Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a superb metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Known for the abundance of out of doors actions and beautiful Victorian structure, it’s a spot the place colonial historical past is intertwined with indigenous tradition. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a yr and acquired to discover all the good issues that it has to provide. These are all my private suggestions.
Attend excessive tea for brunch after which head to Chinatown for dinner whereas stopping by the harbor to watch seals and gigantic cruisers. Victoria is a metropolis that may provide one thing to everybody as a result of it has all of it, from glorious artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and mountaineering trails.
Whether you’re on the town for a day or every week, you received’t battle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider data, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that may allow you to put collectively one of the best itinerary!
Best Things To Do In Victoria BC
Victoria BC is understood for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. The majority of the town’s finest sights are open air, making it a prime vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the crushed path.
But don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally affords an infinite quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and among the finest museums in British Columbia.
Best of Victoria BC Quick Guide
Must See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings, Afternoon Tea
Where To Stay: Ocean Island Inn, Fairmont Empress, The Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Fun To Do: Whale Watching, Zipline Tours, Mount Douglas, Boat Tours, Kayaking
Day Trips: Fort Rodd Hill, Thetis Lake Park, Malahat SkyWalk
Must-Try Foods: Wild Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Bannock Bread, Chinese meals
1. Guided Walking Tour of Victoria
Victoria is a beautiful metropolis with many beautiful buildings. Of course, if it’s your first go to, you received’t be conversant in the aim of a lot of these buildings, and also you may miss out on some gems which can be open for guests.
Arrange a guided tour with a neighborhood, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all one of the best spots within the metropolis but additionally be taught the historical past behind a few of its finest architectural gems. Most strolling excursions of Victoria cowl the town’s finest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Government Street and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally enable you to uncover the town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly just a few energy, and what higher means to make up for them than to bask in Victoria’s specialties in its finest eating places?
Practical Information
Walking excursions of Victoria normally take 2-3 hours and price $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s finest and hottest museum. If you will have time to go to just one museum or gallery whilst you’re within the metropolis, make it this one. It has three principal galleries: Natural History, the First Peoples Gallery, and Becoming BC.
Come right here to be taught in regards to the indigenous individuals of British Columbia, in addition to in regards to the state’s basic historical past and the way it advanced through the years. Younger guests are extra seemingly to benefit from the Natural History gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of assorted animals.
Plan to spend a minimum of a few hours at this museum, and that’s for those who’re going to rush by means of the place. If you’re taking your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Also, I have to point out that the museum has a pleasant IMAX theater, the place you’ll be able to attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies.
Practical Information
The Royal BC Museum is open each day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12.
3. Tour The Fantastic Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle is among the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a very talked-about historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, in the course of the late nineteenth century.
Visit the fort and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, stunning decorations, and beautiful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each in and out, and it’s the most effective areas for structure excursions in Victoria.
The fort is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike journey) from Downtown Victoria.
Practical Information
Craigdarroch Castle is open for excursions Wednesday by means of Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets may be purchased on-line or on the entrance.
4. Rent A Bicycle
Victoria BC is named Canada’s biking capital, and it’s one of the vital bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and lots of lodging provide them to their company.
Cycling round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city shortly for little or no cash, but additionally a brilliant means of immersing your self within the native tradition. Not to point out that it’s normally sooner than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fear about rush hour site visitors.
If you’re in nice bodily situation, you may even have the ability to bike to sights far exterior the town middle, and also you’d get to see some great surroundings alongside the way in which. And if spending a number of hours on a bicycle isn’t all that interesting, think about it for a fast tour of Downtown Victoria a minimum of.
Practical Information
Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The common value is $40 per day, though you may get a greater fee while you lease a motorcycle for an extended interval.
5. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a superb mid-size gallery housed in two distinct areas. One a part of the gallery is in a brand new, trendy constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion.
Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of beautiful artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. In truth, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that every one guests are inspired to see. It’s certainly one of Victoria’s finest sights for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure.
Practical Information
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and costs a $15 entrance payment. However, admission is free on the primary Sunday of the month and on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM.
6. Tour The Parliament Buildings
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is fingers down one of the vital beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my complete life. For me, the buildings seem like they had been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria.
But they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings had been constructed in neo-Baroque model on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. The complete park between Government Street and Menzies Street is a superb place the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from among the finest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the completely different memorial statues. You may even be a part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It will price you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Practical Information
Free guided excursions of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria happen a number of instances all through the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It is definitely accessible from central Victoria and the most effective locations within the metropolis if you would like to spend a few hours in nature however aren’t fairly within the temper for an tour that features touring far exterior the town middle.
Featuring ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has every little thing from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, generally, are recognized for improbable pure landmarks and outside actions.
Practical Information
Beacon Hill Park is open each day from 8 AM to 8 PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Walk Through Historic Fan Tan Alley
Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It is lined with eating places and boutique retailers on both aspect, which provide some glorious purchasing and eating within the metropolis. Here, you’ll discover retailers that promote every little thing from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot it’s best to try for those who’re in search of distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
However, I’ll say that this expertise is fully skippable for those who’re even somewhat bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t at all times attainable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.
But for those who can navigate the tight alley with out a sense of dread, it is going to be a prime expertise. The pink and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered pink brick of the buildings. The entrance to the Chinese Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is attention-grabbing and value supporting.
Practical Information
Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most retailers are closed till 5 p.m.
9. Visit Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site finest recognized for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park affords strolling trails with views of previous navy buildings, nevertheless it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that draws the majority of holiday makers to the positioning.
Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise improbable panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the way in which to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one aspect and the San Juan Islands on the opposite.
Practical Information
Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission payment of $9.
10. Hike To The Top of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria City and an important place to come for 360° panoramic views. You can cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s only a 30-minute hike to the lookout level on the prime. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you’ll be able to simply drive up to the scenic level for those who’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is among the finest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the United States. Also, a number of mountaineering trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you possibly can spend a few hours roaming exploring the world, and marveling on the good views. But for those who’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria.
Practical Information
Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to 8 PM. Entrance to the world is freed from cost, and parking on the prime can also be free however very restricted.
11. Historic Tours at Hatley Castle
Hatley Castle is located in Greater Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike journey) from the town middle. It is totally well worth the trouble it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century fort was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching web site and these days is a historic park.
Can you think about that folks truly lived on this improbable mansion? Even right now, components of it are used as workplace house and to maintain courses, so you’ll be able to’t simply stroll inside everytime you like. Visitors should join guided excursions to discover the inside of the mansion, however the formal gardens are accessible without cost all through the day.
Practical Information
Guided excursions of Hatley Castle can be found upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to nightfall, and entry is freed from cost.
12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park is the primary nature sanctuary in Canada recognized for mountaineering trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to chill out within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and revel in some improbable panoramic views.
It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and a very good place to come if you would like to escape the crowds of the city jungle. Pack a meals basket and produce a blanket so you’ll be able to arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day stuffed with mountaineering and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a superb vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who need to discover past the town streets.
Practical Information
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There is not any admission payment, however there’s a parking payment of $2.25 per day.
13. Bike Along The Galloping Goose Trail
This enjoyable exercise is just for probably the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it when you have zero curiosity in driving a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But if that sounds enjoyable, the Galloping Goose Trail may simply be the highest Victoria exercise for you!
The path follows an previous railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you’ll be able to cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner for those who’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes by means of city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You can comply with the complete path on a motorcycle, or hike simply part of it. You may even select to journey horses alongside the extra rural sections of the path, which is as a lot enjoyable because it sounds.
Practical Information
The Galloping Goose Trail is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is advisable just for skilled mountain bikers in glorious bodily situations, because it takes roughly 5 hours to full.
14. Walk To The Breakwater Lighthouse
The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of an extended pedestrian pathway that extends into the ocean. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get an excellent view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s interior harbor. The strolling path affords an excellent view of the town’s marine site visitors, and it’s significantly gratifying on heat, sunny days.
The lighthouse on the finish of the pathway dates again to 1916, and it’s surprisingly huge. It doesn’t look that huge from the gap, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its measurement.
One factor to word is that it’s attainable to stroll down the Breakwater and the Lower Breakwater. I like to recommend you stick to the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery.
Practical Information
The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or evening, freed from cost.
15. Wander Around Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Situated roughly a 20-minute drive from the town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a superb place to come and overlook you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, not to point out all of the completely different timber and flowers.
You might tour the place shortly in below an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you go by means of the entrance door. Also, I actually like that every one the animals listed below are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest surroundings.
One factor to word is that it will get actually sizzling within the tropical jungle, so that you may want to take breaks for those who keep there for some time. Make certain to carry a bottle of water to hydrate, and step exterior once in a while to calm down a bit.
Practical Information
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance payment of $19.50 for adults. It’s open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM.
16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor
Haunted Manor mini golf will not be an exercise for everybody, so be at liberty to go away it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re seemingly to get pleasure from. But for those who like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable means of spending a night in Victoria.
The mansion affords an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a number of (non) alcoholic drinks and basic pub meals.
Practical Information
Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. General admission to the place is $24.95.
17. Feel Classy At Afternoon Tea
Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and right now it’s acknowledged as probably the most British metropolis in Canada. So, it’s not too shocking that many fashionable British traditions have survived within the metropolis. One of these is excessive tea, and it’s the proper afternoon exercise for vacationers who need to spend a day feeling fancy.
There are fairly just a few completely different tea homes in Victoria, however I feel the one at Pendray Inn is a best choice for vacationers within the metropolis. It’s in a captivating Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a brief stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely applicable for prime tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the very best markings.
Once you’re executed with the afternoon tea, take this chance to stroll across the neighborhood a bit. The harbor is simply a few minutes from Pendray Inn with views of the ocean and large ships.
Practical Information
The Pendray tea home is open each day from 11 AM to 3/4 PM. Reservations are advisable, and the typical price per individual is $60-70. A vegan possibility is on the market.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is among the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you possibly can spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is among the priciest sights in Victoria, BC, so you may want to go away it off your itinerary for those who’re on a tighter finances. With each day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably get pleasure from.
But you may get a a lot better deal on tickets for those who come within the low season, and truthfully, the place is so great I’d say it’s well worth the cash. Come right here to see the infinite area of colourful flowers and revel in probably the best-scented a part of Victoria, BC.
Practical Information
The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The grownup entrance payment is $25-40, relying on the season.
19. Landscape Views at Malahat SkyWalk
Situated northwest of Victoria, simply off the Trans-Canada freeway, the Malahat SkyWalk affords probably one of the best panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and nicely well worth the journey for those who’ve acquired entry to a automobile.
Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the course of the forest. From the highest, you’ll be able to see the surroundings of each the US and Canada, and it’s such a pleasant view that you simply’ll hardly need to go away.
Practical Information
Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95.
20. Be Amazed At Miniature World
Miniature World is a novel museum in Victoria, BC. It options miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy areas and is nicknamed The Greatest Little Show on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re trying on the reproduction of Toronto in 1915 or the depiction of Camelot.
A fast tour of the place is feasible in 45 minutes, however provided that you rush by means of the place. Take your time to admire all of the little particulars and actually perceive every little thing in regards to the dioramas, and you possibly can simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Practical Information
Miniature World is open each day from 10 AM to 6 PM. The entrance payment is $19 for adults.
21. Smell The Flowers at Abkhazi Garden
Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Garden is among the finest shut to the town middle. Situated only a 15-minute bike journey from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful various for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their means to see the Butchart Gardens.
This is a a lot smaller backyard, masking an space of “only” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the crops and timber to develop to their present measurement. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the beautiful backyard, adopted by the tea home and ponds. Afternoon tea on the Abkhazi Garden is a superb concept, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical value vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations should not fairly as good.
Practical Information
The Abkhazi Garden is open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission payment for adults is $10.
22. Go For A Ride In A Pickle Boat
Pickle boat excursions are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, they usually’re superior. Discover Victoria from the ocean whereas driving in a pickle boat, which sounds loads cooler than it truly is.
It’s only a small boat that may match up to 12 passengers. While I like that it’s far more non-public than a basic tour boat, I used to be completely disenchanted to be taught that it’s not certainly formed and painted like a pickle.
The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, they usually usually go all the way in which up to Burnside. It’s a good way of exploring much more of this excellent metropolis and seeing the areas that aren’t fairly as handy to attain on basic strolling excursions.
Practical Information
Several choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Inner Harbour, they usually final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50.
23. Check Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is probably the most picturesque space of Victoria Inner Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in brilliant colours, a number of of which function eating places or retailers. Just remember that individuals stay in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the world.
As you stroll down the piers, you’ll be able to usually spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and infrequently interact in playful antics to entertain the onlookers.
Fisherman’s Wharf extends past the piers lined with colourful boats to embody an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for youths.
Practical Information
Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most retailers and eating places are open till 7 PM.
24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway
Songhees Walkway is a waterfront strolling path that extends from Johnson Street Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes round 40 minutes to do the complete stroll in a single path, and there are many benches alongside the way in which so you’ll be able to sit down for breaks.
The walkway affords good views of Victoria Inner Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the way in which. It’s additionally an important path for joggers within the morning, however provided that you’re not simply distracted by the view.
Practical Information
Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time without cost. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single path.
25. Join a Food Tour
Locals at all times know the place one of the best meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll grow to be privy to that data for those who be a part of a neighborhood meals tour. These normally embody journeys to the town’s finest landmarks and loads of stops in fashionable native eateries alongside the way in which.
The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is numerous. The classical native delicacies is heavy on seafood, however a correct Victoria meals tour will embody far more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. After all, it’s the town with the oldest Chinese neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full with out a cease there.
Practical Information
Food excursions of Victoria, BC, normally final 2-3 hours. The beginning value is $60.
26. Admire the Aircraft at The BC Aviation Museum
The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so it’s best to have a minimum of two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally an important incentive to arrive on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight.
The museum exhibit spans three hangars stuffed with historic and trendy plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. If you’re supplied a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to be taught a lot in regards to the plane on show, and it’s loads higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself.
Practical Information
The BC Aviation Museum is open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The entrance payment is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each very talked-about actions in Victoria, BC, and the proper means to discover the town past its busy streets. Join a guided kayaking tour or lease a canoe and take to the seas by yourself—no matter your choice is, it shouldn’t be an issue.
One factor I’ll say is that guided excursions are the best choice for individuals with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here may be unpredictable, and for those who’re not conversant in the climate situations it might grow to be an disagreeable and even harmful expertise.
The magnificence of those water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that may in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and revel in a distinct perspective on Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
Practical Information
Several operates provide kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is among the hottest.
28. See the Sakura Trees in Chinatown
I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends means past it. It’s the oldest Chinese neighborhood in Canada and one of many prettiest components of Victoria.
A gate marks the doorway to this historic space, so it’s tremendous simple to discover. Sakura timber line the streets of Chinatown, they usually’re purpose sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. The complete neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese lanterns.
Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be recognized for one of the best Chinese meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of retailers that promote conventional Chinese souvenirs, and you may want to peruse them for those who’re out there for distinctive souvenirs.
Practical Information
The historic Chinatown neighborhood is within the northern a part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC.
29. Whale Watching Adventures
Victoria and British Columbia, generally, are a few of Canada’s finest spots for whale watching. There have to be a dozen tour operators within the metropolis, however my favourite one is Prince of Whales, located within the Destination Greater Victoria tourism middle constructing within the harbor.
The skilled operators will take you to one of the best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. But additionally they know to preserve their distance from the animals so that they don’t disturb them of their each day routines.
This operator affords year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success fee of the excursions, you’re virtually assured to spot the majestic mammals.
Practical Information
Prince of Whales whale-watching excursions can be found year-round. They begin at $150 and final 3-6 hours.
30. Venture Out To Swan Lake
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is inside biking distance of downtown Victoria. It’s an important place to go to for those who don’t need to go to parks which can be farther exterior the town middle however nonetheless need to get pleasure from a brief mountaineering journey.
The nature sanctuary incorporates a loop strolling path that even crosses the lake at one level. It takes roughly half-hour to full, and it’s a well-maintained and straightforward strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t have to be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which is able to reward you with some stunning views of the lake and the encompassing forest.
Practical Information
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is open from 10?AM to 4?PM. Admission to the park is freed from cost, however the entrance payment to the Nature House museum is a advised $6 donation.
31. Totems at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Situated proper subsequent to the Royal BC Museum, the park is finest recognized for its totem pole replicas and historic homes.
The totems aren’t fairly as spectacular as those in Vancouver, however they’re nonetheless fairly a beautiful sight. Mungo Martin House is understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken House Pioneer Doctor’s Residence affords brief excursions of a surgeon’s home with interval furnishings.
Practical Information
Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time.
32. Ziplining in The Forest
Thrill seekers received’t be let down by the number of actions in Victoria. Just a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll discover Adrenaline Zip – a neighborhood firm that operates ziplining excursions within the rainforest.
One factor to word is that that is alongside the way in which for those who embark on the Galloping Goose Trail. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. The complete journey takes about two hours, and it consists of 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV journey.
Practical Information
The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.
33. Ride The Hop On Hop Off Bus
I’m not the largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to admit they’re an important possibility for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. If you’re in Victoria for under a day or two, driving the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all the town’s prime landmarks in that point.
The magnificence of those buses is which you could get out at any cease, discover the world, after which simply get on the bus once more. You may even keep seated on the bus the complete time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the completely different sights.
Practical Information
Buy Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (legitimate for twenty-four hours) or $88 (legitimate for 48 hours).
34. Craft Beer Crawl
With greater than 20 craft breweries all through Victoria, the town is actually an important spot for beer lovers. Loads of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you’ll even tour breweries to strive the drink proper on the supply.
The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is among the finest pubs within the metropolis. It affords a wide array of native and worldwide craft beer. They even provide tasting menus, so you’ll be able to strive half a dozen glasses.
The Whistle Buoy Brewing Company within the Downtown is my best choice for a neighborhood brewery tour.
Practical Information
Pubs in Victoria, BC, are normally open till Sep 11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends.
FAQ For Best Things To Do In Victoria BC
Is Victoria, BC, price visiting?
Yes, Victoria BC is price visiting. It’s a stunning metropolis with beautiful Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space.
What is Victoria BC well-known for?
Victoria BC is understood for a lot of botanical gardens and beautiful Victorian mansions. The metropolis can also be nicknamed the biking capital of Canada, thanks to numerous kilometers of biking and mountain biking trails.
What is the #1 vacationer attraction in British Columbia?
The Stanley Park Totem Pole is by far the preferred vacationer attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Greater Victoria.
Is Victoria BC a walkable metropolis?
Much of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. However, there are numerous attention-grabbing locations exterior the downtown which can be price visiting however not accessible on foot.
Tips And Information For Visiting Victoria BC
Best Time To Visit
The finest time to go to Victoria is dependent upon what your priorities are. If you need to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then it’s best to plan a visit in the summertime. But count on increased costs of lodges and huge crowds of vacationers.
If, then again, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher lodge offers, journey to Victoria in April-May or September-October. Just remember that the town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the best interval for outside actions.
What in regards to the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures not often drop beneath 0 Celsius. It is very good there in the course of the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria International Airport is the closest airport to the town, nevertheless it has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, then again, is the second-busiest within the nation and chances are high it is going to be your first cease in Canada.
From there you’ve acquired a great deal of choices. Local flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it attainable to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You may even take a bus from the airport to the town, which takes about 4 hours to attain the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing.
Getting Around
Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you’ll go to most sights within the historic a part of the town on foot. Cycling is a good way of getting across the metropolis as a result of you may get to the extra distant components of Greater Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t have to cope with rush hour site visitors as a lot.
Bike leases can be found all through the town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. Because the town doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the one viable mode of public transport. They’re handy for touring across the metropolis however are usually fairly sluggish.
Uber and taxis are another choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest means of getting round Victoria. As for automobile rental, I feel it is sensible provided that you’re on the town for an extended time. Otherwise, it’s actually not price it as a result of many of the finest sights within the metropolis are inside strolling distance of each other.
How Much Time Do You Need
Victoria is a reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want a minimum of three days to discover all the finest sights downtown and some well-known sights in Greater Victoria. I feel it’s attainable to cowl one of the best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you’ll be in a little bit of a rush the complete time.
Travelers who love being open air and exploring nature may have a good time in Victoria. If you’ll be able to swing 5 days right here, you’ll be able to have sufficient time to discover an excellent chunk of Vancouver Island, a lot of which is untouched nature.
Where To Stay In Victoria BC
Stay in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for simple strolling entry to all one of the best landmarks and sights within the metropolis. Both areas provide all kinds of lodges in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer sights. Some of one of the best lodges in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn affords finances lodging with a improbable location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is among the finest lodges in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Inner Harbor.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a five-star lodge with an oceanfront location. It has a improbable spa middle and huge rooms, however it’s fairly removed from the town middle. Consider staying on the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for those who’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.