Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is an excellent metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Identified for the abundance of outside actions and beautiful Victorian structure, it’s a spot the place colonial historical past is intertwined with indigenous tradition. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a yr and acquired to discover all the good issues that it has to supply. These are all my private suggestions.
Attend excessive tea for brunch after which head to Chinatown for dinner whereas stopping by the harbor to look at seals and gigantic cruisers. Victoria is a metropolis that may supply one thing to everybody as a result of it has all of it, from glorious artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and climbing trails.
Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or every week, you received’t wrestle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider data, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that may enable you to put collectively the perfect itinerary!
Finest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Victoria BC is thought for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. Nearly all of the town’s greatest points of interest are outdoor, making it a prime vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the crushed path.
However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally presents an countless quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and a number of the greatest museums in British Columbia.
Better of Victoria BC Fast Information
Should See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Citadel, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings, Afternoon Tea
The place To Keep: Ocean Island Inn, Fairmont Empress, The Oak Bay Seaside Resort
Enjoyable To Do: Whale Watching, Zipline Excursions, Mount Douglas, Boat Excursions, Kayaking
Day Journeys: Fort Rodd Hill, Thetis Lake Park, Malahat SkyWalk
Should-Attempt Meals: Wild Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Bannock Bread, Chinese language meals
1. Guided Strolling Tour of Victoria
Victoria is a beautiful metropolis with many beautiful buildings. In fact, if it’s your first go to, you received’t be conversant in the aim of lots of these buildings, and also you may miss out on some gems which are open for guests.
Organize a guided tour with an area, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all the perfect spots within the metropolis but in addition be taught the historical past behind a few of its greatest architectural gems. Most strolling excursions of Victoria cowl the town’s greatest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Road and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally assist you to uncover the town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a couple of energy, and what higher solution to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its greatest eating places?
Sensible Info
Strolling excursions of Victoria normally take 2-3 hours and price $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s greatest and hottest museum. In case you have time to go to just one museum or gallery whilst you’re within the metropolis, make it this one. It has three foremost galleries: Pure Historical past, the First Peoples Gallery, and Changing into BC.
Come right here to be taught in regards to the indigenous folks of British Columbia, in addition to in regards to the state’s common historical past and the way it advanced through the years. Youthful guests usually tend to benefit from the Pure Historical past gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of assorted animals.
Plan to spend at the very least a few hours at this museum, and that’s in the event you’re going to hurry by means of the place. In the event you take your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Additionally, I need to point out that the museum has a pleasant IMAX theater, the place you possibly can attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies.
Sensible Info
The Royal BC Museum is open every day from 10 AM to five PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12.
3. Tour The Unbelievable Craigdarroch Citadel
Craigdarroch Citadel is among the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a very talked-about historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, in the course of the late nineteenth century.
Go to the citadel and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, lovely decorations, and wonderful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each in and out, and it’s top-of-the-line places for structure excursions in Victoria.
The citadel is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike experience) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
Craigdarroch Citadel is open for excursions Wednesday by means of Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets might be purchased on-line or on the entrance.
4. Hire A Bicycle
Victoria BC is called Canada’s biking capital, and it’s one of the vital bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and plenty of lodging supply them to their friends.
Biking round Victoria isn’t just nice for getting across the city rapidly for little or no cash, but in addition a brilliant means of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s normally quicker than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fret about rush hour visitors.
In the event you’re in nice bodily situation, you may even have the ability to bike to points of interest far exterior the town middle, and also you’d get to see some fantastic surroundings alongside the best way. And if spending a number of hours on a bicycle isn’t all that interesting, think about it for a fast tour of Downtown Victoria at the very least.
Sensible Info
Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The common worth is $40 per day, though you will get a greater price whenever you lease a motorbike for an extended interval.
5. Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is an excellent mid-size gallery housed in two distinct areas. One a part of the gallery is in a brand new, fashionable constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion.
Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of beautiful artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. Actually, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that each one guests are inspired to see. It’s considered one of Victoria’s greatest points of interest for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure.
Sensible Info
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and fees a $15 entrance payment. Nevertheless, admission is free on the primary Sunday of the month and on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM.
6. Tour The Parliament Buildings
The Legislative Meeting of British Columbia is arms down one of the vital beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my whole life. For me, the buildings seem like they had been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria.
However they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings had been constructed in neo-Baroque type on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. Your entire park between Authorities Road and Menzies Road is a superb place the place you possibly can take pleasure in a number of the greatest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the totally different memorial statues. You possibly can even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It’ll price you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
Free guided excursions of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria happen a number of instances all through the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It’s simply accessible from central Victoria and top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis if you wish to spend a few hours in nature however aren’t fairly within the temper for an tour that features touring far exterior the town middle.
That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has all the things from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, basically, are identified for improbable pure landmarks and out of doors actions.
Sensible Info
Beacon Hill Park is open every day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Stroll Via Historic Fan Tan Alley
Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It’s lined with eating places and boutique retailers on both facet, which provide some glorious purchasing and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover retailers that promote all the things from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot it’s best to try in the event you’re in search of distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nevertheless, I’ll say that this expertise is completely skippable in the event you’re even just a little bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t all the time attainable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.
However in the event you can navigate the tight alley and not using a sense of dread, will probably be a prime expertise. The crimson and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered crimson brick of the buildings. The doorway to the Chinese language Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is fascinating and value supporting.
Sensible Info
Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most retailers are closed till 5 p.m.
9. Go to Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a Nationwide Historic Web site greatest identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park presents strolling trails with views of outdated navy constructions, but it surely’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that pulls the majority of tourists to the positioning.
Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise improbable panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the best way to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one facet and the San Juan Islands on the opposite.
Sensible Info
Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission payment of $9.
10. Hike To The High of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and a fantastic place to come back for 360° panoramic views. You possibly can cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s only a 30-minute hike to the lookout level on the prime. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you possibly can simply drive as much as the scenic level in the event you’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is among the greatest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the US. Additionally, a number of climbing trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you could possibly spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, and marveling on the good views. However in the event you’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the realm is freed from cost, and parking on the prime can also be free however very restricted.
11. Historic Excursions at Hatley Citadel
Hatley Citadel is located in Larger Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike experience) from the town middle. It’s completely definitely worth the trouble it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century citadel was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching web site and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that folks truly lived on this improbable mansion? Even immediately, elements of it are used as workplace area and to carry courses, so you possibly can’t simply stroll inside everytime you like. Guests should join guided excursions to discover the inside of the mansion, however the formal gardens are accessible at no cost all through the day.
Sensible Info
Guided excursions of Hatley Citadel can be found upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to nightfall, and entry is freed from cost.
12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park is the primary nature sanctuary in Canada identified for climbing trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to calm down within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and revel in some improbable panoramic views.
It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and a very good place to come back if you wish to escape the crowds of the city jungle. Pack a meals basket and produce a blanket so you possibly can arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day stuffed with climbing and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a good vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who need to discover past the town streets.
Sensible Info
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t a admission payment, however there’s a parking payment of $2.25 per day.
13. Bike Alongside The Galloping Goose Path
This enjoyable exercise is just for probably the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it when you have zero curiosity in using a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But when that sounds enjoyable, the Galloping Goose Path may simply be the highest Victoria exercise for you!
The path follows an outdated railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you possibly can cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner in the event you’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes by means of city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You possibly can comply with the complete path on a motorbike, or hike simply part of it. You possibly can even select to experience horses alongside the extra rural sections of the path, which is as a lot enjoyable because it sounds.
Sensible Info
The Galloping Goose Path is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is really helpful just for skilled mountain bikers in glorious bodily circumstances, because it takes roughly 5 hours to finish.
14. Stroll To The Breakwater Lighthouse
The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of an extended pedestrian pathway that extends into the ocean. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get an excellent view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s internal harbor. The strolling path presents an excellent view of the town’s marine visitors, and it’s significantly pleasing on heat, sunny days.
The lighthouse on the finish of the pathway dates again to 1916, and it’s surprisingly massive. It doesn’t look that massive from the space, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its dimension.
One factor to notice is that it’s attainable to stroll down the Breakwater and the Decrease Breakwater. I like to recommend you follow the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery.
Sensible Info
The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or evening, freed from cost.
15. Wander Round Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Located roughly a 20-minute drive from the town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a good place to come back and overlook you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, to not point out all of the totally different bushes and flowers.
You could possibly tour the place rapidly in below an hour, however I’m optimistic you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you cross by means of the entrance door. Additionally, I actually like that each one the animals listed here are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest surroundings.
One factor to notice is that it will get actually scorching within the tropical jungle, so that you may have to take breaks in the event you keep there for some time. Be certain to deliver a bottle of water to hydrate, and step exterior now and again to chill down a bit.
Sensible Info
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance payment of $19.50 for adults. It’s open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM.
16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor
Haunted Manor mini golf shouldn’t be an exercise for everybody, so be happy to go away it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re more likely to take pleasure in. However in the event you like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable means of spending a night in Victoria.
The mansion presents an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a choice of (non) alcoholic drinks and traditional pub meals.
Sensible Info
Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Basic admission to the place is $24.95.
17. Really feel Stylish At Afternoon Tea
Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and immediately it’s acknowledged as probably the most British metropolis in Canada. So, it’s not too stunning that many in style British traditions have survived within the metropolis. A type of is excessive tea, and it’s the right afternoon exercise for vacationers who need to spend a day feeling fancy.
There are fairly a couple of totally different tea homes in Victoria, however I feel the one at Pendray Inn is a best choice for vacationers within the metropolis. It’s in a captivating Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a quick stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely applicable for prime tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the very best markings.
When you’re completed with the afternoon tea, take this chance to stroll across the neighborhood a bit. The harbor is simply a few minutes from Pendray Inn with views of the ocean and large ships.
Sensible Info
The Pendray tea home is open every day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are really helpful, and the common price per individual is $60-70. A vegan possibility is offered.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is among the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you could possibly spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is among the priciest points of interest in Victoria, BC, so that you may need to depart it off your itinerary in the event you’re on a tighter price range. With every day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in.
However you will get a a lot better deal on tickets in the event you come within the low season, and truthfully, the place is so fantastic I’d say it’s definitely worth the cash. Come right here to see the countless discipline of colourful flowers and revel in probably the best-scented a part of Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The grownup entrance payment is $25-40, relying on the season.
19. Panorama Views at Malahat SkyWalk
Located northwest of Victoria, simply off the Trans-Canada freeway, the Malahat SkyWalk presents probably the perfect panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and nicely definitely worth the journey in the event you’ve acquired entry to a automotive.
Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the course of the forest. From the highest, you possibly can see the surroundings of each the US and Canada, and it’s such a pleasant view that you simply’ll hardly need to depart.
Sensible Info
Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95.
20. Be Amazed At Miniature World
Miniature World is a singular museum in Victoria, BC. It options miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy places and is nicknamed The Best Little Present on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re wanting on the duplicate of Toronto in 1915 or the depiction of Camelot.
A fast tour of the place is feasible in 45 minutes, however provided that you rush by means of the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive all the things in regards to the dioramas, and you could possibly simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Info
Miniature World is open every day from 10 AM to six PM. The doorway payment is $19 for adults.
21. Odor The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard
Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is among the greatest near the town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike experience from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful various for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their solution to see the Butchart Gardens.
It is a a lot smaller backyard, protecting an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the vegetation and bushes to develop to their present dimension. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the beautiful backyard, adopted by the tea home and ponds. Afternoon tea on the Abkhazi Backyard is a good concept, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical worth vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations should not fairly as good.
Sensible Info
The Abkhazi Backyard is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission payment for adults is $10.
22. Go For A Trip In A Pickle Boat
Pickle boat excursions are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, and so they’re superior. Uncover Victoria from the ocean whereas using in a pickle boat, which sounds rather a lot cooler than it truly is.
It’s only a small boat that may match as much as 12 passengers. Whereas I really like that it’s rather more personal than a traditional tour boat, I used to be totally upset to be taught that it isn’t certainly formed and painted like a pickle.
The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, and so they typically go all the best way as much as Burnside. It’s a good way of exploring much more of this glorious metropolis and seeing the areas that aren’t fairly as handy to achieve on traditional strolling excursions.
Sensible Info
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Internal Harbour, and so they final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50.
23. Verify Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is probably the most picturesque space of Victoria Internal Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in shiny colours, a number of of which function eating places or retailers. Simply needless to say folks stay in lots of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you possibly can typically spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and sometimes have interaction in playful antics to entertain the onlookers.
Fisherman’s Wharf extends past the piers lined with colourful boats to embody an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for youths.
Sensible Info
Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most retailers and eating places are open till 7 PM.
24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway
Songhees Walkway is a waterfront strolling path that extends from Johnson Road Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes round 40 minutes to do the complete stroll in a single route, and there are many benches alongside the best way so you possibly can sit down for breaks.
The walkway presents good views of Victoria Internal Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the best way. It’s additionally a fantastic path for joggers within the morning, however provided that you’re not simply distracted by the view.
Sensible Info
Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time at no cost. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single route.
25. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Locals all the time know the place the perfect meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll develop into aware about that data in the event you be part of an area meals tour. These normally embody journeys to the town’s greatest landmarks and loads of stops in in style native eateries alongside the best way.
The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is numerous. The classical native delicacies is heavy on seafood, however a correct Victoria meals tour will embody rather more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. In spite of everything, it’s the town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full and not using a cease there.
Sensible Info
Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, normally final 2-3 hours. The beginning worth is $60.
26. Admire the Plane at The BC Aviation Museum
The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so it’s best to have at the very least two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally a fantastic incentive to reach on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight.
The museum exhibit spans three hangars stuffed with historic and fashionable plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. In the event you’re provided a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to be taught a lot in regards to the plane on show, and it’s rather a lot higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself.
Sensible Info
The BC Aviation Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway payment is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each very talked-about actions in Victoria, BC, and the right solution to discover the town past its busy streets. Be a part of a guided kayaking tour or lease a canoe and take to the seas by yourself—no matter your choice is, it shouldn’t be an issue.
One factor I’ll say is that guided excursions are the most suitable choice for folks with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here might be unpredictable, and in the event you’re not conversant in the climate circumstances it might develop into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise.
The fantastic thing about these water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that will in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and revel in a unique perspective on Victoria’s Internal Harbor.
Sensible Info
A number of operates supply kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is among the hottest.
28. See the Sakura Bushes in Chinatown
I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends means past it. It’s the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada and one of many prettiest elements of Victoria.
A gate marks the doorway to this historic space, so it’s tremendous simple to search out. Sakura bushes line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re purpose sufficient to contemplate touring to Victoria within the spring. Your entire neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be identified for the perfect Chinese language meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of retailers that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you may need to peruse them in the event you’re available in the market for distinctive souvenirs.
Sensible Info
The historic Chinatown neighborhood is within the northern a part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC.
29. Whale Watching Adventures
Victoria and British Columbia, basically, are a few of Canada’s greatest spots for whale watching. There should be a dozen tour operators within the metropolis, however my favourite one is Prince of Whales, located within the Vacation spot Larger Victoria tourism middle constructing within the harbor.
The skilled operators will take you to the perfect spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However additionally they know to maintain their distance from the animals so that they don’t disturb them of their every day routines.
This operator presents year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success price of the excursions, you’re virtually assured to identify the majestic mammals.
Sensible Info
Prince of Whales whale-watching excursions can be found year-round. They begin at $150 and final 3-6 hours.
30. Enterprise Out To Swan Lake
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is inside biking distance of downtown Victoria. It’s a fantastic place to go to in the event you don’t need to go to parks which are farther exterior the town middle however nonetheless need to take pleasure in a brief climbing journey.
The character sanctuary incorporates a loop strolling path that even crosses the lake at one level. It takes roughly half-hour to finish, and it’s a well-maintained and straightforward strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t need to be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which is able to reward you with some lovely views of the lake and the encompassing forest.
Sensible Info
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is open from 10?AM to 4?PM. Admission to the park is freed from cost, however the entrance payment to the Nature Home museum is a advised $6 donation.
31. Totems at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Located proper subsequent to the Royal BC Museum, the park is greatest identified for its totem pole replicas and historic homes.
The totems aren’t fairly as spectacular as those in Vancouver, however they’re nonetheless fairly a beautiful sight. Mungo Martin Home is thought for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence presents quick excursions of a surgeon’s home with interval furnishings.
Sensible Info
Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time.
32. Ziplining in The Forest
Thrill seekers received’t be let down by the choice of actions in Victoria. Only a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll discover Adrenaline Zip – an area firm that operates ziplining excursions within the rainforest.
One factor to notice is that that is alongside the best way in the event you embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. Your entire journey takes about two hours, and it contains 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV experience.
Sensible Info
The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.
33. Trip The Hop On Hop Off Bus
I’m not the largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re a fantastic possibility for vacationers who’re on the town for a really quick time. In the event you’re in Victoria for under a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all the town’s prime landmarks in that point.
The fantastic thing about these buses is you could get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You possibly can even keep seated on the bus the complete time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the totally different points of interest.
Sensible Info
Purchase Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (legitimate for twenty-four hours) or $88 (legitimate for 48 hours).
34. Craft Beer Crawl
With greater than 20 craft breweries all through Victoria, the town is actually a fantastic spot for beer lovers. A great deal of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you may even tour breweries to attempt the drink proper on the supply.
The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is among the greatest pubs within the metropolis. It presents a big selection of native and worldwide craft beer. They even supply tasting menus, so you possibly can attempt half a dozen glasses.
The Whistle Buoy Brewing Firm within the Downtown is my best choice for an area brewery tour.
Sensible Info
Pubs in Victoria, BC, are normally open till September 11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends.
FAQ For Finest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Is Victoria, BC, value visiting?
Sure, Victoria BC is value visiting. It’s a beautiful metropolis with beautiful Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space.
What’s Victoria BC well-known for?
Victoria BC is thought for a lot of botanical gardens and beautiful Victorian mansions. The town can also be nicknamed the biking capital of Canada, due to numerous kilometers of biking and mountain biking trails.
What’s the #1 vacationer attraction in British Columbia?
The Stanley Park Totem Pole is by far the most well-liked vacationer attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Larger Victoria.
Is Victoria BC a walkable metropolis?
A lot of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Nevertheless, there are numerous fascinating locations exterior the downtown which are value visiting however not accessible on foot.
Ideas And Info For Visiting Victoria BC
Finest Time To Go to
The very best time to go to Victoria depends upon what your priorities are. If you wish to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then it’s best to plan a visit in the summertime. However anticipate greater costs of inns and enormous crowds of vacationers.
If, then again, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher lodge offers, journey to Victoria in April-Could or September-October. Simply needless to say the town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the perfect interval for out of doors actions.
What in regards to the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there in the course of the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to the town, but it surely has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, then again, is the second-busiest within the nation and likelihood is will probably be your first cease in Canada.
From there you’ve acquired a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it attainable to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You possibly can even take a bus from the airport to the town, which takes about 4 hours to achieve the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing.
Getting Round
Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you may go to most points of interest within the historic a part of the town on foot. Biking is a good way of getting across the metropolis as a result of you will get to the extra distant elements of Larger Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t need to cope with rush hour visitors as a lot.
Bike leases can be found all through the town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. As a result of the town doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the one viable mode of public transport. They’re handy for touring across the metropolis however are typically fairly gradual.
Uber and taxis are an alternative choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest means of getting round Victoria. As for automotive rental, I feel it is sensible provided that you’re on the town for an extended time. In any other case, it’s actually not value it as a result of a lot of the greatest points of interest within the metropolis are inside strolling distance of each other.
How A lot Time Do You Want
Victoria is a reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want at the very least three days to discover all the greatest points of interest downtown and some well-known sights in Larger Victoria. I feel it’s attainable to cowl the perfect landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you may be in a little bit of a rush the complete time.
Vacationers who love being outdoor and exploring nature can have a good time in Victoria. In the event you can swing 5 days right here, you possibly can have sufficient time to discover an excellent chunk of Vancouver Island, a lot of which is untouched nature.
The place To Keep In Victoria BC
Keep in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for straightforward strolling entry to all the perfect landmarks and points of interest within the metropolis. Each areas supply all kinds of inns in each worth vary, in addition to a great deal of fascinating vacationer points of interest. Among the greatest inns in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn presents price range lodging with a improbable location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is among the greatest inns in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Internal Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seaside Resort is a five-star lodge with an oceanfront location. It has a improbable spa middle and enormous rooms, however it’s fairly removed from the town middle. Think about staying on the Oak Bay Seaside Resort in the event you’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.