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