Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a tiny city with a welcoming small-town feel. Victoria is protected by the Olympic Peninsula mountains at the southernmost point of Vancouver Island. As Victoria is located directly along the Pacific coast, the city always experiences nice and soothing weather. March through May is the best time to visit Canada.
A list of some of the best Things to Do in Victoria may be found below.
1) Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens
With over a million visitors annually, the Butchart Gardens have established themselves as a symbol of Victoria. There are 26 greenhouses and 900 different kinds of bedding plants in this magnificent 55-acre park. They also feature a beautiful gift shop, boat trips, evening entertainment, and a fireworks show. Japanese maples, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and roses are just a few of the exquisite plants that can be seen in this renowned garden.
2) Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk
Image Credit: malahatskywalk.com
Considered one of the best things to do in Victoria, the Malahat Skywalk is a relatively new attraction that provides a unique and fascinating experience. This breathtaking building, perched on the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, offers guests a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty. The journey starts with a picturesque stroll through a verdant Arbutus forest, concluding in an adrenaline climb up the 10-story, spiralling wooden tower.
3) Go Whale Watching
One of the unusual things to do in Victoria is whale watching. This exhilarating encounter will undoubtedly rank among your travel highlights. Take a trip and head out onto the seas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to see marine mammals including humpback whales and orcas. Victoria and Vancouver Island are home to an extensive population of orcas, often known as killer whales, making them some of the most popular spots to see these magnificent marine mammals.
4) Visit Fisherman Wharf
The picturesque floating community of Fisherman Wharf is located close to the Victoria Inner Harbour. This hidden gem is a terrific spot for dining, shopping at interesting boutiques, and taking eco-tours. It is a must-visit place for seafood lovers. Spend a day at Fisherman Wharf, where you can get food, feed the seals, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
5) Wander around the Royal British Columbia Museum
Discover the natural and human history of British Columbia at the Royal British Columbia Museum, which was established in 1886. Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery are the three permanent galleries located within the museum. There are almost 750,000 records of specimens in the natural history collection alone, most of which are from the province. Along with permanent exhibits, the Royal BC Museum hosts travelling shows on the Vikings, Egyptian relics, and the Titanic.
6) Admire the Craigdarroch Castle
The Craigdarroch Castle is a must-see for anybody interested in Victorian architecture and an actual representation of a bonanza castle. These are residences constructed for affluent businesspeople during the industrial era. The Craigdarroch Castle, built between 1887 and 1890 atop a hill provides breathtaking views of the surroundings. The property features four stories filled with fine woodwork, stained-glass windows, and fabulous antiques from the Victorian era.
7) Go Small at Miniature World
The Miniature World is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. With over 85 miniature dioramas and exhibitions, this little world has the smallest working sawmill in the world, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the biggest model railways in the world, and two of the biggest doll houses in the world, dating back to the 1880s and outfitted with more than fifty rooms.
8) Treat Yourself to Special Tea at Fairmont Empress Hotel
Image Credit: fairmont.com
Victorian grandeur and flair are still evident in the graceful Fairmont Empress Hotel structures, which date back to the 20th century. The hotel is renowned for its tea. Over the years, several famous personalities, including members of the British Monarchy, have stayed at this historic hotel. Enjoying an afternoon tea, served in style in the Lobby Lounge, is a highly recommended activity for visitors to the city.
9) Be in awe at Abkhazi Garden
Prince and Princess Abkhazi designed the lovely Abkhazi garden in 1946, alongside a magnificent heritage residence. Huge native Garry trees, rhododendrons and Japanese maples, carpets of naturalised bulbs, spectacular glaciated rocky slopes, and breathtaking views may all be found on this property.
10) Explore Chinatown
Chinatown, established by Chinese immigrants over 150 years ago, is a symbol of the endurance of the customs and culture that were carried over from China to other countries. Chinatown in Victoria is a must-see destination, adorned with striking red and gold hues throughout the district and the Gate of Harmonious Interest. It is also an excellent spot to find cheap things to do in Victoria, like sampling street food or shopping for souvenirs. Take some time to go down Fan Tan Alley, one of Canada’s tiniest streets, while you are there.
11) Walk around the Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is an excellent option for individuals seeking free things to do in Victoria. There are ponds, gardens, and enormous trees throughout the park. This area is home to an extensive selection of species, including ducks, peacocks, otters, and deer. The paths lead to high elevations with breathtaking views of the mountains and water. The park also has grounds for baseball, tennis, cricket, and lawn bowling as recreational activities.
12) Go Hiking
Surrounded by natural beauty, Victoria makes an excellent starting point for breathtaking trekking experiences. The trails are kept in excellent condition, and trailheads are well marked, often with maps. Most hiking paths are accessible all year round and welcome dogs as long as they are kept on a leash. Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Coast Trail in Sooke, and Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park are popular choices.
13) Indulge in Fun Experiences at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens
A trip to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is full of fun for families looking for things to do in Victoria BC with kids. Thousands of butterflies are seen buzzing around in this indoor tropical rainforest. There are over seventy species of these magical creatures to see, along with poison dart frogs, koi fish, flamingos, turtles, parrots, and many tropical flowers.
14) Take a Beer Tour
Visit the Breweries in Victoria, the Brewing Capital of British Columbia, for a relaxing experience. You can sample beer for free at the charming little town, home to over a dozen breweries and bars. It is one of the best things to do in Victoria at night. Among the famous breweries are Moon Under Water, Hoyne Brewing Company, and Brewery at Swans Brewpub.
15) Shop at Market Square
Market Square is one of the most notable retail districts of Victoria. The multilevel area is dotted with patios, that host many events in the main square. Explore the area and stop by a few shops to discover handcrafted goods, jewellery, original artwork, and crafts made locally.
16) Witness The Splendid Attractions of Victoria on a Downtown Tour
Discover Victoria City in British Columbia by going on a Downtown Victoria tour. Take a Downtown Victoria tour to learn about Victoria City, British Columbia. It is possible to visit all of the picturesque places in one evening. The iconic Parliament Buildings, which house the legislature of British Columbia, can be visited after visiting Thunderbird Park and its intriguing totem poles. Taking a Downtown Tour is undoubtedly one of the nicest things to do in Victoria.
Make sure to schedule a day trip to Stanley Park and enjoy all the things to do in Stanley Park. It is easily accessible by ferry from Vancouver. Regular flights through Vancouver also make it an ideal weekend escape from anywhere in North America.
FAQs
1) When is the ideal time to travel to Victoria?
With very little snowfall, Victoria is among the mildest cities in Canada. Victoria is best visited during the springtime, from March to May.
2) How to get around Victoria?
Since Victoria is not a large city, there is no subway train system. To travel around the city, visitors can use the efficient public bus system and taxi service. If travelling a short distance, walking or biking are excellent options in Victoria.
3) What is the nearest airport in Victoria?
The closest airport in Victoria is Victoria International Airport (YYJ). This airport serves a majority of travellers, even though there are smaller airports all across the island. The distance to downtown is only twenty-five minutes.
4) What Are the cost-saving tips for travelers to Victoria?
Vancouver Island can be made into a reasonably priced vacation spot with a little preparation. You can keep your expenses fairly low if you make your own food and explore the places that are free of cost. Find out whether there is a happy hour at the bars and restaurants you are considering. You can save a lot of money on food and beverages by doing this.
5) What are the best places to shop in Victoria?
Visitors can shop at Market Square, Chinatown, the Bastion Square Public Market, Oak Bay Avenue, and Antique Row.