Victoria city in British Columbia, is among the most beautiful destinations on the planet with its diverse wildlife, delightful cuisines, warm and welcoming population, and mind-blowing landscapes that will make you want more. There are so many unique places to uncover in this vibrant city on Vancouver Island that you will be spoilt for choices. Victoria, British Columbia, is nestled by the Salish Sea and provides wonderful opportunities to blend with the outdoor environment. You can explore the scenic harbor, the mouth-watering cafes, rich cultural heritage, and indulge in exciting activities like kayaking, and whale watching.
Rich History of Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria’s virgin natural wilderness was home to Queen Victoria and has deep ties to the indigenous culture. Attractions like the Royal BC Museum highlight the indigenous lifestyle’s culture, heritage, and rich historical elements. During the summer season, the Indigenous Summer Arts Studio Program hosts the Indigenous Cultural Festival in June every year. Several Global artists perform at this festival, where you can witness the unique diversity in one destination. The coal barons’ royal gardens, the oldest Chinatown in Canada, building West Coast castles, afternoon tea – all talk about the unique stories that Victoria had been part of during the heir’s stay.
Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia
Brewery Hop – Victoria houses a wide variety of breweries that offer a diversified experience. Spend a week, and we assure you that trying all of them will become necessary. Brewery biking tours are arranged with the Pedaler, or you can also head on your own. The Drake Eatery, Ile Sauvage, Philips Brewing & Malting Co., and Vancouver Island Brewing are the most popular breweries.
Butchart Gardens
Spread over 55 acres of land with over 26 greenhouses, 50 full-time gardeners, and bedding 900 plant varieties, the verdant Butchart gardens is like an oasis in the heart of the city. So enjoy this refreshing experience of browsing through this green space to unwind yourself from the shackles of busy city life.
Explore Chinese heritage in Chinatown
Chinatown is a delightful area, where you can witness the rich Chinese culture and heritage. See the colorful buildings and shops in your walk-through Fan Tan Alley.
Kayaking & Ocean Sports
Chinatown is a delightful area, where you can witness the rich Chinese culture and heritage. See the colorful buildings and shops in your walk-through Fan Tan Alley.
The Royal BC Museum
Visit this fantastic destination to explore the impressive natural history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Explore the local ecosystems and understand the impact and importance of conservation.
Whale & wildlife watching tours
One of the best experiences in Canada is to get up, close, and personal with its rich wildlife. This destination will be one of this tour’s highlights for a laid-back holiday. It’s a special feeling to witness the majestic whales and other wildlife in their natural habitat. In addition, Eagle Wing Whales is the first carbon-neutral tour company that has worked actively towards whale conservation.
Spa day at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
This hotel houses a spa that offers heated mineral pools with an ocean backdrop forming a relaxing ambiance. An excellent way to rejuvenate after a tiring day of exploration. Try the “Ocean Elements Body Ritual” spa treatment, where the local seaweed and other minerals are used to decompress your muscles and relax your senses.
Craigdarroch Castle
This grand castle is situated in the heart of Victoria. This self-guided tour through the well-preserved castle can help you explore the lovely neighborhood and you can soak in the royal elegance as you stroll through this magnificent structure.
Why should you visit Victoria, British Columbia?
Victoria offers everything a tourist can ever imagine to make their holiday special. Being the capital city of British Columbia, millions of tourists flock to this gorgeous city to enjoy the natural vistas and warm temperatures and explore the rich cultural heritage of Victoria. Get the best mix of ancient and contemporary offerings with unique architectural feats, making it one of the uniquely special global cities to visit and explore.
- Rugged natural landscape – The virgin wilderness that is still untouched was the first home to Queen Victoria and hence, has deep ties with the indigenous culture in the city. The Royal BC Museum helps you uncover the living languages exhibit, explore the first people galleries, and discover the indigenous collections as part of its special offerings.
- Warm & mild temperatures – The temperatures and climate witness very less rainfall than its West coast neighbors and other Canadian regions. This makes it easy for global tourists flocking from different parts of the world to acclimatize with the ambiance and surroundings to explore the lush landscape all through the year.
- Delightful cuisines – Victoria, British Columbia’s environment is more suitable for growing fresh and local harvests. Hence, you will get many delicacies served in cafes and restaurants with a lower carbon footprint and great taste. Also, customs and traditions like an afternoon tea concept are offered in many places. As a result, Victoria has a splendid collection of delicacies that matches the taste and requirement of every person.
- Lush green spaces – Victoria, British Columbia’s climate allows horticulture to flourish and grow. Hence, throughout the year, you will find a lot of flowers, plants, and greenery decorating its landscape. Explore the lush green atmosphere with modern amenities for a comfortable experience in iconic gardens such as Beacon Hill Park and Butchart Gardens are also placed here.
- Amazing Wildlife – Witnessing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the best experiences ever. you can see amazing species like humpback whales, otters, seals, coastal wolves, transient orcas, and much more.
- Antique charm – Ancient customs and traditions are mixed with contemporary offerings to create a unique fusion that forms the foundation blocks of the culture here.
Where to Stay in Victoria
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel provides a peaceful escape along the ocean’s edge in Oak Bay, yet remains only a ten-minute drive from downtown Victoria. It offers a complimentary shuttle service into the city center for easy access while still allowing guests to retreat to its tranquil setting at the end of the day. Rooms at Oak Bay Beach Hotel are well-appointed, cozy spaces providing all the necessary amenities.
A major highlight of a stay is the hotel’s waterfront spa, which features relaxing mineral pools open late into the evening, as well as treatment rooms. Its location right on the water makes it perfect for those looking for oceanfront accommodations.
Ultimately, Oak Bay Beach Hotel appeals to travelers seeking a quiet retreat outside the hustle of downtown Victoria with scenic ocean views.
Centrally located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa puts you steps from the downtown attractions. Its fresh, charming rooms come equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. One standout feature is the hotel’s complimentary bikes for guests to use while exploring the city, including the hotel’s personalized bike route suggestions.
Being right downtown near sites like the Royal BC Museum makes The Magnolia Hotel a premier home base location for those looking to immerse themselves in Victoria’s culture and sightseeing.
From its attentive service to prime location and special touches like the bikes, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is ideal for travelers who want to stay connected to downtown while enjoying intimate boutique accommodations.
Situated right in Victoria’s stunning Inner Harbour, the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour provides a modern, upscale hotel experience near top downtown attractions. Travelers can enjoy panoramic waterfront views alongside the convenience of the hotel’s prime location by the harbor, steps from sites like the Royal BC Museum, high-end shops of Government Street, and boat tours departing from the docks outside.
Rooms feature sleek, contemporary furnishings for a comfortable escape. Guests also have access to an indoor pool, well-equipped fitness center, and onsite restaurant and bar for a complete Victoria getaway. With familiar Marriott amenities and downtown proximity ideal for walking, waterfront trails, and sightseeing, the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour caters to travelers who appreciate harborfront access matched with modern luxuries.
The Oswego Hotel offers a boutique Victorian gem in the neighborhood of James Bay, just a quick walk from Victoria’s famous Inner Harbour. Its historic building has been thoughtfully restored with a mix of comfortable, contemporary details contrasting vintage charm like exposed brick walls and beam ceilings.
Guest rooms provide attentive amenities fit for relaxing after a day exploring downtown Victoria sites easily accessible from the hotel’s central location. Unique touches like in-room yoga mats and cruiser bikes available for guest use add to the intimate and welcoming vibe.
Between its warm service, historic architecture, and walkable proximity to attractions like the Parliament Buildings, Fisherman’s Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, the Oswego Hotel delights travelers seeking hip yet homey accommodations near the action.
Where To Eat in Victoria
Vis-à-vis
Located in the quaint Oak Bay Village, Vis-à-vis provides a charming French dining experience. This brasserie-style restaurant has a classic French menu offering traditional favorites like French onion soup, mussels, and other French classics.
Its cozy atmosphere transports you straight to a cafe in France. With fresh seafood sourced right from Vancouver Island as well as imported wines and cheeses, diners can expect an authentic taste of France using high quality regional ingredients.
From the classic decor to the traditional cuisine, Vis-à-vis brings simple yet oh-so-satisfying French flair to Victoria for an evening filled with rich flavors in a romantic, intimate ambiance. It’s the perfect place for Francophiles and foodies alike.
Top Food to Try: Fish Tacos, Chowder, Cioppino
Nourish Kitchen & Café
Housed in a beautiful 1888 heritage building, Nourish Kitchen & Café is known as one of the top brunch spots in Victoria. Its charming multi-room space features locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, some grown right in their own garden.
The extensive brunch menu puts a special focus on breakfast classics like pancakes, with drool-worthy options like their signature Sleeping Beauty Pancakes.
Top Food To Try: Avocado Toast, Quinoa Bowl, Mushroom Burger
The Courtney Room
Located inside the luxurious Magnolia Hotel & Spa, The Courtney Room offers a fine dining experience showcasing creative dishes and cocktails. As an elegant yet lively brasserie-style restaurant, The Courtney Room puts a contemporary spin on French classics combined with the best of British Columbia’s ingredients.
Top Food to Try: Seared Scallops, Lamb Shank, Crème Brûlée
Q at the Empress
Located inside the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel overlooking Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour, Q at the Empress provides one of the city’s finest dining experiences within a breathtaking historic property. Q showcases the best of British Columbia through a seasonal menu focused on fresh regional ingredients prepared in creative ways.
Guests can start in the lounge for happy hour cocktails with stunning harbor views before enjoying a tasting menu in the elegant dining room. With masterful cuisine and stunning ambiance, Q at the Empress lets diners experience an opulent taste of Victoria fine dining within a majestic waterfront location.
Top Food to Try: Tea Service, Victoria Sponge, Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
Superbaba
Superbaba brings a hip yet welcoming atmosphere to downtown Victoria with its menu inspired by classic Mediterranean cuisine. Diners can stop in for everything from refreshing plates like hummus and falafel to more filling bowls and bread that burst with fresh flavors. The bright and casual taqueria-style setup allows you to customize your order exactly the way you want it.
Superbaba’s unique recipes give traditional Middle Eastern dishes a contemporary twist suited for a quick meal on the go or leisurely eat-in dining. From the colorful mural decor to their scratch-made houmous and hot sauce,Superbaba’s affordable fare and laid-back vibe puts Mediterranean deliciousness at your fingertips.
Top Food To Try: Shawarma, Falafel, Babaganoush
Tacofino
Hailing originally from Tofino, BC, Tacofino has brought its hugely popular gourmet tacos to downtown Victoria. This casual taqueria serves up innovative and delicious Mexican fare bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. From sustainably-sourced fish tacos to their drool-worthy prime rib carne asada stuffed into soft corn tortillas, Tacofino offers an elevated take on Baja-style classics.
Top Food to Try: Fish Taco, Crispy Chicken Taco, Chips & Guacamole
The Fish Store
Location right on Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour, The Fish Store serves up the city’s freshest seafood and signature fish & chips. This casual waterside restaurant sources sustainable seafood from the Pacific Northwest along with produce from Vancouver Island farms. Guests
can enjoy views of the harbor while sampling fish tacos, halibut burgers, steamer clams and other ocean-inspired dishes on the patio.
Top Food to Try: Halibut Cheeks, Oysters, Tuna Tataki
Hey Happy
Hey Happy brings its minimalist cool coffeehouse vibes to downtown Victoria focusing on specialty coffee drinks. The airy, modern space uses high-quality beans and alternative milks to craft creamy lattes, refreshing cold brews and everything in between.
Top Food to Try: Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Banana Split
Habit Coffee
Habit Coffee brings single-origin pour overs and espresso drinks to locals and visitors alike in Victoria. Their signature cortados, creamy lattes, and cold brews showcase specialty beans sourced directly from growers around the world, then expertly roasted in small batches onsite at Habit.
Top Food to Try: Espresso, Avocado Toast, Chocolate Croissant
Discovery Coffee
With several locations in Victoria, Discovery Coffee has become a local go-to for artisan drinks and eats made from regional ingredients. Discovery’s baristas create specialty espresso beverages to pair perfectly with the shop’s nutritious breakfast and lunch menu focused on vegetarian and vegan flavors using produce from Vancouver Island farms.
Top Food to Try: Cappuccino, Spinach Frittata, Lemon Loaf
Saint Cecilia
Saint Cecilia is a hip all-day café located in the heart of downtown Victoria serving up locally-roasted coffee and espresso drinks alongside fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch items in a minimalist yet cozy space that invites relaxation and conversation.
Top Food to Try: Beef Carpaccio, Squid Ink Pasta, Tiramisu
Shatterbox Coffee
Shatterbox Coffee brings high-quality specialty coffee and espresso drinks to Victoria in a laidback café full of vintage music memorabilia. Their single-origin beans come from small acre farms to highlight unique flavor profiles expertly translated by experienced baristas into creamy espresso beverages.
Top Food to Try: Cold Brew, Breakfast Sandwich, Cinnamon Bun
Reaching and Transportation in Victoria, British Columbia
You can easily reach Victoria, British Columbia, as it is well connected to all major global airports. If you arrive at any of the nearby destinations, the ferry into the harbor is another option you can try for.
We recommend renting a car if you intend to explore Victoria city’s interiors. However, if you intend to stay near the Inner Harbour, the YYJ Airport transfer and the hotel service would be sufficient to uncover most of the attractions. In addition, many attractions would be within walking distance of each other.
Hotels like Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Inner Harbour center offer complimentary bikes to their in-house guests for self-exploration.