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Apr 16, 2024 · Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria. Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk.
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Apr 13, 2024 · Victoria BC is known for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching tours, and vast parks. The majority of the city’s best attractions are outdoors, making it a top destination for travelers who love exploring off the beaten path.
Plan your trip to Victoria, BC with travel tips, maps, visitor guides, LGBTQ+ travel, and more. Discover a region perfect for year-round outdoor adventure.
Victoria is a city unlike any other. With boutique hotels fit for a queen, world-class attractions, and fresh farm-to-table dining that's measured on a scale of metres not miles. Nestled between the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island.
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First-time visitors stepping into Vancouver Island might be surprised by the very different atmosphere as opposed to the city of Vancouver just across the Strait of Georgia. While the island is mainly quiet and laid back, Victoria is a step up as the largest city on the island, aided by the fact that all of British Columbia's governmental offices a...
By car
There are two highways that reach Victoria: 1. Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) travels south from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) ferry terry terminal to Victoria. Only the portion from just before Langford to Victoria is a freeway. In Langford there is an interchange with Highway 14 for travel from Port Renfrew and Sooke. In Nanaimo, the highway intersects with Highway 19 for travel from areas north of Nanaimo. 2. Highway 17 (Pat Bay Highway) travels south in along the Saanich Peninsula from Victor...
By bus
1. Amtrak Thruway Connector. Amtrak's rail service from Seattle ends in Vancouver, but a ticket can be booked to Victoria with the remaining segment completed by bus.(updated Jan 2022) 2. BC Ferries Connector, toll-free: +1-888-788-8840. offers an express coach service between Vancouver and downtown Victoria. This bus service runs on BC Ferries, and tickets can be purchased on board for the trip into town. Despite the "express" name, this bus takes the same or more time than the transit bus i...
By foot
Walking is an easy, free, and fun way to explore the entire downtown area. Make your way from hotel to museum to shops; stop for coffee; stroll along the harborside; grab a pint and some fish-n-chips - take it in!
By bike
Biking Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada, which may have something to do with the very mild winters. There are many places to rent bikes. One place is CycleBCRentals, at 685 Humboldt St. (☏ +1 250-380-2453 or toll-free ☏ +1-866-380-2453). Bike rentals start at $6 and they also rent scooters and motorbikes here.
By public transit
1. BC Transit (Victoria Regional Transit System), ☏ +1-250-382-6161.(updated Mar 2022) 1.1. Runs a bus network within Victoria, between Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula including Sidney, and between Victoria and cities to the west including Langford and Sooke. Regular fares are a flat $2.50. Children aged 5 and under are free. Bus tickets can be purchased in books of ten, and give a slight discount. Day passes are also available; they cost $5.00 cash, or two tickets. No transfers are availa...
Many of Victoria's attractions (and tourist activity) are in or around the Inner Harbour and downtown, including the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, the Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Park. If you're pressed for time, it would be hard to go wrong spending your time there. Beyond the harbour are a handful of attractions, including the reno...
Whale watching
Whale watching is a popular activity in Victoria. Three pods of orcas (killer whales) have feeding grounds between Victoria and the mainland, plus grey whales, humpback whales and minke whales migrate through the Georgia Strait at different times of the year. Some companies offer whale watching tours year-round, but the best time to see whales is considered April to October. Tours outside of those times focus less on whales and more on the other marine wildlife. Many of the companies offer wh...
Parks and trails
The Victoria area is an amazing place to explore if you're inclined towards natural spots. A couple of converted railbeds provide longer-range multi-use trails (the Galloping Goose and Lochside) that stretch from Victoria to Sooke (and beyond) and the Saanich Peninsula. North of Victoria is Saanich, which has many fine parks that are popular spots for hiking. 1. From the Inner Harbour you can walk along the water in either direction to the very popular local Dallas Road, or you can cross 48.4...
Other activities
1. Harbour toursSmall harbour ferries (about six passengers) provide transport around and a view of the Selkirk Waterway and Inner Harbour. 2. Wine tastingThere are five wineries within a 45-minute drive of Victoria, on the Saanich Peninsula, including some estate wineries. These wineries have a wide range of wines including those made from their own grapes, grapes grown elsewhere and fruit wines. 3. 48.45494-123.3980214 SilverCity Victoria Cinemas, 3130 Tillicum Rd (behind the Tillicum Mall)...
There are many different schools in Victoria including ESL & Language schools, films school, art school, private colleges and so on. 1. 48.463-123.3122 University of Victoria (UVic). Publicly funded, this is the biggest school in the area. It's on a hill a short walk from the ocean, UVic prides itself on its beautiful campus with tree-lined paths, ...
Victoria is full of little shops tucked away in every nook and cranny in the centre. Souvenir shops are all around the Inner Harbour. Although people generally think Victoria is a tourist destination only, there are more than just tourist shops. 1. Americans so inclined may want to take the opportunity to pick up a Cuban Cigaror two. Thanks to trad...
Victoria has the second-highest number of restaurants per capita of all North American cities! The waterfront tourist area is home to a wide variety of restaurants and eateries, including several English-style pubs. Try the fish and chips or shepherds pie for a taste of England in Canada. For a more eclectic Victoria experience, check out the class...
Because Victoria’s downtown is fairly small, most of the nightlife is within walking distance. Cabs aren’t too expensive and there isn’t too far to go to get from point A to B. Victoria's police force has an aggressive crackdown on drinking and driving, so take a cab, all you have to do is stumble to Douglas and eventually you will grab one before ...
There are a number of areas to stay in Victoria with the most popular location being downtown. Other options include Sidney, the West Shore and the Upper Harbour district.
Victoria. Arguably the finest museum in British Columbia and carrier of a ‘royal’ prefix since 1987, Victoria’s flagship sight mixes the cream of BC’s provincial…
Victoria, British Columbia seems to have it all — the wildlife, incredible cuisine, a warm welcome, and those landscapes you can’t get enough of. With four nights, I was ready to dive into everything that this vibrant city on Vancouver Island has to offer.
