34 Incredible Things to Do In Victoria, BC (Our 2024 Guide)

Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is an excellent metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Known for the abundance of out of doors actions and gorgeous Victorian structure, it’s a spot the place colonial historical past is intertwined with indigenous tradition. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a 12 months and acquired to discover all the good issues that it has to supply. 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 supply one thing to everybody as a result of it has all of it, from wonderful artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and climbing trails. 

Whether you’re on the town for a day or every week, you gained’t wrestle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider information, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that can aid you put collectively the very best itinerary! 

Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Victoria BC is thought 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 high vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the overwhelmed 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 a few of the finest museums in British Columbia. 

1. Guided Walking Tour of Victoria

Victoria is a beautiful metropolis with many gorgeous buildings. Of course, if it’s your first go to, you gained’t be acquainted with the aim of a lot of these buildings, and also you would possibly miss out on some gems which might be open for guests. 

Arrange a guided tour with a neighborhood, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all the very best spots within the metropolis but in addition 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 permit you to uncover the town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a number of energy, and what higher means to make up for them than to take pleasure 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 have got time to go to just one museum or gallery when 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 folks of British Columbia, in addition to in regards to the state’s common historical past and the way it advanced over time. Younger guests are extra probably to benefit from the Natural History gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of varied animals. 

Plan to spend at the least a few hours at this museum, and that’s should you’re going to rush by the place. If you are taking your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Also, I need to point out that the museum has a pleasant IMAX theater, the place you may attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies. 

Practical Information

The Royal BC Museum is open day by 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 likely one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a very fashionable historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, through the late nineteenth century. 

Visit the citadel and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, stunning decorations, and wonderful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each inside and outside, and it’s among the best places for structure excursions in Victoria. 

The citadel is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike experience) from Downtown Victoria. 

Practical Information

Craigdarroch Castle is open for excursions Wednesday by 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 called Canada’s biking capital, and it’s some of the bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and plenty of lodging supply them to their visitors. 

Cycling round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city rapidly for little or no cash, but in addition 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 gained’t have to fear about rush hour site visitors. 

If you’re in nice bodily situation, you would possibly even have the opportunity to bike to sights far outdoors the town middle, and also you’d get to see some fantastic 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 at the least. 

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 charge whenever you lease a motorbike for an extended interval. 

5. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is an excellent mid-size gallery housed in two distinct areas. One a part of the gallery is in a brand new, fashionable constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion. 

Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of attractive artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. In reality, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that every one guests are inspired to see. It’s one among 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 prices a $15 entrance charge. 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 palms down some of the gorgeous authorities buildings I’ve seen in my whole life. For me, the buildings appear to be they have been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria. 

But they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings have been constructed in neo-Baroque model on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. The whole park between Government Street and Menzies Street is a superb place the place you may take pleasure in a few of the finest structure within the metropolis. 

See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the totally 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 well accessible from central Victoria and among the best locations within the metropolis in order for you to spend a few hours in nature however aren’t fairly within the temper for an tour that features touring far outdoors the town middle. 

Featuring ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has all the pieces from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, on the whole, are identified for implausible pure landmarks and out of doors actions. 

Practical Information

Beacon Hill Park is open day by 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 outlets on both facet, which provide some wonderful purchasing and eating within the metropolis. Here, you’ll discover outlets that promote all the pieces from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s undoubtedly a spot you must try should you’re on the lookout for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria. 

However, I’ll say that this expertise is completely skippable should you’re even a bit bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t all the time doable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.

But should you can navigate the tight alley and not using a sense of dread, it will likely be a high expertise. The crimson and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered crimson brick of the buildings. The entrance to the Chinese Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is fascinating and value supporting.  

Practical Information

Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most outlets are closed till 5 p.m. 

9. Visit Fort Rodd Hill

Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site finest identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park affords strolling trails with views of outdated army buildings, nevertheless it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that draws the majority of tourists to the positioning. 

Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise implausible panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the way in which to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one facet and the San Juan Islands on the opposite. 

Practical Information

Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission charge of $9.

10. Hike To The Top of Mount Douglas 

Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria City and an awesome 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 high. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you may simply drive up to the scenic level should you’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.  

The vista from the lookout level is likely one of the finest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the United States. Also, a number of climbing trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you can spend a few hours roaming exploring the world, and marveling on the good views. But should you’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 high 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 experience) from the town middle. It is totally definitely worth the trouble it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century citadel was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching web site and these days is a historic park. 

Can you think about that individuals truly lived on this implausible mansion? Even right now, components of it are used as workplace house and to maintain courses, so you may’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 free of charge 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 identified for climbing 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 implausible panoramic views. 

It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and a very good place to come in order for you to escape the crowds of the city jungle. Pack a meals basket and convey a blanket so you may arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day filled with climbing 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 isn’t any admission charge, however there’s a parking charge 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 using a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But if that sounds enjoyable, the Galloping Goose Trail would possibly simply be the highest Victoria exercise for you! 

The path follows an outdated railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you may cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner should you’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike. 

This historic path passes by city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You can comply with the complete path on a motorbike, or hike simply part of it. You may even select to experience 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 really useful just for skilled mountain bikers in wonderful bodily circumstances, because it takes roughly 5 hours to full. 

14. Walk To The Breakwater Lighthouse 

The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of a protracted 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 internal 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 massive. It doesn’t look that massive from the space, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its measurement. 

One factor to observe is that it’s doable 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 night time, 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 neglect 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 totally different bushes and flowers. 

You might tour the place rapidly in beneath an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you go by the entrance door. Also, I actually like that every one the animals listed here are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest atmosphere. 

One factor to observe is that it will get actually scorching within the tropical jungle, so that you would possibly want to take breaks should you keep there for some time. Make positive to convey a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outdoors every so often to settle down a bit.

Practical Information

Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance charge of $19.50 for adults. It’s open day by day from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor

Haunted Manor mini golf shouldn’t be an exercise for everybody, so be happy to depart it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re probably to take pleasure in. But should you 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 collection of (non) alcoholic drinks and traditional 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 in style 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 a number of totally different tea homes in Victoria, however I believe the one at Pendray Inn is a best choice for vacationers within the metropolis. It’s in an enthralling Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a brief stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely acceptable for top tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the best markings. 

Once you’re carried out 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 day by day from 11 AM to 3/4 PM. Reservations are really useful, and the typical price per particular person is $60-70. A vegan choice is offered.  

18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens

Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is likely one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you can spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens. 

One factor I’ll say is that this is likely one of the priciest sights in Victoria, BC, so you may want to depart it off your itinerary should you’re on a tighter finances. With day by day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in. 

But you may get a a lot better deal on tickets should you come within the low season, and truthfully, the place is so fantastic I’d say it’s definitely worth the cash. Come right here to see the infinite subject 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 charge 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 the very best panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and properly definitely worth the journey should you’ve acquired entry to a automobile. 

Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the midst of the forest. From the highest, you may see the surroundings of each the US and Canada, and it’s such a pleasant view that you just’ll hardly need to depart. 

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 places and is nicknamed The Greatest Little Show on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re wanting on the duplicate 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 the place. Take your time to admire all of the little particulars and actually perceive all the pieces in regards to the dioramas, and you can simply spend 2+ hours on the museum. 

Practical Information 

Miniature World is open day by day from 10 AM to 6 PM. The entrance charge is $19 for adults. 

21. Smell The Flowers at Abkhazi Garden

Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Garden is likely one of the finest shut to the town middle. Situated only a 15-minute bike experience 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 vegetation and bushes 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 usually are not fairly as good. 

Practical Information 

The Abkhazi Garden is open day by day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission charge for adults is $10. 

22. Go For A Ride In A Pickle Boat 

Pickle boat excursions are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, and so they’re superior. Discover Victoria from the ocean whereas using 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 really like that it’s way more non-public than a traditional tour boat, I used to be totally dissatisfied 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, and so they usually go all the way in which up to Burnside. It’s an effective way of exploring much more of this glorious metropolis and seeing the areas that aren’t fairly as handy to attain on traditional strolling excursions. 

Practical Information 

Several choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Inner Harbour, and so they 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 outlets. Just take into account that folks reside in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the world.  

As you stroll down the piers, you may usually spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and infrequently have interaction 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 outlets 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 course, and there are many benches alongside the way in which so you may 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 awesome 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 free of charge. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single course. 

25. Join a Food Tour 

Locals all the time know the place the very best meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll change into privy to that information should you be a part of a neighborhood meals tour. These normally embrace journeys to the town’s finest landmarks and loads of stops in in style 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 embrace way 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 and not using 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 you must have at the least two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally an awesome incentive to arrive on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight. 

The museum exhibit spans three hangars filled with historic and fashionable 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 day by day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The entrance charge is $17 for adults. 

27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing 

Kayaking and canoeing are each very fashionable 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 folks with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here may be unpredictable, and should you’re not acquainted with the climate circumstances it might change into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise. 

The magnificence of those water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that might in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and revel in a special perspective on Victoria’s Inner Harbor. 

Practical Information 

Several operates supply kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is likely one of 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 bushes line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re motive sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. The whole neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese lanterns. 

Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be identified for the very best Chinese meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of outlets that promote conventional Chinese souvenirs, and you may want to peruse them should you’re available in the market 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, on the whole, 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 the very best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. But additionally they know to hold their distance from the animals in order that they don’t disturb them of their day by day routines. 

This operator affords year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success charge 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 awesome place to go to should you don’t need to go to parks which might be farther outdoors the town middle however nonetheless need to take pleasure in a brief climbing journey. 

The nature sanctuary encompasses 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 simple 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 charge to the Nature House museum is a instructed $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 identified 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 thought 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 gained’t be let down by the collection 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 observe is that that is alongside the way in which should you embark on the Galloping Goose Trail. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. The whole journey takes about two hours, and it contains 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV experience. 

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 awesome choice for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. If you’re in Victoria for under a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all the town’s high landmarks in that point. 

The magnificence of those buses is which you can 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 totally 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 awesome spot for beer lovers. Loads of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you may even tour breweries to attempt the drink proper on the supply. 

The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is likely one of the finest pubs within the metropolis. It affords a big selection of native and worldwide craft beer. They even supply tasting menus, so you may attempt 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 11th of September PM and a bit longer on the weekends. 

FAQ For Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Is Victoria, BC, value visiting?

Yes, Victoria BC is value visiting. It’s a stunning metropolis with gorgeous Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space. 

What is Victoria BC well-known for?

Victoria BC is thought for a lot of botanical gardens and lovely 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 various fascinating locations outdoors the downtown which might be value visiting however not accessible on foot. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Victoria BC

Best Time To Visit 

The finest time to go to Victoria relies on what your priorities are. If you need to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then you must plan a visit in the summertime. But anticipate 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 resort offers, journey to Victoria in April-May or September-October. Just take into account that the town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the best interval for out of doors actions. 

What in regards to the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures hardly ever drop under 0 Celsius. It is particularly good there through 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 likelihood is it will likely be your first cease in Canada. 

From there you’ve acquired a great deal of choices. Local flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it doable 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 may go to most sights within the historic a part of the town on foot. Cycling is an effective 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 gained’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 typically fairly sluggish. 

Uber and taxis are another choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the most costly means of getting round Victoria. As for automobile rental, I believe it is sensible provided that you’re on the town for an extended time. Otherwise, it’s actually not value 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 fairly large metropolis and I reckon you want at the least three days to discover the entire finest sights downtown and some well-known sights in Greater Victoria. I believe it’s doable to cowl the very best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you can be in a little bit of a rush the complete time. 

Travelers who love being open air and exploring nature could have a good time in Victoria. If you may swing 5 days right here, you may 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 the very best landmarks and sights within the metropolis. Both areas supply all kinds of lodges in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of fascinating vacationer sights. Some of the very best lodges in Victoria for all budgets are: 

Ocean Island Inn affords finances lodging with a implausible location in Downtown Victoria. 
Fairmont Empress is likely one of the finest lodges in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Inner Harbor. 
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a five-star resort with an oceanfront location. It has a implausible spa middle and huge rooms, however it’s fairly removed from the town middle. Consider staying on the Oak Bay Beach Hotel should you’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.