Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a superb metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Recognized for the abundance of out of doors 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 12 months and obtained 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 provide 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 received’t wrestle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider information, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that may enable you put collectively one of the best itinerary!
Greatest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Victoria BC is thought for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. The vast majority of the town’s finest sights are open air, making it a high vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the overwhelmed path.
However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally provides an infinite quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and a number of the finest 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 Seaside Resort
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. In fact, if it’s your first go to, you received’t be accustomed to the aim of a lot of these buildings, and also you may miss out on some gems which can be open for guests.
Prepare a guided tour with an area, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all one of the best spots within the metropolis but additionally be taught the historical past behind a few of its finest architectural gems. Most strolling excursions of Victoria cowl the town’s finest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Avenue and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally permit you to uncover the town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a couple of energy, and what higher method to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its finest eating places?
Sensible Info
Strolling excursions of Victoria often take 2-3 hours and value $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s finest and hottest museum. When you have time to go to just one museum or gallery whilst 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 be taught concerning the indigenous folks of British Columbia, in addition to concerning the state’s common historical past and the way it advanced over time. Youthful guests usually tend to benefit from the Pure Historical past gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of varied animals.
Plan to spend a minimum of a few hours at this museum, and that’s should you’re going to hurry via the place. For those who 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 Info
The Royal BC Museum is open every day from 10 AM to five PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12.
3. Tour The Incredible Craigdarroch Fortress
Craigdarroch Fortress is likely one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a very fashionable historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, through the late nineteenth century.
Go to the fort and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, lovely decorations, and beautiful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each in and out, and it’s among the best places for structure excursions in Victoria.
The fort is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike journey) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
Craigdarroch Fortress is open for excursions Wednesday via Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets could be purchased on-line or on the entrance.
4. Lease A Bicycle
Victoria BC is called Canada’s biking capital, and it’s probably the most bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and lots of lodging provide them to their friends.
Biking round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city shortly for little or no cash, but additionally an excellent method of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s often quicker than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fret about rush hour site visitors.
For those who’re in nice bodily situation, you may even have the ability to bike to sights far exterior 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 a minimum of.
Sensible Info
Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The common value is $40 per day, though you will get a greater fee whenever you lease a motorcycle for an extended interval.
5. Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is a superb mid-size gallery housed in two distinct areas. One a part of the gallery is in a brand new, trendy constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion.
Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of beautiful artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. The truth is, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that each one guests are inspired to see. It’s one among Victoria’s finest sights for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure.
Sensible Info
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and costs 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 arms down probably the most beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my whole life. For me, the buildings seem like they have been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria.
However they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings have been constructed in neo-Baroque model on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. All the park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a superb place the place you may get pleasure from a number of the finest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the totally different memorial statues. You’ll be able to even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It’s going to value you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
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 among the best 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 exterior the town middle.
That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has every part from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, normally, are recognized for improbable pure landmarks and out of doors actions.
Sensible Info
Beacon Hill Park is open every day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Stroll Via Historic Fan Tan Alley
Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It’s lined with eating places and boutique outlets on both facet, which supply some wonderful procuring and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover outlets that promote every part from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot you need to try should you’re on the lookout for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nevertheless, I’ll say that this expertise is totally skippable should you’re even a bit bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slender that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t at all times potential, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.
However should you can navigate the tight alley with out a sense of dread, it is going to be a high expertise. The purple and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered purple brick of the buildings. The doorway to the Chinese language Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is fascinating and price supporting.
Sensible Info
Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most outlets are closed till 5 p.m.
9. Go to Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a Nationwide Historic Website finest recognized for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park provides strolling trails with views of outdated navy constructions, but it surely’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that draws the majority of tourists 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 facet and the San Juan Islands on the opposite.
Sensible Info
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 a fantastic place to return for 360° panoramic views. You’ll be able to 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 high. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you may simply drive as much as the scenic level should you’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is likely one of the finest in Victoria BC and it stretches into america. Additionally, a number of mountaineering trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you can spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, and marveling on the good views. However should you’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the realm is freed from cost, and parking on the high 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 journey) from the town middle. It’s completely definitely 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 website and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that individuals truly lived on this improbable mansion? Even immediately, components of it are used as workplace house and to carry courses, 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 without cost all through the day.
Sensible Info
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 loosen up within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and luxuriate 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 stuffed with mountaineering and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a superb vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who need to discover past the town streets.
Sensible Info
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t any 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 essentially the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it you probably 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 outdated 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 should you’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes via city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You’ll be able to comply with your entire path on a motorcycle, or hike simply part of it. You’ll be able to even select to journey horses alongside the extra rural sections of the path, which is as a lot enjoyable because it sounds.
Sensible Info
The Galloping Goose Path is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is advisable just for skilled mountain bikers in wonderful bodily situations, because it takes roughly 5 hours to finish.
14. Stroll To The Breakwater Lighthouse
The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of an extended 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 interior harbor. The strolling path provides a superb view of the town’s marine site visitors, and it’s notably pleasurable on heat, sunny days.
The lighthouse on the finish of the pathway dates again to 1916, and it’s surprisingly large. It doesn’t look that large from the space, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its measurement.
One factor to notice is that it’s potential to stroll down the Breakwater and the Decrease Breakwater. I like to recommend you follow the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery.
Sensible Info
The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or night time, 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 superb 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 totally different timber and flowers.
You may tour the place shortly in beneath an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you cross via the entrance door. Additionally, I actually like that each one the animals listed below are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest surroundings.
One factor to notice is that it will get actually sizzling within the tropical jungle, so that you may have to take breaks should you keep there for some time. Ensure that to deliver a bottle of water to hydrate, and step exterior once in a while to chill down a bit.
Sensible Info
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance charge of $19.50 for adults. It’s open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM.
16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor
Haunted Manor mini golf is just not an exercise for everybody, so be happy to depart it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re more likely to get pleasure from. However should 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 provides an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a collection of (non) alcoholic drinks and traditional pub meals.
Sensible Info
Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Basic admission to the place is $24.95.
17. Really feel Stylish At Afternoon Tea
Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and immediately it’s acknowledged as essentially 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 proper afternoon exercise for vacationers who need to spend a day feeling fancy.
There are fairly a couple of totally 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 an enthralling Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a brief stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely acceptable for prime tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the best markings.
When you’re performed 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 big ships.
Sensible Info
The Pendray tea home is open every day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are advisable, and the typical value per particular person is $60-70. A vegan choice is obtainable.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is likely one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you can spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is likely one of the priciest sights in Victoria, BC, so that you may need to go away it off your itinerary should you’re on a tighter finances. With every 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 should you come within the low season, and actually, the place is so fantastic I’d say it’s definitely worth the cash. Come right here to see the infinite area of colourful flowers and luxuriate in presumably the best-scented a part of Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
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 provides presumably one of the best panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and properly definitely worth the journey should you’ve obtained entry to a automotive.
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 need to go away.
Sensible Info
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 Best Little Present on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re wanting on the reproduction 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 via the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive every part concerning the dioramas, and you can simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Info
Miniature World is open every day from 10 AM to six PM. The doorway charge is $19 for adults.
21. Odor The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard
Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is likely one of the finest near the town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike journey from the center of Victoria, it’s a superb various for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their method to see the Butchart Gardens.
It is a a lot smaller backyard, masking an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the vegetation and timber to develop to their present measurement. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the stunning backyard, adopted by the tea home and ponds. Afternoon tea on the Abkhazi Backyard is a superb concept, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical value vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations usually are not fairly as good.
Sensible Info
The Abkhazi Backyard is open every 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 loads cooler than it truly is.
It’s only a small boat that may match as much as 12 passengers. Whereas I really like that it’s rather more non-public than a traditional tour boat, I used to be completely dissatisfied to be taught that it isn’t 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 traditional strolling excursions.
Sensible Info
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Interior Harbour, and so they final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50.
23. Test Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Interior Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in brilliant colours, a number of of which function eating places or outlets. Simply remember that folks dwell in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you may usually spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and infrequently 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 teenagers.
Sensible Info
Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most outlets 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 Avenue Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes round 40 minutes to do your entire stroll in a single path, and there are many benches alongside the best way so you may sit down for breaks.
The walkway provides good views of Victoria Interior Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the best way. It’s additionally a fantastic path for joggers within the morning, however provided that you’re not simply distracted by the view.
Sensible Info
Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time without cost. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single path.
25. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Locals at all times know the place one of the best meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll turn into aware of that information should you be part of an area meals tour. These often embody journeys to the town’s finest 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 correct Victoria meals tour will embody rather more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. 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 Info
Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, often 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 need to have a minimum of two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally a fantastic incentive to reach on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight.
The museum exhibit spans three hangars stuffed with historic and trendy plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. For those who’re supplied a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to be taught a lot concerning the plane on show, and it’s loads higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself.
Sensible Info
The BC Aviation Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway charge is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each very fashionable actions in Victoria, BC, and the proper method to discover the town past its busy streets. Be a part of a guided kayaking tour or lease a canoe and take to the seas by yourself—no matter your choice is, it shouldn’t be an issue.
One factor I’ll say is that guided excursions are the best choice for folks with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here could be unpredictable, and should you’re not accustomed to the climate situations it may turn into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise.
The fantastic thing about these water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that might in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and luxuriate in a distinct perspective on Victoria’s Interior Harbor.
Sensible Info
A number of operates provide kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is likely 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 components 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 cause sufficient to contemplate touring to Victoria within the spring. All the neighborhood can be embellished with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can be recognized for one of the best Chinese language meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of outlets that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you may need to peruse them should you’re out there for distinctive souvenirs.
Sensible Info
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, normally, are a few of Canada’s finest 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 one of the best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However additionally they know to maintain their distance from the animals in order that they don’t disturb them of their every day routines.
This operator provides year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success fee of the excursions, you’re virtually assured to identify the majestic mammals.
Sensible Info
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 a fantastic place to go to should you don’t need to go to parks which can be farther exterior the town middle however nonetheless need to get pleasure from a brief mountaineering journey.
The character sanctuary encompasses 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 straightforward strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t must be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which can reward you with some lovely views of the lake and the encompassing forest.
Sensible Info
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 advised $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 finest 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 provides brief excursions of a surgeon’s home with interval furnishings.
Sensible Info
Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time.
32. Ziplining in The Forest
Thrill seekers received’t be let down by the collection of actions in Victoria. Only a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll discover Adrenaline Zip – an area firm that operates ziplining excursions within the rainforest.
One factor to notice is that that is alongside the best way should 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 journey.
Sensible Info
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 largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re a fantastic choice for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. For those who’re in Victoria for less than a day or two, driving the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all the town’s high landmarks in that point.
The fantastic thing about these buses is that you may get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You’ll be able to even keep seated on the bus your entire time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the totally different sights.
Sensible Info
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 a fantastic 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 likely one of the finest pubs within the metropolis. It provides a wide array of native and worldwide craft beer. They even provide tasting menus, so you may attempt half a dozen glasses.
The Whistle Buoy Brewing Firm within the Downtown is my best choice for an area brewery tour.
Sensible Info
Pubs in Victoria, BC, are often open till 11th of September PM and a bit longer on the weekends.
FAQ For Greatest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Is Victoria, BC, price visiting?
Sure, Victoria BC is price visiting. It’s a stunning 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. The town can be nicknamed the biking capital of Canada, because of 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 essentially 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 a lot of fascinating locations exterior the downtown which can be price visiting however not accessible on foot.
Suggestions And Info For Visiting Victoria BC
Greatest Time To Go to
The perfect time to go to Victoria will depend on what your priorities are. If you wish to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then you need to plan a visit in the summertime. However count on greater costs of inns 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 remember that the town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the best interval for out of doors actions.
What concerning the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there through the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to the town, but it surely has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, then again, is the second-busiest within the nation and likelihood is it is going to be your first cease in Canada.
From there you’ve obtained a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it potential to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You’ll be able to 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 components of Larger Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t must take care of rush hour site 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 gradual.
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 automotive 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 price it as a result of a lot of the finest sights within the metropolis are inside strolling distance of each other.
How A lot Time Do You Want
Victoria is a reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want a minimum of three days to discover the entire finest sights downtown and some well-known sights in Larger Victoria. I feel it’s potential to cowl one of the best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you’ll be in a little bit of a rush your entire time.
Vacationers who love being open air and exploring nature could have a good time in Victoria. For those who 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 one of the best landmarks and sights within the metropolis. Each areas provide all kinds of inns in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of fascinating vacationer sights. A few of the finest inns in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn provides finances lodging with a improbable location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is likely one of the finest inns in central Victoria, with pretty views of Victoria Interior Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seaside Resort 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. Take into account staying on the Oak Bay Seaside Resort should you’re planning a soothing trip in Victoria, BC.