Things to do in Victoria

Things to do in  Victoria

High tea in BC

Historic Victoria is full of dreamy cottages and blooming gardens. The capital of British Columbia, Victoria overlooks the Salish Sea and its population of orcas and is the perfect destination for visitors seeking picturesque charm. Things to do in Victoria include taking a leisurely afternoon tea at one of the city’s quaint tearooms, wandering the 55 acres (22.3 hectares) of Butchart Gardens, and discovering the city’s culture and history at the Royal BC Museum. If you’re visiting from May to October, opt for a whale-watching tour.

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Top 15 attractions in Victoria

#1

Butchart Gardens

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Butchart Gardens, established in 1904, treats visitors to an enchanting floral show that changes with the seasons. Covering 55 acres (22 hectares) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the botanical space is intricately laid out into separate themed gardens with landscaping that impresses and inspires gardeners and nature lovers alike.More
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#2

Victoria Inner Harbour

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A trim wedge of water rimmed with top landmarks, Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the city’s bustling port. Whether you’re hopping a whale-watching cruise or enjoying a sea breeze, the Inner Harbour is an essential stop when exploring Victoria. Among its highlights are the elegant Fairmont Empress hotel and the narrow streets beyond.More
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#3

British Columbia Parliament Buildings

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Constructed in the 1890s, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings still serve as home to the province’s legislature. Built according to the designs of young British architect Francis Rattenbury, the neo-Baroque complex’s imposing size, copper domes, turrets, and stained glass ensure a commanding and stately presence.More
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#4

Sidney (Sidney-by-the-Sea)

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Life revolves around the water at this laid-back coastal community north of Victoria. The action centers on the seafront where you’ll find a sculpture-dotted walkway, a beach scattered with sea glass, and a pier where locals crab and cast fishing lines, as well as an aquarium housing marine life native to the Salish Sea.More
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#5

Beacon Hill Park

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Sheer natural beauty is just the start of the appeal of of Beacon Hill Park, which sprawls across the southern edge of Victoria, British Columbia. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with a petting zoo, splash parks, playgrounds, sports fields, seemingly endless footpaths, and one of the tallest totem poles in the world.More
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#6

Victoria Chinatown

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First established in the mid-19th century, Victoria Chinatown is among North America’s oldest. Now a National Historic Site, Victoria’s Chinatown is home to cafes, studios, herbalists, tea rooms, and shops, as well as the narrow Fan Tan Alley, which measures 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) wide at its narrowest point.More
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#7

Craigdarroch Castle

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In 1890 Scottish coal baron Robert Dunsmuir built Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia, to showcase his inordinate wealth. This 39-room hilltop mansion is rich with opulent details, including multiple turrets and chimneys, a red slate roof, stained-glass windows, wood carvings, antique furnishings, and gold-framed paintings.More
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#8

Fairmont Empress Hotel

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The grand style of the Fairmont Empress hotel sets the tone for Victoria’s Inner Harbour, where boats tie up just steps from the city’s most historic landmarks. Visiting the Fairmont Empress is not just for overnight guests; afternoon tea here has been a Victoria tradition for more than a century.More
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#9

Fisherman's Wharf

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Houseboats bob alongside shops, food kiosks, and commercial fishing vessels at Fisherman’s Wharf near Victoria’s Inner Harbour. A former hub of the city’s once-industrial shoreline, the wharf is now a popular hangout.More
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#10

Government Street

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Victoria's main drag, Government Street is home to many of the city's most popular hotels, shops, and restaurants. It's also the location of many top Victoria attractions, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, Emily Carr House, and British Columbia Parliament Buildings. The street is popular for visitors to stroll.More
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#11

Emily Carr House

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The childhood home of Canadian painter Emily Carr is a historic site dedicated to her adventurous life and beloved work. Period decor in the old-fashioned gingerbread house evokes 19th-century life in Victoria, and a carefully tended garden comes to life each spring. Rotating exhibits feature the work of local contemporary artists.More
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#12

Royal British Columbia Museum

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From totem poles to ancient fossils, British Columbia’s history is on display at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. Explore vast collections covering the natural world and human heritage, with dioramas that place historic artifacts in context. A soaring IMAX screen and special exhibitions add to the museum experience.More
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#13
Victoria Cruise Port

Victoria Cruise Port

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Arriving in Victoria by ship is a fantastic introduction to the British Columbian capital city and the Victoria Cruise Port is now the busiest cruise ship stop in all of Canada. Conveniently situated at Ogden Point, not far from downtown and Inner Harbour attractions, Victoria Cruise Port is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring British Columbia.More
#14

Mt. Tolmie Park

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On the outskirts of Victoria, close to the University of Victoria, Mt. Tolmie Park draws visitors for its views of Victoria, Saanich, and the Gulf Islands, which you can see in the distance on clear days. It’s also a fantastic spot for hiking, with plenty of trails, many of which go straight to the summit.More
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#15

Old Town Victoria

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With heritage architecture and cobbled streets, Old Town Victoria exudes historic character. The area sprang to life in the 19th-century gold rushes, and today it encompasses the city’s commercial core, Canada’s oldest Chinatown, and the waterfront. Visit to see its brightly painted Victorian buildings, which house shops and restaurants.More
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Trip ideas

Pike Place Fishmonger Tips for Selecting Seafood

Pike Place Fishmonger Tips for Selecting Seafood

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Itineraries for your Victoria trip

Top activities in Victoria

Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour
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Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour

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$130.75
60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour

60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour

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$205.18
per group
Victoria to Vancouver Seaplane Flight

Victoria to Vancouver Seaplane Flight

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$174.63
COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix

COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix

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$97.93
Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria

Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria

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$205.18
per group
Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Private Half-Day Tour

Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Private Half-Day Tour

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$432.74
per group
Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley

Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley

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$118.63
Private Small Group Deluxe Tour of Victoria & to Butchart Gardens

Private Small Group Deluxe Tour of Victoria & to Butchart Gardens

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$559.58
per group
75-Minute The Royal Tour

75-Minute The Royal Tour

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$246.21
per group
The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

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$634.19
per group
Enjoy A Private Tour of Beautiful Victoria!

Enjoy A Private Tour of Beautiful Victoria!

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$294.71
per group
Historical Landmarks Tour of Victoria Grand City and Craigdarroch Castle

Historical Landmarks Tour of Victoria Grand City and Craigdarroch Castle

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$335.75
per group
Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria

Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria

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$231.29
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Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie
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Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie

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$134.30
Private Tour - Victoria Drive and Explore - 4 Hours

Private Tour - Victoria Drive and Explore - 4 Hours

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$581.96
per group
90-Minute The Capital Tour

90-Minute The Capital Tour

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$287.25
per group
Heritage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria

Heritage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria

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$111.92
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Castles, Hoods & Legends - Bike Tour

Castles, Hoods & Legends - Bike Tour

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$50.74
Best of Victoria City Highlights Private Tour Day or Evening

Best of Victoria City Highlights Private Tour Day or Evening

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$299.00
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Best of City Highlights Butchart Gardens Private Tour

Best of City Highlights Butchart Gardens Private Tour

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$300.00
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All about Victoria

When to visit

Victoria blooms in the spring: Fluffy pink cherry blossoms fill the air, and green ivy brilliantly contrasts against the background of historic buildings. April to May typically offer mild weather, and you’ll be able to see the flowers of Butchart Gardens at their peak. Try to skip the Easter long weekend in April and the Victoria Day weekend in May, as the city is crowded and busy with visitors.

Getting around

Downtown Victoria is compact and walkable, and renting a bike is a great option for those looking to explore further. Public buses run between downtown and some of the more remote attractions. While taxis are available, they tend to be expensive and may not be necessary to access the most common things to do.

Traveler tips

Stroll through the past with a visit to Ross Bay Cemetery. The picturesque cemetery overlooks Ross Bay, and many notable figures from Canadian history have been laid to rest beneath the cedar trees. You can visit the graves of artist Emily Carr, Isabella Mainville Ross (the first woman registered as independently owning land in British Columbia), and Sir James Douglas, the province’s first governor.

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A local’s pocket guide to Victoria

Margot Bigg

Victoria is one of Margot’s favorite spots in Canada, and she lives just close enough to be able to take regular-ish weekend road trips up to the city.

The first thing you should do in Victoria is...

head straight to Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in the country, and don't leave before taking a stroll through the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley.

A perfect Saturday in Victoria...

includes a morning stroll in pretty Beacon Hill Park, an afternoon exploring the grandiose Craigdarroch Castle, and an evening walking along Government Street in the heart of downtown.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Butchart Gardens. Even if you aren't into plants, you can't deny how beautiful this spot is, no matter the season.

To discover the "real" Victoria...

get away from downtown and head up to visit the numerous parks and beaches in the Gordon Head neighborhood near the University of Victoria.

For the best view of the city...

head to sea! Victoria is, after all, a port city on an island, and you’ll be able to get some fantastic photos of the skyline from aboard a sailboat or ferry.

One thing people get wrong...

is assuming that Victoria is boring. While the city is not as big or lively as Vancouver, it’s still a great place to stroll and people-watch. There are also plenty of fantastic restaurants.

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People Also Ask

What is Victoria known for?

The oceanside city of Victoria, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is known for mild weather, and it's earned the nickname the City of Gardens. It is bike-friendly with an extensive network of bike paths, plus it's got Canada’s oldest Chinatown and an impressive number of charming pubs.

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What is there to do in Victoria?

There's plenty to do in Victoria: explore Fisherman’s Wharf, wander the galleries of the Royal BC Museum, and see a variety of landscapes in Butchart Gardens. Visitors can also shop downtown, feast on fresh seafood, explore Canada’s oldest Chinatown, and ride the ferry for scenic views.

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How many days do I need in Victoria?

Some travelers spend a single day in Victoria, and a day trip provides a good introduction to the oceanside city's natural beauty. But Victoria has more to offer, and it can easily entertain tourists for two or three days with its attractions, from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Inner Harbour.

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What is there to do in Victoria in the fall?

In fall, visitors can enjoy seasonal activities such as admiring the vibrant colors in Butchart Gardens. Fans of spooky history may want to book a ghost tour in Victoria, while foodies may want to celebrate cider season with a tasting at a local cidery.

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What can you do in Victoria for free?

There are many free things to do in Victoria. Travelers on a budget admire views at the Inner Harbour, explore Chinatown, picnic at Beacon Hill Park, or listen to live music in Market Square. Free tours are also available at the Parliament Buildings.

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Is Victoria worth visiting?

Yes. Victoria is worth visiting. This charming oceanside city offers plenty to do for travelers including Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown. It is also home to a big network of friendly pubs and areas for exploring on foot including Fisherman’s Wharf and the Inner Harbour.

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