15 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Victoria, BC

Looking for a fun and exciting list of things to do in Victoria, BC?

As a former Vancouver local, I’ve been to Victoria more times than I can count. Can you blame me? The city is so beautiful!

For those short on time or visiting for the first time, I understand you only want to enjoy the best attractions. So, this list has been carefully created with you in mind so that you know you are putting the best activities on your itinerary.

If that sounds like your kinda list, keep reading and start exploring!

Victoria BC at a Glance

Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, is easy to explore, but a few helpful tips can make your visit even better! After countless trips to this charming city, we’ve picked up some essential advice to help you make the most of your time.

Plan around the season: Victoria has one of the mildest climates in Canada during winter months! That said, you’ll experience more rain and cooler temps in November-March. March-September has the best chances to peep flower blooms, catch some whales, and enjoy the sunshine, but it also comes with higher tourism and prices. 

Stay in or near downtown: Downtown Victoria is super walkable and accessible by public transportation to just about anywhere you want to go around the city. Finding a hotel downtown makes the trip convenient when you’re not renting a vehicle.

Book ahead: Peak visiting times in Victoria book up quickly! If you’re planning to stay at one of the iconic downtown hotels like the Fairmont Empress Hotel, it’s best to book in advance!

How I would spend 3 days in Victoria, BC

Based on our own travels, we created this 3-day itinerary to share our favorite experiences, must-see sights, and the best of what Victoria has to offer. From whale watching and beautiful gardens to incredible food and local history, these three days give you a little taste of everything we love about this city. 

🌊Day 1: Downtown Victoria & Whale Watching Adventure
Explore Victoria’s charming downtown, including Government Street, the Parliament Buildings, and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Then head out on a whale-watching tour through the Strait of Juan de Fuca before enjoying dinner and live music at one of the city’s most historic pubs.

🌷Day 2: Butchart Gardens & Afternoon Tea at the Empress
Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens on a guided tour, with plenty of time to wander through its stunning themed gardens and floral displays. Back in the city, experience Victoria’s famous afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress before ending the day with fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf.

🥟 Day 3: Chinatown Food Tour, Local History & Ghost Stories
Taste your way through Canada’s oldest Chinatown on a guided food tour featuring local specialties and hidden gems. Spend the afternoon exploring either Craigdarroch Castle or the Royal BC Museum, then wrap up your trip with craft beer, Italian comfort food, and a spooky ghost tour through Victoria’s historic streets.

Check out the full plan in our three-day Victoria, BC itinerary here!

The BEST Things to do in Victoria, BC

1. Go whale watching

Whale watching is one of the best ways to experience Victoria and the beautiful Salish Sea, with the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, and other incredible marine life in the wild. We love this half-day whale watching adventure because you can take in all the action while still having the option to stay warm and dry!

You’ll leave from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and cruise past some of the city’s most recognizable sights, including the Fairmont Empress, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Parliament Buildings, and Ogden Point. Once you reach the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the real adventure begins as you start searching for whales and other marine life.

The boat has a heated indoor cabin with large windows, plus outdoor viewing decks where you can step outside and get closer to the action. Orcas and humpback whales are the stars of the show, but you might also spot sea lions, elephant seals, bald eagles, and even minke whales along the way!

The marine naturalists on board do a great job explaining what you’re seeing, sharing interesting facts about the animals, and keeping things entertaining between sightings. Seeing a pod of orcas or a humpback breach in the wild is one of those unforgettable Victoria experiences!

This tour operates from April through November, which lines up perfectly with Victoria’s peak whale-watching season. You’ll also receive free high-resolution photos taken by the crew, so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about capturing the perfect shot yourself.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, this Zodiac whale-watching tour is another fantastic option! The smaller, open-air boat holds fewer passengers and gives you a more exhilarating ride across the water, with unobstructed views of the surrounding wildlife. You’ll be provided with an all-weather flotation suit to help keep you warm and dry, and tours operate year-round, making this an especially great choice if you’re visiting Victoria during the winter months.

Just keep in mind that the Zodiac ride is much bumpier and more exposed to the elements, so it’s best suited to adventurous travelers rather than young children, pregnant travelers, or anyone with certain mobility or health concerns.

2. Learn About the City on a Food & History Tour

What better way to get to know Victoria than by eating your way through the city! This 2-hour guided food and history tour combines two of our favorite things—great food and sightseeing—while taking you through some of downtown Victoria’s most interesting neighborhoods, historic streets, and hidden gems. It’s such a fun introduction to the city and easily one of our favorite things to do in Victoria!

Along the way, you’ll explore some of the city’s most interesting spots, all while learning about Victoria’s history from your local guide. But as interesting as the sightseeing is, the food stops are definitely a highlight! You’ll pop into local businesses to sample a variety of sweet and savory bites, so make sure you come hungry.

One of the things we loved most about this tour was our guide. They kept us entertained with funny stories and interesting facts, and we learned so much about Victoria without it ever feeling like a history lesson. Plus, with a maximum of only 12 people, the group stays small and personal, with plenty of opportunities to chat and ask questions.

By the end, you’ll have eaten plenty of delicious food, learned a ton about Victoria, and discovered a few places you probably would have walked right past on your own. And since the tour only takes around two hours, it’s super easy to fit into your day without sacrificing your other sightseeing plans.

Make sure you book in advance because this is one of Victoria’s highest-rated tours, with thousands of glowing reviews you can check out here!

3. Visit the Famous Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Victoria, and trust us, you don’t need to be a gardener to be impressed! With colorful flowers, winding pathways, fountains, and beautifully designed gardens around every corner, it’s the kind of place you could happily wander for hours. We think this half-day Butchart Gardens and Victoria sightseeing tour is one of the best ways to experience it!

We started our day at Butchart Gardens, where we had about 2.5 hours to explore before heading back into Victoria. This gave us plenty of time to wander at our own pace without feeling rushed.

We explored the famous Sunken Garden and Rose Garden, stopping to admire the ponds, fountains, and colorful displays along the way. There really is something beautiful around every corner! You can also stop for tea or grab a gelato if you need a little treat.

After the gardens, we headed back to Victoria for a one-hour narrated city tour with a local guide. We loved traveling in a smaller vehicle, which made it easy to explore different neighborhoods and stop for photos along the way.

We passed some of Victoria’s best-known sights, including the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, and Fisherman’s Wharf, while learning more about the city’s history and culture.

We loved how much this tour packed into half a day. You get plenty of time at Butchart Gardens plus a guided look around Victoria, with all the transportation taken care of!

4. Go on a guided rainforest hike

You don’t have to travel far from Victoria to find yourself surrounded by towering trees and lush rainforest! This private guided hike is a fantastic way to escape the city for a few hours and experience the wild side of Vancouver Island, without committing an entire day to an outdoor adventure. 

The experience includes around two hours on the trails, where you’ll wander beneath enormous trees and through a landscape filled with native plants, streams, and even waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too—you never know what might make an appearance!

But what really makes this tour special is having a private guide all to yourself. Rather than following a set route with a big group, the experience can be tailored to your interests and abilities. You can take your time snapping photos, stop to learn about an interesting plant or tree, and hear stories about the area’s history and Indigenous connections to the forest.

Even the journey out of Victoria adds to the experience, with your guide pointing out interesting sights and sharing local knowledge along the way. Pickup and drop-off are included from downtown Victoria, making the whole adventure incredibly easy.

We think this is a great choice for anyone craving a little nature between all that Victoria sightseeing. In just a few hours, you can trade the busy city streets for a peaceful rainforest and still have plenty of your day left to explore!

5. Explore downtown

Downtown Victoria is where much of the city’s charm comes together, with grand historic buildings, waterfront views, bustling streets, and plenty of little corners worth exploring. It’s also compact and incredibly walkable, so one of our favorite things to do is simply set off on foot and see what catches your eye!

Government Street is a great place to start, with its historic architecture, boutiques, cafés, and local shops. Grab a coffee, browse for souvenirs, and slowly make your way toward the Inner Harbour, where some of Victoria’s most famous landmarks come into view.

You really can’t miss the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooking the harbour, and just across the way are the impressive British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Better yet, you can actually head inside! Free guided tours last around 40 minutes and give you a peek inside while sharing some of BC’s political history. Check the current schedule before you go, as tour times vary.

But don’t rush from landmark to landmark. Part of the fun is wandering the side streets, watching the boats come and go in the harbour, and stopping whenever something catches your attention.

We’d give yourself at least two hours to explore downtown, although it’s very easy to spend much longer here!

6. Take a Scenic Flight

Seeing Vancouver Island from the ground is beautiful, but seeing it from a seaplane is something else entirely! This scenic seaplane flight takes you soaring above Victoria and the rugged coastline of southern Vancouver Island, packing some seriously impressive views into one quick adventure.

And the excitement starts before you’re even in the air. You’ll take off right from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, skimming across the water before lifting above the city. It’s definitely not your average flight!

From above, you’ll have incredible views over the Inner Harbour, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline. The scenery quickly changes from city to forests, lakes, and winding inlets, and you may even spot the historic Esquimalt Dockyards below. On a clear day, keep an eye out for the Olympic Mountains rising in the distance!

The entire experience lasts around 30 minutes, with roughly 20 minutes in the air. It might sound quick, but there’s a lot packed into that flight, and we love that you can easily squeeze it into a busy day of sightseeing.

Of course, you still have one more thrill before it’s over— the water landing! You’ll descend over Victoria and splash back down in the Inner Harbour, ending right where you started.

If you want a memorable experience that doesn’t take up half your day, this is a pretty epic way to see Victoria!

7. Tour the Craigdarroch Castle

If you’re into grand architecture and historic homes, head to Craigdarroch Castle, an extravagant Victorian-era mansion that feels like stepping straight into the 1890s. Built for wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his family, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of one of British Columbia’s most prominent families.

Inside, you can wander through beautifully preserved rooms filled with elaborate woodwork, stained glass windows, period furnishings, and plenty of stories about the Dunsmuir family. Be sure to make your way up through the four floors to the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over Victoria.

The castle is just outside downtown and is best explored at your own pace on a self-guided tour. We’d allow around 1 to 1.5 hours to see everything without rushing.

Admission is $24.50 CAD for adults, and we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance here. If you love architecture, local history, or simply snooping around ridiculously grand old houses, this is such a fun addition to your Victoria itinerary!

8. Explore Chinatown

Chinatown is one of our favorite places in Victoria, and it’s actually the largest Chinatown in Canada. This place is packed with history, culture, shopping, and many eateries. While you can easily spend hours wandering around, the best way to find all the amazing spots is with a local guide on this small-group Chinatown tour!

You will get to eat, drink, and explore in one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Victoria. When we joined this tour, it truly felt like a deep dive into the area. We saw top tourist sights like the Chinese Language School and the Gate of Harmonious Interest while learning all about their cultural significance.

Then, we headed to Victoria Public Market to begin the food portion! It’s a huge space with a ton of permanent vendor stalls with delicious food, coffee, and local goods. We ate a variety of modern cuisines like Italian arancini and one of Victoria Pie Co.’s famous pies.  

A tour of Chinatown is never complete without a visit to Fan Tan Alley. This bustling alley was notorious for gambling and opium dens back in the day but is now a heritage site and also the narrowest road in Canada. Don’t worry, your tour guide will make sure you capture that iconic alley photo as a souvenir! 

Bonus points because this walking tour also includes craft beer at the end—talk about the perfect ending! It is very popular, with HUNDREDS of great reviews, so make sure you book in advance!

9. Go on a Ghost Tour

Victoria might look charming and picture-perfect by day, but after dark, there’s a much spookier side of the city to discover! If you enjoy a bit of dark tourism, this Ghostly Walking Tour is such a fun way to spend an evening. Victoria is said to be one of the most haunted cities in British Columbia, and your guide brings its eerie past to life with creepy local legends, chilling tales, and plenty of dramatic flair.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about former residents who supposedly never left the city, even after they died. Your guide also shares some of the stranger local legends about why Victoria is said to attract spirits from outside the area. According to local lore, cracks in the Earth’s surface beneath the city may have something to do with it. I mean, it’s a beautiful city, so it’s easy to see why ghosts would want to spend the afterlife here! 

One of the most interesting stops is Bastion Square, which has a pretty dark past. You’ll hear stories about the area’s early history and some of the less pleasant things that took place there. Another standout is Market Square. During the Gold Rush in the 1800s, this part of Victoria was home to brothels and opium dens. 

The tour takes about an hour and starts in the evening, so it’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Walking through Victoria after dark while hearing stories about its more unusual history makes for a fun night out. If you enjoy ghost stories and local history, this tour can’t be beat!

8. Enjoy a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride

A horse-drawn carriage ride is a fun way to see Victoria and experience a little of the city’s old-world charm without turning it into a formal history lesson. This one-hour private tour gives you the carriage to yourself, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride with your group while your guide takes you through some of Victoria’s most interesting areas.

The tour is operated by Victoria’s longest-running horse-drawn carriage company, which is known for its focus on animal care. That’s always an important detail to look for when booking any experience involving horses!

As you ride through the city, you’ll pass Beacon Hill Park, historic James Bay, and the waterfront along the Salish Sea. The pace is slow enough that you can actually take in the scenery and snap photos along the way. You’ll also hear stories about Victoria’s history and its British colonial roots.

The private setup makes this a particularly nice option for couples, families, or a small group of friends. There’s no need to keep up with a larger group or share the carriage with strangers. You can relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

What makes the ride stand out is how different it feels from a typical sightseeing tour. You’re not rushing from one landmark to another. Instead, you get to settle in and watch Victoria pass by while enjoying a slower way of seeing the city. It’s a simple experience but definitely one that feels special.

11. Relax on a hot tub boat cruise

A hot tub on a boat? It sounds a little ridiculous until you’re actually sitting in one and cruising around Victoria. This private hot tub boat experience is a fun way to see the city from the water while staying warm and comfortable the whole time.

When you arrive, you’ll sign the waivers, get a quick rundown on how to operate the boat, and have a chance to change before heading out. Your hot tub will already be filled with fresh hot water and heated by the onboard stove. The boats are cleaned and refilled after every trip, so you can jump right in and get comfortable.

Once you’re cruising, you can relax in the water while taking in a completely different view of Victoria. You’ll see the shoreline from the water and may even spot some wildlife along the way. The 1.5-hour rental gives you enough time to cruise toward the Selkirk Trestle and back. There’s also a ladder on board if you’re brave enough to take a quick swim.

The boat holds up to six people and comes with waterproof speakers and dry bags for your stuff. You can even add Epsom salts if you want to turn the hot tub into a full relaxation session.

The best part is that you’re the captain. No boating license is required because the electric motors are low-powered, although the driver must be 19 or older. Grab a few friends and get ready for an unusual but fun afternoon on the water.

12. Take in the Views at the Malahat Skywalk

Malahat Skywalk is a huge, spiraling wooden ramp that takes you high above the Malahat forest, where you can enjoy incredible views of the trees and the Salish Sea.

You can walk along the elevated walkway, climb up the 10-story spiral tower, and get the absolute best views of Mt. Baker! Once you’ve soaked up the views, you can take a ride all the way back down to the ground on a 20-meter-high (65-foot) spiral slide. You’ll feel like a big kid as you whiz down—honestly, the slide alone is worth the entry fee.

Going to visit the Malahat Skywalk is easy by car. If you’ve got your own wheels or a rental car in Victoria, it’s a 35-minute drive north of the city along the Malahat Highway. If not, there’s a shuttle from downtown that departs every day at 11 am.

The Skywalk is open every day, all year round, although admission times do vary according to season. It can also get a bit chilly at the top, so it’s a good idea to bring an additional layer of clothing, even if you’re visiting on a warm day.

You can book your tickets in advance here and can show up at any time of the day, although we recommend giving yourself at least two hours to explore, so plan accordingly. They are open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday-Wednesday and 9 am to 7:30 pm on Thursday-Sunday.

Related Read: Check out our must-know info about the Malahat Skywalk before you go, so you can make the most of your time!

13. Visit the Royal BC Museum

If you’re more in the mood for a deep dive into British Columbia’s natural and cultural history, set aside your afternoon for the Royal BC Museum. This huge museum brings the province’s story to life, covering everything from its landscapes and wildlife to First Nations cultures and the people and events that shaped BC. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend an entire afternoon!

Located right by the Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings, it’s also incredibly easy to add to a day of exploring downtown Victoria. Admission is about $32 CAD for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.

Inside, you’ll find thousands of artifacts and photographs, fascinating natural history displays, and exhibits exploring BC’s diverse First Nations cultures. Rather than simply looking at objects behind glass, many of the exhibits are designed to immerse you in the stories and environments they explore.

Be sure to check the museum’s current exhibitions page, as temporary and traveling exhibitions give you something new to discover depending on when you visit. When you need a break, you can also grab a bite from one of the food trucks outside.

For movie buffs or families, the on-site IMAX Theater is another fun addition, showing everything from educational documentaries to feature films on a seriously massive screen! IMAX tickets start at $12 CAD, and films are shown on the largest screen in British Columbia.

14. Stroll Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of Victoria’s most colorful little corners and the perfect place to slow down for an hour or two. Follow the waterfront from the Inner Harbour and before long, you’ll find yourself in what feels like a tiny floating neighborhood, complete with brightly painted homes, seafood stands, and plenty of activity on the water.

Stroll along the docks for a closer look at the quirky floating homes, many decorated with plants, colorful details, and tiny waterfront decks. Keep an eye on the water too! Harbor seals are known to hang around the wharf, so you might spot one popping its head up between the docks.

Of course, you can’t come to Fisherman’s Wharf without grabbing something to eat. Fresh fish and chips are a classic choice, but you’ll also find salmon, crab, and other seafood to enjoy right by the water.

Give yourself an hour or two to explore, grab a bite, snap some photos, and soak up the atmosphere. We especially like Fisherman’s Wharf toward the end of the day when you’re ready to trade sightseeing for good food and waterfront views!

15. Visit some Local Wineries

There’s nothing better than escaping the city for a day of wine, good food, and beautiful countryside. We joined this small group wine tour to do just that! Honestly, it was one of those days where we were happy to let someone else handle the driving and just enjoy ourselves. 

Once we left the city, the scenery quickly changed to rolling hills, farms, and lush green valleys. Along the Cowichan Valley, we stopped at several family-owned wineries where we got to taste different local wines and hear more about how they’re made. Each stop had its own personality, which kept the day interesting. We weren’t just sitting around tasting the same type of wine over and over.

One of our favorite parts was the farm-to-table lunch. After a few tastings, sitting down for a good meal was exactly what we needed. It also gave us a chance to relax and take in the scenery before heading to the next winery.

Taking a small group tour made the whole experience super easy. We didn’t have to worry about figuring out directions or driving from place to place. We could enjoy the wine, chat with the other people on the tour, and let our guide take care of the schedule! The small group size does mean spots are limited, though, so if this tour is high on your list, we recommend booking well in advance.

If you like wine, good food, and getting out of the city for a day, this is a fun way to experience Vancouver Island. Come ready to taste, eat, and enjoy the ride!

Related Read: For more help planning the perfect Victoria trip, check out our detailed 3-day itinerary complete with tips and times!

Where to Stay in Victoria, BC

If Victoria has already won you over with its charm, history, and stunning green spaces (it’s not called the “Garden City” for nothing!), you’re going to want to spend some time here. While you could easily stay a week, even just a few days or a weekend will leave you enough time to check off some of the things we’ve mentioned above.

Victoria is most popular during the warm, summery months (think May to August), so if you’re planning on coming then, make sure to book a hotel well in advance. If you’re not sure where to book, check out our full guide on where to stay in Victoria or our top picks below!

Fairmont Empress Hotel – $$$

This hotel is so beautiful, we had to mention it twice! Coming here, it will be no surprise why staying at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of the top things to do in Victoria. It’s one of those grand railway hotels built across Canada that looks more like a castle than a hotel!

The rooms here are elegant and luxurious – you’ll see why this is where royalty stays when visiting Victoria. Grab afternoon tea, book a spa treatment, or just wander around the gardens. Staying here is an experience! Rooms here start around $350-400 CAD per night and you can check availability online here.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort – $$$

As soon as you see “resort” in the name, you know you’re in for a treat with this one! Enjoy a bit of luxury at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort located near the harbor. The view is spectacular here looking out onto the water during the day or seeing the lights of the parliament buildings at night.

Once you’re done exploring the city, come back to the hotel for a dip in the indoor pool or head out on the tennis courts. Rooms here are more around the $300 CAD range. Check out all the different rooms available and book your stay here.

The Embassy Inn – $$

Stay in the heart of Victoria’s harbor at The Embassy Inn. If you’re taking the ferry here, this hotel is so convenient with its location right near the docks. You can easily walk around to see the sights nearby and grab the included breakfast before you head out every morning. Rooms here are around $170 CAD and you can check availability and book on Booking.com.

Helm’s Inn – $

For a budget-friendly hotel with space to spare, Helm’s Inn has you covered. This all-suite hotel means you have plenty of space with kitchenettes so you can cook up a quick meal before heading out to explore. Some of the best sights are SO close with Beacon Hill Park across the street and the Legislature and Royal BC Museum only a stone’s throw away. Rooms here start at $140 CAD and can be booked online here.

For even more options, click here to browse all hotels in Victoria!

Related Read: Don’t see your perfect hotel? Check out our Victoria Hotel Guide for an in-depth look at the four best areas to stay and the hotels we love in each!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!

And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

Victoria, BC is one of those cities you’re going to want to visit more than once. The architecture, history, waterfront, and flowers upon flowers, make it a perfect place to get a mix of city and nature in the same place. There’s so much going on or it’s easy to find a spot to relax, I love that about Victoria. Hopefully, you are full of ideas for your own trip here!

Before you go, check out the rest of our Canada blogs! As locals, we have tons of resources to help you plan an epic trip, no matter where you go. Here are a few related blogs to get you started. Cheers!

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33 BEST Things to do on Vancouver Island

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