The majestic city of Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. Situated on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this city is known for accommodating copious parks and gardens. A glance at the buildings of Victoria will remind of the legacies of the great Victorian architecture. This city is also a classic confluence of greenery and historical abundance, all of which makes it a must-visit on your trip to Canada.The weather in Victoria is always pleasant and comforting owing to its location – right along the pacific coast, so visiting there and not indulging in the experiences that it offers will be no less than a mistake. Here are some things to do in Victoria, Canada that will help you make your vacation more memorable!
10 Things To Do In Victoria, Canada
A trip to Victoria is as refreshing as the day goes – a city with air so rejuvenating that every day, you would want to extend your trip by another day. There are plenty of things to do in Victoria and see in this historical town, some of which have been listed below!
1. Royal British Columbia Museum: Tour Like Royalty
The Royal British Columbia Museum, founded in 1886, is one of the biggest collections of historical artefacts and objects. The museum holds approximately 7 million objects! You can find on display objects ranging from remnants of the RMS Titanic to objects from the rule of Genghis Khan. The entire museum is divided into eight disciplines, namely: Entomology, Botany, Palaeontology, Ichthyology, Invertebrate Zoology, Herpetology, Mammalogy, and Ornithology. It houses 3 permanent galleries that focus on British Colombia history and heritage. If knowing about the history of different cities excites you, then you know where to head! Taking a tour of such royalty is indeed one of the best things to do in Victoria, Canada.
Location: 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 9W2.
Entry fees: 26.70 CAD for adults, 18.77 CAD for students and seniors, 16.79 CAD for children, free entry for babies and toddlers.
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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2. Inner Harbour: Explore The Neighborhood
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As Victoria’s central tourist neighbourhood, visiting this place is an absolute must. You can see some fascinating floating homes, the colourful fishing boats, and quaint cafés. This is the neighbourhood where the Royal BC Museum is located, so after exploring the museum, it is the perfect place to catch a delicious lunch and unwind. You can spend at least a few hours just walking around this relaxing place.
Location: Inner Harbour, British Colombia
Entry fees: free
Timings: N/A
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3. Butchart Gardens: Indulge In Fun Experiences
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Established in 1904, these gardens are a world-famous tourist spot located about 15 miles north of Inner Harbour. The gardens receive up to 1 million visitors every year—a very unsurprising fact, considering how beautiful the scenery is! You can take a pleasant walk along the illuminated, colourful gardens, have a fun little picnic with your loved ones, take plenty of pictures or even enjoy the musical entertainment that is held at the park almost every day. There are also boat tours and carousel rides!
Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8, Canada
Entry fees: 23 CAD per person
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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4. Fairmont Empress Hotel: Treat Yourself To Their Special Tea
For all the tea lovers out there, this place is an absolute must-visit. The elegant Fairmont Empress Hotel buildings, dating back to the 20th century, still holds onto the trademark Victorian flair and grandeur. Although the price is steep, the hotel is famous for its world-class, in house brand of tea. Tasting tea at this hotel is definitely one of the best things to do in Victoria because just for a price of 61-78 CAD, you can experience a truly traditional, historical tea culture.
Location: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Entry fees: N/A
Timings: N/A
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5. Craigdarroch Castle: Witness The Glorious Work Of Art
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One of the most designated national historic sites of Canada, this palace dates back to the Victorian era. It is a mansion that used to house the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan. The castle was made into a museum in 1979 and has remained so since then; standing tall, boasting an elaborate, and intricate work of architecture along with lavish furnishings and beautiful stained-glass artworks. It has 39 rooms spread out over 25,000 square feet. Visit this Castle to experience royalty, glory and if you happen to be an architecture lover!
Location: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5, Canada
Entry fees: 14.25 CAD for adults, 5 CAD for children.
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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6. Whale Watching Tour: Befriend The Sea Creatures
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Victoria town gives you the chance to get an up-close look of these majestic creatures of the sea – the whales! You can take the Eagle Wings Tour or the BC Whale Tour. Some even allow you to visit the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. Trust us, going on a whale watching tour is literally one of the best things to do in Victoria with kids because the knowledgeable guides who take you on this tour will offer you fascinating tidbits of information about the whales, helping both you and your child learn. While you are on this tour, remember to keep both your cameras and heartbeats steady!
Location: Vancouver Island
Entry fees: 350 CAD approx.
Timings: 1:00 p.m.
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7. Victoria Butterfly Gardens: Spot The Beautiful Fauna
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These fascinating gardens house thousands of species of butterflies – all in a greenhouse spanning 12,000 square feet. You can also see a variety of bird and fish species—including bright pink flamingos and the Japanese Koi fish! The gardens have a lot of members of the staff who are knowledgeable enough to keep you abreast with all the information you need to know about these creatures!
Location: 1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J5, Canada
Entry fees: 16.50 CAD for adults and 6 CAD for children
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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8. Beer Tours: Head Out For A Chilling Experience
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Breweries are a speciality of Victoria, given that the city is called the Brewing Capital of British Columbia. With more than a dozen breweries and bars crammed into the quaint little town, you can try samples of beer for free! But who really wants to get sloshed in the day, right? So why not spend the afternoon doing the other things in this list, then successfully call it a day and try this one experience which is amazingly one of the best things to do in Victoria at night. Some of the famous breweries are the Hoyne Brewing Company, Moon Under Water, and Brewery at Swans Brewpub.
Location: 101-2740 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 5C5, Canada
Entry fees: N/A
Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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9. Downtown Tour: Witness The Splendid Attractions
Downtown Victoria has many scenic attractions- all of which can be explored within one evening. Starting with Thunderbird Park and its fascinating totem poles, one can go on to visit the famous Parliament Buildings, which are home to British Colombia’s legislature body. You can take part in the free guided tour and enjoy the atmosphere. Taking a Downtown Tour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Victoria.
Location: Victoria, British Colombia
Entry fees: N/A
Timings: N/A
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10. Shopping: Splurge A Little
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Of course—what is a holiday without even buying souvenirs and some things to take back home? Victoria does not fail you in this regard, as there are plenty of shopping streets and avenues within the town, where you can find fascinating things to purchase. Visit Chinatown, the Bastion Square Public Market, Market Square, and Victoria’s Antique Row or Oak Bay Avenue and be prepared to carry back the hefty shopping bags!
Location: Victoria, BC
Entry fees: N/A
Timings: N/A
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You can easily spend at least four to five days in this fascinating town, exploring the culture and lifestyle and being a part of the luxuries and lavishes as well as the history and rich legend. There are numerous things to do in Victoria that will make your vacation all the more memorable. Spend your holiday in Victoria and make memories for a lifetime with your loved ones! So, plan your trip to Canada with TravelTriangle and save yourself from missing out on a tour around this enchanting city.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Victoria
How can I spend 3 days in Victoria?
You can go for sightseeing tours and indulge in popular activities such as walking along the Inner Harbor, exploring the tourist attractions like Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, Cook Street Village, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, Hatley Park National Historic Site, Parliament Buildings, shopping or dining at Market Square, etc.
How long is a ferry ride from Victoria to Vancouver?
It takes 4 hours ferry ride to reach Victoria from Downtown Vancouver and you will be covering a distance of almost 107 km. There are regular ferries between the two places.
Is it safe to visit Canada during Covid times?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit Canada, however, you need to follow the travel advisory mentioned by the authorities, along with taking the required safety measures. Make sure that you have completed both the doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.
When is the best time to visit Victoria?
The best time to visit Victoria in Canada is between March and May is most advisable. This is the time when the weather is most pleasant, and you may experience light drizzle at the most.
Is Victoria BC worth the visit?
Yes! You can spend at least three days exploring this town and its rich history as well as the luxurious amenities of a modern country. If you still need convincing, give this article a read again!
What can one buy in Victoria BC?
Do not miss out on buying maple syrup, the famous Canadian sweet. You can also buy beer and wine from the famous breweries and vineyards. Art from the First Nations is also a nice souvenir to take back home.
What is the weather like in Victoria BC?
Victoria experiences cool and dry weather. The summers are cool, dry and at times cloudy. While the winters tend to be quite cold and wet.
What is Victoria BC famous for?
The town of Victoria is also called the City of Gardens because it is the home to many gardens and parks. It is also famous for historical buildings that date back to the Victorian era, as well as fun activities like whale watching.
When do the Butchart Gardens open?
The Butchart Gardens are open all year round! With each season, the gardens take on a new form—with different flowers and a whole new charm for every time of the year. The garden opens from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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