33 Wonderful Things to Do in Victoria, BC (by Locals!)
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We’ve lived in Victoria for nearly nine years now – and we’re still smitten.
Since first writing this guide, we’ve discovered even more wonderful things to do in Victoria, BC!
Set on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this seaside city blends old-world charm with West Coast cool. We think it’s an essential stop on any trip through British Columbia.
From the famed Butchart Gardens and turreted Craigdarroch Castle to secret beaches, funky neighborhoods and local gems, Victoria is packed with personality. Whether you’re interested in whale watching, afternoon tea or just a relaxed stroll along the Inner Harbor, the city delivers.
Ready to experience the best of Victoria? Here’s our ultimate hometown hit list!
Featured reader comments/questions
Contents: Victoria, BC, travel guide
Ultimate list of top 33 things to see and do
- Gardens, parks and beaches
- Cultural and historic attractions
- Food experiences
- Outdoor adventures
- Scenic strolls, hikes and walking tours
- Shopping, art and festivals
- Sightseeing tours
Also see the comments and reader questions at the end of this post.
Top 7 picks
Keep reading for our ultimate list of the 33 best things to do in Victoria, BC. But if you’re after the short list, this is it!
- Smell the roses at Butchart Gardens (we like this award-winning city sights-and-gardens tour)
- Stroll Beacon Hill Park
- Visit the Royal BC Museum
- See the BC Parliamentary Buildings
- Go whale watching (we’ve done this amazing adventure twice, it’s that good!)
- Bicycle the Lochside Trail
- Walk the Inner Harbour
Discover beautiful gardens, parks and beaches
1) Smell the roses at Butchart Gardens
If there’s one thing you must do in Victoria, it’s visiting the world-famous Butchart Gardens.
We never tire of these spectacular gardens – and whenever we have out-of-town visitors, we always bring them here!
Started in 1904 by Jennie Butchart (wife of a wealthy quarry owner) and expanded over the years, this botanical wonderland is now a National Historic Site and one of Victoria’s most beloved attractions.
Expect dazzling displays of colorful blooms in the sunken garden (which wow us every time!), a tranquil Japanese garden, a glorious Italian garden bursting with tulips in spring, and a prize-winning rose garden that truly smells as good as it looks.
Getting there
The gardens are located about a 35-minute drive north of downtown Victoria.
Need a ride to Butchart Gardens?
Here are some easy ways to get there:
- Direct shuttle – Round-trip Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle (leaves from in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel) – least expensive option (other than the public bus!)
- Small-group tour – A 5-hour city and gardens tour with hotel transfers – combines Victoria sightseeing with 2½ hours to explore the gardens at your own pace
- Half-day private tour – Victoria and Butchart Gardens your way (perfect for a group of up to 5 people)
Coming from Vancouver or Seattle?
You can still visit Butchart Gardens on a day trip.
2) Get lost in Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is Victoria’s largest green escape, right in the heart of downtown.
We’ve spent countless hours here – watching ducks paddle in the ponds, admiring flowers in all their technicolor glory and keeping an eye out for the peacocks that roam freely about.
Footpaths wind through 200 leafy acres – past fountains, Garry Oak meadows, flower gardens, playgrounds and sprawling lawns perfect for lounging.
One of the park’s quirkiest features? The Moss Lady, a 36-foot-long (11-meter-long) sleeping sculpture draped in moss, nestled near Douglas Street.
Nearby, be sure to look up, and you might spot another surprise. Great Blue Herons nest high in the trees (in spring and summer).
Just don’t linger too long underneath or you could get splattered with white bird poop from above! (We speak from experience.)
3) Admire the totem poles in Thunderbird Park
Right next to the Royal British Columbia Museum (#6 below), Thunderbird Park is a small park with big cultural significance. It’s home to a collection of striking First Nations totems and a traditional long house.
All the poles were carved onsite as replicas of ancient ones that had started to decay. The originals are now preserved in storage – but their spirit lives on here in full view.
4) Chill on a beach
Visiting in summer and feeling the heat? Cool off at one of Victoria’s beaches or lakes!
Willows Beach is where you’ll usually find us on hot afternoons.
With half a mile of sandy beach and driftwood logs to rest against, it’s a great spot to unwind – and to launch our stand-up paddleboard (for me, Janice) and pedal kayak (George’s pick).
There’s also a cute tea room at Willows Beach, run by the Kiwanis Club, that’s open in late spring and summer.
But fair warning… The ocean here is cold. Like frigid!
If you want to actually swim in water that’s not freezing), check out Thetis Lake. It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown and much warmer.
5) See salmon spawn in Goldstream Provincial Park
The park in autumn
Just 10 miles (16 km) from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park puts on a jaw-dropping natural show each fall.
From mid-October to late December, thousands of Pacific salmon fight their way up Goldstream River to spawn. Chum salmon are the most common, but you may also see Coho and Chinook species.
Find a perch along the riverbank and watch as the salmon muscle their way upstream against the current – it’s an incredible sight!
You’ll see females digging nests (called “redds”) to lay their eggs (“roe”), while the males, now sporting hooked jaws and reddish bodies, battle rivals for spawning rights.
After spawning, the salmon die. So toward the end of the season (December or so), you’ll see lots of bald eagles flying in to feed on the salmon carcasses.
Spring and summer in the park
While the salmon run is the unique event in fall, you’ll find peaceful forest trails for hiking in spring and summer.
We especially like the short hike to Niagara Falls. (No, not that Niagara Falls!)
This lovely waterfall in the park cascades down 156 feet (47½ meters) to a large rock pool, where people like to splash about and swim in summer.
Explore cultural and historic attractions
6) Visit the Royal BC Museum
Climb aboard a replica of the stern of the ship HMS Discovery – the ship on which Royal Navy officer Captain George Vancouver first arrived in British Columbia in 1792.
It’s just one of many immersive exhibits at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
You can also see extensive displays of First Nations artifacts, a traditional “big house” and ancient totems.
Established in 1886, the museum – which showcases BC’s 9,000 years of human history – has a whopping collection of 7 million objects.
Don’t miss the museum’s IMAX Theater!
From blockbuster hits to educational gems, everything looks pretty darn epic on that massive screen. (We caught the Barbie movie here. Talk about pink-powered fun on a giant scale!)
Cool piece of trivia: It’s the biggest screen in all of British Columbia.
Museum hours
- Days – Open every day of the week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Summer evenings – Open late Fridays and Saturdays until 10:00 pm
- Closed – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Exhibits
Check the Current Exhibitions page for what’s on, as there’s always something new to see.
7) Gawk at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Overlooking the picture-perfect Inner Harbor, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are pretty hard to miss.
They’re one of the top tourist attractions in Victoria and a popular stop for snapping that classic harbor shot.
They were designed by architect Francis Rattenbury (who was only 25 at the time!) and finished in 1897. The exterior combines a Baroque façade with a mix of Romanesque details.
Out front, a statue of Queen Victoria stands tall on the lawn, which locals and visitors alike love to sprawl out on during sunny days.
Look up, and you’ll spot Captain George Vancouver in gold, perched on top of the central dome, keeping watch over the city.
Free tours
You can wander inside on your own. But we recommend that you join a free, regularly scheduled guided tour to make the most of your visit.
Parliamentary Dining Room
Pssst! You can eat breakfast or lunch inside the Parliamentary Dining Room – the same elegant spot where our provincially elected officials eat.
It’s a real local secret! Except it’s not… Every savvy visitor knows about it, as it’s always buzzing when we go (with line-ups outside)!
No surprise – the food is fantastic and affordable. We’re talking steak in a red wine sauce for $15 USD ($21 CAD) and prawn linguine for $12 USD ($17 CAD).
You need to reserve well in advance, especially in summer. We always book a few weeks ahead for the last lunch seating around 1:30 pm (easier to get).
It’s hands down our favorite lunch spot in Victoria!
Hours
- Week days – Open to the public Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed weekends)
- Closed – Weekends
Parliamentary Dining Room
- Call 250-387-3959 to make reservations.
- Bring valid government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license) – which you’ll leave with security while you’re inside.
See the Parliament Buildings on a 2-hour luxury city tour
Short on time? Maybe visiting Victoria on a cruise? This private city tour in a deluxe SUV (flat rate for up to six people) hits the most popular attractions in just two hours – Parliament Buildings included.
8) Uncover scandals at Craigdarroch Castle
If you love castles, history and a good dose of intrigue, this is a must-see in Victoria for you!
Craigdarroch Castle was built between 1887 and 1890 for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir.
Sadly, he never got to enjoy his baronial digs. He died in 1889, leaving his fortune to his wife, Joan. (They had ten children!)
Inside, you can gawk at 39 lavishly furnished rooms spread over 20,000 square feet (almost 1,900 square meters) – with beautiful stained-glass windows, tile floors, ornately carved woodwork and pink granite columns.
As lawyers in our past lives, we were thoroughly entertained by the juicy family inheritance battles after Robert’s death. His wife even sued their son James – who was the premier of British Columbia at the time!
Getting there
Craigdarroch Castle is located in the Rockland neighborhood.
- By car or on foot – It’s a seven-minute drive or a pleasant 20- to 25-minute walk from downtown.
- By pedicab – For a fun twist, take this 2½-hour pedicab tour. It rolls past the elegant Government House and its lovely gardens on the way, and it includes admission to the castle too.
- By bicycle – You can even bicycle there on this cool Victoria castles-and-neighborhoods bike tour! (Just note it’s only a 15-minute stop, not a visit inside).
Castle hours
- Week days – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed December 25, 26, and January 1)
- Summer – Extended hours 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from June 15 to September 6
9) Step into the spotlight at Hatley Castle
If you’ve watched X-Men, Deadpool, Descendants, Poltergeist: The Legacy, The Killing or Smallville, you’ve already seen Hatley Castle on screen. This historic estate has starred in countless films and shows, thanks to its dramatic good looks.
Built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir (whose father built Craigdarroch Castle, #8 above), it was designed for lavish entertaining. It later became a military college mess hall and is now leased by Royal Roads University.
You can visit the castle, its small museum, the gift shop and – our favorite part – the beautiful formal gardens.
We especially love the twisting garden paths and Japanese maples that dazzle in autumn.
Hours
- Gardens – Open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (free)
- Hatley Castle – Open to the public May to September
- Tours – Guided 60-minute walking estate tours take you through the gardens, first floor of the castle and lower-level museum (see here for tour times, cost and more info)
10) Explore Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
To dig into Victoria’s military past and maritime history, head to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse – a National Historic Site a 20-minute drive from downtown.
Built in the late 1800s, Fort Rodd was designed to defend Canada’s Pacific naval base. You can roam through 19th-century bunkers and guardhouses, once manned by soldiers who kept watch over Esquimalt Harbor.
A 10-minute walk from the fort gates brings you to Fisgard Lighthouse. Dating back to 1860 and still operational (though automated), it’s the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s west coast.
Inside the former keeper’s home, exhibits recount over 200 nearby shipwrecks that earned the area the nickname “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Climb to the top for sweeping views of the Pacific and the Olympic Mountains.
Hours
- Fort Rodd Hill – Open daily year-round, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with extended hours to 5:00 pm from May 1 to October 15 (closed December 25, 26 and January 1)
- Fisguard Lighthouse – Open daily from May 1 to October 15 (outside of these dates, open only on Saturdays and Sundays)
Entrance
One admission fee covers both Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse.
11) Reflect at Ross Bay Cemetery
A cemetery might not come to mind when thinking of recommended places to go in Victoria, BC. But Ross Bay Cemetery is beautiful for a quiet stroll along its tree-lined paths.
With angel statues and grand tombstones, it almost feels like a walk through a sculpture garden.
Quite a few famous Canadians and Americans are buried here.
They include Sir James Douglas (BC’s first governor), world-renowned artist Emily Carr and Nellie Cashman (a nurse and gold prospector who saved 77 trapped gold miners and was later featured on a U.S. postage stamp).
Savor Victoria’s food scene
12) Enjoy afternoon tea at the Empress
You might have guessed by now that Victoria, named after Queen Victoria, has retained a “little bit of Olde England.”
One of those lovely British traditions still going strong after more than a century is high tea at the Fairmont Empress, one of the most luxurious hotels in Victoria.
Afternoon tea in its lobby lounge is an elegant affair. We remember when ladies would dress to the nines in flowery dresses and hats!
After a $60 million makeover, the Empress is more smart-modern now – but still sophisticated in royal purple colors.
Choose from 21 international loose-leaf teas.
Then dig into dainty delights made fresh daily from locally-sourced ingredients. Smoked salmon with citrus crème fraiche on blinis. Truffled mushroom quiche. Pistachio white chocolate mousse. Bergamot macarons with vanilla buttercream. And more… Are you drooling yet?
And, yes, you get warm raisin scones with house-made clotted cream and strawberry vanilla preserve too!
While you sip and nibble, listen to live classical music played on a baby grand piano. Pinkies up!
Reservations
In summer, the hotel serves high tea to more than 400 guests a day (more than most hotels in London, England). It’s hugely popular, so book ahead! See here.
Hours
- Spring and summer – Daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Low season – Saturdays and Sundays only
Dress code
- No athletic wear, flip-flops or graphic tees
- And sorry guys, no ball caps
- But ladies – feel free to don your fancy tea hats and fascinators!
Cost
Definitely splurgey, but worth it!
- Empress Tea – $109 CAD ($78 USD) p.p.
- Champagne Tea – $151 CAD ($108 USD) p.p. with a glass of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Brut champagne
- Royal Champagne Tea – $157 CAD ($113 USD) p.p. with a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé
13) Eat your way through Victoria
There’s a long-standing myth that Victoria has the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America.
True or not, one thing’s for sure – this city knows how to eat well! From oyster bars to chic spots with inventive tasting menus, there are many superb restaurants in Victoria.
If you’re a foodie, bring your appetite – you’ll be in your element here!
Some of our favorite eating spots in the city
Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar
Every time we go to Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar, this cozy candlelit resto never disappoints. One of us always orders the fresh shucked or baked oysters to start.
Pagliacci’s
Tuck into unbelievably good home-made Italian food at a great price at Pagliacci’s.
Café Brio
A lovely fine-dining restaurant (with a casual feel), Café Brio is our go-to place for fresh fish, pasta and meat dishes, all prepared in-house and served in half- and full-sizes. It has a great wine list too.
Spinnakers
A popular craft brewery and gastropub, Spinnakers offers views of the Inner Harbor as it serves up good burgers, fish-and-chips and of course, wonderful beer.
Il Terrazzo Ristorante
Il Terrazzo is an upscale Italian spot with a nice garden courtyard. It’s a fine dining resto with lots of buzz.
Fiamo Pizza & Wine Bar
A fun resto with stylish décor, Fiamo features simple but delicious food like mussels, pizza and pasta creatively done.
The Courtney Room
For sophisticated Pacific Northwest cuisine, The Courtney Room (at the side of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa) is an elegant brasserie. Slurp fresh-shucked oysters at the bar or gather in the dining room for a 45-day aged ribeye or grilled steelhead trout.
The resto has won a slew of awards, so reservations are definitely recommended.
Nubo Japanese Tapas
Not-your-usual Japanese resto, Nubo offers wonderful Japanese tapas like cauliflower tempura and miso-marinated duck breast.
10 Acres Bistro
10 Acres Bistro is a popular spot offering farm-to-plate food, a creative twist on organic farm greens and smaller sharing dishes like quinoa fritters. We also like sitting on the covered outdoor patio at its sister restaurant, 10 Acres Commons.
14) Duck into a café
Get ready to add “drinking some awesome coffee” to your checklist of Victoria fun!
Our city is catnip for coffee lovers – the coffee scene here rivals that in Vancouver and Seattle.
Of course, you can find some great Starbucks cafés. But we also have many independent home-grown coffee shops, with baristas who are masters of latte art.
Best coffee shops in Victoria, BC
The following three are among our personal faves:
Discovery Coffee
With several locations (e.g., in Oak Bay, James Bay and on Blanshard Street), Discovery Coffee is the go-to coffee shop for many locals.
Café Fantastico
Café Fantastico is a great roastery with three locations in Victoria. (In summer, George often bicycles to the Parkside location for a good brew and to read the paper.)
Habit Coffee
Ethically sourced coffee beans, roasted by a Victoria-based specialty roaster. And baristas who love making coffee. That’s Habit Coffee, with two locations, one in Chinatown and the other on Yates Street.
15) Do a downtown food walking tour
A fun way to get a taste of the city in 2 hours? This guided food-and-history walking tour.
Run by A Taste of Victoria Food Tours, it’s TripAdvisor’s #1-rated tour in town and it’s scooped up major awards – including Viator’s 2024 top “Experience” award.
Nibble on perogis (pierogies), sip local craft beer and indulge in chocolate and pastries, all while exploring cool downtown corners like Fan Tan Alley and Trounce Alley. Hungry yet?
Get adventurous, Victoria-style
16) Go SUP!
Make like a local and hit the water on a stand-up paddleboard!
It’s a fun non-touristy way to explore Victoria’s scenic coastline – Willows Beach, Thetis Lake and Gonzales Bay are all great places to SUP.
Before we bought our own boards, we used to rent from Brian at South Island SUP (excellent service!), who delivers high-quality RED boards right to the beach or lake.
Guided SUP adventures
Prefer to go with a guide? Brian offers these fun tours:
- Willows Beach tour – Paddle out on a scenic 90-minute SUP adventure from Willows Beach (10- to 15-minute drive from downtown). You’ll pick up some pro tips along the way too.
- Bioluminescence twilight tour at Brentwood Bay – Glide across the glowing waters of Brentwood Bay on this magical 2-hour evening SUP tour. Watch in awe as plankton and jellyfish light up the sea around you – nature’s own light show!
17) Explore the Inner Harbor by water taxi
Victoria’s adorable “happy boats” – small water taxis seating up to 12 passengers – are a fun way to cruise the Inner Harbour. Run by Victoria Harbour Ferry, they zigzag around the water like bumper boats on a mission.
When we have out-of-town visitors, we like to take them on this one-hour narrated tour of the historic four-mile Gorge Waterway. As you pass historic homes, working shipyards and kayakers on the water, your “captain” shares local lore and colorful tales.
The first time we did it, our cheerful silver-haired skipper regaled us with childhood stories of diving off bridges into the Gorge and hitching rides on log booms to get home.
You can also go on a pub crawl pickle boat tour – with stops at beloved breweries and pubs (appies included). It’s a blast, and yes, you might get pickled.
18) Kayak Tod Inlet
Rent a kayak (or SUP board) at Brentwood Bay and go for a calm safe paddle to Tod Inlet.
As you paddle out from Brentwood Bay, you’ll pass Butchart Gardens on your left (#1).
Along the shoreline, orange and purple sea stars (starfish) cling to the rocks underwater, and blue herons are a common sight.
Depending on the time of year, you often see lots of jellyfish in the water in Tod Inlet too.
And who knows, a seal may decide to hitch a ride on your kayak!
Both Pacifica Paddle Sports and the Brentwood Bay Marina rent out single and double kayaks (as well as SUP boards).
Alternative: Kayak Victoria’s Harbour!
Join this top-rated 3-hour guided kayak tour through Victoria’s scenic harbor and inner waterways.
Soak up postcard views of the Parliament Buildings and Empress hotel from the water and paddle alongside ferries and seaplanes. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and otters!
19) Bicycle the Galloping Goose Trail
Once a railway line, the Galloping Goose Trail is now a fabulous 35-mile (55-km) trail for hikers, bicyclists (and horses on one section), stretching from Victoria to Sooke.
There are parking lots and washrooms at different points along the way, so you can load your bicycle on your car and start at a particular point.
The trail is flat most of the way, with the occasional short uphill.
Best section of the Galloping goose Trail
Our favorite section is the 11-mile (18-km stretch) between Matheson Lake and the Todd Trestle Bridge at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.
Park at the Rocky Point Road parking lot (the 30 Km marker) to offload your bikes.
You’ll pedal along an easy, wide well-maintained trail through the forest, getting glimpses of Matheson Lake.
Coming to Roche Cove, the trail winds along seaside coves and headlands – drink in the spectacular ocean views.
Then cross Sooke Road. Ride first to Charters Trestle, then Todd Trestle. Both are towering iron-and-wooden trestle bridges that cross the rushing Sooke River waaaay down below.
To get back to your car, turn around at the 48 Km marker and retrace your ride.
(You’ll be surprised at how different the scenery looks on the return.)
Get the Galloping Goose Trail map
Download a PDF of the official map.
20) Spy whales!
Yes, Victoria has whales – it’s one of the best spots for whale watching on Canada’s west coast!
Join a whale watching tour from the Inner Harbour to spot orcas, humpbacks, minkes or gray whales gliding through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Talk about a Victoria must-see experience!
If you’re lucky, you may catch a whale breach right up close. Then again, you may just see a whale tail in the distance. But you’re also likely to see seals, porpoises and bald eagles along the way.
Peak season? May to October – with a 95% chance of sightings.
Most tours are led by marine biologists, and you can choose from several different types of whale watching vessels.
Whale sighting guarantee
Now you know, of course, that whales are wild creatures. So they may not play nice and show up for you.
The good news is that many companies offer a “whale sighting guarantee” – if you don’t see a whale, they’ll invite you on another tour for free.
Victoria’s #1 whale watching experience
We saw so many humpbacks (and learned so much about whales) on this whale-and-wildlife adventure from Eagle Wing Tours, that we booked the exact same tour a month later!
- Award-winning operator – Canada’s most decorated whale watching company.
- Choice of boats – Several options, including high-speed open boats for a faster closer-up experience (our pick both times).
- Expert naturalist guide – Onboard commentary and help spotting marine life.
- Free trip photos – You can focus on spotting that tail splash while someone else handles the camera!
Fast Zodiac adventure
Crave a side of thrills with your whale watching? Join this small-group whale watching tour in a high-speed Zodiac-style boat (offered by Prince of Whales).
- Thrilling 3-hour ride – Fast-paced and almost as fun as the whale sightings.
- Full-body flotation suits – You’ll look like the “Michelin Man” (or Gal). But you’ll be toasty and comfortable zipping through the water in the open air!
- Small-group experience – Open-air seating for a more up-close feel.
Cozy coastal cruiser with heated cabin
For a gentler (and warmer) way to watch whales, Five Star Whale Watching offers a highly-rated, 3-hour whale watching tour on a small high-speed vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
- Heated indoor cabin – Warm refuge between sightings.
- Complimentary hot drinks – Coffee and hot chocolate included.
- Limited group size – Max 12 passengers for a more intimate experience.
- Responsible operator – Founding member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association.
Other whale watching tours in Victoria
21) Bicycle the Lochside Trail
The oh-so-scenic Lochside Trail stretches 18 miles (29 kms) between Victoria and Sidney (see trail map).
It’s an easy, mostly flat ride (like the Galloping Goose, #19) that winds past the Gorge Waterway, country lanes, leafy backyards, farms and bird sanctuaries. While it’s open to walkers and joggers, it’s mostly used by cyclists.
This one’s where I (Janice) love to ride my e-bike. Much of the trail is paved, so I don’t have to worry about rock chips messing up the frame. (Plus, I can get a little speed on!)
Enjoy scenic strolls, hikes and walking tours
22) Walk the Victoria Inner Harbor
One of our favorite free Victoria activities is simple. Go for a walk!
The city is laced with scenic walking paths.
A standout is the route around the Victoria Inner Harbour (spelled the Canadian way) – truly one of the prettiest harbors in the world!
Central Inner Harbour
Start at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in the heart of downtown Victoria, overlooking the harbor.
Turn left as you’re facing the water to pass the Royal BC Museum (#6) and BC’s provincial Parliament building (#7).
Continue winding your way along the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf, where colorful houseboats float in the water.
Perhaps buy fresh fish-and-chips to eat outside in the sun. Keep an eye out for harbor seals!
At this point, you can turn around and retrace your steps along the harbor back to the Fairmont Empress.
Up for more walking? Continue on to the neighborhood of Vic West – to stroll the Songhees Walk along the harbor (covered next):
To get to Vic West:
- Walk – Back at the Empress, continue walking along Wharf Street and across the Johnson Street Bridge to Vic West.
- Take a water taxi – Catch one of the little Victoria Harbour ferries (mentioned in #17).
Songhees Walkway around the harbor
Over in Vic West, the flat paved Songhees Westsong Walkway winds along the Esquimalt/Vic West waterfront. It:
- Starts at – The Johnson Street Bridge
- Passes – The Delta Victoria Ocean Point Hotel
- Ends at – The marina and houseboat village by Captain Jacobson Park
We particularly love this walk on sunny autumn, winter and spring days when we’re craving warmth and full-on sunshine.
23) Hike up Mount Douglas
Wondering where to go in Victoria for awesome views?
Get yourself to Mount Douglas Park.
Many of the trails are named after early settlers and farms in the area, and they’re rated (color-coded) according to difficulty – Green (easy), Blue (moderate) and Black (difficult).
The key attraction is the spectacular 360-degree view of Victoria and the water that you get from the top of Mount Doug.
You can actually reach the top of the 738-ft (224-m) mountain (er, hill?) by car on Churchill Road.
But… How cool is this? The road is closed to car traffic every day until 12 noon to encourage people to walk up the paved road.
Walking up and down the paved road takes about 45 minutes. We sometimes walk up and down the road twice for some cardio exercise. (It takes us about 90 minutes, with stops at the top to take in the view.)
Tip: It’s even more scenic to hike up one of the forested trails, like the Irvine Trail. Hiking up this trail and walking back down the road takes about an hour and 15 minutes, including time to drink in the sweeping views at the very top.
Don’t get lost!
We actually got lost one time on a poorly-marked trail in the park. But you don’t have to.
Download this free GPS-enabled map of the park and its trails, available through the District of Saanich (the particular area in which Mount Doug park is located).
24) Get spooked on a ghost walk
Looking for something unusual to do in Victoria?
We’ve gone on this one-hour guided ghost walk – and some of the chilling tales we heard gave us goosebumps!
Run by Discover the Past, these top-notch, award-winning nightly tours delve into Victoria’s dark past.
After meeting at the Visitor Info Center, you’ll first stop by the Fairmont Empress Hotel – we learned it’s one of the most haunted hotels in the world! Then you’ll continue on to other spooky spots, like Helmcken Alley and Bastion Square (where public hangings once took place).
25) Stroll through Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is Canada’s oldest Chinatown – and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco.
See the ornate Gate of Harmonious Interest, flanked by two huge stone lion sculptures, and check out the Chinese restaurants.
Also duck into Fan Tan Alley. At three to six feet wide (less than two meters wide), it’s the narrowest street in the country.
Named after the Chinese gambling game of Fan-Tan, the alley was once a popular gambling district with betting parlors and opium dens.
Today, it’s lined with more than a dozen cute shops selling matcha teas, locally made jewelry and homemade ice-cream.
Chinatown tour
Why not make the most of your time in this colorful part of the city with a hip-and-hidden Chinatown food tour?
Come hungry – you’ll sample an eclectic mix of bites, from sushi and tacos to craft beer, at tucked-away spots you probably wouldn’t find on your own.
26) Meander around Swan Lake and up Christmas Hill
Calling all nature lovers! This one’s for you!
Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful pocket at the edge of the city.
The 116-acre sanctuary has two parts:
- Swan Lake – A marshy haven for finches, wrens, great blue herons, nesting ducks and other birds.
- Christmas Hill – A rocky hill, 358 feet (109 meters) high, with meadows of wildflowers and stately Garry Oak trees. From the top, you get spectacular views of Victoria.
Swan Lake walk
We like to walk the loop trail around Swan Lake first, then climb up Christmas Hill.
From the Swan Lake parking lot, make your way to the Swan Lake Nature House. Then walk clockwise on the flat gravel-and-dirt trail around the shallow lake, crossing over a series of wooden and floating metal bridges.
Back at the nature house, find the path taking you to Nelthorpe Street. Cross McKenzie Ave. and you’ll see the trail leading up to the top of Christmas Hill.
Once at the summit, retrace your steps to the Swan Hill parking lot.
The whole round-trip walk is a little more than 2½ miles (4 km).
27) Check out the “wee” libraries
One of the cutest things to see in Victoria, BC, when wondering the residential streets? The little free libraries you’ll spot tucked in front yards and along sidewalks.
Each one is hand-built – some shaped like fairy-tale cottages, others like miniature schoolhouses – and stocked with anywhere from five to 20 books.
We love seeing how creative people get with their designs, and George (our resident book lover) never passes one by without peeking inside.
You’ll find dozens scattered around the city. There’s even an online map to help you hunt them down!
Shop, browse art and catch a festival
28) Shop Lower Johnson Street
You could shop on Government Street. You’ll find great shops there.
But get off the tourist trail slightly and wander along lower Johnson Street (nicknamed “LoJo”), between Government Street and Store Street.
Here, you find colorful, early 19th-century buildings from the gold-rush era lining both sides of LoJo. They house a variety of eclectic shops and boutiques selling everything from locally designed fashions to jewelry to home décor.
Some stand-outs?
Weird and wonderful shoes
John Fluevog Shoes is the place to go for unique artistic shoes and boots. Outrageously high platforms with thick heels are a signature design.
One of our favorite stores in Victoria, this place is eye candy for shoe-aholics!
Lululemon
Also pop into Lululemon for stylish yoga-inspired athletic wear (located on Wharf Street).
You may know the popular chain was founded in BC (in Vancouver).
Flowers and more
We also love Zingaro Floral Perfumery.
You’ll find old-fashioned stationery, hand-crafted beeswax candles, pretty vases, scented soaps and body oils, and of course, perfume.
Zingaro is a lovely shop to pick up a gift for a special female person in your life.
And for a pretty little succulent, bouquet of flowers or pot plant to give as a hostess gift (or to keep for yourself), browse Rook & Rose.
29) Visit the Victoria Art Gallery
Nestled in the historic Rockland neighborhood, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria houses some 20,000 works of art – the largest public collection in British Columbia.
The gallery consists of an 1889 mansion connected to a low-rise concrete building, housing seven state-of-the-art galleries.
Be sure to see the permanent display of works by BC’s beloved artist Emily Carr, who painted BC landscapes and scenes of the lives of First Nations people.
The Asian collection – including a grand Chinese bell from the Ming Dynasty along with exquisite amber and ivory carvings – is sure to catch your eye too.
In the Asian garden, you can see the only authentic Japanese Shinto shrine in North America.
Art Gallery hours
- Weekdays and Saturday – 10:00 to 5:00 pm (extended hours on Thursdays to 9:00 pm
- Sundays – Shorter hours noon to 5:00 pm
- Mondays – Closed
Tours
See here to book a tour. (Reserve a week in advance.)
30) Attend a festival
Into art, sailing, music? Victoria hosts several events and festivals worth catching.
Symphony Splash
If you’re in Victoria over the BC Day long weekend (the first weekend of August), you’ll want to take in Victoria Symphony Splash – the city’s marquee summer event.
The Victoria Symphony performs evening classical concerts from a floating barge in the Inner Harbor, while the sun sets and thousands gather along the waterfront to enjoy the music.
Even kayakers paddle in for the best front row “seats” on the water.
The grand finale? Fireworks burst overhead as the 1812 Overture fills the air. It’s festive, fun and totally free. Just one more reason we love Victoria!
Moss Street Paint In
One day a year in summer, Moss Street is closed to traffic, and over 100 artists set up shop to paint and sell their work.
There’s also plenty of food, drink and music at the Moss Street Paint In.
If it’s sunny, expect more than 30,000 art lovers to be out and about!
Music on the Lawn
A free series of evening rock n’ roll and blues concerts is held on the lawn at the BC Government House in summer. Bring a blanket or your own chair.
Swiftsure
Head down to Clover Point on Dallas Road on the morning of the annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race. The race starts in various stages.
You’ll see hundreds of yachts stream by, their billowing sails catching the wind.
Boaters come from as far away as Hawaii and New Zealand to participate in this premier sailing race event in the Pacific Northwest.
Sightsee Victoria on guided tours
31) Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
It doesn’t get more classic (or charming!) than exploring Victoria by horse-drawn carriage.
You’ll clip-clop through quiet streets and parks with a uniformed driver guide leading the way. And even on cooler days, you’ll stay snug under cozy blankets.
Carriage tours
We know of two companies that offer private horse-and-carriage rides. Whoever you choose to go with, a carriage ride is a romantic slow-paced way to soak up Victoria’s history and beauty.
Tally-Ho Carriage Tours
Dating back to the 1850s, this company offers several options, including:
- 30-minute heritage experience – Through the quiet streets of James Bay, Victoria’s oldest neighborhood.
- 60-minute Beacon Hill Park ride – Meandering through the park, along the waterfront Dallas Road and around James Bay.
Victoria Carriage Tours
Their 45-minute Beacon Hill Park tour takes you along the park’s leafy paths and past historical sites like St. Anne’s Academy.
32) Hop on, explore, hop off
We’re big fans of these sightseeing buses, and riding the hop-on hop-off bus is a fun and easy way to see Victoria’s highlights – especially if you’re only here for a night or two or on a cruise stop.
This bright red double-decker (run by Gray Line) loops past major sights like the BC Parliament Buildings, Craigdarroch Castle and Chinatown.
Then it ventures beyond downtown, along coastal Dallas Road and scenic Beach Drive in Oak Bay. We love the views of the ocean and grand waterfront homes here! You should spot deer grazing about too.
Sit upstairs on the open-air top deck for breezy views and great photo opps! Your pass is good for 24 hours.
33) Cruise around Victoria by pedicab
Tailormade for cruise passengers, this 3-hour pedicab tour is a hit!
It picks you right up from the cruise terminal and then takes you though historic James Bay, winds through Beacon Hill Park (peacock spotting included!) and rolls past the Inner Harbour and stately Empress Hotel. There’s even time to poke around narrow Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown.
With a friendly guide doing the pedaling, you can sit back, relax and soak up Victoria’s charm at a slower pace.
Where to stay
Before moving to Victoria, we often came for long weekends – and even spent part of our honeymoon here!
Over the years, we’ve stayed in many of the city’s charming hotels and B&Bs.
Then, while deciding where to settle down, we tried out different Airbnbs to get a feel for the different neighborhoods.
Best places to stay in Victoria
- For hotels and B&Bs – See our post with (updated) reviews of the best hotels in Victoria.
- For more homey accommodations with a kitchen – See our post on some of Victoria’s nicest Airbnbs and Vrbo vacation rentals.
Getting to Victoria
There are several ways to get to Victoria from Vancouver or Seattle.
From Vancouver
You can take a car-and-passenger ferry with BC Ferries. Or you can fly commercially or on a seaplane with Harbour Air.
Day trips from Vancouver to Victoria are popular in summer. See, for example, this combo seaplane and ferry day tour.
From Seattle
You can take the Victoria Clipper high-speed passenger ferry or the M.V. Coho car ferry (Black Ball Ferry Line) from Port Angeles. Or you can fly commercially or on a seaplane with Kenmore Air.
You can also do a day trip from Seattle to Victoria if your time is short.
Getting around in the city
Walking
Victoria is a very walkable city.
If you’re staying in downtown Victoria, you can easily explore the Inner Harbor and the downtown core – including the Royal BC Museum, the Parliament Buildings, Government Street, Johnson Street and Chinatown – on foot.
In fact, walking is the best way to see and get around the downtown area.
Victoria Harbour Ferry
Little passenger water taxis operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry criss-cross the Inner Harbor.
They operate frequently, seven days a week, and are an especially fun way to get between locations on the Inner Harbor and Gorge.
Prices vary, depending on the taxi ride (or tour), but regular Victoria Harbour Ferry rides from one dock to another cost $15.00 CAD plus tax (about $11.00 USD) per adult.
Public buses
The public bus system (run by BC Transit) is pretty good for getting around Victoria.
See Victoria Regional Transit System. It operates throughout Greater Victoria, serving the Victoria International Airport, all ferry terminals (including Swartz Bay), Butchart Gardens and communities like Langford, Metchosin and Sooke.
In the central Victoria area, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 15 minutes for a bus. (We’ve experienced slower service on Sundays though.)
- Single ride – Tickets are cheap at $3.00 CAD (about $2.15 USD) for a single fare.
- All-day access – Or you can buy a DayPASS for $6.00 CAD (about $4.30 USD).
- Buying tickets – You can pay cash on the bus, but give the exact amount, as you won’t get change back.
Taxis
Taxis are more expensive than taking the public bus, but they’re also a more convenient way for getting around the city – and they’re reasonably affordable for short distances.
We’ve found Bluebird Cabs to be very reliable (unlike some taxi companies in some other Canadian cities). We pre-book our rides with them when going to the airport, and they’ve always shown up on time.
Renting a car
For day trips from Victoria, if not booking a guided tour, you’ll probably want to rent a car.
Most of the major car rental agencies like Hertz have locations at the Victoria airport.
Uber? Ride sharing?
Yes! Uber operates legally in Victoria.
You can use the ride-hailing service in downtown Victoria, at the airport and at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. At the airport, there are dedicated ride-share pick-up spots right by the arrivals door.
We haven’t used Uber in Victoria ourselves yet (we have our own cars). But friends and family say it works fine. Just expect a bit of a wait, maybe 10 to 15 minutes, as pickups aren’t quite as fast as in bigger cities like Calgary (where there are lots of Uber drivers).
Why we think you must visit Victoria!
We might be a little biased – we do live here, after all! – but we’re not the only ones head over heels for our hometown.
Victoria was crowned the “world’s best small city” in the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – for the third year running! (In 2023, it even took the #1 spot for “best city in the world.”)
So, if you’re still wondering “Is Victoria, BC, worth visiting?” let us help settle that.
For starters, you’ve probably gathered that Victoria is ridiculously pretty.
Nicknamed the “garden city of Canada,” it’s bursting with blossoms, flanked by oceanfront trails and blessed with the best weather in the country.
It’s also one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, with a rich history that adds character to every charming street and heritage building.
And despite its small size (just under 100,000 in the city proper), Victoria offers big-city perks without the big-city hassle. Think fresh seafood, vibrant theater, indie shops, beaches, bicycles – and no serious traffic headaches.
In our books, it’s easily one of Canada’s most beautiful spots.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you’ll quickly see why we – and so many others – fall for Victoria.
Now you know what to do in Victoria, BC!
Or at least, we hope we’ve helped…
Is there anything you think we missed? Are you planning a trip to Victoria and still have questions?
Leave your comment below. We’d love to hear from you, and we’ll do our best to get back to you with the answers you’re looking for!
More Victoria travel inspo
- An Insider’s Guide to the Top 10 Hotels in Victoria
- How to Get to Victoria (7 Different Ways)
- Victoria’s 11 Best Beaches and Lakes (By Locals)
- 15 Favorite Victoria Restaurants
- 10 Easy Scenic Walks in Victoria
- 7 Beautiful Gardens to Enjoy In Victoria
- Taking the Ferry From Vancouver to Victoria
- 7 Enchanting Butchart Gardens Tours
- Explore the Gorge on a Fun Pickle Boat
- 5 Charming Airbnbs and Vrbos in Victoria
Hey, do you love our city? Then pin this!
Our top travel tips and resources
→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, with loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking.com’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find excellent discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the best flights, we search on Google Flights first. Expedia and Kayak are then perfect for snagging the cheapest tickets. (They’re often non-refundable, though, so for more flexibility, we book directly with the airline, even if it costs more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.
→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
→ Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
→ Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find cool hotels and other useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
About the authors
Hi Janice and George,
You guys are just excellent and so detail-oriented. Awesome!!! Love it… Because of you, we decided to go to Victoria, BC!!!
Since retiring, we’ve decided to travel… It just started (for 2 yrs now).
We will contact you when we start planning our next trip for your take on that adventure!
Like we say in India… Jay Ho
Thanks so much for the kind comments! And you’ll love Victoria :-)
You guys obviously are pros but this is one of the best travel blogs I’ve ever read, and it’s a big help to me in planning my family’s trip to Vancouver and Victoria in August. Thank you for your hard work.
Thanks! Glad you love our blog! And enjoy your trip :-)
Come visit us at Haunted Manor Mini Golf next time you are in town! 😀
I loved visiting Victoria in August 2022.
However, I was very disappointed that the Royal BC Museum was so empty. There wasn’t much when it came to early Canadian History.
Furthermore, I was upset that we paid $20 each for a tiny tour at Hatley Castle (Royal Roads University). The tour guide was ditsy and couldn’t answer questions. Although the Castle was beautiful, you only get to see the castle via a tour guide and it is only one floor. Royal Road University uses the rest of the building.
Otherwise all the things that are mentioned here are wonderful sites to see and things to do.
We’re delighted you loved your visit to our home city!
As for the Royal BC Museum, it’s under renovation and different exhibits are being swapped out – so you don’t get the “full” experience right now, unfortunately.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to comment :-)
Please consider removing horse drawn carriage rides from this list. This is an outdated and unnecessary exploitation of animals. This could be replaced by the bike carts driven by paid humans who will entertain you and give you local knowledge of attractions.
From what we understand, the horses are treated very respectfully and lovingly. And the horse-drawn carriage rides are a much-loved traditional attraction in Victoria!
But it’s a good idea for us to add the bicycle cart rides to our list of fun things to do in Victoria :-). We’ll do that in future!
My partner and I are traveling from the UK to Victoria from 6th September – 4th October and will be staying in a condo in central Victoria. We don’t intend to hire a vehicle.
I know that there is a lot to see within walking distance, but is there public transport we could use to get around to the places further afield that you have mentioned? If not, what would you advise?
Very good question! You inspired us to write a whole new section on “Getting Around in Victoria, BC.”
Check it out at the end of our post. We cover public transport as well as the latest ride-sharing company in Victoria.
I had the pleasure of visiting Victoria many years ago when I was 19.
I had a summer job as a guide at Fort Langley National Historic Park. It was an exchange program for students from Quebec. We worked 7 days straight and then had 4 days off. I got to see many of the Victoria places you mention.
Now at 68, I plan to return with my wife while on a cross-Canada road trip next summer.
I find your information very useful and of great quality.
Hi Marc,
The cross-Canada trip sounds like a great idea!
When you get to Victoria, you’re sure to find that it’s “grown up” since you were last here. You’ll have fun showing your wife all your old haunts :-).
Tx for commenting!
My grandmother is in her nineties now and she has always talked of how much she wishes she had visited Victoria. She especially wanted to see Butchart Gardens.
My husband and I are making a trip in her honor and plan to send her many pictures.
Thank you for such an informative post on all things Victoria! This has given me many great ideas!
Oh, thank you for such a lovely comment!
Victoria is so photogenic, you’ll have no problem taking lots of beautiful photos to share with your grandmother :-).
Great article; a lot of info. Can’t wait for my trip to Victoria next week. Thank you for the wonderful suggestions.
Thanks! Glad you found this post helpful :-). And have a great trip to Victoria! (Hope the weather is good for you…)
From what you are describing, Victoria seems very similar to Vancouver. Beautiful nature, good food, art and architecture are the perfect mixture for a great city. I’d very much like to visit it. You surely make it sound very tempting.
Victoria IS very similar to Vancouver – but a smaller Vancouver :-).
The pickle boats look really charming, it’s nice to see that you’ve settled in so quickly
We’re getting settled! Enjoying the last days of summer before we start traveling again in the fall…
Looks like a wonderful city! Everything you’ve listed looks lovely but I especially love to see the orcas!
We just asked one of the whale watching boats leaving from the Inner Harbour what the chances were of seeing whales – 90% they said! Mostly humpbacks now…
Don’t forget the entertainment scene in Victoria. I too live here. Love this city. Savon Foods Memoria Arena, where many concerts have played, also the Royal and McPherson theatres with live shows, and Mary Winspear theatre, in Sidney with many venues. There are many play theatres also. Not too mention that downtown Victoria in the summer has the Symphony Splash, Dragon Boat races, Busker Festival and many more. Then the contrast of the many hikes and biking trails. Lots to do to keep you entertained.
We took in Symphony Splash recently by the Inner Harbour! What an amazing spectacle with some 45,000 people there – we absolutely loved listening to the Victoria Symphony play during this free outdoor concert by the water. We posted a photo on Instagram : )
We look forward to enjoying all the theatrical and other events too.
Thanks for writing in!
My sister lives in Victoria and I have visited many times. It is a lovely city. I too love the beautiful gardens everywhere and the island vibe. I think I will have to take a tour on one of those pickle boats next visit. Sounds like fun.
The pickle boats are lots of fun :-). You’ll enjoy taking one on your next visit to your sister :-).
That is pretty actually. I remember a while back I moaned about how expensive Vancouver was and you mentioned that Victoria might be an alternative. Certainly looks pretty!
Frank
We love it here in Victoria – just as pretty :-).
I’ve also noticed a great art scene in Victoria. I’ve only been a couple of times but really enjoyed it. My mother and I had a wonderful stay at the Fairmont Empress. We splashed out on a two-bedroom harbour view suite. Ah. What a view. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new life!
You picked a great spot to stay in Victoria! You can’t go wrong with the Fairmont Empress – we’ve also stayed there. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is in our neighborhood, and we’ll definitely be checking that out soon :-).
Love your posts. Hope you won’t end with Victoria. You must continue! Good work!
Don’t worry :-). We’ll continue our travel writing and blogging for a good while still! Thanks for the kind words…
Don’t you think that’s cheating? A long list of restaurants is just ONE reason? :-)
Well, just in case you need a LOT of reasons to visit Victoria :-).
Well, you have most definitely tempted me to move to Victoria nevermind just visit!! Seriously sounds like such a wonderful choice you’ve made for your move and as you say, there’s a huge difference between a city that’s great to visit as compared to a city that’s great to visit AND great to live in and it looks like you’e found both here :)
Yes, we’re very happy with our choice. The hard work of moving is behind us. Now we can start getting to REALLY know the city…