Victoria is an awesome destination for a city vacation. This coastal city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island is the capital of British Columbia, Canada.
It’s named after England’s Queen Victoria, and by retaining many historic buildings, the city has an almost European feel to it.
From the scenic waterfront and historic buildings to lush gardens and culture, Victoria has lots to explore.
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How To Get To Victoria
Since Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, most people get there by airplane or ferry coming from mainland Canada or the United States.
Ferry To Vancouver Island
Ferries are the most popular way to get to Vancouver Island. You can go on foot or bring a vehicle over with you.
The two most common ferry routes are the BC Ferries route from Tsawassen to Sidney, or the Black Ball Ferry Route from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
Use the helpful map below to find the best route that will work for you.
Do note, that if you are traveling to or from the United States, there will be an immigration checkpoint.
You should consider booking in advance during peak travel times, but if you didn’t plan ahead, standby is also an option.
Flying to Victoria
You can get to Vancouver Island by flying to Victoria International Airport (YYJ). But the Victoria Airport is actually located in Sidney, about a 30-minute drive north of Victoria.
You can also book a scenic seaplane tour to and from Vancouver.
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Parliament Building
If you want to admire Victoria’s historic architecture, then look no further than the famous Parliament Building. This iconic landmark is hard to miss from anywhere in Victoria’s inner harbor.
It’s also a spectacle at night when they illuminate the exterior.
But beyond just admiring the building from the outside, you can also go inside for tours. You can go on a self-guided journey through the building, or book a tour. There is usually a booth out front of the building to book a tour.
Dine at The Parliamentary Dining Room
A true hidden gem in Victoria is to dine in at the Parliamentary Dining Room. It’s upscale cuisine, but not at an upscale price. They are open for breakfast or lunch, Monday through Friday.
It’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance. Reservations can be made by calling 250-387-3959.
Pickle Boat Water Taxi
For a city divided by harbors and waterways, these cute water taxis, called Pickle Boats, are a unique form of transportation around the city.
They can be hired for scenic tours, point-to-point ventures, and also the Pickle Pub Crawl.
Pickle Boat Water Ballet
But even if you don’t hire a pickle boat yourself, you can still check out the Pickle Boat Water Ballet. This free show has become a cherished tradition in Victoria’s harbor. You can check their schedule online, but their performance is usually on Sunday’s at 10:45am.
Government Street
Stroll down Victoria’s famous Government Street and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Lined with charming shops, historic buildings, and inviting cafes, this bustling street is perfect for a leisurely walk.
Plus no cars are allowed, so you can explore freely.
Enjoy the blend of old-world charm and modern flair as you explore the heart of the city.
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
Victoria is home to a unique neighborhood of floating homes. These eclectic colorful houses at Fisherman’s Wharf are quite a sight. And there are also live-aboard boats, fishing vessels, and commercial businesses.
You can enjoy a meal at one of the various restaurants, or book a kayak tour from here.
But just remember, these houses are privately owned homes, so be respectful of the residents.
Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest Chinatown in North America.
This vibrant neighborhood, centered around Fisgard Street, is a neat place to explore on foot. Discover the authentic Chinese restaurants and shops.
Chinese people (mostly men) emigrated here in 1858 for the gold rush. And by 1860, the Chinese population on Vancouver Island was already half that of the white population.
So Chinese culture, architecture, cuisine, and more became a significant part of Victoria’s history.
Fan Tan Alley
Possibly the most famous spot in Victoria’s Chinatown is Fan Tan Alley. Dubbed North America’s narrowest commercial street, this brick alleyway was named after a popular gambling game called Fan Tan.
When you’re in the alley, pop into the free Chinese Canadian museum to learn about the rich history of this neighborhood.
This alley in particular was known for housing opium and gambling dens. The narrow entries made it easier to slow down police raids.
But it’s since been turned into a memorable and photogenic little collection of shops. There’s an awesome record store, and even an umbrellatorium, a store dedicated to just umbrellas.
Gold Stream Provincial Park
Gold Stream Provincial Park is only 25 minutes from Victoria. But with tall forests tucked in between a mountain pass, it feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. There are a variety of great trails here, most notably to some waterfalls and viewpoints.
The park is home to 600-year-old Douglas fir trees and western red cedar, plus many more.
Here are a few great hiking trails in the area:
Niagara Falls – No, not the famous one on the other side of the country, but this is still an enchanting waterfall nonetheless. There are 2 ways to see this waterfall depending on the direction you are driving through the park.
If you are driving south, there is a short, .5km hike from a highway pull-off.
But if you are traveling north, you will need to park at the day use picnic area. This trail leads you down a dirt path and through a tunnel under the road. The hike is around 1.6km (1 mile).
Upper Goldstream Falls – Another waterfall hike in the park is the Upper Goldstream Falls. The hike is an easy 2.9km (1.8mi). Do note, the trail can be muddy.
Gold Mine Trail – The trail meanders through a mossy forest to an old mine. You can also visit Little Niagara and Hidden Springs along the trail. Explore one of the old gold mines, but I only suggest this to people who are okay with tight spaces. And also, bring a headlamp. But you don’t have to go into the mine to still appreciate this trail.
Mt. Finlayson – If you want to really hike some vertical elevation, climb to the summit of Mt. Finlayson. The hike is a steep 3.4 km (2.1 mi) with 379m (1243 ft) of elevation gain. But you are rewarded with incredible views of the Saanich Inlet and greater Victoria.
You can also camp at the Goldstream Provincial Park Campground.
Red Fish Blue Fish
This unassuming restaurant has become a staple of the waterfront in Victoria. They are famous for absolutely delicious fish & chips. You can expect long lines during peak lunch and dinner times.
I have to admit, this might have been the BEST fish and chips I’ve ever had! So personally, I really think it is worth the hype.
They only have outdoor seating, but there are tons of umbrellas for sun or rain, even for where you stand in line.
Go Out For Brunch
Victoria has also been dubbed the brunch capital of Canada. There’s no shortage of tasty brunch restaurants to try, but a few popular ones are John’s Place, Floyd’s Diner, and Nourish Kitchen.
We visited Nourish Kitchen, a cute, healthy brunch cafe in a historic home in the James Bay neighborhood. They also have a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Or Floyd’s Diner is famous for offering ‘Double or Nothing’ on your bill. Yep, you heard that right. Feeling lucky?
Mount Douglas
Emily and I always love to find the best views of every place we visit. To appreciate the surroundings of Victoria, there’s really no better spot than the viewpoint at the top of Mount Douglas.
On a clear day, you can see the city, the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands, and the mountains of Olympic National Park in Washington.
You can drive nearly to the top, or hike up from the bottom and also explore trails in the park.
Beacon Hill Park
This massive park is the crown jewel of Victoria’s parks, stretching from practically downtown, all the way to Victoria’s southern waterfront.
Beacon Hill Park has forests, manicured gardens, footpaths, ponds, an amphitheater, playgrounds, sports fields, and oceanfront views. You’re sure to find something worthwhile in the park.
One of my favorite things in the park is the moss lady, an earthy statue emerging from the forest floor.
But really walking through the tall forest of trees is amazing to experience in a bustling city. Oh and there’s a small population of peacocks in the park, how cool is that?
You can check the summer events schedule for concerts, art shows, kid’s events, markets, and more.
Horse Carriage Tour
Experience the charm of Victoria with a leisurely horse carriage tour. As you clip-clop through the city streets, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride past historic landmarks, beautiful gardens, and elegant architecture. It’s a relaxing and nostalgic way to see the sights and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Brewery Hopping
Victoria has a great collection of craft breweries to explore. Here are a few great options around the city:
- Vancouver Island Brewing
- Phillips Brewing
- Hoyne Brewing Company
- Driftwood Brewing Company
- Ile Sauvage Brewing Co
- Swift Brewing
- Whistler Buoy Brewing
- Herald Street Brew Works
- Swans Brewery
You can explore freely on your own, or even book the pickle boat pub crawl. They take you around to different breweries via a pickle boat taxi!
Whale Watching Tour
Victoria offers an exceptional whale-watching experience, featuring orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales. Embark on a tour and marvel at these majestic creatures in the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Aerial Seaplane
I think one of the best ways to experience the true beauty of Victoria is by aerial seaplane. You take off right from the water and get a unique perspective of the inner harbor, coastline, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains.
Malahat Skywalk
This popular tourist attraction rises high above the Saanich Inlet. Climb to the top of the tower and then take the spiral slide to the bottom. Tickets start around $38 CAD for adults and $24 CAD for children.
This popular attraction is actually about a 30 minute drive from downtown. There is a free daily shuttle from downtown Victoria.
Butchart Gardens
Victoria is also known as the City of Gardens. And none are more impressive and renowned as the Butchart Gardens.
The Butchart Garden is 120 years old and covers nearly 55 acres of incredible flora.
This garden was envisioned by Jennie Butchart, and has become a cherished icon of Victoria. And it’s still family-run to this day.
The price ranges from $26.80 – $41.50 CAD for adults and $3.00 – $20.75 CAD for children. Or you can also buy an annual pass.
Grab A Cocktail At The Empress Hotel
This elegant and historic hotel is probably the second most famous building in Victoria. Some very famous guests have stayed here, including Shirley Temple and King George VI.
We stopped in to try some cocktails at the Q bar. They’re most well known for their Empress Gin and Tonic. It’s definitely expensive to eat and drink here, and you practically feel like just royalty stepping inside this historic building.
Act Like A Prince or Princess At Tea Time
Victoria truly embraces its English heritage with its renowned afternoon tea. Each day, you can enjoy an elegant assortment of tea, delicate pastries, savory sandwich bites, and more, all served in a refined setting.
Here are a few great places to enjoy the famous Afternoon Tea Time:
- White Heather Tea Room
- Pendray Inn and Tea House
- Tea at the Fairmont Express
- Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
- Piggy & Paisley
Miniature World
Ever wanted to feel like a giant in a bustling city? At Victoria’s Miniature World, you can explore 85 unique and meticulously crafted miniature displays.
Each exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into diverse themes, from the rich history of Victoria and World War II to whimsical fantasy dollhouses and beyond. Discover intricate details and immersive stories in a world where everything is wonderfully small and captivating.
Tickets start around $19 CAD for adults and $9-$11 CAD for children.
Explore A Castle
Near Victoria, you can explore two stunning castles, each with its own rich history.
Craigdarroch Castle, constructed during Queen Victoria’s reign, is now a National Historic Site. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of the 1890s, with its grand architecture and period furnishings.
Just a short drive away is Hatley Castle, built in 1908. Originally serving as a dormitory and mess hall for cadets and staff officers at the Royal Roads Military College. It now invites visitors to explore its majestic rooms and beautiful gardens, showcasing a different aspect of historic grandeur.
Royal BC Museum
Check out the BC Royal Museum to dive into British Columbia’s history and culture. You’ll find cool exhibits on everything from natural history and Indigenous cultures to interesting artifacts and wildlife. It’s a great spot to explore the region’s past and present, all in a really nice setting.
There is also an IMAX theater with thrilling and informative films.
Floating Hot Tub
How much more rad does seeing the sites of Victoria from a floating hot tub get? Jake and I ran out of time for this epic adventure, but I am sure saving it for the next time around.
The hot tubs are wood-fired and can fit 3-6 people. Enjoy the sights of the Inner Harbor from your own floating hot tub.
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