Explore Victoria, which is tucked away on the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, is awash in natural beauty and vintage charm. As the provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria delights visitors with its vibrant arts community, charming seaside setting, and pleasant year-round climate.
Known as the “City of Gardens”, Victoria is brimming with colourful blooms and carefully cultivated green spaces. The city’s British colonial past shines through in its stately architecture, including the Parliament Buildings and grand Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooking the Inner Harbour. Beyond the downtown, you’ll find quiet lanes lined with Victorian homes and peaceful parks perfect for strolling.
In this article, we’ll uncover the best ways to experience Victoria’s top attractions. From sipping afternoon tea at the Empress to wandering through Butchart Gardens to exploring historic sites like Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria offers no shortage of sights. As a walkable city, it’s easy to hit many highlights in just a day or two. Extend your stay to enjoy Victoria’s burgeoning food scene, waterfront trails, and nearby day trip destinations.
Explore Victoria, British Columbia
Table of contents
1. Getting to Victoria
By Ferry
The most popular and scenic option for getting to Victoria is taking a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. BC Ferries offers frequent sailings throughout the day, taking around 1.5 hours each way. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season. The journey across the Straits of Georgia provides beautiful ocean views along the way.
From Seattle
Visitors coming from Seattle can directly reach Victoria by ferry as well. The Victoria Clipper runs a convenient 4-hour ferry service from Seattle to Victoria’s Ogden Point terminal. This allows you to avoid border hassles by clearing customs directly in Victoria. The Clipper operates several daily sailings between the two cities.
By Seaplane
For a more adventurous and picturesque arrival, you can opt to reach Victoria by seaplane. Companies like Kenmore Air and Harbour Air provide seaplane flights between Seattle or Vancouver and Victoria’s harbor, lasting just 30-60 minutes. Landing on the water with the Parliament Buildings coming into view is an unforgettable way to start your Victoria getaway.
By Helicopter
If speed is your priority, helicopter transfers are the quickest way to reach downtown Victoria. Helicopter providers like Helijet can whisk up to 6 passengers from Vancouver to Victoria in only 35 minutes. You’ll be treated to stunning aerial views before landing right in Victoria’s scenic harbor near all the attractions.
2. Orientation & Getting Around In BC
Victoria is nicely compact, making it easy to explore its major sights without a car. The Inner Harbour area is the center of activity, home to attractions like the Royal BC Museum, EMPRESS Hotel, and Parliament Buildings. Branching from downtown, you’ll find charming neighborhoods lined with Victorian architecture and quiet greenspaces.
Walking is the best way to soak up Victoria’s vibes. A waterfront stroll from the Inner Harbour passes Fisherman’s Wharf, the Maritime Museum, and Ogden Point. Ambling down Government Street leads you to Market Square and Chinatown’s Fan Tan Alley. Other walkable routes connect downtown to Beacon Hill Park, Antique Row, and James Bay.
For farther flung sights, Victoria’s buses offer a convenient way to get around. The double-decker buses on routes like the Rolling Stop Hop-On Hop-Off are perfect for sightseeing. You can also rent bikes or scooters to cover more ground. To maximize your time, combining walking, bicycling, and occasional bus travel makes exploring Victoria a breeze.
3. Top Attractions In Victoria
The Inner Harbour
Victoria’s Inner Harbour offers postcard-perfect scenery and attractions clustered around its waterfront promenade. Here you’ll find the stately Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum showcasing regional history and artifacts, and the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel that’s hosted royalty since 1908. Don’t miss taking a short harbor ferry ride for panoramic views of the skyline.
Afternoon Tea at the Empress
Victoria has deep British roots, including the tradition of afternoon tea that’s still going strong. Indulge in tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets served elegantly on tiered platters in the tea lobby of the Empress Hotel. Reservations are essential for this refined, intimate dining experience.
Butchart Gardens
This National Historic Site located just north of Victoria on Vancouver Island is one of the world’s most impressive floral show gardens. Explore 55 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, rose gardens, and fountains during the daytime, then return to see the magical night illuminations.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle is a magnificent Victorian-era mansion and National Historic Site just a short walk from downtown Victoria. Built in the 1890s as a family residence for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, the castle dazzles with intricate stonework and turrets. Venture inside on a self-guided tour to admire the lavish woodwork, stained glass, and period decor throughout the four-story castle. Photography is permitted, so take advantage of the natural light to capture stunning photos of the interior features.
Downtown Victoria & Chinatown
Downtown Explore Victoria charms visitors with its mix of hip restaurants, chic boutiques, and historic architecture. Start explorations on lively Government Street before ducking into Market Square to browse local artisan wares. Make time to wander through Chinatown’s colourful alleys like Fan Tan Alley, dotted with eateries and markets. With its walkable neighbourhoods and compact layout, Victoria’s downtown invites leisurely strolling to soak up its vibrancy.
Beacon Hill Park
Stretching over 200 acres, Beacon Hill Park is Victoria’s beloved oasis of gardens, trails, and wildlife. Developed in 1882, it’s one of Canada’s oldest urban greenspaces. Stroll alongside ponds and meadows, stopping to smell the roses at the Rose Garden. Don’t miss top attractions like the petting zoo, cricket pitch, and Mile 0 marker. After exploring, unwind along the park’s scenic shoreline overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait.
4. Day trips from Victoria
Victoria is an ideal home base to take advantage of its proximity to outdoor adventures, charming towns, and vistas along the southern end of Vancouver Island. Here are some of the top day trips worth adding to your Victoria itinerary:
Butchart Gardens
Returning to Butchart Gardens allows more time to wander its 55 acres of floral beauty at a leisurely pace. Catch the gardens at different times of day and season. In the evening, stroll through the magical night illuminations.
Whiffin Spit
This picturesque peninsula near Sooke is perfect for short hikes, beachcombing, and spotting wildlife like seals and sea lions. Walk the flat 2.5-mile trail out to the spit for panoramic ocean views.
Sidney
This seaside town near Explore Victoria offers a relaxing pace with independent shops and restaurants. Check out the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, take a whale-watching cruise, or simply stroll the scenic Sidney Pier.
Sooke
Known for its rugged coastlines, Sooke makes a great base for ocean adventures like kayaking, fishing charters, and boat tours to look for whales. Hike nearby trails like the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail for oceanfront scenery.
Wineries
From family-run vineyards to acclaimed estates, explore the wineries and tasting rooms on Vancouver Island’s developing wine region. Do a guided tour or self-drive through the Cowichan and Saanich Valleys near Victoria.
With its mild climate, Victoria is inviting year-round. Rental cars provide flexibility, but many excursions can be joined by booking bus tours or ferries directly from downtown Victoria for hassle-free day trips.
5. Where to Stay in Victoria
Luxury Hotels
For classic elegance, it’s hard to beat staying right downtown at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Rooms in this 1908 grande dame provide views of the city’s highlights alongside luxurious accommodations and impeccable service. Other upscale options include the Magnolia Hotel, with its boutique charm and sophisticated decor, or the PID Victoria as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
Bed & Breakfasts/Inns
For a cosy and romantic ambience, Explore Victoria’s numerous bed and breakfasts and inns are housed in restored heritage buildings, many just steps from downtown. Recommended options include Swans Suite Hotel, the Beaconsfield Inn, and James Bay Inn where you may enjoy a quiet breakfast on a balcony before strolling into the city.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you’re seeking budget-friendly rates, choices like the Ocean Island Inn or Hostelling International Victoria provide wallet-friendly accommodation. For a historic stay, the Driard Hotel offers basic rooms in a property dating back to 1862. Or try a unique floating cottage rental right on Victoria’s scenic harbour.
Booking Tips
With high demand, be sure to book Victoria accommodations early, especially for summer dates. Extending your Victoria stay allows more time to relax into the city’s laid-back vibe. Many hotels can also arrange bike rentals, Butchart Garden tickets, and other Victoria activities to make planning easy.
6. Dining in Victoria
Victoria’s dining scene celebrates the city’s coastal location and regional bounty. For the freshest seafood, head to the docks of Fisherman’s Wharf or grab fish and chips at classics like Red Fish Blue Fish overlooking the Inner Harbour.
Discover Victoria’s burgeoning foodie culture in downtown restaurants like OLO serving farm-to-table cuisine or Cafe Brio’s European flare. Join a culinary walking tour for generous tastings at restaurants and speciality food shops. Don’t miss trying British Columbia’s craft beers and Vancouver Island coffee roasts between meals.
Explore Victoria’s markets overflow with local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. The Victoria Public Market provides an overview of regional offerings while Hudson Market specializes in organic groceries and deli fare. For intimate street dining, check out Little Italy’s cosy cafes and Chinatown’s hole-in-the-wall eateries.
7. Entertainment in Victoria
When the sun sets, Victoria comes alive with unique nightlife and entertainment for every taste. Live music venues like Canoe Brewpub and Lucky Bar downtown host local bands ranging from indie to folk. Sip on imaginative cocktails as you take in the scene at upscale lounges like Clive’s Classic Lounge or Little Jumbo Restaurant & Bar.
For laughs, catch improv comedy shows at Jet City or keep it classy at dinner theatre productions at Langham Court Theatre. Sports bars and pubs screen hockey games while venues like Distrikt Nightclub pump up the dance music energy.
Explore Chinatown’s lively atmosphere after dark with dinner at one of the many Chinese or Vietnamese restaurants. Join a ghosts and legends walking tour for spine-tingling stories of Victoria’s spooky past. Stargazing boat tours depart in the evenings to appreciate the night sky from the harbour.
Explore Victoria’s Royal BC Museum and Art Gallery of Greater Victoria stay open into the evenings, offering a more peaceful experience at top institutions after hours. With compact walkability between venues, it’s easy to enjoy Victoria’s vibrant arts and culture late into the night.
Conclusion
From explore victoria the sights of the charming Inner Harbour to strolling through exquisite gardens and savouring afternoon tea, Victoria offers no shortage of ways to experience its old-world elegance and natural beauty.
As a walkable city with vibrant neighbourhoods, stunning coastal vistas, and inviting outdoor spaces, Victoria rewards visitors with a taste of quintessential British Columbian culture. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or indulgence, Victoria captures the heart with its array of possibilities. Let the city’s relaxed pace and gracious hospitality draw you in to create your own personal moments to treasure in this capital of history, art, and romance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time to visit Victoria?
A: Victoria enjoys mild weather year-round. Summer (June-August) brings sunnier days great for sightseeing but also more crowds and higher prices. Spring and fall have cooler temperatures but less rain, making them ideal times with fewer tourists.
Q: How many days do I need in Victoria?
A: 3-4 days allows enough time to see top attractions like Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, and the Inner Harbour sites, and take a day trip. Stay 5-7 days to relax and incorporate more activities at a leisurely pace.
Q: What is the easiest way to get around Victoria?
A: Victoria is very walkable, especially downtown and along the Harbour Pathway. Buses and trolley tours are good options for farther-flung sights. Bike rentals offer flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Q: Where can I go whale watching near Victoria?
A: The best places for whale watching tours are in neighbourhoods like Sidney, Sooke, and the Gulf Islands, which can be reached via day trips from Victoria. Tours generally run from March to October when whales are most active.
Q: What are the top free things to do in Victoria?
A: Great free activities include walking around downtown and the Inner Harbour, exploring Beacon Hill Park, visiting the Legislature, admiring the views from Mile 0, and attending free events like Canada Day celebrations.
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