Set on the finish of the largely wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a superb metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Identified for the abundance of out of doors actions and gorgeous 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 bought to discover all the good 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 received’t battle 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 can make it easier to put collectively the perfect itinerary!
Greatest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Victoria BC is understood for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. The vast majority of town’s greatest points of interest are outside, making it a high 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 a number of 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 Seashore Lodge
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 gorgeous buildings. After all, if it’s your first go to, you received’t be acquainted with the aim of a lot of these buildings, and also you would possibly 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 perfect 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 town’s greatest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Avenue and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally can help you uncover town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a couple of energy, and what higher technique to make up for them than to bask in Victoria’s specialties in its greatest eating places?
Sensible Data
Strolling excursions of Victoria normally take 2-3 hours and value $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s greatest and hottest museum. If in case 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 Changing into BC.
Come right here to study concerning the indigenous individuals of British Columbia, in addition to concerning the state’s normal 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 no less than a few hours at this museum, and that’s should you’re going to hurry via the place. In the event you take your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Additionally, I need to point out that the museum has a pleasant IMAX theater, the place you possibly can attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies.
Sensible Data
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 Implausible 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, in the course of the late nineteenth century.
Go to the citadel and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, stunning decorations, and wonderful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each inside and outside, and it’s among the finest areas for structure excursions in Victoria.
The citadel is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike journey) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Data
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. Hire 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 visitors.
Biking round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city rapidly for little or no cash, but in addition a brilliant means of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s normally quicker than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fret about rush hour site visitors.
In the event you’re in nice bodily situation, you would possibly even be capable to bike to points of interest far outdoors 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, contemplate 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 common value is $40 per day, though you may get a greater price once you hire 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 attractive artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. In truth, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that every one guests are inspired to see. It’s considered one of Victoria’s greatest points of interest 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 price. Nonetheless, 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 one of the crucial gorgeous authorities buildings I’ve seen in my complete life. For me, the buildings appear to be 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. The complete park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a wonderful place the place you possibly can take pleasure in a number of the greatest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the totally different memorial statues. You possibly can even be a part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It is going to price 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 among the finest 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 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, typically, are identified for unbelievable pure landmarks and outside actions.
Sensible Data
Beacon Hill Park is open every day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Stroll By way 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 facet, which provide some wonderful purchasing 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 undoubtedly a spot it’s best to try should you’re searching for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nonetheless, I’ll say that this expertise is solely skippable should you’re even a bit bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t all the time attainable, 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 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 identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park presents strolling trails with views of previous army buildings, nevertheless it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that pulls the majority of holiday makers to the location.
Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise unbelievable 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 Data
Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission price of $9.
10. Hike To The High of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and an incredible place to come back 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 high. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you possibly can 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 greatest in Victoria BC and it stretches into america. Additionally, a number of mountaineering trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you may 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 Data
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 also 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 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 citadel 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 unbelievable mansion? Even right this moment, components of it are used as workplace area and to carry lessons, so you possibly can’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 spending a dime 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 identified 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 luxuriate in some unbelievable panoramic views.
It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and a very good place to come back if you wish to escape the crowds of the city jungle. Pack a meals basket and convey a blanket so you possibly can arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day stuffed with mountaineering and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a good vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who need to discover past town streets.
Sensible Data
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t any admission price, however there’s a parking price 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 when you’ve got zero curiosity in driving a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But when that sounds enjoyable, the Galloping Goose Path would possibly 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 possibly can 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 possibly can comply with your entire path on a motorcycle, or hike simply part of it. You possibly can even select to journey 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 really helpful 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 a protracted pedestrian pathway that extends into the ocean. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get a great view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s inside harbor. The strolling path presents a great view of 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 huge. It doesn’t look that huge 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 attainable 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 Data
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 town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a good place to come back 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 can tour the place rapidly 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 every one the animals listed below 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 would possibly must take breaks should you keep there for some time. Make sure that to carry 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 price 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 will not be an exercise for everybody, so be happy to depart it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re more likely to take pleasure in. However should you like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable means 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. Basic admission to the place is $24.95.
17. Really feel Elegant At Afternoon Tea
Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and right this moment it’s acknowledged as essentially the most British metropolis in Canada. So, it’s not too shocking that many fashionable British traditions have survived within the metropolis. A type 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 a captivating Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a quick 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 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 every day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are really helpful, and the common price per individual 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 likely 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 across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is likely one of the priciest points of interest in Victoria, BC, so that you would possibly 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 take pleasure in.
However you may 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 countless subject of colourful flowers and luxuriate 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 price 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 perfect panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and properly definitely worth the journey should you’ve bought entry to a automobile.
Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the midst of the forest. From the highest, you possibly can 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 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 areas and is nicknamed The Best Little Present on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re trying 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 all the things concerning the dioramas, and you may simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Data
Miniature World is open every day from 10 AM to six PM. The doorway price is $19 for adults.
21. Scent The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard
Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is likely one of the greatest near town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike journey from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful different for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their technique 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 crops and timber to develop to their present measurement. 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 should not fairly as good.
Sensible Data
The Abkhazi Backyard is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission price for adults is $10.
22. Go For A Trip 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 truly is.
It’s only a small boat that may match as much as 12 passengers. Whereas I like that it’s way more personal than a basic tour boat, I used to be completely upset to study 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 typically go all the best way as much as Burnside. It’s an effective way of exploring much more of this glorious metropolis and seeing the areas that aren’t fairly as handy to succeed in on basic strolling excursions.
Sensible Data
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Internal 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 essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Internal Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in vibrant colours, a number of of which function eating places or retailers. Simply understand that individuals stay in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you possibly can typically spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and infrequently have interaction 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 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 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 possibly can sit down for breaks.
The walkway presents good views of Victoria Internal Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the best way. It’s additionally an incredible 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 without spending a dime. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single path.
25. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Locals all the time know the place the perfect meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll develop into aware about that information should you be a part of a neighborhood meals tour. These normally embody journeys to town’s greatest landmarks and loads of stops in fashionable 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 way more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. In any case, it’s 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 it’s best to have no less than two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally an incredible 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. In the event you’re supplied 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 every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway price is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each very fashionable actions in Victoria, BC, and the proper technique to discover town past its busy streets. Be a 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 could be unpredictable, and should you’re not acquainted with the climate situations it might develop into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise.
The great 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 luxuriate in a unique perspective on Victoria’s Internal Harbor.
Sensible Data
A number of operates supply kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is likely one of the hottest.
28. See the Sakura Timber in Chinatown
I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends means 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 straightforward to search out. Sakura timber line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re cause sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. The complete neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be identified for the perfect Chinese language meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of retailers that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you would possibly need to peruse them should you’re available in the market 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, typically, 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 perfect spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However in addition they know to maintain their distance from the animals so that they don’t disturb them of their every day routines.
This operator presents year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success price 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 incredible place to go to should you don’t need to go to parks which might be farther outdoors town middle however nonetheless need to take pleasure in 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 should be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which is able to 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 price to the Nature Home museum is a urged $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 identified 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 understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence presents quick 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 received’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 should you embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. The complete journey takes about two hours, and it contains 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV journey.
Sensible Data
The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.
33. Trip 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 an incredible choice for vacationers who’re on the town for a really quick time. In the event you’re in Victoria for less than a day or two, driving the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all town’s high landmarks in that point.
The great thing about these buses is that you would be able to get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You possibly can 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 points of interest.
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, town is really an incredible spot for beer lovers. A great deal of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you may even tour breweries to attempt the drink proper on the supply.
The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is likely 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 possibly can 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 September 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 gorgeous Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space.
What’s Victoria BC well-known for?
Victoria BC is understood for a lot of botanical gardens and beautiful Victorian mansions. Town can also 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. Nonetheless, there are lots of fascinating 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 is dependent upon what your priorities are. If you wish to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then it’s best to plan a visit in the summertime. However count on increased costs of resorts and huge crowds of vacationers.
If, alternatively, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher lodge offers, journey to Victoria in April-Might or September-October. Simply understand that 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 town, nevertheless it has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, alternatively, is the second-busiest within the nation and chances are high it is going to be your first cease in Canada.
From there you’ve bought a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it attainable to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You possibly can even take a bus from the airport to town, which takes about 4 hours to succeed in the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing.
Getting Round
Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you may go to most points of interest within the historic a part of town on foot. Biking is an effective way of getting across the metropolis as a result of you may get to the extra distant components of Larger Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t should take care of rush hour site visitors as a lot.
Bike leases can be found all through town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. As a result of 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 usually fairly sluggish.
Uber and taxis are an alternative choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest means of getting round Victoria. As for automobile rental, I feel it is smart 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 many of the greatest points of interest 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 all the greatest points of interest downtown and some well-known sights in Larger Victoria. I feel it’s attainable to cowl the perfect 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 outside and exploring nature may have a good time in Victoria. In the event you can swing 5 days right here, you possibly can have sufficient time to discover a great 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 perfect landmarks and points of interest within the metropolis. Each areas supply all kinds of resorts in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of fascinating vacationer points of interest. Among the greatest resorts in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn presents finances lodging with a unbelievable location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is likely one of the greatest resorts in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Internal Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seashore Lodge is a five-star lodge with an oceanfront location. It has a unbelievable spa middle and huge rooms, however it’s fairly removed from town middle. Think about staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Lodge should you’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.