Set on the finish of the largely wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is an excellent metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Identified for the abundance of outside 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 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 mountain climbing trails.
Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or per week, you gained’t wrestle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider information, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that may show you how to put collectively one of the best itinerary!
Greatest Issues To Do In Victoria BC
Victoria BC is understood for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. The vast majority of town’s finest points of interest are outdoor, making it a high vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the overwhelmed path.
However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally provides an infinite quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and a number of the finest museums in British Columbia.
Better of Victoria BC Fast Information
Should See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Fortress, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings, Afternoon Tea
The place To Keep: Ocean Island Inn, Fairmont Empress, The Oak Bay Seashore Lodge
Enjoyable To Do: Whale Watching, Zipline Excursions, Mount Douglas, Boat Excursions, Kayaking
Day Journeys: Fort Rodd Hill, Thetis Lake Park, Malahat SkyWalk
Should-Attempt Meals: Wild Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Bannock Bread, Chinese language meals
1. Guided Strolling Tour of Victoria
Victoria is a beautiful metropolis with many beautiful buildings. After all, if it’s your first go to, you gained’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.
Organize 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 town’s finest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Avenue and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally help you uncover 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 Info
Strolling excursions of Victoria often take 2-3 hours and value $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s finest and hottest museum. 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 primary galleries: Pure Historical past, the First Peoples Gallery, and Changing into BC.
Come right here to study concerning the indigenous folks of British Columbia, in addition to concerning the state’s normal historical past and the way it advanced over time. Youthful guests usually tend to benefit from the Pure Historical past gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of 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 the place. For those who take your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Additionally, I have to point out that the museum has a pleasant IMAX theater, the place you may attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies.
Sensible Info
The Royal BC Museum is open every day from 10 AM to five PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12.
3. Tour The Unbelievable Craigdarroch Fortress
Craigdarroch Fortress is likely one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a extremely popular historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, through the late nineteenth century.
Go to the citadel and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, lovely decorations, and wonderful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each in and out, and it’s the most effective places for structure excursions in Victoria.
The citadel is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike trip) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Info
Craigdarroch Fortress is open for excursions Wednesday by Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets might be purchased on-line or on the entrance.
4. Lease A Bicycle
Victoria BC is called 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 friends.
Biking round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city shortly for little or no cash, but in addition an excellent method of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s often quicker than touring by bus, plus you gained’t have to fret about rush hour visitors.
For those who’re in nice bodily situation, you would possibly even be capable of bike to points of interest far exterior town heart, and also you’d get to see some great 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 at the very least.
Sensible Info
Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The common value is $40 per day, though you will get a greater price whenever you lease a motorbike 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, trendy constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion.
Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of attractive artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. In actual fact, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that each one guests are inspired to see. It’s certainly one of Victoria’s finest points of interest for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure.
Sensible Info
The Artwork Gallery of Better Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and fees a $15 entrance price. Nonetheless, admission is free on the primary Sunday of the month and on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM.
6. Tour The Parliament Buildings
The Legislative Meeting of British Columbia is arms down one of the crucial beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my total life. For me, the buildings appear like they have been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria.
However they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings have been constructed in neo-Baroque type on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. Your entire park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a wonderful place the place you may get pleasure from a number of the finest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the totally different memorial statues. You’ll be able to even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It can price you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
Free guided excursions of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria happen a number of occasions all through the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It’s simply accessible from central Victoria and the most effective 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 town heart.
That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has every part from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, usually, are identified for incredible pure landmarks and outside actions.
Sensible Info
Beacon Hill Park is open every day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Stroll Via Historic Fan Tan Alley
Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It’s lined with eating places and boutique outlets on both facet, which supply some wonderful procuring and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover outlets that promote every part from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot it’s best to try for those who’re on the lookout for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nonetheless, I’ll say that this expertise is totally skippable for those who’re even somewhat bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t all the time 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 and not using a sense of dread, it will likely 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 Info
Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most outlets are closed till 5 p.m.
9. Go to Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a Nationwide Historic Website finest identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park provides strolling trails with views of previous navy buildings, however 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 incredible panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the way in which to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one facet and the San Juan Islands on the opposite.
Sensible Info
Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission price of $9.
10. Hike To The Prime of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and a fantastic place to return for 360° panoramic views. You’ll be able to cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s only a 30-minute hike to the lookout level on the high. There’s even a car parking zone on the summit, so you may 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 likely one of the finest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the USA. Additionally, a number of mountain climbing trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you could possibly spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, 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 Info
Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the realm is freed from cost, and parking on the high can also be free however very restricted.
11. Historic Excursions at Hatley Fortress
Hatley Fortress 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 citadel was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching website and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that individuals truly lived on this incredible mansion? Even right this moment, elements of it are used as workplace house and to carry lessons, 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 at no cost all through the day.
Sensible Info
Guided excursions of Hatley Fortress can be found upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to nightfall, and entry is freed from cost.
12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park is the primary nature sanctuary in Canada identified for mountain 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 incredible 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 may arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day stuffed with mountain climbing and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a good vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who wish to discover past town streets.
Sensible Info
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t any admission price, however there’s a parking price of $2.25 per day.
13. Bike Alongside The Galloping Goose Path
This enjoyable exercise is just for essentially the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it 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 may 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 city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You’ll be able to observe the complete path on a motorbike, or hike simply part of it. You’ll be able to even select to trip horses alongside the extra rural sections of the path, which is as a lot enjoyable because it sounds.
Sensible Info
The Galloping Goose Path is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is really helpful 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 an extended 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 provides a great view of 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 persist with the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery.
Sensible Info
The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or evening, 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 overlook you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, to not point out all of the totally different timber and flowers.
You would tour the place shortly in underneath an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll wish to spend extra time on the gardens when you go by the entrance door. Additionally, I actually like that each one the animals listed below are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest surroundings.
One factor to notice is that it will get actually scorching within the tropical jungle, so that you would possibly have to take breaks for those who keep there for some time. Make sure that to deliver a bottle of water to hydrate, and step exterior now and again to chill down a bit.
Sensible Info
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 isn’t an exercise for everybody, so be happy to go away it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re prone to get pleasure from. 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 method of spending a night in Victoria.
The mansion provides an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a choice of (non) alcoholic drinks and basic pub meals.
Sensible Info
Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Basic admission to the place is $24.95.
17. Really feel Stylish At Afternoon Tea
Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and right this moment 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 totally different tea homes in Victoria, however I believe 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 performed with the afternoon tea, take this chance to stroll across the neighborhood a bit. The harbor is simply a few minutes from Pendray Inn with views of the ocean and big ships.
Sensible Info
The Pendray tea home is open every day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are really helpful, and the common price per individual is $60-70. A vegan possibility is out there.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is likely one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you could possibly spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is likely one of the priciest points of interest in Victoria, BC, so that you would possibly wish to depart it off your itinerary for those who’re on a tighter price range. With every day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably get pleasure from.
However you will get a significantly better deal on tickets for those who come within the low season, and truthfully, the place is so great I’d say it’s definitely worth the cash. Come right here to see the infinite area of colourful flowers and luxuriate in presumably the best-scented a part of Victoria, BC.
Sensible Info
The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The grownup entrance 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 presumably one of the best 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 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 just’ll hardly wish to depart.
Sensible Info
Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95.
20. Be Amazed At Miniature World
Miniature World is a singular museum in Victoria, BC. It options miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy places and is nicknamed The Best Little Present on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re wanting on the 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 the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive every part concerning the dioramas, and you could possibly simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Info
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 likely one of the finest 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 option to see the Butchart Gardens.
This can be 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 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 should not fairly as good.
Sensible Info
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, they usually’re superior. Uncover Victoria from the ocean whereas using in a pickle boat, which sounds lots 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 non-public than a basic tour boat, I used to be completely disillusioned to study that it’s not certainly formed and painted like a pickle.
The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, they usually usually go all the way in which as much as Burnside. It’s a good way of exploring much more of this excellent metropolis and seeing the areas that aren’t fairly as handy to achieve on basic strolling excursions.
Sensible Info
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Interior Harbour, they usually final from 45 to 75 minutes. The worth is round $40-50.
23. Test Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Interior Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in brilliant colours, a number of of which function eating places or outlets. Simply remember the fact that folks reside in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you may usually spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and infrequently interact in playful antics to entertain the onlookers.
Fisherman’s Wharf extends past the piers lined with colourful boats to embody an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for youths.
Sensible Info
Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most outlets and eating places are open till 7 PM.
24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway
Songhees Walkway is a waterfront strolling path that extends from Johnson Avenue Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes round 40 minutes to do the complete stroll in a single route, and there are many benches alongside the way in which so you may sit down for breaks.
The walkway provides good views of Victoria Interior Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the way in which. It’s additionally a fantastic path for joggers within the morning, however provided that you’re not simply distracted by the view.
Sensible Info
Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time at no cost. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single route.
25. Be part of a Meals Tour
Locals all the time know the place one of the best meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll grow to be aware of that information for those who be part of a neighborhood meals tour. These often embody journeys to town’s finest landmarks and loads of stops in well-liked native eateries alongside the way in which.
The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is numerous. 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 town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full and not using a cease there.
Sensible Info
Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, often final 2-3 hours. The beginning value is $60.
26. Admire the Plane at The BC Aviation Museum
The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so it’s best to have at the very least two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally a fantastic incentive to reach on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight.
The museum exhibit spans three hangars stuffed with historic and trendy plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. For those who’re provided a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to study a lot concerning the plane on show, and it’s lots higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself.
Sensible Info
The BC Aviation Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway price is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each extremely popular actions in Victoria, BC, and the right option to discover 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 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 might be unpredictable, and for those who’re not aware of the climate circumstances it may grow 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 luxuriate in a unique perspective on Victoria’s Interior Harbor.
Sensible Info
A number of operates supply kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is likely one of the hottest.
28. See the Sakura Timber in Chinatown
I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends method 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 straightforward to search out. Sakura timber line the streets of Chinatown, they usually’re purpose sufficient to contemplate touring to Victoria within the spring. Your entire neighborhood can also be adorned with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Aside from 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 outlets that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you would possibly wish to peruse them for those who’re available in the market for distinctive souvenirs.
Sensible Info
The historic Chinatown neighborhood is within the northern a part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC.
29. Whale Watching Adventures
Victoria and British Columbia, usually, are a few of Canada’s finest 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 one of the best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However additionally they know to maintain their distance from the animals in order that they don’t disturb them of their every day routines.
This operator provides year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success price of the excursions, you’re virtually assured to identify the majestic mammals.
Sensible Info
Prince of Whales whale-watching excursions can be found year-round. They begin at $150 and final 3-6 hours.
30. Enterprise Out To Swan Lake
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is inside biking distance of downtown Victoria. It’s a fantastic place to go to for those who don’t wish to go to parks which are farther exterior town heart however nonetheless wish to get pleasure from a brief mountain 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 need to be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which is able to reward you with some lovely views of the lake and the encircling forest.
Sensible Info
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is open from 10?AM to 4?PM. Admission to the park is freed from cost, however the entrance price 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 stunning 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 Info
Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time.
32. Ziplining in The Forest
Thrill seekers gained’t be let down by the choice 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 for those who embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. Your entire journey takes about two hours, and it contains 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV trip.
Sensible Info
The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.
33. Experience The Hop On Hop Off Bus
I’m not the largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re a fantastic possibility for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. For those who’re in Victoria for less than a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all town’s high landmarks in that point.
The fantastic thing about these buses is that you may get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You’ll be able to even keep seated on the bus the complete time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the totally different points of interest.
Sensible Info
Purchase Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (legitimate for twenty-four hours) or $88 (legitimate for 48 hours).
34. Craft Beer Crawl
With greater than 20 craft breweries all through Victoria, town is really a fantastic spot for beer lovers. A great deal of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you may even tour breweries to attempt the drink proper on the supply.
The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is likely one of the finest pubs within the metropolis. It provides a wide array 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 a neighborhood brewery tour.
Sensible Info
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 stunning 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. 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 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 exterior the downtown which are price visiting however not accessible on foot.
Suggestions And Info For Visiting Victoria BC
Greatest Time To Go to
The very best time to go to Victoria relies on 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 anticipate increased costs of motels and huge crowds of vacationers.
If, however, 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 remember the fact that town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the perfect interval for outside actions.
What concerning the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there through the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to town, however it 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 it will likely 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’ll be able to even take a bus from the airport to town, which takes about 4 hours to achieve the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing.
Getting Round
Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you may go to most points of interest within the historic a part of town on foot. Biking is a good 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 gained’t need to take care of rush hour 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 another choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest method of getting round Victoria. As for automotive rental, I believe 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 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 at the very least three days to discover all the finest points of interest downtown and some well-known sights in Better Victoria. I believe it’s doable to cowl one of the best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you can be in a little bit of a rush the complete time.
Vacationers who love being outdoor and exploring nature may have a good time in Victoria. For those who can swing 5 days right here, you may 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 motels in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer points of interest. A number of the finest motels in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn provides price range lodging with a incredible location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is likely one of the finest motels in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Interior Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seashore Lodge is a five-star lodge with an oceanfront location. It has a incredible spa heart and huge rooms, however it’s fairly removed from town heart. Take into account staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Lodge for those who’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.
