Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia – one of Canada’s most charming and vibrant cities. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and modern entertainment. From stunning gardens and iconic landmarks to outdoor adventures and delicious dining, this city has something for every traveler. In this post, we’ll dive into the best attractions and things to do in Victoria, highlighting the most popular sights and hidden gems that make this city a must-visit destination. So, get ready to explore the wonders of Victoria and plan your next adventure.
The 3 Best Activities to Do in Victoria British Columbia
- Panoramic Seaplane Tour of Victoria
- Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane
- 6 Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour
The 3 Best Activities to Do in Victoria British Columbia
1. Panoramic Seaplane Tour of Victoria
Fly high above scenic Victoria BC and explore its beautiful scenery by seaplane. This thrill-a-minute tour will reveal a spectacular landscape and unforgettable aerial views. The Panoramic Seaplane Tour of Victoria will glide over the Olympic Mountains and along the Victoria waterfront to the white sand beaches of James and Sydney Islands. From here the tour heads north to the Saanich Peninsular and over the famous Butchart Gardens before returning back to Victoria Harbor. It is an experience not to be missed especially if time is limited in Victoria and the photo opportunities just cannot be bettered. A fantastic day out for aviation lovers. The tour includes a 20-minute flight, taxes, fees, carbon offset charges, and gratuities. Enjoy superb views of downtown Victoria and catch bird’s eye glimpses of world-famous Butchart Gardens.
2. Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane
On this full-day excursion departing from Vancouver Harbour, experience the thrill of flying over the Gulf Islands to Victoria aboard a seaplane. Upon landing, embark on a coach tour to Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned attraction. In Victoria, take a leisurely stroll and explore local sights, including shops and museums. Your return trip to Vancouver is by seaplane at a scheduled afternoon time of your choice. This tour includes return airfare, with the world’s largest fleet of all-seaplane aircrafts provided by Harbour Air and Westcoast Air.
3. 6 Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour
Join one of the highest rated wine tours in British Columbia and experience a fun-packed day of wine tasting and scenic marvels. The 6 Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour will take you to see three of the top rated wineries in the Cowichan Valley. Interact directly with the winery teams and enjoy your own private group tastings. This tour is a must-see for anyone who loves wine or just wants a day of relaxation in the Cowichan Valley.
All tastings are included in the tour, as well as a BBQ burger and salad lunch. Each Victoria wine tour starts or ends with a behind the scenes tour led by one of the winery partners. You will get to see the difference a guided tour makes.
The guides have put together the perfect schedule for your group that gives you enough time to enjoy each unique Vancouver Island winery. You also have scheduled tasting times with each winery days in advance. Wineries can get extremely busy during the peak and on weekends, but your group will be in front of the line. The winery partners are expecting you. Book your 6 Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour now and taste delicious wines while marveling at the scenic vistas of the Cowichan Valley.
Frequently asked questions about Victoria British Columbia
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, British Columbia, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful city.1. Where is Victoria?
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s a short 30-minute flight or 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver.2. What’s the weather like in Victoria?
Victoria has a mild, temperate climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing or above 30 degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures usually hover between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures average around 20 degrees Celsius.3. What are some of the top things to do in Victoria?
Victoria has so much to offer visitors, here are some of the top things to do:a) Visit the Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens are a stunning display of flowers and gardens and an absolute must-see attraction in Victoria.b) Explore the Inner Harbour
The Inner Harbour is the heart of Victoria, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions all within walking distance.c) Visit the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of British Columbia and Victoria’s history.d) Take a whale watching tour
The waters around Victoria are home to an abundance of marine life, and a whale watching tour is a fantastic way to see it all up close.4. What’s the best season to visit?
Victoria is beautiful year-round, but the peak tourist season is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring and fall are also great times to visit when the crowds are smaller, and the weather is still mild.5. What are some good day trips from Victoria?
There are plenty of great day trips to take from Victoria, including:a) The Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley is noted for its stunning scenery and excellent food and drink scene, including vineyards, orchards, and craft breweries.b) Sooke
Sooke is just a short drive from Victoria and offers easy access to beautiful beaches, rainforests, and hiking trails.c) The Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands are a popular destination for day trips from Victoria, with plenty of beaches, hiking trails, and quaint island towns to explore.6. What’s the local food scene like?
Victoria is widely regarded as one of Canada’s top foodie destinations. The city boasts an incredible variety of restaurants, from casual bistros to fine dining establishments, all showcasing the region’s fresh, local ingredients.7. How can I get around Victoria?
Victoria is a very walkable city, but if you need to get around further, there are plenty of options. You can rent a bike, take a bus, hire a taxi, or even take a water taxi for a unique perspective of the city from the water.8. What’s the local culture like?
Victoria has a unique culture that is a mix of both British and Canadian influences. The city is home to many historic buildings, and its architecture has a distinctly British feel. The city is also known for its vibrant arts community, which includes everything from live theatre to street performers.9. What are some of the local festivals and events?
Victoria is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including:a) Victoria Whisky Festival
A celebration of the world’s finest whiskies, with tastings, seminars, and masterclasses.b) Victoria Beer Week
A week-long celebration of craft beer, featuring tastings, beer pairing dinners, and music.c) Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
A colourful and exciting event that sees dragon boats racing through Victoria’s Inner Harbour.10. Where should I stay in Victoria?
There are plenty of great accommodation options in Victoria, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the most popular areas to stay in include:a) Downtown Victoria
The heart of the city, downtown Victoria is home to many of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and shops.b) James Bay
Just a short walk from downtown Victoria, James Bay is a quiet residential neighbourhood with plenty of character and charm.c) Oak Bay
Located just outside of downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is a beautiful neighbourhood with plenty of green space, beaches, and amenities.How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia is a beautiful city located on the southern part of Vancouver Island. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. The city is known for its beautiful gardens, museums, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities. In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed rundown of the various ways to spend your time as a tourist in Victoria British Columbia, including where to go and what to see.
1. Visit the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. This museum has a large variety of exhibits, including exhibitions focused on natural history, First Nations, and British Columbia’s history. You can also see an IMAX Theatre show or take a guided tour. The Royal BC Museum is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Victoria.
2. Spend time in Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is a famous attraction in Victoria, known worldwide for its stunning floral displays. This world-renowned garden has countless walking paths filled with different types of plants, flowers, and trees. The gardens have different sections, including Japanese gardens, Italian gardens, and a rose garden. This place is perfect for nature lovers.
3. Visit British Columbia’s Parliament Buildings
The Parliament Buildings in Victoria are a significant symbol of British Columbia’s politics and history. These buildings are free to enter, and guided tours are available. The building has unique architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. It is best to visit the Parliament Buildings during the day, and you can even attend a session in the House of Commons.
4. Explore Inner Harbour
Inner Harbour is a bustling place in the heart of Victoria, located just across from the Parliament Buildings. Here, you can watch street performers or take a food tour. You can also take a whale watching or kayaking tour from the Inner Harbour. Many restaurants and cafes line Inner Harbour, so make sure to stop for a bite to eat.
5. Visit Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful Victorian-era mansion located in Victoria. The castle, built in the late 1800s, is home to 39 rooms and over 20,000 square feet of living space. The castle has an impressive collection of stained glass windows, woodwork and furniture, and a beautiful garden. Craigdarroch Castle is perfect for history buffs and those interested in Victorian-era homes.
6. Spend time in Chinatown
Chinatown in Victoria is the second-oldest Chinatown in North America, and it is designated as a National Historic Site. It is filled with delicious food, unique architecture and culture. Chinatown in Victoria is home to numerous shops, eateries, bakeries, and markets. Visitors can take a walking tour to learn about the history and culture of this historic neighborhood.
7. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden gem found in Victoria, located a few minutes from downtown. Here, you can find many restaurants and cafes as well as shops on the boardwalk. Visitors can also take a water taxi and spot seals, otters and other marine life of Victoria’s waters.
8. Spend time in the great outdoors
Victoria is a city surrounded by nature. Visitors can spend time at beaches, go for hikes, or go for a boat ride. Some popular outdoor activities include:
- Visiting the Goldstream Provincial Park
- Biking on the Galloping Goose Trail
- Exploring the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
- Hiking at Mount Douglas Park
- Boating around the Gulf Islands
- Kayaking around the coastline
Book Your Tour Now
With this guide, you now have a detailed plan of the different ways to spend your time as a tourist in Victoria British Columbia. Whether you are interested in history, nature and outdoors, or culture and delicious food, Victoria has something for everyone to enjoy. Use this guide to plan the perfect trip to Victoria and make unforgettable memories.
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