What Are the Best Things to See and Do in Victoria British Columbia?Victoria British Columbia is a beautiful destination featuring stunning landscapes and plenty of amenities that attract millions of tourists each year. The province’s capital city offers no shortage of attractions and activities to entertain even the most experienced traveler, with plenty of museums, outdoor activities and nature reserves to explore. So if you’re planning a trip to Victoria, or even if you’re looking for some fun things to do during a staycation, here are the top 12 things to see and do in Victoria BC. 1. Visit the Inner HarborThe first thing you’ll want to do when visiting Victoria BC is stop off at the inner harbor. Located on the tip of the city center, the picturesque harbor makes for great photo opportunities, good restaurants, and art galleries. From here, you’ll be able to catch sight of many of Victoria’s main attractions, including the Legislative Buildings, Royal London Wax Museum and the Empress Hotel. 2. Stroll Around Beacon Hill ParkBeacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s most popular public green spaces covering over 200 acres of hills, meadows, and forest. It’s particularly great on a sunny day, with plenty of shaded paths, picnic spots, playgrounds, and views across the Strait of Georgia. Attractions include a large aviary and an ornamental lake, as well as a selection of sculptures and art installations. 3. Visit the Royal London Wax MuseumThe Royal Museum located in the heart of downtown Victoria is home to over 250 lifelike wax figures depicting some of the most famous figures throughout British Columbia’s history. Featuring small interactive sections, guided tours and an interactive theater located at the top floor of the building round out your experience at this one-of-a-kind museum. 4. Explore Fisherman’s WharfFisherman’s Wharf is a unique harbor-side community located in downtown Victoria just steps away from the Inner Harbor. Spanning across five piers, this small village is home to over 30 colorful floating housing units where local fishermen and other waterfront inhabitants live. Tourists can take part in interactive tours of individual houseboats as well as browse crafts at the local stores or try some unique seafood dishes right by the harbor. 5. Step Back in Time at Craigdarroch CastleCraigdarroch Castle is one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. This impressive mansion was built between 1890-1895 by wealthy coal baron and politician Robert Dunsmuir as a gift to his beloved wife Joan Craigdarroch with all the money he made from his mines on Vancouver Island. The castle features 39 rooms spread across four stories as well as beautiful grounds and gardens that are also open to visitors. 6. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Empress HotelNo visit to Victoria BC is complete without experiencing the traditional British afternoon tea service at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Enjoy delightful finger sandwiches and freshly-baked pastries, served with your choice of fine loose-leaf teas while enjoying breathtaking views of the Inner Harbor through the grand windows of the grand hotel. 7. Visit the Victoria Butterfly GardensLocated just 9 miles north of downtown Victoria, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is home to over 3,000 colorful tropical butterflies as well as exotic reptiles, birds and mammals set within beautiful gardens and simulated rainforest habitats. Here you can interact with lemurs, toucans, sloths, parrots and naturally hundreds of tropical butterflies flying freely around you for a truly unique experience. 8. Explore Butchart GardensEvery year thousands of locals and tourists alike come together to explore Europe’s largest frozen timeline gardens — Butchart Gardens located just 15 miles north from downtown Victoria in Brentwood Bay. The gardens span over 55 acres of carefully-manicured lawns and cobblestone paths featuring numerous Victorian-style gazebos and ponds, which are perfect for a romantic stroll or an afternoon picnic surrounded by some of the most beautiful flowers in Canada. 9. Go Hiking in Goldstream ParkFor those who love spending time outdoors, Goldstream Park is the perfect getaway. Just 20 minutes drive north from downtown Victoria, this serene park features 97 acres of lush forests and meadows that surround a beautiful river. Here visitors can hike through rugged terrains, fish in a freshwater creek or stop by one of many picnic spots to enjoy an afternoon barbecue. 10. Climb up Mount TolmieMount Tolmie is one of the most popular hiking trails near Victoria BC, giving hikers an unbeatable view across Saanich Inlet from its peak elevation of 358 meters (nearly 1200 feet). Along the way visitors will spot wildlife such as deer, cougars, eagles and many more animals that migrate through this area each year, in addition to beautiful wild flowers throughout the summer months. On a clear day you can even spot Vancouver Island across the Strait of Juan de Fuca! 11. Go Whale Watching with Eagle Wing ToursThe waters around Victoria BC are home to several species of local marine life, making it an ideal spot for whale watching tours. One of our favorite companies is Eagle Wing Tours where you can join up to 4 hours long adventure into the Strait of Georgia on board one of their zodiac boats while keeping your eyes peeled for Orcas and Humpback whales – if you’re lucky you might even spot some dolphins! 12. Explore Esquimalt Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary Esquimalt Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers located just 10 miles north from downtown Victoria on Vancouver Island’s wild Pacific Coastline. Covering over 40 hectares of protected land that covers marshland, grassland and coastal forests with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing or simply taking in the stunning scenery surrounded by nature reserves and pristine beaches nearby. With so much to do in Victoria British Columbia there’s really something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for culture, history or an opportunity to embrace nature; you’ll find endless places to explore that will bring out your inner explorer in this incredible scenic province. Canada Adventures Travel can help you plan your perfect getaway to this beautiful Canadian destination!