Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is situated at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Canada. Renowned for its old-world charm, English heritage, stunning gardens, waterfront parks, hotels, and museums, Victoria is often said to be “more British than Britain itself.” Here’s a guide on how to explore this beautiful city.

How to Get to Victoria, BC

Since Victoria is located on an island, you’ll need to travel by air or water to reach the city. If you’re planning a day trip from Vancouver, two convenient options are taking a seaplane or a ferry. If you choose the ferry, you can also bring your car along for the ride.

Best Things to Do in Victoria

Visit Malabar Skywalk

It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the Malahat Skywalk from Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal. If you don’t have a car, you can catch a free shuttle from downtown Victoria. From the top of the skywalk tower, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the lush coastal rainforest and the Gulf Islands. While you’re there, stroll along the 600-meter treewalk, and for some added fun, descend via a 20-meter spiral slide. After spending about an hour here, head on to your next destination.

Indulge in an Afternoon Tea Experience

While in Victoria, you can’t miss the city’s beloved and quintessential experience of afternoon tea. There are plenty of options to enjoy this traditional British ritual, with a selection of fine teas paired with sweet and savory treats, including sandwiches.

The Fairmont Empress is one of the most famous spots to savor your tea in a setting of elegant decor. While it’s on the pricier side, tea lovers will find it a truly worthwhile experience.

If you’re looking for other options, Butchart Gardens offers a beautiful combination of garden views and high tea, with a range of dietary-friendly choices, from vegetarian to vegan.

Explore Butchart Gardens

Visit the stunning 100-year-old Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. Originally designed by Jennie Butchart, this privately owned garden is still operated by her family. Here, you can explore a variety of beautifully themed gardens, including the Sunken, Rose, Japanese, Italian, and Mediterranean gardens.

Roam in Fan Tan Alley

Visit the narrowest commercial street in North America, located in Victoria’s Chinatown. Once known for illicit activities like gambling and opium dens, this alley has since become a popular tourist attraction. Take a stroll through this unique spot, exploring its shops and boutiques. At its narrowest point, the alley measures just 0.9 meters wide, making it a perfect place for capturing some cool and distinctive photos.

Walk along Inner harbor

Take a stroll along Victoria’s Inner Harbour to enjoy scenic seaside views. Watch as planes land and boats dock in this bustling harbor, offering a picturesque and lively atmosphere.

Eat Fish and Chips

When you’re in a city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with such strong British influence, you can’t miss out on the classic dish of Fish and Chips. As you stroll along Victoria’s Harbor, you’ll easily spot one of the city’s top seafood spots. Just look for a small shack with long lines — that’s Red Fish Blue Fish, known for serving the best Fish and Chips in Victoria. No trip to Victoria is complete without giving this iconic dish a try!

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Explore the vibrant, colorful floating homes at Fisherman’s Wharf, where these private residences add charm to the waterfront. While you’re there, you can buy fresh seafood, book a whale-watching tour, and enjoy some seafood and drinks at one of the local spots.

Go on a Whale Watching tour

Victoria is known as one of the top destinations for whale watching, with whale sightings possible year-round. Many whale-watching tours even offer a sighting guarantee, giving you a free adventure on another trip if you don’t spot any whales on your first outing.

Take a Parliament Building Tour

If you’re a history enthusiast or an architecture lover, don’t miss the 40-minute tour of the British Columbia Parliament Building. Tours run every 30 minutes, and no reservations are needed. Simply check in with the staff at the front driveway to get tickets for the next available tour.

Explore Royal Museum

If you’re a history enthusiast, make sure to visit the Royal BC Museum, founded in 1886. Today, it showcases a wide range of exhibitions from around the world. For more information on current and upcoming exhibits, be sure to check out the museum’s website.

Visit Empress Hotel

Make sure to visit one of Victoria’s oldest hotels, the Fairmont Empress. Named after Queen Victoria, this iconic hotel is renowned for its rich history, stunning design, and world-famous afternoon tea.

Ride in a Pickle Boat

While in Victoria, be sure to take a ride in one of the charming pickle boats. These colorful boats serve as water taxis, offering a fun way to navigate Victoria’s waterways, or you can take a scenic tour to explore the area from the water.

Shopping in Victoria Public Market

Last but not least, don’t miss the Victoria Public Market, where you can enjoy fresh, locally-produced food.  

Victoria in a Day vs. Two: How Much Time Do You Need?

1 Day in Victoria

If you’re short on time, a single day in Victoria can still offer a packed schedule of must-see sights. However, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to fit everything in. Focus on the key attractions, such as the Malahat Skywalk, Butchart Gardens, a stroll along the Inner Harbour, and Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also enjoy a classic afternoon tea and finish the day with fish and chips at sunset.

With careful planning, you can experience Victoria’s highlights but expect a fast-paced visit. During our one-day trip, we managed to check off the first seven activities.

2 Days in Victoria

For a more relaxed experience, a two-day stay allows you to explore Victoria at a slower pace. You’ll have time to visit additional attractions like the Royal BC Museum, Parliament Building, and possibly take a whale-watching tour. You can also delve deeper into the city’s charm, from its historic architecture to hidden gems, while leaving time for shopping or simply soaking in the coastal beauty.

In summary, one day offers a whirlwind tour of Victoria, while two days gives you the chance to fully enjoy the city’s offerings and take a more leisurely approach. To make your planning even easier, pin this guide to your Pinterest board for quick access to top attractions, must-visit spots, and helpful tips when you’re ready to book your trip.

Don’t miss out on the ultimate Victoria travel experience—save it now and refer back whenever you need!