Things to do in Victoria
Welcome to Victoria
Perched on the southeastern shores of Vancouver Island, Victoria—the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia—has a rich colonial history dating back to the 19th century. Bus and walking tours take Garden City visitors to top attractions such as Antique Row, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle (a National Historic Site of Canada), Oak Bay Marina, and Mount Tolmie, while the famous Butchart Gardens delight travelers from across the world with their enchanting floral displays. Food tours showcase the region’s diverse cheeses, fine chocolates, craft beer, and divine seafood; while overhead, sightseeing seaplane flights offer bird’s-eye views over the coastal scenery. For many visitors to Victoria, though, one activity stands out among all the others: whale watching. Cruises depart from Victoria and head into the deep waters of the Salish Sea, where gray, humpback, killer, and minke whales can be seen breaching and crashing through the waves. Travelers also regularly spot other native wildlife such as marine birds, otters, porpoises, sea lions, and seals. For visitors with a little more time on their hands, three- to eight-day tours hit farther-flung destinations such as Barkley Sound; Strathcona-Westmin Provincial Park; and the snowy peaks—or summery hiking and mountain biking trails—of Whistler, where travelers can experience the best of the Canadian wilderness.
Top 15 attractions in Victoria
Butchart Gardens
Victoria Inner Harbour
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Craigdarroch Castle
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Beacon Hill Park
Victoria Chinatown
Sidney (Sidney-by-the-Sea)
Fisherman's Wharf
Government Street
Royal British Columbia Museum
Emily Carr House
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Mt. Tolmie Park
Gulf Islands
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All about Victoria
When to visit
Summer is peak season in Victoria, with dry, sunny weather perfect for harborside events including the Symphony Splash and Victoria International JazzFest. If you don’t mind crowded paths, it’s also the best time to catch Butchart Gardens in full bloom. Fall has fewer tourists and discounted hotel rooms, though watch out for closed attractions around Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October.
A local’s pocket guide to Victoria
Victoria is one of Margot’s favorite spots in Canada, and she lives just close enough to be able to take regular-ish weekend road trips up to the city.
head straight to Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in the country, and don't leave before taking a stroll through the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley.
includes a morning stroll in pretty Beacon Hill Park, an afternoon exploring the grandiose Craigdarroch Castle, and an evening walking along Government Street in the heart of downtown.
Butchart Gardens. Even if you aren't into plants, you can't deny how beautiful this spot is, no matter the season.
get away from downtown and head up to visit the numerous parks and beaches in the Gordon Head neighborhood near the University of Victoria.
head to sea! Victoria is, after all, a port city on an island, and you’ll be able to get some fantastic photos of the skyline from aboard a sailboat or ferry.
is assuming that Victoria is boring. While the city is not as big or lively as Vancouver, it’s still a great place to stroll and people-watch. There are also plenty of fantastic restaurants.
People Also Ask
The oceanside city of Victoria, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is known for mild weather, and it's earned the nickname the City of Gardens. It is bike-friendly with an extensive network of bike paths, plus it's got Canada’s oldest Chinatown and an impressive number of charming pubs.
...MoreThere's plenty to do in Victoria: explore Fisherman’s Wharf, wander the galleries of the Royal BC Museum, and see a variety of landscapes in Butchart Gardens. Visitors can also shop downtown, feast on fresh seafood, explore Canada’s oldest Chinatown, and ride the ferry for scenic views.
...MoreSome travelers spend a single day in Victoria, and a day trip provides a good introduction to the oceanside city's natural beauty. But Victoria has more to offer, and it can easily entertain tourists for two or three days with its attractions, from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Inner Harbour.
...MoreIn fall, visitors can enjoy seasonal activities such as admiring the vibrant colors in Butchart Gardens. Fans of spooky history may want to book a ghost tour in Victoria, while foodies may want to celebrate cider season with a tasting at a local cidery.
...MoreThere are many free things to do in Victoria. Travelers on a budget admire views at the Inner Harbour, explore Chinatown, picnic at Beacon Hill Park, or listen to live music in Market Square. Free tours are also available at the Parliament Buildings.
...MoreYes. Victoria is worth visiting. This charming oceanside city offers plenty to do for travelers including Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown. It is also home to a big network of friendly pubs and areas for exploring on foot including Fisherman’s Wharf and the Inner Harbour.
...MoreVictoria information
Number of Attractions | 29 |
|---|---|
Number of Tours | 45 |
Number of Reviews | 3,956 |
Currency | CAD |
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