14 Of The Best Things To Do In Victoria BC

Disclosure: Advertising and affiliate services, including Amazon Associates, help the cost of running my blog. Clicking ads or making purchases through affiliate links may, at no additional cost to you, earn me a small commission. I appreciate your support.

The gateway to exploring more of Vancouver Island’s rugged landscape, ocean views and small towns. Victoria is a beautiful harbor city with enough to keep you busy for a few days or longer. It has small town charm, a contrast to nearby Vancouver. Keep reading to see some of the things to do in Victoria, from an (almost) local’s point of view.

Victoria is the capital of BC, on Canada’s West Coast. The biggest city on Vancouver’s neighbor, Vancouver Island, Victoria is both vibrant and laid back. It’s Canadian through and through, but still has that quintessential English charm from it’s bygone days. Victoria is the perfect weekend getaway from the busier mainland city of Vancouver.

What are the best things to do in Victoria?

Victoria has a big foodie scene, it’s also a lovely harbor town with a ton of activities that fit right along side that. There are magnificent hotels and small B&Bs. There are green spaces and busy shopping streets. Get the most out of your stay in Victoria by checking out some (or all) of these activities.

Craigdarroch Castle

Victoria has a castle? I know, right?! Anyone who has been to Victoria will know of its colonial past and how the BC capital has a heavy British influence (hence the name British Columbia). That influence keeps going with this inner-city castle/mansion.

Although it is not quite as big and castle like as many Brits would expect, it is still rather impressive. The castle is a great afternoon activity in Victoria and has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when it was built by a Scottish immigrant. Why not take a castles and neighborhoods bike tour in Victoria?

Miniature World

It’s exactly as it sounds. Everything is just very small. This unique attraction in downtown Victoria is attached to the famed Empress hotel opposite the Victoria harbor. Miniature World is more geared to kids but it’s an interesting activity for the whole family.

It’s a rather charming attraction with scale models depicting different scenes. So you can look at a historical representation of some event and then a fantasy land set up, followed by a trip around the world.

Parliament Buildings

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and therefore the provincial parliament can also be found here. The parliament buildings are reminiscent of their European counterparts and given that they are right opposite the harbor in the downtown core, it’s well worth a visit.

Take a FREE tour of the parliament if you plan and book ahead. But even if you don’t go inside, the parliament buildings are nice to look at. They also have a lovely big grassy lawn that just invites locals and tourists alike in the warmer months to sit outside and soak up some rays.

Local’s Travel Tip: Make sure to check it out in the evenings when the buildings are illuminated and look extra special.

Chinatown

Canada’s oldest, and most intact Chinatown can be found in Victoria. The neighborhood was once a bustling center of old time Victoria. Now it’s a more laid back, but equally interesting neighborhood.

There are still some traditional restaurants and a handful of heritage shops selling overpriced but authentic Chinese wares. But the neighborhood seems to have gone under a bit of a gentrified overhaul in recent years and is now also home to more higher priced non-Chinese shops where you can buy anything from artisan goods to vintage clothing.

Be sure to visit the East end of Fisgard street crossing at Government Street. Here you will find the traditional Chinese Gate of Harmonious Interest, entrance to the Chinatown district.

The Victoria Bug Zoo

I’m not a huge fan of bugs but this could be a great one for the kids. Or any entomologists who just really want to check out the creepy crawlies on display in this unique Victoria attraction.

Located just a block from The Empress hotel it might not be the place for everyone. But for the less faint of heart it could be an interesting option, especially on a rainy day. Ick factor aside, The Bug Zoo seems to be popular enough with locals and tourists to maintain a healthy following. So it can’t be that bad, right?

Craft Beer tour

You could look into doing an official craft beer tour in Victoria, or you could just wing it and map them out on your own. Victoria and the surrounding area has a growing number of amazing craft breweries, and while I’m sure you’ll have your favorites, there are enough great beers for all palates. Use this handy map to make sure you catch them all.

In the downtown core I recommend checking out Canoe which has a great patio, Whistle Buoy which is in the trendy Market Square area of downtown, and Hoyne Brewing which is popular enough to have their beer make it over to the mainland quite often.

If you have access to a vehicle (and a designated driver) then Lighthouse is a great option with its lovely outdoor area and great selection of beer. And the ever-popular Category 12 which is en-route to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal is worth checking out too.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

Walk around the harbor

Victoria is a picturesque, historical city that is built around the busy but beautiful inner harbor. There are a number of companies that offer sightseeing boat rides, whale watching (keep reading for more on that) and even the famous BC floatplanes servicing Whistler, Vancouver and other parts of the island. But even if you don’t want to take a tour or test your sea legs out, you can still take a stroll around the inner harbor on a nice day.

In the summer there are sometimes street entertainers and the odd craft stall set up to peruse. There are also a couple of restaurants with enviable patio real-estate. But just going down to the harbor in the early morning, you’ll find a peace that you just don’t get further into the city center. Alternatively towards sunset you’ll get beautiful views as the West facing harbor illuminates with the setting sun.

Unique shops

Victoria is nothing if not a shopper’s paradise. Sure, there are the usual gift shops close to the harbor, filled with every Canadian stereotype shirt and souvenir you can imagine. But if you know where to look there are also some fun and unique stores that will occupy an afternoon no problem. For book lovers I recommend getting lost in Munro’s Books. This Victoria institution also has a magical knack of parting me with my hard-earned cash.

Then there’s Bastion Square, a little further up Government Street. This outdoor area often has local sellers with stalls trading everything from local art to jewelry and home décor you didn’t know you needed. Wander a little further towards Chinatown and you’ll get to Market Square (where I mentioned the brewery was earlier). They have some great little shops to throw your money at and you’ll be hipster-chic in no time.

Afternoon Tea at the Empress

The Fairmont Empress is the most central, iconic hotel in Victoria, located opposite the city’s inner harbor. With pride of place and a patio to die for, this hotel is well worth a visit (and an evening cocktail on the veranda).

But it’s their afternoon tea that garners much attention from visitors. They adhere to the more classic side of this very English tradition than the version at the Fairmont Banff hotel. Freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream. Dainty tea sandwiches and pastries to raise your blood sugar a few notches. It’s a treat that’s worth the cost (and it is a bit of a cost). Running around $75 per person, it’s not cheap, but it’s more the experience than a typical afternoon snack break. So get dolled up, don your best and enjoy a cultural experience like no other.

Royal BC Museum

This is most certainly my favorite museum in British Columbia. While Vancouver has some great museums, nothing really compares to the Royal BC Museum. I often center entire weekend breaks around the changing exhibits here. But their permanent collection is equally impressive.

If you’re interested in BC (and Canadian) history then this is the place for you. There’s a lot of First Nations history that can’t be missed, and an entire section detailing the British Columbia gold rush of the mid-1800s.

Brunch

Victoria is the unofficial brunch capital of BC. Vancouver loves its breakfast and brunch spots, and you’ll find many of them on a weekend are popular enough to cause a line outside. But Victoria is something else. Prepare to wait as it seems like (especially on weekends) absolutely everyone decides to go out for brunch.

Of course, that also means there are some amazing places to try. Try John’s Place, the Blue Fox Cafe or Shine Cafe in downtown Victoria. Their breakfast menus are all about 3 pages long so there’s plenty of choice.

And if you’re able to get just over the bridge in a vehicle, then you have to try Spinnakers Brewpub. A brewpub for breakfast? Yes, you heard me. The patio view is fantastic, the portions are a rather large size despite the heightened prices, and the drinks are incredible. Too early for one of their locally made beers? Try a Caesar or a Mimosa. Or try their Philosopher’s Lemonade (my personal favorite) for those skipping alcohol that early in the day.

Whale Watching

The first time I went whale watching was in Victoria. The whole BC coast is known for its pods of Killer Whales, both resident and transient, as well as humpbacks and grey whales. And while nothing is a guarantee, if you’re in Victoria you’ve got about the best shot of seeing one of these impressively large cetaceans.

Take a Zodiac boat tour, complete with full body suit to keep dry as you whip out of the harbor and around the nearby coastal areas in search of these incredible creatures. That trip might very well be one of the best tours of my life and I wasn’t disappointed.

You can do whale watching from Vancouver but experience shows me that your odds are much better from Victoria. For one thing, you’re closer to the regions they swim through and don’t have to go as far.

Park/walk

Victoria is a green city. So is Vancouver. British Columbia is just all about the environmental care and green spaces. It is after all the birthplace of Greenpeace. But Victoria has some interesting building designs creating a more natural plant focused style such as this one just off Bastion Square.

There are also a number of parks that will get you away from that city feel. Even though Victoria really doesn’t have a big city vibe, it’s still always nice to find a nice park to walk around. Somewhere to sit to enjoy the calm oasis in an urban area.

There are plenty of trails and coastal walks around Victoria, and if you have a chance make sure to visit Beacon Hill Park. They even have a fun petting zoo for the kids (or big kids).

Butchart Gardens

While this last one isn’t technically in Victoria, it is one of BCs top rated attractions. And definitely one of the most famous places on Vancouver Island. Who doesn’t love a good garden? But Butchart Gardens is more than that. It’s a veritable paradise just outside of Victoria. While it is easier if you have a car to be able to reach it, there are public transit options, or even tours and transfers from Victoria downtown.

Make sure to go early enough in the day that you have plenty of time as it is a rather extensive garden. A couple of hours is the minimum time you should plan for, ideally more. There is a lovely café/restaurant to take a break and of course a great shop with gifts and plant sales. And if you’re feeling particularly whimsical get yourself on the vintage carousel for a mild mannered horse ride in a picturesque setting.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these things to do in Victoria would you most like to experience? If you’ve been to Victoria, what are your favorite activities there?