Set on the finish of the largely wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is an excellent metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Recognized 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 yr and acquired to discover all the nice issues that it has to supply. These are all my private suggestions.
Attend excessive tea for brunch after which head to Chinatown for dinner whereas stopping by the harbor to look at 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 every week, you received’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 may assist you to put collectively one of the best 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 the town’s finest points of interest are open air, making it a prime vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the overwhelmed path.
However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally gives an limitless quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and a few of the finest museums in British Columbia.
Better of Victoria BC Fast Information
Should See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Citadel, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings, Afternoon Tea
The place To Keep: Ocean Island Inn, Fairmont Empress, The Oak Bay Seaside 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 received’t be aware of the aim of a lot of these buildings, and also you would possibly miss out on some gems which are open for guests.
Prepare a guided tour with a neighborhood, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all one of the best spots within the metropolis but in addition study the historical past behind a few of its finest architectural gems. Most strolling excursions of Victoria cowl the town’s finest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Avenue and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally permit you to uncover the town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a couple of energy, and what higher option to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its finest eating places?
Sensible Data
Strolling excursions of Victoria often take 2-3 hours and value $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s finest and hottest museum. You probably have time to go to just one museum or gallery when you’re within the metropolis, make it this one. It has three most important galleries: Pure Historical past, the First Peoples Gallery, and Turning into BC.
Come right here to study concerning the indigenous folks of British Columbia, in addition to concerning the state’s basic 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 assorted animals.
Plan to spend a minimum of a few hours at this museum, and that’s if you happen to’re going to hurry by means of the place. Should 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’ll be able to 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 Incredible Craigdarroch Citadel
Craigdarroch Citadel is among 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 fort and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, stunning decorations, and beautiful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each in and out, and it’s among the finest places for structure excursions in Victoria.
The fort is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike trip) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Data
Craigdarroch Citadel is open for excursions Wednesday by means 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 named Canada’s biking capital, and it’s probably the most bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and lots of lodging supply them to their visitors.
Biking round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city shortly for little or no cash, but in addition a brilliant approach of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s often quicker than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fret about rush hour visitors.
Should you’re in nice bodily situation, you would possibly even be capable of bike to points of interest far exterior 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 typical value is $40 per day, though you may get a greater charge while you hire a motorcycle for an extended interval.
5. Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria
The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is an excellent mid-size gallery housed in two distinct areas. One a part of the gallery is in a brand new, 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 among Victoria’s finest 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 fees a $15 entrance payment. 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 fingers down probably the most gorgeous authorities buildings I’ve seen in my total 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 type on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. The whole park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a superb place the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a few of the finest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the completely different memorial statues. You possibly can even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It is going to value you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Sensible Data
Free guided excursions of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria happen a number of occasions all through the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It’s simply accessible from central Victoria and 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 exterior the town middle.
That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has every thing from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, generally, are identified for implausible 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 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 retailers on both aspect, which supply some wonderful procuring and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover retailers that promote every thing from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot it is best to try if you happen to’re searching for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nevertheless, I’ll say that this expertise is totally skippable if you happen to’re even a little bit bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t at all times doable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.
However if you happen to can navigate the tight alley with no sense of dread, will probably be a prime 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 Web site finest identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park gives strolling trails with views of previous navy buildings, but it surely’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that pulls the majority of tourists to the location.
Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise implausible 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 possibly can cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s only a 30-minute hike to the lookout level on the prime. There’s even a parking zone on the summit, so you’ll be able to simply drive as much as the scenic level if you happen to’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is among the finest in Victoria BC and it stretches into america. Additionally, a number of climbing trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you would spend a few hours roaming exploring the world, and marveling on the good views. However if you happen to’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria.
Sensible Data
Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the world is freed from cost, and parking on the prime can also be free however very restricted.
11. Historic Excursions at Hatley Citadel
Hatley Citadel is located in Larger Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike trip) from the town middle. It’s completely definitely worth the problem it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century fort was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching website and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that individuals really lived on this implausible mansion? Even immediately, components of it are used as workplace area 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 at no cost all through the day.
Sensible Data
Guided excursions of Hatley Citadel 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 climbing trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to loosen up within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and luxuriate in some implausible 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’ll be able to arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day filled with climbing and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a good 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 is no such thing as a 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 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’ll be able to cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner if you happen to’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes by means of city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You possibly can comply with all the path on a motorcycle, 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 really useful just for skilled mountain bikers in wonderful bodily circumstances, because it takes roughly 5 hours to finish.
14. Stroll To The Breakwater Lighthouse
The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of a protracted pedestrian pathway that extends into the ocean. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get a great view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s internal harbor. The strolling path gives a great view of the town’s marine visitors, and it’s significantly satisfying on heat, sunny days.
The lighthouse on the finish of the pathway dates again to 1916, and it’s surprisingly massive. It doesn’t look that massive from the space, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its dimension.
One factor to notice is that it’s doable to stroll down the Breakwater and the Decrease Breakwater. I like to recommend you stick with the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery.
Sensible Data
The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or evening, freed from cost.
15. Wander Round Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Located roughly a 20-minute drive from the town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a good place to 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 completely different timber and flowers.
You can tour the place shortly in beneath an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you cross by means of 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 setting.
One factor to notice is that it will get actually scorching within the tropical jungle, so that you would possibly must take breaks if you happen to keep there for some time. Be sure to carry a bottle of water to hydrate, and step exterior 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 prone to take pleasure in. However if you happen to like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable approach 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 traditional 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 immediately it’s acknowledged as essentially the most British metropolis in Canada. So, it’s not too stunning that many fashionable British traditions have survived within the metropolis. A type of is excessive tea, and it’s the right afternoon exercise for vacationers who need 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 a captivating Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a quick stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely applicable for top 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 useful, and the common value per particular person is $60-70. A vegan choice is obtainable.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is among the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you would 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 points of interest in Victoria, BC, so that you would possibly need to go away it off your itinerary if you happen to’re on a tighter funds. 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 significantly better deal on tickets if you happen to 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 limitless 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 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 one of the best panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and properly definitely worth the journey if you happen to’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 just’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 places 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 means of the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive every thing concerning the dioramas, and you would 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 finest near the town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike trip from the guts of Victoria, it’s a superb various for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their option to see the Butchart Gardens.
This can be a a lot smaller backyard, protecting an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the vegetation and timber 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 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, they usually’re superior. Uncover Victoria from the ocean whereas using in a pickle boat, which sounds loads 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 traditional tour boat, I used to be totally disillusioned to study that it isn’t certainly formed and painted like a pickle.
The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, they usually typically go all the way in which 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 traditional strolling excursions.
Sensible Data
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Interior Harbour, they usually final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50.
23. Test Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Interior Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in vibrant colours, a number of of which function eating places or retailers. Simply remember that folks stay in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the world.
As you stroll down the piers, you’ll be able to 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 all the stroll in a single route, and there are many benches alongside the way in which so you’ll be able to sit down for breaks.
The walkway gives good views of Victoria Interior 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 at no cost. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single route.
25. Be part of a Meals Tour
Locals at all times know the place one of the best meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll change into aware about that data if you happen to be part of a neighborhood meals tour. These often embrace journeys to the town’s finest landmarks and loads of stops in fashionable 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 embrace way more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. In spite of everything, it’s the town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full with no 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 trendy plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. Should 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 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 right option to discover the town past its busy streets. Be part of a guided kayaking tour or hire a canoe and take to the seas by yourself—no matter your choice is, it shouldn’t be an issue.
One factor I’ll say is that guided excursions are the best choice for folks with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here could be unpredictable, and if you happen to’re not aware of the climate circumstances it may change into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise.
The great thing about these water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that might in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and luxuriate in a unique perspective on Victoria’s Interior 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 approach 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, they usually’re cause sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. The whole neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be identified for one of the best 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 if you happen to’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 finest spots for whale watching. There should be a dozen tour operators within the metropolis, however my favourite one is Prince of Whales, located within the Vacation spot Larger Victoria tourism middle constructing within the harbor.
The skilled operators will take you to one of the best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However in addition 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 if you happen to don’t need to go to parks which are farther exterior the town middle however nonetheless need to take pleasure in a brief climbing journey.
The character sanctuary incorporates 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 should 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 payment to the Nature Home museum is a advised $6 donation.
31. Totems at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Located proper subsequent to the Royal BC Museum, the park is finest 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 beautiful sight. Mungo Martin Home is understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence gives 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 way in which if you happen to embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. The whole 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. 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 important choice for vacationers who’re on the town for a really quick time. Should you’re in Victoria for under a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all the town’s prime 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 all the time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the completely 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, 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 finest pubs within the metropolis. It gives a wide array of native and worldwide craft beer. They even supply tasting menus, so you’ll be able to 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 often open till Sep 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 stunning 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. The 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. Nevertheless, there are numerous attention-grabbing locations exterior the downtown which are value visiting however not accessible on foot.
Ideas And Data For Visiting Victoria BC
Finest 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 is best to plan a visit in the summertime. However anticipate greater costs of resorts 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-Could or September-October. Simply remember that the town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the perfect interval for out of doors actions.
What concerning the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there in the course of the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to the town, but it surely has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, however, is the second-busiest within the nation and chances are high 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 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 points of interest within the historic a part of the 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 visitors as a lot.
Bike leases can be found all through the town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. As a result of the town doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the one viable mode of public transport. They’re handy for touring across the metropolis however are typically fairly sluggish.
Uber and taxis are an alternative choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the most costly approach 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 a lot of the finest points of interest within the metropolis are inside strolling distance of each other.
How A lot Time Do You Want
Victoria is a reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want a minimum of three days to discover all the finest points of interest downtown and some well-known sights in Larger Victoria. I feel it’s doable to cowl one of the best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you’ll be in a little bit of a rush all the time.
Vacationers who love being open air and exploring nature could have a good time in Victoria. Should you can swing 5 days right here, you’ll be able to 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 one of the best 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 attention-grabbing vacationer points of interest. A number of the finest resorts in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn gives funds lodging with a implausible location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is among the finest resorts in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Interior Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seaside Lodge is a five-star resort with an oceanfront location. It has a implausible spa middle and enormous rooms, however it’s fairly removed from the town middle. Contemplate staying on the Oak Bay Seaside Lodge if you happen to’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.