Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a superb metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Identified 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 acquired to discover all the nice issues that it has to supply. These are all my private suggestions.

Attend excessive tea for brunch after which head to Chinatown for dinner whereas stopping by the harbor to observe seals and gigantic cruisers. Victoria is a metropolis that may supply one thing to everybody as a result of it has all of it, from glorious artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and mountaineering trails. 

Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or every week, you received’t wrestle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider data, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that can aid you put collectively the perfect itinerary! 

Finest Issues To Do In Victoria BC

Victoria BC is understood for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. Nearly all of town’s greatest 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 countless quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and among the greatest museums in British Columbia. 

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 lots of these buildings, and also you may miss out on some gems which might be open for guests. 

Organize a guided tour with an area, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all the perfect spots within the metropolis but in addition be taught 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 mean you can uncover town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a couple of energy, and what higher approach to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its greatest eating places? 

Sensible Data 

Strolling excursions of Victoria normally take 2-3 hours and price $60-100 per participant. 

2. Royal BC Museum 

The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s greatest and hottest museum. If 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 fundamental galleries: Pure Historical past, the First Peoples Gallery, and Turning into BC. 

Come right here to be taught concerning the indigenous individuals 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 assorted animals. 

Plan to spend at the very least a few hours at this museum, and that’s for those who’re going to hurry by way of 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’ll be able to 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 Unbelievable Craigdarroch Fort

Craigdarroch Fort is without doubt one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a extremely popular historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, throughout the late nineteenth century. 

Go to the fortress 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 in and out, and it’s among the finest places for structure excursions in Victoria. 

The fortress is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike trip) from Downtown Victoria. 

Sensible Data

Craigdarroch Fort is open for excursions Wednesday by way of 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 called Canada’s biking capital, and it’s one of the bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and lots of lodging supply them to their friends. 

Biking round Victoria isn’t just nice for getting across the city shortly 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 sooner 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 outdoors town heart, 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, think about it for a fast tour of Downtown Victoria at the very least. 

Sensible Data 

Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The typical worth is $40 per day, though you will get a greater fee if you lease a motorbike for an extended interval. 

5. Artwork Gallery of Better Victoria

The Artwork Gallery of Better 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. The truth is, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that every one guests are inspired to see. It’s one in all Victoria’s greatest sights for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure. 

Sensible Data

The Artwork Gallery of Better Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and costs a $15 entrance price. 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 one of the beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my total life. For me, the buildings appear to be they had been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria. 

However they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings had been constructed in neo-Baroque model on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. All the park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a wonderful place the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in among the greatest structure within the metropolis. 

See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the completely different memorial statues. You possibly can even be a part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It’s 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 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 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 heart. 

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, generally, are recognized for improbable pure landmarks and out of doors 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 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 aspect, which supply some glorious procuring and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover outlets that promote all the things from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot it’s best to take a look at for those who’re in search of distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria. 

Nevertheless, I’ll say that this expertise is completely skippable for those who’re even a bit of bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t at all times doable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.

However for those who can navigate the tight alley with no 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 value supporting.  

Sensible Data

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 Web site greatest recognized for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park provides strolling trails with views of outdated army buildings, nevertheless it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that pulls 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 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 price of $9.

10. Hike To The High of Mount Douglas 

Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and an awesome place to return for 360° panoramic views. You possibly can cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s only a 30-minute hike to the lookout level on the high. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you’ll be able to simply drive as much as the scenic level for those who’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.  

The vista from the lookout level is without doubt one of the greatest in Victoria BC and it stretches into america. Additionally, a number of mountaineering trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you can spend a few hours roaming exploring the world, and marveling on the good views. However for those who’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria. 

Sensible Data

Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the world is freed from cost, and parking on the high can 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 trip) from town heart. It’s completely definitely worth the problem it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century fortress 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 folks really lived on this improbable mansion? Even right now, elements of it are used as workplace house and to carry lessons, so you’ll be able to’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 mountaineering trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to calm down 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 convey a blanket so you’ll be able to arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day filled with mountaineering and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a good vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who wish to discover past town streets.  

Sensible Data

Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There is no such thing as a 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 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 outdated railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you’ll be able to cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner for those who’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike. 

This historic path passes by way of city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You possibly can observe your entire path on a motorbike, or hike simply part of it. You possibly can even select to trip horses alongside the extra rural sections of the path, which is as a lot enjoyable because it sounds. 

Sensible Data 

The Galloping Goose Path is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is beneficial just for skilled mountain bikers in glorious bodily circumstances, because it takes roughly 5 hours to finish. 

14. Stroll To The Breakwater Lighthouse 

The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of a protracted pedestrian pathway that extends into the ocean. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get a very good view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s internal harbor. The strolling path provides a very good view of town’s marine site visitors, and it’s notably pleasant 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 dimension. 

One factor to notice is that it’s doable 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 heart, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a good place to return and neglect you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, to not point out all of the completely different bushes and flowers. 

You may tour the place shortly in below an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll wish to spend extra time on the gardens when you cross by way of the entrance door. Additionally, I actually like that every one the animals listed here are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest setting. 

One factor to notice is that it will get actually scorching within the tropical jungle, so that you may must take breaks for those who keep there for some time. Ensure to convey a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outdoors from time to time 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 is just not an exercise for everybody, so be happy to go away it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re more likely to take pleasure in. However for those who 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 provides an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a choice of (non) alcoholic drinks and basic pub meals. 

Sensible Data 

Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Common admission to the place is $24.95. 

17. Really feel Elegant At Afternoon Tea

Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and right now it’s acknowledged as essentially the most British metropolis in Canada. So, it’s not too stunning that many well-liked British traditions have survived within the metropolis. A type of is excessive tea, and it’s the right afternoon exercise for vacationers who wish to spend a day feeling fancy. 

There are fairly a couple of completely different tea homes in Victoria, however I feel the one at Pendray Inn is a best choice for vacationers within the metropolis. It’s in 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 top tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the best markings. 

When you’re finished 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 beneficial, and the common price per individual is $60-70. A vegan possibility is offered.  

18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens

Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is without doubt one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you can spend the higher a part of the day roaming round the Butchart Gardens. 

One factor I’ll say is that this is without doubt one of the priciest sights in Victoria, BC, so that you may wish to depart it off your itinerary for those who’re on a tighter funds. With every day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in. 

However you will get a significantly better deal on tickets for those who 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 discipline of colourful flowers and luxuriate in probably 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 provides probably the perfect panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and effectively definitely worth the journey for those who’ve acquired entry to a automotive. 

Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the midst of the forest. From the highest, you’ll be able to see the surroundings of each the US and Canada, and it’s such a pleasant view that you simply’ll hardly wish 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 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 duplicate of Toronto in 1915 or the depiction of Camelot. 

A fast tour of the place is feasible in 45 minutes, however provided that you rush by way of the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive all the things concerning the dioramas, and you can 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. Odor The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard

Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is without doubt one of the greatest near town heart. Located only a 15-minute bike trip from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful different for vacationers who don’t wish to exit of their approach to see the Butchart Gardens. 

It is a a lot smaller backyard, overlaying an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the crops and bushes to develop to their present dimension. 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 good concept, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical worth vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations usually are 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 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 using in a pickle boat, which sounds quite a bit cooler than it really is. 

It’s only a small boat that may match as much as 12 passengers. Whereas I like that it’s way more non-public than a basic tour boat, I used to be completely dissatisfied to be taught that it’s not certainly formed and painted like a pickle. 

The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, and so they usually go all the best way as much as Burnside. It’s an effective way of exploring much more of this excellent 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 worth is round $40-50. 

23. Verify 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 vivid colours, a number of of which function eating places or outlets. Simply take into account that individuals stay in lots of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the world.  

As you stroll down the piers, you’ll be able to usually 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 youths. 

Sensible Data 

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’ll be able to sit down for breaks. 

The walkway provides good views of Victoria Internal Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the best way. It’s additionally an awesome 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 a part of a Meals Tour 

Locals at all times know the place the perfect meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll develop into aware about that data for those who be a part of an area meals tour. These normally embody journeys to town’s greatest landmarks and loads of stops in well-liked native eateries alongside the best way. 

The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is various. 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 spite of everything, it’s town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full with no cease there.  

Sensible Data 

Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, normally final 2-3 hours. The beginning worth 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 at the very least two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally an awesome 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 trendy plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. For those who’re provided a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to be taught a lot concerning the plane on show, and it’s quite a bit 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 extremely popular actions in Victoria, BC, and the right approach to discover 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 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 for those who’re not accustomed to the climate circumstances it may develop into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise. 

The great thing about these water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that will in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and luxuriate in a special 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 without doubt one of the hottest. 

28. See the Sakura Bushes in Chinatown 

I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends means past it. It’s the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada and one of many prettiest elements of Victoria. 

A gate marks the doorway to this historic space, so it’s tremendous simple to seek out. Sakura bushes line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re cause sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. All the neighborhood can be adorned with conventional Chinese language lanterns. 

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can be recognized for the perfect Chinese language meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of outlets that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you may wish to peruse them for those who’re out there for distinctive souvenirs. 

Sensible Data 

The historic Chinatown neighborhood is within the northern a part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC. 

29. Whale Watching Adventures

Victoria and British Columbia, generally, are a few of Canada’s greatest spots for whale watching. There have to be a dozen tour operators within the metropolis, however my favourite one is Prince of Whales, located within the Vacation spot Better Victoria tourism heart constructing within the harbor. 

The skilled operators will take you to the perfect 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 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 awesome place to go to for those who don’t wish to go to parks which might be farther outdoors town heart however nonetheless wish to take pleasure in a brief mountaineering journey. 

The character sanctuary contains a loop strolling path that even crosses the lake at one level. It takes roughly half-hour to finish, and it’s a well-maintained and simple strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t must be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which can 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 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 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 understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence provides 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 received’t be let down by the choice 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 for those who embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. All the journey takes about two hours, and it consists of 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV trip. 

Sensible Data 

The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.

33. Experience The Hop On Hop Off Bus

I’m not the largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re an awesome possibility for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. For those who’re in Victoria for under a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all town’s high landmarks in that point. 

The great thing about these buses is which you can get out at any cease, discover the world, after which simply get on the bus once more. You possibly can even keep seated on the bus your entire time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the completely different sights. 

Sensible Data 

Purchase Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (legitimate for twenty-four hours) or $88 (legitimate for 48 hours).

34. Craft Beer Crawl

With greater than 20 craft breweries all through Victoria, town is really an awesome spot for beer lovers. A great deal of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you may even tour breweries to strive the drink proper on the supply. 

The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is without doubt one of the greatest pubs within the metropolis. It provides a big selection of native and worldwide craft beer. They even supply tasting menus, so you’ll be able to strive 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 normally open till September 11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends. 

FAQ For Finest Issues To Do In Victoria BC

Is Victoria, BC, value visiting?

Sure, Victoria BC is value visiting. It’s a beautiful metropolis with beautiful Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space. 

What’s Victoria BC well-known for?

Victoria BC is understood for a lot of botanical gardens and lovely Victorian mansions. 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 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. Nevertheless, there are numerous attention-grabbing locations outdoors the downtown which might be value visiting however not accessible on foot. 

Ideas And Data For Visiting Victoria BC

Finest Time To Go to 

The very 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’s best to plan a visit in the summertime. However count on increased costs of accommodations and enormous crowds of vacationers. 

If, however, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher resort offers, journey to Victoria in April-Might or September-October. Simply take into account that 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 beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there throughout 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, however, is the second-busiest within the nation and likelihood is will probably be your first cease in Canada. 

From there you’ve acquired a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it doable to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You possibly can even take a bus from the airport to 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 sights within the historic a part of town on foot. Biking is an effective way of getting across the metropolis as a result of you will get to the extra distant elements of Better Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t must cope with 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 most costly means 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 value 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 reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want at the very least three days to discover all the greatest sights downtown and some well-known sights in Better Victoria. I feel it’s doable to cowl the perfect landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you can 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’ll be able to 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 straightforward strolling entry to all the perfect landmarks and sights within the metropolis. Each areas supply all kinds of accommodations in each worth vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer sights. Among the greatest accommodations in Victoria for all budgets are: 

• Ocean Island Inn provides funds lodging with a improbable location in Downtown Victoria. 
• Fairmont Empress is without doubt one of the greatest accommodations in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Internal Harbor. 
• The Oak Bay Seashore Lodge is a five-star resort with an oceanfront location. It has a improbable spa heart and enormous rooms, however it’s fairly removed from town heart. Think about staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Lodge for those who’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.