Are you planning a trip to Victoria, BC? There are so many amazing things to do and see in this beautiful Capital city! From the stunning Butchart Gardens to the incredible whale-watching tours, Victoria offers something for every type of traveler. In this blog, we’ll explore our top 10 things to do in Victoria, BC!
1. Go whale watching!
Whale watching in Victoria, BC is an incredible experience. Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is surrounded by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. From the shore, visitors can get a wonderful view of the majestic creatures. For those looking for an even closer view, boat tours offer an up-close and personal experience. From the boat, you may get to witness the whales breaching, spy-hopping, lobtailing, and more. Whale watching is one of those core memories that stay with you for a lifetime – don’t miss out on this special opportunity.
2. High Tea at the Empress Hotel
High tea at the Hotel Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC is an experience like no other. Located in the heart of the city, the Empress Hotel offers an elegant high tea service that includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and jam, and a variety of pastries. Guests can also enjoy a selection of tea blends and choose from the extensive tea menu. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the service is impeccable. High tea at the Empress Hotel is a truly luxurious experience that is sure to delight the most discerning of travelers.
3. Explore Chinatown
Victoria, BC’s Chinatown is a vibrant and magical part of the city. It is situated in the historic downtown area and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. The area is known for its ornate Chinese-style architecture, impressive gates, hidden alleyways, and traditional festivals. It’s also known for being Canada’s oldest Chinatown, established in 1858. Chinatown is a lively and bustling place to explore, with plenty of opportunities to sample authentic dim sum and discover unique cultural artifacts.
4. Discover Market Square
Next to Chinatown is Market Square, a bustling pedestrian area filled with unique businesses. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, with a lively atmosphere to explore and enjoy. The market also hosts a wide range of events throughout the year including live music, cultural displays, and artisan markets. With its charming atmosphere, Market Square is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re looking to shop, eat, or just take in the sights and sounds. Located between the colorful Pandora and Johnson Streets, it’s considered the centre of Victoria’s historical downtown area.
5. Visit the Butchart Gardens
If you’re ready to leave the bustle of the city, Butchart Gardens is located north of Victoria and is an easy transit ride from town. Located in Brentwood Bay, the gardens were originally a limestone quarry owned by the Butchart family. In 1904, Jennie Butchart transformed the quarry into one of the world-renowned gardens that are now home to over 900 varieties of plants and flowers. The gardens feature a stunning display of color, with five distinct areas including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Star Pond. A visit to the Butchart Gardens during the holidays is even more magical, as it’s decorated from top to bottom with Christmas lights and is transformed into a twinkling fairytale.
6. The Malahat Skywalk
Continuing with family-friendly outdoor activities, a visit to the Malahat Skywalk is an incredible experience for travelers of all ages. Standing 187 metres (613 feet) above an arbutus grove, this impressive architectural feat boasts a breathtaking 360-degree view including a sweeping panorama of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. The Skywalk is an accessible ramp platform that gradually curls upwards to an observation deck that allows you to safely take in the incredible vistas. Once you’ve reached the top of the Skywalk, you can descend the way you came or take the fast way with their exhilarating spiral slide!
7. Enjoy a festival
Victoria, BC loves its live music and is home to some excellent music festivals for everyone to enjoy! From the internationally renowned Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest to the local favorite Rifflandia, there’s something for everyone. The Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest is a four-day outdoor music festival that takes place in July. This festival brings together some of the best talent in ska, reggae, and dub music from around the world, plus local talent. The Rifflandia Music Festival is held every September at various venues across the city. It features over 100 musical acts from a variety of genres including rock, hip-hop, electronic, and folk. The Victoria Jazz Festival takes place in early summer every year. It features over 75 acts from a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, funk, R&B, and soul.
8. Check out Fisherman’s Wharf
No visit to Victoria is complete without a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf for some old-fashioned fish and chips. Take the Harbour Ferry or walk to this vibrant, colorful wharf, filled with boats of all shapes and sizes bobbing in the harbor. The aroma of fresh seafood fills the air, and there’s a variety of restaurants, shops and take-out stalls. Strolling along the wharf and stopping to watch the sea lions and other marine life is a great way to relax, and the friendly locals are always happy to share some of their knowledge about the area.
9. See the woolly mammoth at the Royal BC Museum
Visiting the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC is a great way to spend a rainy day and explore the history and culture of British Columbia. From the First Nations galleries to the Natural History exhibits (home to the famous woolly mammoth!) there is something for everyone! The museum is filled with interactive displays and activities, so visitors can learn about the area’s rich history in a fun and entertaining way. The museum also hosts a variety of rotating and special exhibitions, so there is always something new to explore. While you’re there, you can also catch an IMAX film, which is a part of the ground floor of the museum.
10. Stroll the Parliament Building grounds
The Parliament Buildings in Victoria, BC are a sight to behold. Located in the heart of the capital city, the grand neo-baroque-style building was completed in 1897, and has served as the home of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia since then. The building is fronted with grand Corinthian columns, and is topped with a large copper dome that can be seen from many places in the city. Inside, the legislative chamber is a beautiful, ornate room with a rich history of debate and decision-making. The Parliament Buildings are an iconic part of Victoria’s skyline and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Self-guided tours are available year-round inside the building itself.
Victoria, BC is an incredible place to visit, whether you’re looking to explore the historic downtown area, enjoy some outdoor adventures, or even experience whale watching. With plenty of parks, restaurants, and attractions to explore, there’s something for everyone in Victoria. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this wonderful city and that you’ll be able to explore it yourself soon!
