Typically overshadowed by its mainland cousin, the capital of British Columbia – Victoria, is a ravishing metropolis stuffed with greenery and tradition. Coined the “Backyard Metropolis,” Victoria connects big-city points of interest with rugged West Coast magnificence.
Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is dwelling to a number of landmarks just like the Royal BC Museum, the Butchart Gardens and the well-known Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s surrounded by inexperienced areas and ocean views lit up by the buzzing retailers and eating places of downtown Victoria.
The town of Victoria is a pacesetter in environmental initiatives specializing in selling native, sustainable companies and clear expertise. It’s additionally on the street to 100% renewable vitality by 2050 and 50% landfill waste discount by 2040.
Visiting Victoria is a should for anybody planning a visit to Vancouver Island. It’s a vacation spot with heaps to see and do. From whale watching to excessive tea, listed here are one of the best issues to do in Victoria, BC.
Victoria Harbour
How To Get To Victoria, British Columbia
By Ferry: BC Ferries: Victoria is situated on Vancouver Island, a 1.5-hour ferry trip from Vancouver. You’ll be able to board the ferry with a car or use the shuttle service and trip as a walk-on passenger. The ferry departs from Tsawwassen and sails to Swartz Bay from Vancouver.
The crusing is beautiful however can get busy on summer season weekends. We extremely advocate making a reservation for those who’re travelling with a car.
US guests may get to Victoria through the ferry from Washington State. Take the Coho Ferry from the Olympic Peninsula or the Clipper Ferry from downtown Seattle proper into Victoria’s Internal Harbour.
By Floatplane: If the ferry isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to journey by floatplane with Harbour Air Seaplanes to shave off a ton of journey time. The flight is just 40 minutes and travels straight from Vancouver to downtown Victoria.
By Aircraft: Home and Worldwide travellers can fly into Victoria Worldwide Airport (YYJ) which affords home flights to/from quite a lot of locations inside Canada and a few locations throughout the US with Alaska Airways.
How To Get Round Victoria, BC, Canada
Downtown Victoria is accessible by bike or on foot. A lot of downtown’s vacationer points of interest are situated inside strolling distance to Authorities Avenue and the Internal Harbour.
There are biking trails all through Victoria’s neighbourhoods and even alongside the futuristic Johnson Avenue Bridge. Public transport can also be out there via BC Transit.
Shuttle buses can be found for day journeys to different components of Vancouver Island.
If you’re visiting Victoria as part of a bigger Vancouver Island journey, we advocate touring with your individual automobile, as public transport connections throughout the island should not nice. You’ll be able to lease a automobile on the mainland in Vancouver and produce it to Vancouver Island on the ferry or lease one in Victoria.
Electrical Automobiles and EV Charging Stations in Victoria
Victoria have an abundance of EV charging stations all around the metropolis. Some are city-owned, and situated in public parks, and there are dozens extra unfold out all around the metropolis. A number of Victoria lodges have put in charging stations for friends, and you could find them in some buying centre parking heaps. Should you plan on exploring extra of Vancouver Island, charging stations are situated alongside main routes and vacation spot cities as nicely.
Rental businesses in Victoria do have electrical autos, they usually’re tremendous standard, so it’s finest to order one as quickly as you’ll be able to. Should you’re flying into Vancouver, you’ll have a a lot larger collection of electrical autos there, plus rental charges are loads cheaper.
Driving on Vancouver Island
Finest Issues To Do In Victoria, BC
We now have visited Victoria a few occasions on our West Coast travels and have discovered it to be a enjoyable metropolis to discover. From historic websites to out of doors journey, the checklist of enjoyable issues to do in Victoria, BC is limitless. Listed below are a few of our high options!
Stroll Alongside Victoria’s Internal Harbour
Among the best free issues to do in Victoria, BC, is to take a stroll alongside the Internal Harbour. It’s within the metropolis’s coronary heart, with lots of the high vacationer points of interest in Victoria at your fingertips.
Spend a day watching the seaplanes take off or cruise the vibrant houseboats of Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll see the statue of namesake Queen Victoria with beautiful vibrant flowers.
Victoria’s Internal Harbour is the place many boat excursions and horse-drawn carriages take off, so there’s all the time one thing occurring. We advocate grabbing a chew of fish and chips and wandering the harbour at sundown.
Victoria Harbour
Go to Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf, situated additional down from the Internal Harbour, is abuzz with meals distributors and float properties. It’s dwelling to over 30 berths with liveaboard boats, eclectic retailers, and nice seaside eating places.
The colorful pier is a enjoyable place to have lunch and scan the water for pleasant seals frolicking within the waves. The pier is well one of many coolest issues to see in Victoria!
Fishermans Wharf, Victoria, BC
Floating home at Fishermans Wharf, Victoria, BC
Vibrant eatery at Fishermans Wharf, Victoria, BC
Get pleasure from Afternoon Tea At The Fairmont Empress Resort
Conventional afternoon tea on the Fairmont Empress is a enjoyable exercise for these visiting Victoria, BC. The lodge was in-built 1908 and is a Nationwide Historic Website of Canada. The Fairmont hosts celebrities and royalty on a yearly foundation.
The afternoon tea on the Empress Resort is a long-running custom and a singular technique to spend a day. Wish to go all out? Why not adorn a giant hat and fancy gown and benefit from the festivities within the Empress’ subtle Foyer Lounge.
The English Afternoon Tea Service incorporates sustainably sourced substances as a lot as potential. For instance, all teas served on the Fairmont Empress are ethically sourced from high tea producers all over the world and are rigorously chosen. The enduring tea tiers characteristic regionally sourced produce, lavender from the lodge’s rooftop backyard, and honey from their very own hives.
Tea lovers accepted – their 21 totally different loose-leaf teas is not going to disappoint. Pair your tea with fresh-baked raisin scones, strawberry rose macarons, or sockeye salmon blinis (with pinkies up, in fact!). The each day occasions refill shortly, so make sure you reserve your spot prematurely.
Fairmont Empress Resort
Discover Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and solely second behind San Francisco’s in North America. It’s stuffed with distinctive retailers, eating places, and vibrant structure, not like anyplace else within the metropolis. Enter via the enduring pink gates at Authorities Avenue and Fisgard and stroll alongside the lantern-lined streets.
You’ll wish to poke down Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest avenue in Canada. It’s one of many quirkiest Victoria, BC, vacationer points of interest, dotted with tiny tea retailers and eclectic boutiques.
Chinatown, Victoria, BC
Store And Snack In Market Sq.
Market Sq. is a hidden courtyard off of decrease Johnson Avenue full of retailers and sidewalk patios. You would simply spend a day exploring all the many breweries, cafés, and classic shops the Sq. affords.
You’ll discover every part from handmade jewelry to bicycle leases and benefit from the sound of musicians and buskers within the background. Market Sq. is among the finest locations to go to in Victoria, BC, for a energetic afternoon.
Entrance to Market Sq.. Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Stroll Via Beacon Hill Park
One of many many inexperienced areas in Victoria, Beacon Hill Park is a 200-acre marvel in the midst of town. It affords a maze of strolling trails that move by ponds, fountains, and big towering bushes. Hold your eyes peeled for wildlife like peacocks and herons as you wind your approach via the gardens.
You’ll be able to even see Washington’s Olympic Mountains hovering above the Juan de Fuca Strait on a transparent day. And for those who pack binoculars, chances are you’ll even catch a glimpse of Seattle!
For a special day, e-book a horse-drawn carriage tour to discover the park in type. You’ll want to finish the day with a stroll via Prepare dinner Avenue Village and revel in a beer on a sun-drenched patio.
Aerial view of Beacon Hill Park. Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Soak In Historical past At The Royal British Columbia Museum
The Royal BC Museum is iconic to Victoria and the province. Its displays showcase British Columbia over its course of pure and cultural historical past all through the millennia. Crammed with interactive shows and historic replicas, the museum has over 7 million objects in its assortment!
Most notable is the HMS Discovery reproduction, the ship Captain Vancouver took to succeed in Victoria and the shores of mainland Canada. There are additionally shows of First Nations artifacts, rainforest domes, and beautiful painted totems. The Royal BC Museum is undoubtedly one of many must-visit locations in Victoria.
Working hours do differ by season, so it’s finest to test forward earlier than you go to The Royal BC Museum.
Indigenous exhibit. Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Go to the Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria
Situated in a ravishing park-like setting about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, the Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is a group of artwork exhibition areas that characteristic historic and modern items. The gallery has over 20,000 works, making it the biggest public assortment in British Columbia.
The campus contains the unique constructing, a historic 1889 mansion, and 7 trendy galleries that have been regularly added. The Artwork Gallery is open via all seasons, Tuesday via Sunday, and admission is CAD $13. Whilst you’re within the space, try Craigdarroch Fort, which is a couple of 5-minute stroll from the gallery.
Craigdarroch Fort.
Go to Butchart Gardens
The world-famous Butchart Gardens persistently tops the checklist of the highest issues to do in Victoria, BC. Situated only a brief drive north of town, the previous quarry-turned-garden started in 1904 and has been working ever since.
The Gardens characteristic many worthy displays, from the rose backyard to the Japanese backyard to the notorious sunken backyard. With over 50 year-round gardeners, the Butchart Gardens ensures that each hedge and rosebush is pristine.
Plus, Butchart Gardens boasts a number of environmental initiatives, selling composting, natural pest management, and drip irrigation.
Burchart Gardens, Victoria, BC
Italian Backyard at Butchart Gardens.
Go On A Whale Watching Tour
Recognized for its resident Southern Orcas, Victoria is a well-liked vacation spot for year-round whale watching. Orcas, or killer whales, are probably the most generally sighted, however gray whales and humpback whales frequent the coast from March to November.
Whereas it’s potential to identify the whales from shore, we advocate becoming a member of a Victoria whale-watching tour for one of the best likelihood of recognizing these stunning creatures. Whereas there are many whale-watching tour suppliers on the town, we cherished our whale-watching expertise with Prince of Whales and would extremely advocate their 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat. Their workers are extraordinarily passionate marine biologists who put a variety of emphasis on environmental safety and the conservation of whales in BC. Orca Spirit Adventures is one other respected operator of whale-watching excursions.
Get A Birds Eye View From Mount Douglas
From the summit of Mount Douglas Park, the panoramic views of the water and surrounding islands are unbelievable. It’s a brief 4 km (2.5 miles) hike to get to the highest that may be accomplished in simply 1-2 hours.
You’ll be able to drive a great chunk of the best way there and end the climb on foot. The aerial views on the high are nicely value it!
Mount Douglas Park. Picture through Unsplash
Partake in Considered one of Victoria’s Festivals
Victoria likes to have fun all issues cultural all all year long. No matter what time of yr you go to town, there’s sure to be one thing occurring. Listed below are some festivals and occasions by season.
Spring: Kicking off in early Might, Victoria Beer Week is a week-long pageant that showcases craft beer from over 50 regional breweries. There are totally different occasions each day at venues all around the metropolis and in Market Sq.. Heaps is happening throughout the Victoria Day vacation weekend, with the spectacular parade going via downtown and different occasions just like the Victoria Highland Video games & Celtic Pageant.
Summer season: There are such a lot of occasions throughout the summer season, together with the Victoria Worldwide Jazz Fest and the Victoria Ska & Reggae Pageant in June, and the Basic Boat Pageant in early September.
Fall: Harvest season brings a variety of meals and drink-related occasions, just like the Brewery & The Beast Culinary Pageant and the Artwork of the Cocktail occasion in October. The Salt Spring Island Apple Pageant is a enjoyable neighborhood occasion the place you get to tour apple orchards, pattern the numerous varieties, and take a look at recent, wholesome dishes ready with the harvest.
Winter: The Victoria Movie Pageant runs for 10 days in February, Dine Round and Keep in City is Victoria’s largest foodie occasion, and it kicks off in late January, working into February. Loads of Victoria lodges supply discounted offers on rooms throughout Dine Round and Keep in City.
Be a part of a Meals & Historical past Strolling Tour
This standard guided tour is a good introduction to Victoria. You’ll comply with a information to historic areas and highlights just like the Victoria Public market, the Harmonious Gates of Curiosity, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and several other different fascinating spots. Alongside the best way, you’ll cease at a number of institutions to pattern dishes, craft beer, cheese, and several other different native merchandise.
Day Journeys From Victoria, BC
Sightseeing in Victoria is spectacular, however the surrounding components of Vancouver Island pack a punch.
Goldstream Provincial Park
Simply 20 minutes outdoors Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park affords improbable mountain climbing trails, scenic views, and tenting. The Trestle Bridge Climbing Path is a favorite amongst locals, ending at a historic rail trestle nestled within the bushes. Goldstream is superb year-round however is very energetic within the fall when salmon spawn within the rivers.
Goldstream Provincial Park
East Sooke Regional Park
Barely additional west of city, East Sooke Park has all of the allure you’d count on from the Pacific Northwest. Rugged shoreline, old-growth forests, and sandy seashores encompass mountain climbing trails and rocky hilltops. There are many locations to go for a stroll and even bounce into the ocean for a swim. The park options 50 km of trails that weave via lush forests and alongside the rugged shore overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
East Sooke Park.
Brentwood Bay And The Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Should you plan on visiting Butchart Gardens, take into account spending the day exploring the scenic shores of Brentwood Bay. Close by Tod Inlet is a improbable place to lease a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and discover the world on the water.
Pop into the Victoria Butterfly Gardens to look at tons of of vibrant butterflies, birds, and reptiles. And if that doesn’t fulfill your insect itch, there’s additionally the Victoria Bug Zoo downtown, not removed from the Fairmont Empress Resort.
Brentwood Bay
Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
The small city of Sooke is known for its eroded rocky swimming pools on the shores of the Sooke River. Drive 45 minutes west of Victoria and put together for a refreshing plunge into wonderful rock swimming pools on the foot of a waterfall. Sure, the water is chilly, but it surely’s the right technique to cool off after a scorching day lounging on the river banks!
Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Mount Washington Resort
Should you’re considering of what to do in Victoria, BC, for a dose of adrenaline, head 3 hours north of Victoria to Mount Washington. Within the winter, it’s an alpine ski resort with tubing, snowshoeing, and naturally, snowboarding. In the summertime, the resort affords mountain climbing and mountain biking trails with scenic gondola rides and a zipline journey.
Mount Washington Apline Report
Aerial view of the frontside of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Credit score: Mount Washington Alpine Resort / Jenn Dykstra
Malahat SkyWalk
The newly constructed Malahat SkyWalk affords breathtaking views over the ocean and the Gulf Islands. From 250 m (850 ft) above sea stage, you’ll be capable of soak up a panorama of mountains, inlets, and endless forests.
The SkyWalk not solely showcases nature however was constructed with sustainability in thoughts. It was made with minimal environmental influence and aimed to advertise accessibility in Victoria, BC tourism. The cherry on high? You get to trip down a slide from the highest stage!
Wanting up via the centre of the Malahat Skywalk on the spiral slide and other people on the Journey Web. Credit score: Malahat SkyWalk/Milen Kootnikoff
Discover the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse Nationwide Historic Websites
Situated a couple of 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria these historic sights characteristic a Nineteenth-century artillery fortress and the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s west coast, all surrounded by the rugged coastal panorama.
Digital guided excursions and audio excursions are provided, permitting guests to discover the sights at their very own tempo. The park contains the Garry Oak Studying Meadow, and guests can be part of a tour guided by a naturalist to be taught tips about rising uncommon wildflowers to draw and help pollinators. There’s additionally the Historic Nature Path, a sentry path shaded by Garry oaks and several other different coastal tree species.
From Might to mid-October, the lighthouse and historic buildings are open 7 days per week, and from mid-October to the top of April, the lighthouse and historic buildings are solely open on weekends. Whatever the season, the grounds and washrooms are open each day, so guests are free to discover.
Fisgard Lighthouse at Fort Rodd Hill historic website in Colwood. Credit score: Tourism Vancouver Island / The Nice Path
The place To Keep In Victoria, British Columbia
James Bay Inn
Nestled by tree-lined streets surrounding Beacon Hill Park, James Bay Inn is a good budget-friendly lodge in Victoria, BC. The lodge is about in a historic Edwardian constructing lower than a 10-minute stroll from the ocean. Or, stroll 10 minutes within the different route, and also you’ll be proper in Victoria’s Internal Harbour.
James Bay affords rooms and cottages with easy furnishings and an on-site pub. They’ve eradicated single-use plastics and inspired friends to discover town by bicycle. Rooms at James Bay begin at CAD $130 per night time.
Strathcona Resort
Situated within the metropolis’s coronary heart on Douglas Avenue, Strathcona Resort affords eco-friendly lodging in a heritage constructing. There are a number of bars and eating places on-site, with lots of the finest Victoria points of interest at arm’s attain.
Strathcona invests a portion of its income into neighborhood tasks and has all LED lighting and water-efficient bathrooms and showers. Rooms on the Strathcona Resort begin at CAD $160 per night time.
Parkside Resort
The Parkside Resort & Spa is a trendy, carbon-neutral lodge simply steps away from the good points of interest in Victoria, BC. Parkside is regionally owned and dedicated to sustainability in each facet of its enterprise.
The property promotes accountable journey for locals and vacationers and boasts a number of sustainability certifications. They’ve over 120 suites in addition to a swimming pool, bar, and rooftop backyard. Rooms at Parkside begin at CAD $233 per night time.
Inn At Laurel Level
The first carbon-neutral lodge in British Columbia, the Inn at Laurel Level, is an expensive retreat proper on the water. Rooms have sea views, and personal balconies and hallways are decked out in native artwork.
The Inn is a social enterprise with well-defined investments in water conservation, renewable vitality, and neighborhood empowerment. The property boasts stunning green-certified eating places in addition to an indoor swimming pool and a health centre. Rooms on the Inn at Laurel Level begin at CAD $254 per night time.
Inn at Laurel Level Terrace Suite. Picture through Vacation spot Larger Victoria
Oak Bay Seaside Resort
This oceanfront boutique resort affords spacious lodging in a traditional manor-style home. All 100 spacious rooms have both a non-public balcony or deck, so that you’ll have your individual breathtaking view of the Salish Sea or the luxurious neighbourhood of Oak Bay.
Oak Bay Seaside Resort is energetic in community-supporting occasions, together with fundraising marathons and that includes works by native artists. The resort can also be partnered with environmental efforts like Veritree. For each night time {that a} visitor declines stay-over service, Oak Bay Seaside Resort commits to planting 10 kelp in Hotham Sound. Rooms begin at CAD $222 per night time.
Oak Bay Seaside Resort. Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Jordan Dyck
What Can You Do In Victoria, BC In One Day
To take advantage of out of a one-day journey to Victoria, BC, you’ll wish to deal with downtown and the Internal Harbour.
Stroll the scenic streets surrounding the harbour and pop into retailers and cafés alongside the best way. Get pleasure from a day tea on the Empress Resort, discover the Royal BC Museum, and for those who can swing it, squeeze in a whale-watching tour!
How Lengthy Do You Want To Spend In Victoria, BC?
Since Victoria is a comparatively small metropolis, you’ll be able to discover a great chunk of it in a number of days. We advocate spending a minimum of 2-3 days in Victoria with further time spent within the surrounding space of Vancouver Island.