How to Visit Victoria, Canada in the Best Way Possible

Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is the capital of British Columbia and one of the most beautiful and lively cities in Canada. Victoria has something to offer for everyone – from its busy harbour to the spectacular coastline and its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and parks.The city is home to some of Canada’s most iconic landmarks, including the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, The Butchart Gardens, and Government House. With so much to do and see in this city, it can be hard to know where to start. That is why we have created this guide to help visitors plan their perfect trip to Victoria.

Getting to Victoria

Depending on where you are coming from, there are a variety of ways to get to Victoria.

By Air

Victoria International Airport is located about 14 km north of the city centre. The airport services direct flights from major cities across Canada, including Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal. It is also connected with most west coast American cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland.

By Sea

Visitors can also arrive in Victoria by sea. BC Ferries provides regular routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, as well as routes to Bellingham Washington and other Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve islands. The ferry trip to Victoria takes approximately 90 minutes and provides spectacular views of the coast of BC.

By Bus

The Pacific Coach Lines operates daily direct coach services from Vancouver’s terminal to Victoria’s terminal. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic conditions, and departs from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 7 am.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria offers plenty of accommodation options to its visitors ranging from boutique hotels to self-catering accommodation.

Hotels

Victoria has many excellent hotels. The Inn at Laurel Point is one of the city’s most iconic hotels and offers stunning views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Other popular hotels include Hotel Grand Pacific, Doubletree by Hilton Victoria and Magnolia Hotel & Spa.

Bed & Breakfast

For a more personal experience, visitors can stay at one of the city’s wonderful Bed & Breakfasts. Popular B&Bs include Stargrazer’s B&B, Woodsman B&B and The Salish Sea Guesthouse.

Vacation Rentals

Alternatively, visitors can rent a vacation apartment or house for their stay. Popular sites such as Airbnb and VRBO have hundreds of listings in the area and offer great value for money.

Things to Do in Victoria

Victoria is filled with plenty of exciting and interesting activities for visitors. Here are some of our top picks:

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s largest and most popular parks. The park is filled with meadows, ponds, gardens, playgrounds and a petting zoo. Visitors can also find several monuments dedicated to important members of Victoria’s history such as Anne Langley – an aboriginal woman who built the farmhouse that was once located in the park.

Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is one of Canada’s premier museums and houses a variety of historical artefacts from all over British Columbia as well as some from other parts of the country. The museum also features several educational exhibits that are sure to keep visitors busy for hours.

Butchart Gardens

Just outside of Victoria is The Butchart Gardens – a 55 acre garden with stunning floral displays and beautiful pathways winding through ponds and meadows. The gardens have been around since 1904 and have been a popular tourist destination for decades.

Day Trips from Victoria

Victoria’s coastal location provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for day trips to other places on Vancouver Island or nearby areas on the mainland. Here are some of our top picks:

Fishing & Boating

For nature lovers, the Pacific coast off Vancouver Island offers plenty of opportunities to experience the marine life – including whale watching or fishing tours that can be booked through many local outfitters.

Surfing

Surfing is a popular activity on Vancouver Island’s West Coast due to its Pacific swells that draw surfers from around the world. There are several surf schools in the region that offer lessons for beginners as well as for experienced surfers looking for new challenges.

Wine Tasting

The region surrounding Victoria has over 200 wineries that offer tours and tasting experiences. Visitors can take part in a variety of adventures such as vineyard cycling tours, wine tastings at wineries in Duncan or Saanich or simply indulge in some regional cuisine in one of the many cafés and restaurants in wine country.

Conclusion

Victoria is an exciting destination with an abundance of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. From exploring downtown markets and tasty eateries to kayaking at Dallas Road or enjoying panoramic views from atop Mount Tolmie, there is something for everyone in this vibrant British Columbia city by the sea!