21 Activities I Tell All My Friends to do in Victoria, BC, As a BC Local!

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Looking for a local’s guide on what to do in Victoria, BC? Then you’ve stumbled onto the right blog!

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 who are 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. In fact, I would recommend every activity on this list to my own friends and family, and I’ve curated it with that one rule in mind.

Because why waste your time on a huge list with mediocre activities?

Oh, and for many of these top attractions, I’ll be sharing the same advice I give my nearest and dearest when deciding if something is right for them. Trust me, I’m not going to let you waste a second or a dime!

1. Check out the Legislative Building

The Legislative Building is one of the most iconic buildings in Victoria and one of my favorite activities in the city. It was built in the 1890s and is located right in the heart of the city. You can go on a guided tour, explore by yourself, or simply stand outside and admire the place.

I always suggest my friends do the guided tour because I really enjoyed it. They’re available for free all year round. During the summer, tours are offered around five times per day, seven days per week. They run less frequently during the winter, but are still available most days.

The free tours last around 45 minutes, and the schedule for the following week is posted on the official website every Friday. We did the tour the last time we were in town and were very impressed. The guide was super informative and interesting to listen to as he guided us into various rooms in the building.

Alternatively, you can take a self-guided tour. Free tour books are available at the information desk, or you can download them before you go.

There’s plenty of street and paid parking available close to the Legislative Building, and lots of bike racks behind the East and West Annexes. You can also take a BC guided transit bus to Government Street if you don’t have your own wheels.

No matter how you choose to visit, be sure to check out the Legislative Building while you’re in town – it’s easily one of my favorite things to do in Victoria!

2. Eat at the Parliament Dining Room

Given how popular the Legislative Building is, you might be surprised that the Parliamentary Dining Room is a bit of a hidden gem that lots of visitors miss. However, it’s something I tell everyone I know to check out, and you might be surprised to learn why.

This is a cozy and charming restaurant where politicians regularly grab a quick bite, but it’s open to the public, too.

The restaurant is tucked away inside the basement of the Legislative Building. It offers not-for-profit fine dining, which is certainly not something that you come across every day! You can get a fine dining experience for $15-$20 CAD per person, which is insane value for money.

The menu is seasonal, so you can expect things like roasted lamb and wild salmon, depending on when you visit. We ordered two soups, seafood linguine, steak, and a pot of tea, and our bill came to a grand total of $40 CAD for both of us. We couldn’t believe it!

If you’re visiting Victoria, the Parliament Dining Room is a must. It’s a real “local secret”, which is precisely the kind of thing we love to discover when we’re traveling.

Although tourists often miss the dining room, the locals know what’s up, so it can get busy. As a result, it’s necessary to book a table in advance, which you can do on the restaurant’s website.

During the summer months, it can book up weeks in advance, so we highly recommend making a reservation (call ahead at 250-387-3959) the second you decide you’re going to visit Victoria, BC. You won’t regret it!

3. Visit the famous Butchart Gardens

No visit to Victoria is complete without checking out the Butchart Gardens. Seriously, even if my friends are not into gardens, I still tell them to visit!

There are 900 types of plants spread across different gardens, each with its own theme – it’s beautiful in every direction you look! Plus, it’s open all year long so you can enjoy it in any season!

You’ll feel the personal touches around this huge garden as it’s still owned by the family who originally created this space more than 100 years ago! It started after Jennie Butchart transformed a former limestone quarry into a sunken garden. Then as her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren took over, additional gardens were added (like a stunning rose garden) and special features like outdoor concerts and a carousel.

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here as you explore all the gardens and walk the paths to see ponds, fountains, and flowers galore. It’s a must-visit on every Vancouver Island itinerary!

You can also have afternoon tea in the restaurant housed in the original Butchart residence or pick up some gelato from the Gelateria, which has 18 flavors that change throughout the year.

If you’re here in the summer, there are evening concerts throughout July and August that are included with your admission to the garden. Or come during the Christmas season when the gardens are decked out with colorful light displays around a “12 Days of Christmas” theme.

You can purchase tickets online or when you arrive. It’s a bit pricey, but these gardens are totally worth seeing and one of the most popular attractions in the city! The ticket prices vary depending on the season, ranging from $27-$41 CAD. Children are only $3-$5 CAD, so it’s a great family activity!

You can visit on your own or as part of one of these amazing tours to Butchart Gardens from Victoria. If you just need a ride though, this handy express shuttle to the gardens is a popular choice. You’ll have roundtrip transportation taken care of for only $50 CAD and it leaves from downtown Victoria. This is one of the most convenient ways to get to the Butchart Gardens, and with hundreds of 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones who appreciate this service!

Dates are limited – book your shuttle to the Butchart Gardens from Victoria before it fills up here.

For more of a VIP Victoria experience, this half-day tour gets you a tour guide and driver. You’ll have 2.5 hours to stroll through Butchart Gardens before driving around to see the city’s best sights. While a more “luxury” option, it’s actually really affordable since it’s $131 CAD, which INCLUDES your entrance fee to the gardens (something a lot of tours don’t cover) and all your transport.

This is a great way to learn about the gardens, and Victoria itself! It’s also a good option if you’re tight on time, as your driver will be there waiting for you from start to finish.

Check availability and book this tour to the Butchart Gardens here!

So, should you do a tour? In my opinion, the gardens are fun to explore on your own which is why I like the shuttle and tour option above. The real advantage of the shuttle or the tour is having transport taken care of since it’s a bit outside the city and then exploring the gardens on your own time.

4. Go whale watching

For many, including me, seeing orcas in the wild is a bucket list experience. Getting a glimpse of these magnificent creatures will truly be a highlight of your trip to the city! What’s great is that you will often see much more than whales too. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of sea lions, elephant seals, or different types of whales like the humpback and minke.

The best way to go whale watching from Victoria is on a guided boat tour. You’ll have a knowledgeable guide to help you find whales and fill you in on facts about these amazing creatures along the way. We always see kids on these tours too, and little ones love helping spot wildlife!

Peak season for whale watching is typically between April-November with a 95% success rate of whale sightings. Even outside of peak season, the success rate is still high at 79%.

Rest assured that all these tours include a guarantee of seeing whales and will offer you another tour completely free if you happen to not see any.

With so many tours to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to our top three!

Traditional boat tour:

This half-day whale watching adventure takes you through the Strait of Juan de Fuca as you look for orcas and humpback whales. The boat is “semi-covered” so you have the option to get out on the open sun decks or stay warm and dry in the heated indoor cabin.

The marine naturalists on board are so good at explaining what you’re seeing and keeping you entertained on the search for whales. Plus, if you don’t see any whales, you get to come back on another tour for free.

One of our favorite parts of this tour is the complimentary photo package that comes along with the $211 CAD tour cost. It includes photos of whatever whales you spot along with photos of you with your family. Such a nice keepsake!

This tour is great for couples and families and typically leaves around 12 pm, so it’s a nice thing to fit into your day while you’re exploring Victoria.

Check out this tour’s 1,700+ 5-star reviews and book your spot here!

Zodiac boat tour:

An adventurous choice for our fellow adrenaline junkies, or those that want a closer look at marine life, this zodiac boat tour is one that will knock your socks off! The water is quite chilly even in the summer months, so be sure to dress warmly (and possibly wear another pair of socks).  

This is a smaller speedboat that only holds 12 passengers and your guide. Keep in mind that because the boat is smaller, it will be a much more exhilarating experience and you’re out in the open in this one … so prepare to get wet! Luckily the tour offers an “all-weather floatation suit” that while not very fashionable, definitely helps keep you dry.

You can grab your spot on the zodiac boat for $215 CAD. Because this tour is a more intense option, it’s not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or those with health conditions. 

Book this thrilling zodiac whale watching tour in advance with FREE cancellation options!

Sunset boat tour:

This sunset whale watching tour is the perfect way to end an evening or a great romantic idea for a honeymoon or anniversary. It’s also one of the very best whale watching experiences on all of Vancouver Island!

You’ll leave from the dock in downtown Victoria to enjoy the sunset aboard a catamaran while looking for whales. There are three different viewing decks to watch for whales and enjoy watching the golden colors of sunset over the Salish Sea. The $200 CAD tour also includes a free photo package and a whale sighting guarantee.

This larger boat lets you stay dry and cozy inside with lots of windows or venture out onto the deck if you choose. The catamaran gives you a 360-degree view of the beautiful sights and coffee, tea, and restrooms are offered on board. This is perhaps one of my favorite whale watching experiences, there’s something so charming about a catamaran at sunset, and the whales are just the cherry on top.

Check availability and book my favorite sunset whale watching tour here.

6. Watch the free Steamship Water Ballet performance

The Steamship Water Ballet performance is a super fun experience that will leave you with a huge smile on your face – and it’s free!

So, you’ve probably heard of synchronized swimming. This is the same thing – except that it’s performed with yellow steamship boats rather than people. 

At 10:45 am every Sunday morning (more frequent shows take place in the summer months), the captains of these boats perform a highly choreographed routine set to music, and it’s quite something to behold.

This all started back in 1990 when harbor ferries first came to Victoria. The local skippers were amazed at how maneuverable the boats were. They decided to amuse themselves by creating a little water ballet routine, and it quickly became a lighthearted local tradition.

The performance lasts about 10 minutes, and it’s really funny to watch. When we went, everyone in the crowd had huge smiles on their faces. You can even meet and greet the captains after the performance.

This is precisely the kind of quirky and unique attraction that makes Victoria such an awesome city to visit.

Related Read: If you don’t have long in the city, check out our ideal 1-day Victoria itinerary!

7. Visit the Royal BC Museum

Located near the historic James Bay, this scenic and absolutely stunning Royal BC Museum is just $29.95 CAD for adults with discounts for children and seniors.

You’ll get to observe the BC archives, immerse yourself in the lives of Indigenous people with thousands of photographs and objects showcasing the many First Nations cultures in BC, admire the detailed natural history exhibit, and so much more.

Be sure to regularly check out the current exhibitions page, as new displays get put up monthly! I highly recommend setting aside a morning or afternoon to look around, as it will easily take 3-4 hours or more to fully appreciate it. And don’t bother bringing your own lunch! The museum has a lovely outdoor dining area complete with food trucks for a little pick-me-up.  

For movie lovers, the museum features an IMAX Theater with a variety of popular movies or educational classics – everything is pretty spectacular on the big screen! Tickets start at $12 CAD and make a great option for kids. Fun fact: the Royal BC IMAX Theater is the largest screen in British Columbia! 

You can arrive by bicycle or public transport or opt to find street parking. There are also plenty of accessibility features, but we recommend speaking to a staff member if you need special assistance. 

8. Go on a wine tour

Enjoy the finer things of life with an escape to a winery just outside the city. You don’t have to go far – only 15 minutes from downtown Victoria, on the Saanich Peninsula, you will encounter the mildest temperatures and lush valleys that produce award-winning wines.  

Church and State Winery is on the way to Butchart Gardens, so you know it’s going to be a scenic spot! You can create your own wine tasting here for only $10-$20 CAD by trying a flight of some of the wines they carry. We ordered a sampling of 5 different wines and sipped them while taking in the stunning views of the vineyard and mountains.

For another great stop in wine country, Unsworth Vineyards has an award-winning winery and a cute restaurant in a restored farmhouse from the 1900s. They have a beautiful patio to enjoy wine tastings on and the pizza and clam chowder at the restaurant are popular picks if you’re hungry!

For a personalized experience (with a built-in designated driver), this private winery tour is the way to go. You can customize your tour to visit different vineyards, distilleries, cider-house farms, and craft breweries. It definitely feels a bit like you’re a celebrity as you’re chauffeured around! The tour price varies depending on the stops you choose and group size.

This is our top pick if you’re traveling with a group of friends! All of your tastings, lunch, and transportation in a Tesla are included in this tour.

Check availability and secure your private wine-tasting experience here!

For a more budget-friendly option, join this small group wine tour around the Cowichan Valley outside of Victoria (on the way towards Duncan). The tour stops at several family-owned wineries where you’ll sample some of the best wines they have to offer. You’ll also get a yummy farm-to-table lunch along the way. All the tastings and transportation from Victoria are included in the $159 CAD cost, but if you decide to purchase a bottle (or two!), that’s on you.

Book this small group wine tour in advance with FREE cancellation!

9. HCP Gardens and Charlotte & the Quail Cafe

While exploring Victoria, we’ve got a great money-saving tip for you. 

The Butchart Gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Canada, but the entrance fee (which is over $30 CAD) is pretty steep. If you don’t want to pay this, you can still enjoy some beautiful city gardens for a fraction of the price by visiting the HCP Gardens.

The HPC (Horticulture Centre of the Pacific) is a non-profit educational organization, and its gardens are open to the public every day. They’re smaller than the Butchart Gardens but just as beautiful, and significantly cheaper to visit at $16 CAD per adult.

Better still, if you visit the onsite cafe, which is called Charlotte & the Quail, you’ll get 50% off of your admission fee – and trust us, it would still be worth visiting the cafe even if that wasn’t the case. 

The food is fresh, and locally made and it tastes even better when you eat it out on the patio while enjoying the surrounding view of the gardens. Everything comes with a flower garnish taken straight from the garden, which we thought was a really nice touch, even if it did mean that our food was almost too pretty to eat! 

10. Explore castles

Yup, there are castles in Canada! There are two castles that you can visit in Victoria, and we had a great time exploring them both.

Craigdarroch Castle

The first is Craigdarroch Castle, which is a beautiful Scottish Baronial mansion that was built in the late 1800s. It’s located on a hill in the city center and offers stunning views over Victoria.

When it was built, Craigdarroch Castle was known as a “bonanza castle”, which was a term for sprawling homes that wealthy industrialists built with their newfound wealth during the Victorian era. It was sort of like an 1800s version of a McMansion, only with much more interesting architecture.

The castle was designed by Scottish architect Robert Dunsmuir, who made his fortune in coal mining. He wanted to create a lavish home for his family that would rival the grandest mansions in England. Basically, the castle was built to prove to everyone that Dunsmuir was the richest man in Canada. However, in a cruel twist of fate, he actually died before it was finished.

You can either visit Craigdarroch Castle on a guided or self-guided tour. Self-guided tours are $22.50 CAD and are available from 10 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday, and they last for around an hour.

You can also visit Craigdarroch Castle as part of a guided tour. For $75 CAD, this bike tour starts at Huntingdon Manor and then takes you to the Legislative Building, Craigdarroch Castle, and Beacon Hill Park. It’s a great way to see some of Victoria’s top sights in one fell swoop, all while getting some exercise. They provide your bike, helmet, and local guide to show you around for 2.5 hours – I think it’s the most fun way to see Victoria!

Book your bike tour with FREE cancellation options here!

Hatley Castle

The other castle that you can visit in the city is the stunning Hatley Castle. It was actually built by James Dunsmuir, the son of Robert Dunsmuir, who built Craigdarroch Castle. That family really made their mark on the city! 

The castle was intended as a retirement home for James and his wife, Laura, to be a symbol of the family’s immense wealth – James was very much his father’s son. In fact, legend has it that Dunsmuir Jr. told the lead architect “it doesn’t matter what it costs, just build me what I want.”

Hatley Castle is located around 30 minutes outside of downtown Victoria, but it’s definitely worth the trip. You can’t actually go inside the castle, but exploring the outside is cool – especially if you’re an X-Men fan since it was used as a filming location for the movies!

11. Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park lies only 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Victoria. This beautiful park is home to waterfalls, old-growth forests, and a huge variety of wildlife. I always tell people who visit me in Vancouver to check it out on a trip to Victoria – it’s just so beautiful and so close to the city!

Between October and December, you can spot Chum salmon as they return to the Goldstream River to spawn. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles during the winter too – there’s a good chance you’ll see one or two swooping down to catch the salmon.

If you visit during the summer, we definitely recommend bringing your swimwear and taking a dip in the Goldstream Falls. These gorgeous waterfalls are the perfect spot to cool down on a hot day and really soak in the natural beauty of the area.

There are several other waterfalls in the park – in fact, there’s even a Niagara Falls! But don’t get confused, this waterfall is only a fraction of the size of the real Niagara Falls. However, it’s really pretty and still worth seeing if you’ve got the time.

Goldstream National Park also has many hiking trails to explore. You’ll pass by 600-year-old Douglas fir trees venturing through forests on a series of paths. What’s great is that there are accessible pathways good for strollers or wheelchairs as well as more challenging hikes where you’ll pass by abandoned gold digging sites from the Gold Rush.

If you’re a camping enthusiast, you can stay overnight in the park’s campground which, again, we highly recommend. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis so it’s best to get there during the week, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (between May and September).

12. Take a scenic flight

One of the best ways to see Vancouver Island is undoubtedly from the sky! You have the opportunity to witness panoramic views of the city and its coastline, all from the comfort of a small seaplane. We LOVED our Victoria seaplane flight to get a new perspective on the city.

We went on this Victoria Seaplane Tour that lasts around 20 minutes and prices start at $175 CAD. The meeting point is conveniently located at the Victoria Harbour Airport, where we met our pilot and hopped aboard. Taking off and landing on the water was definitely a highlight for us, you never get used to landing on the water!

Although short, we got the best views of Victoria and learned a ton of information from our pilot. He deserves a shoutout for making this experience even better!

Check availability and book the same seaplane flight we went on here!

You can even take this one-way seaplane flight as one of the options to get from Vancouver to Victoria so you get a great view and a change of locations all in one! You’ll see fantastic scenery including Stanley Park, the Gulf Islands, and British Columbia’s parliament buildings. It’s the perfect way to both bid farewell to Vancouver and say hello to Victoria. This flight starts at $323 CAD.

If you have a slightly larger budget for your trip, the Butchart Gardens Experience is definitely worth treating yourself to. Start your evening with an incredible seaplane flight from Vancouver, where you can spend hours exploring the stunning Butchart Gardens and wandering around Victoria. Prices for this experience start at $731 CAD.

Book this Vancouver to Victoria one-way flight here or your flight with the Butchart Gardens experience here!

13. Explore Chinatown and Fantan Alley

Dating back over 150 years, Victoria is home to the second oldest Chinatown in North America – only San Francisco’s Chinatown is older.

The gold and railway industries brought in tens of thousands of Asian immigrants in the mid-1800s. This sudden increase in Chinese immigration created what is now known as Victoria’s Chinatown. Prior to the boom of Vancouver in the 1880s, this Chinatown was the biggest city in BC.

Beginning at Fisgard Street, you will see the entrance of Chinatown proudly marked with the beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest, a decorated archway. Victoria’s Chinatown features an authentic Chinese architecture style that beautifully accents the tree-lined streets. It’s a great place to grab some bubble tea and do some people-watching.

Be sure to walk through Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada which is only 6 feet wide. Once an underground area for drugs and gambling, it is now home to different little shops. It kind of has a Harry Potter feel to it! Make sure to stop into The Turntable to check out some great vintage vinyl. We also like Just Matcha Tea Shop – the only Matcha shop in Canada. Try the matcha tea with caramel – yum!

While you are wandering down Fan Tan Alley, pop into the Chinese Canadian Museum. It’s completely free to wander around. The museum honors Chinese Canadian history with a variety of rotating exhibits. It’s open Thursday to Monday from 11 am to 5 pm.

If you’re hungry, restaurants serving authentic Chinese food line the streets and alleys of Chinatown. Trying dim sum at either Don Mee or Golden City Restaurant will have you eating a variety of different popular Chinese food. One of my favorite restaurants in Chinatown is Bao on Fisgard Street. Make sure to try their Vietnamese coffee too!

14. 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.

Our guide to visiting the Malahat Skywalk has lots of tips for visiting! It’s about a 35-minute drive north of the city along the Malahat Highway. If you don’t have your own car, 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 via the official website, and you can use them anytime for up to a year after the date of purchase. It’s $38 CAD for an adult ticket and $24 CAD for an under-18 ticket and children under 5 can enter for free. There’s also a $99 CAD family pass for two adults and two kids, which could be a budget-friendly option if you’re visiting as a family.

We’ve saved our favorite detail about the skywalk until last: the HUGE slide!

Once you’ve soaked up the views, you can take a ride all the way back down to the ground on a 20-meter (65-foot) spiral slide. You’ll feel like a big kid as you whiz down – honestly, the slide alone is worth the entry fee.

15. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf was originally built after the Second World War as a place for commercial fishermen to unload their catch. Since then, it has evolved into a bustling hub of activity with food kiosks, a playground for the kids, and of course, plenty of working fish boats around.

In the wharf’s commercial plaza, you’ll find lots of charming restaurants, cafes, and shops. Meanwhile, at the eastern end, you’ll see colorful floating houses where people live year-round. It’s even possible to stay at a float home B&B!

The highlight of the wharf for us, though, was seeing the adorable resident seals frolic around.

Fisherman’s Wharf is located about a 15-minute walk from Victoria’s Inner Harbor or 30 minutes from downtown.

You can also catch a water taxi to the wharf from a variety of stops around Victoria. Each stop has a QR code that you scan to summon a boat, which is super handy. A one-way ticket costs $15 CAD.

16. Visit Beacon Hill Park

If you are looking for things to do for free, Beacon Hill Park is a great option. With its 200 acres of green spaces and footpaths, the park is the perfect place to escape the city without leaving.

In this park, there is something for everyone – you can enjoy your favorite sports (be it baseball, cricket, or tennis) on any one of the many courts built in the park or walk along the beautiful flower gardens and admire the local flora and fauna.

You can’t miss seeing the Story Pole. It’s SO tall, you’ll likely spot it – even from a distance. This totem pole towers over the park at an impressive 127 feet (38.5 meters). It was put up in the 1950s and is the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole. It has beautiful carvings on it, and if you stand right next to it, you will barely be able to see the top!

Inside the park, you can also admire the well-known Moss Lady, a statue depicting a lady sleeping on the ground with flowers and moss growing around her. Although this statue is relatively large – about 11 meters (36 feet) long, it blends in so well with the surroundings – the perfect combination of art and nature.

For kids, a stop at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is a local favorite. The goats are the stars of the show here! There’s a pen full of goats you can visit including some cute babies. If you can, catch the “running of the goats” which is basically an adorable stampede at 10:10 am or 4:10 pm daily. Admission is by donation with a suggested amount of $5 CAD per person.

17. Go on a sightseeing tour

A sightseeing tour will let you get acquainted with Victoria and help you see as much as possible if you’re short on time. But even if you have plenty of time to spend in the city, a sightseeing tour can still be a great option!

There are lots of different companies offering tours, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and preferred style.

This hop-on, hop-off bus tour lets you take things at your own pace, and you get to pick and choose what you want to see and do. Plus, the view is great from the top of these double-decker buses!

If you want someone else to do the planning for you, this guided food and history tour is your best bet! It will take you to some of Victoria’s top attractions, such as the BC Parliament Buildings, Trounce Alley, and Market Square. All of these highlights will be ticked off in between tasting sessions where you can discover excellent local specialties, from craft beer to tapas. You can choose a morning or afternoon tour for $100 CAD.

This is one of Victoria’s highest-rated tours, with over 1,500 glowing reviews – check them out here!

Dates are limited – book this food and history tour before it sells out here.

If you’re short on time, taking a walking tour through Victoria is a great way to see some of the sights and scout out places you want to come back to. We really liked this historical walking tour led by a local historian. We strolled through quaint neighborhoods and found out all the little stories you won’t find in the guidebooks! This is also a super affordable tour at only $22 CAD.

Don’t miss out on our favorite walking tour in Victoria, book it in advance here.

18. Head up Mount Douglas for sunset

Mount Douglas (or Mount Doug, as the locals affectionately call it) is the best spot in Victoria for enjoying the sunset. At 225 meters (738 feet) above sea level, it offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, coastline, and mountains.

To get to the top of Mount Douglas, you have two choices: you can either drive almost to the top and then walk 2 minutes to the summit, or you can tackle one of the many hiking trails.

If you choose to drive, bear in mind that it’s a pretty steep road so make sure your car can handle it. Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive well before the sun starts to set, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. Alternatively, you can go during the week when it’s likely to be quieter.

If you opt for a hike, there are several different trails to choose from. One of the most popular is the Irvine Trail, which is a 4.5-km (2.8-mile) trail. There are a few challenging sections, but it’s not too strenuous and the views from the top are worth it. It should take you around 90 minutes to reach the top of Mount Doug, so leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the sunset.

Related Read: For more amazing hikes, head on a road trip to nearby Nanaimo, BC and explore the activities there including hiking trails!

19. Walk the Breakwater

Ogden Point Breakwater is a 1.6-kilometer (1 mile) long pier that juts out into the water from downtown Victoria. It’s a popular spot for strolling and watching the harbor traffic, and it’s dog-friendly, which is great news if you’re traveling with a furry friend (or just want to pet other people’s dogs).

The walk is even better if you do it at sunset, which is what we did. We grabbed takeout from the Breakwater Bistro (which serves pretty great burgers, just FYI) and then went and ate it on the benches by the water. Then, we walked off our dinner by strolling along the breakwater as the sun slowly set.

There’s plenty of parking nearby if you want to drive to Ogden Point Breakwater, or you can take bus #31 from Douglas Street downtown.

20. Enjoy the local cafes and brunch!

Victoria is full of amazing brunch spots. You’ll never run out of new cafes to explore in this city, but we did pick out some firm favorites during our time there.

Jam Cafe on Herald Street captured our hearts in no time. From Fat Elvis waffles – which are every bit as decadent as they sound – to chicken French toast, this is the place to go when you really want to indulge. It’s also got rustic, cozy decor that makes you feel right at home.

We also loved Shine Cafe, which has appeared multiple times on the Canada Food Network. Everything here is fresh, delicious, locally sourced, and it’s always plated to perfection, which is great news for your Instagram feed.

Last but not least, we absolutely loved John’s Place, which has been around for over 40 years. John’s Place is unpretentious with super friendly staff and awesome comfort food. The menu is extensive, to put it mildly, but everything is made from scratch. This homestyle spot will definitely put a smile on your face.

21. Wander Government Street

Admiring Government Street’s many historical buildings is certainly an enjoyable way to pass the time, and no trip would be complete without eating and drinking in the street’s old pubs.

The Irish Times Pub is one of the best pubs in the whole of Victoria, BC – in fact, it was even named the best Irish pub in North America! The building dates back to 1897 and was originally a bank, but it’s been serving pints since 2004. There’s live music every day and a happy hour from 3-5 pm, and if you’re feeling peckish, we highly recommend the stew!

Other great pubs on Government Street include Bard and Banker, which is said to be the oldest pub in the whole of British Columbia, and Garrick’s Head Pub in Bastion Square.

Government Street is also home to lots of old-timey stores, which are fun to explore – especially the chocolate and cigar shops! Ambling around here will really take you back in time.

Where to Stay in Victoria, BC

If Victoria has already won you over with its charm, history, and stunning greenspaces (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! 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 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.

Ocean Island Backpackers – $

Ocean Island Backpackers Inn is a budget hostel located in downtown Victoria, close to lots of bars and restaurants and within walking distance of the harbor. The best part is that breakfast, dinner, and one free drink every night at the pub downstairs are included in your stay!

It’s perfect if you’re backpacking across BC on a budget – a bunk here is around $44 CAD. Private rooms are also available (more around $130 CAD) if sharing isn’t your thing. Book a stay on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.

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

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!

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!

No matter how you’re planning on exploring Canada, we’ve got you covered! Make sure to check out our road trip blogs for some of the best routes and stops along the way. Then, come back after your travels and leave us a comment about your favorite spots in Victoria or all of BC!

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