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Set on the finish of the largely wild Vancouver Island, Victoria is a superb metropolis on Canada’s west coast. Recognized for the abundance of out of doors actions and beautiful Victorian structure, it’s a spot the place colonial historical past is intertwined with indigenous tradition. I lived in Victoria, BC, for a 12 months and acquired to discover all the good issues that it has to supply. These are all my private suggestions.

Attend excessive tea for brunch after which head to Chinatown for dinner whereas stopping by the harbor to observe seals and gigantic cruisers. Victoria is a metropolis that may provide one thing to everybody as a result of it has all of it, from wonderful artwork galleries to thrilling ziplines and climbing trails. 

Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or every week, you received’t battle to fill your itinerary with enjoyable actions. With my insider data, I compiled this information of the highest issues to do in Victoria BC that may assist you put collectively the perfect itinerary! 

Finest Issues To Do In Victoria BC

Victoria BC is understood for its expansive botanical gardens, whale-watching excursions, and huge parks. The vast majority of town’s greatest sights are open air, making it a high vacation spot for vacationers who love exploring off the overwhelmed path. 

However don’t let that idiot you; Victoria additionally gives an infinite quantity of issues to do indoors, together with a haunted manor with a pinball machine and a few of the greatest museums in British Columbia. 

1. Guided Strolling Tour of Victoria

Victoria is a beautiful metropolis with many beautiful buildings. After all, if it’s your first go to, you received’t be conversant in the aim of lots of these buildings, and also you would possibly miss out on some gems which are open for guests. 

Prepare a guided tour with a neighborhood, and also you’ll not solely be taken to all the perfect spots within the metropolis but in addition study the historical past behind a few of its greatest architectural gems. Most strolling excursions of Victoria cowl town’s greatest neighborhoods and streets, together with the well-known Authorities Avenue and Fan Tan Alley. 

My favourite strolling excursions of Victoria additionally can help you uncover town’s culinary scene. Strolling across the metropolis will burn fairly a couple of energy, and what higher approach to make up for them than to take pleasure in Victoria’s specialties in its greatest eating places? 

Sensible Info 

Strolling excursions of Victoria often take 2-3 hours and value $60-100 per participant. 

2. Royal BC Museum 

The Royal BC Museum is Victoria’s greatest and hottest museum. When you’ve got time to go to just one museum or gallery when you’re within the metropolis, make it this one. It has three predominant galleries: Pure Historical past, the First Peoples Gallery, and Turning into BC. 

Come right here to study in regards to the indigenous folks of British Columbia, in addition to in regards to the state’s normal historical past and the way it advanced through the years. Youthful guests usually tend to benefit from the Pure Historical past gallery, which options dinosaur skeletons and fashions of varied animals. 

Plan to spend a minimum of a few hours at this museum, and that’s for those who’re going to hurry by the place. If you happen to take your time with every exhibit, the go to can simply final 3-4 hours. Additionally, I need to point out that the museum has a pleasant IMAX theater, the place you possibly can attend screenings of nature documentaries in addition to blockbuster movies. 

Sensible Info

The Royal BC Museum is open each day from 10 AM to five PM. Admission is $18 for adults, and attending IMAX screenings is an additional $12. 

3. Tour The Improbable Craigdarroch Fortress

Craigdarroch Fortress is likely one of the prettiest Victorian buildings in Victoria and a extremely popular historic landmark. It was initially constructed by Robert Dunsmuir, a coal magnate, through the late nineteenth century. 

Go to the citadel and go on a guided tour of the premises to see opulent interval furnishings, stunning decorations, and beautiful stained-glass home windows. The constructing is magnificent each in and out, and it’s probably the greatest areas for structure excursions in Victoria. 

The citadel is located in Rockland, roughly a 30-minute stroll (or 10-minute bike trip) from Downtown Victoria. 

Sensible Info

Craigdarroch Fortress is open for excursions Wednesday by Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guided excursions are $20.60 for adults, and tickets may be purchased on-line or on the entrance. 

4. Lease A Bicycle

Victoria BC is named Canada’s biking capital, and it’s probably the most bike-friendly cities within the Pacific Northwest. Bike leases can be found all through the city, and plenty of lodging provide them to their friends. 

Biking round Victoria is not only nice for getting across the city rapidly for little or no cash, but in addition a brilliant approach of immersing your self within the native tradition. To not point out that it’s often quicker than touring by bus, plus you received’t have to fret about rush hour visitors. 

If you happen to’re in nice bodily situation, you would possibly even be capable of bike to sights far outdoors town heart, and also you’d get to see some great surroundings alongside the best way. And if spending a number of hours on a bicycle isn’t all that interesting, take into account it for a fast tour of Downtown Victoria a minimum of. 

Sensible Info 

Bikes can be found for rent in a number of spots all through the city. The typical worth is $40 per day, though you will get a greater charge if you hire a motorbike for an extended interval. 

5. Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria

The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is a superb mid-size gallery housed in two distinct areas. One a part of the gallery is in a brand new, fashionable constructing, whereas the opposite sits contained in the historic Spencer Mansion. 

Come to this gallery to admire a sizeable assortment of attractive artwork, together with items from Canada and Asia. Actually, the gallery’s backyard even has a Shinto shrine that each one guests are inspired to see. It’s certainly one of Victoria’s greatest sights for lovers of artwork, historical past, and structure. 

Sensible Info

The Artwork Gallery of Larger Victoria is open from 10 AM to five PM and expenses a $15 entrance price. Nonetheless, admission is free on the primary Sunday of the month and on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM. 

6. Tour The Parliament Buildings 

The Legislative Meeting of British Columbia is palms down probably the most beautiful authorities buildings I’ve seen in my complete life. For me, the buildings appear like they had been plucked from a European metropolis and transported to Victoria. 

However they weren’t; the Parliament Buildings had been constructed in neo-Baroque model on the finish of the nineteenth century proper right here. Your complete park between Authorities Avenue and Menzies Avenue is a superb place the place you possibly can take pleasure in a few of the greatest structure within the metropolis. 

See the fountains, the impeccable landscaping, and all of the completely different memorial statues. You’ll be able to even be part of a guided tour to see the spectacular inside of those magnificent buildings. It should value you nothing, and it’ll undoubtedly enrich your expertise in Victoria, BC. 

Sensible Info

Free guided excursions of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria happen a number of instances all through the day, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. 

7. Picnic at Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill is a sprawling public park separating James Bay from Fairfield. It’s simply accessible from central Victoria and probably the greatest locations within the metropolis if you wish to spend a few hours in nature however aren’t fairly within the temper for an tour that features touring far outdoors town heart. 

That includes ponds, strolling trails, and landscaped gardens, Beacon Hill is an oasis amid this concrete jungle. It has all the pieces from totems to peacocks, and coming here’s a should for understanding why Victoria and British Columbia, normally, are recognized for unbelievable pure landmarks and out of doors actions. 

Sensible Info

Beacon Hill Park is open each day from 8 AM to eight PM. Entrance to the park is freed from cost. 

8. Stroll Via Historic Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley is a historic alleyway in Victoria’s Chinatown district. It’s lined with eating places and boutique outlets on both facet, which provide some wonderful procuring and eating within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll discover outlets that promote all the pieces from Matcha tea to crystals and incense, so it’s positively a spot it’s best to try for those who’re on the lookout for distinctive souvenirs to purchase in Victoria. 

Nonetheless, I’ll say that this expertise is solely skippable for those who’re even somewhat bit claustrophobic. The alley is so slender that passing subsequent to somebody isn’t all the time doable, and the buildings are tall sufficient to trigger discomfort to individuals who don’t like confined areas.

However for those who can navigate the tight alley and not using a sense of dread, it is going to be a high expertise. The pink and inexperienced storefronts are charming and go splendidly with the uncovered pink brick of the buildings. The doorway to the Chinese language Canadian Museum is right here, and though it’s small, the exhibit is attention-grabbing and price supporting.  

Sensible Info

Fan Tan Alley is free to entry at any time, however most outlets are closed till 5 p.m. 

9. Go to Fort Rodd Hill

Fort Rodd Hill is a Nationwide Historic Web site greatest recognized for the Fisgard Lighthouse. The oceanfront park gives strolling trails with views of outdated army constructions, but it surely’s the Fisgaard lighthouse that draws the majority of holiday makers to the positioning. 

Climb the steps to the highest of the lighthouse to expertise unbelievable panoramic vistas. On clear sunny days, the view stretches all the best way to the Olympic Mountains in Washington on one facet and the San Juan Islands on the opposite. 

Sensible Info

Fort Rodd Hill is accessible from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an admission price of $9.

10. Hike To The High of Mount Douglas 

Mount Douglas is a hill north of Victoria Metropolis and an amazing place to come back for 360° panoramic views. You’ll be able to cycle to the foot of the hill in about 50 minutes from central Victoria, and from there, it’s only a 30-minute hike to the lookout level on the high. There’s even a car parking zone on the summit, so you possibly can simply drive as much as the scenic level for those who’re not within the temper for an uphill stroll.  

The vista from the lookout level is likely one of the greatest in Victoria BC and it stretches into america. Additionally, a number of climbing trails can be found at Mount Douglas, and you would spend a few hours roaming exploring the realm, and marveling on the good views. However for those who’re in a rush, it’s good to know that this exercise is doable in about an hour from downtown Victoria. 

Sensible Info

Mount Douglas Park is open for guests from 12 PM to eight PM. Entrance to the realm is freed from cost, and parking on the high can also be free however very restricted. 

11. Historic Excursions at Hatley Fortress

Hatley Fortress is located in Larger Victoria, roughly a 20-minute drive (or 50-minute bike trip) from town heart. It’s completely well worth the trouble it takes to get there as a result of the place is phenomenal. The early Twentieth-century citadel was beforehand used as a residence and a naval coaching web site and these days is a historic park. 

Are you able to think about that folks really lived on this unbelievable mansion? Even at the moment, components of it are used as workplace house and to carry courses, so you possibly can’t simply stroll inside everytime you like. Guests should join guided excursions to discover the inside of the mansion, however the formal gardens are accessible totally free all through the day. 

Sensible Info

Guided excursions of Hatley Fortress can be found upon reservation and are $22 per participant. The gardens are open from 10 AM to nightfall, and entry is freed from cost. 

12. Swimming At Thetis Lake Regional Park

Thetis Lake Regional Park is the primary nature sanctuary in Canada recognized for climbing trails and seashores on the lakeshore. Come right here in the summertime to calm down within the unspoiled nature of British Columbia and luxuriate in some unbelievable panoramic views. 

It’s a 15-minute drive from Victoria and a very good place to come back if you wish to escape the crowds of the city jungle. Pack a meals basket and produce a blanket so you possibly can arrange a picnic with panoramic views of the lake after a day stuffed with climbing and swimming. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a good vacation spot for nature lovers in Victoria who need to discover past town streets.  

Sensible Info

Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessible at any time. There isn’t any admission price, however there’s a parking price of $2.25 per day. 

13. Bike Alongside The Galloping Goose Path

This enjoyable exercise is just for essentially the most avid hikers and mountain bikers, so skip it if in case you have zero curiosity in driving a mountain bike for 50+ miles. But when that sounds enjoyable, the Galloping Goose Path would possibly simply be the highest Victoria exercise for you! 

The path follows an outdated railway line for roughly 55 miles from Victoria to Sooke. It’s 55 miles for the out-and-back journey, so you possibly can cowl this path and be again on the town for dinner for those who’re quick sufficient on a mountain bike. 

This historic path passes by city and rural areas, in addition to wilderness. You’ll be able to comply with the whole path on a motorbike, or hike simply part of it. You’ll be able to even select to trip horses alongside the extra rural sections of the path, which is as a lot enjoyable because it sounds. 

Sensible Info 

The Galloping Goose Path is 55 miles for the return journey. This MTB route is really helpful just for skilled mountain bikers in wonderful bodily circumstances, because it takes roughly 5 hours to finish. 

14. Stroll To The Breakwater Lighthouse 

The Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the finish of an extended pedestrian pathway that extends into the ocean. As you stroll from James Bay to the lighthouse, you’ll get an excellent view of all of the cruise ships and ferries that depart Victoria’s interior harbor. The strolling path gives an excellent view of town’s marine visitors, and it’s significantly gratifying on heat, sunny days. 

The lighthouse on the finish of the pathway dates again to 1916, and it’s surprisingly massive. It doesn’t look that massive from the space, however the nearer you get to it the extra you’re impressed by its measurement. 

One factor to notice is that it’s doable to stroll down the Breakwater and the Decrease Breakwater. I like to recommend you keep on with the common strolling path that’s fenced off. The decrease path options no fence, and the concrete blocks are sometimes very slippery. 

Sensible Info

The Breakwater strolling path is accessible at any time of day or night time, freed from cost. 

15. Wander Round Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Located roughly a 20-minute drive from town heart, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a good place to come back and overlook you’re in Canada for an hour. It’s an indoor tropical forest with free-flying butterflies and birdlife, to not point out all of the completely different timber and flowers. 

You can tour the place rapidly in below an hour, however I’m constructive you’ll need to spend extra time on the gardens when you go by the entrance door. Additionally, I actually like that each one the animals listed here are rescues or donations, and are thriving within the lush rainforest setting. 

One factor to notice is that it will get actually sizzling within the tropical jungle, so that you would possibly must take breaks for those who keep there for some time. Make sure that to convey a bottle of water to hydrate, and step outdoors from time to time to chill down a bit.

Sensible Info

Victoria Butterfly Gardens has an entrance price of $19.50 for adults. It’s open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

16. Play Mini Golf in a Haunted Manor

Haunted Manor mini golf isn’t an exercise for everybody, so be happy to depart it off your itinerary if it’s not one thing you’re prone to take pleasure in. However for those who like mini golf or ping pong and also you’re into haunted homes and ghost excursions, it’s a really enjoyable approach of spending a night in Victoria. 

The mansion gives an 18-hole minigolf course, pinball machines, and ping-pong tables. The on-site bar and restaurant serve a choice of (non) alcoholic drinks and basic pub meals. 

Sensible Info 

Haunted Manor is open from 3 PM to 12 AM. Normal admission to the place is $24.95. 

17. Really feel Stylish At Afternoon Tea

Victoria was as soon as a British Colony, and at the moment it’s acknowledged as essentially the most British metropolis in Canada. So, it’s not too stunning that many widespread British traditions have survived within the metropolis. A kind of is excessive tea, and it’s the right afternoon exercise for vacationers who need to spend a day feeling fancy. 

There are fairly a couple of completely different tea homes in Victoria, however I feel the one at Pendray Inn is a best choice for vacationers within the metropolis. It’s in an enthralling Victorian mansion in James Bay, so only a quick stroll from the downtown. The elegant inside of the tea home is completely applicable for prime tea, whereas the meals and drinks served there get solely the best markings. 

When you’re accomplished with the afternoon tea, take this chance to stroll across the neighborhood a bit. The harbor is simply a few minutes from Pendray Inn with views of the ocean and big ships. 

Sensible Info 

The Pendray tea home is open each day from 11 AM to three/4 PM. Reservations are really helpful, and the typical value per individual is $60-70. A vegan possibility is accessible.  

18. Flower Fields at The Butchart Gardens

Spanning greater than 22 hectares, this huge botanical backyard is likely one of the best-known in British Columbia. With 26 greenhouses, ponds, statues, and a number of eateries, you would spend the higher a part of the day roaming round the Butchart Gardens. 

One factor I’ll say is that this is likely one of the priciest sights in Victoria, BC, so that you would possibly need to go away it off your itinerary for those who’re on a tighter finances. With each day tickets going as excessive as $40, it’s not a spot everybody can comfortably take pleasure in. 

However you will get a significantly better deal on tickets for those who come within the low season, and actually, the place is so great I’d say it’s well worth the cash. Come right here to see the infinite discipline of colourful flowers and luxuriate in presumably the best-scented a part of Victoria, BC. 

Sensible Info 

The Butchart Gardens are open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The grownup entrance price is $25-40, relying on the season.  

19. Panorama Views at Malahat SkyWalk

Located northwest of Victoria, simply off the Trans-Canada freeway, the Malahat SkyWalk gives presumably the perfect panorama views in British Columbia. It’s solely a 30-minute drive from Victoria BC, and properly well worth the journey for those who’ve acquired entry to a automobile. 

Malahat SkyWalk is a spiral tower on hilly floor in the course of the forest. From the highest, you possibly can see the surroundings of each the US and Canada, and it’s such a pleasant view that you simply’ll hardly need to go away. 

Sensible Info 

Malahat SkyWalk is open from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the spiral tower is charged $36.95. 

20. Be Amazed At Miniature World

Miniature World is a singular museum in Victoria, BC. It options miniature dioramas of real-life and fantasy areas and is nicknamed The Biggest Little Present on Earth. The element within the dioramas is staggering, whether or not you’re trying on the reproduction of Toronto in 1915 or the depiction of Camelot. 

A fast tour of the place is feasible in 45 minutes, however provided that you rush by the place. Take your time to understand all of the little particulars and actually perceive all the pieces in regards to the dioramas, and you would simply spend 2+ hours on the museum. 

Sensible Info 

Miniature World is open each day from 10 AM to six PM. The doorway price is $19 for adults. 

21. Scent The Flowers at Abkhazi Backyard

Victoria is well-known for its many gardens and the Abkhazi Backyard is likely one of the greatest near town heart. Located only a 15-minute bike trip from the center of Victoria, it’s a wonderful different for vacationers who don’t need to exit of their approach to see the Butchart Gardens. 

It is a a lot smaller backyard, masking an space of “solely” 1.4 hectares. It first began again in 1946, and it took some time for all of the vegetation and timber to develop to their present measurement. The rhododendrons are the undisputed star of the stunning backyard, adopted by the tea home and ponds. Afternoon tea on the Abkhazi Backyard is a good thought, however I’ll say that it’s in the identical worth vary because the teahouse at Pendray Inn, however the inside decorations usually are not fairly as good. 

Sensible Info 

The Abkhazi Backyard is open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission price for adults is $10. 

22. Go For A Journey In A Pickle Boat 

Pickle boat excursions are operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, and so they’re superior. Uncover Victoria from the ocean whereas driving in a pickle boat, which sounds quite a bit cooler than it really is. 

It’s only a small boat that may match as much as 12 passengers. Whereas I really like that it’s far more non-public than a basic tour boat, I used to be completely disillusioned to study that it’s not certainly formed and painted like a pickle. 

The small boats will take you on excursions of Victoria Harbor, and so they usually go all the best way as much as Burnside. It’s a good way of exploring much more of this excellent metropolis and seeing the areas that aren’t fairly as handy to achieve on basic strolling excursions. 

Sensible Info 

A number of choices can be found for excursions of Victoria Internal Harbour, and so they final from 45 to 75 minutes. The value is round $40-50. 

23. Test Out Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is essentially the most picturesque space of Victoria Internal Harbour. The piers are lined with floating houseboats painted in brilliant colours, a number of of which function eating places or outlets. Simply take into account that folks dwell in lots of these houseboats, so respect their privateness whereas exploring the realm.  

As you stroll down the piers, you possibly can usually spot seals swimming within the water. They love the eye they get from guests and infrequently interact in playful antics to entertain the onlookers. 

Fisherman’s Wharf extends past the piers lined with colourful boats to embody an expansive park with picnic areas and a playground for teenagers. 

Sensible Info 

Fisherman’s Wharf is free and accessible at any time. Most outlets and eating places are open till 7 PM. 

24. Morning Jog Down Songhees Walkway

Songhees Walkway is a waterfront strolling path that extends from Johnson Avenue Bridge to Sailor’s Cove Marina. It takes round 40 minutes to do the whole stroll in a single path, and there are many benches alongside the best way so you possibly can sit down for breaks. 

The walkway gives good views of Victoria Internal Harbor with loads of scenic viewpoints alongside the best way. It’s additionally an amazing path for joggers within the morning, however provided that you’re not simply distracted by the view. 

Sensible Info 

Songhees Walkway is accessible at any time totally free. The strolling path extends for about 3 kilometers in a single path. 

25. Be a part of a Meals Tour 

Locals all the time know the place the perfect meals of their metropolis is, and also you’ll change into aware about that data for those who be part of a neighborhood meals tour. These often embrace journeys to town’s greatest landmarks and loads of stops in widespread native eateries alongside the best way. 

The delicacies of Victoria, BC, is numerous. The classical native delicacies is heavy on seafood, however a correct Victoria meals tour will embrace far more than what is taken into account conventional Canadian meals. In spite of everything, it’s town with the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada, and no culinary tour of Victoria is full and not using a cease there.  

Sensible Info 

Meals excursions of Victoria, BC, often final 2-3 hours. The beginning worth is $60. 

26. Admire the Plane at The BC Aviation Museum

The BC Aviation Museum is at Victoria Airport, so it’s best to have a minimum of two alternatives to go to it. It’s additionally an amazing incentive to reach on the airport early and make sure you don’t miss your flight. 

The museum exhibit spans three hangars stuffed with historic and fashionable plane. Helicopters, warplanes, and plane engines are all on show at this museum. If you happen to’re supplied a guided tour of the museum, take it. You’ll get to study a lot in regards to the plane on show, and it’s quite a bit higher than simply strolling across the hangar by yourself. 

Sensible Info 

The BC Aviation Museum is open each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The doorway price is $17 for adults. 

27. Go Kayaking or Canoeing 

Kayaking and canoeing are each extremely popular actions in Victoria, BC, and the right approach to discover town past its busy streets. Be a part of a guided kayaking tour or hire a canoe and take to the seas by yourself—no matter your choice is, it shouldn’t be an issue. 

One factor I’ll say is that guided excursions are the best choice for folks with little expertise in kayaks and canoes. The currents right here may be unpredictable, and for those who’re not conversant in the climate circumstances it might change into an disagreeable and even harmful expertise. 

The great thing about these water adventures is that they’ll take you to locations that may in any other case stay undiscovered. Wave between the small rocky islands and luxuriate in a unique perspective on Victoria’s Internal Harbor. 

Sensible Info 

A number of operates provide kayak and canoe excursions in Victoria BC, however Kelp Reef Adventures is likely one of the hottest. 

28. See the Sakura Timber in Chinatown 

I’ve talked about Fan Tan Alley because the central level of Victoria’s Chinatown, however the historic district extends approach past it. It’s the oldest Chinese language neighborhood in Canada and one of many prettiest components of Victoria. 

A gate marks the doorway to this historic space, so it’s tremendous straightforward to search out. Sakura timber line the streets of Chinatown, and so they’re cause sufficient to think about touring to Victoria within the spring. Your complete neighborhood can also be adorned with conventional Chinese language lanterns. 

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, Chinatown can also be recognized for the perfect Chinese language meals in Victoria. You’ll additionally discover a great deal of outlets that promote conventional Chinese language souvenirs, and also you would possibly need to peruse them for those who’re available in the market for distinctive souvenirs. 

Sensible Info 

The historic Chinatown neighborhood is within the northern a part of the Downtown district in Victoria BC. 

29. Whale Watching Adventures

Victoria and British Columbia, normally, are a few of Canada’s greatest spots for whale watching. There should be a dozen tour operators within the metropolis, however my favourite one is Prince of Whales, located within the Vacation spot Larger Victoria tourism heart constructing within the harbor. 

The skilled operators will take you to the perfect spots to see whales, orcas, and even seal colonies. However in addition they know to maintain their distance from the animals in order that they don’t disturb them of their each day routines. 

This operator gives year-round whale-watching experiences in 12-passenger Zodiac boats. With a 95% success charge of the excursions, you’re virtually assured to identify the majestic mammals. 

Sensible Info 

Prince of Whales whale-watching excursions can be found year-round. They begin at $150 and final 3-6 hours. 

30. Enterprise Out To Swan Lake

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is inside biking distance of downtown Victoria. It’s an amazing place to go to for those who don’t need to go to parks which are farther outdoors town heart however nonetheless need to take pleasure in a brief climbing journey. 

The character sanctuary incorporates a loop strolling path that even crosses the lake at one level. It takes roughly half-hour to finish, and it’s a well-maintained and simple strolling path appropriate for everybody. You don’t should be an skilled hiker to benefit from the Swan Lake Loop, which can reward you with some stunning views of the lake and the encircling forest. 

Sensible Info 

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is open from 10?AM to 4?PM. Admission to the park is freed from cost, however the entrance price to the Nature Home museum is a steered $6 donation. 

31. Totems at Thunderbird Park 

Thunderbird Park is a small public park in central Victoria. Located proper subsequent to the Royal BC Museum, the park is greatest recognized for its totem pole replicas and historic homes. 

The totems aren’t fairly as spectacular as those in Vancouver, however they’re nonetheless fairly a stunning sight. Mungo Martin Home is understood for its painted exterior, whereas the Helmcken Home Pioneer Physician’s Residence gives quick excursions of a surgeon’s home with interval furnishings. 

Sensible Info 

Thunderbird Park is free and accessible at any time. 

32. Ziplining in The Forest 

Thrill seekers received’t be let down by the choice of actions in Victoria. Only a 30-minute drive from the Downtown you’ll discover Adrenaline Zip – a neighborhood firm that operates ziplining excursions within the rainforest. 

One factor to notice is that that is alongside the best way for those who embark on the Galloping Goose Path. The zipline rides are thrilling and really enjoyable. Your complete journey takes about two hours, and it contains 8 zipline rides, a suspension bridge, and an ATV trip. 

Sensible Info 

The ziplining tour begins at $120. For an additional $30, they’ll throw in a shuttle service to Victoria.

33. Journey The Hop On Hop Off Bus

I’m not the largest fan of Hop-On Hop-Off buses, however I’ve to confess they’re an amazing possibility for vacationers who’re on the town for a really quick time. If you happen to’re in Victoria for under a day or two, driving the double-decker bus is nice for seeing all town’s high landmarks in that point. 

The great thing about these buses is that you would be able to get out at any cease, discover the realm, after which simply get on the bus once more. You’ll be able to even keep seated on the bus the whole time and simply sightsee from the consolation of your seat, whereas the tour information tells you the story behind the completely different sights. 

Sensible Info 

Purchase Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets for $55 (legitimate for twenty-four hours) or $88 (legitimate for 48 hours).

34. Craft Beer Crawl

With greater than 20 craft breweries all through Victoria, town is really an amazing spot for beer lovers. A great deal of pubs within the metropolis serve native craft beer, and you’ll even tour breweries to strive the drink proper on the supply. 

The Craft Beer Market in Victoria Harbor is likely one of the greatest pubs within the metropolis. It gives a big selection of native and worldwide craft beer. They even provide tasting menus, so you possibly can strive half a dozen glasses. 

The Whistle Buoy Brewing Firm within the Downtown is my best choice for a neighborhood brewery tour. 

Sensible Info 

Pubs in Victoria, BC, are often open till Sept. 11 PM and a bit longer on the weekends. 

FAQ For Finest Issues To Do In Victoria BC

Is Victoria, BC, value visiting?

Sure, Victoria BC is value visiting. It’s a beautiful metropolis with beautiful Victorian structure, a picturesque harbor, and a walkable downtown space. 

What’s Victoria BC well-known for?

Victoria BC is understood for a lot of botanical gardens and beautiful Victorian mansions. The town can also be nicknamed the biking capital of Canada, due to numerous kilometers of biking and mountain biking trails. 

What’s the #1 vacationer attraction in British Columbia?

The Stanley Park Totem Pole is by far the most well-liked vacationer attraction in British Columbia. The Butchart Gardens is essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Larger Victoria. 

Is Victoria BC a walkable metropolis?

A lot of Victoria BC is walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Nonetheless, there are lots of attention-grabbing locations outdoors the downtown which are value visiting however not accessible on foot. 

Suggestions And Info For Visiting Victoria BC

Finest Time To Go to 

The most effective time to go to Victoria relies on what your priorities are. If you wish to be within the metropolis when it’s heat and sunny, then it’s best to plan a visit in the summertime. However anticipate larger costs of inns and huge crowds of vacationers. 

If, then again, you don’t thoughts strolling round in a jacket if it means fewer vacationers and higher resort offers, journey to Victoria in April-Might or September-October. Simply take into account that town will get fairly a little bit of rainfall within the spring and autumn, so it’s not the perfect interval for out of doors actions. 

What in regards to the winter season? Victoria is spectacular within the winter and the temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 0 Celsius. It’s particularly good there through the Christmas festivities.

Getting There

Victoria Worldwide Airport is the closest airport to town, but it surely has a direct connection to only a few worldwide locations. The airport in Vancouver, then again, is the second-busiest within the nation and chances are high it is going to be your first cease in Canada. 

From there you’ve acquired a great deal of choices. Native flights, seaplanes, and ferries all make it doable to journey from Vancouver to Victoria. You’ll be able to even take a bus from the airport to town, which takes about 4 hours to achieve the vacation spot, with a ferry crossing. 

Getting Round 

Downtown Victoria is a really walkable space and you’ll go to most sights within the historic a part of town on foot. Biking is a good way of getting across the metropolis as a result of you will get to the extra distant components of Larger Victoria in about an hour, plus you received’t should take care of rush hour visitors as a lot. 

Bike leases can be found all through town and are nice for vacationers visiting Victoria. As a result of town doesn’t have a metro system, buses are the one viable mode of public transport. They’re handy for touring across the metropolis however are usually fairly gradual. 

Uber and taxis are an alternative choice for reaching the extra distant areas, however they’re additionally the costliest approach of getting round Victoria. As for automobile rental, I feel it is sensible provided that you’re on the town for an extended time. In any other case, it’s actually not value it as a result of a lot of the greatest sights within the metropolis are inside strolling distance of each other. 

How A lot Time Do You Want

Victoria is a reasonably large metropolis and I reckon you want a minimum of three days to discover all the greatest sights downtown and some well-known sights in Larger Victoria. I feel it’s doable to cowl the perfect landmarks in Victoria in about two days, however you can be in a little bit of a rush the whole time. 

Vacationers who love being open air and exploring nature could have a good time in Victoria. If you happen to can swing 5 days right here, you possibly can have sufficient time to discover an excellent chunk of Vancouver Island, a lot of which is untouched nature. 

The place To Keep In Victoria BC

Keep in Downtown Victoria or the historic James Bay neighborhood for simple strolling entry to all the perfect landmarks and sights within the metropolis. Each areas provide all kinds of inns in each worth vary, in addition to a great deal of attention-grabbing vacationer sights. Among the greatest inns in Victoria for all budgets are: 

• Ocean Island Inn gives finances lodging with a unbelievable location in Downtown Victoria. 
• Fairmont Empress is likely one of the greatest inns in central Victoria, with pretty views of Victoria Internal Harbor. 
• The Oak Bay Seashore Resort is a five-star resort with an oceanfront location. It has a unbelievable spa heart and huge rooms, however it’s fairly removed from town heart. Take into account staying on the Oak Bay Seashore Resort for those who’re planning a soothing trip in Victoria, BC.