What Is There To Do In Victoria, British Columbia?

Victoria, British Columbia is an amazing destination to explore and there is so much to do and so many places to visit in and around the city. From its natural beauty to its history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions, Victoria has something for everyone.

Victoria is often referred to as the Garden City, due to its natural landscape and expansive parks. All types of outdoor activities and sports are available like kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, canoeing, hiking, biking, fishing and more. Places like Dallas Road Boardwalk, Mount Douglas Park, Beacon Hill Park and Thetis Lake Park are some of many favourites for a day out in the outdoors.

If you are looking for an adventure and adrenaline rush, quad biking over Mt. Finlayson or driving up to the summit of Mt. Doug, whale-watching in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Zodiac boat tours can fulfill your needs. Victoria also offers unique experiences like guided ghost-walks, wine tours and visits to some of the old fashion estates and heritage buildings of the city.

Victoria is home to many historical buildings like the Empress Hotel and Craigdarroch Castle, the oldest Chinatown in Canada. The Royal British Columbia Museum is a popular attraction run by Parks Canada and explores the history of BC. Capital Iron, which is one of Canada’s oldest family-owned businesses, has operated in the harbour since 1933.

If you love art and culture, you’ll enjoy a visit to local galleries such as Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and Robert Bateman Centre. Markets like Victoria Public Market at The Hudson or eclectic stores like Tyler West Wood Products or Splashes of Colour Downtown will give you a surprising shopping experience.

Victoria is a vibrant city packed with all kinds of night-life experiences from dance clubs to pubs, restaurants and coffee shops like The Mint Club and Palace Poolroom. Get a taste of old fashion at Moka House or relax at the luxurious Fairmont Empress Hotel with a High Tea Service.

Victoria is also known for its excellent craft beer where some of the top breweries like Driftwood Brewery and Hoyne Brewing Company are located. Live music can be found everywhere in local bars like Upstairs Cabaret or Hermann’s Jazz Club.

The last time I was on a visit in Victoria I also had a great time discovering different food-trucks in different events around town like Street Food Saturdays. The Brewers Festival held every year in February is such a fun event that combines good beer with live music, food trucks, vendors and outdoor activities.

In conclusion, Victoria British Columbia has something for everyone and it can be guaranteed that you’ll never run out of things to do. From outdoor activities in nature to arts and culture events and historical tourist attractions, Victoria will show you that it has so much to offer as a world-class destination for you to explore and enjoy.

Insider’s Guide to Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. It is located on Vancouver Island and is one of the top travel destinations in the country. It has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s and has since transformed into a modern, vibrant city. Here’s a comprehensive insider’s guide to exploring Victoria and all it has to offer.

Tourist Attractions

One of the best ways to spend your time in Victoria is by exploring some of the must-see tourist attractions. Here are a few active additions to your itinerary:

The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens is one of the most iconic spots in Victoria, with vibrant, colourful gardens stretching over 55 acres. The gardens were originally a quarry, but has since been transformed into something truly magical. Stop by for a walk and to appreciate the unique flora.

Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is home to an impressive collection of natural and human history artifacts. It works to educate visitors and locals on BC’s rich history. Take some time exploring the galleries and learning more about BC’s past.

Dining in the City

Victoria is renowned for its incredible dining scene. Here are some of the top spots to check out for a bite to eat:

Il Terrazzo Ristorante

Il Terrazzo is located in the heart of Victoria’s downtown and is a must-visit spot for authentic Italian cuisine. This long-standing restaurant has a cozy, romantic ambiance and a menu that can accommodate any dietary restriction.

Nubo Japanese Tapas

For those who love Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, head over to Nubo Japanese Tapas. Here, small plates of food are served to ensure you can sample a variety of dishes in a tapas-style.

Cultural Experiences

Victoria is filled with cultural experiences, with many unique museums and art galleries scattered throughout the city. Here are a few spots worth adding to your itinerary:

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria features collections of both contemporary and historical art across its gallery spaces. It’s a great place to appreciate the ongoing artistic exchange in Victoria and British Columbia at large.

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle is a historic Victorian-era castle that has been fully restored to its original glory. Once the residence of a wealthy family, the building now functions as a museum. Step inside for a glimpse of what life may have been like in the past.

Local History

Victoria is notorious for its rich history that has helped shape the province of British Columbia. Here are a few interesting spots to explore and learn more about the city:

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site located in the West of Victoria. Here, you can walk through the fortress, visit the lighthouse and gunnery displays, and appreciate the sweeping views of the sea.

Chinese Cemetery

The Chinese Cemetery is significant for its role in Victoria’s cultural heritage. Established in the 1860s, the cemetery is the resting place of many of the earliest immigrants in Victoria from China. Today, the cemetery is a reminder of Victoria’s early history and welcomes visitors interested in learning more about it.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Must-See’s

Finally, Victoria’s surroundings are just as fantastic to explore as the city itself. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path spots worth visiting:

Juan De Fuca Marine Trail

One of the most beautiful hikes that British Columbia has to offer is the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail. The trail stretches 47 kilometres of rugged coastline and dense forest. You can spend a day or even multiple days on this trail, stopping at various campsites along the way.

Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottage

For those looking for a peaceful retreat away from the city, the Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottage is an ideal escape. Here, travelers can watch sea otters, whales, and other sea creatures play in the water from the comfort of the cottage, located on the cliffs of Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Victoria is a unique city in British Columbia that offers so much to see and do across its various neighborhoods and beyond. With this insider’s guide, you should have all the tools you need to craft a travel itinerary that will surpass all of your expectations.