs benedict, as well as more unique items like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options, so everyone can find something they enjoy. 

Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens are a world-renowned botanical garden that draws thousands of visitors each year. Located in Brentwood Bay, BC, just outside of Victoria, the gardens offer spectacular views and beautiful displays.

Butchart Gardens is known as one of “the most spectacular gardens in North America” – and rightfully so! With its world-famous displays of vibrant flowers and lush vegetation spread across 55 acres of land, these stunning gardens are definitely worth visiting. 

There are more than 900 varieties of plants here, including tulips, roses, lilacs and rhododendrons—all of which are meticulously maintained by experienced gardeners. The vast variety of flora ensures that no matter what time of year you visit Butchart Gardens, they’ll be something new and exciting to experience. Make sure not to miss the Butchart Gardens during your weekend in Victoria.

Victoria is home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. If you’re looking for a unique and culturally rich experience, this should be your go-to destination. Designated a National Historic Site in 1995, Chinatown is a testament to the traditions and culture of the Chinese people that immigrated to Canada over 150 years ago.

It has since become a vibrant corner full of restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Victoria during your trip, make sure to check out Fan Tan Alley—a narrow alleyway filled with independent boutique stores from vintage pop-ups to music stores.

As you walk into Chinatown, you’ll find yourself welcomed by the iconic Gate of Harmonious Interest. Decorated with vibrant colours, this archway serves as an entrance into this part of town. 

Shopping on Government St & Lower Johnson St

Lower Johnson Street (LoJo) is the epitome of picture-perfect shopping. Located in downtown Victoria, LoJo is lined with boutique shops that offer unique fashion and accessories. Also known as the epicentre of fashion, LoJo provides a great opportunity to explore some of the best independent stores that Victoria has to offer. 

If you’re looking for a great place to find some rare or hard-to-find books, then ‘Munro’s Books’ on Government Street is your go-to spot. Munro’s has been around since 1963 and has earned a reputation as one of the top independent bookstores in Canada.

Beacon Hill Park

Spanning over 200 acres, Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s most beloved outdoor spaces. With its tranquil ponds, lush gardens and winding pathways, this park is perfect for an afternoon stroll or a morning jog – especially during the winter months when it’s less crowded than usual. If you are on a budget and searching for free things to do in Victoria, Beacon Hill Park will tick all your boxes!

Dinner at Café Mexico

Victoria has an extensive food scene so make sure to take advantage of the restaurants on offer during your visit. Café Mexico was recommended to me by some local bartenders, and the food really is incredible!  

The menu at Café Mexico is packed with a variety of Mexican dishes including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and much more. They also offer a wide selection of specialty dishes like Queso Fundido—a delicious blend of melted cheese served with chorizo sausage or grilled veggies on top (this is my favourite and I highly recommend!) 

Watch the Sunset Along Dallas Road & Ogden Point

End your 3 days in Victoria by walking the iconic Dallas Road at sunset. Stretching from Ogden Point all the way to Clover Point, Dallas Road features lush green spaces and incredible coastal sights. 

The Breakwater is a long sea wall that extends out into the ocean from Ogden Point. From its beginning at Dallas Road, it stretches over 400 meters out into the harbour and serves as both an island breakwater and harbour entrance.

At the end of the Breakwater lies an iconic landmark—the Breakwater Lighthouse. This structure dates back to 1914 when it was built by Captain Herbert Huddart for marine navigation purposes. In recent years it has been decommissioned but still serves as an important reminder of maritime heritage in Victoria BC.

After you have explored the area around the lighthouse head back towards land and follow Dallas Road until you reach Clover Point Park. This beachfront promenade is lined with benches and offers unbeatable views of Juan de Fuca Strait from sunrise to sunset (plus everything in between). There are also a few picnic tables here if you want to stop for lunch or dinner during your walk along Dallas Road. 

Explore More of British Columbia!

Want to explore more of BC? Check out these other detailed travel guides!

• Easy Hikes in Victoria BC
• Things to do in Vancouver in Winter
• Canada Packing List – What to Pack for Every Season!
• Best Things to do on Bowen Island
• Vancouver Island Road Trip – 7 Day Itinerary
• One Day in Victoria Itinerary
• Best Things to do on Salt Spring Island

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From Vancouver to Victoria: 5 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Magee Walker and Lura Seavey Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Separated by the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver and Victoria are two beautiful seaside cities that are on most visitors' "Must-See" lists. Luckily, it is relatively simple to make the trip from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island – and there are several different ways that you can hop from one city to the other, as we will explore.

The cities share a few similarities – namely very walkable downtown cores and stunning scenery from every angle – but they are vastly different in many ways.

If you're visiting Vancouver and can spare even just a day to visit Victoria, consider it time well spent. The province's capital has plenty of attractions , from the expansive Butchart Gardens to the hustle and bustle of Chinatown to an unforgettable high tea experience at the Fairmont Empress hotel.

On This Page:

• From Vancouver to Victoria by Ferry
• From Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane
• From Vancouver to Victoria by Ferry and Seaplane
• From Vancouver to Victoria by Bus Tour
• From Vancouver to Victoria with Whale Watching

1. From Vancouver to Victoria by Ferry

The most common way to travel from Vancouver to Victoria is to cross the Strait of Georgia on the ferry, by way of BC Ferries .

Technically, the ferry doesn't leave from Vancouver proper: you have to catch it from Tsawwassen. Of the two ferry routes that link Tsawwassen and Vancouver Island, one goes straight to Swartz Bay, which is just outside of Victoria. The trip between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay clocks in at one hour and 35 minutes , crossing a distance of 24 nautical miles .

The other ferry from Tsawwassen goes to Duke Point in Nanaimo, which is north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. This ferry trip takes two hours , crossing 38 nautical miles . Once you're in Nanaimo, you'll have to drive down to Victoria, which takes another hour and a half . Before leaving Nanaimo, take time to admire its award-winning public art. Wall-sized murals, sculptures, and installations are in all artistic styles and subjects, including nature, wildlife, historic abstract, and First Nations motifs.

To get from Vancouver to Tsawwassen, you can either drive, take public transit, or hail a taxi. The drive is about 45 minutes in light traffic, but expect it to take much longer if you're making the trip during after-work rush hour. The trip takes about an hour via public transit, which includes a combination of taking the SkyTrain (leaving from downtown Vancouver) and a bus. Taking a taxi is the most expensive of the three options, but can save some of the hassle of driving yourself or taking multiple trains and buses.

There are several ferry trips between Vancouver and Victoria (as well as Vancouver and Nanaimo) per day, with the exact schedule changing, depending on the day of the week and the time of year.

If you are traveling without a vehicle (i.e. if you're a "walk on"), you should generally be able to secure a space on your ferry of choice, save for exceptionally busy periods, like weekends in the summer or holidays.

If you're driving, you might want to consider making a reservation ahead of time. There is a premium charge for this and a cap on how many cars can reserve a space on the ferry. If you don't have a reservation, there is always a chance – especially in busy periods – that the ferry will fill up before you get there. If this happens, you'll have to wait at the terminal until the next sailing. Not only is it boring to hang out by your car for a few hours, but if you're on a tight schedule, this can be a logistical hassle.

Whether or not you have a reservation, make sure you arrive to the ferry terminal at least half an hour before the ferry's schedule departure time, otherwise you risk missing the boat (pun intended).

The trip by ferry is an adventure of its own, with beautiful scenery as you sail and a good chance of spotting dolphins, sea lions, and even whales if you're crossing in the summer or spring. You can even have a snack or lunch at the café and shop for souvenirs during the crossing.

2. From Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane

There are plenty of perks to traveling to Victoria by seaplane. First, it couldn't be more convenient: the seaplane leaves from Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver and lands in Victoria's Inner Harbour, so when you arrive, you're already right in the action.

Second, the trip is speedy: it only takes 35 minutes to cross the Strait by air, and trust us – with everything there is to see, it will feel much faster.

The views are another advantage to taking the sea plane. As you take off, you'll get to see Vancouver and the Lion's Gate Bridge in all its glory from above, then you'll pass over the Gulf Islands before swooping down over Victoria.

Planes leave every day of the week, with several departures throughout the day. It's wise to book your flight from Vancouver to Victoria on a seaplane ahead of time, as seaplanes are on the smaller side and tend to book up quickly. Also, be prepared to pay a premium – it costs more than twice as much to take the seaplane as it does to cross by ferry (with your car on deck), but the benefits might make it worthwhile to you.

3. From Vancouver to Victoria by Ferry and Seaplane

Can't decide whether you'd rather make the trip by water or by air? You can always choose to experience the best of both worlds by taking the seaplane over to the Island, then catching the ferry for the trip back.

In fact, you can book a Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane and Ferry tour that allows you to do both in the same day, which is a great choice for those who want to get a taste of Victoria but don't have much time in their schedule to fit in a multi-day trip. The tour also includes transportation from Victoria to the ferry terminal, as well as from Tsawwassen to Vancouver, by way of coach.

4. From Vancouver to Victoria by Bus Tour

If you're eager to visit Victoria but aren't sure where to start, then a Small-Group Victoria and Butchard Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver tour might be right up your alley. These tours eliminate the need to co-ordinate all the logistics involved in traveling from Vancouver to the ferry, making reservations, and getting from Swartz Bay into Victoria – all the legwork is done for you.

All you have to do is hop on the coach in Vancouver – from here, it is smooth sailing (literally). Once the bus boards the ferry, you can head to the upper decks to take in the ocean views or grab a bite to eat. When the ferry docks on the other side, head back to the coach bus, which will take you through some of Victoria's best attractions.

Not only will the bus take you through downtown Victoria, but an all-knowing tour guide will point out key sites along the way. You'll also get a tour of the blossoming Butchart Gardens, which feature 900 plant varieties over 55 acres of gardens . The tour also includes the trip back to Vancouver, making for a very full – but memorable – day. Get a good night's sleep the night before and prepare yourself for a day that just might be the highlight of your visit.

5. From Vancouver to Victoria with Whale Watching

For those who want to seize all the opportunities for sightseeing while they are in Vancouver and Victoria, there's a chance to add some serious whale-watching to a day's itinerary. This flight and whale-watching day tour begins with a seaplane ride from downtown Vancouver to Victoria, where you'll board a 12-passenger Zodiac.

After two hours of high-speed cruising and whale watching with a knowledgeable guide, you'll return to Victoria, with a full afternoon to see the Royal British Columbia Museum, visit Butchart Gardens, or stroll through trendy Cook Street Village and Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown.

The seaplane trip back to Vancouver after this full day of adventures gets you there in plenty of time for a leisurely dinner, and passengers can choose their return time from any of the regularly scheduled seaplane flights.

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Exploring Vancouver Island: If you are looking to spend some time on Vancouver Island, you can plan some of your adventures with our guide to the top things to do on Vancouver Island . Although Victoria is the most popular destination, the island has beautiful beaches, small towns, and fabulous hiking trails that can take you through some of the area's most outstanding scenery. Another popular destination on Vancouver Island is the resort town of Tofino . This area is also known for its rugged landscape, beaches, and surfing opportunities. Even if you are visiting in the winter, come here to watch the storms roll in while you relax in one of Tofino's luxury resorts or lodges .

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Princess Anne to visit Maritime Museum of B.C. during Victoria stop

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Princess Anne is expected to stop by the Maritime Museum of B.C. Collection and Archives during her visit to Victoria.

The princess and her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, will be in Victoria and Vancouver as part of their visit to Canada, May 3-5.

The couple is expected to meet with the museum’s board of directors, staff and volunteers May 4, and view some of the 45,000 objects in the museum’s collection — some of which came from the National Maritime Museum, one of the Royal Museums Greenwich.

Brittany Vis, executive director of the Maritime Museum of B.C., said during their 1951 visit to Victoria, the then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip toured the navy base in Esquimalt. Phillip inquired about a naval museum on the West Coast.

“When told there was none, he set about to change that,” Vis said. “When he got home to England, he contacted the Greenwich Museum and asked them to send some objects to B.C. to start a new naval museum.”

The fledgling naval museum got its start on Signal Hill, just outside the gates of HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt.

It moved to the Bastion Square courthouse in 1965, when it became the Maritime Museum of B.C. It is now located at 744 Douglas St.

On May 5, Princess Anne will visit the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association’s Central Saanich facility.

Princess Anne was in Canada last year, visiting New Brunswick in May and Alberta in June.

Her last visit to Victoria was in 1971, when she accompanied the late Queen Elizabeth II on a tour that also took them to Nanaimo, Tofino and Comox.

The Royal Canadian Navy will host the royal couple’s stay in Canada. Princess Anne is honorary commodore-in-chief of the Canadian Fleet Pacific.

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Princess Anne to visit Vancouver, Victoria during 3-day visit

The itinerary also includes a visit to the archives and collections space of the Maritime Museum of B.C. in Victoria

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The Princess Royal, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to visit British Columbia next month.

Princess Anne and her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, will attend a series of events during the three-day trip starting on May 3, including a commissioning ceremony in North Vancouver for HMCS Max Bernays, the third of Canada’s new arctic patrol vessels. That will be followed by an overnight trip on the vessel as it heads back to its home port at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

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While in Greater Victoria, the itinerary includes a visit to the archives and collections space of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia in Victoria, which was founded with an initial donation by the princess’s late father, Prince Philip.

Princess Anne is scheduled to attend a commemorative service marking the Battle of the Atlantic at theB. C. legislature and lay a wreath.

A statement from the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor says the weekend will also feature a visit to the Military Family Resource Centre where Princess Anne will meet with service members and their families.

It says she will also meet with Janet Austin, B.C.’s lieutenant-governor, and various community leaders from the province.

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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The True Story Behind ‘Under the Bridge’: What Happened to Reena Virk?

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How does a fight between a group of teenagers result in murder?

Hulu ‘s new true-crime series “ Under the Bridge ,” based on the late Rebecca Godfrey’s non-fiction book, portrays the before and after of 14-year-old Reena Virk’s brutal murder. The first two episodes, released on April 17, show the timeline of events leading up to Virk’s death and the investigation that took place.

Godfrey told Interview Magazine in 2019 how she became involved in the show. “I was living in New York City. This would’ve been in the late 90s, and I was working on a novel about teenage girls in my hometown of Victoria, British Columbia. Then I started getting all these calls from friends that there had been a murder in Victoria,” she said. “I went home soon after and went into the prison. I was just stunned because the girls all looked like normal, cool, young teenage girls, not particularly like killers.”

The show’s cast also includes Vritika Gupta, Ezra Faroque Khan, Archie Panjabi, Chloe Guidry, Javon Walton, Izzy G. and Aiyana Goodfellow.

What Happened to Reena Virk?

Virk’s father, Manjit, wrote “Reena: A Father’s Story” in 2008, which details his daughter’s life and death. According to Manjit, Virk grew up feeling like an outsider and was bullied throughout her youth. She had a complicated relationship with her Indian Canadian parents who raised her as a Jehovah’s Witness.

When she was 14, she started to hang out with a group of teens including Nicole Cook. In the novel “Under the Bridge,” it details how Virk allegedly spread rumors about Cook saying she had fake breasts, wore colored contact lenses and had AIDS. 

Virk managed to get away. However, Ellard, then 15, and Glowatski, then 16, followed Virk when she and kept attacking her, dragged her into the water and Ellard held Virk underwater until she drowned. Vice obtained a coroner’s report that indicated Virk sustained multiple blows throughout her body and suffered a “convulsion injury as often seen in car crash victims.”

Police found Virk’s body on Nov. 22, 1997, eight days after she was killed. 

Who Were the Teenagers That Killed Her?

The six girls involved in the inital attack became known as the “Shoreline Six.” They were convicted of assault in juvenile court for their role in the initial attack that took place. They received sentences ranging from 60-day conditional sentences to one year in jail.

Ellard and Glowatski were both tried as as adults in separate trials. Glowatski was tried first, and in June 1999, he was convicted of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for seven years, but was later granted parole in 2010.

Ellard’s trial began in March 2000 and she was charged with second-degree murder. However, in February 2003, The British Columbia Court of Appeals ruled to overturn Ellard’s conviction. Ellard’s second trial ended in a mistrial in June 2004. Following her third trial, in April 2005, jurors convicted Ellard again and she received a life sentence, and her parole eligibility was set to seven years. She was granted day parole in 2017.

Ellard has since changed her name to Kerry Marie Sim and gave birth to two children. She remains behind bars.

What the Showrunners and Cast Want the Audience to Take Away

Showrunners Quinn Shephard and Samir Mehta told Variety’s Marc Malkin at the premiere on Monday how important it was to cast girls that were the same age as the real-life killers.

“We were like, ‘Please trust us, the show won’t work if they’re not really young.’ And luckily, we were given the freedom to do so,” Shephard said about the initial casting process. “It was the most inspiring experience getting to work with them [the kids] and seeing how seriously they took the subject matter, and how much they wanted to do justice to the story.”

Because of the heavy subject matter in the show, there were social workers and trauma counselors there on set for support, if needed.

“We had many conversations just kind of beforehand, not only in rehearsal, but just in meetings to talk about the subject matter and really make sure we were all on the same page in terms of responsible portrayal,” Mehta said.

Mehta spoke about how he hopes this show inspires “more investigation of the self.”

“Could I have been a part of this? If I was that age, I was there under the bridge that night? You know, is the thing that I’m judging so fiercely, because of how horrible it is? Is that actually on some level of projection of something that might be live within me?” Mehta said.

“I really hope that looking at the series, we focus on the true part of true crime a little bit more than the crime aspect,” she said. “Sensationalizing the crime elevates the perpetrator to celebrity status and erases the victim in the process. And when we do that, we also lose the opportunity to talk about what made that person… what in society enabled it so that vulnerable person became the victim.”

The remaining episodes will drop weekly on Hulu until the finale on May 29.

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Princess Anne to visit British Columbia, sail to Esquimalt

VICTORIA — Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to visit British Columbia next month. 

The princess and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, will attend a series of events during the three-day trip starting on May 3, including the commissioning ceremony for the HMCS Max Bernays followed by an overnight sail to Esquimalt on Vancouver Island.

Their itinerary also includes a visit to the archives and collections space of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia in Victoria, which was founded with an initial donation by the princess’s late father, Prince Philip.

Princess Anne is scheduled to attend a commemorative service marking the Battle of the Atlantic at the British Columbia Legislature and lay a wreath.

A statement from the Office of the lieutenant-governor says the weekend will also feature a visit to the Military Family Resource Centre where Princess Anne will meet with service members and their families.

It says she will also meet with Janet Austin, B.C.’s lieutenant-governor, and various community leaders from the province.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2024.

The Canadian Press

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