34 Incredible Things to Do In Victoria, BC (Our 2024 Guide)
Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a superb metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Identified for the abundance of outside 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 obtained to discover all the nice 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 observe 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 wonderful artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and mountaineering trails.
Whether or not 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 show you how to put collectively the most effective itinerary!
Greatest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Victoria BC is understood for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. Nearly all of town’s greatest points of interest are open air, making it a high vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the overwhelmed path.
However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally affords an limitless quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and a number of the greatest museums in British Columbia.
Better of Victoria BC Fast Information
- Should See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Citadel, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings, Afternoon Tea
- The place To Keep: Ocean Island Inn, Fairmont Empress, The Oak Bay Beach Hotel
- Enjoyable To Do: Whale Watching, Zipline Excursions, Mount Douglas, Boat Excursions, Kayaking
- Day Journeys: Fort Rodd Hill, Thetis Lake Park, Malahat SkyWalk
- Should-Strive Meals: Wild Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Bannock Bread, Chinese language meals
1. Guided Strolling Tour of Victoria
Victoria is a beautiful metropolis with many beautiful buildings. In fact, if it’s your first go to, you received’t be conversant in the aim of lots of these buildings, and also you may miss out on some gems which can be open for guests.
Organize a guided tour with an area, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all the most effective spots within the metropolis but additionally study the historical past behind a few of its greatest architectural gems. Most strolling excursions of Victoria cowl town’s greatest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Road and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite walking tours of Victoria additionally assist you to uncover town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a number of energy, and what higher method to make up for them than to bask in Victoria’s specialties in its greatest eating places?
Sensible Info
Strolling excursions of Victoria often take 2-3 hours and price $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s greatest and hottest museum. When you have time to go to just one museum or gallery when you’re within the metropolis, make it this one. It has three foremost galleries: Pure Historical past, the First Peoples Gallery, and Turning into BC.
Come right here to study 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 developed over time. Youthful guests usually tend to benefit from the Pure Historical past gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of assorted animals.
Plan to spend not less than a few hours at this museum, and that’s if you happen to’re going to hurry by means of the place. If you happen to take your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Additionally, 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.
Sensible Info
The Royal BC Museum is open every day from 10 AM to five PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12.
3. Tour The Implausible Craigdarroch Citadel
Craigdarroch Citadel is among the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a extremely popular historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, through the late nineteenth century.
Go to the fortress and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, lovely decorations, and beautiful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each inside and outside, and it’s top-of-the-line places for structure excursions in Victoria.
The fortress is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike journey) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
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 could be purchased on-line or on the entrance.
4. Hire A Bicycle
Victoria BC is called Canada’s biking capital, and it’s probably the most bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and plenty of lodging provide them to their visitors.
Biking round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city shortly for little or no cash, but additionally an excellent approach of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s often quicker than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fret about rush hour site visitors.
If you happen to’re in nice bodily situation, you may even be capable of bike to points of interest far exterior town middle, and also you’d get to see some fantastic surroundings alongside the best way. And if spending a number of hours on a bicycle isn’t all that interesting, contemplate it for a fast tour of Downtown Victoria not less than.
Sensible Info
Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The common value is $40 per day, though you will get a greater charge whenever you lease a motorbike for an extended interval.
5. Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is a superb 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 actual fact, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that every one guests are inspired to see. It’s one in all Victoria’s greatest points of interest for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure.
Sensible Info
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and expenses a $15 entrance price. Nonetheless, 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 Meeting of British Columbia is fingers down probably the most beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my total life. For me, the buildings appear like they had been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria.
However they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings had been constructed in neo-Baroque fashion on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. All the park between Authorities Road and Menzies Road is a superb place the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a number of the greatest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the completely different memorial statues. You may even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It is going to price you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
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’s simply accessible from central Victoria and top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis if you wish to spend a few hours in nature however aren’t fairly within the temper for an tour that features touring far exterior town middle.
That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has every thing from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, basically, are identified for incredible pure landmarks and outside actions.
Sensible Info
Beacon Hill Park is open every day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Stroll By means of Historic Fan Tan Alley
Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It’s lined with eating places and boutique outlets on both aspect, which supply some wonderful procuring and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover outlets that promote every thing from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s undoubtedly a spot you need to take a look at if you happen to’re in search of distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nonetheless, I’ll say that this expertise is completely skippable if you happen to’re even slightly bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t all the time potential, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.
However if you happen to can navigate the tight alley with no sense of dread, it will likely be a high expertise. The pink and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered pink brick of the buildings. The doorway to the Chinese language Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is attention-grabbing and price supporting.
Sensible Info
Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most outlets are closed till 5 p.m.
9. Go to Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a Nationwide Historic Website greatest identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park affords strolling trails with views of outdated army constructions, however 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 incredible panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the best way to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one aspect and the San Juan Islands on the opposite.
Sensible Info
Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission price of $9.
10. Hike To The Prime of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and a fantastic place to return for 360° panoramic views. You may 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’ll be able to simply drive as much as the scenic level if you happen to’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is among the greatest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the USA. Additionally, a number of mountaineering trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you can spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, and marveling on the good views. However if you happen to’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the realm is freed from cost, and parking on the high can also be free however very restricted.
11. Historic Excursions at Hatley Citadel
Hatley Citadel is located in Larger Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike journey) from town middle. It’s completely well worth the trouble it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century fortress was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching web site and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that individuals really lived on this incredible mansion? Even right now, components of it are used as workplace area and to carry courses, so you’ll be able to’t simply stroll inside everytime you like. Guests should join guided excursions to discover the inside of the mansion, however the formal gardens are accessible free of charge all through the day.
Sensible Info
Guided excursions of Hatley Citadel 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 mountaineering trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to calm down within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and luxuriate in some incredible panoramic views.
It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and a very good place to return if you wish to escape the crowds of the city jungle. Pack a meals basket and convey 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 town streets.
Sensible Info
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t any admission price, however there’s a parking price of $2.25 per day.
13. Bike Alongside The Galloping Goose Path
This enjoyable exercise is just for probably the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it in case you have zero curiosity in using a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But when that sounds enjoyable, the Galloping Goose Path may 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’ll be able to cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner if you happen to’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes by means of city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You may comply with your complete path on a motorbike, 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.
Sensible Info
The Galloping Goose Path is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is beneficial just for skilled mountain bikers in wonderful bodily situations, because it takes roughly 5 hours to finish.
14. Stroll 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 view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s interior harbor. The strolling path affords view of town’s marine site visitors, and it’s notably 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 dimension.
One factor to notice is that it’s potential to stroll down the Breakwater and the Decrease Breakwater. I like to recommend you follow the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery.
Sensible Info
The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or evening, freed from cost.
15. Wander Round Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Located roughly a 20-minute drive from town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a superb place to return and neglect you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, to not point out all of the completely different bushes and flowers.
You may tour the place shortly in underneath an hour, however I’m optimistic you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you go by means of the entrance door. Additionally, I actually like that every one the animals listed below are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest atmosphere.
One factor to notice is that it will get actually sizzling within the tropical jungle, so that you may have to take breaks if you happen to keep there for some time. Be sure to deliver a bottle of water to hydrate, and step exterior once in a while to chill down a bit.
Sensible Info
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance price of $19.50 for adults. It’s open every 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 happy to go away it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re prone to take pleasure in. However if you happen to like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable approach 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 basic pub meals.
Sensible Info
Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Common admission to the place is $24.95.
17. Really feel Elegant 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 widespread British traditions have survived within the metropolis. A type of 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 completely 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 a captivating Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a quick stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely applicable for top tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the very best markings.
When 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 big ships.
Sensible Info
The Pendray tea home is open every day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are beneficial, and the common price per particular person is $60-70. A vegan choice is accessible.
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 can spend the higher a part of the day roaming round the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is among the priciest points of interest in Victoria, BC, so that you may need to go away it off your itinerary if you happen to’re on a tighter funds. With every day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in.
However you will get a a lot better deal on tickets if you happen to come within the low season, and truthfully, the place is so fantastic I’d say it’s well worth the cash. Come right here to see the limitless area of colourful flowers and luxuriate in probably the best-scented a part of Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The grownup entrance price is $25-40, relying on the season.
19. Panorama Views at Malahat SkyWalk
Located northwest of Victoria, simply off the Trans-Canada freeway, the Malahat SkyWalk affords probably the most effective panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and nicely well worth the journey if you happen to’ve obtained entry to a automotive.
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 just’ll hardly need to go away.
Sensible Info
Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95.
20. Be Amazed At Miniature World
Miniature World is a singular museum in Victoria, BC. It options miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy places and is nicknamed The Biggest Little Present 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 understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive every thing in regards to the dioramas, and you can simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Info
Miniature World is open every day from 10 AM to six PM. The doorway price is $19 for adults.
21. Odor The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard
Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is among the greatest near town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike journey from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful different for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their method to see the Butchart Gardens.
It is a a lot smaller backyard, masking an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the crops and bushes to develop to their present dimension. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the beautiful backyard, adopted by the tea home and ponds. Afternoon tea on the Abkhazi Backyard is a superb thought, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical value vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations are usually not fairly as good.
Sensible Info
The Abkhazi Backyard is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission price for adults is $10.
22. Go For A Trip In A Pickle Boat
Pickle boat excursions are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, and so they’re superior. Uncover Victoria from the ocean whereas using in a pickle boat, which sounds lots cooler than it really is.
It’s only a small boat that may match as much as 12 passengers. Whereas I like that it’s far more non-public than a basic tour boat, I used to be completely upset to study 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 typically go all the best way as much as 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 succeed in on basic strolling excursions.
Sensible Info
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Interior Harbour, and so they final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50.
23. Verify Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is probably the most picturesque space of Victoria Interior Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in vibrant colours, a number of of which function eating places or outlets. Simply needless to say individuals dwell in lots of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you’ll be able to typically 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 teenagers.
Sensible Info
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 Road Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes round 40 minutes to do your complete stroll in a single course, and there are many benches alongside the best way so you’ll be able to sit down for breaks.
The walkway affords good views of Victoria Interior Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the best way. It’s additionally a fantastic path for joggers within the morning, however provided that you’re not simply distracted by the view.
Sensible Info
Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time free of charge. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single course.
25. Be part of a Meals Tour
Locals all the time know the place the most effective meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll turn out to be aware about that data if you happen to be part of an area meals tour. These often embody journeys to town’s greatest landmarks and loads of stops in widespread native eateries alongside the best way.
The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is various. The classical native delicacies is heavy on seafood, however a proper Victoria food tour will embody far more than what is taken into account traditional Canadian food. In spite of everything, it’s town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full with no cease there.
Sensible Info
Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, often final 2-3 hours. The beginning value is $60.
26. Admire the Plane at The BC Aviation Museum
The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so you need to have not less than two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally a fantastic incentive to reach on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight.
The museum exhibit spans three hangars stuffed with historic and fashionable plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. If you happen to’re provided a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to study a lot in regards to the plane on show, and it’s lots higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself.
Sensible Info
The BC Aviation Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway price is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each extremely popular actions in Victoria, BC, and the proper method to discover town past its busy streets. Be part of 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 could be unpredictable, and if you happen to’re not conversant in the climate situations it may turn out to be an disagreeable and even harmful expertise.
The fantastic thing about these 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 luxuriate in a special perspective on Victoria’s Interior Harbor.
Sensible Info
A number of operates provide kayak and canoe tours in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is among the hottest.
28. See the Sakura Bushes in Chinatown
I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends approach past it. It’s the oldest Chinese language 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 search out. Sakura bushes line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re motive sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. All the neighborhood can also be adorned with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be identified for the most effective Chinese language meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of outlets that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you may need to peruse them if you happen to’re available in the market for distinctive souvenirs.
Sensible Info
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, basically, are a few of Canada’s greatest 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 Vacation spot Larger Victoria tourism middle constructing within the harbor.
The skilled operators will take you to the most effective spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However in addition they know to maintain their distance from the animals so that they don’t disturb them of their every 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 identify the majestic mammals.
Sensible Info
Prince of Whales whale-watching excursions can be found year-round. They begin at $150 and final 3-6 hours.
30. Enterprise Out To Swan Lake
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is inside biking distance of downtown Victoria. It’s a fantastic place to go to if you happen to don’t need to go to parks which can be farther exterior town middle however nonetheless need to take pleasure in a brief mountaineering journey.
The character sanctuary includes a loop strolling path that even crosses the lake at one level. It takes roughly half-hour to finish, and it’s a well-maintained and simple strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t must be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which can reward you with some lovely views of the lake and the encircling forest.
Sensible Info
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 price to the Nature Home museum is a prompt $6 donation.
31. Totems at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Located proper subsequent to the Royal BC Museum, the park is greatest 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 Home is understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence affords quick excursions of a surgeon’s home with interval furnishings.
Sensible Info
Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time.
32. Ziplining in The Forest
Thrill seekers received’t be let down by the collection of actions in Victoria. Only a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll discover Adrenaline Zip – an area firm that operates ziplining excursions within the rainforest.
One factor to notice is that that is alongside the best way if you happen to embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. All the journey takes about two hours, and it consists of 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV journey.
Sensible Info
The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.
33. Trip The Hop On Hop Off Bus
I’m not the most important fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re a fantastic choice for vacationers who’re on the town for a really quick time. If you happen to’re in Victoria for less than a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all town’s high landmarks in that point.
The fantastic thing about these buses is that you could get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You may even keep seated on the bus your complete time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the completely different points of interest.
Sensible Info
Purchase 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, town is actually a fantastic spot for beer lovers. A great deal of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you’ll even tour breweries to attempt the drink proper on the supply.
The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is among the greatest 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 attempt half a dozen glasses.
The Whistle Buoy Brewing Firm within the Downtown is my best choice for an area brewery tour.
Sensible Info
Pubs in Victoria, BC, are often open till September 11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends.
FAQ For Greatest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Is Victoria, BC, value visiting?
Sure, Victoria BC is value visiting. It’s a beautiful metropolis with beautiful Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space.
What’s Victoria BC well-known for?
Victoria BC is understood for a lot of botanical gardens and beautiful Victorian mansions. The town can also be nicknamed the biking capital of Canada, because of numerous kilometers of biking and mountain biking trails.
What’s 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 Larger Victoria.
Is Victoria BC a walkable metropolis?
A lot of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Nonetheless, there are lots of attention-grabbing locations exterior the downtown which can be value visiting however not accessible on foot.
Suggestions And Info For Visiting Victoria BC
Greatest Time To Go to
The very best time to go to Victoria is determined by what your priorities are. If you wish to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then you need to plan a visit in the summertime. However count on larger costs of resorts and enormous crowds of vacationers.
If, alternatively, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher lodge offers, journey to Victoria in April-Might or September-October. Simply needless to say 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 hardly ever drop under 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there through the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to town, however it has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, alternatively, is the second-busiest within the nation and likelihood is it will likely be your first cease in Canada.
From there you’ve obtained a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it potential to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You may even take a bus from the airport to town, which takes about 4 hours to succeed in the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing.
Getting Round
Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you’ll go to most points of interest within the historic a part of town on foot. Biking is a good way of getting across the metropolis as a result of you will get to the extra distant components of Larger Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t must take care of rush hour site visitors as a lot.
Bike leases can be found all through town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. As a result of 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 costliest approach of getting round Victoria. As for automotive rental, I believe it is smart provided that you’re on the town for an extended time. In any other case, it’s actually not value it as a result of a lot of the greatest points of interest within the metropolis are inside strolling distance of each other.
How A lot Time Do You Want
Victoria is a reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want not less than three days to discover all the greatest points of interest downtown and some well-known sights in Larger Victoria. I believe it’s potential to cowl the most effective landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you can be in a little bit of a rush your complete time.
Vacationers who love being open air and exploring nature could have a good time in Victoria. If you happen to can swing 5 days right here, you’ll be able to have sufficient time to discover chunk of Vancouver Island, a lot of which is untouched nature.
The place To Keep In Victoria BC
Keep in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for simple strolling entry to all the most effective landmarks and points of interest within the metropolis. Each areas provide all kinds of resorts in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer points of interest. A number of the greatest resorts in Victoria for all budgets are:
- Ocean Island Inn affords funds lodging with a incredible location in Downtown Victoria.
- Fairmont Empress is among the greatest resorts in central Victoria, with pretty views of Victoria Interior Harbor.
- The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a five-star lodge with an oceanfront location. It has a incredible spa middle and enormous rooms, however it’s fairly removed from town middle. Take into account staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Resort if you happen to’re planning a soothing trip in Victoria, BC.