12 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

Henry

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Victoria, a city in British Columbia, is located at the southern end of Vancouver Island. It has a mild climate and offers plenty of activities for both Canadian residents and international tourists. Victoria is called the ‘Garden City’ because it has many parks and green spaces.

In addition to beautiful coastline and beaches, the city has interesting museums, historic tourist attractions, and attractive architecture. Visitors can also enjoy whale watching tours, sightseeing cruises, and ferry rides. Victoria is a lively and relaxed city that is definitely worth visiting if you get the opportunity.

12. Butchart Gardens

Butchart-Gardens

The Butchart Gardens, located in Victoria, is a popular destination that is only a short twenty-minute drive from the city. It is situated in a peaceful and secluded area, making it an ideal location to visit. The gardens, which were originally a limestone quarry, are now filled with a variety of beautiful flowers, plants, pools, and fountains.

Each element of the garden is carefully arranged to create an aesthetically pleasing experience for visitors. Over time, the gardens have expanded and now also include Italian and Japanese gardens, along with statues and pavilions. The remarkable Sunken Garden is particularly noteworthy among the attractions.

In total, the gardens house an impressive collection of 900 different types of plants, ranging from tulips and daffodils to roses and chrysanthemums.

11. Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is located just south of the city center and covers a large area. It offers a wide variety of landscapes, views, and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. The park features beautiful gardens with stunning coastal scenery and a shoreline.

It has been a popular destination since it was established in 1882, loved by both locals and tourists because of its excellent amenities and natural beauty. In addition to woodlands and gardens, you can also find ponds, fields filled with flowers, playgrounds, picnic areas, and playing fields.

The park even has a petting zoo and a water park. One of its highlights is the world’s tallest totem pole, and it also offers fantastic views from its prominent hilltop.

10. Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park, located just twenty minutes’ drive northwest of town, offers a delightful experience for both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This picturesque park, established in 1958, boasts expansive areas of temperate rainforest and inviting hiking trails, showcasing stunning natural beauty at every turn.

The park’s diverse landscapes are adorned with thick cedars and fir trees, concealing captivating attractions such as the breathtaking views from Mount Finlayson and the impressive Niagara Falls (though not the world-famous one).

However, the park is best known for its annual fall salmon runs in the Goldstream River, attracting a multitude of bald eagles that swoop down to catch them.

9. Chinatown

Chinatown

Victoria is home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, a lively and bustling part of the city filled with businesses and restaurants. In addition to its numerous shops and delicious food options, this area also showcases beautiful architecture and was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1995.

In the 1850s, after discovering gold in Fraser Canyon, many Chinese miners made their way to British Columbia from California and settled here.

What started as a cluster of simple wooden huts has now transformed into Victoria’s Chinatown, adorned with landmarks like the intricately designed Gate of Harmonious Interest, the Tam Kung Temple, and the charming and narrow Fan Tan Alley, creating a unique and atmospheric atmosphere.

8. Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch-Castle-3

At the top of a hill, you can find the impressive Craigdarroch Castle, a massive mansion from the Victorian era. It has captivating architecture and offers great views of downtown. Originally built in 1890 for a rich coal baron, it is now a museum where you can take tours and explore the National Historic Site.

The castle looks like something out of a fairy tale, with well-preserved features like turrets, stained-glass windows, porches, and balconies. Inside, you’ll find fancy halls and rooms decorated with luxurious furniture and antique items. The mansion is famous for its detailed woodwork and has 39 rooms to discover. Informative displays throughout the castle tell the story of its history and the Dunsmuir family, who used to live there.

7. Victoria Whale Watching

Victoria Whale Watching

When visiting Victoria, it is a must to take a whale watching tour because whales live and eat in the surrounding straits and seas. From April to October, which is considered the best time, many companies offer these tours departing from the Inner Harbour. You can observe groups of whales from comfortable catamarans or open Zodiac-style boats.

They can be seen either feeding or migrating through the Georgia Strait. Apart from orcas and grey whales, there are also humpback and minke whales, as well as seals and sea lions swimming around.

The crew members on these tours are knowledgeable and will provide information about these magnificent marine creatures, making the experience even more breathtaking.

6. Royal BC Museum

Royal-BC-Museum

The Royal BC Museum is one of the top attractions in the city, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history, culture, and nature of British Columbia. Situated near Chinatown, the museum has a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the region.

Established in 1886, the museum’s collection has grown to include over seven million objects and specimens. Not only does it provide information about the animals and ecosystems of the province, but it also highlights the traditions and heritage of the First Nations people. With its rich array of human and natural history, the Royal BC Museum is a must-visit for anyone in town.

5. Inner Harbour

Inner Harbour

The Inner Harbour in Victoria is a popular place to visit and has many important landmarks. It has beautiful buildings, green spaces, and you can see fishing boats and floating homes in the bay. There are also interesting old streets to walk along and plenty of cafes and restaurants to discover.

The Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel are the main attractions, but there are also other places like Miniature World and the Maritime Museum nearby. In the summer, there are concerts, festivals, and cultural events happening because there are lots of street artists and entertainers in the area. People can also go on whale watching tours or watch floatplanes take off from the nearby airport.

4. Victoria Bug Zoo

Victoria Bug Zoo

Located just a short distance from Chinatown, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a unique and intriguing attraction in the city. It consists of two rooms that house approximately fifty captivating species of insects. Knowledgeable tour guides and informative exhibits are available to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of these insects.

Since its establishment in 1997, the bug zoo has consistently amazed and educated people with its fascinating collection of bugs. From walking sticks and praying mantises to leafcutter ants, tarantulas, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions, each creature is more impressive than the last.

In addition to imparting knowledge about insects, the enthusiastic guides often bring beetles and bugs out of their tanks so visitors can observe them up close.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

 Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a vibrant and lively place near the city’s Inner Harbour. It has colorful buildings and is a great spot for getting some delicious seafood or buying souvenirs. The wharf is lined with food kiosks and unique boutiques, and you can see float homes and fishing boats in the water nearby.

This is also where ferries and sightseeing tours depart from. The wharf was built in 1948 for commercial fishing, so there’s always something happening. You can watch fishermen unload their catches while spotting harbor seals and herons along the waterfront.

The air is filled with the music of street performers. Aside from shopping and enjoying fresh seafood, you can also rent kayaks and arrange whale watching tours here.

2. Abkhazi Garden

Abkhazi-Garden

Abkhazi Garden is a peaceful and beautiful place located a short drive southeast of downtown Victoria. It features a gorgeous heritage house and stunning grounds and gardens that you can explore. The garden was created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946 who carefully designed it with various plants and stunning views.

Besides enjoying the natural beauty, visitors can also treat themselves to delicious food in the teahouse. This scenic garden is also a popular venue for weddings and private events throughout the year.

1. Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings

The Parliament Buildings in British Columbia’s capital city are located on the south side of the Inner Harbour. These structures serve as the government’s seat and are not only important but also visually stunning. The buildings have impressive features like domes, turrets, and facades that rise above the surrounding grounds and waterfront.

Constructed in the 1890s, they display various architectural styles with elements of Renaissance, Romanesque, and Neo-baroque designs. Visitors can join tours to learn about the buildings’ history, as well as the history of the legislative assembly and the province.

One of the highlights is the Parliament Buildings’ lofty blue dome, which looks especially beautiful in the evening when the facade is illuminated with thousands of little lights.

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