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 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 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 supply one thing to everybody as a result of it has all of it, from wonderful artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and climbing trails.
Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or per week, you gained’t battle 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 can aid 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. The vast majority of the town’s greatest sights are open air, making it a high vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the crushed path.
However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally gives 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 Fort, 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-Strive 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 gained’t be acquainted with the aim of lots of these buildings, and also you may miss out on some gems which are open for guests.
Prepare a guided tour with an area, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all the very best spots within the metropolis but additionally be taught 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 Avenue and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally help you uncover the town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a number of energy, and what higher strategy to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its greatest eating places?
Sensible Data
Strolling excursions of Victoria often 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 predominant 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 normal historical past and the way it developed 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 in the event you’re going to hurry by 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 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 Implausible Craigdarroch Fort
Craigdarroch Fort is among 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, stunning decorations, and wonderful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each inside and outside, and it’s among the best areas for structure excursions in Victoria.
The fort is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike experience) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Data
Craigdarroch Fort is open for excursions Wednesday by Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets will 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 plenty of lodging supply them to their company.
Biking round Victoria isn’t just 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 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 way in which. And if spending a number of hours on a bicycle isn’t all that interesting, think about it for a fast tour of Downtown Victoria a minimum of.
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 charge while you lease a motorcycle for an extended interval.
5. Artwork Gallery of Better Victoria
The Artwork Gallery of Better 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. In actual fact, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that each one guests are inspired to see. It’s one among Victoria’s greatest sights for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure.
Sensible Data
The Artwork Gallery of Better Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and expenses a $15 entrance payment. 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 fingers down one of the crucial gorgeous authorities buildings I’ve seen in my whole 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 model on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. Your complete park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a superb place the place you may take pleasure in among the greatest 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 a part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It’ll 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 instances 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 outdoors the town middle.
That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has the whole lot from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, normally, are recognized for incredible pure landmarks and out of doors 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 supply some wonderful purchasing and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover retailers that promote the whole lot from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s undoubtedly a spot it is best to try in the event you’re searching for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nonetheless, I’ll say that this expertise is solely skippable in the event 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 in the event you can navigate the tight alley with out a sense of dread, will probably 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 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 gives strolling trails with views of previous army constructions, however it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that draws the majority of holiday makers to the location.
Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise incredible panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the way in which 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 payment of $9.
10. Hike To The Prime of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and an important place to come back 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 in the event you’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is among the greatest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the US. Additionally, a number of climbing trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you possibly can spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, and marveling on the good views. However in the event 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 Fort
Hatley Fort is located in Better Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike experience) 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 web site and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that individuals truly lived on this incredible mansion? Even right this moment, 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 free of charge all through the day.
Sensible Data
Guided excursions of Hatley Fort 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 climbing trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to loosen up within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and revel in some incredible 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 produce a blanket so you may arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day filled with climbing 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 Data
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t any admission payment, however there’s a parking payment 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 in case you have zero curiosity in using 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 in the event you’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes by city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You’ll be able to observe your complete path on a motorcycle, or hike simply part of it. You’ll be able to even select to experience 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 very good view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s interior harbor. The strolling path gives a very good view of the town’s marine visitors, and it’s significantly gratifying 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 gap, 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 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 the town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a superb 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 bushes and flowers.
You can tour the place shortly in below an hour, however I’m optimistic you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you move by 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 must take breaks in the event you keep there for some time. Make sure that to convey a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outdoors every so often to chill down a bit.
Sensible Data
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance payment 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 will not be an exercise for everybody, so be at liberty to depart it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re more likely to take pleasure in. However in the event 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 gives 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 Stylish 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 stunning that many standard 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 number 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 applicable for prime tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the best markings.
When you’re carried out 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 really helpful, and the typical value per individual is $60-70. A vegan possibility is accessible.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is among the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you possibly can spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is among the priciest sights in Victoria, BC, so that you may need to depart it off your itinerary in the event you’re on a tighter finances. With day by day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in.
However you may get a a lot better deal on tickets in the event you come within the low season, and truthfully, 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 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 payment 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 gives presumably the very best panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and properly definitely worth the journey in the event 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 depart.
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 novel 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 by the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive the whole lot concerning the dioramas, and you possibly can simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Data
Miniature World is open day by day from 10 AM to six PM. The doorway payment is $19 for adults.
21. Scent The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard
Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is among the greatest near the town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike experience from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful various for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their strategy to see the Butchart Gardens.
It is 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 vegetation and bushes 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 Data
The Abkhazi Backyard is open day by day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission payment 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 using 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 far more personal than a basic tour boat, I used to be totally upset 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 typically go all the way in which 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 succeed in 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 worth is round $40-50.
23. Verify Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Inside Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in brilliant colours, a number of of which function eating places or retailers. Simply understand that folks reside in lots of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you may typically spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and sometimes 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 complete stroll in a single path, and there are many benches alongside the way in which so you may sit down for breaks.
The walkway gives good views of Victoria Inside Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the way in which. It’s additionally an important 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 out to be aware of that data in the event you be a part of an area meals tour. These often embody journeys to the town’s greatest landmarks and loads of stops in standard native eateries alongside the way in which.
The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is various. The classical native delicacies is heavy on seafood, however a correct Victoria meals tour will embody far more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. In any case, 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, 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 it is best to have a minimum of two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally an important 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 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 Data
The BC Aviation Museum is open day by day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway payment is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each very fashionable actions in Victoria, BC, and the proper strategy to discover the town past its busy streets. Be part of a guided kayaking tour or lease 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 folks with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here will be unpredictable, and in the event you’re not acquainted with the climate situations it might turn out to be 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 revel in a distinct perspective on Victoria’s Inside Harbor.
Sensible Data
A number of operates supply kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is among 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 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 straightforward to seek out. Sakura bushes line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re motive sufficient to contemplate touring to Victoria within the spring. Your complete neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also 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 need to peruse them in the event 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, normally, 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 Better 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 in order that they don’t disturb them of their day by day routines.
This operator gives 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 important place to go to in the event you don’t need to go to parks which are farther outdoors the town middle however nonetheless need to take pleasure in a brief climbing journey.
The character sanctuary includes 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 encircling 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 payment 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 beautiful sight. Mungo Martin Home is thought for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence gives 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 – an area firm that operates ziplining excursions within the rainforest.
One factor to notice is that that is alongside the way in which in the event you embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. Your complete journey takes about two hours, and it consists of 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV experience.
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 most important fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re an important possibility for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. In the event you’re in Victoria for less than a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all the town’s high landmarks in that point.
The fantastic thing about these buses is you could 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 complete time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the totally 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 actually an important 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 among the greatest pubs within the metropolis. It gives 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 an area brewery tour.
Sensible Data
Pubs in Victoria, BC, are often open till September 11 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 beautiful metropolis with gorgeous 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 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 most well-liked vacationer attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Better Victoria.
Is Victoria BC a walkable metropolis?
A lot of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Nonetheless, there are a lot of attention-grabbing locations outdoors the downtown which are price 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 depends upon what your priorities are. If you wish to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then it is best to plan a visit in the summertime. However anticipate larger costs of lodges and enormous 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-Could or September-October. Simply understand 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 not often drop under 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there through the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to the town, however it has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, alternatively, is the second-busiest within the nation and likelihood is will probably 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 succeed in 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 may get to the extra distant components of Better Victoria in about an hour, plus you gained’t should cope with 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 gradual.
Uber and taxis are another choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest 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 many 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 a minimum of three days to discover the entire greatest sights downtown and some well-known sights in Better Victoria. I feel it’s potential to cowl the very best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you can be in a little bit of a rush your complete time.
Vacationers who love being open air and exploring nature may have a good time in Victoria. In the event you can swing 5 days right here, you may have sufficient time to discover a very good 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 simple strolling entry to all the very best landmarks and sights within the metropolis. Each areas supply all kinds of lodges in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer sights. Among the greatest lodges in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn gives finances lodging with a incredible location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is among the greatest lodges in central Victoria, with pretty views of Victoria Inside Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seashore Lodge is a five-star lodge with an oceanfront location. It has a incredible spa middle and enormous rooms, however it’s fairly removed from the town middle. Take into account staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Lodge in the event you’re planning a soothing trip in Victoria, BC.