victoria from travel guides

Fren Family

The Frens are a quirky and loveable family from Newcastle, known for their loud and no-filter personalities. While Mark and Cathy are both primary school teachers, Jono and Vic work in hospitality. The family bond over food, especially buffets and fried food.

The Frens are not too fond of exotic food or roughing it, but they do enjoy luxury holidays at a bargain price and adrenalin activities that don't require too much exertion.

Jono marriage to wife Danielle, and Victoria's recent marriage to long time partner, Nathan, hasn't stopped the four Frens spending plenty of time together and their love of their hometown of Newcastle is apparent in their comparisons of everything to the city. Mark loves to shock the kids with inappropriate innuendos, and the whole family delights in taking the mickey out of each other.

Despite their cultural cluelessness and language mangling, the Frens are a self-deprecating family who love to do absolutely nothing... together.

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Victoria & Vancouver Island   Travel Guide

Courtesy of JoeRos | Getty Images

Why Go To Victoria & Vancouver Island

Although it's only a 90-minute ferry ride from bustling  Vancouver , British Columbia's capital city may as well be a world away. Taking the opposite approach from its youthful neighbor, Victoria exudes a quainter atmosphere. Resting on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, This relatively small city remains deeply rooted in its Colonial past, relishing distinctively British traditions like afternoon tea at the  Fairmont Empress  and a pint at the pub. But that doesn't mean this destination is strictly reserved for Anglophiles. Despite its nostalgic tendencies, this city attracts a variety of travelers with excellent museums that celebrate its aboriginal heritage, charming architecture and fantastic harbor views (often interrupted by the surfacing of a whale).

But don't limit yourself to the (admittedly kitschy)  Inner Harbour  – there's much more to this region than manicured gardens and afternoon tea. Vancouver Island is also known for its stretching beaches and verdant wineries. From downtown Victoria, drive to  Sooke  – a vibrant boating and fishing town – or make your way out to the  Cowichan Valley , where you'll find rows of vines laden with grapes. Just make sure to bring your camera, as the scenery is sure to delight even the most jaded traveler.

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• # 8 in Best Cheap Couples Getaways for 2024
• # 11 in Best Places to Visit in Canada for 2023
• # 11 in Best Family Vacations in Canada

See All 5 Rankings

Best of Victoria & Vancouver Island

Best hotels in victoria & vancouver island.

• # 1 in Magnolia Hotel & Spa
• # 3 in Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• # 4 in Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

Best Things to Do in Victoria & Vancouver Island

• # 1 in Inner Harbour
• # 2 in The Butchart Gardens
• # 3 in Parliament Buildings

Popular Tours

Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

(1473 reviews)

from $ 149.71

Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

(227 reviews)

from $ 118.28

COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix

(83 reviews)

from $ 98.25

Victoria & Vancouver Island Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Victoria and Vancouver Island are March to May and September to November. The region sees some of the country's mildest weather and the driest summers, so while you might experience a light drizzle here and there, plan on comfortable temperatures in the spring and fall. Summer is by far the most popular time to visit thanks to the numerous festivals that take place in Victoria and across Vancouver Island. This area also welcomes a respectable number of winter travelers due to its proximity to Canada's prominent ski destination,  Whistler . You'll enjoy the most whale sightings if you time your visit between April and October.

Weather in Victoria & Vancouver Island

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• It's tea time The time-honored British tradition of afternoon tea still thrives here. You'll find the most famous (and expensive) spread at the  Fairmont Empress , but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives.
• Take a ferry ride Even if you're planning to fly into Victoria, you should still consider taking a ferry ride on the Juan de Fuca Strait. Not only will you find gorgeous views, but you also might spot a whale or two.
• Stop and smell the roses Victoria is known as the "City of Gardens." As early as March, the city sees more than 3 billion blooms (and holds an annual flower count to prove it). To witness the handiwork of Victoria's green thumb, stop by  Butchart Gardens .

How to Save Money in Victoria & Vancouver Island

• Travel by bike  Opting for two wheels instead of four will help you save on rentals and gas. Towns on Vancouver Island (including Victoria) are easily traversed by bike, and many ferry companies are happy to accommodate your ride.
• Take advantage of discounts  The Victoria visitors bureau offers ongoing deals and promotions on its  website  for everything from hotels to activities. Check to see if any match up with your itinerary.
• Consider the Victoria City Passport  This booklet offers savings for two adults and two kids  at more than 50 of the city's top attractions and sightseeing tours.

Culture & Customs

Victoria's culture is defined by its early settlers, specifically the First Nations people and the Brits. Before Capt. James Cook arrived on Vancouver Island in 1778, the First Nations people (aboriginal Canadians who are neither Inuit nor Métis) settled in Southern Vancouver Island. Centuries later, Victoria is still influenced by aboriginal culture, with many First Nations groups calling Victoria and Vancouver Island home. To learn more about aboriginal culture and heritage (and to view an impressive collection of totem poles), head to the  Royal British Columbia Museum .

To sample a bit of English tradition, indulge in afternoon tea. You'll find a variety of tea houses around Victoria, but the afternoon service at the  Fairmont Empress  is perhaps the most famous (and most expensive) the city has to offer. Wherever you go, you'll enjoy pastries, scones and delicate sandwiches to nibble on as you sip from your floral printed tea cup. 

Cultural traditions aside, American travelers will find little difficulty navigating British Columbia's capital city. English and French are the country's two official languages, but most Victoria residents speak English, and you won't need to know any French to effectively get around. Victoria's official currency is the Canadian dollar, which is currently about 75 cents to the U.S. dollar. Since the exchange rate fluctuates, plan to check what the  current exchange rate  is before you go. Avoid exchange fees by withdrawing Canadian money directly from an ATM in Victoria. When purchasing goods or services in Victoria (and throughout the province), expect to pay a 12 percent tax on top of the displayed price. Weight is measured in metric units; distance is measured in kilometers – pay close attention to this if you've decided to rent a car.

What to Eat

Thanks to Victoria's coastal location and access to the farming regions of the Saanich Peninsula and  Cowichan Valley , Victoria and Vancouver Island are a foodie's paradise. Let's start with afternoon tea, which is a must-do, according to visitors and locals. This tradition, which the city inherited from the region's European settlers, can be as grand or as simple as you want. It all depends on the teahouse you choose. On the extravagant end of the spectrum, there's the  Fairmont Empress . It'll cost a pretty penny, but the formal, elegant atmosphere of this turn-of-the-century hotel will transport you back to a time when afternoon tea was a daily event for those in Victoria high society. Other favorites include the Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden, Adrienne's Tea Garden  and  White Heather Tea Room .

When you've had your fill of tea and finger sandwiches, expand your gastronomic tour of Victoria by sampling the city's fresh seafood.  Red Fish Blue Fish , which sits on the waterfront on the Inner Harbour  in an upcycled cargo container, is a favorite among visitors for its variety of fish and chips (choose from salmon, cod, halibut and oysters). Other seafood favorites include  Fishhook ,  Blue Crab Seafood House  and  Ferris' Upstairs Oyster Bar .

Along with its fresh seafood, Victoria excels at offering a bevy of international cuisine. For Italian, locals and travelers recommend  Il Terrazzo , which is beloved for its classic Italian menu and cozy interior (it boasts six brick fireplaces). Recent visitors highly recommend Saveur for its French-inspired contemporary cuisine using local ingredients. And if you're after Mediterranean flavors, head to the family-owned  Ithaka Greek Restaurant  (diners especially loved the lamb).

Getting Around Victoria & Vancouver Island

The best way to get around Victoria & Vancouver Island is by bike or car. Central Victoria – especially the  Inner Harbour  – can easily be explored on foot, while bike paths will lead you to less touristy neighborhoods. Victoria also features a comprehensive transportation system, and ferries connect the city to other towns on Vancouver Island. If you're not looking for a heavy workout, a car is the best way to get from Victoria to other points of interest like Butchart Gardens or the  Cowichan Valley . You can rent a car at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ), located about 16 miles north of the city center. If you've rented a car in Vancouver and are planning to use it in Victoria, you can load it onto the ferry. Keep in mind: Parking fees at area hotels can be high.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A passport is required for citizens of the United States to travel to Canada, and to re-enter the country. If you are planning to drive, you must produce a passport, passport card or NEXUS card that allows expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through Canadian and U.S. border controls. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department  website .

The Harbour Ferry connects Victoria to nearby communities on Vancouver Island (and it's cheaper than a whale watching tour).

Explore More of Victoria & Vancouver Island

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Travel reviews

• Worth the detour

Victoria is a haven of peace with a proud British heritage, and a city of beautiful contrasts, where the elegance of history mingles with the panache of modern life. You will be charmed by the lovely gardens and the scenic walking route along the waterfront, offering dazzling views of the ocean.

Inner Harbour 

During the summer months, concerts, street performers, food trucks and artists provide enjoyment for visitors and locals alike.

Whale-watching safari

The nutrient-rich waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca are a fertile feeding ground for ocean wildlife. Three pods of resident orcas or " killer whales " make this area their summer home.

Picture a 2-metre long dorsal fin breaking the surface close to your boat,  as an 8-ton mammal comes up to the surface to breathe... It's a sight you will never forget!

Beacon Hill Park 

Beacon Hill Park is a delightful quiet place to do some bird watching and the perfect spot for a summer picnic.

Royal BC Museum 

Afternoon tea in Victoria

Reservations highly recommended.

CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE

This historic Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion was built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria. It reflects the wealth of its first owner, Robert Dunsmuir , a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. He died in 1889 before construction on the castle was completed, leaving the estate to his wife Joan, who lived there until her death in 1908. You can tour the castle with its four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Butchart Gardens 

Optional activities

• Orcas at sunset
• Royal BC Museum
• Orca watching (zodiac)
• Orca watching (boat)

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

Blue Fox Cafe ($-$$)

Victoria’s first and foremost all-day breakfast. Not in the mood for breakfast? The menu also includes soups, sandwiches, burgers and quesadillas. Be warned, this is an extremely popular spot so you may be better off going outside of peak hours.

Fishhook ($$-$$$)

This unique little restaurant specializes in fish and tartines packed with new and surprising flavours. The menu also includes a variety of curries, salads, soups and share platters featuring sustainable, locally sourced and farm fresh ingredients. A local favourite!

Stage Wine Bar ($$-$$$)

A cozy wine bar and upscale tapas restaurant. Located close to Belfry Theatre, just a few minutes from downtown Victoria, it's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before a concert ! The menu changes daily. A welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and a wine list that will charm connoisseurs and novices alike.

Il Terrazzo ($$-$$$)

One of the oldest restaurants in Victoria! Il Terrazzo features a large courtyard where gardens, brick walls and wood fireplaces combine to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu offers fine Italian cuisine accompanied by a vast selection of wines, most of which can be ordered by the glass. The ideal place for an intimate candlelight dinner!

SWANS PUB ($$-$$$)

Open since 1989, Swans is a hotel, a microbrewery and a pub. It's a great place to enjoy a casual bistro-style meal with family or friends. The warm, friendly ambiance will make you feel right at home as you sip your craft beer, glass of wine or cocktail.

Marina Restaurant ($$$)

This seafood restaurant offers sweeping harbour views and an impressive menu featuring local sustainable seafood. The cocktail list is delightful, and the wine list, a balance of old and new world, emphasizes family-owned local wineries. Don't miss Sunday brunch: an award-winning west coast buffet with a well-deserved reputation. Brunch reservations are recommended. Note that clients also come for the sweeping ocean views!

Where to sleep ?

• Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Hotel Grand Pacific
• Fairmont Empress
• Pendray Inn & Tea House
• Goldstream Campground
• Oceanside Camping & RV Resort
• Hotel Zed Victoria

Festivals calendar

Swiftsure international yacht race.

Dates:  end of May

Organized by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, this premier long-distance sailing race starting and ending in Victoria offers the colourful spectacle of 200 sailboats and their crews.

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival

Dates:  mid-August

Dragon boating is an extremely popular sport in British Colombia. The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival will provide you with another option if you missed the June event in Vancouver. Watch some 90 teams paddle across Victoria's Inner Harbour in an exciting, colourful 500-metre race.

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Very nice. Parliament building tour great, museum disappointing

Bc's capital, lots to see.

Good spot to relax after a long drive. Take table overlooking the harbour and enjoy the views over a glass of wine as the sunsets. Short drive the Burchant Gardens, you won't regret it. Visually stunning gardens, but go early as its busy.

A cosy city

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Victoria

Quick navigation, about victoria, how to get to victoria, best time to visit victoria, how to get around victoria, where to stay in victoria, where to eat in victoria, things to do in victoria, dangers in victoria, frequently asked questions about travelling in victoria, fun facts about victoria.

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The salty seaboard, lively harbour, and array of hiking and biking routes and trails etched along the shoreline, and surrounding mountainous region makes Victoria the ultimate Canadian island-getaway destination for families, outdoor lovers, and anyone and everyone. In this ultimate guide for planning a trip to Victoria, you’ll learn all about British Columbia’s capital city: how to get there, what to do, and the necessary information before you kickstart your exciting adventure.

Take a moment to think of England, Holland, and tropical island getaways. Got it? Okay, now blend these three images together and add a sprinkle of Canadian vibes. What do you get? Victoria. You’ll find a glimpse of Holland via the avid road cyclists twisting through the English-styled architecture. And when you head to the harbour or walk along the sea-scented shoreline, the laid-back, chilled-out island atmosphere will remind you of a tropical island. But gusts of cold air will highlight that you’re still in Canada (and the occasional “eh”).

Outside of the architecture, gardens, and cultural influences and nods, you’ll find an array of activities suitable for all types of adventurers, personalities, and age groups. Opt to go on hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding adventures, and top off your outdoor experiences with a cold craft beer at one of the many trendy restaurants peppering downtown.

If you’re looking to immerse in nature totally, you can easily go on day trips to the surrounding parks: Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, East Sooke Park, Goldstream Provincial Park, Mount Work Regional Park, and more. But keep in mind that nature cloaks the city, so even when you’re away from these parks, you’ll still experience the soothing calmness that often accompanies being outdoors—with a quaint, welcoming city twist. Victoria has around 70 parks!

Ready to plan your trip to Victoria? Continue reading for tips on how to get there, what to do, where to eat and stay!

Marina at Victoria British Columbia Canada

Victoria sits along the southern side of Vancouver Island, but it’s still relatively easy to access the city despite its island location. If you’re driving, you’ll have to hop on a ferry, but the ocean views will keep you entertained as you travel across the Pacific Ocean. It’s super windy on the deck, but makes for some good photos. Or you can fly into Victoria International Airport, which sits around 25 minutes outside of the city.

Flying to Victoria

If you’re flying to Victoria, it’s best to book a flight that takes you right to Victoria International Airport. Hopping off a plane in Vancouver will force you to either rent a car and travel by ferry to the island or purchase a walk-on ticket for the boat ride over.

There are a few options to take once you reach the airport:

• Walk 2.0 km towards East Saanich at McTavish, where you’ll take the Line 72 bus. This bus costs $3 and takes around 35 minutes to reach Douglas at Hillside in Victoria. You can also walk 2.1 km towards McTavish Exchange Bay G, where you can hop on Line 70, 71, or 72 bus for $3. It will take around 35 minutes to reach Douglas at Finlayson in Victoria.
• You can also drive or take a taxi. The 26.0 km drive can take around 25 minutes.

You can also take a floatplane from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria Harbour.

Ferry to Victoria

Whether you’re driving, walking, cycling, motorbiking, or taking public transport, you’ll need to take a ferry to get to Victoria.

One option is—depending on where you are coming from—to take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay and get off in Nanaimo, another island town. It takes around 1.5 hours to drive from Nanaimo to Victoria. You can also take the IslandLink Bus or the Vancouver Island Connector . It’ll take you two hours to reach Victoria via public transport.

If you’re leaving from Vancouver, you can ferry from Tsawwassen. This trip takes around 1.5 hours. Feel free to check out the schedule on BC Ferries !

Are you coming from Seattle? No problem. Take the ferry from Port Angeles.

Public transport to Victoria

You can also hop on a bus for your ferry trip from Vancouver to Victoria. You can use the BC Ferries Connector to get from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria, and back!

Warm weather seekers will enjoy the temperatures between June and September. However, tourist avoiders who don’t mind a temperature drop will likely tolerate the weather in May and October. The trails will be less crowded during these months as well!

While snow cloaks most of Canada during the winter, Victoria instead receives buckets and buckets of rain, so you probably won’t enjoy visiting between November and March, unless you really love rain.

From cars to public transportation to walking to cycling to horse carriage rides, Victoria makes it easy for you to choose a mode of transportation that suits you or your desired activities. But if you were to choose anything, just know that the city boasts of excellent cycling opportunities as well, and it’s incredibly walkable.

Hiker looking at rugged shores near Victoria BC

Are you looking for the best spots to stay in Victoria? Take a look at these neighbourhoods: James Bay (waterfront location), Oak Bay (trendy), and downtown (hello, nightlife).

Hotels in James Bay

Enjoy the coastline views and taste the smell of fish and chips smell swirling off the nearby seafood restaurants as you meander the Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re looking for an elegant option, you may consider booking The Hotel Grand Pacific or The Oswego Hotel . Budgeters will appreciate the quaint, cozy James Bay Inn !

Hotels in Oak Bay

Lined with soaring oak trees, trendy boutiques, delis, and cafes, Oak Bay knows how to please its visitors. To top it off, the nearby Willows Beach grants kayakers and paddle boarders with a relaxing paddle. Those willing to amp up the swank will like the waterfront views at Oak Bay Beach Hotel . The Oak Bay Guest House Bed and Breakfast also offers a slice of upscale, a sprinkle of relaxation, and a lot of character.

Hotels downtown

Revel in the nightlife spanning Wharf Street and Bastion Square by night, and explore the museums, galleries, and bask in the harbour views by day. Rest your head at the ever-so classy Magnolia Hotel and Spa or start your evening of fun on the rooftop at the Strathcona Hotel—this building harks back to the gold rush era in Victoria. Or you can enjoy a budget-friendly stay at HI Hostel .

Other great options to stay in Victoria

Not into staying in a hotel? Why not consider camping? The following campgrounds may be a little outside Victoria, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wander into the city on a non-adventure day.

Consider setting up your tent at Goldstream Provincial Park. And be sure to go on the short, but fascinating Goldstream Trestle Hike while you’re here.

Or you can try the Spring Salmon Places Campground in Sooke Potholes Regional Park. Admire the fairytale-like waterfalls here! These wild campsites run on a first-come, first-serve basis only.

Looking for a beachfront spot? Look into the Island View Beach Regional Park Campground. It’s not super private, but hey, at least you’ll fall asleep to the bliss of ocean waves flirting with the shore.

Beautiful architecture seen at Victoria British Columbia

Victoria boasts of a smorgasbord of trendy cafes and bakeries. But since there are many options, we’ve decided to share some of the best spots for you to help alleviate the stress that often accompanies food-related decisions:

Best seafood spot: Finn’s or The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf . Expect Finn’s to take seafood to the next level. You can also go for quick, tasty bites at the floating Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Best cafe: Blue Fox Cafe . Beware! If you eat here in the morning, you won’t want to eat for the rest of the day: the portions are big. It could be an excellent breakfast or lunch spot before an adventure day.

Best bakery: La Roux Patisserie . Feel like you’re in Paris in this elegant, cozy bakery! Consider stopping by here for a tasty treat after a hiking or biking or kayaking excursion.

Best restaurant: John’s Place Restaurant . Grab a hearty breakfast or lunch at this local hotspot! Try to stop by during Happy Hour, which is between 2-5 from Monday to Friday.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the natural playground in and around Victoria. Spend hours hiking, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Outside of active ventures, you’ll also find other remarkable options that abide by Victoria’s quirky, chilled-out vibes.

Hiking in Victoria

Expect to find a myriad of hikes surrounding Victoria . You may not associate British Columbia’s capital with hiking, thanks to its prime oceanfront location, but the mountainscapes painting the backdrop have several unique trails. While most hikes in Victoria are on the shorter side, they do not cheap out on views.

For the best hikes, locals and visitors alike tend to flock to Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, East Sooke Park, Goldstream Provincial Park, and Mount Work Regional Park. Families will enjoy the mild elevation and gentle trail along the Witty’s Lagoon with Tower Point Hike . If you’re looking for a long, challenging hike with stunning views, try out the East Sooke Coast Trail Hike . Or enjoy a picturesque blend of mountain and water views on the 10 km Jocelyn Hill from Caleb Pike Hike .

Cycling in Victoria

Victoria really is a biker’s paradise. With a network of easy to moderate loops twisting along and by the seascape, waterways, vineyards, parks, and more. Get ready for a picturesque ride, no matter which route you decide to take. One of our favourites? The Seaside Loop. This lovely 40.8 km ride takes you by harbours, parks, and cafes.

Families will really enjoy the 10.3 km Colquitz River Trail bike ride! Pedal by the Panama Flats and end your journey at the Red Barn Market. For a more challenging excursion, give the 62.0 km , out-and-back Lochside Trail to Sidney a try. Pedal by lush farmland and quiet inlets before returning to Victoria.

Mountain bikers can find fantastic trails in Bear Mountain Resort or Mount Work Regional Park.

Turquose water and rugged shores at Victoria BC

Water sports in Victoria

Spend relaxing mornings, afternoons, or evenings paddle boarding or kayaking around Victoria. Grab your paddles and meander around the following spots:

• Thetis Lake
• Gorge Waterway
• Esquimalt Lagoon
• Langford Lake
• Matheson Lake
• Inner Harbour
• Gonzales Beach
• Willows Beach
• Cadboro Bay

Other can’t-miss activities in Victoria

Victoria has several quirky activities worth taking advantage of! Whether you’re looking for something chill or fascinating or nature-centric, British Columbia’s capital has you covered.

• Visit Butchart Gardens! Revel in the palette of colours and lush fields of green as you wind through this stunning garden.
• Go to Miniature World! Marvel at the miniature depictions of historical moments and fictional realms. This museum is also home to the world’s largest dollhouses and model railways.
• Check out Hatley Park National Historic Site! Let’s face it: Canada boasts of natural beauty, but it lacks architectural wonders. This castle is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Canada! You can also get your steps in by strolling around the gardens surrounding this monumental building.
• Shop along Lower Johnson Street! Enjoy the number of independent shops and boutiques lining this vibrant street.
• Go on a carriage tour! Bask in luxury (and relaxation) in a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy the layers of attractions spanning Victoria.
• Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf! Check out the 33 floating houses dotting this postcard-painted harbour. Whenever you get hungry, stop by one of the seafood restaurants in this area.
• Stroll through Chinatown! Quick fact: Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America and the oldest in Canada.
• Hop on a pickle boat! Embark on a sightseeing tour via a boat shaped like a pickle.
• Relax at the beach! Want a break from all of your adventures? Spend some time relaxing at Willow Beach, but don’t expect to swim. The water is super cold; if you want warmer water, head to Thetis Lake.
• Go whale watching! Most whale watching tours in Victoria will allow you to go on another tour for free if no whales pop up on your boat ride.

Poodle looking down on the beautiful lake near Victoria BC

Overall, Victoria is a very safe city! Most dangers derive from the environment, such as flooding, tsunamis, earthquakes. But only earthquakes fall under the “High Risk” category . In general, the crime rate is relatively low.

Is Victoria expensive?

Victoria is considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in Canada. In 2019, PadMapper shared that Victoria sits in the top 5 of the most costly places to reside in the True North. But when it comes to food and drink, expect similar prices to the rest of Canada. On average, a basic dinner for two at a pub costs around $48. Do note that you can easily walk everywhere, so that should help lower transportation costs.

Is Victoria safe at night?

Yes! Most people consider Victoria to be safe when the sun lowers into the horizon. However, it’s still smart to keep your wits about you during the night.

Does it snow in Victoria?

Compared to the rest of Canada, Victoria doesn’t see much snow. And even when it does fall, it doesn’t stick to the ground for very long—the charming city averages around 26 cm of snow a year. However, there have been several snowless winters. It will get rainy, though! So bring warm clothes if you plan on coming during the colder months.

Charm locals with some of these random fun facts about Victoria when you go!

• Victoria is named after Queen Victoria.
• This city receives around 608 mm of rain annually.
• Get ready to eat here! Victoria boasts of the second most restaurants per capita in North America. San Francisco holds the top spot.
• Victoria has over 70 parks!
• British Columbia’s capital is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada.
• Five species of whales float in the waters flanking Victoria.

You’re now ready to plan your trip to Victoria in British Columbia, Canada! Grab your calendar and start choosing which date to book your flight, ferry, or whatever mode of transportation you decide to use to reach this lovely city, which boasts of several activities, stunning architecture, and a lot of restaurants. Before you go, be sure to look at our adventure guides for Victoria —find specific routes tailor-made for you.

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Australia’s second-smallest state, Victoria is also the most densely populated and industrialized. Although you’re never too far from civilization, there are plenty of opportunities to sample the state’s wilder days when it was a centre for gold prospectors and bushrangers. All routes radiate from Melbourne, and no destination is much more than seven hours’ drive away. Sadly, many visitors see little of Victoria apart from its cultured capital and the Great Ocean Road , a winding 285km drive of spectacular coastal scenery. Others may venture to the idyllic Wilsons Promontory National Park (the “Prom”), a couple of hours away on the coast of the mainly dairy region of Gippsland , or to the Goldfields , where the nineteenth-century goldrush left its mark in the grandiose architecture of old mining towns such as Ballarat and Bendigo.

Central Victoria: the Goldfields

Miner’s right, eureka flag, the golden decade, communities emerge, the great ocean road, the murray region, the northeast, the victorian alps, packages and tours, western victoria.

There is, however, a great deal more to the state. Marking the end of the Great Dividing Range, the massive sandstone ranges of the Grampians , with their Aboriginal rock paintings and dazzling array of springtime flora, rise from the monotonous wheatfields of the Wimmera region and the wool country of the western district. To the north of the Grampians is the wide, flat region of the Mallee – scrub, sand dunes and dry lakes heading to the Murray River , where Mildura is an irrigated oasis supporting orchards and vineyards. In complete contrast, the Victorian Alps in the northeast of the state have several winter ski slopes , high country that provides perfect bushwalking and horseriding territory in summer. In the foothills and plains below, where bushranger Ned Kelly once roamed, are some of Victoria’s finest wineries (wine buffs should pick up a copy of Wine Regions of Victoria , available from the visitor centre in Melbourne and other towns). Beach culture is alive and well on this coastline, with some of the best surfing in Australia.

Brief history

Seminomadic Koories have lived in this region for at least forty thousand years, establishing semipermanent settlements such as those of circular stone houses and fish traps found at Lake Condah in western Victoria. For the colonists, however, Victoria did not get off to an auspicious start: there was an unsuccessful attempt at settlement in the Port Phillip Bay area in 1803, but Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) across Bass Strait was deemed more suitable. It was in fact from Launceston that Port Phillip Bay was eventually settled, in 1834; other Tasmanians soon followed and Melbourne was established.

This occupation was in defiance of a British government edict forbidding settlement in the territory, then part of New South Wales, but squatting had already begun the previous year when Edward Henty arrived with his stock to establish the first white settlement at Portland on the southwest coast. A pattern was created of land-hungry settlers – generally already men of means – responding to Britain’s demand for wool, so that during the 1840s and 1850s what was to become Victoria evolved into a prosperous pastoral community with squatters extending huge grazing runs.

From the beginning, the Koories fought against the invasion of their land: 1836 saw the start of the Black War , as it has been called, a bloody guerrilla struggle against the settlers. By 1850, however, the Aboriginal people had been decimated – by disease as well as war – and felt defeated, too, by the apparently endless flood of invaders; their population is believed to have declined from around 15,500 to just 2300.

By 1851 the white population of the area was large and confident enough to demand separation from New South Wales, achieved, by a stroke of luck, just nine days before gold was discovered in the new colony. The rich goldfields of Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine brought an influx of hopeful migrants from around the world. More gold came from Victoria over the next thirty years than was extracted during the celebrated California goldrush, transforming Victoria from a pastoral backwater into Australia’s financial capital. Following federation in 1901, Melbourne was even the political capital – a title it retained until Canberra became fully operational in 1927.

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Central Victoria is classic Victoria: a rich pastoral district, chilly in winter and hot in summer. Two grand provincial cities, Ballarat and Bendigo , whose fine buildings were funded by gold, draw large numbers of visitors, while, by contrast, the area’s other charming centres such as Maryborough , Castlemaine and Maldon , once prosperous gold-towns in their own right, now seem too small for their extravagant architecture but attract history buffs, art aficionados and “foodies”.

BALLARAT is a grand provincial city that makes a memorable first impression, especially if approaching from the west, via the Western Freeway, along the Avenue of Honour . Lined on either side with more than 22km of trees and dedicated to the Ballarat soldiers who enlisted in World War I, it is Australia’s longest such avenue. It ends at the massive Arch of Victory , through which you drive to enter Sturt Street and the city. More than a quarter of all gold found in Victoria came from Ballarat’s fantastically rich reef mines before they were exhausted in 1918. Nowadays, in addition to the more obvious tourist attractions and fine architecture , the town is interesting in its own right, with a large student population that gives the city a somewhat vibrant character and reasonably active nightlife.

Sturt and Victoria streets terminate on either side of the Bridge Mall, the central shopping area at the base of quaint Bakery Hill with its old shopfronts. Southeast of the city centre, Eureka Street runs off Main Road towards the site of the Eureka Stockade , with several museums and antique shops along the way. Main Road is crossed by Bradshaw Street, where you’ll find Sovereign Hill , the re-created gold-rush town. Northwest of the centre, approached via Sturt Street, are the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree.

Ballarat’s mining hotels

There are still over forty old hotels in Ballarat – survivors of the hundreds that once watered the thirsty miners. Some of the finest date from the mid-1850s and are on Lydiard Street: Craigs Royal Hotel , located opposite Her Majesty’s Theatre, and the George Hotel at no. 27 are an integral part of Ballarat’s architectural heritage. Sadly, during the 1970s, the council forced many old pubs to pull down verandas deemed unsafe, so very few survive in their original form. One that does is attached to the Golden City Hotel at 427 Sturt St, which took the council to the Supreme Court to save its magnificent wide veranda with original cast-iron decoration.

The Eureka Stockade

The Eureka Stockade is one of the most celebrated and controversial events of Australian history and generally regarded as the only major act of white armed rebellion against a government that the country has seen – however, some historians argue that Aboriginal people were involved in it as well. It was provoked by conditions in the goldfields, where diggers had to pay exorbitantly for their right to prospect for gold (as much as thirty shillings a month), without receiving in return any right to vote or to have any chance of a permanent right to the land they worked. The administration at Ballarat was particularly repressive, and in November 1854 local diggers formed the Ballarat Reform League , demanding full civic rights and the abolition of the licence fee, proclaiming that “the people are the only legitimate source of power”. At the end of the month a group of two hundred diggers gathered inside a stockade of logs, hastily flung together, and determined to resist further arrests for non-possession of a licence. They were attacked at dawn on December 3 by police and troops; 22 died inside, and five members of the government forces also lost their lives.

The movement was not a failure, however: the diggers had aroused widespread sympathy, and in 1855 licences were abolished, to be replaced by an annual Miner’s Right , which carried the right to vote and to enclose land. The leader of the rebellion, Irishman Peter Lalor, eventually became a member of parliament.

With its white cross and five white stars on a blue background, representing the constellation of the Southern Cross, the Eureka Flag has become a symbol of empowerment – and indeed of many Australian protest movements: shearers raised it in strikes during the 1890s; wharfies used it before World War II in their bid to stop pig iron being sent to Japan; and today the flag is flown by a growing number of Australians who support the country’s transformation to a republic. On a deeper level, all sorts of claims are made for the Eureka Rebellion’s pivotal role in forming the Australian nation and psyche. The diggers are held up as a classic example of the Australian (male) ethos of mateship, as well as independence and anti-authoritarianism, while the gold rush in general is credited with overthrowing the hierarchical colonial order, as servants rushed to make their fortunes, leaving their masters and mistresses to fend for themselves. The flag is on display at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka.

Rich alluvial gold was first discovered in BENDIGO in 1851, and, once the initial fields were exhausted, shafts were sunk into a gold-bearing quartz reef. Bendigo became the greatest goldfield of the time, and had the world’s deepest mine. Mining continued here until 1954, long after the rest of central Victoria’s goldfields were exhausted, so it’s a city that has developed over a prosperous century: the nationwide department store Myer began here, as did Australia’s first building society in 1858. Larger and more magnificent than Ballarat (this is one of Victoria’s largest regional cities with a population of just over 100,000, including a large number of university and other students), Bendigo offers a thriving arts, culture, and food and wine scene. Its most visited sights are legacies of the mining days – the Bendigo Joss House , Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct and the Central Deborah Gold Mine – as well as the acclaimed Bendigo Art Gallery .

At the heart of Bendigo is the vast, leafy Rosalind Park , and three important religious buildings constructed with money from gold-mining – All Saints Church (now View Hill Fellowship), St Paul’s Cathedral and Sacred Heart Cathedral . The lively View Street Arts Precinct , climbing the hill beside Rosalind Park, features elaborate goldrush buildings now housing charming antique and vintage stores, art galleries, an arts centre, The Capital theatre, and stylish wine bars, cafés and restaurants. Further up View Street is the Queen Elizabeth Oval , with its historic redbrick grandstand, where you can watch Aussie Rules football on winter weekends and cricket in summer.

Daylesford and around

The attractive, hilly country around DAYLESFORD and neighbouring Hepburn Springs, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, is a popular weekend retreat for Melburnians and is known as the “spa capital of Australia”, with around seventy mineral springs within a 50km radius, plus more than thirty spas, wellness retreats and healing centres (see spacountrycom.au ). Daylesford grew from the Jim Crow gold diggings of 1851, but the large Swiss–Italian population here quickly realized the value of the water from the mineral springs, which has been bottled since 1850.

Daylesford’s well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian streets rise up the side of Wombat Hill, where you’ll find the Botanical Gardens, between Hill Street and Central Springs Road, whose lookout tower has panoramic views. Not far away, on the corner of Daly and Hill streets, is The Convent ( theconvent.com.au ), a rambling former convent with three levels of galleries selling high-quality arts, crafts and antiques, and a café and a bar. There’s a great Sunday market just nearby, on the main road to Castlemaine. The town also has “healing centres” aplenty, the spectrum of services ranges from natural therapies to tarot readings – enquire at the visitor centre.

Alternative Daylesford

Daylesford – once labelled “the world’s funkiest town” by the British Airways inflight magazine – has a New Age, alternative atmosphere, with a large gay community. The town has several gay-friendly guesthouses, and on the second weekend in March it is the venue for ChillOut , Australia’s largest rural gay and lesbian festival, featuring a street parade, music and cabaret, dance parties and a carnival at Victoria Park ( chilloutfestival.com.au ).

The Goldrushes

The California goldrushes of the 1840s captured the popular imagination around the world with tales of the huge fortunes to be made gold-prospecting, and it wasn’t long before Australia’s first goldrush took place – near Bathurst in New South Wales in 1851. Victoria had been a separate colony for only nine days when gold was found at Clunes on July 10, 1851; the goldrush began in earnest when rich deposits were found in Ballarat nine months later. The richest goldfields ever known soon opened at Bendigo, and thousands poured into Victoria from around the world.

In the golden decade of the 1850s, Victoria’s population increased from eighty thousand to half a million, half of whom remained permanently in the state. The British and Irish made up a large proportion of the new population, but more than forty thousand Chinese came to make their fortune too, along with experienced American gold-seekers and Russians, Finns and Filipinos. Ex-convicts and native-born Australians also poured in, leaving other colonies short of workers; even respectable policemen deserted their posts to become “diggers”, and doctors, lawyers and prostitutes crowded into the haphazard new towns in their wake.

In the beginning, the fortune-seekers panned the creeks and rivers searching for alluvial gold , constantly moving on at the news of another find. But gold was also deep within the earth, where ancient river beds had been buried by volcanoes. In Ballarat in 1852 the first shafts were dug, and because the work was unsafe and arduous, the men joined in bands of eight or ten, usually grouped by nationality, working a common claim. For deep mining, diggers stayed in one place for months or years, and the major workings rapidly became stable communities with banks, shops, hotels, churches and theatres, evolving more gradually, on the back of income from gold, into grandiose towns.

Maldon Folk Festival

During the long weekend before the Melbourne Cup (first weekend of Nov), things get a bit busier than usual as people head to Maldon for the four-day Maldon Folk Festival ( maldonfolkfestival.com ). Since its inception in 1974 the event has steadily grown, and apart from folk, it features blues, bluegrass and world music as well as theatre and dance. The main performance space is at the Tarrangower Reserve at the base of Mount Tarrangower, just out of town, but there are also free events in town.

GIPPSLAND stretches southeast of Melbourne from Western Port Bay to the New South Wales border, between the Great Dividing Range and Bass Strait. Green and well watered, it’s been the centre of Victoria’s dairy industry since the 1880s, although the Latrobe Valley (particularly around Morwell) is home to industrial areas, coal mines and power stations. South Gippsland has Victoria’s most popular national park, Wilsons Promontory , or “The Prom”, a hook-shaped landmass jutting out into the strait, with some superb scenery and fascinating bushwalks. In the east, around the Gippsland Lakes and Ninety Mile Beach , the region is beautifully untouched, and just beyond Orbost–Marlo the unspoilt coastline of the Croajingolong National Park – with its rocky capes, high sand dunes and endless sandy beaches – stretches to the New South Wales border. Mount Baw Baw , an alpine resort off the freeway from Moe (80km west of Sale), presents a very different aspect of the Gippsland region, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and bushwalking in summer.

Bataluk Cultural Trail

Encompassing eleven sites, scattered between Yarram near Wilsons Promontory and Cape Conran in the east, the Bataluk Cultural Trail ( batalukculturaltrail.com.au ) links places of cultural and spiritual significance to the Gunaikurnai people, the original inhabitants of the Gippsland coast who have lived here for more than 30,000 years. The sites include shell middens and scarred trees; a cave, the Den of Nargun in the Mitchell River National Park, 25km northwest of Bairnsdale; and the fascinating Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place in Bairnsdale.

Black Saturday bushfires

February 7, 2009 will be forever etched on most Victorians’ minds as the start of Australia’s worst ever bushfires . “ Black Saturday ”, as it is known, killed more than 170 people and thousands of animals, destroyed more than a million acres of bushland, wiped out townships and left 7500 homeless. Residents in Victoria’s southeast were told to prepare for extreme conditions the day before; temperatures exceeding 47ºC and winds of up to 120km/hr were predicted, combined with tinder-dry land due to the previous week’s heatwave and long-term drought. In the Gippsland region a fire was started deliberately in Churchill and quickly spread to surrounding areas. Fires also destroyed thousands of acres of bushland in Wilsons Promontory.

Always check with Parks Victoria ( parks.vic.gov.au ) before setting out during the summer months and familiarize yourself with bushfire safety tips.

Wilsons Promontory

WILSONS PROMONTORY , or “the Prom”, the most southerly part of the Australian mainland, was once joined by a land bridge to Tasmania. Its barbed hook juts out into Bass Strait, with a rocky coastline interspersed with sheltered sandy bays and coves; the coastal scenery is made even more stunning by the backdrop of granite ranges. It’s understandably Victoria’s most popular national park , and though the main campsite gets totally packed in summer, there are plenty of walking tracks and opportunities for bushcamping, and the park is big enough to allow you to escape the crowds. You can swim at several of the beaches and even surf.

The nearest town is the dairying settlement of Foster on the South Gippsland Highway, a 30-minute drive away and the best place to buy groceries, fuel and other supplies. Situated by a small river on Norman Bay, Tidal River is the national park’s main camping and accommodation centre, with a general store (daily 9am–4pm) including a pricey supermarket and takeaway food.

Many short walks begin from Tidal River, including a track accessible to wheelchairs. During summer holidays and on weekends between November and the end of April, the tracks become extremely busy so show up early, and book well in advance if you intend to camp. Although the remote north of the park offers some short well-signposted walks, the longer (overnight) hikes are suitable only for experienced, properly equipped bushwalkers, as there are no facilities and limited fresh water.

One of the best walks is the Squeaky Beach Track (1hr 30min return), which crosses Tidal River, heads uphill and through a tea-tree canopy, finally ending on a beach of pure quartz sand that is indeed squeaky underfoot. The Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk (2hr return) is also very rewarding, as it affords an excellent overview of the diverse vegetation of “the Prom”, from low-growing shrubs to heathland to open eucalypt forest, as well as scenic views. The walk starts at the Lilly Pilly Gully car park near Tidal River.

The tracks in the southern section of the park are well defined and not too difficult; the campsites here have pit toilets and there is fresh water, although this is creek water and it needs to be treated. The most popular walk is the one- to two-day (35.5km) Sealers Cove–Refuge Cove–Waterloo Bay route, beginning and ending at the Telegraph Saddle car park.

The Great Ocean Road ( visitgreatoceanroad.org.au ), Victoria’s famous southwestern coastal route, starts at Torquay, just over 20km south of Geelong, and extends 285km west to Warrnambool. It was built between 1919 and 1932 with the idea of constructing a scenic road of world repute, equalling California’s Pacific Coast Highway – and it certainly lives up to its reputation. The road was to be both a memorial to the soldiers who had died in World War I and an employment scheme for those who returned. More than three thousand ex-servicemen laboured with picks and shovels, carving the road along Australia’s most rugged and densely forested coastline; the task was speeded up with the help of the jobless during the Great Depression.

The road hugs the coastline between Torquay and Apollo Bay and passes through the popular holiday towns of Anglesea and Lorne , set below the Otway Ranges. From Apollo Bay the road heads inland, through the towering forests of the Great Otway National Park , before rejoining the coast at Princetown to wind along the shore for the entire length of the Port Campbell National Park . This stretch from Moonlight Head to Port Fairy, sometimes referred to as the “Shipwreck Coast”, is the most spectacular – there are two hundred known shipwrecks here, victims of the imprecise navigation tools of the mid-nineteenth century, the rough Southern Ocean and dramatic rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles.

From Warrnambool , the small regional centre where the Great Ocean Road ends, the Princes Highway continues along the coast, through quaint seaside Port Fairy and industrial Portland , before turning inland for the final stretch to the South Australian border.

Hiking the Great Ocean Road

Walking and hiking enthusiasts can choose between two magnificent walking tracks along the coast: the Great Ocean Walk ( greatoceanwalk.com.au ), a 104km track from Apollo Bay to Gibson Steps 1km east of the Twelve Apostles, and the long-established Great South West Walk ( greatsouthwestwalk.com ), a superb 250km circuit starting from just outside Portland. Further sources of information include Parks Victoria ( parks.vic.gov.au ) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre at 8 Nicholson St, East Melbourne ( dse.vic.gov.au ).

PORTLAND likes to describe itself as the “Birthplace of Victoria”. Indeed, there are quite a few historic buildings, but unlike Port Fairy they don’t add up to form a coherent, captivating townscape. It’s the last stop on the Victoria coast going west on the Princes Highway, but Nelson , a friendly fishing village further west, or Port Fairy make for more atmospheric overnight stops between Melbourne and Adelaide. The rugged coastal scenery to the southwest around Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater, however, is not to be missed.

The Portland Cable tram

A restored and modified vintage cable tram ( portlandcabletrams.com.au ) transports sightseers along the foreshore on a round trip of 7.5km, from the depot at Henty Park past the Powerhouse Motor and Car Museum to Fawthrop Lagoon (home to pelicans), then back through the Botanic Gardens.

From its source close to Mount Kosciuszko high in the Australian Alps, the Murray River runs for around 2700km and forms the border between Victoria and New South Wales until it crosses into South Australia (someone got a ruler out for the rest of the border to the coast), and although the actual watercourse is in New South Wales, the Victoria bank is far more interesting and more populous. After the entire length was navigated in 1836, the river became the route along which cattle were driven from New South Wales to the newly established town of Adelaide, and later in the century there was a thriving paddle-steamer trade on the lower reaches of the river, from Wentworth on the New South Wales side and Mildura through to Echuca.

In 1864, Echuca was linked by railway to Melbourne, stimulating the river trade in the upper reaches, and thus became a major inland port, the furthest extent of the navigable river. At the height of the paddle-steamer era, Mildura was still a run-down, rabbit-infested cattle station, but in 1887 the Chaffey brothers, brought over from Canada, instituted irrigation projects that now support dairy farms, vineyards, vegetable farms and citrus orchards throughout northwestern Victoria. Between Mildura and Echuca, Swan Hill marks the transition to sheep, cattle and wheat country; the Pioneer Settlement here explores the extraordinarily hard lives of the early settlers. Above Echuca the Murray flows through more settled regions, but also the Barmah wetlands, an ecosystem of international significance.

Nowadays paddle steamers cruise for leisure, and are the best way to enjoy the river and admire magnificent river red gums lining its banks, as well as the huge array of birds and other wildlife that the Murray sustains. Renting a houseboat is also a relaxing (if expensive) way to travel.

The Hume Freeway , the direct route between Melbourne and Sydney, cuts straight through Victoria’s northeast, known as the “High Country”, passing towns such as Benalla, Glenrowan and Wangaratta, a sizeable place known for its jazz festival. Rutherglen , right up against the state border, is a long-established wine-producing region. Heading east, picturesque Beechworth is rich in history, with beautiful streetscapes, haunting attractions and a famous bakery. The northeast is also home to the Victorian Alps – ideal for skiing in winter and bushwalking and mountain biking at other times of the year.

The Hume Freeway and Kelly Country

Part of this northeast region is known as Kelly Country , after the legendary bushranger Ned Kelly. Benalla and Glenrowan (where he was finally seized after a bloody shoot-out) still bear traces of the masked bushranger’s activities, with Glenrowan wholeheartedly cashing in on his fame.

Fruit-picking in the Goulburn Valley

The rich plains of the Goulburn Valley , running through Seymour, Nagambie and Shepparton, are a popular area for backpackers looking for seasonal work . The small city of Shepparton is the operations centre for canned-fruit companies, with peaches, pears, apples and plums exported worldwide. Ask at the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre ( visitshepparton.com.au ).

High Country Gourmet Regions

The High Country area of Victoria – including the small town of Milawa, 15km southeast of Wangaratta on the Snow Road – is renowned among foodies for the excellent quality of its locally produced food and wine, so much so that it has been dubbed the Milawa Gourmet Region ( milawagourmet.com ).

Another major wine and gourmet area is the nearby King Valley , around 30km south of Milawa and centred around the small town of Whitfield. There are many cellar doors here, as well as fine Italian-inspired produce and dining – see kingvalleytourism.org.au and winesofthekingvalley.com.au for more information.

Brown Brothers Winery brown-brothers.com.au . If it’s a tipple of something special you’re after, try a tour of the Brown Brothers Winery, situated just outside Milawa and clearly signposted; there are also a casual café and a great restaurant, Patricia’s Table , which specializes in complementing Brown Brothers’ wines with seasonal local foods. Mains, such as a wagyu beef dish.

King River Café kingrivercafe.com.au. A popular spot, specializing in local wines and good food (such as pizzas) – the cakes and coffee are excellent, too.

Milawa Cheese Factory milawacheese.com.au . In Milawa itself, there’s the Milawa Cheese Factory , where you can taste and purchase award-winning cheeses and enjoy breakfast or lunch at an excellent restaurant and bakery.

Milawa Mustards milawamustards.com.au . Milawa Mustards offers eighteen home-made seed varieties, plus other condiments.

The Olive Shop theoliveshop.com.au . Locally grown olives and extra virgin olive oil, plus tapenades and condiments.

The VICTORIAN ALPS , the southern section of the Great Dividing Range, bear little resemblance to their European counterparts; they’re too gentle, too rounded, and above all too low to offer really great skiing , although they remain a popular winter sports destination. In July and August there is usually plenty of snow and the resorts are packed out. Most people come for the downhill skiing, though cross-country skiing is also popular, particularly at Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, Mount Buffalo and Lake Mountain ( lakemountainresort.com.au ), 21km from Marysville (south of the main Alpine region). Snowboarding was first encouraged at Mount Hotham and is now firmly established everywhere. Falls Creek , Mount Hotham and Mount Buller are the largest and most commercial skiing areas, particularly the last, which is within easy reach of Melbourne; smaller resorts such as Mount Baw Baw in Gippsland are more suited to beginners.

The towns of Mansfield , Bright and Mount Beauty are good bases for exploration of the Alps, and are great places to unwind. In summer there are activities such as hiking, horseriding and cycling; fewer facilities are open, but there are often great bargains to be had on rooms. If you’re driving , you’ll need snow chains in winter (they’re compulsory in many parts), and you should heed local advice before venturing off the main roads.

Bushwalking in the Alpine National Park

In summer, when the wild flowers are in bloom, the Alps are ideal bushwalking territory with most of the high mountains (and the ski resorts) contained within the vast Alpine National Park . The most famous of the walks is the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track ( australianalps.environment.gov.au ) that begins at Walhalla, near Baw Baw National Park in Gippsland, and follows the ridges all the way to Mount Kosciuszko in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, then on to Namadgi National Park in the Australian Capital Territory. If you are doing any serious bushwalking, you’ll need to be properly equipped. Water can be hard to find, and the weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly: even in summer it can get freezing cold up here, especially at night. After prolonged dry spells, bushfires can also pose a very real threat, as was the case in 2009, when bushland and resorts were burnt.

Skiing in the Victorian Alps

The official start of the ski season is the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June, though there is often not enough snow cover until August, lasting through to early October. During the snow season, an entry fee of $37–43.50 per car applies, depending on the resort. As a rough guide to costs , lift tickets range from $50–115/day, while group lessons cost around $60–70. Full equipment rental is about $85/day. For weather and snow conditions go to ski.com.au or snowaustraliareport.com . For accommodation, phone the central reservation hotlines of each mountain resort.

In addition to the resorts detailed here, there is also skiing at Mount Baw Baw in Gippsland.

Day-trip or weekend packages are the best way to go, and are far cheaper than trying to do it yourself. The best-value trips are organized by the Alzburg Resort at Mansfield (1300 885 448, alzburg.com.au ). The day-tours leave Melbourne early in the morning and arrive at Mount Buller about 2.5 hours later, giving the opportunity for a full day’s skiing (from $90, including entrance fees; a one-day lift/lesson ticket is $115 extra). There’s also a “return another day” coach service, costing $185 and including entrance fees but not accommodation.

It’s also worth checking out the area around Hardware Lane in Melbourne, where such companies as Auski at no. 9 ( t 03 9670 1412, w auski.com.au ) and Mountain Designs at 373 Little Bourke St (03 9670 3354, mountaindesigns.com ) can advise on skiing conditions at the resorts, and sell or rent equipment.

Several roads run west from the Goldfields to the South Australia border through the seemingly endless wheatfields of the Wimmera region . To the west of the farming centre of Ararat is the major attraction of the area, the Grampians National Park , the southwestern tail-end of the Great Dividing Range. Stawell and Horsham – the latter regarded as the capital of the Wimmera – are good places to base yourself, but Halls Gap , in a valley and surrounded by national park, is even better. North of Horsham is the wide, flat Mallee with its twisted mallee (a type of eucalyptus) scrub, sand dunes and dry lakes. This region, Victoria’s small “Outback” and with several state and national parks, extends from Wyperfeld National Park in the south, right up to Mildura’s irrigated oasis on the Murray River. South of the Grampians is sheep country; following the Hamilton Highway from Geelong you’ll end up at Hamilton , the major town and wool capital of the western district, also accessible via Dunkeld on the southern edge of the Grampians.

The Grampians

Rising from the flat plains of western Victoria’s wheat and grazing districts, the sandstone ranges of the GRAMPIANS , with their weirdly formed rocky outcrops and stark ridges, seem doubly spectacular. In addition to their scenic splendour, in the Grampians National Park ( Gariwerd ) you’ll find a dazzling array of flora , with a spring and early summer bonanza of wild flowers; a wealth of Aboriginal rock art ; an impressive Aboriginal Cultural Centre ; waterfalls and lakes; and more than fifty bushwalks along nearly 200km of tracks. There are also several hundred kilometres of road, from sealed highway to unsealed and 4WD tracks, on which you can take scenic drives and 4WD tours.

The best times to come are in autumn, spring and early summer when the waterfalls are in full flow and the wild flowers are blooming (although there’ll always be something in flower no matter when you come). Between June and August it can be cold and wet, while summers can be very hot, with the potential of bushfires in extreme weather conditions. If you’re undertaking extended walks in summer, carry a portable radio to get the latest information on the fire risk: on total fire ban days no exposed flames – not even that from a portable gas stove – are allowed. Tracks and campsites may be off limits due to events such as fire, storms or maintenance – and the park can be closed on a day of extreme weather conditions – so always check at the Brambuk Centre in Halls Gap.

Rock art in the Grampians

It’s estimated that the indigenous Koori people lived in the area known to them as Gariwerd up to twenty thousand years ago. The area offered such rich food sources that the Kooris didn’t have to spend all their time hunting and food-gathering, and could therefore devote themselves to religious and cultural activities. Evidence of this survives in rock paintings , which are executed in a linear style, usually in a single colour (either red or white), but sometimes done by handprints or stencils. You can visit some of the rock shelters where Aboriginal people camped and painted on the sandstone walls, although many more are off limits for cultural reasons. In the northern Grampians one of the best is Gulgurn Manja , 5km south of the Western Highway. Starting at the Hollow Mountain car park, the signposted fifteen-minute walk will take you to this important site. The name means “hands of young people”, as many of the handprints here were done by children. In the southern Grampians is Billimina , a fifteen-minute walk above the Buandik campsite; it’s an impressive rock overhang with clearly discernible, quite animated, red stick figures.

The Wimmera

The Wimmera , flat, dry and hot in summer, relies heavily on irrigation water from the Grampians for its vast wheat and barley fields; before irrigation and the invention of the stump jump plough, the area was little more than mallee scrub.

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updated 30.01.2024

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With 22,881 inhabitants, Victoria is the most populous city in Seychelles. It is the most popular tourist destination in the country. We recommend you stay at least 7 days in order to fully appreciate everything Victoria has to offer.

When to visit Victoria

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Victoria in March, when the average temperature is 82.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is July, when it can get as cold as 75.2 °F, with an average temperature of 78.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 15″. In contrast, August is usually the driest month of the year in Victoria, with an average rainfall of 2.8″.

How to Get to Victoria

When flying to Victoria, you’ll arrive at Victoria Seychelles Intl (SEZ), which is located 6 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Victoria from the United States departs from New York and takes around 22h 05m.

Another option to get to Victoria is to pick up a car rental from Grand'Anse Praslin, which is about 26 miles from Victoria. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Sixt, among others, in Grand'Anse Praslin.

Airports near Victoria

Airlines serving victoria, where to stay in victoria.

Average rates range from around $139 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $587 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Victoria

Most booked hotels in victoria, renting a car in victoria.

Renting a car in Victoria costs $54 per day, on average, or $377 if you want to rent if for 7 days.

Mini (Kia Picanto or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Victoria, while also 41% cheaper than other types, on average.

The Perfect 3 Day Victoria Itinerary And Guide (2023)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Canada

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is located on Vancouver Island . Compact, colorful, and creative, Victoria is the perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver .

It doesn't matter if you have one day in Victoria or an entire week, there are plenty of fun things to do in Victoria for the entire family.

Victoria frequently features in Top Places to Visit lists from popular travel magazines and websites such as Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor and rightly so: Victoria is a beautiful city and highly worth a visit!

This Victoria itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to Victoria.

Victoria itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

What to do in Victoria: map

Click here for the interactive map

The best things to do in Victoria BC

• Get breakfast at the Crust Bakery
• Tour the British Columbia Parliament Building
• Walk around Victoria Old Town and Chinatown
• Enjoy the famous Tea at the Empress
• Hike around Beacon Hill Park
• Watch the sunset from the Inner Harbor
• Visit the Royal BC Museum
• Stroll around Fishermans's Wharf
• Admire Craigdarroch Castle
• Enjoy delicious tacos at Tacofino
• Take a trip to the Butchart Gardens
• Go on a whale-watching tour

Plan your Canada trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals with Kiwi.com . ? Rent a campervan for your Canada road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com ). ? Arrange your Canada working holiday with Global Work & Travel . ? Plan your journey with the Canada Lonely Planet . ?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com . ? Join the best tours in Canada via Get Your Guide or Viator . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Where to stay in Victoria

There is plenty of accommodation available in Victoria, ranging from budget hostels to luxury (boutique hotels).

I've written a detailed guide to the best hotels in Victoria , be sure to check it out to make sure you choose the best Victoria accommodation for your stay.

If you are prepared to splurge , I'd recommend staying at the luxurious 5-star Fairmont Empress Hotel (pictured above). As I mentioned above, they serve a wicked high tea and it's one of Victoria's most famous buildings.

If available, book a room overlooking the Inner Harbour. You'll be able to watch the sunset from your window!

There are nice mid-range hotels as well, such as the Oswego Hotel (pictured below) and the Royal Scot Hotel & Suites .

There are a couple of options for budget travelers as well, the Helms Inn and Red Lion Inn are well-reviewed affordable hotels in Victoria.

Note: Prices for these Victoria accommodation options depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Press ‘click here' under book to see the latest prices on Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

How to get to Victoria

Since Victoria is located on an island you either have to take a ferry or a flight to get there.

Take the ferry to Victoria

If you are traveling from Tsawwassen, the ferry terminal closest to Victoria is Swartz Bay (about 30km north of Victoria). With BC Ferries Connector you can effortlessly travel directly from downtown Vancouver to Victoria City Center.

Note: if you are traveling from the U.S.A. you can take a ferry from Port Angeles and Seattle directly to Victoria Inner Harbour !

Book a flight to Victoria

The other option is to arrive by plane. Victoria has an International Airport located about 20km from downtown.

Click here for the best ticket deals on Kiwi.

3 days in Victoria summery

• Day 1: Grab some breakfast at Crust Bakery, take a tour around the British Columbia Parliament Building, stroll through Victoria Old Town , join the famous High Tea at the Empress, visit Beacon Hill Park and watch the sunset from the Inner Harbor.
• Day 2: Visit the Royal BC Museum, explore Fishermans’s Wharf, take a tour around Craigdarroch Castle, and eat your weight in tacos at Tacofino.
• Day 3: visit the Butchart Gardens , go on a whale-watching tour or join a guided 3-hour kayak tour in Victoria’s beautiful harbor.

? Short on time? Check out this 4-day adventure tour to Vancouver Island , including the most popular highlights in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Tofino. 

Victoria itinerary day 1

Breakfast at crust bakery.

On the first day of this Victoria 3 day itinerary, there is no better way to start your day than by getting a coffee from Canada's famous coffee chain Tim Hortons .

For breakfast, pick up some (or a lot;-) of the freshly bakes goodies at the Crust Bakery (which opens at 8 am).

British Columbia Parliament Building

Head to the British Columbia Parliament Building and join one of the free tours.

The British Columbia Parliament is not only an impressive building with unique architecture, but the story about how this building came to be is also a very amusing one…

Back in the 1890s, the British Columbia government held an architectural competition. Whoever won this competition would be the architect of their new legislative building.

There was one requirement though: the architect needed to be Canadian…

But Francis Rattenbury, a young and aspiring architect who had just emigrated from the U.K., entered the competition under a false name and won! To be fair, he designed a beautiful building that’s still in use.

I learned all this on a free tour around the Parliament Buildings which may have been the funniest tour I’ve ever taken…

The tour was led by a young actor playing the role of Francis Rattenbury, complete with a British accent and historic costume.

He led us around the building whilst sharing his life story and telling us more about the construction process.

Spoiler: the life of Francis Rattenbury was filled with scandals. He divorced his first wife and eventually was murdered back in England by his second wife’s lover…

Anyway, not only did I laugh throughout the entire tour, but I also learned a lot about the building. Altogether a highly recommended activity!

You can find more information about the free tours in the British Columbia Parliament Buildings  here .

Victoria Old Town

After the tour, it's time to head to Victoria Old Town which is just a short walk from the Parliament Buildings.

Victoria has one of the largest historic areas in British Columbia with many beautiful old buildings. There are three distinct areas in Victoria Old Town:

• The old commercial district
• The Inner Harbor (the buildings along the waterfront from the Gold Rush era)

A quick tip: pick up a free map of the historic area at the Visitor Center which contains lots of information about the Old Town and makes it easier to find the must-see historic buildings. Or join this great walking tour to learn more about Victoria's history and sample local products along the way.

The area belonging to Victoria's Old Town is located in the area between these streets: Chatham Street (north border), Humboldt Street (south border), Douglas Street (east border), the Wharf and Store Streets, and Waterfront (west border). 

You can easily spend the entire afternoon here as Victoria Old Town is a really nice area to wander around.

Take a stroll along Government Street, visit Market Square, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many (Chinese) restaurants!

Enjoy a high Tea at the Empress

Circling back to the Inner Harbour it's time for a traditional Victoria activity: Tea at the Empress at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Fun fact: this building was also designed by the ‘presenting to be Canadian architect’ Francis Rattenbury! Another fun fact: during the summer months, the Empress serves more afternoon tea than most hotels in London !

The Fairmont Empress Hotel opened its doors in 1908 and is a city icon. Their famous high tea is served in the beautiful Lobby Lounge, and over 21 different kinds of teas are available (all of which are ethically produced).

The tea is accompanied by freshly prepared scones and other pastries made with locally sourced ingredients.

For example, the strawberry jam is made in-house from local berries, the honey comes from the Empress Hotel beehives, and the lavender from their own rooftop garden.

Altogether, Tea at the Empress is a unique tea-drinking experience and one that cannot miss when you visit Victoria BC!

Beacon Hill Park

If you feel like burning off some calories after your sumptuous high tea, head to Beacon Hill Park for some of the best walking tracks in Victoria .

Within the park, there are several hiking trails, a lovely pond, and beautiful gardens. You will also find the world's tallest free-standing Totem Pole and the best views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Quick tip: visiting Victoria with kids? In Beacon Hill Park you can find two playgrounds as well as a petting zoo!

Inner Harbour

After all this walking it's time to relax. Head back to the Inner Harbour and have a pint at one of the cafes or watch the sunset from the grassy field in front of the British Columbia Parliament Building.

Victoria itinerary day 2

Royal bc museum.

On your second day in Victoria, it's time to visit the Royal BC Museum , which was founded in 1886. In this great museum, you can learn about the history of British Columbia.

There are three permanent galleries (about the First People, Natural History, and Modern History) and several temporary exhibitions. Check the website for more info about the current exhibitions .

Fisherman's Wharf

The next item on your ‘things to see in Victoria list' is Fisherman's Wharf , a very colorful and fun neighborhood.

In this floating village, you can admire the beautiful houseboats, explore quirky shops, and grab some lunch at one of the cute (floating) restaurants.

Craigdarroch Castle

A short drive from downtown Victoria (3.5km from Fisherman's Wharf, 2.5km from the Inner Harbour) you'll find Craigdarroch Castle .

This impressive mansion was built by self-made millionaire Robert Dunsmuir, who made a fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

Throughout the years the mansion served as a house, institutional school board office, the Victoria Conservatory, movie set, and wedding location.

After all this walking you are probably getting hungry! There are lots of great restaurants in Victoria, but if you like Mexican food you will love  Tacofino .

This lively taco bar with super helpful staff serves delicious tacos, burritos, and nachos for very reasonable prices.

Victoria itinerary day 3

Butchart gardens.

On your third day in Victoria, it's time to leave Victoria's city center and visit the famous Butchart Gardens .

Located only 20km north of Victoria these beautiful gardens are a great place to spend a day!

The Butchart Gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada and the result of the vision, passion, and dedication of Jenny Butchart.

There is the Sunken Garden (the first garden planted by Jennie Butchart, back in 1904!), the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden and Mediterranean Gardens, and the fragrant Rose garden.  

Another highlight, especially for families with kids, is the Rose Carousel with 30 hand-carved wooden animals. A ride on the Carousel is only 2 CAD!

Furthermore, there are also a coffee shop, restaurant, and gift store (where you can buy lots of seeds!). Read more about the Gardens and how to get there here .

The easiest way to visit (if you don't have your own transport) is by booking this tour . Transportation a comfortable shuttle and entrance to the gardens are included.

Click here to book your Butchart Gardens tour

Whale watching tour

Staying in Victoria a bit longer? If you have four days in Victoria I highly recommend adding a whale-watching tour to your Victoria BC itinerary!

Victoria is a great spot to see killer whales (orca) but you're also likely to encounter humpback and gray whales.

Click here to book your whale-watching tour

If your schedule allows it and you have time for another great outdoor activity, consider taking a kayaking trip .

Here are some of the most popular kayaking options in and around Victoria:

• Victoria Harbour Kayak Tour  (3 hours)
• Discovery Island Kayak Tour  (6-7 hours)
• Broken Islands Kayaking Expedition  (5 days)

Victoria things to do: printable checklist

Victoria trip: in conclusion

I hope you will love Victoria as much as I did! Below you can download the Victoria things to do checklist.

For more Vancouver Island travel tips, check these posts:

• 20 things to do in Campbell River
• 20 things to do on Pender Island
• 20 things to do in Ucluelet
• 21 things to do in Nanaimo
• 25 things to do in Port Alberni
• Vancouver Island road trip

If you are looking for more Canada travel inspiration, check out my Canada page where you can find all the posts I've written about this wonderful country.

The Ultimate Guide to Victoria, British Columbia (Things to Do)

Updated September 2023

As I watched a bald eagle swoop through the air, I was quickly reminded why British Columbia is so special. Welcome to British Columbia’s gem of a destination, Victoria.

Victoria, British Columbia seems to have it all — the wildlife, incredible cuisine, a warm welcome, and those landscapes you can’t get enough of. With four nights, I was ready to dive into everything that this vibrant city on Vancouver Island has to offer.

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the culture of Victoria has a lighthearted tempo to it, you are on an island after all. Between exploring the harbor and its wonderful restaurants and history, to getting outside for sea kayaking and whale watching, the time was the perfect blend of the outdoors and city.

It’s something truly unique to Victoria — the ability to experience otherworldly landscapes and then enjoy world-class cuisine right afterward. If you’re looking for an escape with the best of both worlds, take a look at just what I loved while visiting Victoria.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Victoria:

• Oak Bay Beach Ho tel , for the best Oak Bay hotel
• The Magnolia Hotel & Spa , for the best Inner Harbour hotel

Things to Do

Kayak on the salish sea.

• Go Whale Watching
• Book a Brewery and Food Tour

For more inspiration for how to spend your time in Victoria, check out 5 Experiences Not to Miss in Victoria, British Columbia .

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Victoria, British Columbia

 getting to victoria & transportation in victoria, getting there.

With daily flights offered into Victoria, you can easily arrive at Victoria International Airport from any major airport (some flights may require a layover in Vancouver). If you’re arriving from nearby destinations, a ferry into the harbor is also an option.

Upon arrival, depending on if you plan to explore more of the island, a rental car could be considered. If you are planning on exploring Victoria itself and plan to stay near the Inner Harbor, then there is no need for a car.

You can book transportation into the city with YYJ Airport transfer and the service will bring you from the airport to most hotels in Victoria. Once in the center, most of everything is within walking distance. There are also local taxis for longer distances. (Note: Uber is not available.)

Where to Stay in Victoria

Oak bay beach ho tel.

Located in the quiet community of Oak Bay, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is the hotel for those looking to be right on the ocean’s edge. It is a peaceful escape from the city center and only a ten-minute drive from the center. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service so you can still access the city and enjoy the retreat. At the hotel, each of the rooms is well-appointed and provides a cozy space. One highlight of a stay at Oak Bay Beach Hotel is their spa. Right on the water, the spa features heated mineral pools (open late) and rooms for treatments. Book the best rates here .

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa

In the heart of the Inner Harbour, the boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa is a charming place to stay. The rooms have fresh décor, each outfitted with amenities needed for a well-rounded stay. The hotel also has complimentary bikes to use while staying, making for a great adventure around the city (be sure to check out the personalized bike routes!). The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is footsteps from everything you’ll want to visit in Victoria and provides the perfect location for those looking to explore the downtown. Book the best rates here .

Other Hotels to Consider Booking

• Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour , for a modern stay with a central location.
• Oswego Hotel , for a boutique hotel right in the neighborhood of James Bay

Where to Eat in Victoria

In the Oak Bay Village is Vis-à-vis , a charming brasserie-style restaurant. Their menu has all of the classics you could wish for from a French restaurant — from French onion soup to moules, it’s a quaint dining experience.

Nourish Kitchen & Café

With brunch being one of the top meals in the city, Nourish is the place to go. Situated in an 1888 heritage home, their multi-level space has plenty of rooms to dine in. Their seasonal menu serves locally sourced ingredients and they even have their own garden. One of my favorite dishes was the “Sleeping Beauty Pancakes!” You can even stop in to grab a coffee to go at their coffee counter.

The Courtney Room

Inside the Magnolia Hotel & Spa , this newer, fine-dining restaurant has received recognition for its creative menu and cocktails. The Courtney Room’s fresh take on brasserie food meets British Columbia ingredients and finds dishes that are equally innovative and delicious. On the weekends, they also offer a delicious brunch that you can reserve for as well.

Q at the Empress

Inside the Fairmont Empress is Q at the Empress , an upscale restaurant that services one of the best meals in town. Their extensive menu and wine list showcase the best of British Columbia. I’d come in for a happy hour at the bar to soak in the harbor views and then enjoy dinner in the dining room afterward.

Superbaba is a casual restaurant in the heart of the city center. I loved their Mediterranean menu that featured everything from hummus plates to falafel bowls.

A favorite from Vancouver, Tacofino opened up a restaurant in Victoria. Their modern take on tacos and other classic Mexican dishes are delicious.

The Fish Store

Head to The Fish Store if you’re down in the wharf and want to get fish & chips or fresh seafood.

Grab a Coffee

There is great coffee to be found across the city. Some of my favorites were:

• Habit Coffee
• Discovery Coffee (multiple locations)
• Saint Cecilia
• Shatterbox Coffee

Things to Do in Victoria

Brewery hop.

As a key player in the microbrewery scene in Canada, Victoria has an incredible range of breweries to experience. You could spend a week there and not try them all.

You could book a brewery and food tour as well if you want something guided. This highly-rated tour also takes you to several breweries in town, covering art and the different locations.

My favorite breweries visited include:

• Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.
• The Drake Eatery
• Vancouver Island Brewing
• Ile Sauvage Brewing Co.

Check out the BC Ale Trail  for more locations.

What I loved about my time in Victoria was being so close to nature. One way to experience it is on a guided Oak Bay kayaking tour that takes you out onto the sea. We got to see so much wildlife up close from bald eagles to seals all while learning about the important eco-system that supports this part of Victoria. Book the tour here .

Explore the Royal BC Museum

I loved popping into this museum for a couple of hours and exploring the natural history room. The Royal BC Museum does a great job of exploring the local ecosystems and explaining the importance of conservation.

Go Whale Watching with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours

A highlight while visiting Victoria was an opportunity to go whale watching. On my four-hour tour , we had a chance to get up close (safely) to killer whales — we even saw one breach. It’s hard to put into words just how special it is to see whales in their natural habitat and would highly recommend this tour. Booking with Eagle Wing Whales is a great choice as they are the first carbon-neutral tour company and make a strong effort towards conservation for the whales. When going out on their tour, they often will stay out a little late if it means a better experience to see the whales, so you don’t feel rushed out. Truly an incredible adventure in Victoria. Book the tour here .

Enjoy a Spa Day at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

If you’re looking for a relaxing spa experience, then I would book a treatment at the spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel . With its mineral pools that overlook the sea, It’s the perfect city escape and not far from downtown. One standout treatment that I tried was the “Ocean Elements Body Ritual” which used local seaweed and other minerals to decompress and relax.

Experience Canada’s oldest Chinatown

One area of Victoria worth a visit is Chinatown and a walk-through Fan Tan Alley . Its colorful buildings and shops are so fun to explore and get a taste of local culture.

See the Butchart Gardens

Though I didn’t make it out to the gardens this trip, it is one of the top things to do in Victoria. It’s well worth a visit as these iconic gardens are stunning.

Tour the Craigdorrach Castle

Who would have thought there was a castle in the heart of Victoria? I did the self-guided tour through the well-preserved castle and enjoyed exploring the neighborhood afterward. This part of Victoria is stunning and great for an afternoon stroll.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Victoria Travel Guide

Our Victoria Travel Guide will help you plan a visit to a state that offers much more than its size would suggest. From a quick weekend visit to Melbourne to weeks exploring regional Victoria, we have lots of ideas to keep you busy.

Victoria and NSW have a healthy competition with the rivalry stretching from sport to which city serves the best coffee or has the most rain. We will not take sides other than to say as Sydneysiders we love visiting Melbourne and think both cities and states have plenty to offer.

Why Visit Victoria

Compact and packed with plenty to see and do, Victoria has something to offer all times of travellers. The short travel times between regions make road trips a perfect way to explore the state. Some of the highlights are of this small but spectacular state are:

• a stunning coastline, more than 1800km to explore
• diverse landscapes from snow-capped mountains to gorgeous rainforests
• the famous Great Ocean Road
• a vibrant bar and coffee culture

So what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning!

Regions in Victoria

Victoria is divided into 12 tourism regions, and unlike some of the larger states, you can cover quite a few on day trips using the capital Melbourne as a base.

For simplicity we have settled on:

• Daylesford and Macedon Ranges
• Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs
• Mornington Peninsula
• Phillip Island
• Geelong and Bellarine
• Great Ocean Road
• The Goldfields cities of Bendigo and Ballarat
• The Grampians
• The High Country

Victoria Travel Inspiration

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5 Memorable Melbourne Sports Tours and Experiences

Where to Stay in Melbourne – Best Areas for Visitors

Victoria travel planning.

How to get to Victoria

Unless you are planning on a driving holiday, the best option is to fly to Melbourne; buses and trains cost almost the same as flights and take eight times as long to get there.

Drive  – Melbourne is a nine or 10-hour drive from Sydney along the inland road and more like 13 hours of driving time along the coast road. It is best to tackle the coast route over a couple of days. The drive from Adelaide takes about 8 hours, 12 hours if you travel via the coast and Great Ocean Road. From elsewhere, flying is your best option.

Bus  – Buses from Sydney take 12 hours. The bus from Adelaide takes 10-11 hours. Check Murrays and Greyhounds website for the best prices.

Train  – The train service from Sydney takes 11 hours. There are two services per day, an overnight and a day train. The cheapest place to book your ticket is directly on their website. From Adelaide, it’s a 10.5 hr trip. All trains terminate at Spencer Street Station.

Fly  – There are regular flights from most states; the Sydney to Melbourne route is the busiest in Australia. Because of this, flights are costly at the beginning and end of the day. The Skybus from Tullamarine takes about 20 minutes; return tickets are slightly cheaper than singles.

International Airports in Victoria

• Melbourne Tullamarine – Flights from all continents
• Avalon – Flights from Kuala Lumpur and Bali

Domestic Airports in Victoria

• Melbourne – (MEL)  Tullamarine  – daily flights from all Australian states.
• Melbourne – (AVV) Avalon – This airport is in Geelong and services budget airlines. Flights from Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast land here. It can be a good choice for a Great Ocean Road trip as this puts you right at the beginning of the road.

highlights of Victoria

How to get Around Victoria

Public transport.

Melbourne has an excellent regional train network,  VLine , that will get you to many of the regions listed above. Domestic air travel is not necessary for this small state. To access public transport, you will need to download the  Myki app  or buy a rechargeable card on arrival in Melbourne. Myki is used on Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses and VLine services to most places within a few hours of the city. Buses in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and the Latrobe Valley also use Myki.

If you have not driven in Australia before, I suggest reading our  tips for driving in the land Downunder.  Also, be sure to read up on “ hook turns ” so there are no ugly incidents with trams you may encounter.

Driving Distances

• Melbourne to Port Campbell – 4hrs 30 via the coast
• Melbourne to Phillip Island – 1 hr 44m
• Melbourne to Ballarat – 1hr 30m
• Melbourne to Wilson’s Promontory – 3hrs
• Melbourne to Mount Hotham – 4hrs 30m

Rideshare  – Rideshare services are legal and regulated in Melbourne; you will find both Uber and Ola have the most coverage. Didi also operates in Melbourne.

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Welcome to Victoria

Victoria is located in the southeast of Australia and covers an area of 227,444 sq km. Vibrant Melbourne is the capital, famous for its laneways and sporting events. Victora has some unique landforms such as the Twelve Apostles.

Tourist regions of Victoria:

• Great Ocean Road
• Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
• Mornington Peninsula
• Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges
• Phillip Island
• Geelong & the Bellarine
• High Country

Top Things to Do in Victoria

There are so many things to do and see in Victoria:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Walking and hiking
• National Parks
• Excellent road trip itineraries
• Phillip Island Penguin Parade
• Major sporting events e.g. Australian Tennis Open, Formula 1 Racing, Melbourne Cup
• Aboriginal Victoria
• History and heritage

Table of Contents

Getting to Victoria

Victoria’s major airport Tullamarine is located 22 km from Melbourne’s CBD. Major domestic carriers such as Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Rex Airlines serve Victoria.

Tullamarine Terminals:

T1  – Qantas domestic T2  – International T3  – Virgin Australia domestic T4  – Jetstar and Regional Express Airlines (REX) domestic

Taxis are available to the CBD with an average fare of AUD 60 – 80

Uber and ride-share is available.

Skybus provides direct airport bus service to the city and back again. Buses run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every 10–15 minutes in the day and every 30–60 minutes at night.

You can pre-book your Skybus tickets from Tullamarine to the City 

If you are staying around Southbank or Docklands you can pre-book your Skybus tickets from Tullamarine 

If you are staying in St Kilda you can pre-book your Skybus tickets

Car rental is available from Tullamarine Airport and also the City Centre – for the latest deals click here

If you are considering hiring a Campervan to travel around Victoria – you can find out more information here

Melbourne’s second airport at Avalon is located 53.5 km from Melbourne’s CBD. The average driving time is 45 minutes. If you are travelling to Geelong – the average driving time is 15 minutes.

Taxis are available to Melbourne CBD – they range from AUD112 – 130.

Jetstar has flights to Avalon Airport.

SkyBus Avalon City Express coaches operate between Avalon, Werribee and Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. For price and timetables, visit  SkyBus

Car rental is available from Avalon Airport.

The following information is taken from Visit Victoria:

Metro trains  connect Melbourne’s suburbs with Flinders Street Station in the city. The city loop is Melbourne’s underground system, with five stations servicing the central business district: Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff (closed weekends), Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street.

myki is Melbourne’s ticket to travel on the city’s trains, trams and buses. It’s a plastic smartcard with stored value that can be topped up. Purchase your myki online at  myki.com.au , premium train stations, retail outlets displaying the myki sign (including 7-Elevens), or by calling 1800 800 007 (free from a landline) in Australia.

When your balance is low, top up on the PTV website, using the PTV app, at premium stations and at retailers displaying the myki sign.

The  myki explorer  card includes a day’s unlimited travel by train, bus and tram in metropolitan Melbourne, plus maps and a handful of discounts and offers. Top up your card to travel extra days or into regional Victoria.

Melbourne is the only city in Australia with a network of trams. Trams share road space on most Melbourne thoroughfares, and are operated by  Yarra Trams .

How to travel on trams You can board trams at signposted stops, which also display maps, route numbers and a timetable. Route numbers show on the front of the tram. Some stops provide times for next departures, or download the  tramTRACKER  and  PTV  apps for live departure information.

Free Tram Zone Travel on trams in Melbourne’s city centre is free. View a map of the Free Tram Zone on the  PTV website . Tram stops in the Free Tram Zone are clearly marked. If you start or finish a journey outside the Free Tram Zone, a valid myki card is still required.

City Circle Tram Melbourne’s burgundy and gold City Circle Trams offer free travel to city sights and attractions, with audio commentary on points of interest along the route. Trams run along Flinders Street, Harbour Esplanade, Docklands Drive, La Trobe Street and Spring Street. A complete circle takes around an hour. Trams run in both directions every 12 minutes from 10am to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday (except Christmas Day and Good Friday).  The City Circle Tram is not wheelchair accessible.

V/Line is Victoria’s regional train and coach provider, operating services across the state. Southern Cross Station in Melbourne is the hub for all regional departures, with easy connections to Metro metropolitan trains, trams and buses.

Trains and coaches are an easy way to access towns and scenic attractions in all directions from Melbourne. Visit  vline.com.au  for information.

Regional bus services

Various private buses operate on V/Line and PTV routes around the regions. Some offer transfers to attractions, and others may be available for local group charter. Private bus lines include:

• Alpine Spirit Coaches
• Snowball Express Mt Hotham Coaches
• Martin’s Albury
• North East Coach Lines

Victoria Accommodation

Our Victoria Accommodation will cover accommodation in Melbourne, hotel reviews and more

The best time to visit Victoria is in the spring and autumn months, October is the wettest month. Melbourne can have 4 seasons in one day, which we found out is very true after living there for 2 years.

Victorian Public Holidays 2024

Things To Do In Melbourne – 5 Day Melbourne Trip Planner in 2024

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Best Hotel in Victoria, B.C. {Travel Guide}

For our first international trip with our kiddo, we decided to make it an easier one – with a week in British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Our trip ended in one of my all time favorite cities, and allowed me to update my Victoria travel guide.

Our previous trip to Victoria was in 2016, coincidentally enough also in September. We were in Victoria Wednesday to Saturday this time and it wasn’t enough for us.

One of the things you learn quickly in traveling with a toddler is that a packed day is out of the cards if you want everyone happily functioning. It also means, you might have to forego trying EVERY coffee shop on your (rather long) wishlist, but we made do!

Victoria B.C. Travel Guide

The following guide is a combination of our two trips. On both trips, we went whale watching, visited the Butchart Gardens, and enjoyed food and shopping on Government Street.

Whale Watching in Victoria

I’ve only ever been whale watching twice – both times in Victoria. This trip we traveled with Springtide Whale Watching & Eco Tours . Just after leaving Victoria harbor, we joined other whale watching boats in an area where 3 male orcas were swimming around.

There are a variety of whale watching companies in Victoria and many of the captains work together to share sightings. Captains of boats are also required to keep a certain distance from whales in the US and Canada.

Boats tend to create a large circle, turn off their engines and watch the whales. If your boat seems far from the whales, give it time and they will likely swim closer to you.

After enjoying time near the orcas, we went up to Race Rocks – about 30 miles from Victoria Harbor. Race Rocks is now a marine protected area where many gulls, sea lions, and harbor seals enjoy their days.

There is a scent in the air, I’ll warn you, but it’s so fun seeing all these animals lounge about in their ideal setup from the boat.

After following this group of orcas for a while, we started asking questions, learning that each orca has a white patch behind its dorsal fin, but no two white patches are the same. Some are very defined, others more hazy, and they have different shapes – that’s how we can tell individuals apart!

When we did our tour a few years ago, we took a different route as we were going to end at the gardens (more below). While we did see some orcas, we also were blessed with a humpback whale sighting – though just barely.

These grand animals stay underwater for longer periods of time, but I got a quick shot of its tail just before they disappeared back into the water again!

Both of our whale watching tours were in September, so it’s a great time to go out on a boat. Remember you’re there to witness whales in their natural habitats and on their migratory paths, so some times are better than others.

The Butchart Gardens

If there’s one thing people know in Victoria, it’s the Butchart Gardens. The Butchart Gardens  are absolutely stunning and actually quite interesting even if you aren’t a flower lover.

The site was formerly a limestone quarry and Jennie Butchart, the wife of the couple who owned the quarry, was disgusted with the massive hole left after the quarry shut down, so she slowly turned it into a garden that has been expanded since and is meticulously maintained.

It’s amazing. Look at the before/after photos below for a shocking comparison and what the quarry hoel looked like before the addition of so many plants!

Best Way to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria

The Butchart Gardens are a 30-40 minute drive outside of Victoria, so if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to find a way to get there.

We traveled with Sightseeing Victoria . In addition to offering a hop-on-hop-off tour and tours within the city, they offer a round trip to the Butchart Gardens that leave hourly from just in front of the Empress Hotel – at the harbor.

Our bus wasn’t crowded and we were able to walk up to the red ticket cart where the bus leaves 20 minutes beforehand to get our tickets.

Your Sightseeing Victoria tour tickets also include your admission ticket into the gardens and a nice intro tour by the driver on the way to the gardens.

Before getting to food and drink in this Victoria travel guide, you have to see the parliament Building. It lights up every night at sundown. It’s on a sensor, so the exact time will change depending on when it detects that all the light is gone!

Victoria’s Chinatown

Like most major cities on the west coast, there is a Chinatown. With so many immgrants from China coming to the west coast in search of work, strong, secluded areas of town emerged – many of which can still be seen today!

Chinatown in Victoria is just north of the downtown area where you’ll find lots of places to eat, drink, and shop!

Victoria has the largest Chinatown in Canada, but sadly it’s now just one small section in town.

Don’t miss Fan Tan Alley  – a famous, narrow alley of a few small shops where many visitors snap photos!

While you’re in the area, check out Union Pacific Coffee Shop, Habit Coffee, and Shatterbox Coffee Company!

Craigdarroch Castle

Within the city are a few spots to add to your itinerary if you have time.

The first is Craigdarroch Castle – the 1890s home of Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his expansive wealth from Vancouver Island coal. He was the richest and most important person in Western Canada at the time.

The castle has been well preserved and you get a lovely view of the area.

Many hotels offer free bikes for you to use. When we visited in 2016, we stayed at Magnolia Hotel right downtown and took one of their self-guided bike tours, which included a visit to Abkhazi Gardens , which has a tea house that you should absolutely do if you love a perfect afternoon tea!

The bike tours are also a great way to see more of Victoria – outside of the more tourist/downtown areas.

Shopping on Government Street

During your visit, plan to spend some time on Government Street, starting at the harbor and walking north. The street is lined with shops of all kinds, some restaurants, and a few coffee shops.

For clothing, you’ll want to step into Amelia Lee Boutique and Migration Boutique – both full of stylish pieces, the latter featuring smaller designers, including some local to BC!

For food and goodies to take home, step into Roger’s Chocolates (all fair trade and all soy free – a major discovery for me!) and Murchies where you’ll become a tea lover and likely bring home more tea than you ever thought possible!

The Nooks as well as a few Irish clothing and linen stores.

Day Trip for Wine Tasting on Vancouver Island

The sommelier at 10 Acres (a delicious farm to table restaurant) suggested we take a trip up Vancouver Island to Unsworth Vineyard for wine tasting and lunch. Enjoying the local wines thus far, we decided to do it. You know how much we love road trips!

The winery is about an hour and a half outside of Victoria. The helpful front desk associates at The Magnolia Hotel helped us rent a car and got us all set up with maps and lunch reservations.

There’s often traffic in The Malahat, included in the 1.5 hours, but check before you head out. And when you see signs for the vista points heading north – DO IT! We missed the first one but caught the second.

You get breathtaking views of the Saannich Peninsula and Gulf Islands – see it just above this photo.

We enjoyed a delectable lunch (with suggested wine pairing) at their farm-to-table restaurant. And lunch was nothing short of amazing itself.

After lunch we wandered the grounds of the winery, spotting chickens walking around their coops in vineyards.

On our way back, we meandered off the highway to Royal Roads University . The beauty was absolutely worth the detour, but I have to warn you, you won’t really understand what everyone is talking about until you get down to Hatley Castle.

This beautiful castle and adjoining gardens were stunning and the locations of some famous movie shoots! Do watch out for geese and a couple of peacocks as you roam the grounds!

So, those three fabulous days in Victoria, British Columbia? A day of wandering around Government Street, whale watching, and The Butchart Gardens. A day doing the bike tour around the city with afternoon tea and sites to see.

And a day trip up Vancouver Island for a delightful lunch at Unsworth Winery. Add in all the delicious food and you’ll be a very happy Canada camper!

Where to Eat & Drink in Victoria, B.C.

Clearly with so much to do, we need to talk about food and coffee. And food and coffee.

Best Cafes in Victoria

Thankfully people in Victoria love coffee as much as we do! With local spots through the greater downtown area, you, like me, will just need to flag them and get to as many as you can!!

Some have a few cafes, so that’s helpful!

• Discovery Coffee
• Habit Coffee
• Union Pacific
• Milano Victoria
• Loft and Ladder Coffee House
• Shatterbox Coffee Company

3 Dinner Spots in Victoria

Each of the three nights we spent in Victoria, we had a slightly different but altogether delicious dinner. Tapas, farm to table casual, and farm to table deluxe!

Tapas in Victoria – Bodega

After visiting a more rural part of the island for a few days, we were ready for some more worldly flavors.

The extensive, worldwide wine selection was on point and they were so helpful at helping us choose the right drinks!

We ordered a slew of dishes to feed 4 of us. The ceviche and the charcuterie boards were hands down our favorites.

The flavors of the tapas were a bit more muted than I’m used to here in California, but they were still yummy and a welcome treat for our first night in the city.

10 Acres Bistro – Farm to Table

We enjoyed a meal at 10 Acres Bistro during our visit in 2016 – and loved it!! I was so happy to see the farm to table restaurant was still definitely open and thriving!

They too have an extensive wine and cocktail selection! We enjoyed a beet salad to start and that scrumptious roasted tomato, whipped goat cheese, and focaccia bread setup. I could have just eaten 2 of those for dinner and called it a day!!

isn’t their outdoor seating area adorable too!! They also have a more relaxed vibe at 10 Acres Commons – just behind the bistro. The patio looks out on the harbor and they have some delectable dishes all day long!

Aura – Garden to Table Restaurant

On the first floor of the Inn at Laurel Point (further out Victoria Harbor) is Aura – a exquisitely exciting restaurants that’s making deliciously, fancy food – and pulling as much as they can from their on-site garden!

If you go for dinner, be sure to take a few minutes to walk their outdoor grounds (along the water). A wedding venue as well, this outdoor area is landscaped beautifully and if you weren’t looking for it, you’d miss the small batches of crops spread throughout, including a tree a family member of the head chef brought back from Japan!

Depending on the season, you’ll find kale, artichoke, garlic, chives, berries, and wasabi – to name a few!

Then as you enjoy your photo-worthy dinner, try to spot items from the garden inspiring and plated in the dishes!

The restaurant is setup to share the dishes, but I think you could easily order individually. The timing of the dishes may not be as you predicted, but the dishes are easily individual meals on their own!

Breakfast Spots

We aren’t usually big breakfast people, but a travel day, and a day with 3 horus whale watching required some headier early morning meals.

Farmhouse Victoria is along the waterfront. They offer coffee, donuts, tasty pastries, and a selection of breakfast sandwiches and burritos.

For a sit down affair, check out Blue Fox Cafe. There’s limited seating, so get there early on the weekend to avoid a long wait in line. Their portions are large, the food is DELICIOUS, and it’s worth the visit.

In general, Victoria loves it’s breakfast diners, however, so if you are a breakfast lover, you won’t be disappointed.

Looking for more Canada travel guides? You’ll love Vancouver Restaurants + Coffee Shops , a trip to Granville Market in Vancouver , and 9 things to do in Calgary !

If you love coastal towns, check out the best Mendocino restaurants and this Portland, Maine travel guide !

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Victoria whale watching tours are easily one of the best ways to enjoy Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. Not to mention, they allow you to get up close with a killer whale or even feel the...

How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver from $18.50 (Updated 2024)

There’s nothing quite like getting to Victoria from Vancouver: the rugged coastline and towering mountains along the way are an attraction in itself. Yes, this charming coastal city is a must...

Victoria's Top Tours

Victoria's best tours.

Best Vancouver to Victoria Tours: Day Tours & Overnight Tours

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you itching to explore Canada’s west coast and witness the most stunning gem of Vancouver Island, but you’re short on time? Well, fret not because the...

3 Best Victoria Horse Carriage Tours from $140.00 (2024)

In a city as quaint and accessible as ours, Victoria horse carriage tours are a great way to explore the city in the fresh air – with a once in a lifetime ride. But which horse carriage tours...

Butchart Gardens: Victoria BC’s Enchanting Floral Wonderland

Are you looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Then look no further than Butchart Gardens in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. With its lush landscapes...

Fisherman’s Wharf Victoria: An In-depth Guide for Visitors and Cruise Passengers

If you’re planning a trip to Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf, you’re in for a treat. This historic fishing village, located on the waterfront of Victoria’s Inner Harbour...

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Malahat Skywalk in 2023

The Malahat Skywalk is a fantastic way to experience the majesty of British Columbia’s natural beauty like never before. This is one of the most stunning new attractions in all of Canada, and...

Victoria Hop On Hop Off Bus: 2024 Ticket Guide

Ready to embark on an adventure through the beautiful city of Victoria? If so, the Victoria Hop on Hop off bus is your ticket to the ultimate city experience. Imagine cruising around in a vibrant...

Chinatown Victoria: A Complete Guide for Visitors

Are you planning to visit Chinatown Victoria? This historic district is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and great food. With so much to see and do in this vibrant...

The Best Hotels in Victoria: Unearthing Hidden Gems

Dive into the wonderland of the best hotels in Victoria. Discover luxury and comfort as lush as the city’s gardens, as grand as its architecture, and as warming as its people. We’ve...

Craigdarroch Castle Victoria: What to See + Visit Tips

Craigdarroch Castle, located in Victoria, British Columbia, is a stunning Victorian-era mansion that has become a popular tourist destination. Built in the late 1800s, this National Historic Site of...

Attractions

Getting here, itineraries, transportation.

Victoria isn’t just where I live; it’s a part of who I am.

Through my blog, I want to take you on a journey through Victoria’s hidden gems and well-loved spots. I aim to show you why this city is not just a destination, but a feeling – a feeling of being at home, yet always discovering something new.

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