Sitting on the southern end of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It boasts of breathtaking and vast parklands, fantastic tourist attractions, and remarkable landmarks. It is popular for exciting activities and scenic wonders. It also showcases a side to it that is heavily influenced by Victorian architecture. While in Victoria, you might want to immerse in its culture and learn more about its history in the Royal BC Museum. You should also visit and spend some quality time in the stunning Beacon Hill Park. Also, you can not end your Victoria adventure without checking out the iconic Craigdarroch Castle and taking lots of souvenir photos of it. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Victoria, Canada. Feel free to browse below.
1. Explore the heritage of Victoria on this tour (from USD 112.0)
This fantastic activity is a narrated tour package for tourists who like to explore the stunning Victoria but do not have access to a service vehicle. Guided by a professional tour guide who will offer you salient facts about the city, you will get a glimpse of its culture and heritage through this tour package. This tour lasts for two and a half hours. Guests will enjoy an hours’ stop at the majestic Craigdarroch Castle to marvel at its beauty and take lots of souvenir pictures.
Heritage Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria
Duration: 30 minutes
2. Bring your kids to Victoria Bug Zoo for learning and fun
Located in Courtney Street, open every day of the week, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a fascinating zoo and attraction in Victoria. It’s been open to the public since 1997, continuously giving them a glimpse of the insect world. It features live bugs and animals in tanks from all over the world. It houses an estimate of 50 species in this charming mini-zoo. Some of them are praying mantises, scorpions, tarantulas, and more. Treat yourself and your kids to a day of learning about these rare species in the Victoria Bug Zoo.
Victoria Bug Zoo
Address: 631 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1B8, Canada
Website: Victoria Bug Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 9 USD onwards
3. Relax at the Ogden Point Breakwater
Located within a short distance from downtown Victoria, the Ogden Point Breakwater is a charming walk that is popular with tourists. Featuring majestic natural views and a relaxing ambiance, you will enjoy the peace and quiet and the unlimited clean fresh air in the Ogden Point. You will also get a glimpse of the coastal life and the bustling harbor scene from this place. You will see lots of ferries, boats, and ships that sail by the beach to reach Victoria.
Ogden Point Breakwater
Address: 211 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 1A1, Canada
Website: Ogden Point Breakwater
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Spend a romantic afternoon on a horse-drawn carriage tour (from USD 160.0)
If you are in the stunning city of Victoria with your most beloved, this fantastic tour package might pique your interest. Riding a fabulous carriage that resembles those you see in fairytale movies, you will be toured throughout the beautiful Victoria Beacon Hill Park. There you may visit the fascinating petting zoo, have some fun in the playground, and visit the splash park. Through the tour, a professional guide will be giving you information about the city, its culture, and its heritage. This excellent tour package is also ideal for families and group of friends as the carriage can fit up to six people.
Salish Sea Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria
Duration: 45 minutes
5. Shop and gorge on mouth-watering food at Bastion Square
Located in the heart of the majestic Victoria, Bastion Square is a bustling shopping and dining district in the city. When you visit the place, you will be greeted by the iconic ceremonial arc in the View and Government Streets. In this district, you may enjoy lots of local shops, exquisite restaurants, laid back cafes, high-energy bars, pubs, artisan market, and a lot more. This is a melting pot for tourists and locals alike who want to relax for a while and treat themselves to luxuries that life has to offer. It also has lots of seating area where you can relax and observe the hustle and bustle of the area.
Bastion Square
Address: Downtown Victoria, BC
Website: Bastion Square
6. Marvel at the beauty of gorgeous flowers in Abkhazi Garden
Whether you have a green thumb or a regular Tom who like natural wonders and pretty things, the Abkhazi Garden is a paradise and a piece of heaven on earth. It is a vast land adorned with lush greeneries and gorgeous flora. Being in the Abkhazi Garden will make you feel like you are living in the Wonderland where Alice had the time of her life. It is filled with colors and stunning views. This garden was created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946. It is one of the most-visited attractions in Victoria. Be sure to have your camera ready when you visit this enchanting garden as there are lots of fantastic photography subjects in this place.
Abkhazi Garden
Address: 1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8S 1H2, Canada
Website: Abkhazi Garden
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
7. Go on a whale-watching tour from Victoria (from USD 118.0)
Maximize your vacation experience in this beautiful city by going on an exciting whale-watching tour from Victoria. This tour lasts three hours. Guests will be guided to a whale-watching vessel starting from the bustling port of Victoria. Throughout the tour, you will see the beautiful Victoria coastline and lots of marvelous landmarks. You will enjoy watching as humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, harbor sales, swim close to the vessel and catch your attention. Plus, the naturalist guide will teach more about the fascinating aquatic ecosystem.
Victoria Whale Watching with Naturalist Guide Shore Excursion
Duration: 3 hours
8. Be fascinated by the art and its intricacy at Miniature World
Victoria indeed has lots of fascinating museums, iconic landmarks, and interesting attractions. One of them is the Miniature World. Located in Humboldt Street, Miniature World showcases almost 85 miniature displays and dioramas. It is considered one of the top-visited attractions in downtown Victoria. Guests can marvel at the cuteness of Wonderful World of Smallness, the Story Books of fact, fiction and fantasy, and more. Some of its other exhibits include the Fantasyland, the educational Great Canadian Railway, World of Dollhouse, the Swiss Family Robinson, and a lot more.
Miniature World
Address: 649 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8W 1A7, Canada
Website: Miniature World
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD onwards
9. Explore the British Columbia Parliament Buildings
You can not end your Victoria adventure without visiting the majestic British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Belleville Street. It is where you can find the Legislative Assembly of the city. The building draws from the various architectural designs; from Romanesque architecture to Baroque Revival Architecture and Renaissance Revival Architecture. Lots of tourists visit this place to take souvenir pictures and explore the place the buildings and its vast grounds. If you have an interest in history and architecture, this is a must-visit site for you.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Address: 501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 2L8, Canada
Website: British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
10. Catch a live performance at the Royal Theatre
If you want to dig into the theatre arts scene of British Columbia, you should start your engine and drive to Broughton Street. There you will find the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse. These two are vital to the culture and arts of the city. The Royal Theatre features 1 416 seats. It showcases a stunning Rocc/ Renaissance Revival architectural design. Though the design of the place is a little vintage, the production guarantees that the performances are up to date and timely. It features lots of fantastic acts such as Broadway musicals, ballet performances, classical music, contemporary dance, and more.
Royal Theatre
Address: 805 Broughton St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E5, Canada
Website: Royal Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 1:30pm, 2pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
11. Pay the Robert Bateman Centre a visit
Nesting in the charming and bustling area of Belleville Street, the Robert Bateman Centre is a fascinating avenue which connects photography and nature. It showcases exhibits and galleries that showcase the beauty of the environment. The organization is driven by three principles such as youth initiatives, eco-literacy, and leadership & mentorship to sustain and preserve nature and its beauty. They educate young minds about its importance and they also teach them to love it.
Robert Bateman Centre
Address: 470 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada
Website: Robert Bateman Centre
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
12. Explore the Chinese culture in Chinatown (from USD 15.0)
Just like a lot of other cities, there is a fascinating Chinese community in British Columbia. If you want to immerse in this Asian culture or just crave for some authentic Chinese food, this fantastic tour package might pique your interest. This place is considered the oldest Chinatown in Canada. The tour package includes a professional guide that will take you to historical sites in Chinatown while providing you with an interactive narration of its history and heritage. While on the tour, you may purchase souvenir items and try delicious food offerings of Chinatown.
Historical Chinatown Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
13. Travel through the Pacific Marine Circle Route
The Pacific Marine Circle Route is an ideal coast-to-coast journey for tourists who plan to explore Vancouver. Through the journey, you will marvel at the beauty of natural wonders. You will also get to visit and pass by iconic landmarks. You can enjoy the route by a car with your family or on a motorcycle by yourself. Some of the places that you will pass throughout the route are Victoria, Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan and finally South Cowichan while circling back to Victoria.
Pacific Marine Road
Address: Victoria, Canada
14. Book a room at Fairmont Empress Hotel (from USD 522)
If you are planning to visit the beautiful city of Victoria any time soon, you might want to check out this stunning five-star hotel. The Fairmont Empress Hotel is within a short distance from the city’s top attractions including the fascinating Royal British Columbia Museum. This historic hotel showcases breathtaking views of the city’s inner harbor. It is elegant and complete with delightful amenities such as exquisite dining options, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an inviting swimming pool, and an onsite spa and wellness center.
Fairmont Empress Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 721 Government Street
214 meters (0.2 ft) from Royal BC Museum
15. Learn something new at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Nestled in Humboldt Street, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia is a fascinating museum that houses exhibits and galleries that reflect the marine culture of the Pacific Northwest. Aside from exhibits, it has programs and lectures that guests can participate in. Some of the interesting programs they have in the museum include summer camps, Nautical Nights, workshops, and more. It also has a souvenir store that sells everything marine thrift.
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Address: 634 Humboldt St H100, Victoria, BC V8W 1A4, Canada
Website: Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 10 USD onwards
16. Relax and enjoy the views from Mount Tolmie Park
Indeed, Victoria has lots of recreational areas, public parks, and stunning natural wonders. If you want a more relaxed activity, one that will let you reconnect with nature while you enjoy the peaceful and calm surroundings, why don’t you visit the Mount Tolmie Park and spend a day bird watching and having some picnic time with your family or friends? It is considered the best place to view the city of Victoria.
Mount Tolmie Park
Address: 3492 Mayfair Dr #3486, Victoria, BC V8P 4P9, Canada
Website: Mount Tolmie Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Spend a day at the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site
Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site is a fascinating heritage site that features secret bunkers, 19th-century structures, and military command posts. You can also find here an 18th-century fortress and the iconic Fisgard Lighthouse. This place has witnessed the war era and holds stories of triumph of loss. Visit this place when you come to Victoria and listen to interesting stories from soldiers and their families.
Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site
Address: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria, BC V9C 2W8, Canada
Website: Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
18. Drop by St. Ann’s Academy
Another fascinating heritage area in Victoria is the St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site. This very establishment is built to honor the dedication and contribution of the Sister’s of St. Ann to British Columbia. These members of the church initiated the education and health care programs in the city. This marvelous landmark is adorned by vast stunning gardens. If you would like your next generation to learn the history of their country, or you intend to refresh your memory, pay a visit to this heritage site.
St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site
Address: 835 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8V 4W8, Canada
19. Explore the Victorian Hatley Park National Historic Site
When you visit Victoria, there’s one iconic landmark that you should not miss out - Hatley Park National Historic site in Sooke Road. It features a stunning 19th-century castle with a majestic Victorian architectural design surrounded by a gorgeous garden. It plays a significant role in the history of the city as it was once the dormitory of officials and cadets in Royal Roads Military College.
Hatley Park National Historic Site
Address: 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2, Canada
Website: Hatley Park National Historic Site
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
20. Admire the gorgeous wildflowers at Lone Tree Hill Park
If you like physical activities that let you reconnect with nature and see natural wonders, you might like to go on a picnic at the Lone Tree Hill Park. It is a charming park with a breathtaking view of the city, lots of gorgeous greeneries and wildflowers. It also has excellent hiking routes if you need to do your routine cardio.
Lone Tree Hill Park
Address: 1450 Millstream Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 6G1, Canada
Website: Lone Tree Hill Park
21. Stop by the Emily Carr House
The Emily Carr House is a heritage site on Government Street. It features a stunning home that was once inhabited by the renowned painter Emily Carr. At the present time, it houses old artworks and photographs of Emily Carr. This place is a vital part of her art and inspiration. Open from Tuesdays to Saturday, everybody is welcome to see a glimpse of the life of one of the best artists and writer British Columbia has ever produced. H
Emily Carr House
Address: 207 Government St, Victoria, BC V8V 2K8, Canada
Website: Emily Carr House
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 4.40 USD onwards
22. Visit the Government House
Nesting in Rockland Avenue, the Government House is the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. It is also referred to as the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. It features a stunning home in the middle of vast lands with gorgeous gardens. Lots of lovely plants and floras adorn the place. Plus, it offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Government House
Address: 1401 Rockland Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 1V9, Canada
Website: Government House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free entry
23. Treat your loved ones to an exquisite dinner at 10 Acres Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are done with the sights and the sounds of the city, you might want to immerse in its eats. For a luxurious experience while gorging on excellent food, visit the 10 Acres Kitchen in Humboldt Street. This fine-dining restaurant in a heritage building will provide you not just with mouthwatering dishes made from organic ingredients, but will also treat you to a selection of premium drinks. Not to mention, the ambiance and the service are a few other reasons to visit the place.
10 Acres Kitchen
Address: 614 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8W 1A4, Canada
Website: 10 Acres Kitchen
Opening hours: 5pm - 11pm (daily)
24. Watch a concert at the Save On Foods Memorial Center
Located in Blanshard Street, Save on Foods Memorial Center is a stunning indoor arena that is known as the largest of its kind in British Columbia. Primarily, it is the venue for the most-awaited hockey games in the city. But not only that, it also serves as a fantastic venue for concerts, figure skating, trade shows, and other important events.
Save On Foods Memorial Center
Address: 1925 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8T 4J2, Canada
Website: Save On Foods Memorial Center
25. Explore the Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
The Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature is a fascinating tourist attraction located in Belleville Street. It features a modern interior and a cool and airy ambiance. It was established due to the owners’ fascination for photography and nature. It houses exhibits and galleries of natural wonders. If you want to learn more about nature photography, you should definitely visit the Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature when you drop by Victoria.
Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
Address: 470 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada
Website: Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD onwards
26. Take pictures with the totem poles at Thunderbird Park
Located next to the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Thunderpark is a charming recreational area nestled in Douglas Street. It is adorned with towering totem poles that look like they are guarding the place. This is a wonderful place in Victoria to sit and relax for a while. Also, if you’re interested in culture and arts, you will enjoy your time here as it has fascinating murals and structures.
Thunderbird Park
Address: 638 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8V 2P8, Canada
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
27. Swim in the refreshing waters of Clover Point Park
Thinking of a fun place to enjoy some swimming in refreshing waters, sunbathing to your heart’s content, and building lovely sandcastles with your loved ones? If so, you might want to head over to Clover Point Park and spend a day breathing in the fresh air and having the time of your life. This place is also an ideal windsurfing spot. Come with your family and friends and make lasting memories in Clover Point Park.
Clover Point Park
Address: 1250 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 1C4, Canada
Website: Clover Point Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
28. Travel by the Black Ball Ferry Line
Resting in the Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria, the Black Ball Ferry Line is a ferry transportation system that operates between Port Angeles and Victoria. It is an economical mode of travel to Victoria City if you are planning to visit the stunning city and immerse in its vibrant culture and remarkable landmarks. A lot of fantastic attractions await when you arrive in Victoria such as the Parliament Buildings, the Victorian Hatley Park National Historic Site, the Government House, and a lot more.
Black Ball Ferry Line
Address: 430 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada
Website: Black Ball Ferry Line
29. Purchase your easy entry to the Royal BC Museum (from USD 19.0)
Interested in paying a visit to the fascinating Royal BC Museum and learning about the Brittish Columbia"s culture and heritage? If so, this Royal BC Museum entrance ticket might pique your interest. Purchase this online and avoid the long queue. The Royal BC Museum bills itself as one of the most beautiful museums in all of Canada. In the museum, you will get a glimpse of life during the Ice Age period leading up to the modern world. It features galleries, exhibits, and relevant artifacts that will help you better understand Brittish Columbia’s history. This is an ideal place to visit with your family for a day of fun and learning.
Royal BC Museum Entrance Ticket
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
30. Explore Victoria and its beautiful sights on foot (from USD 23.0)
Do you enjoy city walks and sightseeing? If so, this walking tour is a fantastic activity for you. Guided by a professional photographer, you will see the beauty of the city through an artist’s pair of eyes. He will take you to beautiful places in the city as well as iconic heritage sites. This tour starts from the Inner Harbor Victoria and ends in the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. Another cool thing about this package is that the photographer is willing to take lots of souvenir photos of you. This is the perfect tour for all photo fanatics, creative souls, and even a family that share a common interest.
Victoria Scenic Walking Tour Guided by a Professional Photographer
Duration: 2 hours
Beautiful Victoria
Victoria is an enchanting city with natural parks, recreational area, and marvelous landmarks. Its name resonates Victorian heritage and influence. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to relax for a while and enjoy activities that Victoria offers. If you are planning a trip to this side of British Columbia any time soon, use this list of fantastic things to do in the city as your guide while planning an itinerary. May you have a delightful adventure ahead!
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