Set on the finish of the principally wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is an excellent metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Recognized for the abundance of out of doors actions and beautiful Victorian structure, it’s a spot the place colonial historical past is intertwined with indigenous tradition. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a 12 months and obtained 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 glorious artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and mountaineering trails.
Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or per week, you gained’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 can enable you put collectively the very 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 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 among the finest museums in British Columbia.
Better of Victoria BC Fast Information
Should See: Chinatown, Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Fort, Beacon Hill Park, Parliament Buildings, Afternoon Tea
The place To Keep: Ocean Island Inn, Fairmont Empress, The Oak Bay Seashore Resort
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 accustomed to 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 the very best spots within the metropolis but additionally be taught 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 Road and Fan Tan Alley.
My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally can help you uncover town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly just a few energy, and what higher approach to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its finest eating places?
Sensible Data
Strolling excursions of Victoria normally take 2-3 hours and price $60-100 per participant.
2. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s finest and hottest museum. When 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 Turning into BC.
Come right here to be taught concerning the indigenous individuals of British Columbia, in addition to concerning the state’s common historical past and the way it developed over time. Youthful guests usually tend to benefit from the Pure Historical past gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of varied animals.
Plan to spend no less than a few hours at this museum, and that’s in the event you’re going to hurry by way of the place. When you 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 possibly can attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies.
Sensible Data
The Royal BC Museum is open each day from 10 AM to five PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12.
3. Tour The Improbable Craigdarroch Fort
Craigdarroch Fort is without doubt one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a extremely popular historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, through the late nineteenth century.
Go to the fortress and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, stunning decorations, and wonderful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each inside and outside, and it’s top-of-the-line areas for structure excursions in Victoria.
The fortress is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike trip) from Downtown Victoria.
Sensible Data
Craigdarroch Fort is open for excursions Wednesday by way of Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets may be purchased on-line or on the entrance.
4. Lease A Bicycle
Victoria BC is named Canada’s biking capital, and it’s some of the bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and lots of lodging supply them to their visitors.
Biking round Victoria isn’t just nice for getting across the city shortly for little or no cash, but additionally an excellent manner of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s normally sooner than touring by bus, plus you gained’t have to fret about rush hour site visitors.
When you’re in nice bodily situation, you would possibly even be capable to bike to points of interest far outdoors town middle, 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 no less than.
Sensible Data
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 motorcycle 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, fashionable constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion.
Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of beautiful artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. In truth, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that every 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 Data
The Artwork Gallery of Better Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and costs a $15 entrance payment. 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 palms down some of the beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my complete 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 fashion on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. All the park between Authorities Road and Menzies Road is a wonderful place the place you possibly can take pleasure in among the finest structure within the metropolis.
See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the completely different memorial statues. You may even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It’ll price you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC.
Sensible Data
Free guided excursions of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria happen a number of instances all through the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It’s simply accessible from central Victoria and top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis if you wish to spend a few hours in nature however aren’t fairly within the temper for an tour that features touring far outdoors town middle.
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, typically, are identified for incredible pure landmarks and out of doors actions.
Sensible Data
Beacon Hill Park is open each day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Stroll By means of Historic Fan Tan Alley
Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It’s lined with eating places and boutique outlets on both aspect, which provide some glorious 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 is best to take a look at in the event you’re searching for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria.
Nonetheless, I’ll say that this expertise is totally skippable in the event you’re even a bit of bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slim that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t at all times doable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.
However in the event you can navigate the tight alley with out a sense of dread, will probably be a prime expertise. The pink and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered pink brick of the buildings. The doorway to the Chinese language Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is attention-grabbing and value supporting.
Sensible Data
Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most outlets are closed till 5 p.m.
9. Go to Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a Nationwide Historic Web site finest identified for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park gives strolling trails with views of previous army buildings, nevertheless it’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that draws the majority of tourists to the location.
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 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 High of Mount Douglas
Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and an important place to come back for 360° panoramic views. You may 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 car parking zone on the summit, so you possibly can simply drive as much as the scenic level in the event you’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.
The vista from the lookout level is without doubt one of the finest in Victoria BC and it stretches into the US. Additionally, a number of mountaineering trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you may spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, and marveling on the good views. However in the event you’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 realm is freed from cost, and parking on the prime can also be free however very restricted.
11. Historic Excursions at Hatley Fort
Hatley Fort is located in Better Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike trip) from town middle. It’s completely definitely worth the trouble it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century fortress was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching website and these days is a historic park.
Are you able to think about that folks really lived on this incredible mansion? Even immediately, elements of it are used as workplace area and to carry courses, so you possibly can’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 without cost all through the day.
Sensible Data
Guided excursions of Hatley Fort can be found upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to nightfall, and entry is freed from cost.
12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park is the primary nature sanctuary in Canada identified for mountaineering trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to calm down within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and luxuriate in some incredible 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 possibly can arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day stuffed with mountaineering and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a superb vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who wish to discover past town streets.
Sensible Data
Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There is no such thing as a admission 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 you probably 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 possibly can cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner in the event you’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike.
This historic path passes by way of city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You may comply with the complete path on a motorcycle, or hike simply part of it. You may 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 advisable just for skilled mountain bikers in glorious bodily situations, 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 an excellent view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s inside harbor. The strolling path gives an excellent view of town’s marine site 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 huge. It doesn’t look that huge from the gap, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its dimension.
One factor to notice is that it’s doable to stroll down the Breakwater and the Decrease Breakwater. I like to recommend you keep on 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 night time, freed from cost.
15. Wander Round Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Located roughly a 20-minute drive from town middle, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a superb place to come back and neglect you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, to not point out all of the completely different bushes and flowers.
You possibly can tour the place shortly in below an hour, however I’m optimistic you’ll wish to spend extra time on the gardens when you move by way 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 atmosphere.
One factor to notice is that it will get actually scorching within the tropical jungle, so that you would possibly must take breaks in the event you keep there for some time. Ensure that to deliver a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outdoors from time to time to chill down a bit.
Sensible Data
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance payment of $19.50 for adults. It’s open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM.
16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor
Haunted Manor mini golf is just not an exercise for everybody, so be at liberty to depart it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re prone to take pleasure in. However in the event you like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable manner 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. Normal 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 shocking 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 just a few completely 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 a captivating Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a brief stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely acceptable for prime tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the best markings.
When you’re executed 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 Data
The Pendray tea home is open each day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are advisable, and the typical price per particular person is $60-70. A vegan choice is on the market.
18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens
Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is without doubt one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you may spend the higher a part of the day roaming across the Butchart Gardens.
One factor I’ll say is that this is without doubt one of the priciest points of interest in Victoria, BC, so that you would possibly wish to go away it off your itinerary in the event you’re on a tighter price range. With each day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in.
However you will get a significantly better deal on tickets in the event you 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 limitless discipline 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 the very best panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and nicely definitely worth the journey in the event you’ve obtained entry to a automobile.
Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the midst of the forest. From the highest, you possibly can see the surroundings of each the US and Canada, and it’s such a pleasant view that you simply’ll hardly wish 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 areas and is nicknamed The Biggest 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 way of the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive every part concerning the dioramas, and you may simply spend 2+ hours on the museum.
Sensible Data
Miniature World is open each 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 without doubt one of the finest near town middle. Located only a 15-minute bike trip from the center of Victoria, it’s a superb various for vacationers who don’t wish to exit of their approach to see the Butchart Gardens.
It is a a lot smaller backyard, masking an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the vegetation and bushes to develop to their present dimension. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the stunning backyard, adopted by the tea home and ponds. Afternoon tea on the Abkhazi Backyard is a superb thought, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical value vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations are usually not fairly as good.
Sensible Data
The Abkhazi Backyard is open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission payment 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 so much 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 rather more non-public than a traditional tour boat, I used to be completely dissatisfied to be taught that it’s not certainly formed and painted like a pickle.
The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, they usually typically 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 succeed in on traditional strolling excursions.
Sensible Data
A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Inside Harbour, they usually final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50.
23. Examine Out Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Inside Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in vivid colours, a number of of which function eating places or outlets. Simply understand that individuals stay in a lot of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.
As you stroll down the piers, you possibly can typically spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and sometimes have interaction in playful antics to entertain the onlookers.
Fisherman’s Wharf extends past the piers lined with colourful boats to embody an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for youths.
Sensible Data
Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most outlets and eating places are open till 7 PM.
24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway
Songhees Walkway is a waterfront strolling path that extends from Johnson Road 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 possibly can sit down for breaks.
The walkway gives good views of Victoria Inside 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 without cost. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single route.
25. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Locals at all times know the place the very best meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll grow to be aware about that data in the event you be part of a neighborhood meals tour. These normally 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 rather more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. In spite of everything, it’s town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full with out a cease there.
Sensible Data
Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, normally 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 no less than 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 stuffed with historic and fashionable plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. When you’re provided a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to be taught a lot concerning the plane on show, and it’s so much higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself.
Sensible Data
The BC Aviation Museum is open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway payment is $17 for adults.
27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are each extremely popular actions in Victoria, BC, and the right approach to discover town past its busy streets. Be a part of a guided kayaking tour or lease a canoe and take to the seas by yourself—no matter your choice is, it shouldn’t be an issue.
One factor I’ll say is that guided excursions are the most suitable choice for individuals with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here may be unpredictable, and in the event you’re not accustomed to the climate situations it might 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 may in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and luxuriate in a unique perspective on Victoria’s Inside Harbor.
Sensible Data
A number of operates supply kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is without doubt one of the hottest.
28. See the Sakura Bushes in Chinatown
I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends manner 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 seek out. Sakura bushes line the streets of Chinatown, they usually’re cause sufficient to contemplate touring to Victoria within the spring. All the neighborhood can also be embellished with conventional Chinese language lanterns.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be identified for the very 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 in the event you’re available in the market 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, typically, 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 Better Victoria tourism middle constructing within the harbor.
The skilled operators will take you to the very best spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However additionally they know to maintain their distance from the animals so that they don’t disturb them of their each day routines.
This operator gives 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 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 in the event you don’t wish to go to parks which are farther outdoors town middle however nonetheless wish to take pleasure in a brief mountaineering journey.
The character sanctuary contains a loop strolling path that even crosses the lake at one level. It takes roughly half-hour to finish, and it’s a well-maintained and simple strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t must be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which is able to 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 stunning sight. Mungo Martin Home is understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence gives brief excursions of a surgeon’s home with interval furnishings.
Sensible Data
Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time.
32. Ziplining in The Forest
Thrill seekers gained’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 in the event you embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. All the journey takes about two hours, and it consists of 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV trip.
Sensible Data
The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.
33. Experience The Hop On Hop Off Bus
I’m not the largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re an important choice for vacationers who’re on the town for a really brief time. When you’re in Victoria for less than a day or two, using the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all town’s prime landmarks in that point.
The fantastic thing about these buses is which you could get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You may 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 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, town is really an important 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 without doubt one of the finest pubs within the metropolis. It gives a wide array of native and worldwide craft beer. They even supply tasting menus, so you possibly can 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 normally open till 9/11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends.
FAQ For Finest 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, due to numerous kilometers of biking and mountain biking trails.
What’s the #1 vacationer attraction in British Columbia?
The Stanley Park Totem Pole is by far the most well-liked vacationer attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Better Victoria.
Is Victoria BC a walkable metropolis?
A lot of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Nonetheless, there are numerous attention-grabbing locations outdoors the downtown which are price visiting however not accessible on foot.
Suggestions And Data For Visiting Victoria BC
Finest Time To Go to
The perfect 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 larger costs of accommodations and enormous crowds of vacationers.
If, however, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher resort offers, journey to Victoria in April-Might or September-October. Simply understand that 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 not often drop beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there through the Christmas festivities.
Getting There
Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to town, nevertheless it has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, however, is the second-busiest within the nation and likelihood is will probably be your first cease in Canada.
From there you’ve obtained a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it doable to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You may even take a bus from the airport to town, which takes about 4 hours to succeed in the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing.
Getting Round
Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you may go to most 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 must cope with rush hour site visitors as a lot.
Bike leases can be found all through town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. As a result of town doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the one viable mode of public transport. They’re handy for touring across the metropolis however are typically fairly sluggish.
Uber and taxis are another choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest manner of getting round Victoria. As for automobile 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 no less than 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 the very best landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you’ll be in a little bit of a rush the complete time.
Vacationers who love being open air and exploring nature may have a good time in Victoria. When you can swing 5 days right here, you possibly can have sufficient time to discover an excellent chunk of Vancouver Island, a lot of which is untouched nature.
The place To Keep In Victoria BC
Keep in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for straightforward strolling entry to all the very best landmarks and points of interest within the metropolis. Each areas supply all kinds of accommodations in each value vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer points of interest. Among the finest accommodations in Victoria for all budgets are:
Ocean Island Inn gives price range lodging with a incredible location in Downtown Victoria.
Fairmont Empress is without doubt one of the finest accommodations in central Victoria, with beautiful views of Victoria Inside Harbor.
The Oak Bay Seashore Resort is a five-star resort with an oceanfront location. It has a incredible spa middle and enormous rooms, however it’s fairly removed from town middle. Think about staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Resort in the event you’re planning a calming trip in Victoria, BC.