Victoria is a stunning city that attracts nearly 4 million visitors annually. Given the plethora of attractions in the area, it’s no surprise that so many tourists flock to this charming city. However, as a first-time visitor, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do and where to go in Victoria. Rest assured, I’m here to help you navigate through the city and make the most of your visit.
Things to Do in Victoria, BC
Victoria is a very lively place, with many activities that you can enjoy. Even if you take a week-long vacation, you’ll still have plenty of places to see. Here are the things to do in Victoria BC to keep yourself entertained.
1. Go Whale Watching
Whales are a very common occurrence in Victoria BC, and you can easily join a tour to spot some. There are various types of whales in the waters, but you are most likely to see grey, humpback, and mink whales. If you are lucky enough, you can even see orcas – but since they are dubbed “killer whales,” you may want to keep your distance.
I recommend you go from May through October, as you will have more chances to spot a whale. Many of them migrate during the winter, so you might not be able to see them around that time.
Some of the companies that can offer you whale-watching tours are the Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours at Fisherman’s Wharf Park, Orca Spirit Adventures Whale Watching, or BC Whale Tours Victoria.
These tours will take you to common areas such as the Gulf Islands National Marine Park, Salish Sea, and Juan de Fuca Strait, where you can spot whales in their natural habitats. That being said, you also have a chance to see whales from a distance from James Bay or the edge of Holland Point Park, or by taking a whale-watching tour from Galiano Island.
If you love whale-watching, check out this whale-watching guide in Canada.
2. Try Deer Spotting
Deer don’t usually spend their time in a metropolitan area, but in Victoria is different. Since there are plenty of natural spots in the city, deer are often spotted here, chilling in the parks or people’s backyards.
When you drive through Victoria, look for signs that tell you to slow down for deer. These signs were raised to prevent accidents, but they may also be your cue to stop and take a stroll through a park nearby.
3. Go Kayaking and Sailing
One of the best things to do in Victoria BC is sailing and kayaking. Numerous places on the beach can give you a scenic tour, but you can also get your own gear. You can easily enjoy some quiet time on a lake or at the inner harbour.
I recommend you do it between April and October, as it is warmer. That being said, the weather in the city is usually quite pleasant, so you should be able to sail at all times. All you need is a good suit, and you will be protected from the cold.
Some very common places for canoeing and kayaking are Thetis Lake and Gorge Waterway. You can try companies such as Ocean River Sports, with docks facing the Canoe Brew Pub. According to locals, South Island SUP and Victoria Waterfront Tours are also very popular for kayaking.
4. Go to a Festival
The best part about Victoria is that there are several festivals that you may catch here. Personally, while I do enjoy visiting the city and the local places, I also love the occasional music or arts festivals. They are not only entertaining, but they also give you a glimpse of the local culture.
According to locals, some of the most popular festivals in Victoria BC are the Symphony Splash, the Moss Street Paint-in, and the Swiftsure sailing festival. The Music on the Lawn festival is one of my favourites, as it includes several blues and rock’n’roll bands. The good news is that pretty much every weekend in summer features a festival of some sort.
5. Consider Hiking
Many people see Victoria as this big city with modern buildings that spark with metropolis life. However, there are many hiking opportunities that you may take on, some of which are a stone’s throw away from the city centre.
My favourite is the Ogden Point breakwater trail, as it’s close to the centre of Victoria and offers you a scenic view of the water. Moreover, the Victoria Inner Harbour trail has many beautiful sights to see. There are plenty of forests nearby as well, which will offer you a nice touch of nature.
6. Go Swimming at the Lakes and Beaches
There are various beaches in Victoria where you may grab a tan – these include Willows Beach or Cadboro-Gyro Beach. There are also various swimming holes and lakes you can go to inland, such as Thetis Lake. For example, I like smaller lake beaches, as the water tends to be warmer and more tranquil.
What to Visit
Victoria is a culturally rich place. When you are not lounging at the beach, watching the whales, or hiking through the natural spots, you can visit many beautiful attractions. These are the places I love to visit.
1. Victoria Downtown
I absolutely adore the downtown area of Victoria City. The castle-like buildings with their beautiful architecture are a sight to behold. Every time I visit Victoria downtown, I spend an hour walking by the harbour, admiring these Royal-style buildings. The intricate details and grandeur of these structures are truly awe-inspiring and make me feel like I’m in a fairy tale.
2. Go to the Victoria Inner Harbour
The Inner Harbour of Victoria BC attracts hundreds of tourists every day. That’s because it’s one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, as it’s surrounded by historical buildings and is rich in entertaining activities. I love walking the scenic streets, and the Inner Harbour is like a great treat for me.
During summer, there are also quite a few festivals around. It’s a very lively place, and you can do many exciting things, such as riding a ferry or renting a boat to go out in the water.
3. Walk through Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is one of the most beautiful places in Victoria BC and a joy to walk through. The majority of the park has been retouched, so it’s even more beautiful. I especially love it in the spring and summer months, when everything is in green and full bloom.
However, keep in mind that the park is quite big – some 200 acres, to be precise. To enjoy its full beauty, you may want to plan a good part of the day around it. For example, I recommend you use this opportunity to have a picnic there. In my experience, there’s nothing better than enjoying a good snack accompanied by the chirping of the birds in Beacon Hill Park.
4. Go to the Royal BC Museum
Open since 1886, the Royal BC Museum is a historical gem that you don’t want to miss. Inside, you may find three permanent galleries: the Becoming BC, the Natural History gallery, and the First People gallery.
The Natural History Gallery alone has some 750,000 specimens, most of which have been resourced from the province. Moreover, there are some touring exhibitions that I believe you may enjoy. Personally, I love the exhibitions on Vikings and Egyptian artifacts, but the Titanic exhibition was also pretty cool.
5. Visit the Craigdarroch Castle
I don’t know about you, but whenever there is an opportunity to visit a castle, I feel excited like a little child. There’s something about castles that transports people to a different world, so when I heard about the Craigdarroch Castle, I knew that it’s a “must” on your itinerary.
This sandstone castle was built in 1887-1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a coal baron in British Columbia. Sadly, he never got to live in the castle, as he died one year before its finalization. Afterwards, the castle was passed on to his family, and now Craigdarroch Castle is open to the public.
Craigdarroch Castle spans over 1,900 square meters, which is huge. There are 39 rooms inside, all of which are furnished lavishly. It’s a work of art at every corner, and you are bound to love it.
6. Check the Fisherman’s Wharf Park
Very close to the Victoria Inner Harbour, you will come across Fisherman’s Wharf Park, which is pretty much a floating neighbourhood. Many people have their homes set over the water, floating with the waves (don’t worry, they are anchored).
This place is perfect for you to take a water stroll and eat some fresh seafood. Furthermore, the neighbourhood, located in Victoria Inner Harbour, has a couple of guest houses for you to rent. It’s the perfect opportunity to try the floating home experience and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this historic area.
7. Check Out the Victoria Bug Zoo
If bugs don’t make you feel squeamish, then you may want to try the Victoria Bug Zoo. Here, you can see and hold a variety of awe-inspiring bugs, such as glow-in-the-dark scorpions, walking sticks, pretty butterflies and moths, and even hairy tarantulas.
Many people love this place because it is a knowledgeable experience. They also love it for the fact that they can even hold the bugs (provided they are not dangerous). Not to mention that tour guides have contagious enthusiasm, making it a very fun visit.
8. Walk Through the Abkhazi Garden
The Abkhazi Garden is like an attack on the senses – but a very beautiful one. Created back in 1946 by Princess and Prince Abkhazi, this place is frequently referred to as the Garden City.
There are plenty of beautiful vistas here, featuring Garry oaks, Japanese maples, and hundreds of flower types. I love it the most during spring, as this is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating magic all around them.
9. Check the Victorian-Style Ross Bay Cemetery
I’ve seen many people creeped out at the concept of visiting a cemetery, but this one makes every visitor feel at peace. It’s a Victorian-style cemetery with lots of greenery, which is very tranquil to walk through. I particularly like it during the fall season, as the fallen orange leaves make the place look gorgeous.
Since this cemetery is very quiet, with no loud car noises, deer are also frequently spotted here. In fact, if you want to see them during a visit, Ross Bay Cemetery is the best place to go. Besides this, I particularly love the exquisite grand tombstones and angel statues, as they make you feel like you are strolling within a sculpture garden.
Explore the Malahat Skywalk
The Malahat Skywalk is a 10-storey tower with a 600-metre elevated walkway on southern Vancouver Island, located just 30 minutes north of Victoria. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Saanich Inlet and surrounding mountains from the walkway, which is suspended between eight tree platforms. At the top of the tower, visitors can take in a 360-degree view from a platform that is 35 meters high. The attraction is open year-round and accessible to all ages and abilities.
This place also features a cafe, gift shop, and educational exhibits about local ecology and history. The walkway takes visitors through an ancient forest, offering a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the area. The attraction is situated near the town of Shawnigan Lake and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Where to Stay in Victoria
You’ll also need a place to rest and gather your strength. So, here are the most popular options:
1. Abigail’s Hotel
The majority of people gave this hotel a 5-star review, and it’s pretty understandable why. It has all the amenities you may need, including free parking. Moreover, breakfast is included in the room price.
2. Fairmont Express
Fairmont is slightly more expensive but worth the price. You get access to a spa, a pool, and beautiful views from the room windows. It can be quite difficult to beat this comfort.
3. Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast
This pretty bed and breakfast features an Edwardian décor that I adore. And if that isn’t enough, the breakfast sure would be. It also helps that the B&B is within walking distance of the most popular sights.
4. Ocean Island Inn
If you are travelling on a budget, Ocean Island Inn is a great choice for your needs. Very popular among backpackers, you can book dorms, along with mini private rooms and suites.
5. James Bay Inn Hotel
The James Bay Inn Hotel not only allows you to book a suite, but you may also get a cottage to stay at. Thus, it’s the perfect choice for people wanting a little bit of extra privacy.
6. Huntington Manor Hotel
This English-style manor is a great option if you want something quaint and comfortable. There are 80 guest rooms to choose from, and I love that you can have a quiet breakfast or snack in the garden or picnic area.
Where to Eat in Victoria
After a full day of walking and visiting, a good meal can help you regain your strength. Therefore, here are some very popular places you can try:
1. Spinnakers
This place is both a pub and a brewery, where you can enjoy some amazing craft beer. Visitors also recommend the shrimp flatbread and the Kale Caeser.
2. Pagliacci’s
If you are in the mood for Italian cuisine, I suggest you try Pagliacci’s. From pasta to cheesecake and red wine, this place has many delicious options for you. Previous customers say that you can also come across the occasional live jazz when you visit the restaurant.
3. Red Fish Blue Fish
Seafood is common in Victoria, but this place is something else. You can enjoy delicious seafood served in tempura batter, along with different dishes featuring oysters, tuna, and salmon.
4. Menbow Ramen Bar
Very often, I find myself craving good ramen, and such a dish can give me a whole lot of energy for the day. The pork and chicken ramen are amazing, according to previous customers, but there are also vegan options to try out.
5. Stage Wine Bar
If you are planning a date night, Stage Wine Bar is the perfect place to go. The langos and smoked salmon are great, and there is an extensive list of wines you can pick from. Locals see it as one of the best choices for couples visiting Victoria.
The Bottom Line
Victoria BC is a place that’s not lacking in activities, regardless of what your preferences are. Whether you like to spend a relaxing day at Beacon Hill Park or join a festival at the Victoria Inner Harbour, there are plenty of entertaining things for you to do.
