What are the Best Places to Visit in Victoria British Columbia?

Victoria British Columbia is a beautiful Canadian city that is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and offers a wealth of activities, attractions, and history. It has something for everyone – from cozy little cafés and quaint shops, to beautiful gardens and buzzing nightlife. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start, so we have put together a list of the best places to visit in Victoria.

Butchart Gardens

One of the most beloved destinations in Victoria is the world-famous Butchart Gardens. The gardens were created by the Butchart family in the early 1900s and have since been transformed into a magical place bursting with vibrant color and fragrant blooms. The grounds have a variety of themed gardens such as Japanese, Italian, and Rose, all surrounded by a meandering stream, gorgeous sculptures, and even an outdoor theatre. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls around the gardens or sign up to take a guided tour. Entrance to the gardens ranges from CA$25 to CA$50 and they are open every day except Christmas day.

Butchart Gardens is definitely one of the most magical places to visit in Victoria and is a must-see for all visitors.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

If you are looking for something unique and exciting, then you should visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. This incredible and interactive attraction is home to hundreds of exotic butterflies from all over the world. As visitors wander through the enchanted gardens, they can observe these colorful creatures up close in their natural habitat. The staff at the gardens are knowledgeable and friendly and can answer any questions visitors might have about the beautiful specimens. The admission price is CA$20 for adults and CA$12 for children and the gardens are open seven days a week.

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is an amazing spot to explore with the family and get an up-close look at some of nature’s most remarkable creatures.

Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is one of the most iconic attractions in Victoria and is filled with fascinating historic artifacts and information about BC’s rich past. The museum was opened in 1886 and since then it has been collecting and preserving over 7 million items telling stories about BC’s First Nations Peoples, flora, fauna, and much more. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the exhibits, learn about BC’s history and culture in the interactive galleries, or explore special exhibitions such as the world-famous Wonders of Our Ancient World which features replicas of ancient artifacts from all over the world. Admission to the museum costs CA$23 for adults and CA$13 for children and it is open seven days a week.

The Royal BC Museum is full of surprises and a must-visit destination to learn more about BC’s history and culture.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is another charming spot in Victoria that visitors flock to year-round for its picturesque atmosphere and interesting shops and restaurants. The pier was once a major fishing port in Victoria, but today it has been renovated into a bustling marketplace where visitors can find everything from fresh seafood markets to handmade jewelry. There are plenty of options for food from local eateries such as Fins seafood, Shaami Kebab, Indian Fusion Kitchen, and Sitka Cafe, or ice cream stands such as Moo-Lix for those with a sweet tooth. Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to marine life such as seals and otters that you can spot lounging around the pier or spending their day fishing. Admission is free and it is open seven days a week until late in the evening.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a great spot to visit in Victoria and perfect for a stroll after dinner or lunch while basking in its unique views of Victoria’s inner harbor.

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s oldest parks and was designed by Edward Mallandaine back in 1882 with help from its community gardeners and volunteers. The sprawling 200 acre park features 55 acres of lush green spaces which are perfect for taking leisurely strolls or picnics with family or friends. Notable features include the massive 100-year-old Douglas Firs, petting zoo, plenty of picnic spots, ponds full of ducks, swans and other birdlife, an Indian Totem Pole, tea shop, playgrounds for kids, picturesque floral displays, games courts for various sports, an aviary full of exotic birds, rose gardens, and more. There is no entrance fee and the park is open 365 days a year until late at night.

Spending some time at Beacon Hill Park is an ideal way to relax after a long day of sightseeing and explore its hidden gems such as the petting zoo and aviary.

Craigdarroch Castle

Visitors should also check out Craigdarroch Castle, an impressive historical building which was built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1890 as his family’s home. The castle has 39 rooms spread over 4 floors which are decorated with antiques from the period including chandeliers and stained glass windows, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Victoria. Guided tours are available as well as live guides who tell stories about the house’s history throughout each room making it an entertaining experience for all ages. Admission ranges from CA$12 to CA$15 depending on age and time of day and Craigdarroch Castle is open Tuesday through Sunday until 5 PM so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy this amazing landmark.

History buffs should take some time out to visit Craigdarroch Castle which is an incredible building full of secrets waiting to be discovered inside its century old walls.

Victoria British Columbia has so many beautiful attractions that it can be hard to narrow down the choices to just a few but all of these spots have something magical that make them worth visiting! From vibrant gardens like Butchart Gardens to interactive museums like the Royal BC Museum there is no shortage of things to do in this unique part of Canada!