Looking for things to do in Victoria, British Columbia? Check out our brief yet comprehensive guide for 12 experiences encapsulating Victoria's history, breathtaking natural landscapes and lively cultural scene on the island. Enjoy nature at places like Butchart Gardens as well as on the hiking and bike trails in the parks and green spaces. Learn about the history of the area at the Royal BC Museum and admire the architecture of the Parliament Buildings. You can also enjoy a bit of culture at afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel as well as taking one of the food or craft beer tours offered by local guides in Victoria.
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia with lovely historic buildings. With a beautiful downtown, gorgeous neighborhoods and Pacific Coast setting, it's no wonder the city is a popular place to visit. The lively Inner Harbour is not only charming, it makes Victoria an easy destination to reach by ferry whether coming from Seattle, Washington or from Vancouver, British Columbia.
1. Butchart Gardens
A few miles north of Victoria’s lively downtown within Brentwood Bay, you will find the enchanting Butchart Gardens. This 55-acre garden has been attracting visitors for over a century. The vibrant blooms, greenery and soothing water features are a feast for the senses and make visiting the garden a popular shore excursion on Alaska cruises.
Butchart Gardens is divided into unique sections, including:
- Japanese Garden
- Sunken Garden
- Italian Garden
- Mediterranean Garden
- Rose Garden
And with each season different plants thrive and inspire special events like the summer fireworks, winter holiday lights, and spring colors when thousands of bulbs bloom creating marvelous displays of flowers in every color.
For those interested in visiting Butchart Gardens, there are several options available to get there:
- If you are staying in Victoria, you can drive your own vehicle or opt for express shuttle that departs from downtown Victoria.
- Day trips from Vancouver: If you’re visiting Vancouver, you can take a day trip to the Butchart Gardens.
- Seaplane flight from Vancouver: For a unique experience, you can take a seaplane trip from Vancouver to Victoria and then take a bus tour to the gardens.
These options allow you to explore and learn more about this verdant paradise.
2. Beacon Hill Park
Within Victoria lies Beacon Hill Park, a 180-acre park that offers an escape from city life, with colorful flowerbeds, sprawling lawns and duck ponds. It's the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic, and it's a budget-friendly attraction in Victoria.
Within the park are rare plants such as those in the Garry oak ecosystem. During the nesting and breeding season, bird-watchers enjoy spotting great blue herons, that make their nests in the park’s tall trees, and sneaking peeks at their newly hatched baby birds.
Don't miss Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. Open since 1985, the farm has been fostering children’s compassion and understanding of animals, offering close-up encounters with a variety of farm animals. A favorite among visitors is the "goat stampede," when the herd of adorable goats charges across the farm to the evening enclosure. It’s an endearing sight that draws a crowd of all ages.
Whether you’re in search of tranquility, out for a run or seeking a family day out, Beacon Hill Park is a must-see in Victoria.
3. Craigdarroch Castle
The four-story Victorian mansion — Craigdarroch Castle — looks like a fairy-tale castle. Commissioned by the coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, the castle harks back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when industrialists in North America achieved great wealth and social status.
Craigdarroch Castle has elements of Romanesque style that give the castle its elegance and character. The castle’s craftsmanship is stunning with detailed stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and impressive masonry. Both local in imported materials used in the construction of the castle include British Columbian sandstone, Italian marble and Vermont slate.
A visit to Craigdarroch Castle offers:
- A self-guided tour through the castle
- Signage that details the lives of the Dunsmuir family, and staff are located throughout the mansion available to answer questions
- A beautifully preserved castle with stunning rooms and an impressive collection of stained-glass windows
Note that the mansion is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors must be able to walk up and down stairs to tour the historic home.
4. British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Standing majestically by Victoria Harbour, a visit to the British Columbia Parliament Buildings is essential when touring Victoria. Francis M. Rattenbury, who designed the Parliament Buildings, borrowed elements from free classical and Romanesque styles while prioritizing the use of local building materials.
The buildings, under construction from 1893 to 1898 with ongoing detail work and additions continuing until 1915, are not just a marvel from the outside, but they are also a political landmark. You can take a guided or self-guided tour of the buildings year-round that provides insights into the historical and architectural significance of the Parliament Buildings. For guided tours, arrive at the main entrance at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. An accessible entrance is available to the west of the main entrance. Tours are accessible to those with mobility limitations. For additional questions about Parliament Buildings tour, phone the tour desk at (250) 387-3046
5. Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Canada and a National Historic Site, presents a mix of history, culture and culinary treats — making it a feast for the senses. One of the most famous landmarks in Chinatown is Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada. The streets of Chinatown, are lined with small shops selling everything from vintage records to souvenirs and jewelry.
Foodies will find plenty to delight their taste buds in Chinatown. For a romantic and delicious dinner date, make a reservation at Ugly Duckling. This restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and aims to blend modern-day Victoria with its Chinatown roots. For a more casual spot, head to eateries like Wah Lai Yuen which offers seating and take-out as well as an onsite bakery that sells both sweet and savory buns.
6. Royal BC Museum
The Royal British Columbia Museum, also known as the Royal BC Museum, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts or those curious about British Columbia’s past. This museum offers a fascinating insight into British Columbia's natural history as well social and cultural history.
In the museum’s Natural History Gallery, you can view exhibits about British Columbia's coastal forest and seashore as well as the ice age including a life-sized replica of a mammoth. The exhibit, "Old Town, New Approach," focuses on Victoria's diverse history.
7. Whale Watching
Embark on a whale-watching tour in Victoria for an adventurous way to connect with the marine environment. These guided tours offer a thrilling opportunity to observe a variety of whale species including resident and transient orcas, minke and humpback whales. You might also spot seals, sea lions and porpoises.
Several companies book whale-watching tours in Victoria, offering a variety of experiences. Whether you choose a tour on a smaller Zodiac boat tour, where you're close to the water's surface, a catamaran adventure with Prince of Whales, or a three-hour catamaran tour with Five Star Whale Watching, you’re in for an exhilarating journey on the water.
8. Biking Tour
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, Victoria’s biking tours offer an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to explore the city. Local guides lead you through the city’s most beautiful spots, sharing interesting facts and stories about Victoria’s history and culture along the way. Consider taking the two-hour Castles, Hoods & Legends - Bike Tour or the three-hour Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside.
One of the best parts about biking in Victoria is the diversity of the landscapes. From bustling downtown Victoria to the tranquil Galloping Goose Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail, there’s a biking route to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the waterfront or a challenging trail through the forest, Victoria’s biking trails will get you where you want to go.
If you want to tour Victoria by bicycle on your own, consider staying at a Victoria hotel that offers bicycles to guests, such the AAA Diamond Approved Robin Hood Inn & Suites or AAA Four Diamond The Magnolia Hotel & Spa.
9. Hiking
Victoria’s hiking trails often attract outdoor enthusiasts. From lush forests to stunning ocean views, the city’s trails offer a range of hiking experiences for all skill levels.
One of the popular hiking destinations in Victoria is PKOLS (formerly Mount Douglas), which means white rock in the SENĆOŦEN language of the First Nations Saanich people. If you’re up for a challenge, the scenic Irvine Trail offers a strenuous hike up to the summit. The payoff is panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Another great hiking spot is Goldstream Provincial Park. Known for its majestic views and diverse terrains, this park offers a variety of trails, from leisurely walks to more challenging hikes. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, exploring the park’s ecosystem of Douglas firs, red cedars, Garry oaks and dense spike primrose, and spotting wildlife such as black bears, cougars, bald eagles and hummingbirds.
10. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress
Indulge in the traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel to savor a taste of Victoria’s British heritage. The luxurious afternoon tea service at the Empress is a grand affair, featuring a selection of savory and sweet delights, from smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches to macarons and madeleines. The choice of international loose-leaf teas includes delicious blends of chai, Darjeeling, Earl Grey and oolong.
Afternoon tea is served in the Fairmont Empress hotel’s elegant lounge, you should allot two hours to fully enjoy the tea service while relaxing on plush seating and taking in views of the Inner Harbour.
11. Indulge in a Food, Beer or Wine Tour
Victoria has some stellar restaurants, so if you want to learn a little about the city and taste delicious food along the way, take the Victoria Guided Food and History Tour. On this two-hour walking tour, you'll stop at sites like Fan Tan Alley, Victoria Public Market, Government Street and Market Square. You'll try a sampling of dishes that might include pierogis and spring rolls.
On the Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour, you'll spend two hours trying dishes from places like the Middle East and Korea as well as tasting delectable baked goods. This tour is led by a local guide who will give tips on the residents' favorite places to dine and restaurants to try while visiting Victoria.
If you enjoy beer, consider the Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour on which you'll get to taste the beer from two breweries and sample the spirits of one distillery. If wine is your preference, book the Victoria Full Day Guided Wine Tour. This tour includes transportation to the Cowichan Valley where you'll enjoy tastings at four of the nine wineries in the valley; lunch is included.
12. Explore Victoria Inner Harbour
The heart of Victoria, known as the Inner Harbour, invites exploration, and those who relish culinary adventures will find themselves spoiled for choice here — the harborside dining options range from delectable local seafood dishes to eclectic international offerings.
Close to downtown Victoria, this dynamic port buzzes with life throughout the year, boasting a diverse collection of eateries, attractions and scenery. A walk along its banks offers you the chance to enjoy performers who enliven the area with their talents while residents weave through during their daily routines.
The picturesque waterfront location of the Inner Harbour is your gateway to greater Victoria’s charm. Water taxis offer swift transportation across the harbor and whale-watching tours offer the chance to see giant aquatic mammals, namely orcas. The Inner Harbour is conveniently located near some must-see places, such as the Royal BC Museum, Fairmont Empress Hotel and British Columbia Parliament Buildings.