Out of Town Blog
Top 23 THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA, BC + Tourist Spots
Things to Do in Victoria, BC: A Comprehensive Guide
Victoria, British Columbia, is a beautiful city located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Known for its charming architecture, lush gardens, and scenic waterfront, Victoria is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Victoria is considered one of the top destinations in Canada.
One of the most popular attractions in Victoria is the Butchart Gardens. This stunning garden was originally created over 100 years ago and has since become a National Historic Site of Canada. Visitors can explore the gardens’ many paths and walkways, filled with colorful flowers and plants. In the summer, the gardens also host various events, including live music and fireworks displays.
For those who enjoy history, Victoria has plenty of options to explore. The Royal BC Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the province’s past. The museum features exhibits on everything from the First Nations people to the gold rush to modern-day life in British Columbia. Visitors can also check out the Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning Victorian-era mansion preserved as a museum.
Overview of Victoria, BC
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia with a population of around 85,000, Victoria is a small and charming city that attracts visitors worldwide. The city is known for its mild climate, beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and outdoor activities.
Victoria is situated in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Olympic Mountains, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The city is easily accessible by air, ferry, or car, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The city’s downtown area is centered around the Inner Harbour, where visitors can find many restaurants, cafes, shops, and attractions. One of the most popular attractions in Victoria is the Butchart Gardens, which features over 55 acres of stunning gardens and floral displays. Other popular attractions in Victoria include the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, and the Parliament Buildings.
Victoria is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with many hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale-watching opportunities. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including beaches, forests, and mountains, making it a perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors.
Historic Landmarks
Victoria, BC, is a city steeped in history and boasts several historic landmarks. Here are a few notable ones:
British Columbia Parliament Buildings By Michal Klajban – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Discover the iconic Parliament Buildings, a stunning architectural landmark in Victoria, British Columbia. Completed in 1898, the buildings are home to the Legislative Assembly and are open to the public for guided tours. Take a tour of the majestic Parliament Buildings, located in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people and overlooking Victoria’s stunning Inner Harbour.
Learn about the history of the buildings and the British Columbia government, and explore the architectural splendor of the Parliament Buildings. Free guided tours are available every weekday throughout the year and seven days a week during the summer, with tours offered regularly throughout the day. Don’t miss your chance to discover the history and beauty of one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks.
Craigdarroch Castle By Hugh Lee – Craigdarroch Castle 1887-90, CC BY-SA 2.0 , cc
Craigdarroch Castle
Immerse yourself in a Victorian experience like no other at Craigdarroch Castle! Built for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in the late 1800s, this stunning mansion is a shining example of a “bonanza castle” — massive houses built for entrepreneurs who became wealthy during the industrial age.
Take a self-guided tour of the castle and explore the unique history of the Dunsmuir family, from the grand architecture and original furnishings to the fascinating artifacts and stories of times past. Craigdarroch Castle is an unforgettable experience that will transport you back to the industrial age.
Chinatown, Victoria, British Columbia by Michal Klajban via Wikimedia cc
Explore Chinatown
Explore Victoria’s Chinatown and discover a fascinating part of Canadian history! With its origins from the mid-nineteenth century, Victoria, British Columbia’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco.
Step into the maze of alleyways and courtyards and discover a vibrant community that continues to be popular with residents and visitors alike. From traditional Chinese restaurants and movie theaters to gambling dens, there is something for everyone in Chinatown.
What’s more, it is conveniently located just minutes away from other sites of interest, such as the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Bay Centre, Empress Hotel, Market Square, and more. So come and explore Victoria’s Chinatown and uncover a unique piece of Canadian history!
Fan Tan Alley, Victoria, British Columbia by Michal Klajban via Wikimedia cc
Visit Fan Tan Alley
Step into Fan Tan Alley, and you’ll find yourself on the narrowest commercial street in North America, a mere 0.9 m (3.0 ft) wide! Located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, the alley was originally well-known for opium factories until it was made illegal in 1908. It then became a hotspot for gambling and got its Fan Tan name from the card game of the same name during the 1910s.
After police raids and declining visitors, the alley fell into disrepair, and buildings were condemned. Thankfully, it was revitalized in the 1970s and 80s with leadership from David Chuenyan Lai. It now serves as a tourist destination, with many small shops, an art gallery, restaurants, apartments, and offices. It was designated as a heritage property by the local government in 2001.
In 2006, material salvaged from the alley’s original gate was donated to the Six String Nation project and now serves as kerfing on a guitar. If that wasn’t enough, the alley was featured in the 1990 movie Bird on a Wire, with Mel Gibson riding a motorcycle down the alley.
Victoria City Hall By Michal Klajban – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
The Victoria City Hall
Victoria City Hall is a National Historic Site of Canada, proudly standing at the corner of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue in downtown Victoria. It is home to the esteemed Victoria City Council and a beacon of Second Empire-style public architecture in Western Canada.
Architect John Teague designed the building, which was completed in 1890 and was designated a heritage site by the municipality in 1979. It is 105 feet tall, with three types of façades, tall windows, pedimented dormer windows, and a metal mansard roof constructed of concrete, brick, and stone. This grand structure was built from 1878 to 1891 and symbolized the government’s growth and power.
Empress Hotel By Xue Dong – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
Empress Hotel
Check Rates and Availability.
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, BC, Fairmont Empress has been a grand and iconic hotel since 1908. With its awe-inspiring Châteauesque-style architecture, it’s no wonder why the Empress was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981 and became a Fairmont Hotel in 1999.
This majestic building, once known as James Bay – a watery, muddy beginning – has been lovingly restored and upgraded over the years, most recently in 2017 with a $60M renovation. Step inside and discover the grandeur of this historic hotel, which has been delighting visitors for over a century.
Christ Church Cathedral By Xue Dong – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
Christ Church Cathedral
Explore the beauty and grandeur of Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria’s historic Gothic-style Anglican landmark three blocks from the Inner Harbour. Discover the breathtaking stained glass collection, the awe-inspiring 4,000-pipe Hellmuth Wolff organ, and other historical pieces. Open daily from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour or join one of the many concerts, tours, or worship services held at the cathedral.
Plus, don’t forget to check out our live-streamed services every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on our website, Facebook, and YouTube. Situated on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen peoples, Christ Church Cathedral is a proud part of the Anglican Church of Canada. It is the episcopal seat of the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia (Islands and Inlets).
Museums and Galleries
Victoria, BC is home to various museums and galleries that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. Here are some of the top museums and galleries to check out during your visit:
Royal British Columbia Museum By Michal Klajban – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
Royal BC Museum
Discover the rich history and culture of British Columbia at the world-class Royal BC Museum in Victoria! Explore the museum’s diverse galleries and dioramas, from coastal rainforests to alpine meadows, and experience interactive exhibits that bring the history of the First Nations people of BC to life.
Established in 1886 in response to a petition signed by 30 prominent citizens, the museum has been collecting and preserving the province’s significant artifacts and specimens for future generations. Don’t miss this must-see attraction in Victoria!
Victoria Bug Zoo by Darren Kirby via Wikimedia cc
Victoria Bug Zoo
Experience a world of wonder at the Victoria Bug Zoo! Since 1997, this mini zoo has been delighting visitors of downtown Victoria with live insects, spiders, and other creepy crawlies from around the globe. Get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures during a guided tour or hands-on experience.
Learn about their importance in our ecosystem and take home an appreciation for the world of bugs. Whether you’re young or old, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a unique and educational experience you won’t soon forget!
Miniature World
Miniature World
Discover a world of tiny wonders at Miniature World in downtown Victoria, BC, Canada! This captivating tourist attraction offers an unforgettable journey of amazement and wonder, with over 85 intricate dioramas and displays depicting historical events, fairy tales, and fantasy worlds. Don’t miss the World’s Smallest Operational Sawmill, 11 years in the making.
With a Yearly Season’s Pass, you can explore the road of smallness and relive your childhood dreams as you explore history’s greatest moments.
Make memories that will last for years to come and take control of trains, boats, and
All Rights Reserved Travel