21 Wonderful Things to Do in Victoria, BC (by Locals!)
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We’ve lived in Victoria, British Columbia, for ten years now – and we’re still smitten. It’s easily one of Canada’s prettiest cities!
From world-famous Butchart Gardens and very Victorian afternoon teas to secret beaches, a standout food scene and forested bicycle paths, this seaside gem on the southern tip of Vancouver Island blends old-world charm with West Coast cool.
And even after all this time, we keep uncovering new favorites – most recently, whale watching right on our doorstep.
Here’s our ultimate hometown hit list of 21 ways to experience the best of Victoria.
Featured reader comments
The best things to do in Victoria, BC: Quick look
Set at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is especially lovely from April to September, when the weather is usually sunny and pleasant. Visit in spring, and the gardens burst into bloom!
Highlights
- Smell the roses at Butchart Gardens
- Step into history at the Royal BC Museum
- Wander leafy Beacon Hill Park
- Go whale watching – We’ve done this amazing adventure twice, it’s that good!
- Stroll the lively Inner Harbour
Want to skip the usual?
Get spooked on a ghost walk, watch spawning salmon and go SUP… Just some of the more unusual things to do in the city.
Where to stay
We’ve personally stayed at (and highly recommend) these top hotels in Victoria:
- Fairmont Empress – A gracious 5-star icon right downtown
- Abigail’s Hotel – A romantic adults-only B&B
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel – A beachy seaside stay (just 10 minutes from downtown)
Getting here
See our guide on getting to Victoria for details on ferries, sea planes and other options. (Many visitors arrive by car ferry from Vancouver.)
Getting around
Downtown Victoria is very walkable, so you don’t need a car. For longer distances, there are taxis, Uber, public buses and the cute little Victoria Harbour water taxis.
Contents: Victoria travel guide
Ultimate list of 21 fun things to see and do
- Gardens, parks and beaches
- Cultural and historic attractions
- Outdoor adventures
- Afternoon tea and food experiences
- Scenic strolls, hikes and walking tours
- Shopping, art and festivals
Also see the comments and reader questions at the end of this post.
Beautiful gardens, parks and beaches
1) Smell the roses at Butchart Gardens
If you do just one thing here, make it Butchart Gardens. It’s usually what most people come to Victoria for, and when friends or family visit, this is our go-to outing.
It all started in 1904, when Jennie Butchart transformed a scarred limestone quarry into a lush sunken garden. She’d hang in a bosun’s chair, planting ivy into the rock wall crevices – a scene we picture every time we go.
We usually make a beeline for the sunken garden first. The colorful displays of annual blooms always wow us.
Then we wander through the serene Japanese garden, pop into the Italian garden (especially gorgeous in spring) and linger in the rose garden, which smells as good as it looks.
Getting to Butchart Gardens
The gardens are located a 35-minute drive north of downtown Victoria. Need a ride?
- Direct shuttle – Round-trip Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle (easy no-hassle transport)
- Small-group tour – A 5-hour city sights-and-gardens tour, with local insights and hotel pickup
- Half-day private tour – Victoria and the gardens with your own private driver-guide (great for up to 5 people)
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 full technicolor bloom and keeping an eye out for the peacocks that roam freely.
Footpaths wind through 200 leafy acres – past fountains, Garry Oak meadows, flower gardens, playgrounds and sprawling lawns made for lounging.
Don’t miss in Beacon Hill Park
- The Moss Lady – This 36-foot (11 meter) long sleeping sculpture near Douglas Street is one of the park’s quirkiest (and most photographed) features.
- Great Blue Herons – Nearby, look up to spot the Great Blue Herons nesting high in the trees in spring and summer. Just don’t linger too long underneath, or you might get splattered with white bird poop. (We speak from experience!)
3) Chill by a beach or lake
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!
Where to swim that’s not freezing?
Check out Thetis Lake. It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown and much warmer.
Cultural and historic attractions in Victoria
4) Visit the Royal BC Museum
It’s fun to step aboard the replica of the stern of the HMS Discovery. It’s also a bit mind-boggling to think such a small ship carried Captain George Vancouver to the BC coast in 1792 – after sailing from England via the Cape of Good Hope to Australia, Tahiti and Hawaii.
It’s one of many immersive exhibits at the Royal British Columbia Museum (founded in 1886).
You can also see rich displays of First Nations artifacts, a traditional “big house” and other galleries tracing 9,000 years of human history in BC. Check the Exhibitions page for what’s on display.
Don’t miss the IMAX Theater – it’s the biggest screen in British Columbia and shows everything from blockbuster movie hits to educational documentaries. (We watched the Barbie movie here – talk about pink-powered fun on a giant scale!)
Totem poles in Thunderbird Park
Right next to the museum, Thunderbird Park is a small space with striking First Nations totem poles and a traditional longhouse.
The poles you see today were carved onsite as replicas of older ones that had begun to deteriorate. The originals are preserved in storage – but their stories and artistry live on here in full view.
5) Gawk at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Overlooking the picture-perfect Inner Harbor, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are pretty hard to miss.
Designed by architect Francis Rattenbury (just 25 at the time!), they were finished in 1897. We love the opulent 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 public tours of the Parliament Buildings
You can wander inside on your own. But we recommend joining a free guided tour.
Parliamentary Dining Room
Pssst! You can eat breakfast or lunch (sometimes dinner too) inside the Parliamentary Dining Room – the same white tablecloth spot where BC’s provincially elected officials eat.
It feels like a 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 dishes like steak in a red wine sauce and sockeye salmon with lemon butter for $15 USD – for roughly $15 USD ($20 CAD).
Parliamentary Dining Room reservations
- Reserve ahead – We usually book a few weeks out, aiming for a late lunch seating (around 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm), when it’s easier to snag a table.
- To book – Call 250-387-3959 or reserve on Open Table.
- Bring valid government-issued ID – You’ll leave it with security while dining).
6) 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 to Craigdarroch Castle
- 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).
7) 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, #6 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.
Good to know
- Hatley Castle – It’s 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.)
8) 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 and admission
- Fort Rodd Hill – The grounds are open daily year-round (except December 25, 26 and January 1).
- Fisguard Lighthouse – It’s open daily from May 1 to October 15 (weekends only in the less busy months).
- Entrance – One admission fee covers both Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse.
Adventures, Victoria-style
9) Watch whales in the wild
Yes, Victoria has whales – and it’s one of the best places in Canada to see them.
Join a boat tour from the Inner Harbour and head out to spot orcas, humpbacks, minkes and gray whales roam. If you’re lucky, you may catch a close-up breach (we did!) – or it could be mostly tail flicks and fin slaps.
Either way, the ride out is half the fun.
Most tours swing by Race Rocks, where hundreds of barking sea lions steal the show, and you’ll often spot porpoises and bald eagles along the way.
Peak season runs from May to October, with a 95% chance of seeing whales.
Tours are led by knowledgeable naturalist guides, and you can choose from fast Zodiacs to larger, more comfortable boats.
The whale watching tour we love
We’ve gone whale watching here twice now.
Both times, we booked this whale and wildlife adventure with Eagle Wing Tours. Safe to say, we were hooked!
Our first trip was all about humpbacks; a month later, we went back and saw orcas take the spotlight.
It’s a half-day outing, and you can choose between an open speedboat (our pick both times) or a larger catamaran with indoor heated seating and outdoor decks.
This particular trip is highly rated – and now one of our favorite Victoria experiences to share with visiting friends or family.
Other options
Eagle Wing isn’t the only option, though. Two other excellent picks are:
- Fast Zodiac-style adventure – A thrilling 3-hour ride with Prince of Whales in a small group (maximum 12 guests).
- Cozy coastal cruise – A more relaxed experience with SpringTide Whale Watching on a 60-foot cruiser, with a heated indoor cabin and complimentary hot drinks.
10) 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 that winds past the Gorge Waterway, country lanes, leafy backyards, farms and bird sanctuaries. While it’s open to walkers and joggers, it’s especially popular with 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 nicking the frame. (And I can get a little speed on!)
The starting point for both the Lochside Trail (and Galloping Goose Trail, see #12) is near the corner of Wharf Street and the Johnson Street Bridge downtown – and it’s a car-free ride from the city from this point on.
Renting a bicycle in Victoria
You can rent bikes from several shops downtown, including:
- Cycle BC – City, touring and e-bikes starting at $12 CAD ($9 USD) hour.
- The Pedaler – Pedal and e-bikes from $37 CAD ($27 USD) for 4 hours.
- Pedego Electric Bikes Victoria – E-bike rentals from$70 CAD ($51 USD) for 3 hours or $75 CAD ($55 USD) for 4 hours.
11) 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.
12) Bicycle the Galloping Goose Trail
Once a railway line, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail is now a fabulous 35-mile (55-km) trail for bicyclists and hikers (even horses on one section), stretching from Victoria to Sooke. (Download a PDF of the official map.)
There are parking lots and washrooms at different access points, so it’s easy to load your bikes onto the car and start wherever you like.
Most of the trail is pleasantly flat, with just the occasional short uphill (and downhill) stretches.
Best section of the Galloping Goose Trail
Our favorite part is the 11-mile (18-km) stretch between Matheson Lake and the Todd Creek Trestle Bridge at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.
- Start – Park at the Rocky Point Road parking lot (the 30 Km marker) to offload your bikes.
- Easy forest riding – Pedal along a wide well-maintained trail through the forest, getting glimpses of Matheson Lake.
- Ocean scenery near Roche Cove – The trail skirts rocky coves and forested headlands with gorgeous ocean views.
- Trestle bridges – After crossing Sooke Road, ride to Charters Trestle and then Todd Trestle, two soaring iron-and-wood bridges suspended high above the rushing Sooke River.
- Ride back – Turn around near the 48 Km marker and retrace your ride. (You’ll be surprised at how different the scenery looks on the return.)
Need an e-bike rental and shuttle ride to the Goose?
Electric Alpine Biking offers a handy service where they’ll meet you with your e-bike rental and shuttle you to your chosen location on the trail, and let you ride back at your own pace.
Do the full Goose or opt for a shorter “half-Goose” experience. Rates start at $119 CAD ($87 USD) per rider, which include the e-bike rental and one-way shuttle ride.
Afternoon tea, cafés and food tours
13) Enjoy afternoon tea at the Empress
You may know that Victoria – named after Queen Victoria herself – still hangs onto a little “Olde England” charm.
One beloved British tradition that’s been going strong for more than a century? Afternoon tea at the elegant lobby lounge of the iconic Fairmont Empress (Victoria’s most iconic luxury hotel).
We remember when ladies dressed to the nines in flowery frocks and fancy hats! After a $60 million renovation, the Empress feels more smart-modern today, though still sophisticated in regal purple hues.
Choose from 21 international loose-leaf teas, then tuck into freshlyh-crafted bites – from smoked salmon blinis with citrus crème fraiche and truffled mushroom quiche to white chocolate mousse and strawberry rhubarb macarons.
And yes, warm raisin scones with house-made clotted cream and strawberry preserve are part of the experience 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). Reserve well ahead.
Hours
- Spring and summer – Daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Low season – Saturdays and Sundays only
Dress code
- Skip the casual gear – No athletic wear, flip-flops, graphic tees or ball caps.
- Tea hats welcome – Ladies, fascinators and fancy hats fit right in.
Cost
Definitely splurgey, but worth it!
- Empress Tea – $114 CAD ($84 USD) p.p.
- Champagne Tea – $164 CAD ($120 USD) p.p. with a glass of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Brut champagne
- Royal Champagne Tea – $170 CAD ($124 USD) p.p. with a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé
14) Duck into a café
Get ready to add “drinking awesome coffee” to your list of Victoria fun!
Just when we think we’ve tried every coffee shop in town, another cool café opens up.
Sure, you’ll find Starbucks here. But Victoria is really known for its independent coffee shops, where baristas turn out beautiful latte art and locals linger over flat whites and cappuccinos.
Best coffee shops in Victoria, BC
These are some of our personal favorites:
- Discovery Coffee – With several locations (including Oak Bay, James Bay and downtown on Blanshard Street), this is the go-to spot for many Victorians.
- Café Fantastico – In summer, George often bicycles to the Parkside location for a good brew and a quiet read of the paper.
- Habit Coffee – Ethically sourced beans roasted locally and baristas know their craft – just two reasons to sip a brew at their Chinatown or Yates Street cafés.
- Moka House – This lively neighborhood café on Cook Street, near Beacon Hill Park, is almost always buzzing.
15) Do a downtown food walking tour
Perhaps the tastiest way to get to know our city is by joining this guided food-and-history walking tour.
Run by A Taste of Victoria Food Tours, it’s racked up more than 2,000 five-star reviews and is a Viator top “Experience” award winner.
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?
Scenic strolls, hikes and walking tours
16) 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 Inner Harbour (spelled the Canadian way) – which we think is truly one of the world’s prettiest harbors.
Central Inner Harbour
Start at the Fairmont Empress Hotel and turn left as you face the water, passing BC’s provincial Parliament building.
Continue along the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf, where colorful houseboats float in the water. Perhaps buy fresh fish-and-chips and eat outside in the sunshine – keep an eye out for harbor seals!
From here, turn around and retrace your steps back to the Fairmont Empress, and for a longer walk, continue on toward the Johnson Street Bridge for the Songhees walk (covered next).
Songhees Walkway around the harbor
Over in Vic West, the flat paved Songhees Westsong Walkway traces 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.
17) Hike up Mount Douglas
Wondering where to go in Victoria for awesome views? Get yourself to Mount Douglas Park.
Many 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 for a little exercise. Walking up and back down takes us about 45 minutes.
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 us about an hour and 15 minutes.
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.
18) Stroll through Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada – and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco.
Pass beneath the ornate Gate of Harmonious Interest, guarded by two stone lions, then wander past Chinese bakeries, cafés and restaurants.
And don’t miss Fan Tan Alley. Just three feet (under a meter) wide in some parts, it’s the narrowest street in Canada.
Named after the Chinese gambling game of Fan-Tan, the alley was once lined with betting parlors and opium dens. Today, it’s packed with cute little 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?
Go hungry. You’ll nibble on bites from sushi to tacos and sip craft beer at tucked-away spots, while learning a little history along the way.
Shops, art and festivals
19) Shop Lower Johnson Street
Sure, you could shop along Government Street. But for a more local feel, wander lower Johnson Street (“LoJo”) between Government and Store streets.
This colorful stretch is lined with beautifully restored gold-rush-era buildings, now home to eclectic boutiques selling everything from locally designed fashion and jewelry to home décor and gifts.
A few standouts:
- John Fluevog Shoes – Eye candy for shoe-aholics, it’s known for its sky-high platform boots and artistic shoes with thick heels.
- Rook & Rose – Pop in for pretty little succulents, fresh bouquets and stylish potted plants perfect for hostess gifts (or yourself!).
- Zingaro Floral Perfumery – You’ll find old-fashioned stationery, hand-crafted beeswax candles, pretty vases, scented soaps and body oils and perfume.
20) Visit the Victoria Art Gallery
Nestled in the historic Rockland neighborhood, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria houses some 22,000 works of art – the largest public art collection in British Columbia.
The gallery combines an 1889 mansion with a modern low-rise building featuring seven state-of-the-art galleries.
Don’t miss the permanent collection of works by beloved BC artist Emily Carr, known for her dramatic West Coast landscapes and paintings inspired by First Nations culture.
The Asian art collection is another highlight, with treasures like a grand Ming Dynasty Chinese and intricate amber and ivory carvings. Outside, the peaceful Asian garden is home to the only authentic Japanese Shinto shrine in North America.
21) Attend a festival
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), catch Victoria Symphony Splash – the city’s signature summer event when it’s held.
The Victoria Symphony performs from a floating barge in the Inner Harbour as the sun sets and thousands gather along the waterfront to listen. Even kayakers paddle in for front-row “seats” on the water.
The grand finale? Fireworks exploding overhead while the 1812 Overture fills the air. Festive, fun and totally free. We love it!
(Unfortunately, it won’t take place in 2026.)
Moss Street (Art Gallery) Paint In
One day each summer, Moss Street Moss Street closes to traffic and transforms into a giant outdoor art fair, with more than 100 artists painting and selling their work.
There’s also live music plus plenty of food and drink vendors. If the weather’s sunny, expect more than 30,000 art lovers to wander through.
Music on the Lawn
In summer, free evening rock n’ roll and blues concerts are held on the lawn at Government House. Bring your own blanket to sit on.
Swiftsure
Head to Clover Point on Dallas Road in the morning of the annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race to watch hundreds of yachts stream by, their billowing sails catching the wind.
Boaters come from as far away as Hawaii and New Zealand to compete in this premier sailing race event in the Pacific Northwest.
Getting to Victoria
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is a smaller airport. Most direct flights arrive from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Seattle. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll usually connect through Vancouver or Seattle.
There are several ways to get to Victoria from Vancouver or Seattle.
From Vancouver
- Ferry – Take a car-and-passenger ferry with BC Ferries.
- Fly – Fly commercially or on a seaplane with Harbour Air.
- Day trip – Short on time? Day trips are popular in summer. This seaplane-and-ferry day tour makes it easy.
From Seattle
- Passenger ferry – Take the high-speed Victoria Clipper ferry.
- Car ferry – Bring your car on the M.V. Coho (Black Ball Ferry Line) from Port Angeles.
- Fly – Fly commercially or by seaplane with Kenmore Air.
- Day trip – If pressed for time, visit on a day trip from Seattle.
Getting around in the city
Walking
Victoria is a very walkable city. If you’re staying downtown, you can easily explore the Inner Harbor and the downtown core on foot (and it’s the best way to get around).
Victoria Harbour Ferry
Little passenger water taxis operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry criss-cross the Inner Harbor.
- Schedule – They run frequently, seven days a week, and are a fun way to hop between spots around the harbor and Gorge Waterway.
- Cost – A one-way fare from one dock to another costs $15.70 CAD (about $11.50 USD) plus tax per adult.
Public buses
Victoria’s public bus system (run by BC Transit) is pretty good for getting around Greater Victoria, including the airport and Swartz Bay ferry terminal. (See here for the schedule.)
In central Victoria, you usually won’t wait more than 15 minutes for a bus (though we’ve experienced slower service on Sundays).
You can pay cash on the bus, but give the exact amount, as you won’t get change back.
- Single ride – $3.00 CAD (about $2.20 USD)
- DayPASS – $6.00 CAD (about $4.40 USD)
Taxis
Taxis are convenient and reasonably affordable for short distances. We’ve found Bluebird Cabs especially reliable. We pre-book our rides with them for airport trips, and they’ve always shown up on time.
Renting a car
If you’re planning day trips from Victoria and aren’t booking guided tours, renting a car is a good idea. Most major rental agencies operate at the airport.
Uber? Ride sharing?
Yes, we have Uber in Victoria (and ride-share pick-up areas at the airport).
We haven’t used Uber ourselves yet, as we have our own cars. But visitors say it works fine. Just expect a bit more of a wait than in bigger Canadian cities like Calgary, where there are lots of Uber drivers.
Now you know what to do in Victoria!
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
- Discover the Side of Victoria Most Visitors Miss
- 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
- The Whale Watching Tour We Couldn’t Resist Twice
- 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
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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.)
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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…