Top 10 Things To Do In Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the rugged southern tip of Vancouver Island. With its numerous parks, it is known for its outdoor activities. The city’s British colonial past is evident in its Victorian architecture, including the stately Craigdarroch Castle. Butchart Gardens is one of the city’s many formal gardens and offers 55 hectares of vibrant flowers, statues, water features and a carousel.

Let’s quickly scan the top 10 attractions in Victoria.

1. Butchart Gardens

A rambling walk through Butchart Gardens in Canada

Explore the famous Butchart Gardens, a 55-hectare paradise of meticulously tended flowers, blossoms, shrubs and trees. Don’t miss the giant Dragon Fountain, a gift from China. Enjoy leisurely strolls through classic rose gardens and fragrant vine-covered pavilions.

Butchart offers various workshops, dining options, boat tours, concerts and events, including a captivating fireworks display on Saturday evenings in summer. Don’t forget to visit the artwork-filled Seed and Gift Store during your visit.

2. Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia.Other images of the Victoria, British Columbia

Perched on a lush estate on Joan Crescent, just a short drive southeast of Victoria’s city centre. This magnificent 1890 home was built by Robert Dunsmuir, the pioneering self-made magnate of British Columbia’s coal industry. Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the mansion offers a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Victoria’s elite over a century ago.

3. Inner Harbor

View of Inner Harbour in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Victoria’s inner harbour is undeniably picturesque and steeped in history. This waterfront area has a rich tradition as a centre of fishing and shipbuilding dating back to the coast’s aboriginal inhabitants. Today it is a bustling hub with cruise ships, pleasure boats, ferries and seaplanes arriving and departing regularly. It is the perfect starting point for kayaking adventures or whale-watching tours.

4. Royal BC Museum

Victoria BC, Canada, July 24th, 2016. The great Deuce Days car show in Victoria BC draws many tourists and cars from all over the Pacific Northwest. Here classic cars line the street in front of the Royal BC Museum in Victoria

The Royal BC Museum in Victoria offers a captivating journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of British Columbia. Visitors can explore a variety of historical treasures, including a remarkable collection of First Nations artifacts featuring intricately carved totem poles and traditional masks that provide a glimpse into Aboriginal culture.

5. Whale Watching and Marine Adventures

whale watching at the coast of BC, Canada

Victoria, located on the breathtaking coast of British Columbia, is a prime destination for exciting whale-watching adventures. The whale-watching season typically runs from May to October and offers ample opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Numerous tour operators in the region offer unforgettable experiences along some of Canada’s most picturesque coastlines.

6. Lower Johnson Street

Victoria, Canada – April 24, 2013: Market Square on Lower Johnson Street in Victoria.

Victoria’s Johnson Street is a paradise for boutique lovers. It stretches from Market Square to Begbie Street and is adorned with charming local stores. In addition to the delightful boutiques, you will also find a variety of trendy cafés and restaurants, perfect for a quick snack or a refreshing drink during your leisurely stroll.

7. Victoria’s Chinatown

Victoria, Canada – March 29, 2022: Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site of Canada attracts local shoppers and travellers. Spring morning in the downtown district.

Explore the vibrant heart of Victoria’s Chinatown on a captivating walking tour or opt for a bike tour to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural atmosphere. Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood of winding, narrow streets adorned with charming stores and restaurants decorated with red lanterns, ornate dragon pillars and Chinese calligraphy.

8. Hatley Park National Historic Site

Hatley Castle near Victoria British Columbia which houses Royal Roads University

Centered on the magnificent Hatley Castle, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of James Dunsmuir, the former premier of British Columbia and coal magnate who commissioned the castle’s construction in 1908. This Edwardian estate is surrounded by enchanting Japanese, Italian and rose gardens that add to its charm.

Hatley Castle has starred in several films, most famously in the X-Men film series as Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

9. Parliament Buildings

Parliament Building in Victoria, British Columbia

The Parliament Buildings, a prominent symbol of British Columbia’s provincial government, dominate attention on the southern edge of the Inner Harbour. These imposing stone buildings, designed by architect Francis M. Rattenbury and built-in 1897, are complemented by carefully manicured gardens and offer an alluring sight — especially when illuminated in the evening with elegant light shows.

10. Fairmont Empress Hotel

Victoria, British Columbia – July 30, 2023: The Fairmont Empress Hotel on Government Street

The Fairmont Empress Hotel, which has graced the Inner Harbour since 1908, is a beloved Victoria landmark reminiscent of the Château Frontenac in Québec City. This historic hotel, designed by architect Francis M. Rattenbury, has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including members of the British monarchy.

When you enter the grand lobby of the Empress, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to before the First World War. One of the hotel’s most popular traditions is Afternoon Tea, a stylish event held in the Lobby Lounge. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a seat for this must-attend experience.

Thanks for reading this blog. Check out more blogs like this one here: www.toniagara.com/blog