best day trips victoria bc

21 Best Day Trips from Victoria, BC (Local’s Guide)

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Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Victoria, BC? Look no further than the best day trips from Victoria BC, with something for every adventurer. 

With so many day trips from Victoria BC by car to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.

Which is why we’ve highlighted our family’s favourites & the most popular attractions and hidden gems that Vancouver Island has to offer. 

Explore the charming seaside towns like Sooke, Sidney, and Cowichan Bay. Enjoy the rugged landscapes of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and Cathedral Grove’s towering trees, or unwind in the serene Gulf Islands.

Growing up in the beautiful city of Victoria I have been lucky enough to have explored the island from top to bottom. And taken many a friend, kid and family member on day trips & longer to all my favorite spots. Which I am so excited to share with you. 

So grab your camera, and let’s go!

Table of Contents

DAY TRIPS FROM VICTORIA, BC BY CAR

There are so many things to do in Victoria, BC, the capital of British Columbia . Once you’ve finished visiting the “Garden City,” there’s so much more to explore

So why wait? Get ready to cross some items off your Vancouver Island Bucket List !

1. Butchart Gardens

• Distance from Victoria : 22 km
• Driving Time: 35 min

If you’re looking for a quintessential Victoria day trip, look no further than the breathtaking Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. We’ve spent many a day wandering around as a family enjoying these stunning botanical gardens.

You can take this express shuttle to Butchart Gardens from downtown Victoria, if you don’t have a car.

Begin your visit by exploring the Sunken Garden, a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into a tranquil oasis of flowers and foliage. From there, make your way to the Rose Garden , where over 250 varieties of roses bloom in stunning colors and fragrances.

Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, which offers a serene escape. For the kids, head to the Italian Garden for some gelato , and a spin or two (or 5 which happened last time for us) on the Carousel ride.

2. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs

• Distance from Victoria to Cathedral Grove : 176 km
• Driving Time: 2 hour 30 min

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver Island, and many of my favorite places on the island on this.

Drive up island to see Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove – a haven for some of the island’s tallest and most ancient trees.

Along the way, drop by the quaint country market Coombs (with Goats on the Roof) , embark on rainforest hikes leading to mesmerizing waterfalls, and seize numerous photo opportunities.

We recommend this all-day, private excursion from Victoria , so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Don’t want a tour, you can make the drive yourself!

3. Sidney 

• Distance from Victoria : 27 km
• Driving Time: 40 min

Sidney, BC, is a quaint town located just a quick 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria.

One of the most popular spots to visit is Sidney Spit, a small island located just off the coast. Take a ferry over to the island and spend the day exploring the beaches and trails. Or rent a kayak and paddle around the island’s pristine waters.

Back on the mainland, wander through the town’s many shops and galleries, where you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to local artwork.

Don’t miss the Sidney Pier, where you can watch the boats come in and out while enjoying a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Seas is on our list of the best cheap things to do in Victoria & area.

For a dose of local history, be sure to visit the Sidney Museum, where you can learn about the town’s roots as a fishing and farming community. 

LOCAL TIP: Take the kids to our favourite Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea . A small, yet fun aquarium and learning centre. We stop in every time we’re in Sidney. It’s a perfect day trip if it’s a rainy day in Victoria .

Sidney, BC is a charming and picturesque destination that’s well worth a visit on a day trip from Victoria. 

4. Cowichan Valley

• Distance from Victoria : 94 km
• Driving Time: 1 hour 45 min

If you’re a wine lover visiting Victoria, BC, you’re in luck! There are a variety of wine tasting tours in Cowichan Valley from Victoria that offer visitors a chance to explore the local wine scene and sample some of the region’s best varietals.

One popular tour is this small group Cowichan Valley Wine & Food Tour,  which takes visitors on a scenic drive through the picturesque Cowichan Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit a variety of wineries and taste some of the area’s best wines.

Cowichan Valley is also known as a destination for swimming, fishing and floating in tubes down the Cowichan River on a hot summer’s day. And the Kinsesol Trestle you can hike to.

5. Victoria to Vancouver by Seaplane

• Flight: 35 min

While I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Vancouver, a day trip is definitely doable.

Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating seaplane flight from downtown Victoria to Vancouver , that provides a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque Gulf Islands

Once you’ve landed, make your way to Stanley Park . This urban park is 405 acres of forest, with walking paths, an aquarium, restaurants and much more. You could spend your whole day here.

A bike or walk along the seawall is a delightful way to soak in the park’s natural beauty and enjoy panoramic views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

⭐️ This fun half day guided tour of Stanley Park, Granville Island and through Gastown & Chinatown, takes all the stress out of planning.

Next, head over to the lively Granville Island by hopping on the water taxi. On the island, delight in the bustling Public Market, breweries, art galleries, and charming shops. The toy store is always a must stop with our kids.

🏆 Take this tasty Granville Island Food Tour , a fun way to taste all the best local Vancouver products. Including Canadian cheeses, artisan chocolates, maple salmon, and more.

Finally, to cap off your day, venture to the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge , nestled amidst towering evergreens. Traverse the 450-foot-long bridge. While marveling at the lush forest and captivating Capilano River below.

With a day trip like this, you’re bound to create memories that will last a lifetime.

⭐️ Find family friendly hotels here: Where to stay in Victoria with kids .

6. Malahat Skywalk 

• Distance from Victoria : 33 km

The Malahat Skywalk is fun for all ages.

Featuring a 250-meter-long elevated walkway that takes visitors through the treetops, Arbutus Trees, culminating in a spiral tower that offers 360-degree views of the area.

Plus it’s stroller & wheelchair accessible.

Kids will love the adventure of walking through the canopy and spotting wildlife along the way. Then taking the fast route down on their Spiral Slide.

For the brave, step out onto their Adventure Net suspended above the centre of the tower.

Also one of the best things to do in Victoria, BC in winter too.

7. Saltspring Island

• Distance from Victoria : 53 km
• Driving & Ferry Time: 1 hour 30 min

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Victoria for a day? Consider a Saltspring Island day trip! This picturesque island is just a short ferry ride on BC Ferries from Swartz Bay , and offers visitors an arts, food and nature escape.

The Gulf Islands are magical, and not to be missed. 

Start your day by visiting  Ruckle Provincial Park . Where you can hike along the rocky coastline and through old-growth forests. Don’t miss the tide pools, where kids can get up close with a variety of sea creatures.

Next up, sample delicious cheese at the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. Made right on the island. Kids will love meeting the goats that produce the milk used to make the cheese. Pop into their cafe in the summer for tasty pizzas, salads and their goat cheese cake.

There’s also wandering through the island’s many  art galleries, studios, and fun shops where you can find everything from pottery to paintings,  kids toys and west coast inspired gifts. 

For a dose of history, visit the  Salt Spring Island Historical Museum , where you can learn about the island’s First Nations history and early European settlers. Kids will love the interactive indoor & outdoor hands-on exhibits. Best of all, it’s free. Open Wednesday to Friday & Sunday (End of May to October).

LOCAL TIP: Don’t miss the famous Saltspring Island Saturday Market , where local artisans and farmers come together to sell their wares. We always try to time our day trips with the outdoor market which usually runs from April to October.

8. Pender Island

• Distance from Victoria : 54 km
• Driving & Ferry Time: 2 hours 25 min

Pender Island is another Gulf Island that is a lovely place for a visit. Especially if you love the outdoors and are looking for a laid back vibe with family or friends.

Hike to the top of Mt. Norman for gorgeous views of the surrounding islands. Get out on the ocean with a guided sea kayak tour, through secluded coves.

Or take a swim at Mortimer Spit , and a walk along the beach and marsh trails in north Pender Island at the Medicine Beach & Nature Sanctuary.

Don’t forget to check out Jo’s Place for a tasty meal.

There are so many fun things to do on Pender Island, you may just want to spend more than a day.

Ferries leave from Swartz Bay to Otter Bay up to 8 round-trip sailings daily, depending on the season. It’s only 40 minutes if direct, or longer if there’s stops or transfers at at Galiano, Mayne or Saturna Islands.

9. Pacific Marine Circle Route

A day trip along the Pacific Marine Circle Route showcases what the natural beauty of Vancouver Island is all about. 

If you are looking for a relatively quick Vancouver Island road trip, this tops our recommendations. 

This 255-kilometer drive takes you through stunning coastal landscapes, old-growth forests, and charming seaside towns. While it can be done in one day, it’s best to take at least a weekend, to really enjoy all the sites, vistas and activities each town has to offer. 

Victoria to Sooke, Port Renfrew & Lake Cowichan

Starting in Victoria, you’ll head west along the coast & Highway 14 towards Sooke (a 45 minute drive) before turning north towards Port Renfrew. 

• Sooke Potholes, and East Sooke Park are great places to spend some time in nature, hike or take a cool dip.
• In Port Renfrew, you can take a break and explore the beautiful beaches and trails of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Botanical Beach & Avatar Grove. 

Continuing inland, you’ll head to Lake Cowichan, on Pacific Marine Road. This used to be a dirt logging road, but has since been paved. 

Pass through the  Cowichan Valley , then drive through the town of Duncan, known as the “City of Totems.” It’s a great place to stop and wander through the town’s historic streets, which are lined with charming shops and cafes.

As well as 40 magnificent carved totem poles. They each tell their own story. Duncan also has a fabulous Saturday Farmer’s Market. 

Cowichan Bay back to Victoria

Next make a quick detour off Highway 1 to Cowichan Bay  on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Slow down and take in the beautiful vistas of this small maritime town.  

Visit True Grain Bread, an old world style bakery,  explore Indigenous art at the Arthur Vickers Gallery, and wander this lovely seaside town.

From Cowichan Bay, you’ve reached the final leg of your journey. We recommend heading over to the iconic Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest free-standing timber trestles in the world. It’s a quick walk along an easy trail. 

Finally, the drive will take you back to Victoria through the Malahat Drive, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Stop at the Malahat Summit for amazing views of the Saanich Inlet and the Cowichan Valley.

One of our favorite Victoria parks, Goldstream is a good place to stop along the way. In fall you can even see the salmon run.

10. Kinsol Trestle

• Distance from Victoria : 47 km
• Driving Time: 50 min
• Hiking time: 30+ minutes

The Kinsol Trestle, along the Cowichan Valley Trail is an impressive wooden trestle bridge spanning the Koksilah River. It’s one of the largest free-standing wooden trestles in the world. 

Originally built in 1920 as part of a rail line that connected Victoria to the interior of Vancouver Island. The Kinsol Trestle has since been converted into a hiking,  biking and horseback riding trail that offers visitors a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. 

With a height of over 40 meters and a length of 187 meters, the Kinsol Trestle is a true engineering marvel that’s well worth a visit.

You can stop here on your way to Cowichan Bay  (our next stop on Victoria day trips not to miss).

11. Cowichan Bay 

• Distance from Victoria : 55 km
• Driving Time: 55 min

Cowichan Bay is a charming seaside town located on Vancouver Island, and is the perfect destination for a family outing. 

Take this epic whale watching tour   for a chance to see Orcas, Humpback Whales,  and other interesting sea life, leaving from Cowichan Bay.

Or start your day by exploring the  Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre , where you can learn about the town’s rich history as a fishing and boat-building community. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

Next up, head to the  Cowichan Bay Fishermen’s Wharf , where you can watch the local fisherman bring in their daily catch. Kids will love seeing the variety of fish and sea creatures up close.

Definitely don’t miss the Rock Cod Cafe for fish and chips.

For a fun outdoor adventure, take a kayak or paddle board around Cowichan Bay , where you can explore the local marine life and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the  Cowichan Bay Estuary Nature Centre,  where you can learn about the local ecosystem and even spot some resident otters and seals.

12. Witty’s Lagoon

• Distance from Victoria : 20 km
• Driving Time: 45 min

  Witty’s Lagoon ,  is a beautiful coastal lagoon located just outside of Victoria, BC. It’s a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers and beach goers, especially in the summer.

• The Lagoon Trail is a popular option, as it passes by the Sitting Lady Falls, and the Whitney-Griffiths Point picnic area.
• The Tower Point Trail is another must-see, with a scenic lookout that offers panoramic views of the ocean. It’s only 500m (one way) on a flat mixed gravel / dirt footpath, and is the most accessible section.

The Beach Trail is the one we usually take, as it  ends at Witty’s Beach . Bring your beach blanket, & a picnic and take a stroll along the sandy beach. It’s a moderate 1.2 km forest trail that also goes through old apple orchards. Keep your eye out for blackberries to pick.

LOCAL TIP: Stop at  My Chosen Cafe for lunch  after a morning beach day, if you want to forgo the beach picnic. This is our favorite restaurant in the area and a local gem. 

13. Sooke 

• Distance from Victoria : 40 km
• Driving Time: 40 – 60 min

Consider heading to Sooke, BC, where you can explore some of the region’s fun coastal hikes, explore tidepools, and dip in a river. The following are a few ideas of where to stop and hike on your day trip to Sooke from Victoria. 

Head to East Sooke Park,  where you can  hike the Coastal Trail  through old-growth forests and along rocky coastlines. Keep an eye out for the iconic arbutus trees. 

The full Coastal Trail is 10km and ranges from easy (at Aylward Farm) to more challenging, the further out you go. We usually just hike out 30-90 minutes and then return the same way.

LOCAL TIP: We recommend starting at the Aylard Farm Entrance. It’s the most family friendly for all ages. Plus there’s also a sandy beach right there if you don’t want to hike far. 

Sooke Potholes

• Distance from Victoria : 45 km

For a fun and refreshing adventure, make your way to the  Sooke Potholes , a series of hikes and crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Kids will love splashing around in the cool water and exploring the surrounding rocks.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park also makes for a good starting point for a bike trip on the  Galloping Goose Regional Trail . It’s a 55 km multi-use trail that runs from Victoria to Sooke.  Bike south toward Roche Cove Regional Park.

The  Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is open May to September  if you prefer to stay overnight at Sooke Potholes.

LOCAL TIP: Stop at the local’s favourite diner Mom’s Cafe in Sooke after a busy day.

14. Port Renfrew

• Distance from Victoria : 111 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Victoria, BC, consider driving to Port Renfrew, a small coastal community located on the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island.

First on the list is Avatar Grove , a stunning old-growth forest that’s home to some of the largest and oldest trees on the island. Including the “gnarliest tree. ” Just a 20 minute drive north of Port Renfrew, this popular family friendly hiking trail is 1.2km of boardwalk.

Next up,  head to Botanical Beach , a scenic coastal area known for its rich & diverse tide pools and unique rock formations. 

Kids will love exploring the tide pools and spotting the various sea creatures that call them home. Just make sure you go at low-tide to make the most of the tide pools.

It is about a 20 minute scenic forest walk down to the rock & pebble beach along an interpretive trail. Just be prepared for the walk back up.  

Hike part of the Juan de Fuca Trail . The trail follows Highway 14 and the Pacific Marine Circle Route from China Beach to Botanical Beach. A day hike can be as short or long as you like.

Whale Watching!   Their season runs from May to October, so plenty of time to see orca, humpbacks and other marine life. Look to the sky for bald eagles. 

15. Juan de Fuca Trail 

• Distance from Victoria : 75km to China Beach Trailhead
• Driving Time: 1 hour 20 min

Speaking of the   Juan de Fuca Trail , this scenic hiking trail  spans over 47 kilometers along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.

Fun fact: I spent a summer building trails here in my youth, back when it was first being created. Showing my age lol!

One of the top things to see on the Juan de Fuca Trail is the stunning natural scenery, including ancient forests, rocky coastlines, and secluded beaches (like Mystic Beach with its waterfall). Don’t miss the chance to spot some of the local wildlife , including bald eagles, black bears, and gray whales.

There are four main  entrances to the trail, each with its own unique features and section lengths. These include China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Botanical Beach. Depending on your fitness level and time constraints, you can choose a section of the trail that fits your needs.

16. Chemainus

• Distance from Victoria : 80 km
• Driving Time: 1 hour 15 min

Chemainus is  famous for its stunning murals  that decorate many of the buildings in the town. These intricate works of art depict the area’s rich history and cultural heritage .

In addition to the murals, Chemainus is home to a bustling Wednesday market where you can sample local produce and browse handmade crafts and artisanal goods. Popping into their charming boutique stores, is another favorite (antique stores, art galleries, gift shops, & our favorite Hansel & Gretl’s candy shop).

If you’re visiting with kids, take them for a play and wander at Waterwheel Park , or fishing or swimming at Fuller Lake Park.

LOCAL TIP: The  Chemainus Theatre  puts on some of the best local plays I’ve ever seen. It’s a fun date to take in their brunch and one of the 4 or 5 plays they put on each year.  Derek & I have stayed at the Best Western Plus & it was clean & comfortable way to enjoy a weekend away.

17. Parksville & Qualicum Beach

• Distance from Victoria : 147 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours 10 min

Parksville and Qualicum Beach are two charming towns located a fun day trip with kids from Victoria, and are home to some of Vancouver Island’s best beaches and beach activities .

In Parksville, you can spend your day  exploring beaches at  Rathtrevor Beach or Parksville Beach,  with plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. I spent many summers here as a kid, and teen, and take my own kids here regularly. 

Parksville offers a long stretch of sandy beach, which is perfect for building sandcastles or playing beach games. With shallow, protected waters, perfect for toddlers and babies too. 

Parksville Community Park is the playground, with space to kite fly, an outdoor gym and plenty of space to run around.

More things to do in & near Parksville, BC with (or without) kids .

There are also plenty of outdoor activities nearby, including hiking trails, mini golf, golf courses, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

In Qualicum Beach, you can take the kids to the Qualicum Beach Museum, which has a collection of artifacts from the area’s history. The town also has plenty of quaint shops and cafes, perfect for a leisurely stroll. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a  short drive to the nearby Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park , which offers guided caving tours of the park’s fascinating underground caves.

Or take an easy hike through  old-growth and second-growth forests of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock and maple to either  Qualicum Falls or Englishman River Falls .

Coombs, our next recommendation below is just a short drive away.

18. Goats on the Roof, Coombs

• Distance from Victoria : 154 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours 15 min

Witness the famous “Goats on the Roof” at Coombs. Yes, you read that right – there really are goats living on the roof of the Old Country Market.

But that’s not all there is to see here. The Old Country Market is also a great spot to shop for local produce, baked goods, and souvenirs. 

And if you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of food vendors serving up delicious eats. Like our usual stop for an eclectic mix of Billy G’s donuts and of course ice cream for our daughter. 

The town also hosts events throughout the year, such as the Coombs Bluegrass Festival and the Coombs Fair.

19. Cathedral Grove

• Distance from Victoria : 176 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours 25 min

Immerse yourself in the ancient splendor of Cathedral Grove , a protected old-growth forest in MacMillan Provincial Park.

Stand in awe beneath the towering Douglas firs, some of which are over 800 years old, and breathe in the crisp, clean air as you connect with nature.

Such a magical place. I try to stop here whenever I am in the area.

LOCAL TIP : Make a day of it and see Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Cathedral Grove & Coombs. They’re all relatively close and well worth a visit on a day trip from Victoria.

20. Bike the Galloping Goose Trail

The  Galloping Goose Regional Trail is a 55 km multi-use trail that runs from Victoria to Sooke. You can bike ride part or all of it on a day trip from Victoria, Canada.

Originally a railway line, it has been transformed into a multi use path connecting with the Great Trail across Canada.

You’ll pass by farmland, lakes, marshland, rocky outcrops and more.

Popular Galloping Goose Day trips include

• Victoria to Thetis Lake Regional Park (11km one way). Spend the day at Thetis swimming, hiking or fishing.
• Park at the Galloping Goose parking lot on Rocky Point Road and follow the trail to  Matheson Lake , then Roche Cove   Regional Parks (5km one way) then onto Sooke Potholes (another 13km one way).

If you are starting from downtown Victoria, cross the Johnson Street bridge,onto the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail.

LOCAL TIP: ☕️ Stop in at Dockside Green for some tasty croissants, pastries and coffee at Fol Epi & Cafe Fantastico. A local gem. Miss S always goes for the macarons & the buttery croissants.

21. Goldstream Provincial Park

• Distance from Victoria : 19 km
• Driving Time: 30 min

Goldstream is a lovely park, perfect for a family friendly day trip. It also makes our list of our favorite Victoria area parks for families.

There’s a series of easy trails along the water, picnic areas with firepits, camping and hiking. In Fall, people come from all over to see the Salmon Run & Bald Eagles.

The Goldstream Trestle Trail is a flat, 3.5 km roundtrip easy trail that follows the old railway bed through the park. Past the Trestle.

For the more adventurous, a hike up Mount Finlayson offers a rewarding challenge with stunning panoramic views of Victoria & Valley. It’s a 6km rugged loop.

Another trail short leads you to a  47.5 metres tall waterfall.

You’ll wander through forests full of  600 year old Douglas fir and western red cedar trees along the river. Then arbutus trees, and lodgepole pine in the drier areas.

Final Thoughts: Day Trips from Victoria, BC Not to Miss

And there you have it – 21 incredible day trips from Victoria, BC, that promise to make your time on Vancouver Island truly unforgettable.

With such a diverse range of experiences to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie.

VICTORIA & CANADA RESOURCES

Here are our favourite resources we use to research and book our trips. They offer competitive deals, and good customer service. Plus itineraries and more travel ideas for Victoria & Canada: Top whale watching tours in Victoria 3 Day Victoria Itinerary with Kids Free & Cheap Things to do in Victoria, BC Top 11+ Victoria Parks & Playgrounds not to miss! How to travel from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Seattle to Victoria Ferry Best Seaplane Tours from Victoria —- Vancouver Island Bucket List Fun things to do in Parksville, BC Where to stay in Parksville, BC Canada How to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife Booking.com – Book accomodations here. Excellent all round site for lowest lodging rates. VRBO – Book family friendly accommodations here, All the comforts of home, but no cleaning! Viator – Find & book even more experiences, tours & fun lessons world wide. Discover Cars – Use this comparison tool to find the best deal (worldwide) Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Save money on flights Anything else? Check out our Family Travel Resources & Tips page

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Victoria BC Day Trip

One of the highlights of any visit to Canada is a Victoria BC day trip. Victoria is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, and its picturesque Inner Harbour and city center are easily explored by foot in just one day. If you use your time in Victoria wisely you can explore the city’s Indigenous, British and natural history, dine on some of Canada’s most delicious cuisine and visit one of the city’s top attractions… all without feeling rushed.

I consider myself to be a Victoria local because I lived here for more than ten years. While I was living in town, I worked at several of the biggest tourist attractions in Victoria and used my industry connections to have behind-the-scenes experiences at many other attractions too. Although I’ve now moved away, I still visit my friends and family in Victoria several times per year (I’m actually in Victoria as I write this guide, in autumn 2023).

I used my local knowledge and my years of experience helping other travelers plan their trips to Victoria to write this day trip guide. I hope it helps you plan your day in Victoria, and if you have any questions about what I’ve written here please don’t hesitate to comment at the bottom – I will respond as soon as possible!

How to Plan a Victoria BC Day Trip

Most of the famous tourist attractions in Victoria BC are clustered around the Inner Harbour area and the downtown core.  It’s very easy to explore this area by foot in about three hours, which makes a walking tour of Victoria the perfect way to start your day trip.

After you’ve walked around and seen the highlights, you’ll probably want to stop for lunch. I’ll recommend some of my favorite restaurants later in this guide.

After lunch, you’ll have the chance to get to know one of Victoria’s three most interesting attractions in more depth. Whether you’re traveling with kids, are passionate ecotourists or want to see one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, you’ll be able to end your one day in Victoria on an unforgettable note.

Things to See on a Victoria BC Day Trip (Morning)

Your day in Victoria is going to start with a self-guided walking tour of the Inner Harbour and Victoria’s historic downtown center. My recommended route follows a circular path, so you can start and end in the Inner Harbour area. Plan to spend about two to three hours walking, depending on how many stops you make en route.

#1 – The Parliament Buildings

The home of British Columbia’s provincial government, Victoria’s parliament buildings are one of the city’s most famous landmarks.  Construction on the buildings finished in 1897, about thirty years after British Columbia joined Canada.

There are several monuments and other sights on the grounds around the Legislature. Surely the most famous is the statue of Queen Victoria, front and center, but it’s also worth spotting the cenotaph (a memorial to the Unknown Soldier) and the Sir James Douglas Obelisk, which commemorates the province’s first premier.

To the west of the parliament buildings, just across Menzies Street, you’ll also find Confederation Garden Court. Here, an outdoor fountain and waterfall are backed by the Canadian coat of arms and the shields of each Canadian province or territory.

When the parliament buildings are open visitors are welcome to take a free self-guided tour inside. They also have free guided tours available most days (exact dates and times change each week depending on political goings-on). Check the BC Legislative Assembly’s website for details.

(I cheated and used a photo I took of the parliament buildings all lit up at night… I’m secretly trying to convince you to make your day trip to Victoria into a weekend!)

#2 – The Empress Hotel

In the 1800s the Canadian Pacific Railway was building a rail network across Canada and establishing their own line of grand hotels in the major cities en route. Although the train tracks didn’t extend all the way to Victoria (for obvious reasons), the CPR couldn’t imagine their portfolio without a waterfront property in Victoria. Thus, The Empress was born.

In the years since the hotel has hosted royals (including Will, Kate and Queen Elizabeth) and celebrities (from a young Shirley Temple to John Travola and Harrison Ford). It has its own myths and legends (many believe it’s haunted by the ghost of the hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury) and has served as a backdrop for Hollywood feature films.

Some parts of the hotel are open to the public, including the gift shops and the hotel gardens. If you’d like to see more, you could have high tea in the hotel lounge (see below) or turn your day trip into an overnight visit .

#3 – Thunderbird Park

While Victoria tends to be known for its many British influences, it’s extremely important for both locals and visitors to remember that Vancouver Island had a rich Indigenous history and culture long before Europeans colonized the region.

Thunderbird Park is located beside the Royal British Columbia Museum, between the parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel. This outdoor green space is home to the Mungo Martin House, named after a prolific Kwakwaka’wakw artist and carver.  When this house was opened in 1953, the event was celebrated by the first legal potlatch ceremony in over sixty years (as the Canadian government prohibited Indigenous people from practicing their culture and traditions). The grounds are also home to numerous totem poles – take a look and see which animal figures you can identify.

#4 – The Inner Harbour Causeway

Running along the waterfront, directly underneath both the parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel, you’ll find the Inner Harbour Causeway. As the Inner Harbour ceased to be a commercial and industrial port, and shifted towards being of more tourist importance, this pretty pedestrian area was added to turn the area into a social gathering spot.

There are some plaques and small monuments on the walls that line the causeway, but really you just want to walk down here to see if you can spot any seals in the water before strolling down to…

#5 – Victoria Harbour Ferries

Everyone in Victoria loves our little Harbour Ferries. The two main stops are here on the causeway and just west of the Inner Harbour at Fisherman’s Wharf (a community of floating houseboats and other local businesses). Upon request, they can also stop across the harbour in Songhees (you can walk back along a beautiful waterfront path) or down the water at the famous Red Fish Blue Fish restaurant (see below).

In the warmer months, the Victoria Harbour Ferries perform a “water ballet”. Several mornings per week, all of the ferries meet in front of the Steamship Terminal and perform a choreographed show on the water.  Check their website for dates and times (typically from April to September).

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#6 – Government Street

After exploring the Inner Harbour, you’ll want to walk north along pretty Government Street. This street is home to many of Victoria’s oldest shops, including the original locations of Rogers’ Chocolates and Murchies Tea & Coffee (more info on those below) and Munro’s Books. These three shops are beloved by both locals and tourists, and are definitely worth stopping inside as you are walking.

At the intersection of Government Street and View Street you’ll find two possible detours that might pique your interest: Trounce Alley on your right and Bastion Square on your left.

Trounce Alley is a small pedestrian street with quirky local shops and restaurants. The antique gaslights that illuminate the street at night are original, dating back 125 years.

Across the street (under the glass pyramid arch), Bastion Square lined with original 19th-century buildings, many of which are said to be haunted. Don’t worry – I promise it’s not spooky in the morning! This is where the city’s old courthouse was located, and it’s where you can now find Victoria’s Maritime Museum (closed for renovations at publication time). If you’re in Victoria in the summer, you can often find a street market here.

#7 – Chinatown

Follow Government Street north for a few more blocks until you reach Fisgard Street and the Gate of Harmonious Interest that marks the entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown. This is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second-oldest in all of North America (second only to San Francisco).

In Chinatown  you can find shops, restaurants and heritage sites like the Chinese Public School. A local institution, Don Mee Restaurant has been in operation for more than 80 years, and is known both for its iconic sign and its delicious dim sum. The Bubble Tea Place was the first cafe to introduce bubble tea to Victoria, and is now almost 25 years old.

If you’re traveling to Victoria BC with tweens, you can build excitement for your trip by reading Julie Lawson’s White Jade Tiger before your trip. This well-known Canadian young adult novel tells the story of Jasmine, a Chinese-Canadian teenager who finds a secret passage in Chinatown that allows her to step back in time to BC’s Gold Rush era.

#8 – Fan Tan Alley

On Fisgard Street, midway between Government Street and Wharf Street you’ll find Chinatown’s most famous landmark: Fan Tan Alley. Measuring only 90 centimeters (35 inches) across, this is the narrowest commercial street in North America.

A hundred years ago, Fan Tan Alley was known for its opium dens and gambling houses. As the police cracked down on those illegal activities the alley fell into disrepair, but local leaders worked to revitalize it in the 1980s and today it is one of the province’s most-visited attractions. Recently, Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian Museum opened a satellite museum here in the alley, which you can visit today by donation.

When you’re finished in Fan Tan Alley, turn towards the water and walk back in the direction of the Inner Harbour, along Wharf Street. There are three more sights to see along the way.

#9 – Market Square

Accessed from Wharf Street or Pandora Street, Market Square is one of Victoria’s liveliest plazas. Although many of the buildings surrounding the square date back to the 1890s, the commercial square itself was only opened in the mid-1970s. It features three levels of shops, restaurants and services, and often hosts free concerts, performances and flea markets.

If you’re looking for an eclectic souvenir, stop by The Little Shop of Strange (upper level, at the Johnson Street entrance). If you’re vegan, Green Cuisine has a great plant-based buffet and kombucha on tap!

#10 – Lower Johnson Street (LoJo)

Market Square has an exit directly onto Lower Johnson Street (known as LoJo), or you can arrive via Wharf Street. Known as the city’s premiere shopping block, the colorful facades here front independent boutiques, spas and restaurants.  Even if you’re not in a shopping mood, it’s worth checking out the meticulously-restored architecture along this block.

If you have more time, I recommend checking out these businesses on LoJo:

• Free Spirit Botanicals – The Gardener’s Tea Tree Cream saves my skin in the winter, and now that I’ve moved inland I rely on their Mermaid Magic Salt Scrub to make my bath smell like the sea.
• Still Life – They have two stores on LoJo: one for menswear and one for womenswear. This has long been Victoria’s been boutique for high-quality, unique fashions.
• Hey Happy – If you need a quick caffeine hit to sustain all this sightseeing, this independent coffee shop can tell you exactly where their beans came from and where they were roasted… or they can whip you up an iced turmeric vanilla latte with homemade oat milk!

#11 – Johnson Street Bridge

If you had visited Victoria ten years ago you would have seen its famous “Blue Bridge” at the end of Johnson Street. Designed by the same architect who built San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Blue Bridge was considered to be an icon of the city (if perhaps a bit unsafe…)

In 2013 the old blue bridge was replaced with the current iteration you can see above. This rolling bascule bridge can be raised to allow large boats to pass underneath, so if you see a big ship en route when you’re nearby it might be worth stopping to see the show.

Otherwise, if there are no big boats on the way, you can follow the waterfront back to the Inner Harbour area for lunch and to decide on which of the three activities below you’ll do during the afternoon of your Victoria BC day trip.  I’ve listed some restaurant recommendations towards the end of this guide.

Things to Do on a Victoria BC Day Trip (Afternoon)

Whoa!  I know that seems like a lot to do in the morning, but I promise that there’s still lots of time left in the day!  In fact, it probably took me longer to write that section than it will take you to visit all of those spots! Assuming you followed my recommended sightseeing route and stopped for lunch, it’s time to get on with your afternoon in Victoria BC.

I’m going to give you three different options for your one afternoon in Victoria. These are some of my favorite things to do in Victoria and they are exactly what I would do if I only had one day to show off this city to a first-time visitor.

• Best for Small Children – If you’re spending one day in Victoria BC with young children, you’ll want to spend the afternoon at the Royal British Columbia Museum. This is also the top choice if it’s pouring rain!
• Best for Adventurers – If you’re with adults, or children over the age of seven, whale-watching in Victoria BC is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
• Best for Nature Lovers – If you are an avid gardener, or just love beautiful natural landscapes, a half-day trip to the Butchart Gardens will be the highlight of your day.

Option #1 – The Royal British Columbia Museum

In Canada, the title “Royal” still has to be bestowed by the King or Queen (via their representative, the Governor General). When you see a museum or heritage site with this designation, you know that it’s of real cultural significance and is absolutely worth visiting. That’s why the Royal British Columbia Museum is one of my top three recommendations for the afternoon of your Victoria BC day trip.

Located on the Inner Harbour, between the parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel, the Royal British Columbia Museum is ideal for families visiting Victoria with small children or for anyone looking for an indoor activity in the city center.

The second floor of the museum is dedicated to BC’s natural history, and it’s where you’ll find the famous woolly mammoth (shown above). Upstairs, the third floor is undergoing renovations at publication time: the immersive walk-through Old Town is currently open, but the galleries about BC’s Indigenous people are undergoing renovation. You can also expect to find world-class temporary exhibits – on my most recent visit they were showing ancient treasures from Angor Wat.

The onsite IMAX movie theater shows both feature films and educational programs (made for IMAX screens) relating to the current exhibits.

Option #2 – Whale Watching in Victoria BC

I think that one of the most special things you can do with one day in Victoria BC is to get out on a boat in the Salish Sea and see some of the Pacific Northwest’s spectacular wildlife.

There are two companies right in Victoria’s Inner Harbour that operate daily boat tours to see orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other local creatures. Personally, I have always gone whale watching with Prince of Whales (their office is directly below the Tourist Information Center, across from the Empress Hotel), but I also know that Orca Spirit Adventures is a popular ecotourism company as well.

Most whale watching tours take about three hours, and you have the choice of going out on a high-speed inflatable zodiac boat (my favorite!) or a slower, more comfortable covered boat with a climate-controlled interior. I took pictures of both types of boats for you – at the top you’ve got one of Orca Spirit Adventures’ red zodiac boats (plus the all-weather flotation suit you wear to keep warm) and under that you’ve got one of Prince of Whales’ yellow covered boats. Both companies use both types of boats.

Prince of Whales 🐋

• Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour – I’ve taken this exact tour three times and can highly recommend it. I’ve seen orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions and even deer (on the shore!) with Prince of Whales. They guarantee that you’ll see whales – if you don’t, you can come back on another day for free.
• Whale Watching on a Covered Boat – The larger boat is a better option for small children, anyone who experiences motion sickness, or travelers with back injuries.

Orca Spirit Adventures 🦭

• Whale Watching on a Covered Boat – Again, this large, comfortable boat is a good choice for anyone who would be uncomfortable with the bumps and splashes you experience on a zodiac.
• Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour – For most of the year, Orca Spirit Adventures books their zodiac whale-watching tours under this branding. They have a 95% success rate of sighting whales on this tour during the months from April to October.
• Zodiac Marine Wildlife Tour – This appears to be the same zodiac tour as above, but renamed for the off season (November through mid-January). Although the Salish Sea has two resident orca communities, at certain times of year the chances of seeing whales is decreased as there aren’t any additional transient or migratory whales in the region. This tour name reflects the different wildlife that you’re more likely to spot.

Option #3 – An Afternoon at the Butchart Gardens

Lonely Planet calls The Butchart Gardens one of the “nine best botanical gardens in the world” and I completely agree. This is Victoria’s show-stopping attraction, and while it’s not in the city center it is still worth visiting on a Victoria BC day trip.

If you have your own car, it’s easy to drive to the Butchart Gardens in less than thirty minutes. However, if you need to use public transportation, the trip on Bus #75 does take a full hour in each direction.

For first-time visitors, you’ll want a minimum of two hours to walk through the 55-acre botanical gardens. Start by descending into the Sunken Gardens (located in a former limestone quarry), exit via the concert lawn, pass through the Rose Gardens and then get lost in the Japanese Gardens (my favorite, shown above in my guide to the Butchart Gardens in autumn ). As you leave you’ll pass by the Star Pond and cross the Italian Gardens, where you can sign your name along with the other one million annual visitors.

The Butchart Gardens is midway between the Swartz Bay ferry terminal and Victoria’s downtown, so if you end your day here you can drive straight back to the ferry terminal without backtracking into town.

Where to Eat on a Victoria BC Day Trip

Victoria has the most restaurants per capita of any city in Canada, with 4.6 restaurants per 1,000 residents. As a result, the restaurant scene in Victoria is competitive and if a restaurant sticks around for more than a few years, you know it’s going to be great. Here are a few of the places that I always recommend people eat when they’re visiting Victoria.

Breakfast Restaurants in Victoria BC

Whenever I’m meeting up with friends and family in Victoria I always suggest we go out for breakfast, because the city has so many amazing breakfast and brunch restaurants. You should be able to hit up any one of these for breakfast or lunch… whichever suits yours sightseeing schedule best.

• Murchie’s Tea and Coffee – For a light, European-style breakfast, stop into Canada’s oldest tea company: Murchies. At this flagship location on Government Street, the cafe is open daily for breakfast and serves coffee, tea and homemade baked goods. Freshly-roasted coffee and loose-leaf tea from the shop next door also make great souvenirs… and don’t leave without looking at the automated antique “tea grannies”!
• Jam Cafe – For something a lot bigger, come to Jam Cafe. Here, you’ll find plates heaped high with flavorful dishes like huevos rancheros (served with cornbread and jalapeno cream) eggs Benedict (I like the pear and Brie version) and French toast (topped with cinnamon apples sauteed in maple butter).
• John’s Place – This classic diner has been in operation for more than 40 years, and is popular with locals who like good, homestyle breakfast dishes. They were featured on “You Gotta Eat Here!” (the Canadian version of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”).

Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Victoria BC

• Noodlebox – Looking for quick eats?  Canadian stir-fry chain Noodlebox was born in Victoria. You can eat in or take your noodles to go – I recommend the Spicy Peanut Noodle Box and the Singapore Cashew Curry.
• Rebar Modern Food – My most-used cookbook comes from this Victoria staple in Bastion Square. My favorites include the Almond Burger and the Monk’s Curry. The menu is mostly vegetarian but some local fish is also served.
• Red Fish Blue Fish – There are no vegetarian dishes here (sorry), but all of the fish on the menu at this waterfront shipping container food truck has Oceanwise certification. Try the local halibut fish and chips, or have an order of wild BC salmon tacones (taco + cone = tacone).
• 10 Acres Bistro – Serving fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, this is a great place to taste authentic Pacific Northwest flavors. The menu may change by the time you visit, but when I was there I loved their “healthyish” toast with romesco sauce, avocado and salsa verde.

Other Places to Eat on a Day Trip to Victoria BC

You might have to scale back the rest of your itinerary to squeeze in a meal at one of these iconic Victoria restaurants, but if you’re a foodie it will be worth it!

• Lobby Lounge at the Empress Hotel – If you’ve got time, you can have the full royal experience with afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel.  You’ll be served an elegant assortment of savory sandwiches and sweet baked goods, along with the loose-leaf tea of your choice.
• Rogers’ Chocolates – Canada’s oldest chocolatier can be found in their original heritage shop on Government Street, just a few steps away from Murchie’s Tea and Coffee. Take home a box of indulgent Victoria creams (I recommend the caramel, chocolate, coffee and vanilla flavors).
• Jackson’s Ice Cream Float – Victoria doesn’t have a great ice cream scene (maybe I should move back and open a gelato shop!) but this floating ice cream parlour at Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun place to grab a cone or cup, and you might just spot a seal or two while you’re there. Access via the cute little harbour ferries from the Inner Harbour.
• Parliamentary Dining Room – You can actually join BC politicians and public servants for an affordable lunch at the restaurant inside the parliament buildings. Daily specials are usually posted on the website one business day in advance. Reservations (contact info at the link) are highly recommended.

How to Get to Victoria BC for a One-Day Trip

Victoria BC is on an island, which means you have to plan your transportation carefully if you’re only coming for one day.

In my opinion, Harbour Air is the best way to get to Victoria for a one-day trip. Harbour Air’s seaplanes fly from Vancouver’s Harbour to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, taking off and landing right on the water! This is the most efficient way to get to and from Victoria in a single day, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to fly in a seaplane over such a beautiful landscape! Book your flight well in advance.

There are other ways to get to Victoria for the day, but they don’t give you as much time in the city. Here are some alternatives:

• Kenmore Air – Seaplanes fly from Seattle’s Kenmore Harbour and Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• Coho Ferry – This vehicle ferry travels from Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• Clipper Ferry – This passenger ferry arrives in Victoria’s Inner Harbour from Seattle’s Pier 69.
• BC Ferries – BC Ferries take cars and foot passengers from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal (outside Vancouver) to Swartz Bay ferry terminal in Sidney, north of Victoria. From Swartz Bay you can drive (much faster) or use public transit (much slower) to reach Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• BC Ferries Connector Service – This popular coach services picks up passengers at various locations in Vancouver and drops them off in downtown Victoria. Ferry fare is included in the ticket price.

Speaking of islands, I know that it’s kind of confusing but you should try to remember that Victoria is on Vancouver Island, while the city of Vancouver is on the mainland (not an island). Victoria Island is a completely different place, in Canada’s Arctic region. 🥶

I’m currently traveling around Western Canada and writing about all of the places that I visit. Check out all of my Canada travel guides , and if you have any questions, leave a comment below!

Planning a trip to Canada?  Pin this post for later!

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The Best Things to Do in Canada

23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

April 16, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

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Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

• Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
• Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
• Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
• Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

• Fairmont Empress (luxury)
• Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
• Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Victoria BC

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

The Malahat Skywalk , one of the newest attractions in Victoria, offers a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the top things to do in Victoria. Perched on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this awe-inspiring structure provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty—from the deep blue waters of the Saanich Inlet to the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The adventure begins with a scenic walk through a lush Arbutus forest, leading up to an exhilarating ascent of the spiralling, 10-story wooden tower. At the summit, guests can either soak in the breathtaking views or opt for a thrilling descent via the 20-meter spiral slide. The combination of stunning landscapes, innovative design, and adventurous elements makes the Malahat Skywalk a must-visit destination, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday fireworks show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moved with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching . Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

• Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Day Trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big , there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Best Hotels in Victoria
• Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
• Things to Do in Vancouver
• Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
• Canada Road Trip Ideas

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

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The Best Day Trips from Victoria: A Gateway to an Eco-Tourism Paradise

Are you planning to visit Victoria, BC, and wondering what to do during your stay? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the best day trips from Victoria that will take you on a journey through the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

Known as the Garden City, Victoria is not only a popular tourist destination but also a gateway to exploring the outdoor playground, otherwise known as Vancouver Island.

So whether you’re in a local, in town from the Lower Mainland or from further afield, I hope we can convince you that this charming island city is not the end of your journey – but only the beginning.

Let’s get started,

The 11 Best Day Trips from Victoria, BC

The Malahat Skywalk

Are you looking for a thrilling and unforgettable experience that will take your breath away? Look no further than the Malahat Skywalk , located just a short drive from Victoria! The Skywalk is a brand new attraction that opened in 2021, and it’s quickly become one of the most popular destinations on Vancouver Island.

The Skywalk itself is a feat of engineering, featuring a 600-foot elevated walkway that winds its way through the trees, ending in a spiral tower that rises ten stories above the forest floor. From the top of the tower, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands, and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. Shuttles are available from Victoria, which includes admission.

Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

Next on our list is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, a 47-kilometre hiking trail that stretches along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. The trail offers hikers stunning views of the rugged coastline , hidden coves , and tidal pools . If you’re an experienced hiker, you can tackle the entire trail, which takes around four to five days to complete.

For those who prefer shorter hikes, there are plenty of day hikes that you can take from various points along the trail. This trail is a must-visit for any nature lover visiting Vancouver Island. The trail starts at China Beach, about 35 km west of Sooke . So you’ll need a little over an hour to get there from Victoria.

Looking to enjoy the outdoors closer to home? Check out our guide to  Victoria’s Best Parks & Gardens .

Victoria Whale Watching Tours

Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget? Look no further than a Victoria whale-watching tour ! You’ll have the opportunity to see majestic whales in their natural habitat, as well as other marine life, such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises.

It’s a thrilling and educational experience that’s suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Better yet, the tours depart right from the Inner Harbour or Fisherman’s Wharf , just steps from most Victoria hotels . So why not book a whale-watching tour in Victoria and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

The next stop on our list of Victoria day trips is Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a series of deep pools and rock formations carved by glaciers in the Sooke River – hence the term ‘potholes.’ Above all, the park offers one of the best freshwater swimming spots on the island.

But you can also camp, fish, or simply relax by the water. You’ll even find several hiking trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the river and the surrounding forests. So, don’t forget to bring your camera, as you’ll be captivated by the natural beauty of this unique Vancouver Island outpost that is roughly 45 minutes southwest of town .

The Cowichan Valley

The Cowichan Valley is the second-largest wine region in British Columbia and offers visitors a chance to taste some of the finest wines in the province. So, if you’re a wine enthusiast, you can take a Cowichan Valley Wine Tour that includes transportation from Victoria in a convenient package. Cowichan Bay whale-watching tours are also an option if you’d like to stay closer to the coast.

And if you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to explore the beauty of Vancouver Island’s rivers, look no further than tubing on the Cowichan River ! I promise it’s an adventure that you won’t forget. Imagine yourself floating down the river , surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, while the sun shines on your face and the gentle current carries you downstream. It’s most definitely one of the best things to do in Victoria in Summer .

Related: The Best Food Tours in Victoria

Tofino & Ucluelet

Admittedly, with a roughly 200-mile drive involved, we may be stretching the definition of a day trip. But for those who love the ocean, a trip to Tofino and Ucluelet is simply a must-do, so we couldn’t leave you hanging. These two towns, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island , are known for their pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and whale-watching opportunities.

Tofino, in particular, is a popular destination for surfers , while Ucluelet is known for its rugged coastline and hiking trails . You can also take a boat tour to spot whales, sea lions, and other marine life in their natural habitat. And don’t forget to try some of the delicious seafood that the area is famous for. The Victoria to Tofino bus offers transportation, though you may want to spend the night.

Goldstream Provincial Park

For a nature lover looking to explore the forests of Vancouver Island, Goldstream Provincial Park is the perfect destination. Located just a 30-minute drive from Victoria , the park is home to old-growth trees, stunning waterfalls, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

You can take a hike through the park’s trails or go birdwatching to spot some of the many species that call the park home. If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the annual salmon run , where thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn.

Butchart Gardens & Brentwood Bay

Let’s state the obvious: listing Victoria’s most popular tourist attraction isn’t exactly going to blow your mind. But nonetheless, Butchart Gardens is indeed located in Brentwood Bay, about 40 minutes north of downtown Victoria. Pair a visit to this botanical paradise with a stop at nearby Butterfly Gardens , and you’ve got the makings of a full-blown day trip.

Butchart Garden’s 55 acres of stunning floral displays , themed gardens, and tranquil paths attract over one million visitors per year. And the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a great choice for those travelling to Victoria with kids. You can observe thousands of butterflies from around the world, as well as a variety of other tropical plants and animals .

The Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are a group of islands located in the Salish Sea , just off the coast of Vancouver Island. The Southern Gulf Islands include Saltspring Island, Pender Island, Galiano Island, Saturna Island and Mayne Island. And each of them is easily accessible via a quick ferry from Swartz Bay.

The islands offer a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. You’ll find several charming villages , each with its own unique character and history. You can stroll through the quaint shops, cafes, and galleries and get a taste of island life. You can visit local wineries, cideries and breweries, explore local art galleries, rent a kayak or a boat or simply enjoy the pristine, secluded local beaches .

Vancouver & the Lower Mainland

Oh, I get it! You were promised peaceful island getaways and eco-tourism hotspots, and now I’m throwing Vancouver your way? Well, hold onto your hats, folks! Vancouver may not be what you were expecting, but trust me, it’s a gem in its own right. And if you visit via the 30-minute Victoria to Vancouver Floatplane , a day trip is more than doable.

The city itself needs little introduction. With a population approaching 3 million, it simply offers a level of shopping, entertainment, dining and nightlife options that the island can’t match. And though you might prefer to spend the night if you’re looking to hit up a concert, check out a big game, or some world-class food and culture – Vancouver is the place to do it.

⛴️ Heading over to the mainland? Check out our guide on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver .

Strathcona Provincial Park

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure , Strathcona Provincial Park is the perfect destination. The park is located about 300 km up the island , so it’s a bit of a hike (literally and figuratively). Nonetheless, this beautiful park offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages.

It is home to over 250 kilometres of hiking trails , ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Plus, it offers a variety of camping options , from drive-in sites to backcountry camping. If you make the trip, get ready for a true digital detox. Just relax, explore the park’s rugged terrain, spot wildlife, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

All packed and ready for one of our top day trips from Victoria?

Victoria, BC, is not only a charming city, but it’s also a full-fledged gateway to Vancouver Island’s natural beauty and plentiful eco-tourism opportunities. Whether you’re looking to explore the rugged coastline, hike through the forests, or taste some of the finest wines in the province, there’s something for everyone.

So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a local or you find yourself in town for the first time. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take any of our favourite day trips from Victoria to discover Vancouver Island’s exquisite beauty.

Happy trails?

Related posts

May Long Weekend in Victoria BC: Escape to Enchantment

4 Best Victoria Whale Watching Tours in 2024

How to Spend One Day in Victoria BC in 2024

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Victoria

Day trips from victoria.

• Victoria to Central Saanich
• Victoria to Duncan
• Victoria to Sidney
• Victoria to Mill Bay
• Victoria to Delta
• Victoria to Salt Spring Island
• Victoria to Cobble Hill
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley

2. Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour

3. Victoria Grapes to Grains Full Day Guided Tour

4. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking

5. Private Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip

6. Victoria Excursion from Vancouver by Helicopter and Sea Plane

7. The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

8. The Signature Tour Victoria

9. Victoria Boutique Winery Tour

10. Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley

11. Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries

12. Discover Sooke to Port Renfrew Scenic Tour of Vancouver Islands

13. 8 Hour Private Tour in Salt Spring Island

14. Victoria Whale Watching Adventure by a Seaplane

15. Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria

16. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Tour for Two

17. Vancouver to Victoria day tour Private

18. Vancouver->Victoria Tour | Visit Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Garden Private

19. Private Victoria Full Day Tour from Vancouver

20. Victoria and Butchart Gardens with Seaplane Return

21. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Day Tour From Vancouver

22. Romantic Victoria and Butchart Gardens Explorer Private Tour

23. Private Small Group Transportation Cowichan Valley Wineries

24. Private Tour: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

25. Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour

26. Private Local Libations Tour, Victoria, BC

What travellers are saying.

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
• Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley
• A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
• Alset Tours
• Victoria Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour
• Weston Tours
• West Coast Sidecar
• The Natural Connection
• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
• Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures

DAY TRIPS AND LONGER

If you have access to a car and want to explore further afield than Victoria, here’s some suggestions of where to visit around Vancouver Island!

You’ll find some trips listed in both sections because a day trip can easily be extended if you’re having too much fun to go back right away, day trips – places close enough to get there and check things out – then get back the same day.

ADVENTURE AT THE MALAHAT SKYWALK

The Malahat Skywalk The Malahat Skywalk is one of Vancouver Island’s newest attractions, located about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria near the summit of the Malahat Drive. The Malahat Skywalk Spiral Tower Is

AVATAR GROVE – PORT RENFREW

Avatar Grove and "Canada's Gnarliest Tree" Avatar Grove is one of the highlights of a visit to the Port Renfrew area and well worth a visit whether you decide to make the 2 hour drive

THE PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE ROUTE

The Pacific Marine Circle Route or South Island Spirit Loop The Pacific Marine Circle Route, also now known as the South Island Spirit Loop, follows the coastline from Victoria through Sooke and out to Port

ADVENTURES ON MAYNE ISLAND

Exploring Mayne Island - What to see, What to do. If you have traveled to Vancouver Island on the BC Ferries, you will have passed Mayne Island on your way through the spectacularly scenic Active

DUNCAN, BC – CITY OF TOTEMS

If you're looking for a great day-trip while visiting Victoria, BC, consider a drive up the beautiful Malahat Drive to the city of Duncan, BC. The city is about 50 kilometres from both Victoria to

COWICHAN BAY

Cowichan Bay, BC is a small sea-side community about an hour north of Victoria, BC. For many thousands of years Cowichan Bay was home to First Nations people who harvested the wealth of salmon and

WHIPPLETREE JUNCTION

About 45 - 50 minutes or so north of Victoria right along Hwy #1 is the quaint and unique Whippletree Junction. It's a funky collection of businesses, restaurants and art and craft galleries that's always

CHEMAINUS – CITY OF MURALS

Chemainus is a small town of approximately 3900 and is located about 80 kilometers north of Victoria, BC. The drive itself up to the town is on the breathtaking Malahat Drive which passes through some

THE MCLEAN MILL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

A Trip Back in Time at the McLean Mill National Historic Site, Port Alberni, BC. A 2 1/2 hour drive will take you to one of Vancouver Island most interesting historical sites, the McLean Mill. 

COOMBS COUNTRY MARKET

I first happened upon this place over 20 years ago when it was just a ‘country market’ with the added appeal of having goats grazing on it’s turf roof.  It was a great place to

HISTORIC KINSOL TRESTLE

For a unique biking or walking experience, I suggest you drive up to see the amazing century old Kinsol Trestle which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail.  It's about an hour's drive up

JUAN DE FUCA PROVINCIAL PARK – BOTANICAL BEACH

When visiting Victoria, a really nice day trip is out to Port Renfrew - there you'll find a wonderful place to explore, particularly at low tide - Botanical Beach. The drive to Botanical Beach is

SATURNA ISLAND

A SATURNA ISLAND DAY TRIP While you're in Victoria, you should definitely think about exploring some of the Gulf Islands.  If you want a quiet, outdoorsy get away, Saturna Island is probably your choice.  With

Vancouver Island is fast becoming one of the premier wine growing areas in BC - second only to the Okanagan Unsworth Vineyards, Mill Bay, BC Within the Greater Victoria area here are some

BUS SERVICE OUT-OF-TOWN

Bus Transportation from Victoria to other Vancouver Island Destinations If you're looking for easy, convenient and less expensive ways to get around Vanvouver Island, there are some very good bus services running on the island

SIDNEY SPIT NATIONAL PARK RESERVE

Sidney Spit National Park Reserve is located on Sidney Island, just east of the town of Sidney, BC Sidney Spit is accessible by kayak, canoe or boat. There are 21 mooring buoys, and dock space

ALBERNI PACIFIC STEAM TRAIN, PORT ALBERNI, BC

Welcome to the Alberni Pacific "Steam" Railway! Come ride the rails with the Albenie Pacific Steam Railway!  Over the past 20 years the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society has restored a number of pieces

HORNE LAKE CAVES PROVINCIAL PARK

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PORT RENFREW

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THE GULF ISLANDS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

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DUNCAN AND CHEMAINUS, VANCOUVER ISLAND

A Driving Tour from Victoria To Duncan and Chemainus, BC If you're looking for other things to do within a day's drive from Victoria, consider driving up the famous 'Malahat' (Highway #1 North) with it's

LONGER TRIPS – These are far enough away that you might want to spend the night (or nights!) and return the next day (or week!).

PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL

MARCH 16 - 24, 2024 The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is an annual event celebrating the return of Pacific Grey Whales to the West coast of Vancouver Island on their Northern migration route. The week-long

A VISIT TO CAMPBELL RIVER

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WEST COAST TRAIL

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Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island

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To Courtenay/Comox/Mt. Washington, Vancouver Island

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LONG BEACh, TOFINO, VANCOUVER ISLAND

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One Day In Victoria, BC – A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC , is a city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With its mild climate, historic buildings, and seaside charm, it’s no wonder that Victoria is a popular day trip from Vancouver.

If you only have one day to spend in this beautiful city, don’t worry – there’s plenty to see and do in Victoria to make the most of your time. In this itinerary, I’ll take you through the highlights of Victoria, from the iconic Fairmont Empress to the eclectic shops of LoJo.

I love Victoria, it has a perfect mix of history, outdoor spaces, a vibrant art scene and incredible food! I visit Vancouver Island often, usually stopping in Victoria, and every time I discover something new and exciting.

Whether you are on a cruise stopover, driving the Pacific Marine Circle Route, or a bigger Vancouver Island road trip , Victoria is a great city to spend a day exploring. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this perfect itinerary for one day in Victoria, BC.

Heading To Victoria Soon? Check Out These Helpful Resources!

Find the perfect place to stay in Victoria with Booking.com. Through Booking.com you can choose from a range of hotels to suit your needs.

I recommend booking tours and activities in Victoria online in advance with Viator. They offer a best price guarantee and flexibility with bookings.

Explore Victoria by car by booking with Discover Cars. Renting a car is the best way to see Victoria as you can go wherever you want!

One Day In Victoria Itinerary

Breakfast/brunch in victoria.

The first thing you should do when you arrive in Victoria is brunch! Victoria is famous for it’s vast array of brunch options, and honestly they do not disappoint!

My personal recommendation is Blue Fox Café – there is a TON of hype over this place, but it definitely lives up to it (and then some!) It’s rare a place that’s so hyped exceeds my expectations, but they Blue Fox truly did.

You will most likely be greeted by a line of people already waiting, so I recommend to get here as early as possible. If you do manage to get a table, you should try their Honey Macadamia Nut Latte (pure heaven!) Their eggs benny selection, and french toast menu are both to die for.

My other recommendations for brunch in Victoria is the Jam Café and Floyd’s Diner.

Explore The Inner Harbour

After breakfast, take a stroll through the picturesque Inner Harbour. The Inner Harbour is one of my favourite places to visit in Victoria. The architecture will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This bustling area is home to some of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Make sure to stop by the Visitor Centre to pick up a map and get some insider tips on must-visit spots in the city.

Parliament Buildings

As you continue your walk around the Inner Harbour, make sure to stop at the Parliament Buildings. These impressive buildings are a must-visit for their stunning architecture and rich history.

These grand structures aren’t just a feast for the eyes with their intricate architecture; they’re also packed with history.

The free tours offered here are a fantastic way to spend an hour or so. You’ll get to peek inside the legislative chambers, learn some cool facts about British Columbia’s politics, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be snapping pics of those gorgeous stained glass windows like there’s no tomorrow.

Don’t pass up on this — it’s not every day you get to explore a place this grand for free.

Fairmont Empress

If you thought the Parliament Buildings were something, wait until you see the Fairmont Empress. This grand hotel, standing majestically by the waterfront, is pretty much a postcard picture come to life.

It’s been around since 1908, so you can bet it’s seen its fair share of history. Pop into the lobby to catch a glimpse of its elegant interior or, if you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to their world-famous afternoon tea.

The tea experience here is something you won’t forget—think delicate pastries and sandwiches served in a setting that’ll make you feel like royalty. Even if tea’s not your thing, just walking by and seeing this iconic building is a must when you’re in Victoria.

The Empress is by far one of my favourite places in Victoria, it’s so hard not to stop by and photograph it! I have stayed at the Empress and it is everything you would imagine it to be, luxurious and elegant – if you’re considering a stay here check out my comprehensive guide to the Empress Hotel for more info.

Thunderbird Park

After soaking in the historical and architectural wonders of downtown Victoria, make your next stop Thunderbird Park. This unique park, located next to the Royal BC Museum, is an open-air showcase of totem poles and First Nations monuments that tell the story of Canada’s indigenous cultures.

Thunderbird Park is a spot where you can really feel the rich history and cultural significance of the indigenous peoples of Canada’s Pacific Northwest. Plus, it’s completely free to wander around, making it perfect if visiting on a budget, and one of the best free things to do in Victoria.

Make sure to visit the Mungo Martin House, located within the enchanting grounds of Thunderbird Park. This traditionally constructed Kwakwaka’wakw big house was named after the renowned Chief Mungo Martin, a pivotal figure in the revival of Northwest Coast First Nations art and culture during the mid-20th century.

The house serves as a living tribute to Mungo Martin’s legacy, showcasing his extraordinary work along with that of other First Nations artists.

Inside you’ll find a vibrant murals and intricate carvings that adorn the walls, each telling a story of the Kwakwaka’wakw people’s connection to the land, their traditions, and their ancestors.

Royal BC Museum

Next stop is the Royal BC Museum , and honestly, this place is an absolute must-visit. Imagine walking through a door and stepping straight into the heart of British Columbia’s history – that’s the Royal BC Museum for you.

The museum has got everything from realistic dioramas that bring BC’s wildlife to life (we’re talking about lifelike scenes that’ll have you doing double takes) to exhibits that transport you back to the 19th-century streets of Victoria. Plus, their First Peoples gallery is incredibly insightful, giving you a close look at the rich culture and history of the Indigenous peoples of BC.

The museum is always bringing in something new and fascinating. Check their website before you go. They often have cool events and exhibitions that you won’t want to miss.

Go Shopping On Government Street

No trip to Victoria would be complete without a bit of shopping, and Government Street is the place to hit for that. This bustling street is lined with shops that range from souvenirs to high-end boutiques.

One of the coolest spots has to be Munro’s Books . This place is a book lover’s dream, with its stunning architecture and shelves upon shelves of books. Plus, it’s been around since 1963, making it a true Victoria classic.

For something uniquely Canadian, swing by The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for some mouth-watering treats. And if you’re into quirky and eclectic finds, you can’t miss Market Square just off Government Street. It’s a little nook full of indie stores that sell everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewellery.

China Town in Victoria, BC is a burst of colour, flavours, and history smack in the middle of the city. It’s actually the oldest Chinatown in Canada, so you can bet it’s packed with some pretty cool stories.

Walking down Fisgard Street, the main strip, you’ll be hit by the aroma of delicious food coming from every direction. Dim sum, perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge), Peking duck that’s just crispy enough, and bubble tea shops scattered generously throughout.

Chinatown in Victoria isn’t just a place to eat (though, seriously, the food is a big part of it). It’s a vibrant piece of the city, with bright red and gold accents that make for perfect photo ops.

Fan Tan Alley

Walking into Fan Tan Alley is like squeezing into a little slice of history. Seriously, this alley is so narrow, you might have to turn sideways if you come across someone going the other way. But, trust me, it’s worth the shuffle. Fan Tan Alley holds the title of the narrowest street in Canada, and it’s jam-packed with character.

Loaded with unique shops and tiny boutiques, this alley is the place to find things you didn’t know you needed, from trendy fashion and vinyl records to artisan chocolates and hand-crafted jewelry. The vibe here is super casual and a bit eclectic, making it a cool spot to explore without any rush.

And while you’re meandering through, don’t forget to look up and around. The buildings towering over you are a vivid reminder of the area’s rich history and cultural significance.

Lower Johnson Street

Next head to Lower Johnson Street, or as the locals like to call it, LoJo. LoJo is this eclectic mix of old and new, where historic buildings house contemporary boutiques and restaurants.

The architecture itself is a treat – think colourful facades and Victorian-era charm that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, but with a modern twist.

It’s home to some of the coolest spots in Victoria. First up, Oscar & Libby’s , the go-to place for whimsical gifts and unique finds. Their collection ranges from quirky kitchen gadgets to amusing greeting cards.

Another gem is Still Life For Him & For Her . This boutique offers a carefully curated selection of clothing and accessories from both local and international designers.

And if you’re a fan of all things sweet and delectable, Kid Sister Ice Cream is a must. This little ice cream shop serves up some of the most delicious, handcrafted frozen treats you’ve ever tasted.

But LoJo isn’t just for the shopaholics. This street is also packed with cool cafes and restaurants where you can just sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere.

Lower Johnson Street is super pedestrian-friendly, making it a breeze to wander and explore. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a whole afternoon without even realizing it!

Late Afternoon/Evening

After a busy day exploring the city, end your time with a bucket-list experience. Below are my two options for ending your one day in Victoria.

If you are visiting with a car, the Butchart Gardens are beautiful to walk through and an iconic part of Victoria’s identity. Alternatively you can take a whale watching tour, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most.

There are several options for whale watching tours in Victoria. Most have a shuttle service that will pick up from downtown, but I recommend this Prince of Whales tour as they have convenient pick-up from the Inner Harbour.

Visiting Butchart Gardens – Option 1

If there was one attraction that is quintessentially Victoria, it’s the Butchart Gardens. Now, you’re probably thinking gardens are gardens, but trust me, Butchart is on a whole other level.

This sprawling 55-acre site is not your average garden. Established by the Butchart family in the early 20th century, it has grown into one of Canada’s premier botanical showcases.

The gardens are meticulously maintained, featuring diverse areas such as the colourful Italian Garden, the tranquil Japanese Garden, and the breathtaking Sunken Garden.

This stunning property is not just limited to the summer season either; with each changing season bringing a new display of flowers and foliage, there’s never a bad time to visit.

If you want the full Butchart experience, take advantage of their afternoon tea service, which is served on the outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.

There is no complimentary shuttle to the Butchart Gardens, so if you are visiting Victoria without a car you will need to take public transport. You can get there by taking the number 75 from downtown Victoria, the total travel time is just under an hour.

Whale Watching In Victoria – Option 2

Victoria, BC, is one of the best spots on the West Coast for getting up close and personal with marine life. We’re talking about orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and sometimes even minke whales making an appearance.

What makes Victoria so great for whale watching? It’s all about location. The waters around Southern Vancouver Island are smack dab in the middle of major migration routes for whales. Plus, there’s a healthy population of resident orcas living right in these waters. That means your chances of spotting whales are pretty darn good.

Most tours leave from the Inner Harbour and come in all shapes and sizes, from big boats with plenty of amenities to zodiacs that get you closer to the action (if you don’t mind getting a bit wet).

This 3-hour whale watching tour by Prince of Whales includes a photo package and a lifetime whale sighting guarantee – so if you don’t see any whales on your trip you can tour again for free (minus GST and fees) The guides are super knowledgeable, often with a background in marine biology, ready to spill all the fascinating facts about these creatures and their habitat.

And it’s not just about the whales. You’ll likely spot seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds along the way. You might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring over!

Other Things To Do In Victoria

Victoria’s downtown area is quite condensed so it’s easy to explore within a day. But if you do want to venture further out of the city, here are some other suggestions.

• Beacon Hill Park: An urban park in the heart of Victoria. This 200-acre park offers a serene escape with its beautifully landscaped gardens, expansive lawns, and a variety of ponds and waterways.
• Fisherman’s Wharf: This unique spot combines a working fisherman’s dock with a vibrant tourist attraction, where colourful houseboats float alongside seafood vendors, quirky shops, and outdoor dining areas. You can take a water taxi to or from Fisherman’s Wharf from the Inner Harbour.
• Mount Douglas: Just a short drive from downtown Victoria, this is one of the easy hikes in Victoria and one of my absolute favourite views of the city and ocean. The summit can be reached by car, or by taking one of the many hiking trails. The park’s 360-degree view from the top is unmatched.

How To Get To Victoria, BC

Victoria is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island (not to be confused with the city of Vancouver) Unless you live on Vancouver Island, you will most likely be taking a ferry to get to Victoria.

The most popular route is from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria), which takes about 90 minutes. Once you reach Swartz Bay, you can take a bus or taxi into downtown Victoria.

You can also take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo). Once you reach Departure Bay it is about a 2-hour drive south to Victoria. You can book through BC Ferries in advance for both vehicles and passenger fares.

If you’re flying into Victoria, the Victoria International Airport is located just outside of downtown and offers flights from major cities in Canada and the United States.

Harbour Air also offers multiple daily flights between downtown Vancouver and Victoria’s Inner Harbour, with a flight time of just 35 minutes. This is a great option if you want to save time or have limited travel days.

Where To Eat In Victoria

• Red Fish Blue Fish: A popular spot for freshly caught seafood served from a converted cargo container on the Inner Harbour. Best fish and chips I have had on Vancouver Island – highly recommend!
• Irish Times Pub: A traditional Irish pub with a cozy atmosphere, live music, and delicious food. I ate here on my most recent trip and the food is AMAZING. Try the blackberry gin smash and the truffle mushroom dip!
• Q at the Empress: Located inside the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Q offers a fine dining experience with an emphasis on sustainable and local ingredients. The views of the Inner Harbour are pretty hard to beat.
• Beavertails: A Canadian classic! Beavertails is a must-visit for their iconic fried pastries topped with your choice of sweet toppings.
• Noodlebox: For a quick and tasty meal, check out Noodlebox for their selection of Asian-inspired noodles and rice dishes. Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or dinner. There are several locations throughout the city. Try the Singapore Cashew or Spicy Peanut bowls!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, a jam-packed itinerary for one day in Victoria! Of course, if you have more time, feel free to add on some of the other suggestions and make it a 2 to 3 day trip to Victoria . But if you only have one day, this itinerary will give you a taste of all the incredible things Victoria has to offer – from its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant downtown and delicious food scene.

If you are spending some time on Vancouver Island, I have a detailed Vancouver Island road trip post, or if you want to venture further, check out my guides on Jordan River and Tofino itinerary . If you are exploring more of BC, you can also check out all my guides here .

Explore More Of British Columbia

• 3 Days in Victoria, BC
• Easy Hikes in Victoria, BC
• 3 Days in Tofino
• Vancouver Island Road Trip
• Things to do in Jordan River, BC
• 2 Days in Vancouver
• Easy Hikes in Vancouver

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5 Vancouver Island day trips from Victoria

Things to do

For a truly off-the-beaten-path island getaway, the ocean-kissed Vancouver Island External Link Title , voted no. 3 island in the Americas by Cond? Nast readers, is the ideal place to relax, restore and recharge. To immerse yourself in the vibrancy and laid-back atmosphere of this west coast destination, take one of these five road trips from the island's main cosmopolitan center, Victoria External Link Title , the capital of British Columbia .

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) External Link Title on Feb 8, 2016 at 8:05am PST

Just 25 miles northwest of Victoria is the quaint community of Sooke External Link Title . Framed by rugged coast to the west and towering trees to the east, this island spot provides everything an outdoor lover looks for in a day trip. Whether you stop for a dip in the Sooke Potholes External Link Title (a slight hike is required to get to these natural pools), explore East Sooke Park External Link Title (home to crystal blue waters, gorgeous rock formations, and Aylard Farm), or check out Adrena LINE's External Link Title  ziplines (where you can whizz over forest canopies), there's plenty to do in Sooke. If you're looking for something more low-key, stop by the Sooke Country Market External Link Title every Saturday from June to October, check out a whale watching tour External Link Title , or explore the seaside at a seaweed tour where you'll get acquainted with the edible delicacy.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Adrena LINE Zipline Adventures (@adrenalinezip) External Link Title on Aug 26, 2019 at 11:59am PDT

If you get wrapped up in the west coast splendor of this part of the island, turn your day trip into an overnighter and stay in Sooke or head to Port Renfrew External Link Title . Just make sure you stop at one of these beaches External Link Title along the way.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by TVI ExploreVancouverIsland (@tourismvancouverisland) External Link Title on Dec 9, 2018 at 1:45pm PST

On the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, you'll find Chemainus External Link Title . And though it's also home to many of the same beaches and adventures other island communities offer, Chemainus is known for its creative community, and more notably, its murals. Over 40 murals brighten the streets of this former logging town, making for a great photo op and a history lesson. Ranging from historic depictions of the town during its industrial days, to the First Nations people that shaped the land many years ago, these murals give visitors a look into Chemainus' past.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Chemainus Theatre (@chemainustheatre) External Link Title on Feb 7, 2018 at 7:26am PST

Once you've explored the murals, shops, and grabbed an ice cream cone, head to Kin Park for a seaside picnic. Then, cap your Chemainus day off with an event at the Chemainus Theatre Festival External Link Title that features professional stage productions, concerts, and more, all within an award-winning neo-classical building. Also, be sure to stop by the bustling Craft Beer & Food Festival External Link Title that takes place each August.

Saanich Peninsula

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Destination Greater Victoria (@tourismvictoriabc) External Link Title on Mar 14, 2017 at 7:36pm PDT

Don't let the fact that this is the shortest trip on the list sway you -- the Saanich Peninsula External Link Title is packed full of things to do. About 16 miles from downtown Victoria, this beautiful spot is home to ocean views care of the Saanich Inlet, the Strait of Georgia, and the Haro Strait. Our favorite place to take in the view? Island View Beach External Link Title . This expanse of sand looks out to Mount Baker and is home to trails, nature, and the most gorgeous sunsets. Before you head to the beach, stop by a local farmer's market, like the Peninsula Country Market External Link Title , or the North Saanich Farm Market, External Link Title during the summer to stock up on fresh, local snacks.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Destination Greater Victoria (@tourismvictoriabc) External Link Title on Feb 26, 2019 at 10:25am PST

If you're looking for a more urban day, head to "Canada's Only Booktown," Sidney, BC External Link Title . This community features storybook-esque streets that are full of locally-owned shops and treasures, including 12 bookstores. Not only will you be able to find souvenirs that are worth carting home, but the main drag leads to ocean side pathways that weave along the shore -- a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. If you're looking to escape the heat of the day, stop by the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre External Link Title to explore the ocean from inside and underneath.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Church & State Wines (@churchandstatewines) External Link Title on Oct 24, 2019 at 3:41pm PDT

A trip to this part of the island also wouldn't be complete without visiting a cidery or winery. Sample the offerings at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse External Link Title or Church and State Wines External Link Title (you'll love their cheeky labels) to get a taste of the finest local products. Plus, the settings of these two local spots are just about as perfect as the beverages you'll be tasting.

Cobble Hill & Cowichan Bay

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Destination Greater Victoria (@tourismvictoriabc) External Link Title on Feb 20, 2019 at 5:23pm PST

Thirty miles north of Victoria lies the Cowichan Valley External Link Title , which is home to two must-visit island destinations: Cobble Hill and Cowichan Bay.

Cobble Hill has always been focused on farming, which means the area is made up of beautifully pristine pastures and wooded forests. More recently, however, this spot has become known for its wineries and cideries, as well as its creative community. These make for a great day touring the area and sipping on craft spirits. Our recommendations include an espresso at Drumroaster Coffee External Link Title , a glass of cider at Merridale Cidery & Distillery External Link Title , a sip of wine at Cherry Point Estate Wines External Link Title , and then a tour of the pottery, jewelry, and art galleries.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Destination British Columbia (@hellobc) External Link Title on Mar 15, 2017 at 4:06pm PDT

Cobble Hill is also home to great, all-level hikes like those found at Quarry Regional Wilderness Park External Link Title and at the Kinsol Trestle External Link Title . Both of these spots offer unique scenery and a quiet reprieve from vibrant downtown Victoria if you're looking for some nature-induced relaxation. If you're still looking for some buzz, check out the Cobble Hill Fair External Link Title on the fourth Saturday in August. As a traditional country fair that's been around since 1909, you'll get a taste of the local roots and have a chance to celebrate the delicious food grown in this area.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by True Grain Bread (@truegrainbread) External Link Title on Oct 6, 2019 at 9:17am PDT

Only 10 minutes away you'll find Cowichan Bay. This seaside community has an adorable downtown and a picture-worthy pier to stroll along. It's also home of lots of specialty food shops, like True Grain Bread External Link Title  and   Hilary's Cheese External Link Title ,  making it a great place to stock up on picnic ingredients. Once you've had your fill, hop in the car once more and head to Lake Cowichan for a swim to cool down on a sunny, summer day. Last but not least, stop by Cowichan Bay Pub External Link Title for live music that features all sorts of local talent before heading back to Victoria.

Saltspring Island

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Destination British Columbia (@hellobc) External Link Title on Aug 12, 2016 at 8:49am PDT

Though it's only 32 miles from Victoria, getting to Saltspring Island External Link Title is a bit more involved as it requires taking a ferry. That said, escaping to this magical Gulf Island is worth it. A much different vibe than the urban center of Victoria, Saltspring Island is home to art galleries, specialty farms, markets, and gorgeous hikes.

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Experience The Gulf Islands (@southerngulfislands) External Link Title on Sep 22, 2018 at 3:12pm PDT

Hit the trails and explore one of the highest points on Saltspring Island in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park External Link Title . You can drive into this park (though the gravel road is quite bumpy) to take in a view of the Southern Gulf Islands from Baynes Peak. Once you've had your fill of nature, look for pockets of artisan studios scattered around the island (or visit the Famous Saturday Market External Link Title ). From wine and cheese, to sculptors and weavers, you'll be able to get to know this island from a local's perspective. We also 100% recommend taking some Salt Spring Island Cheese Co. External Link Title cheese back to Victoria for a snack; it's really that good! Other must-visits include Salt Spring Sea Salt External Link Title , Saltspring Soapworks External Link Title , and the Salt Spring Gallery External Link Title .

Victoria is a perfect place as a home base for a ton of day trips that allow you to explore Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Of course, you'll want to spend some time in Victoria too, so be sure to give yourself at least a long weekend to make the most of this corner of the world.

Want to discover more of BC? Visit the Hello BC website.

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One Day in Victoria, BC: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours

Spending a day in Victoria, BC, and don’t know what to do? If you only have 24 hours to spend in Victoria and need an itinerary of things to do, we’re here to help!

From its historical buildings and scenic ocean views to the expansive selection of tourist activities and great restaurants, there’s more than enough to do in the beautiful city of Victoria. With so much to see and do in one day, knowing where to start for your Victoria day trip can be a challenge.

Victoria is one of those places that has so much to offer that you can’t fit it all in one day. We’ve been living here for years and still haven’t seen and done everything!

Even so, you’ll be able to see some of the best tourist attractions that Victoria has to offer if you know where to go and what to do. So, what should first-time visitors do when they have limited time in this incredible city?

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Victoria, British Columbia, here’s a suggested itinerary for spending one day in the city. This comprehensive itinerary covers things to do, see, and eat in Victoria – all in the span of one day. You won’t be bored for a minute with this 24-hour Victoria travel guide!

One Day Itinerary for Victoria, BC

There is a lot to see in Victoria and doing it all in one day isn’t always the easiest option. But, this Victoria travel guide will give you an itinerary and the basics on what to do so that you can make the most of your 24 hours.

Our day trip itinerary for Victoria covers the best things to see and do, must-see attractions, places to eat, and where to stay around this beautiful city. We also discuss how to get around Victoria, as well as other travel tips and advice.

This itinerary assumes you’re starting in the morning and have the entire day free. You may have to modify the itinerary if you don’t have a full 24-hours in Victoria. Also, you may need to modify the itinerary depending on your travel style. If you like to take your time sightseeing, you may need to drop an activity or two!

At the end of the article, we’ve also provided a list of alternative things to do and see around Victoria if you don’t like the activities listed in the itinerary. We tried to provide a variety of options so there’s something for everyone.

Now, on to the suggested itinerary for how to spend your time in Victoria!

Eat Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at one of Victoria’s many cafes. You don’t want to be exploring the city hungry!

Victoria has many amazing cafes that are worth checking out. Some of the best breakfast food we’ve ever eaten has been at these Victoria restaurants.

One of the most popular spots in the city for all-day breakfast food is the Blue Fox Cafe . This funky restaurant serves some of the best brunch food in Victoria, from stacks of fluffy pancakes to ten different kinds of eggs benny. There’s usually a line of waiting patrons out the door, so get there early!

Jam Cafe is a breakfast experience that’s worth the wait as well. This all-day breakfast cafe is popular for a reason – you won’t be disappointed with the food here! Choose from egg bennies, veggie bowls, waffles, french toast, pancakes, and more. One of their best dishes is the Charlie Bowl – you should definitely give it a try!

If you want lots of breakfast choices, head over to John’s Place Restaurant on Pandora Avenue. They have a massive menu with all kinds of different breakfast food options, including Belgian waffles, delicious customizable omelettes, and so much more.

For vegans or vegetarians, check out the Fern Cafe and Bakery . It’s a bit outside of downtown Victoria, but they are 100% vegan with plenty of delicious brunch foods and baked goods to try. And, if you need a gluten-friendly spot, try Nourish Kitchen & Cafe near the Inner Harbour.

Tour the Butchart Gardens

Once you’re fueled up and ready to go, it’s time to explore some of Victoria’s top attractions. The first stop is the world-renowned Butchart Gardens near Brentwood Bay. These famous gardens are one of the highlights of Victoria and definitely a must-see spot in southern Vancouver Island.

If you don’t have a vehicle, a Butchart Gardens tour is the best way to get to this must-see attraction. The tour shuttles you from downtown Victoria straight to the gardens and brings you back later in the day. The fee includes entry to the gardens and round-trip bus transportation.

Once you’re there, you can explore the different gardens and admire all of the beautiful flowers and plants. Our favorite spot in this botanical oasis is the Sunken Garden, followed by the incredible Ross Fountain. There are also Rose, Italian, Mediterranean, and Japanese Gardens to explore.

Expect the Butchart Gardens tour to take about 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace. You don’t want to rush through because there are lots of things to see!

The amount of time you should budget for this activity will also vary depending on whether you’re driving or taking the Butchart Gardens tour bus . The gardens will take up more time in your day if you’re taking the bus. However, the Butchart Gardens is one of the must-see destinations around Victoria and it’s worth the effort to get there!

Eat Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

When you return to downtown Victoria, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. If you haven’t eaten already, it’s time to head to the colorful Fisherman’s Wharf for a bite to eat. Or, save some time by grabbing food at Butchart Gardens from The Blue Poppy Restaurant , The Dining Room , or their coffee shop.

From downtown Victoria, you can walk or drive to Fisherman’s Wharf. But, if you want to get the most out of your Victoria experience, we recommend taking one of the Victoria Harbour Ferries to the wharf.

These charming water taxis cruise all around the harbor waters. The small ferries link tourist destinations like the Fairmont Empress, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Old Town.

Jump on one of the harbour ferries near the Empress and enjoy scenic views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour from a unique perspective. The water taxis are pretty cheap so they’re a great way to get around and sight-see!

Fisherman’s Wharf is only a 15-minute walk from downtown Victoria. If you don’t feel like walking, you can drive, cab, or bus. Alternatively, you could use a hop-on hop-off tour bus to get around between tourist destinations.

Once you’re at Fisherman’s Wharf, you have plenty of food kiosk options to choose from. These kiosks aren’t really sit-down restaurants, although there is outdoor seating available.

Barb’s Fish and Chips is a world-famous restaurant serving some of the best fish & chips in Victoria (and probably all of Canada). We definitely recommend giving them a try.

Or, try some of the local fresh seafood at The Fish Store , like salmon, mussels, oysters, and Dungeness crab. You won’t get much fresher seafood than this!

Fisherman’s Wharf is a marine tourist destination that’s worth a visit, but we wouldn’t budget too much time at this spot. In our opinion, Fisherman’s Wharf is only really worth a visit to grab a bite to eat, see the colorful houseboats, or join an eco-tour. Most of the houseboat areas are private access only so be respectful to the homeowners!

Walk along the Breakwater

After lunch, head to the Ogden Point Breakwater for some of the best views of Victoria’s harbor area. Not too far from Fisherman’s Wharf, this short, easy walk is a great way to get some incredible ocean views!

One of the stops on the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses in Victoria, the breakwater is a popular tourist destination in James Bay. This 762-meter long walkway takes you far out into the water from Dallas Road. For this reason, we recommend only visiting the Breakwater on calm days, unless you’re ready to be splashed by waves!

Look for seals and river otters swimming beside the Breakwater as you walk. Massive cruise ships dock near the Breakwater at the cruise ship terminal. Floatplanes take off near the end of the walkway and you can also watch boats zooming around the waters. And, if you’re really lucky, you might spot some whales!

The Ogden Point Breakwater is the perfect place for a stroll to help you digest lunch. If you need a pick-me-up, grab a coffee for your walk at the Breakwater Bistro & Bar at the start of the pathway.

Beacon Hill Park

A visit to Victoria isn’t complete without wandering through Beacon Hill Park. This beautiful, 200-acre parkland treasure is located just outside of downtown and is one of the best parks in Victoria.

Beacon Hill Park is brimming with stunning flowers, serene ponds, unique wildlife, and fun events. Best of all, it costs nothing to visit this park!

There are many pathways that wind their way through the gorgeous parkland. You could walk around the park for hours!

Don’t feel like walking? Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Beacon Hill Park instead! These carriage tours are an excellent way to see the beautiful park. It’s also a lot of fun getting towed around by the horses.

At the top of Beacon Hill, enjoy views of brilliant purple camas flower meadows in the spring. Check out the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole near Dallas Road, then wander through the parkland finding fountains, animals, and abundant flowers.

The beautiful Goodacre Lake is full of ducks and turtles sunning themselves on logs. Search for the nearby Moss Lady , hidden among the trees. Admire the stunning, colorful flowers near Chestnut Row. And for children, there’s even a petting zoo!

In summer, there are weekend events at the Cameron Bandshell in the park. Sit and enjoy free concerts, from jazz to folk music.

After exploring Beacon Hill Park, head back downtown to enjoy Victoria’s core. Depending on what time it is, you can spend some time exploring downtown Victoria or head for dinner.

Check out Thunderbird Park

From Beacon Hill Park, head north along Douglas Street. You’ll pass by the Royal BC Museum on your way. This museum is home to over 200,000 artifacts and specimens, making it one of the largest museums in Canada.

Outside of the Royal BC Museum, you’ll find Thunderbird Park, featuring a collection of impressive totem poles. A walk through Thunderbird Park only takes a few minutes but it is definitely worth stopping for!

Take some time to admire the striking carvings and longhouse of the west coast First Nations peoples. Many of these poles are replicas carved by master carver Mungo Martin, with the originals stored inside the museum.

Victoria is located on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. These Coast Salish people have an intimate, long-lasting relationship with the land of southern Vancouver Island.

View the BC Parliament Buildings

Next, head towards the Inner Harbour to get a good look at the BC Parliament Buildings, home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. With 5-acres of waterfront land and historic buildings constructed in 1893, the Parliament Buildings are an impressive sight.

There are self-guided or public tours of the Parliament Buildings if you’re interested. But, you probably won’t have time for one on a day trip.

Instead, enjoy the building’s Romanesque architecture, manicured waterfront grounds, beautiful water fountains, Premier’s rose garden, and statues of founding BC figures.

On the top of the central dome of the Parliament Buildings, you’ll spot Captain George Vancouver, known for exploring the Pacific coast of North America. Both Vancouver and Vancouver Island take their name from this British Royal Navy officer.

Other notable monuments include the Cenotaph memorial to the unknown soldier, Queen Victoria’s statue, the Speaker’s chair, and the Knowledge Totem Pole.

A walk through the BC Parliament grounds won’t take too long. Even if you don’t want to explore the property, it’s worth taking a look at the impressive buildings.

Walk the Harbour Causeway and Government Street

For amazing views of the harbour, cross the street to the Inner Harbour Causeway. This is the pathway that runs alongside the ocean beside Belleville and Government Streets. You can access the causeway via the stairs or ramp near the Bateman Gallery.

Here, you’ll get excellent views of the ocean, marina, and harbour traffic. The causeway is a great place to sit and watch the boats cruise by.

The Inner Harbour Causeway features a “Welcome to Victoria” sign made out of flowers. There are also food kiosks, local vendors, and a lemonade stand.

At the north end of the causeway, you’ll have an excellent spot to watch floatplanes take off from the Victoria Harbour Airport. If you’re interested in experiencing a seaplane flight, book one of the scenic floatplane tours of Victoria that will depart from this marine airport!

If you have time, you can also explore Government Street, the main shopping street in Victoria. This popular road is perfect for browsing unique stores and picking up souvenirs. You’ll find everything from bookstores to art galleries to clothing stores.

Dinner in Downtown Victoria

By now, you’re probably getting hungry again so it’s time for dinner!

Downtown Victoria has plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from. Some of the best foods we’ve tasted in BC have come from restaurants in Victoria. There’s a variety of cuisines and restaurants that fit any dietary needs.

One of our favorite places to eat in downtown Victoria is Finn’s Seafood Restaurant . This is one of the best restaurants in Victoria, in our opinion. This brick restaurant sits right beside the water, offering incredible ocean views from the outdoor patios.

Red Fish Blue Fish is a casual seafood restaurant located on the waterfront. The dockside restaurant is known for its tacos, fish and chips, and fish sandwiches. Order your food to go and eat it at one of the bars overlooking the harbour.

Pagliacci’s is a local favorite for Italian food and isn’t too far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The eatery has a great selection of pasta dishes, as well as delicious seafood and grilled meats. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a hearty meal after a busy day of sightseeing.

Lastly, if you want something quick to eat, try ordering something from Tacofino . We think that Tacofino is the best taco restaurant in Victoria. Usually, we order their fish or steak tacos.

The last activity of the day will be whale-watching by boat. If you get seasick easily, you may prefer to eat dinner afterward. Also, try to pick a restaurant that’s near the harbour because it’ll make it easier to get to your wildlife viewing tour.

Sunset Whale Watching Tour

One of our favorite things to do in Victoria is a sunset whale-watching tour . Explore Victoria’s coastline on a luxurious catamaran while searching for whales and enjoying the gorgeous colors of the setting sun. With opportunities to spot orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, and so much more, you won’t be disappointed on these wildlife viewing tours!

The sunset whale watching tour departs from Wharf Street in downtown Victoria and lasts three to four hours. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see whales – they have a 95% success rate! If you don’t spot whales, they’ll send you on a second tour, free of charge.

Perfect for photographers, this wildlife viewing adventure leads to some excellent photo opportunities. There is spectacular lighting for whale photos, no matter what species you see. Also, the beautiful sunset colors look incredible over the islands and serene ocean water.

Overall, this sunset experience is unforgettable and the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring!

Keep the Night Going?

When you get back from the sunset whale watching tour, you’ll have the choice to head back to the hotel or keep the night going. If you choose the latter option, there are a few things you can do to enjoy Victoria’s nightlife.

• Head to a local pub – Fancy a drink to end the night? There are plenty of pubs and bars that are local favorites near Victoria’s Inner Harbor that you can head to for a nightcap. Try the Bard & Banker with its Scottish style and historic charm. Or, Whistle Buoy Brewing Company is another popular watering hole in downtown Victoria.
• Catch a show – Victoria has plenty of late-night shows. You just have to find them! The Friends of Dorothy Lounge often offers late-night drag shows, karaoke, and other events. The Mint regularly hosts evening variety shows and comedy nights. And, the Irish Times Pub usually has live music in the evenings.
• Stargazing at Cattle Point – One of the most peaceful ways to end a day of exploring in Victoria is to go stargazing. Cattle Point in Uplands Park is a dark sky preserve with incredible starry views over the ocean. Sit outside under the stars or in the warmth of your car, enjoying the beautiful night sky.

Other Things to Do in Victoria in 24 Hours

Looking for something else to do in Victoria other than the activities listed on the one day itinerary? Here are some ideas for other things to do during your day trip to Victoria.

Scenic Floatplane Tour

A breathtaking way to experience all that Victoria has to offer is with a scenic floatplane tour . If you’ve never flown in a seaplane before, it’s a great time to try it!

Harbour Air seaplane tours depart from the Victoria Harbour Airport in the Inner Harbour. You’ll spot the floatplanes all docked at the marina, looking out of place among the boats.

The scenic seaplane tours are spectacular and unforgettable. You take off from the ocean, speeding along the water until the plane picks up enough speed to take flight. Then, soar over the beautiful city, enjoying views of Victoria and southern Vancouver Island.

Guided Food and History Tour

A great way to see and taste all that Victoria has to offer is with a guided food and history tour . You won’t miss any attractions with a local guide showing you around!

This awesome culinary tour takes you to must-see attractions around downtown Victoria. It’s a great way to see some of Victoria’s hidden gems.

On this guided walking tour, you’ll see the impressive Parliament Buildings, walk along the Inner Harbour Causeway, and visit Trounce Alley. You’ll also visit Chinatown to see the famous Fan Tan Alley and the Harmonious Gates of Interest. There are also stops in Bastion and Market Squares, as well as the Victoria Public Market.

Along the way, you’ll get to taste multiple different local foods, while learning about the history of the city. Make sure you’re hungry before you go on this tour!

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest one in Canada and also the second oldest in all of North America! The neighborhood features brilliant red and gold colors, unique architecture, and an ornate archway marking the entrance.

Here, you’ll also find the hidden gem of Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada. Within the alley, there are a bunch of hidden shops that are fun to browse. This small alley is easy to walk by, so don’t miss it on your adventures!

Government House Gardens

The Government House Gardens are one of the best gardens in Victoria but they aren’t as well known as the famous Butchart Gardens. Even so, these gardens are breathtakingly beautiful.

Overflowing with plant life, the Government House gardens feature a variety of unique gardens and plants. The best part is that entry into the gardens is free!

Head to the Beach

The beaches in Victoria are some of the best in Canada. So, if it’s a nice day, you should head to the beach to get some sun and enjoy the sand!

Many of the beaches in Victoria are rocky and rugged. However, there are a few excellent sandy beaches that are perfect for laying out your beach towel and sunbathing. Willows Beach and Gonzales Beach are two of Victoria’s best sandy beaches .

Unfortunately, the water around Vancouver Island is pretty chilly. While you can brave the cold, most people find the temperature too cold for much more than wading.

Tour Craigdarroch Castle

This Victorian-era castle is a must-see for history buffs. Located not too far from downtown Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle is a magnificent Victorian-era mansion and national historic site.

The extravagant castle was built for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish-Canadian coal baron, to reflect his wealth and importance. He is recognized as a National Historic Person and his family plays an important role in British Columbia’s history.

Craigdarroch Castle is open for tours from Thursday through Sunday. The tour takes about an hour. You’ll learn all about the castle’s history as well as get to see some of the beautiful rooms and views.

Want to see Craigdarroch Castle but don’t feel like touring it? Try this Castle Bike Tour which takes you from the Inner Harbour to Craigdarroch Castle, with a stop at Beacon Hill Park and the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole.

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress

After a busy day of sightseeing, relax with afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress . This iconic hotel is located right on Victoria’s Inner Harbour and is known for its afternoon tea service.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious afternoon tea while taking in the views of Victoria’s harbour. The afternoon tea service includes sandwiches, scones, and pastries served with housemade jam and honey. You’ll be served your choice of premium loose-leaf tea, presented in royal china.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Staying overnight in the city? You’ll want the perfect place to stay for your one-day getaway in Victoria.

There are lots of great places to stay in Victoria, depending on your budget and preferences. Check out these articles for some recommendations:

• Top Oceanfront Vacation Homes in Victoria
• Best Oceanfront Hotels in Victoria
• Best Romantic Getaways in Victoria
• Most Unique and Unusual Hotels in Victoria

Here are some of the top hotels in Victoria to help you find the best place to stay.

Luxury Hotels

• The Fairmont Empress is a luxurious, elegant hotel located right in the heart of downtown Victoria. From this hotel, it’s easy to access all of the best attractions. With an oceanfront location, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the water. Plus, as a national historic site, this hotel is pretty much a tourist attraction on its own.
• The Inn at Laurel Point is another excellent luxury hotel with a convenient location. This waterfront hotel is beside the Victoria harbor and offers stunning ocean and downtown views. There are also oceanfront patios and beautiful gardens!

Mid-Range Hotels

• Strathcona Hotel is a mid-range priced hotel located downtown. It has comfortable, modern rooms. Also, the hotel has plenty of fun things to do, including billiards, darts, and a rooftop sand volleyball court!
• Helm’s Inn is right beside Beacon Hill Park and close to the Inner Harbour. It’s easy to walk from this hotel to downtown attractions. Suites at this hotel have a kitchenette, making it a great choice if you don’t plan on dining out.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Ocean Island Inn is a great choice if you don’t mind hostel-style accommodations. This hostel is centrally located and perfect for travelers looking for budget-friendly rooms. Pick from a variety of room types, from private rooms to dorms.
• Hotel Zed Victoria is a good choice if you need affordable accommodations but don’t want a shared dorm room. This colorful hotel has private, spacious rooms at a low affordable price. They pride themselves on providing a fun, funky atmosphere with plenty of unique amenities.

Getting around Victoria

Cars – You don’t need a vehicle to get around downtown Victoria, but it’s handy if you plan on exploring more of the city. If you’re looking to rent a vehicle for your trip, we recommend booking through RentalCars.com . This site allows you to compare prices between companies to find the most inexpensive rental vehicle for your trip.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours – These double-decker buses take you around Victoria to all the must-see destinations. They pass by the Breakwater, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, Oak Bay Marina, and more. On nice days, you’ll get the best views from the top of the bus!

Bikes – Victoria is a very bike-friendly city. There are plenty of bike lanes and trails, like the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails. If you don’t have your own bike, there are lots of rental shops with hourly or daily rates. You can even rent e-bicycles if you don’t want to pedal!

Top Travel Tips & Resources for Victoria, BC

• Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
• Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com . They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
• Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
• Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
• Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

Related posts:

• 36 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC
• Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for a Seattle to Victoria Trip
• 12 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Victoria, BC
• 8 Beautiful Gardens around Victoria, BC
• 7 Best Romantic Getaways in Victoria, BC
• 15 Top Oceanfront Vacation Homes in Victoria

Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

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• Victoria BC
• Vancouver Island
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• Whale Watching

8 Hours in Victoria: A Day Trip to BC's Capital

It’s a bright, sunny morning in Seattle. Rooster tails of sea spray fan up behind the Victoria Clipper V , as the sleek, high-speed catamaran smoothly skims across the water. Picking up speed to 30 knots, the vessel makes its way north across the Salish Sea. A collective sense of calm takes over as vacation mode kicks into full speed ahead.

In an era of busy work schedules, social media status updates and family obligations, nothing is more freeing than escaping the daily grind, especially when it entails a PNW adventure. And while some may scoff at the idea of planning a spontaneous international day trip , a trek to Victoria, BC is quite simple and doesn’t require a car. Great restaurants, boutique shopping, lush gardens, cozy teahouses , seaside neighborhoods and historic buildings all await after a quick cruise across the Salish Sea.

Book Now: Seattle to Victoria Day Trip

The best part? The trip up to British Columbia’s capital city is half the adventure. Go ahead and spoil yourself with Victoria Clipper V’s private comfort class cabin as you whisk across the water. Unlike a cramped flight, the vessel’s light-filled interior and wide walkways provide an irresistible sense of freedom and relaxation. The boat is yours to explore, with multiple sun decks, a fully stocked bar, a locally-sourced menu and superb ocean vistas.

11:00 am – Tea at Pendray Inn

As you glide into Victoria’s Inner Harbour, indulge in a delectable lunch with a quintessential Victoria tradition. Enjoy afternoon tea and treats just a quick two-minute stroll up the street from FRS Clipper’s Victoria terminal at the Pendray Inn’s gorgeous and historic 1890 property.

Pop inside the cozy Pendray Teahouse, where you can enjoy an amazing lineup of locally-produced goodies such as salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches, hand-made macarons and more matched perfectly with a selection of TWG tea. And don’t forget about scones. Nosh on not one, but two freshly baked treats. We’ll leave it up to you to decide which is more irresistible, the white chocolate and lavender or the Earl Gray.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the amazing food and conversation, don’t forget to look up every so often to soak in the amazing views. Original stained glass windows, hand-painted frescos on the ceilings and sailboats gliding through the Inner Harbour – what’s not to love?

12:30 pm – Shopping on Johnson

Burn off your tea treats by walking along Victoria’s charming boutiques, to shop like a local. Pick up stylish threads at Still Life or swing into Legends Comics and Books to add to your ever-growing collection.

Next, head down the street to snag gorgeous stationery and unique gifts at The Papery . Cross the road to Russell Books for one last stop before leaving Fort Street and meander through 18,000 square feet stacked floor-to-ceiling with rare and unusual titles.

1:30 pm – Bicycle Tour of Castles, Hoods and Legends

One of the best ways to truly discover a city is to explore it from behind the handlebars of a trusty bike. Head to the small, but well-stocked Pedaler bicycle shop (the shop brims with everything from helmets and handlebar bags to tandems and electric-assist bikes ) , conveniently located next door to the Pendray Inn. Opting for the guided, 8.7 mile Castles, Hoods and Legends Tour will give you a good lay of the land while picking up some insider inspiration for other spots around town to check out.

On the tour, you’ll follow the flat, bicycle-friendly roads as you pedal to Chinatown’s vibrant Gate of Harmonious Interest. From there, the ride takes you to the funky, artistic community of Fernwood, before stopping by the legendary Craigdarroch Castle . Cruise past heritage houses, with additional stops at the friendly Cook Street Village and the aptly-named Moss Rock (Inside tip: Climb up to the top of the rock for 360-degree views of Clover Point Park, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and downtown Victoria).

It’s easy cruising to the coast and along scenic Dallas Road, which is home to beautifully rugged beaches. On a clear day, you can see nearly every detail of the Olympic Mountains’ snow-capped peaks and even the city of Port Angeles. Miss that office cubicle yet?

3:45 pm – Fisherman’s Wharf Ice Cream Stop

For a great afternoon snack, stroll around the corner of the Inner Harbour to find Fisherman’s Wharf , a hidden gem of floating seaside goodness. Wander the docks as they creak and bob with the tide checking out dozens of houseboats painted in a rainbow of colors. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals who are eager to show off a few tricks.

Along the way, stumble upon Victoria’s only floating ice cream store! Hands-down one of the best spots in the city for frozen treats, Jackson’s Ice Cream serves up 15 flavors, including good ol’ floats, swirly soft serve and refreshing gelato.

4:15 pm – Harbor Ferry Cruise & Drink with a View at CRAFT Beer Market

Craving a little more water time? Victoria’s cheerful little water taxis are one of the best ways to wine and dine around the Inner Harbour. Hop aboard one of the vibrant vessels and cruise back to Chinatown for happy hour on Craft Beer Market’s sun-drenched outdoor patio. Kick back with a pint of and get a taste of the region.

5:00 pm – Dinner at Il Terrazzo

As dinnertime arrives, duck around the corner and up Johnson Street to Il Terrazzo Ristorante . Marrying fine dining with a laid-back vibe, this restaurant is a local foodie favorite with its Northern Italian cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist. Featuring a diverse menu, brick fireplaces, a candle lit ambiance and charming patio, treat your taste buds to a trip to Italy nestled in BC’s Capital.

7:00 pm – Depart Victoria

With a full tummy and phone full of FOMO-worthy photos make your way back to the Clipper for a 2-hour and 45-minute cruise back to Seattle. Enjoy the boat’s outside upper deck for views of Clover Point and the Trial Islands cruise back across international lines. Keep an eye on those Olympics as sunset approaches, you’re front and center for the best show in the Northwest.

Hi Lorraine,

Victoria is indeed a beautiful place! We would love to have you travel with us, either on a day trip or an overnight getaway . Please let us know if you have any questions about planning a trip.

Hi Estrella,

Thanks for reaching out, I’m so glad to hear you’d like to travel with us, Victoria is indeed a fun city to explore. You can book your trip online here: https://www.clippervacations.com/victoria-day-trips/day-trip-to-victoria-bc/ , please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to having you onboard.

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The best way to spend one day in victoria, bc: a quick canadian escape.

Canada’s charming town of Victoria is one of those places that just sticks with you, and I’ve found myself here time and time again, drawn back by its magnetic charm. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or just a quick hop over to spend one day in Victoria, BC, there’s always something new to discover in this coastal city. Plus, there’s just something fun about being able to visit a foreign country just for the day!

I’ve been to Victoria many times, the first being when I was little with my family, and at least a dozen times since. My friends used to live on Vancouver Island, so my husband and I often took the Clipper up to explore the area with them for the weekend. I’ve also taken a day trip to Victoria, BC, often over the years, whether with my friends who want to get some amazing seafood or with my own kids who love all the parks and places to visit.

So, what’s the magic of Victoria? Is it the scenic beauty, the vibrant culture, or the memories I’ve built here? Maybe it’s a mix of them all, but whatever it is, I’m excited to guide you through a day of my favorite spots and experiences in this fun city. I took my experience of visiting here so many times to create an article showing you the best things to do and included an itinerary for a day trip in Victoria, BC, to make it that much easier to plan your trip.

Table of Contents

10 Things to Do in Victoria in One Day

The “City of Gardens” has many fun ways to spend the day exploring this quaint British colonial town. The options are endless, from navigating the outdoor attractions to scouting the exceptional culinary scene.

Here are the top 10 things to do during a one-day Victoria, BC, trip.

1. Explore the Harbor

One of the things I love most about Victoria is how walkable it is. You can easily visit the city’s most popular attractions within close proximity of each other. The first port of call is the Inner Harbour , and we always take time to just walk around after being on the ferry for a few hours.

Besides taking leisurely walks on the waterfront, expect to find a plethora of activities to participate in. These include music shows, festivals, charming eateries, and lively local entertainment from eccentric street artists.

The Harbor is also a prime location for whale-watching if you enjoy spotting marine life (that rivals some of Seattle’s whale-watching tours ). You could also pop into the Parliament Buildings. They offer free guided tours and a chance to see one of the city’s most prestigious and stately architectural structures up close.

Feel like seeing some whales? Jump on this whale-watching cruise !

2. Visit Butchart Gardens

The enchanting Butchart Gardens have provided the city with a stunning natural wonderland for over 100 years. Venture north of Victoria to Brentwood Bay during your one day in Victoria to visit this picturesque retreat and Canadian National Historic Site.

I’ll be honest: it actually took me a while to be convinced to come here, but we finally decided to when my first kid was a baby, and I absolutely loved walking around these gardens. Also, a fun fact: my son took his first steps here, so it now holds very special memories for me.

There are five spectacular gardens across 55 acres . Meander around the Rose, Italian, Mediterranean, Sunken, and Japanese Gardens. The gardens are a nature lover’s dream destination, with many beautiful plant varieties and greenhouses.

If you’re in Victoria between June and September, be sure to catch a fireworks show, which is hosted every Saturday night. There are also live music performances on the weekends that can be enjoyed on the concert lawns.

Book a Butchart Gardens tour and experience this landscape in all its glory.

3. Learn About Local History at the Royal BC Museum

For an enriching history lesson on British Columbia on your Victoria day trip, the Royal BC Museum is where it’s at. This diverse cultural space holds the province’s oldest tales. Delve into the story behind the region’s rich heritage by exploring various archives and artifacts.

The museum’s vast exhibitions and displays cover human and natural history . One of my most memorable experiences was exploring the indigenous collections. They detail important repatriation stories and the history of the First Nations, which I always appreciate learning about when I travel.

Other museum highlights include Thunderbird Park, with its mystical and fascinating totem pole display, and the profound First People’s Gallery. This is the perfect place to appreciate British Columbia’s past in a fun, interactive way .

Want to learn more about the area’s history? Join the Victoria history and food walking tour !

4. Take a Tour of Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the city’s most unique attractions that you’ll want to add to your Victoria day trip itinerary. This floating pier is decorated with colorful houses, shops, and food stalls . If you adore being near the water and immersing yourself in a flurry of activity, spend a couple of hours on the Wharf embracing this eclectic community.

Watch the fishing vessels go about their daily marine missions and enjoy the sights of the residents aboard their floating homes. You’re likely to spot some wild seals that, comically enough, are just as curious as the Wharf’s human visitors.

For the freshest seafood in town, stop at Barb’s Fish & Chips to sample tasty dishes. I’ve been here the last two times I visited for a Victoria, BC, day trip because their fish is just that good. Afterward, dessert aficionados can enjoy sugary delights at Sweets and Jackson’s Ice Cream .

Visiting in the winter? Check out all the winter things to do in Vancouver nearby.

5. Enjoy a Walk or Picnic at Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is the city’s most treasured park and is worth a stop during your one day in Victoria. A marvelous 185 acres of expansive land are dotted with lovely footpaths , abundant greenery , vivid flower beds, and an array of sports facilities .

Beacon Hill Park is the place to do it if you’d like to squeeze in a quiet walk or a romantic picnic during your Victoria visit. The area draws a lot of kite flyers; you might even witness brave paragliders soaring above the park.

Nature buffs will relish one of the park’s most prominent features, the Garry Oak Ecosystem, which sprinkles much-appreciated biodiversity into the region. Have kids? You’ll appreciate the playgrounds, spray parks, and a rose garden.

Treat yourself to a horse-drawn carriage tour of the park and surrounding area.

6. Go Shopping at Victoria Chinatown

One of the most entertaining things you can do when visiting a historically rich city as Victoria is to spend a few hours in Chinatown . Although modest in size, Victoria is home to the country’s oldest one, so you’ll want to see it on your Victoria, BC, one day trip.

Navigate your way through the downtown area and find Fisgard Street, where Chinatown is located. It’s bursting with sights, sounds, and smells from busy little restaurants and boutique shops that display the city’s culture . I took my bike tour through here and loved seeing it for the first time.

My favorite part of Chinatown and a must-see spot is Fan Tan Alley . This narrow yet striking street is filled with peculiar and delightful stalls where you can buy many gifts and trinkets, not to mention the delectable food.

Remember to snap a few pictures at the traditional Chinese arch (Paifang), also known as the Gate of Harmonious Interest . This authentic landmark is perfect for capturing your time in Chinatown.

7. Savor Victoria’s Culinary Scene

Avid travelers know that discovering a destination’s cuisine is one of the not-so-secret keys to unlocking any of its greatest (and most delicious) treasures. Luckily for you, Victoria has no shortage of restaurants, and I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad meal here when I explore downtown Victoria.

For breakfast, check out the rustic Jam Café . This is your go-to for the most mouth-watering brunch options in the city. They also serve yummy all-day breakfasts. The Jam Café is ideal for kicking off your day before starting on your Victoria adventures.

Another culinary banger is Flying Otter Grill , a seafood restaurant famous for its fish and chips and chowder . You’ll find the restaurant on the Fisherman’s Wharf docks in what used to be a shipping container. This is one of the best things to do in the winter on Vancouver Island to stay warm.

My husband and I love this place so much that we come here for lunch almost every time we visit on a Victoria, BC, day trip from Seattle. Besides the flavorful dishes, this is a wonderful place to enjoy views of the waterfront.

Want more food? Join this downtown Victoria food tour to try even more local items.

8. Taste the Best Beers in British Columbia

In addition to the city’s winning cuisine, you’re doing your vacation right when you can sip on something divine between activities on your one day in Victoria. You might need a cold one to temper all the Victoria exploration excitement.

That’s why a visit to any of the city’s craft breweries will hit the sweet spot when it’s time to quench your thirst. For beer lovers, all roads lead to the Irish Times Pub .

This traditional bar downtown brings a bit of Ireland to Canada with quintessential pub grub (hello, fish and chips, or Shepherd’s pie). Grab a draft beer (or a whiskey if you prefer stronger beverages) while you listen to some live music. We took our baby here on a Friday night and had a blast rocking out to a traditional Irish band.

Phillips Brewing & Malting is also worth a visit if you want a memorable tasting room experience while still taking it easy in a relaxed pub atmosphere on your Victoria one-day trip.

Go behind the scenes on this street art and craft beer tour of the city.

9. Learn About History at Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle isn’t just another fancy building in Victoria; it’s a trip back in time! If you’re into history and some beautiful architecture, you’ll want to add this spot to your list. I first visited this when I did a bike tour of the city, and I was so surprised to see this castle pop up in the neighborhood we were in.

I loved it so much that the next time I was in Victoria for a weekend, I made sure to go back and take the time to go inside to find out more about it. Only about a 10-minute drive from downtown, this grand old mansion is packed with stunning stained glass, some seriously detailed woodwork, and rooms that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Victorian movie set on your 1 day in Victoria, BC.

What makes a visit to Craigdarroch even cooler? It’s all about the stories of the Dunsmuir family. Wandering around this place, you’ll get lost in the tales and charm of the old days. If you’ve got a couple of hours to spare, pop in and soak up some of that old-world vibe!

Join the same bike tour I did to see this castle and more while zipping around the city.

10. Frolic on the Beach

Everyone relishes a little sun, sea, and sand when on holiday, right? While this depends on temperatures, the general vacation mood when weather conditions permit is to hit the beach. Victoria’s gem is Oak Bay’s Willows Beach , which is one of the best warm weather things to do in Victoria for one day.

These are shallow, calm waters that are perfect for paddling and a refreshing dip. You can mingle with the locals and enjoy some fun and games with a few rounds of beach volleyball.

For traveling groups, consider a beach barbecue as an opportunity to socialize with your pals. After your beach escapades, make your way to Willows Park and Oak Bay Avenue . There, you can enjoy shopping and dining experiences at whimsical shops and eateries.

Want to get in the water? I highly recommend this kayaking tour of the harbor.

One Day in Victoria, BC Itinerary

You can pick and choose from any of the items on this list, but here’s my suggested one day Victoria itinerary:

Morning: Harbor and Museum

Begin your day with the sights and sounds of Victoria’s Harbor . This bustling hub sets the tone with beautiful ocean vistas, bobbing boats, and perhaps a few enthusiastic street performers.

As you let the harbor’s ambiance soak in, maybe with a fresh cup of coffee from a waterside cafe, make your way to the nearby Royal BC Museum . This immersive space offers captivating insights into British Columbia’s layered history, taking visitors on a journey through nature and time.

Lunch: Seafood

As midday approaches, hunger surely follows. You’re in luck because Victoria boasts two lunch spots that are absolute must-trys. Flying Otter Grill gives you a waterfront dining experience with dishes that are a testament to the city’s coastal bounty.

If you’re leaning towards something more casual but equally iconic, Red Fish Blue Fish is an outdoor seafood eatery that’s become a Victoria staple, offering mouth-watering eats straight from the sea.

Need an extra activity? You’ll love this thrilling 20-minute seaplane tour of Victoria .

Afternoon: Park and Wharf

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk through Beacon Hill Park . This sprawling green space serves as an oasis in the heart of the city, sprinkled with peaceful ponds, chirping birds, and vibrant flora.

Once you’ve had your fill of nature, head over to the whimsical Fisherman’s Wharf . From its unique floating houses to delightful local treats, it promises a unique experience at every turn.

As the afternoon goes on, step back in time with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle . Every corner of this Victorian-era mansion is steeped in history and tales of yesteryear, and many visitors come here after a 2 day Vancouver itinerary .

Evening: Chinatown and Nightlife

The vibrant energy of Victoria’s Chinatown is perfect for the evening. Delve into the cultural richness of the area, shop to your heart’s content, and make sure to wander through Fan Tan Alley, a narrow, history-filled pathway boasting unique shops and trinkets.

Head over to Irish Times Pub , known for its lively ambiance and a fine selection of local brews. If you’re in the mood to brewery hop, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. is another local favorite, renowned for its innovative craft beers. As you sip on BC’s finest, reflect on your day and the myriad memories Victoria has etched in your heart.

Note: Butchart Gardens is undoubtedly a gem of Victoria; however, given that it’s a bit outside of the city and it takes several hours to tour the gardens, it’s best to have this be the only thing you do either in the morning or afternoon.

How to Get to Victoria, BC

For a day trip to Victoria, you’ll want the convenience of seamless, stress-free travel options. Planning to come in from Seattle or Vancouver? These are the most popular options for getting to Victoria.

Taking a Day Trip to Victoria From Seattle

There are three main ways to get to Victoria from Seattle. Read below to get the details on each travel option.

Taking the ferry is the best way to get to Victoria when you go on a day trip from Seattle to Victoria . Not only is this a direct travel route , but you also get the bonus of enjoying a scenic water ride . The trip will take just under three hours and is a great way to glimpse the local marine life.

The Victoria Clipper provides the most well-known and reliable ferry service . I’ve taken the Clipper at least half a dozen times because it is so convenient – not having to worry about driving on a ferry and finding parking in a new city is always preferred, in my opinion. This passenger-only ferry takes you from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to the Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Tip: Park in the Bell Street parking garage in Seattle, as the Clipper will validate it for you, and you can leave your car there for the entire time for only $10. You won’t find that anywhere else!

Keep in mind that because your trip from Seattle to Victoria is considered international travel (crossing borders from one country to another), you will need a passport . Get all the travel information you need here.

For an easy cruise experience, book a ferry trip aboard the Victoria Clipper.

You might be one of those jet-setters who enjoy their travel adventures best when they can zip in and out of their target destination on a flight. You’ll be glad to know that a few commercial flights between Seattle and Victoria will make your visit to British Columbia quick and easy for your one day trip to Victoria.

You can research and make comparisons online to choose the most convenient airline for you. Ideally, you should plan a direct flight from Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport to Victoria International Airport (YYJ).

Most flights take around an hour , giving you plenty of time to kick off your itinerary once you land in Victoria.

Many travelers love tackling an international road trip from Seattle to Vancouver Island, which provides another fun-filled way to make it to Victoria. However, a trip like this is best conquered when you split it into a multi-day journey.

Although traveling by car is an alternative way to get to Victoria, I suggest reserving a road trip for a longer holiday stretch. This way, you have several days to spend visiting a few cities and ticking off fabulous vacation activities along the way.

The Seattle to Victoria car drive takes anywhere between 3.5 and 4.5 hours , depending on traffic and the time it takes to get through Border Control and Customs. You’ll cover about 162 miles when traveling along the US-101 route northbound toward the Canadian border. You could easily add this to a 4-day Seattle itinerary if you want a longer trip.

Taking a Day Trip to Victoria From Vancouver

The trip from Vancouver to Victoria is a relatively short one. Opt for a ferry ride or a float plane for smooth, hassle-free travel between the two locations.

There’s nothing quite like the summer season in Vancouver . That’s why British Columbia locals and travelers from farther afield make Victoria a prime stop during their short weekend getaways from Vancouver or Vancouver Island drives .

A ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria will ensure you get to revel in all the city’s splendor, especially when looking to make the most of a one-day visit. You could also put this at the end of your drive from Seattle to Vancouver to explore more of Canada.

BC Ferries is your go-to for reliable and efficient travel. You’ll have to make your way to Tsawwassen Terminal (22 miles from downtown Vancouver) to board the ferry. It’ll take you to Swartz Bay in Victoria.

The ferry ride itself is about 1.5 hours . Don’t forget to make time allowances for your trip to Tsawwassen Terminal from downtown Vancouver. The journey from Swartz Bay to Victoria Center is also a time factor, making the entire trip from Vancouver to Victoria (just below 80 miles) about 3.5 hours, depending on how busy it is.

Don’t feel like driving? You’ll love the ease of this Vancouver to Victoria tour .

For a bit of a VIP travel experience between Vancouver and Victoria, why not jump on a floatplane? One of the best services is delivered courtesy of Harbour Air , which offers seaplane rides from Vancouver to all the surrounding areas.

The journey from Vancouver Harbor to Victoria Harbor takes about 40 minutes . This travel mode affords sensational views of the Gulf Islands, all while treating you to a comfortable, private flight experience. It’s fun to do this when spending 3 days in Vancouver .

Pro Tip: While services like BC Ferries allow vehicles, transporting your car to Victoria can be a bit of a bother, particularly if you’re only looking to enjoy a simple day trip. I recommend forgetting about your car and taking a walk-on ferry ride to Victoria. Once there, you’ll find exploring the city a piece of cake because it’s super walkable.

Arrive in style by taking a Vancouver to Victoria seaplane .

Where to Stay in Victoria, BC

While this article is about taking a day trip to Victoria, you might decide to extend your long day and stay the night so you won’t have to rush. If that’s the case, here are some places to stay in Victoria that I recommend:

• Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast : Downtown Victoria is where all the action is. To be near the central buzz, stay at Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast in a quiet area that still affords peaceful nights. We stayed here in 2019 and loved how kind everyone was to our young family. The rooms are super comfy, with selected suites featuring a fireplace and a spa tub. Rates start at $139 per night .
• Strathcona Hot el : This hotel is a complete steal for the price. If you prefer accommodations serving as their little entertainment hub, consider the Strathcona a superb choice. Besides the elegant, spacious rooms, you can also look forward to top-notch amenities. Enjoy the spoils of an on-site restaurant, bar, and clubhouse. There’s a nightclub and even a rooftop sand volleyball court for active travelers. Rates start at $135 per night .
• Fairmont Empress Hotel : For vacationers who don’t mind splurging on superior comforts when on holiday, the much-talked-about Fairmont Empress Hotel won’t disappoint. This luxury hotel overlooks the Harbor and offers exquisite deluxe rooms and stellar service. Multiple restaurants, a spa, an indoor pool, and a gorgeous garden exist. The afternoon teas are always a hit (they put the British in British Columbia), and the Maritime Museum of BC is less than a mile away. Rates start at $243 per night .

Tips for Spending One Day in Victoria, BC

To enjoy the ultimate one-day trip to Victoria, remember these tips so that your British Columbia adventure is as smooth as possible:

• As I already mentioned above, Victoria is a walkable city. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible for all your activities and sightseeing. That said, consider investing in good quality walking shoes that’ll allow pain-free meandering around the city.
• Hiring a bike and doing a little self-directed exploration will be fun if you’d like to venture into the quieter neighborhoods and discover the less touristy locations.
• Make sure to carry a form of identification and other important travel documentation with you. Even a one-day Victoria trip still falls into the category of international travel, making it essential to have the correct papers on you.
• If possible, try to secure accommodations in the downtown area so you’re close to all the top attractions. You’ll be able to take full advantage of Victoria’s walkability if you’re centrally located and within close proximity of all the action.

Now that you know what to do in one day in Victoria, BC, it’s time to start planning your trip!

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a Seattle local who's obsessed with exploring all things Pacific Northwest, especially hiking, road trips, and national parks. She's been to hundreds of places all over the region and started this website to help others discover the beauty of the area and create their own trips.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Victoria

Day trips from victoria.

• Victoria to Central Saanich
• Victoria to Duncan
• Victoria to Sidney
• Victoria to Mill Bay
• Victoria to Delta
• Victoria to Salt Spring Island
• Victoria to Cobble Hill
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley

2. Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour

3. Victoria Grapes to Grains Full Day Guided Tour

4. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking

5. Private Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip

6. Victoria Excursion from Vancouver by Helicopter and Sea Plane

7. The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

8. The Signature Tour Victoria

9. Victoria Boutique Winery Tour

10. Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley

11. Discover Sooke to Port Renfrew Scenic Tour of Vancouver Islands

12. 8 Hour Private Tour in Salt Spring Island

13. Victoria Whale Watching Adventure by a Seaplane

14. Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria

15. Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries

16. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Tour for Two

17. Vancouver to Victoria day tour Private

18. Vancouver->Victoria Tour | Visit Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Garden Private

19. Private Victoria Full Day Tour from Vancouver

20. Victoria and Butchart Gardens with Seaplane Return

21. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Day Tour From Vancouver

22. Romantic Victoria and Butchart Gardens Explorer Private Tour

23. Private Small Group Transportation Cowichan Valley Wineries

24. Private Tour: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

25. Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour

26. Private Local Libations Tour, Victoria, BC

What travellers are saying.

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
• Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley
• A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
• Alset Tours
• Victoria Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour
• Weston Tours
• West Coast Sidecar
• The Natural Connection
• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
• Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Victoria

Day trips from victoria.

• Victoria to Central Saanich
• Victoria to Duncan
• Victoria to Sidney
• Victoria to Mill Bay
• Victoria to Delta
• Victoria to Salt Spring Island
• Victoria to Cobble Hill
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley

2. Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour

3. Victoria Grapes to Grains Full Day Guided Tour

4. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking

5. Private Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip

6. Victoria Excursion from Vancouver by Helicopter and Sea Plane

7. The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

8. The Signature Tour Victoria

9. Victoria Boutique Winery Tour

10. Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley

11. Discover Sooke to Port Renfrew Scenic Tour of Vancouver Islands

12. 8 Hour Private Tour in Salt Spring Island

13. Victoria Whale Watching Adventure by a Seaplane

14. Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria

15. Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries

16. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Tour for Two

17. Vancouver to Victoria day tour Private

18. Vancouver->Victoria Tour | Visit Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Garden Private

19. Private Victoria Full Day Tour from Vancouver

20. Victoria and Butchart Gardens with Seaplane Return

21. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Day Tour From Vancouver

22. Romantic Victoria and Butchart Gardens Explorer Private Tour

23. Private Small Group Transportation Cowichan Valley Wineries

24. Private Tour: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

25. Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour

26. Private Local Libations Tour, Victoria, BC

What travellers are saying.

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
• Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley
• A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
• Alset Tours
• Victoria Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour
• Weston Tours
• West Coast Sidecar
• The Natural Connection
• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
• Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures

The best way to day trip to Victoria BC

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

Victoria, BC is one of the most unique and picturesque towns in the Pacific Northwest. Despite its importance as the capital of British Columbia, Victoria’s location on Vancouver Island makes it a little more work to get to since you can only get there by boat or by plane! A day trip to Victoria is totally doable from Seattle or Vancouver and I’ll tell you how to do it and what to do to make the most of your day.

I’ve been going to Victoria for decades with several generations of my family and I’m glad you’ll get to see for yourself how special it is.

Victoria is the land of Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

Is a day trip to Victoria worth it?

Do i need a passport to go to victoria, does the victoria clipper have wifi, how to do a day trip to victoria from seattle, how to do a day trip to victoria from vancouver.

• How to do a day trip to Victoria from Port Angeles, WA

What to do on your day trip to Victoria

Related : Top three things to do in a short evening port call in Victoria on an Alaska cruise

Victoria is an absolutely delightful and super walkable town and I really believe you need more than one day to visit Victoria (three days in my opinion is ideal), but if a day is all you have, you should still do it!

A day trip to Victoria is absolutely worth it if that’s what you have to work with and you make the right transportation plans and know what you want to do. I’ll show you how to make the most of your day trip to Victoria so you know you’re having the best day possible.

Yes. If you are going to Victoria from Seattle or Port Angeles.

You are crossing an international border and a passport is required. US and Canadian Citizens can also use an alternate form of ID that is acceptable for crossing the border to Canada, such as a NEXUS card or Passport Card.

If you’re doing your day trip to Victoria from Vancouver BC then you do not need a passport since you’re not crossing a border from Vancouver.

No. On some of the trip you will have a cell signal from either Victoria or Seattle, but some portions of the trip do not have service.

There is wifi available in the terminal, but not at sea.

Even though Seattle is in a different country from Victoria, the easiest way to do a day trip to Victoria (unless you’re already on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, see below) is on the Victoria Clipper! The Victoria Clipper is a passenger only fast ferry from the Seattle waterfront to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in less than 3 hours that has operated since 1986.

The Clipper is a wonderful part of the experience, this is not just transportation! There are several class options on board, ranging from airplane style economy seats on the first floor, to more spacious seats upstairs in Vista class and Comfort Class for even more perks and the very best seats on the boat.

The 2 hour and 45 minute journey from Seattle’s waterfront to Victoria’s Inner Harbour is scenic the entire way. It’s one of the best views of Seattle you can get as you sail away, then you head along Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island and across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria on Vancouver Island. You’ll see islands and mountains the entire way and even Orca whales if you’re lucky!

The Clipper has assigned seating so you can settle in and not have to worry about having a spot. They also have some food on board as well as coffee, beer and wine.

If you really want to make your day trip special, and give yourself more time in Victoria, then consider booking one of the Clipper’s Sea and Sky packages. The Sea to Sky package takes you one way by boat on the Clipper and the other way by seaplane on Kenmore Air. This is a truly unique Pacific Northwest experience if you can swing the extra cost.

If you take the Victoria Clipper, you’ll end up with about 5 hours in Victoria (I’m taking away an hour to account for passing through customs). If you take the seaplane back, you can have more time.

Check the Victoria Clipper schedule and fares from Seattle to Victoria here .

Doing a day trip to Victoria from Vancouver is less convenient than Seattle or Port Angeles, which is ironic since Vancouver is in Canada and the largest city in British Columbia.

You can definitely still do it. There are two options. The first option is to take the bus from Vancouver to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, then the ferry to Swartz Bay and then the city bus again from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. I have done this multiple times so you can absolutely make it work if you’re a transit rider. Using the transit feature on Google maps works great.

If you want to avoid the hassle of transferring, you can also take the BC Connector, which costs more but there’s less for you to figure out. The BC connector gives you about 4 hours in Victoria.

Check the BC Connector schedule and fares from Vancouver to Victoria here .

If you want to do a faster and awesome (but much more expensive) day trip to Victoria from Vancouver you can also do it on a seaplane on Harbour Air .

How to do a day trip to Victoria from Port Angeles

If you’re already on the Olympic Peninsula or want to add a day in Victoria on your Olympic National Park itinerary , you can take the Coho Black Ball Ferry from downtown Port Angeles to downtown Victoria. It’s a car ferry but for a day trip you definitely want to leave your car in Port Angeles and walk on.

If you take the Coho on the earliest sailing and return on the latest sailing, you’ll have about 8 hours in Victoria (I’m subtracting an hour to account for customs when you arrive).

Keep in mind that you need to already be in Port Angeles the night before and probably also staying that night to make this a reasonable day trip. The crossing time between Port Angeles and Victoria is about 90 minutes.

The Coho has a coffee shop on board so you can get food and they also sell tours on board for when you arrive in Victoria. If you’re doing a day trip to Victoria I highly recommend booking on board

Check the Coho ferry schedule and fares from Port Angeles to Victoria here .

Now that you’ve made it to Victoria, how to make the most of a short, one day visit? I’ve got you.

I recommend that you choose one of the two options below, either plan to maximize your time enjoying Butchart Gardens or explore the town, but not both. If you pay attention to the bus schedule and get back with a little time to spare, then you might be able to squeeze in a walk around the Inner Harbour before getting back to your boat or bus.

If you have a longer day, then absolutely do both of these!

One note – I don’t recommend doing whale watching if you only have a day trip to Victoria, because you’re already spending a lot of time on boats in your day and because there are many places around the Pacific Northwest you can do whale watching.

Whale watching in Victoria is absolutely fantastic, but if you only have a few hours I would recommend spending it seeing things you won’t see anywhere else.

Another important note : there are no ride shares (Uber/Lyft) in Victoria and taxis are often in high demand. Plan to book transportation on board your ferry, take public transit or walk around town.

Option #1 – Butchart Gardens and Afternoon Tea

For anyone who loves flowers, Butchart Gardens is an absolutely must see. I’m pretty sure I’ve been to Butchart Gardens in every month of the year and it’s always completely stunning. If you’re there in spring or summer, of course you’ll see the maximium number of blooms of every imaginable flower from tulips to roses so that makes it even better.

Butchart Gardens is also completely magical during the holidays, if you happen to be there then.

They also have the best Afternoon Tea in Victoria in my opinion – a combination of the food, the setting and the price. If you’re going to be in the gardens I highly recommend afternoon tea here.

Once you’ve spent as much time as you like exploring, head back to town on the bus and if you have time, take a walk around the Inner Harbour and at least sea the Empress Hotel and Houses of Parliament from the outside.

I highly recommend booking your trip to Butchart Gardens on board the Victoria Clipper or Coho Ferry, because this gets you a bit closer to the front of the line for customs and it also makes everything easier and more convenient on a short trip. You can take the city bus to the gardens but it takes longer and you want to maximize your time.

Option #2 – Exploring Victoria and Afternoon Tea

If you decide you would prefer to explore the town and skip going to the gardens, start off by taking a walk around the Inner Harbour to get a feel for town. The distances are short, and you’ll see some of the iconic sights of Victoria such as the Empress Hotel and the British Columbia Parliament building.

Afternoon Tea

I recommend taking afternoon tea for lunch and you have a few options. The Empress Hotel is the iconic place for tea, so if you’re all about tradition make it the Empress. For something a bit more low key, but still a perfect tea experience, try the Pendray Tea house that’s right across from the Clipper and Coho ferry dock.

If you want a less formal experience, but some delicious food and wonderful tea, head to Murchie’s. You’ll have lots of amazing food options and it’s much less expensive. It’s not and “official” tea, so if you’re looking for a tiered tea stand with treats and sandwiches, this isn’t it, but it’s a really good alternative.

Book your tea time on board the Clipper or Coho ferry if that’s how you’re arriving (if you’re on the bus from Vancouver you’ll need to book on your own). They can make sure you get a reservation and you don’t have to spend time figuring that out when you get there.

Getting a ride around Victoria

After tea, try a Tally-Ho carriage ride around town or the Hop on Hop off bus (tickets are available for both on the Clipper too). The Harbour ferry is another unique way to explore Victoria, start at the dock in the Inner Harbour near Milestones and the Prince of Whales.

Exploring Victoria on foot or by bike

If you’re wanting to get some exercise in during your day trip to Victoria, instead of catching a ride or a tour, you can walk or bike all over the place!

One of my favorite walks around Victoria is to walk from behind the Parliament Building to Beacon Hill Park, and then down to Dallas Road, along the trail to the Ogden Point Breakwater, then to Fisherman’s Wharf (get ice cream or fish and chips here) and back to the Parliament buildings. That walk is a little over 6km (about 4 miles) and is mostly flat, with a few inclines here and there around Beacon Hill Park.

If you’d rather cover more ground, rent a bike from The Pedaler, located across the street from the Victoria Clipper and Coho ferry terminal. You can rent ebikes or regular bikes for more exploring.

Shopping or Museums

If time and energy permit, make some time for window shopping (or real shopping) on Government Street. You’ll find everything from local art, to clothing to tea, to a wonderful independent bookstore (Munro’s), an incredible chocolate shop (Roger’s) and more.

Museums more your thing that shopping? Check out the wonderful Royal BC Museum between the Empress Hotel and the Parliament Building, or the Maritime Museum for boat enthusiasts.

I enjoy grabbing a drink and a snack at Milestones in the Inner Harbour because of the great view and the opportunity to watch all the boats, ferries, tours, bikes and seaplanes going in and out of Victoria.

Final thoughts

Even though there’s much more to see and do, a day trip to Victoria is totally worth it! Just make sure you plan wisely and book any tours or tea reservations on board the Victoria Clipper or Coho ferry so you can make the most of your time and not have to worry about logistics.

If you’re coming from Vancouver or you just enjoy exploring on your own, walking and biking around Victoria will give you plenty to do for your day trip.

Victoria is a special place that I’m certain you’ll want to come back to!

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5 Best Day Tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC

The best day tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC offer the perfect opportunity to explore Vancouver Island hassle-free.

That’s why I’ve sifted through dozens of tours to Victoria from Vancouver to find you the best.

Let’s break down the top Vancouver to Victoria tours on the market.

Vancouver to Victoria Day Tours: The Logistics

Victoria’s picturesque harbour city is just 107 kilometres (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver.

That said, day tours to Victoria from Vancouver are a bit of a necessity without your own car.

If you’ve got time constraints, that pesky Salish Sea in the photo above only stands to complicate matters.

To avoid this, I’m gonna run through the best Vancouver to Victoria tour packages to make things a lot easier.

You can visit Butchart Gardens, take a Victoria whale watching tour, or take an in-depth tour of the heart of the city – and be back in time for dinner!

The Best Victoria Tours from Vancouver

Victoria Day Trip + Butchart Gardens – Best Day Trip from Vancouver to Victoria

Departure Point: Hotel pickup/drop off | Duration: 13 hours | Price: From CAD $275.10

Looking to explore Butchart Gardens but don’t have two days to spare? Not to worry.

You’ll start this Butchart Gardens and Victoria Day tour in style, taking in the stunning waterways and mountains en route to British Columbia’s capital via ferry.

Once you arrive in Victoria, you’ll visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a nature lover’s paradise spanning 55 acres (22 hectares).

But that’s not all! This Victoria tour from Vancouver also gives you the best of both worlds: a mini-guided coach tour along the way to learn the history + time to explore on your own.

Included in these day tours from Vancouver to Victoria island:

• Select downtown Vancouver hotel pickup/drop off (locals: head to the Westin Bayshore)
• Round-trip ferry tickets to/from Victoria
• Butchart Gardens admission
• Free time to explore Victoria’s city centre

Overnight Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour – Best 2-Day Victoria Tour from Vancouver

Departure Point: Hotel pickup | Duration: 48 hours | Price: From CAD $641.74

These fantastic Vancouver to Victoria day trip tour options include an overnight stay, which is a fantastic way to truly discover the city.

You’ll kick it off on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry , where you can soak up the gorgeous scenery and maybe even spot a few whales frolicking in the Salish Sea.

After arriving in Victoria, you’ll check out the famous Butchart Gardens – admission is included in the package. You’ll quickly see why this Victoria botanical wonderland attracts more than a million visitors per year.

Afterward, you’ll get a guided sightseeing tour of Victoria before heading to your comfy 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. The best part is you’ll have 24 hours to do whatever you like – so you’re not locked into a rigid schedule.

You’ll end with a scenic floatplane ride back home .

Included in these tours to Victoria from Vancouver:

• Selected hotel pick up/drop off in Vancouver (locals: you’ll meet them at Canada Place)
• Transport and ferry ticket to Victoria
• Admission to Butchart Gardens
• 1-night stay in Victoria at the Inn at Laurel Point
• Scenic floatplane ride from Victoria back to Vancouver

Want to upgrade your hotel to include the legendary Fairmont Empress? Click the button below:

Seaplane + Ferry Tour – Top Vancouver to Victoria Tour Package for Freedom

Departure Point: 1055 Canada Pl. | Duration: 12 hours | Price: From CAD $572.14

This exciting trip to Victoria from Vancouver begins with a thrilling journey across the Salish Sea by floatplane. The best part? The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane departs just steps from most of Vancouver’s best hotels .

On this Victoria one-day tour from Vancouver, you can sit back, relax, and soak up the lovely aerial views across the water.

Once you get there, you can start checking off the best things to do in Victoria in a self-guided manner. This is optimal for people looking for speed and independence .

You may even want to consider boarding the Victoria hop-on hop-off bus to cover more ground.

Once you’re done exploring, you’ll board a coach to Swartz Bay Terminal for the ferry ride back to Vancouver .

This Victoria Day tour from Vancouver i ncludes:

• 35-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria
• 7 hours to explore Victoria on your own
• Coach and ferry tickets back to Vancouver

Seaplane & Butchart Gardens Admission – Best Victoria Tour from Vancouver for Convenience

Departure Point: 1055 Canada Pl. | Duration: 1 day | Price: From CAD $572.14

These day tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC? They’re for those looking to combine a visit to Butchart Gardens with an exciting seaplane adventure .

And they’ll take you straight to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in just 35 minutes .

You’ll have plenty of free time to explore this charming city, soaking up all its beauty and culture .

It also includes a shuttle bus and admission to Butchart Gardens .

This is a great option for people looking for less travel time and more time to spend in the city .

This tour to Victoria from Vancouver includes :

• Round-trip floatplane flight between Vancouver and Victoria
• Shuttle to and from Butchart Gardens
• Free time to explore the Victoria Inner Harbour

Seaplane + Whale-Watching Cruise – Top Vancouver Victoria Tour Package for Nature Lovers

Departure Point: 1055 Canada Pl. | Duration: 10 hours | Price: From CAD $603.63

If you’re deciding on one of our Vancouver to Victoria tours, a whale-watching excursion is one way to add a bit of that wow factor.

The travel here is super easy, with a super scenic seaplane to Victoria.

Once you arrive in Victoria, it’s time to set off on an exciting cruise through the Haro Strait . It’s the native home to killer whales, sea lions, and seals .

It’s a rare opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close and in their natural habitat.

Included in this Vancouver Victoria tour:

• Return seaplane flights between Vancouver and Victoria
• A ticket aboard a Victoria Whale Watching Tour
• The chance to get up close and personal with orcas, humpbacks and gray whales

Vancouver to Victoria Day Tour Prices

So, how much does it cost for a day tour from Vancouver to Victoria?

Here’s a handy graph of Victoria day tour prices, with some extra info on departure points.

How to Book Day Trip Tickets to Victoria

Warning : Vancouver to Victoria day tours tend to sell out way in advance. Ensure you book your tickets online first . With the links here, you can even get free cancellation tickets.

Booking tickets for Vancouver to Victoria sightseeing tours is as simple as a purchase on Amazon – in fact, it’s even faster.

Here, I’ll walk you through the process with ease.

All you have to do is choose your top Victoria day tour , select a time, and you’re good to go – with free cancellation!

1. Select Your Day Tour to Victoria from Vancouver

• Head to the Vancouver to Victoria day trip portal on Viator .
• Here, you’re booking with a publicly traded company  (Tripadvisor) with a $3 billion market cap
• Booking with them gets you  book now pay later Victoria day tours which help a lot with budgeting
• You’re also locking in Viator’s  lowest price guarantee  to help you save money

2. Select Your Victoria Day Tour Time

• Select your day tour of Victoria
• Click the green ‘Check Availability’ button on the product page
• Select a date on the calendar
• Choose the number of people and click ‘Apply’
• Select your time and click ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ or ‘Book Now’

FYI: If you choose ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ you’ll have the option to pay for the Victoria day trip tickets at any point up to 48 hours before.

Change your mind? Either way, you can cancel your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before.

Boom! You can lock in your Vancouver to Victoria guided tour dates in less than 2 minutes .

Vancouver to Victoria Day Tour Reviews

Our provider Viator has thousands of reviews on their long list of day tours from Vancouver to Victoria .

Amazingly, most of these Victoria one day tours hold a 4.5 star rating or above .

Let’s take a look at what people are saying about our best Vancouver to Victoria day tour:

One Day Victoria Tour with Butchart Gardens Trip Reviews

• Cheapest Victoria day tour from Vancouver
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Ability to see all of Victoria’s major sites
• 2 hours to explore independently
• Expert guide and driver with tons of fun facts
• Long trip broken up by different parts
• Some have complained 10 hours is too long

No need to expand on this too much – this tour to Victoria from Vancouver has a 4.5 star rating over 1300+ reviews .

Here’s a bit of what to expect from Viator customer Jane_I:

>> Check out 1300+ more reviews on Viator now

Reasons to Take a Day Tour to Victoria from Vancouver BC

Scenic Beauty : Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Coast and the Gulf Islands during the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. Rich History : Victoria boasts a rich British colonial history, visible in its architecture, including the iconic British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Unique Attractions : Visit unique attractions like the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, with its stunning floral displays, and the Royal BC Museum, showcasing natural and human history. Charming Downtown : Explore Victoria’s charming downtown area, offering boutique shopping, artisan cafes, and waterfront dining options. Whale Watching Opportunities : Victoria whale watching tours offer the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life. Easy and Convenient : Day tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC are easy and convenient, providing a hassle-free way to explore another vibrant city within British Columbia in just one day.

How To Create Your Own Vancouver to Victoria Day Tour

Creating your own day tour from Vancouver to Victoria is simple and rewarding.

If you’ve got a car, start by booking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria , where you’ll enjoy the scenic Gulf Islands en route.

No car? You’ll either need to take the Vancouver to Victoria bus or the seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria .

Keep in mind though that independent travel is going to cost you a minimum of $196.16 return (bus).

That’s why booking day tours to Victoria is so great – for about $70.00 more you can have the whole thing planned with some admissions thrown in.

At any rate, however you get there – I suggest looking at this Victoria day trip itinerary for inspiration.

Vancouver to Victoria Tours FAQ

Are there tours between victoria and vancouver.

Yes, there are Victoria tours from Vancouver, including day tours, Butchart Gardens day tours, overnight tours, 2-day tours, and whale-watching tours.

How much is a tour from Vancouver to Victoria?

The cheapest tour from Vancouver to Victoria is $263.93 for the day trip to Butchart Gardens, which includes a couple of hours to explore Victoria on your own.

The typical Vancouver Victoria tour costs around $350.00.

Are there Vancouver bus tours to Victoria?

Yes, there are bus tours from Vancouver to Victoria, but it involves at combination package which gets you to Victoria by seaplane with return travel on the ferry by coach.

Otherwise, you can book the Vancouver to Victoria bus and create your own custom itinerary.

What’s the best day tour to Victoria from Vancouver?

The best day tour package from Vancouver to Victoria is the Victoria Tour + Butchart Gardens Tour , which includes the ferry, admission to the gardens, and a couple hours to explore downtown Victoria.

Ready for the Best Vancouver to Victoria Tours?

We hope this comprehensive list of our favourite Vancouver to Victoria tour packages has inspired you to explore Vancouver Island’s captivating Garden City.

These day tours from Vancouver to Victoria offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and adventure

That said, if you haven’t found anything here to your liking, don’t be afraid to write me in the comments!

Enjoy your Vancouver to Victoria tour!

I've used online guides on five continents to find the world's greatest travel spots and this is my chance to give back - with insider info on my home, the mighty Vancouver BC!

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Victoria

Day trips from victoria.

• Victoria to Central Saanich
• Victoria to Duncan
• Victoria to Sidney
• Victoria to Mill Bay
• Victoria to Delta
• Victoria to Salt Spring Island
• Victoria to Cobble Hill
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley

2. Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour

3. Victoria Grapes to Grains Full Day Guided Tour

4. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking

5. Private Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip

6. Victoria Excursion from Vancouver by Helicopter and Sea Plane

7. The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

8. The Signature Tour Victoria

9. Victoria Boutique Winery Tour

10. Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley

11. Discover Sooke to Port Renfrew Scenic Tour of Vancouver Islands

12. 8 Hour Private Tour in Salt Spring Island

13. Victoria Whale Watching Adventure by a Seaplane

14. Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria

15. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Tour for Two

16. Vancouver to Victoria day tour Private

17. Vancouver->Victoria Tour | Visit Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Garden Private

18. Private Victoria Full Day Tour from Vancouver

19. Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries

20. Victoria and Butchart Gardens with Seaplane Return

21. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Day Tour From Vancouver

22. Romantic Victoria and Butchart Gardens Explorer Private Tour

23. Private Small Group Transportation Cowichan Valley Wineries

24. Private Tour: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

25. Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour

26. Private Local Libations Tour, Victoria, BC

What travellers are saying.

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
• Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley
• A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
• Alset Tours
• Victoria Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour
• Weston Tours
• West Coast Sidecar
• The Natural Connection
• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
• Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures

20+ Awesome Things To Do in Victoria BC Kids Will Love

W ith the US / Canadian border open again, it’s time to start planning another trip up to Vancouver Island ! There are so many great things to do in Victoria with kids or just as adults. It’s one of our favorite Canadian cities and I know you’ll love it too!

Victoria BC is our go-to destination for fun and easy weekend trips around the holidays and in spring when the weather is getting nice. Yes, we go to Victoria often , but it’s because we love it so much! We’ve figured out our top favorite activities and tips for visiting Victoria with kids and get ready, because we’ve got 20+ things for you to do to have an unforgettable trip.

If you have any questions about getting to Vancouver Island, the many fun things to do in Victoria BC, exploring Canada with kids or anything else about the Pacific Northwest, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to share more and help plan fun trips and adventures!

Where is Victoria BC?

Victoria BC is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, just north of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and just west of Vancouver, BC . It’s a fairly large city and is situated on a harbor, the Inner Harbour, and then stretches out to its suburbs of Saanich, Sidney, and Sooke. Getting there is fairly easy and doable on nearly any budget.

Transportation to Victoria

We have written about Victoria many times and have a lot of details around transportation to the city here, in our article highlighting a great 3 Day V i ctoria itinerary . Here’s a recap though and top tips for getting to Victoria with kids. And we actually have a podcast episode all about the 7 different ways to get to Vancouver Island .

By ferry, you can depart for Vancouver Island from either Vancouver (Tsawwassen terminal) or Port Angeles. Both sailings are approximately 1.5 hours so which you choose depends on your starting point, travel schedule and budget. Check out the map to see which makes sense for you. You can also take the passenger-only Victoria Clipper from Seattle , which is a great option for those adding Victoria with kids to their family trip to Washington.

BOOK VICTORIA CLIPPER TICKETS HERE

Note : you can also do the auto ferry from Anacortes , WA but it takes a bit longer since it goes through the San Juan Islands and makes several stops along the way. PS: the rate examples provided below are subject to change and are only provided for comparison

You can also fly to Victoria from both Seattle and Vancouver via seaplane or regular aircraft. This is for sure not the budget option for a family to get to Vancouver Island, particularly if you want also have a car on the island, but it’s an option. Flying in via Seaplane is really cool and it’s one of the best things to do in Victoria!

Remember , Victoria is in Canada so a passport is required. DO NOT FORGET PASSPORTS.

Best Things to Do in Victoria with Kids

Since we aren’t digging into all of the hiking and kayaking destinations around Victoria, we’re going to keep our top activities in Victoria with kids to things in Victoria proper, Saanich, Brentwood Bay and Sidney. This part of the island is rather condensed, so getting between each spot is fairly easy by bus, super easy by car, and totally doable (with time) by bicycle if weather is permitting.

Note : please confirm hours of operation with each activity before adding to your plan. We’ve included posted hours, but they are subject to change without notice or in conjunction with events.

Victoria Bug Zoo – gross and fascinating

I’m starting here because if you need to keep one thing in mind to leverage when you do Victoria with kids, it’s the Victoria Bug Zoo. I know, this is not what you’d expect at the top of a list for such a beautiful, amazing city, but it’s a winner with kids (and adults). The Bug Zoo has a very impressive collection of tarantulas, stick bugs, exotic insects and butterfly specimens. This was an awesome stop for us and made Victoria with kids an easy addition to our world-schooling plans.   Tip :  take part in the “tour” and actually hold the bugs. So cool.

Location :  near the Fairmont Empress   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  11am – 4pm M-F, 11am – 5pm Sa/Su

Website :   Victoria Bug Zoo

Royal BC Museum – incredible history and indigenous art

We’re very selective about which museums we take our kids to. We want to be sure they’re interesting, educational, and that they’ll genuinely feel a connection to something there. The Royal BC Museum checked all those boxes. We went for the totem poles and incredible First Nations exhibits, and left excited about Egyptology and prehistoric creatures.

As adults we could’ve stayed for at least three hours, but with two kids we only explored the Royal BC Museum for just under two hours. The Royal BC is one of the best things to do in Victoria no matter what your interests are. It’s great for all ages and is a prime activity when the weather turns.

Tip : in the First Nations area, take time to explain to kids about western expansion and the obliteration of native tribes. It’ll make the whole exhibit must more understandable.

Hours :  10am – 5pm daily

Website :  Royal BC Museum

Victoria Butterfly Gardens – TOP PICK of Things to Do

If you follow our podcast and listen often you know that the Victoria Butterfly Gardens really impressed us and we think it’s one of the best things to do in Victoria. We’ve visited many butterfly pavilions in our travels, including famous ones in Key West and Denver , but the Victoria Butterfly Gardens impressed us for a few reasons:

• number of butterflies
• diversity of other exhibits and inclusion of birds (flamingos and parrots particularly)
• availability of staff to answer questions
• coat check – seriously, this is exceptionally important when you’re spending an hour in an 80 degree humid space.

When doing Victoria with kids, spending time at the Butterfly Gardens is a great addition to a day at Butchart Gardens or an afternoon lazing around Brentwood Bay. Allow 1.5 hours or more, depending on how much your kids enjoy insects and how much you need to escape to a tropical paradise. 🙂

Location :  near the Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay area   Google Maps link here . Hours :  10am – 4pm Sep-Mar, 10am – 5pm Apr-Jun, 9:30am – 6pm Jul-Aug Website :  Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Visit Craigdarroch Castle

Can you really explain the cool buildings and Victorian era lifestyle to kids without including a little history? Or a castle? You could, but why would you want to? Craigdarroch Castle  is a nice walk or short ride just outside of the downtown area. Victoria with kids is very doable on foot, including walking to the Castle, so plan to visit on a nicer day and enjoy the neighborhood along the way.

Once there, do a guided tour (not too long) of the really impressive rooms and grounds. Watch for ghosts, ask questions of the docents, and take lots of cool pictures!   Note : if you live on Vancouver Island and have a Greater Victoria Public Library  card, you can use the ePass system for free admission to Craigdarroch Castle.

Location :  east of downtown, Rockland neighborhood   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  10am – 4:30pm Sep-Jun, 9am-7pm Jun-Sep

Website :  Craigdarroch Castle

Miniature World – way cooler than you think

Our kids’ favorite thing in any museum are always the dioramas; you know, the scenes that are setup like a snapshot in time of a town full of people or an event. Miniature World is nothing but dioramas and they are impressive! I know this sounds weird, but Miniature World is one of the best things to do in Victoria with kids.

From castles and villages to space exploration, Miniature World is full of the most impressively intricate models. If only the kids could play with them unsupervised…  Tip :  this is a great activity to add to a Victoria Bug Zoo visit, as it’s very close and will keeps the momentum of fun going.

Hours :  9am – 5pm Sep-May, 9am – 9pm May-Sep

Website :  Miniature World

Explore Chinatown’s Alleys and Shops – One of the Best Things To Do in Victoria

When doing Victoria with kids, you HAVE TO VISIT CHINATOWN. It’s such an easy walk from the downtown area that you don’t even realize you’re nearly there almost all the time. We actually spend a lot of time in Chinatown during each visit to Victoria due to the great restaurants (Chinese and not), the interesting stores (for more than standard Chinatown souvenirs) and the great photo ops.

The red Chinese lanterns are always hung and the vibe is always buzzing.  Must see : Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest street in North America. There are many businesses off the alley and if you’re there early or late enough, it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to 1800s Chinatown.

Location :  just north of downtown   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  always open!

Cost :  free to explore

Available tour : we haven’t done this one, but it came highly recommended by the locals – Chinatown Walking Tour (still operating during COVID-19)

Victoria Harbour Ferry Rides – the coolest water taxi around

While the main part of Victoria proper is situated directly around the Inner Harbour, going from Chinatown to the Wharf area will be quite the long walk. Getting a sea lion’s eye view of the city from the water is a fun, unexpected activity to add to your trip to Victoria with kids.

The Victoria Harbour Ferry   offers 45 minute tours of the Inner Harbour, tours us the Gorge Waterway, and private tours. It’s a unique experience unlike any other boat tour in any city we’ve visited.   Note : the Victoria Harbour Ferry stops running in the Winter, returning in Spring.

Location :  first stop is the Empress Dock, map link has all stops to catch boat   Google Maps link here .

Website :  Victoria Harbour Ferry

Enjoy the Harbour Water Ballet

Yes, you read that right. On a nice summer day, one of the best things to do in Victoria BC is to hang out on the waterfront, and bonus if you can catch one of the hilarious and cool Water Ballets. The small Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxi boats perform a synchronized ballet around the Inner Harbour while music plays on loud speakers.

For the best view, watch from the upper street level of either Government St or Belleville St. It can get crowded, so you might need to put kids on shoulders to watch the ferry water ballet. It’s only a few minutes though, so it’s not too bad. And the water taxis are the cutest boats you’ll ever see.

Location :  middle of the Inner Harbour

Hours :  10:45 am on Sundays, April through October

Cost :  totally free to watch

Go Wildlife and Whale Watching

Depending on the season and what you want to sea, you’ll have several great options for wildlife and whale watching out of Victoria. You could do the crazy open speed boat out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca leaving from the Inner Harbour, or you could do a more tame, longer tour ( kid friendly whale watching ). We’ve done these and enjoyed them, but really fell in love with the Salish Sea when doing an ecotour out of Sidney, BC.

Find a Wildlife / Whale Watching tour here!

Recommended Ecotour –  Ecocruising

Ecocruising is a small operator running out of Brentwood Bay and Sidney, both about a half hour from downtown Victoria. Meandering through small islands and rookeries, Ecocruising provides up close, respectful wildlife viewing ranging from orcas and porpoises to harbor seals and bald eagles. This is always a highlight when we do a trip to Victoria with kids. We love ecotourism and this company is passionate about sharing and protecting the environment of the Salish Sea.

Victoria Location :  Inner Harbour near tourist office   Google Maps link here .

Sidney Location :  Canoe Cove Marina   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  throughout the day, typically spring and summer – charters available

Cost :  prices range from $40 per person to over $100, depending on tour operator and length of trip

Recommended Whale Watching tour – ORCA SPIRIT ADVENTURES

Whale watching is one of the most special activities anywhere on the Salish Sea and Puget Sound. Grey and humpback whales frequently visit the waters around Victoria, but the resident and transient orca whales are what most guests are here to see. Focusing on eco-tourism, animal awareness and preservation, we cannot recommend Orca Spirit Adventures enough for a Victoria whale watching experience, especially with kids.  

Book THIS EXACT TOUR here !

See Totems at Thunderbird Park

Part of the Royal BC Museum, this collection of totem poles and a replica longhouse is worth visiting. You can pair a visit to Thunderbird Park with your trip to the museum or work it in wherever you have the time. The totem poles are best viewed/photographed early in the day when the sun is on them, but if you’re doing Victoria with kids, you’re probably not going to be up super early and out and about.

Because Thunderbird Park is located outside of the Royal BC Museu m, it’s free to check out the totems both outside in the park and in the glassed in pavilion. There are quite a few, so take your time enjoying them. Appreciating the indigenous culture is a must when in Canada, and seeing totem poles and structures is one of the best things to do in Victoria.

Location :  between Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Park   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  8am officially, but it’s outdoors so always on display

Cost :  free

Website :  Thunderbird Park Victoria

Enjoy the Butchart Gardens and Carousel

We have been to the Butchart Gardens four or five times and still love it . An ideal representation of Victorian gardens, it’s much more kid-friendly than you might expect. True, you can’t let the kids run free and pick flowers, but they’ll enjoy the Butchart Gardens just the same. There are fountains, sculptures, a Japanese garden, totem poles, and in the winter there’s even an ice rink. 

Tip : be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet from the visitors desk to give the kids a little something extra to keep them interested.

And for those who love getting dizzy, the carousel at the Butchart Gardens is one of the most beautiful ones we’ve seen. The cost to ride is an extra $2 per person (parents ride free for safety).

Location :  north of Victoria in Brentwood Bay   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  9am daily, closing time varies greatly by season and events  check hours here

Website :  the Butchart Gardens

Christmas at the Butchart Gardens

We can’t describe it well enough to do it justice, but the Butchart Gardens at Christmas are amazing. From the glowing forest to the Twelve Days of Christmas theme, it’s remarkable. Add to the ornate gardens an ice rink and live musical performers and you’ll have the most wonderful holiday experience in Victoria.  

Check out our complete article about Christmas in Victoria for more ideas .

Learn about Marine Life at Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Since we recommend getting a taste of what’s just beyond downtown Victoria, a day trip to Sidney is a great idea. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a small aquarium located just off the marina in quint little Sidney. The  Centre has touch tanks and exhibits showcasing the native marine life (except for mammals) of the surrounding bodies of water. With lots of hands-on activities, it’s a great morning activity in Sidney before walking around the waterfront and downtown.

FYI, Sidney is about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. It’s a nice little adventure and is great for seeing a different side of Vancouver Island but is still really close to Victoria.

Location :  Sidney marina area   Google Maps link here .

Website :  Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Do the Totem pole Scavenger Hunt

One of the things we love about living in the Pacific Northwest are all of the totem poles and native art everywhere. Victoria with kids is one big ongoing scavenger hunt to find totem poles ! They are all over the place, but there are many that you have to know where to look. We’ve created a map to guide you around Victoria (below) and beyond to find a wide variety of totem poles. The abundance of totems is incredible, and even if seeking them out isn’t on your list of things to do in Victoria, you’ll encounter them all around.

Tip :  If you’re looking to book a great hotel that’s full of art, the Inn at Laurel Point  has a very impressive collection of First Nations art and artifacts, but it’s for guests to enjoy while staying there only. It’s one of our favorite hotels in Victoria .

Location :  all around Victoria’s downtown and beyond   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  all day and night, but be respectful of local businesses and posted hours

Cost :  free except for admission to the Royal BC Museum

Tour the Parliament Building

We’re always fascinated by grand buildings and the parliament building in Victoria is no exception. You can actually add a tour of parliament to your Victoria with kids itinerary very easily, as they run tours daily. You can do short “express” tours of about 20 minutes or you can do the full architecture tour which lasts 90 minutes. 

Photography may be limited and tour schedules may be changed depending on when parliament is in session, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to get onto a tour during one of your days in Victoria.  Tip : if you have small kids, the express tour is recommended as the building is a functioning government space and longer tours may make for antsy children. We’ve done state house tours in Columbia SC , Madison WI and many more, and the doing the parliament building in Victoria with kids is one of the most small-kid-appropr

Hours :  tours begin at 9am, check website for times and cancellations

Tour website :  Victoria Parliament tours

Relax in a Public Square

This sounds odd, but the city of Victoria is full of small and large courtyards surrounded by shops and cafes. You’ll find the Public Market, Market Square, Bastion Square are all very easy to get to and each is full of good food and interesting shops and galleries. Perfect to add to a day in Victoria with kids. Our favorite is Market Square.

With each trip to Victoria, we like to visit Beadworld in Market Square for working with some veteran bead artisans, making souvenir bracelets. It is the perfect morning activity: a craft project and a great way to bring home a zero-waste souvenir. And then we get coffee and hot chocolate right after, so that is always a win too. Check out our favorite restaurants in Victoria BC !

Public square locations (with map links):  Market Square     Bastion Square     Public Market     Trounce Alley

Explore Beacon Hill Park: one of the best things to do in Victoria

Beacon Hill Park in Victoria has long been our favorite city park in North America. Spending an afternoon at Beacon Hill Park is a must for doing Victoria with kids. Between the peacocks running around, the Children’s Farm , the playgrounds, walking trails, views from the bluff, the tallest free-standing totem pole in the world, and ornate Victorian gardens, it’s an incredible place.

Confession: it’s cooler than Seattle’s Volunteer Park or SF’s Golden Gate Park (IMHO). Beacon Hill Park is really impressive and is great in any weather (except pouring rain). Visit in summer for the most amazing flowers and views, but then visit in winter for relaxing in the crisp sunshine and walking the trails.  Tip : another great park is Irving Park . You’ll find peacocks there too, as well as a labyrinth.

Location :  south of downtown to the bluffs   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  dawn to dusk

Website :  Beacon Hill Park – City of Victoria

Biking the Galloping Goose Trail of Victoria

Biking the Galloping Goose Trail out of Victoria is so much fun and great exercise! This is a great summer activity for Victoria with kids, especially if you have older children. Starting downtown or anywhere really, you head north out of the main core of Victoria to connect to the Galloping Goose trail , which will take you up to the Butchart Gardens and Brentwood Bay.

It’s a great way to experience the southern end of Vancouver Island. Heading east into the farming valleys of Saanichton and then south along the Lochside Trail , you’ll ride through neighborhoods, sunflower fields, marshes and more. It’s incredible.

If you’re enjoying yourself biking out of Victoria, you can also head west towards the town of Sooke. There are endless hiking trails around Sooke and it’ll give you a very different Vancouver Island experience.

Location :  Biking Route via G oogle Maps link here.

Hours :  daylight, not all bike paths are well lit

Cost :  bike rentals vary, from free through your hotel to $40/day – Find a guided bike tour here!

Eat a BeaverTail – the Fair Food of Canada

A Canadian delicacy, beaver tails are the great northern equivalent of an elephant ear. Usually dusted with cinnamon and sugar or topped with maple and whipped cream, or Nutella or apples or everything. One BeaverTail will suffice to share, but you know, when in Rome… There is a BeaverTail stand directly downtown, across from the Bug Zoo and then during festivals , like the street hockey festival in February or summer concerts.  Tip : napkins and wet wipes.

Location :  downtown and at festivals   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  12 pm – 9pm – for the BeaverTails stand

Have Afternoon Tea or High Tea Service

I’ll confess, we haven’t done this with the kids yet, but we’ve done it as adults. It’s fun and delicious. Afternoon tea in Victoria can be as costly or as budget-friendly as you want it to be.  There are several shops and restaurants that will do a tea service but our two recommendation are the Empress Hotel (high end) or Murchie’s (budget). The Empress’ tea service is very comprehensive with trays of finger sandwiches, scones and deserts, including tea. I’ve also enjoyed afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise , which is very similar, and it’s amazing.

Tip : the Empress does a children’s tea service also. It’s very nice and quite the touristy thing to do.

Murchie’s is much more relaxed and a better option for doing tea in Victoria with kids. Either doing a pre-set menu or going a la carte, you can do Murchie’s without reservations and you can linger as long as you like. This is our favorite place for tea.  Tip : leave with a box of Orange Pekoe  tea; it’s my favorite!

Location :  Fairmont Empress   Google Maps link here .  Murchie’s Tea downtown   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  late morning to mid-afternoon daily

Cost :  tea service can be as little as $15 for doing a la carte in smaller shops or up to $78 + tax & tip / person at the Empress

NOTE :  if you’re booking Tea at the Empress, know that there is a strict dress code and reservations require a credit card. Failure to show up will result in a 50% charge for the reserved tea services.

Find a great Canadian Souvenir

Souvenirs are a big part of travel for many families. When you do Victoria with kids, you’ll see a thousand things that you’ll want to buy. Here are our recommendations for bringing home a thoughtful souvenir from Victoria:

• seek out something useful that won’t be thrown out when you get home
• support tribal and local artisans by shopping for art and First Nations goods
• shirts and hats showing the destination are great for striking up conversation with others when you get home
• be zero-waste and avoid cheap toys and items made of plastic wrapped in plastic.

Keeping these points in mind you’ll for sure be able to find a thoughtful, memorable souvenir that you and your kids will enjoy long after your trip to Victoria is over.

Wow! I know that was a lot of information, but aren’t you excited to plan a trip to Victoria with kids?! We’re so ready to go back and hopefully will do so in late spring, as that’s our favorite time to visit.  Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your trip!

Also check out our 3 Day Victoria Itinerary for couples and our Family Travel Journal for more ideas.  And if you’re ready to book passage to Victoria from Seattle via the Victoria Clipper , check out Victoria Clipper tickets and packages here !

Want to pin this article for planning your own trip to Victoria with kids? Go for it!!!