Your guide to Victoria
Victoria highlights
Harbour life
Home to some of the city’s most famous sights, including the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Inner Harbour is the perfect place to start your time in Victoria. Explore the area on foot, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour to catch the sights. When it’s time to refuel, stop for afternoon tea at one of the many cafes.
Ocean adventures
Experience the thrill of the ocean on a whale-watching tour, or head out in a kayak to explore Victoria Harbour. With boating, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding on offer, getting out on Victoria’s waters is one of the best ways to discover the city’s natural beauty. Brave enough to face the chilly waves? The snorkelling around Ogden Point Breakwater is the stuff of legend.
Garden city
See why Victoria is known as the ‘City of Gardens’ with a trip to its manicured green spaces. Finnerty Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens and Lokier Gardens are all top spots to stop and smell the roses. Or plan your trip to Victoria to coincide with the summertime firework shows at Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada in Brentwood Bay.
Victoria: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Victoria
Weather in Victoria
March – May: Spring comes early here. By March, the city is blanketed with cherry blossoms, which locals call ‘Victoria snow’. But mild daytime temperatures can still drop to below freezing at night.
June – August: Summer is warm and sunny, but the nearby Pacific keeps it from getting too hot — temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. This is the season for water sports.
September – November: Summer’s warmth lingers well into September. Mid-October usually sees rainy days and chillier nights.
December – February: Though there’s occasional snow and plenty of rain, the city’s winters are some of the mildest in Canada. Still, be sure to pack waterproof layers if you plan to take advantage of Victoria’s outdoor activities.
Events in Victoria
Victoria Film Festival (February): Unapologetically offbeat, this festival honours the creativity and artistic vision of independent film over ten days packed with screenings, Q&As and more.
Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival (May): Get caught in a whirlwind of tartan-clad dancers and fiddle music at this long-running celebration of Scottish culture. The highlight of the weekend is the International Heavy Events Challenge, featuring caber tossing, hammer throws and other feats of strength.
Victoria Fringe Festival (August): Venues across the city host lively performances, from drama and dance to magic and comedy, at this performing arts showcase.
Great Canadian Beer Festival (September): Sip some of Canada’s best craft beers and ciders while enjoying local snacks, music and other entertainment.
The best neighbourhoods in Victoria
James Bay
James Bay is Victoria’s oldest neighbourhood, home to heritage sites, parks and ocean views. Soak up some culture at the Royal British Columbia Museum and Emily Carr House. Or enjoy a stroll along Beacon Hill Park’s waterfront. With Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ogden Point Breakwater here, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Victoria for first-time visitors.
Good for: Parks, waterfront walks, history
Oak Bay
Located on the tip of Vancouver Island, Oak Bay is a friendly oceanfront community with a great choice of restaurants and shops. It’s also where to stay in Victoria for access to some of the city’s best beaches. Spend an afternoon on Willows Beach, or go kayaking and paddleboarding around Oak Bay Marina. Looking to golf? Tee off at the Victoria Golf Club.
Good for: Shopping, beaches, golf
Songhees
Close to downtown Victoria and home to a great waterfront walkway, Songhees has a resort feel, making it a popular base for families. Cycle along the Galloping Goose Trail, learn about First Nations history at Songhees Point, and admire views of Mount Baker, the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Olympic Mountains.
Good for: Families, cycling, views
Things to do in Victoria
Shopping
Head to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for unique boutiques and artisan goods at the Bastion Square Market, or browse your favourite brands at the Mayfair Shopping Centre. Shopping in Victoria for souvenirs? Make your way to Government Street. For handmade Indigenous arts, crafts and jewellery, there’s no place better than Cowichan Trading.
Take in the culture
You can journey through British Columbia’s history at the Royal BC Museum and learn about the province’s marine heritage at the Maritime Museum of BC. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is one of the best museums in Victoria for art lovers. But if architecture is your thing, nothing beats a visit to the Victorian-era Craigdarroch Castle.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Victoria is relaxed and low-key, with pubs, casual bars and cocktail lounges inviting you to take it easy after dark. Head downtown for top-notch cocktails at watering holes like Clive’s Classic Lounge. Or enjoy a night of live music and dancing at Hermann’s Jazz Club. For dancefloors and DJs, Lucky Bar and Paparazzi Nightclub deliver.
Beaches
Victoria is surrounded by beaches offering activities on and off the water. Paddleboard and kayak around Willows Beach, or let the kids loose on the sandy playground at Cadboro-Gyro Park. Cordova Bay and Gonzales Beach are popular spots on sunny days. Just be aware that beaches here are known for their cold water — swimming isn’t for the faint of heart.
Free things to do
You’ll find plenty of free activities in Victoria if you know where to look. Take a walk around the Inner Harbour, or head to Thunderbird Park for its outdoor gallery of First Nations monuments. With green spaces like Beacon Hill Park, Mount Douglas Park and the Finnerty Gardens offering fun days out, there’s no need to break the bank to have a good time.
Places to eat
Home to international eateries, fresh seafood restaurants and farm-to-table cafes, Victoria is a foodie paradise. Discover the restaurants in Cook Street Village and around Victoria’s Chinatown (the oldest in Canada). Or tuck into fish and chips at Fisherman’s Wharf. For upscale dining, treat yourself to a special night at Brasserie L’ecole or Q at the Fairmont Empress.
Get ready for Victoria
Budget
For a budget trip to Victoria, schedule your days around scenic walks and visits to the food kiosks at Fisherman's Wharf and Victoria Public Market. A sit-down meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around 25 Canadian dollars ($). Snag a cappuccino for around $5, or splurge on high tea at one of the city's many teahouses.
Day trips from Victoria
Nestled along the tip of Vancouver Island just west of Victoria, Sooke and Port Renfrew provide a perfect launching pad for outdoor adventures. Hike, bike or swim in the ‘potholes’ of the Sooke River. On the island’s eastern shore, Chemainus is known for its outdoor murals, boutiques and galleries selling locally made handicrafts.
Getting around Victoria
The city’s compact downtown is easy to explore on foot. Or use Victoria’s reliable bus services to get around. Consider buying a book of 10 tickets or a DayPASS to save on costs. Ferries and water taxis are also available. Leave the car behind unless your plans include exploring the Greater Victoria area.
