Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia—Canada’s Pacific paradise and a haven for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and urban explorers alike. Nestled on Vancouver Island, just a scenic ferry ride from the vibrant city of Vancouver, city offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and modern attractions. Having spent five delightful days exploring this island gem during our last visit to Vancouver, we are excited to share our insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip to this enchanting coastal city. Whether you’re seeking picturesque gardens, captivating museums, or thrilling outdoor adventures, Victoria promises an unforgettable experience at every turn.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada’s Pacific coast. With a population of around 367,000 in the metropolitan area, it’s a small but vibrant city with a rich history and charming atmosphere.
Originally home to various First Nations peoples, it began as a fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843. It was named after Queen Victoria and officially incorporated as a city in 1862, shortly after the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush brought an influx of prospectors to the region. Over the next few decades, the city emerged as an important commercial port and political center for British Columbia.
Today, city retains much of its old-world colonial charm, with British-influenced architecture, double-decker buses, high tea traditions, and the famous Butchart Gardens. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world thanks to its mild climate, urban forests, walkable neighborhoods, and abundance of parks and green space.
Visitors will find no shortage of things to see and do in Victoria. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the coastal scenery along the Pacific Ocean or hike in old-growth forests just minutes from downtown. There’s also a vibrant arts scene, excellent museums, romantic harborfront strolls, whale-watching tours, and one of Canada’s most beautiful provincial legislatures.
With its rich history, quaint streets, and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation, Victoria has something for everyone. This travel guide will highlight the top neighborhoods, attractions, activities, restaurants, and more to help you plan your perfect Victoria getaway.
Getting to Victoria
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island off Canada’s west coast. The city has an international airport, is accessible by ferry, and can be reached by car via highway or bridge.
By Air
- Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located about 22km north of downtown. It’s served by Air Canada, WestJet, and other domestic and US-based carriers with connections from major Canadian and American cities. Float planes also fly into the harbour downtown.
By Ferry
- BC Ferries runs multiple daily car and passenger ferries between Tsawwassen (near Vancouver) and Swartz Bay. The sailing time is around 1.5 hours. Reservations are recommended during peak season.
- Washington State Ferries runs passenger-only ferries from Port Angeles to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The crossing time is about 1.5 hours. Reservations are not required.
By Car
- From Vancouver, take BC-17 S onto BC-99 S, then BC-17 S again across the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Vancouver Island. Follow BC-17 N to Victoria, around 70km from the ferry dock.
- From Port Angeles, take Highway 101 west to Victoria, around 65km. Remember to bring your passport for the border crossing.
- Driving time from Vancouver is around 3 hours including the ferry crossing. From Seattle it’s around 4 hours.
Top Neighborhoods to Stay
Cityoffers a variety of great neighborhoods to stay during your visit. Here are some of the top options to consider:
Downtown
Downtown is the heart of the city and a very walkable area. It’s home to many attractions like the Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, and Bastion Square. There’s also a vibrant dining scene with restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Staying downtown means you’ll be steps from everything. Hotels range from high-end luxury to budget-friendly.
James Bay
James Bay is located just across the Inner Harbour from downtown. It’s a lovely residential neighborhood known for its colorful Victorian homes. Staying here provides proximity to downtown while offering a quieter vibe. You’ll also be near the oceanfront and Beacon Hill Park. James Bay has some charming inns and B&Bs.
Oak Bay
Oak Bay is found along the coast just east of the city center. It’s an upscale neighborhood with a strong British influence. You’ll find heritage buildings, high-end shops, and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. It’s a great area for walking and admiring the seaside views and architecture. Oak Bay offers a relaxing vibe away from the city bustle.
Top Things to See and Do
Victoria is full of amazing attractions and sights that should be on every visitor’s itinerary. Here are some of the top things to see and do in:
Butchart Gardens
No trip to Victoria is complete without a visit to the stunning Butchart Gardens. This National Historic Site is one of the top attractions, spanning over 55 acres with ornate garden designs and over a million bedding plants. Stroll through the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden. The Butchart Gardens puts on a spectacular fireworks show from June through September and sparkles with Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Royal BC Museum
At the Royal BC Museum, discover the natural and human history of British Columbia through interactive galleries and exhibitions. Some of the highlights include the First Peoples Gallery showcasing indigenous artifacts, stories, and culture, the Natural History Gallery with life-sized woolly mammoths, and the Becoming BC gallery chronicling the province’s growth. Make sure to check out special rotating exhibits as well.
Beacon Hill Park
Covering 200 acres right along the downtown shoreline, Beacon Hill Park is a gorgeous green space not to miss. Have a picnic on the lawn, rent a pedal boat for the lake, visit the petting zoo, stop by the cricket pitch, or stroll through the gardens. Beacon Hill Park has walking trails, playgrounds, and several historical monuments as well including the Mile 0 marker for the Trans Canada Highway.
Inner Harbour
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the city’s bustling and beautiful downtown waterfront area. Take an iconic water taxi, go whale watching, enjoy high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, or visit the Maritime Museum of BC. Marvel at the stunning Parliament building’s Neo-Baroque architecture and don’t miss the nightly sound and light show. Watch street performers and buskers along the lively harbor walkway.
Outdoor Activities
Victoria is surrounded by natural beauty and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some of the top outdoor activities:
Hiking
Vancouver Island is a hiker’s paradise with over 1,000km of hiking trails. Some of the top hiking spots near Victoria include Mount Douglas, Thetis Lake Regional Park, East Sooke Regional Park, and Goldstream Provincial Park. These areas offer beautiful forests, lakes, rivers, and ocean views along the trails.
Whale Watching
The waters around the island are home to whales like orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales. Visitors can spot these magnificent creatures on a whale-watching tour. The peak season is May to October when the whales migrate through the area. Tours depart from the Inner Harbour and Ogden Point and typically last 2-3 hours.
Kayaking
Paddle along Victoria’s coastline and scenic waterways. Rent a kayak to explore the Gorge Waterway, Esquimalt Harbour, or the shoreline of Oak Bay. More experienced kayakers can join multi-day trips to the Gulf Islands. Whale sightings are common when kayaking!
Cycling
This city is very bike-friendly. One popular cycling route is the 28km Lochside Trail which follows an abandoned rail corridor and passes through forests, over trestle bridges, alongside the ocean, and through Victoria suburbs. Mountain bikers can ride the trails in Hartland and Mount Work Regional Parks. Bike rentals and tours are available in Victoria.
Golf
With its mild climate, Victoria has some of the best golfing in Canada. There are 7 championship golf courses in the Victoria area. Top picks are Bear Mountain’s Mountain Course, Olympic View Golf Club, and Victoria Golf Club.
Food and Drink
Victoria has a vibrant food and drink scene with something for all tastes. The city is known for its focus on fresh, local ingredients and boasts a variety of restaurants, breweries, wineries and markets to explore.
Restaurants
Victoria has an incredible array of dining options, from fine dining establishments to funky food trucks.
Some of the top restaurants in Victoria include:
- The Courtney Room – Located in The Magnolia Hotel, this upscale restaurant serves contemporary Canadian cuisine in an elegant setting. Try the seafood tower or seared scallops.
- Cafe Brio – This Italian restaurant in downtown serves delicious pasta, pizza and more. Don’t miss the seafood linguine or tiramisu.
- Hank’s Untraditional BBQ – Specializing in Texas-style barbecue, Hank’s serves up tender brisket, pulled pork and more. Try the beef ribs!
- Jam Cafe – Focusing on fresh and local ingredients, Jam Cafe serves comfort food favorites like mac and cheese along with Pacific Northwest fare.
- Foo Asian Street Food – With two locations in Victoria, Foo offers Asian fusion small plates, noodle bowls and more in a hip, casual setting.
Breweries
Victoria has a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries scattered throughout the city. Some local favorites include:
- Driftwood Brewery – Specializing in handcrafted ales, Driftwood is known for beers like their Fat Tug IPA and Farmhand Ale. Tours and tastings are available.
- Hoyne Brewing – This brewpub offers a relaxed vibe and a rotating selection of beers like their Dark Matter stout and Hoyner Pilsner.
- Moon Under Water Brewpub – Located in downtown, Moon Under Water offers house-made beers, pub fare and a rooftop patio. Try their Growler Amber Ale.
- Category 12 Brewing – Focusing on small batch production, Category 12 crafts interesting brews like their Nomadica West Coast IPA.
Wineries
The Saanich Peninsula just north of Victoria is home to numerous wineries crafting cool climate varietals. Popular spots include:
- Church and State Wines – Housed in a former church, Church and State specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic white wines.
- Averill Creek – Set amidst picture-perfect vineyards, Averill Creek is known for their Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and sparkling wines.
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery – Offering vineyard views, Blue Grouse produces estate-grown wines like their Quill Sparkling wine and Pinot Gris.
Markets
Victoria has a number of excellent farmers markets and food markets to peruse:
- Victoria Public Market – Open year-round, this indoor market features local vendors selling baked goods, produce, arts, crafts and more.
- Moss Street Market – Operating on weekends from May to October, this outdoor market offers locally grown produce, prepared foods, and artisanal crafts.
- James Bay Market – Located right on the Victoria harbour, this weekly market has rotating local vendors selling fresh foods, baked goods and arts & crafts.
So whether you’re looking for fine dining, local brews, or fresh ingredients, Victoria’s food and drink scene has something to offer every palate. It’s a great place to sip, savor and explore.
Shopping Highlights
Victoria is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local stores.
Government Street and LoJo
Government Street in downtown Victoria is known for its shopping, with big name stores like Anthropologie along with local boutiques. Look along the side streets like Langley and Fort for more unique finds. Lower Johnson Street (known as LoJo) is another area with independent shops selling art, books, records, clothing and more.
Markets
Don’t miss the markets when visiting Victoria! The Victoria Public Market at the Hudson offers food, produce and artisan goods. Market Square has a daily market with rotating vendors. Artisan markets like Make It Victoria and Etsy Victoria are held seasonally.
Bookstores
For book lovers, Victoria has some wonderful independent bookstores. Munro’s Books is a local institution, with a great selection and author events. Ivy’s Bookshop is a charming used bookstore tucked away on Oak Bay Avenue.
Souvenirs
Looking for the perfect souvenir? Rogers’ Chocolates and Munro’s Books both make great Victoria gifts. The Victoria Visitor Centre offers locally made products, or check the gift shops at the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. For First Nations art and crafts, stop by Alcheringa Gallery.
Nightlife and Entertainment in Victoria
Victoria has a vibrant nightlife scene with live music venues, theaters, comedy clubs, bars, and festivals happening year-round. The compact downtown area makes it easy to bar-hop and discover exciting entertainment.
Music Scene
Catch live music any night of the week in Victoria at venues like Lucky Bar, Logan’s Pub, and Distrikt Nightclub. Bands play rock, indie, punk, metal, jazz, blues, and more. Check listings in Monday Magazine or posters around town to see who’s playing.
Popular annual music festivals include Rifflandia, TD Vancouver Island MusicFest, Rock the Shores, and Phillips Backyard Weekender. These multi-day events bring major acts from Canada and around the world.
Theater and Performing Arts
Victoria is home to professional theater companies like Belfry Theatre and Theatre Inconnu. See dramas, comedies, and musicals in intimate theater settings. Or take in a ballet or orchestra performance at The Royal Theatre downtown.
For something different, check out improv comedy at Atomic Vaudeville or catch a movie at the historic IMAX Theatre.
Festivals
Street festivals and community celebrations happen frequently in the summer. Don’t miss the Victoria Ska Fest, Victoria Pride Festival, or Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival.
In winter, Bright Nights lights up Butchart Gardens with holiday displays. The Victoria Film Festival also takes place in February.
Bars and Nightlife
The best area for bar-hopping is downtown and Old Town. Popular spots include Clive’s Classic Lounge, Big Bad John’s, and Swans Brewpub. Or grab a craft cocktail at Veneto, Little Jumbo, or Clive’s Whiskey Bar. For dancing and DJs, try Hush or Paparazzi Nightclub.
With its vibrant mix of music, theater, comedy, festivals, and nightlife venues, Victoria offers entertainment options for all tastes after dark.
Day Trips and Excursions
Victoria makes an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding region. Several fun and scenic day trips can easily be made from the city.
The Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands scattered along the Strait of Georgia are famous for their laidback island charm. Salt Spring Island is the largest and most popular, with artsy towns, rolling farmland, forests, and beaches to explore. Lesser-known islands like Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna offer even more peaceful island vibes. BC Ferries can whisk you away to the Gulf Islands from Swartz Bay, just north of Victoria.
Wine Tasting Tours
The Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula both have blossoming wine regions and are easy to access from Victoria for wine tasting. Dozens of vineyards are open for tastings and tours. Tour companies like Vineyard Tours Victoria and Wine Tours Vancouver Island offer excursions to several wineries in comfort, with no need to worry about driving.
Victoria Outskirts
Just outside Victoria you’ll find scenic coastal towns like Sidney and Sooke that make for pleasant day trips. The trails of nearby East Sooke Regional Park and the rolling farmland of the Saanich Peninsula are also popular areas to explore. Other highlights include visiting the picturesque Butchart Gardens and wandering the seaside boardwalk in the artsy town of Sidney.
With so many options close by, it’s easy to take rewarding day trips from Victoria to enjoy more of Vancouver Island. Careful planning will help maximize your time to see the highlights.
Planning Your Trip
Victoria is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests.
Spring (March-May) brings mild weather and blooming gardens, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Summers are sunny and warm, ideal for exploring the beaches, parks, and trails. Fall (September-November) offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Winters are rainy but festive with holiday events and attractions.
Getting around Victoria is easy with public transit, bike rentals, taxis and rideshares. The walkable downtown core is compact and accessible. Many choose walking or cycling along the waterfront and through scenic neighborhoods.
Victoria hosts great events year-round like Symphony Splash, Jazz Fest, Buskers Festival and more. Peak season is May through September. Research event dates if attending something specific.
Travel tips for Victoria:
- Pack layers – weather can shift quickly. Bring a light jacket and umbrella, even in summer.
- Don’t just stay downtown – nearby neighborhoods like James Bay and Fernwood have great local shops, cafes, and character.
- Rent a bike – it’s a fun way to explore the many bike trails.
- Visit the Inner Harbour – enjoy buskers, harbor tours, whale watching, and the lively ambiance.
- Take a day trip – easily visit nearby towns like Sidney or the Gulf Islands by ferry.
- Relax – Victoria’s laidback vibe encourages strolling, patio dining, and taking it easy.
Conclusion
Victoria, BC embodies the essence of a perfect getaway—a harmonious blend of captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’ve explored the historic streets of downtown, hiked along rugged coastal trails, or indulged in afternoon tea at a quaint tearoom, Victoria leaves an indelible mark on all who visit. As you plan your trip to this Pacific paradise, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights and inspiration to help you craft a memorable itinerary.
From the iconic Inner Harbour to the lush Butchart Gardens and beyond, Victoria invites you to immerse yourself in its unique charm and create lasting memories along the shores of Vancouver Island. Discover the magic of Victoria and embrace the spirit of adventure in this captivating Canadian destination.
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