If you are living in Victoria – or even just visiting for a short time, this list of fun things to do will hopefully give you some travel ideas and experiences to be had. So here it goes: Our list of things you shouldn’t miss while in Victoria!
Whale Watching
Make a splash! Spend the day on the wild, open Pacific waters taking in views of the pristine Northwest coastline and checking out some local whales! With a plethora of Whale Watching companies to choose from, we highly recommend the following for their professionalism, highest ratings, and value:
Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Tours: eaglewingtours.com
Fantasea Charters: fantaseacharters.com
BC Whale Tours: bcwhalewatchingtours.com
Fisherman’s Wharf
Just around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a charming treasure. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in the heart of the working harbour. Wander down the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, see moored pleasure vessels and float homes, and watch as fishing vessels unload their wares. Definitely an enjoyable experience on a sunny afternoon!
Beacon Hill
We think that it is fair to call this park “Victoria’s Secret”. With over 200 acres of parkland, Beacon Hill Park is the crowning jewel in Victoria’s park system. There are natural areas, manicured flower beds, footpaths and many sports and fun features for everyone! Another tradition is the ice cream at the Drive-In located in the park, but they do have a full menu to sooth any cravings.
Steps from downtown, enjoy a walk around the ponds and spot some sassy peacocks strutting their stuff! Make your way to Dallas Road to take in some breathtaking ocean views.
Parliament buildings
The Parliament buildings are a dominant feature of the Inner Harbour. The buildings are the official residence for the B.C. Parliament to pass laws and where the Provincial Legislative Assembly gather and discuss the direction of the province. The BC Parliament Buildings provide guided tours year-round.
For more information, you may email Tourism Victoria’s Visitor Centre at info@tourismvictoria.com, or phone 250-953-2033 or toll-free 800-663-3883.
China Town
Just a three-minute walk from Market Square, Canada’s oldest Chinatown is characterized by narrow, winding streets and lots of little shops and restaurants. The Chinatown in Victoria is the second oldest in North America after San Francisco’s. Victoria’s Chinatown had its beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century in the mass influx of miners from California to what is now British Columbia in 1858.
Be sure to check out the shops in Fan Tan Alley!
Ogden Point
A popular walk near downtown following the cement structure from Dallas Road out towards the Juan de Fuca Strait. There’s a lighthouse at the furthest point of the structure (which you’ll want to walk to). Take in the breathtaking ocean views, Victoria’s busy harbour, seagulls, seals and fisherman coexisting. Grab a coffee or a beer at the Breakwater Cafe.
Emily Carr House
Emily Carr House and Gardens, a National and Provincial Historic Site, are now “all in order and carefully tended” for you to come and experience. Stroll through the open gates and along the path that leads you towards the back verandah. Step into Emily Carr’s family home and discover for yourself how she emerged from this traditional colonial upbringing to become the internationally renowned painter and writer whose legacy of inspiration grows stronger with the passage of time.
Bastion Square
At the corner of View and Government Street, Bastion Square is located in the heart of downtown. The ceremonial entry arch, located at View and Government Streets, welcomes visitors to the original site of old Fort Victoria. The square looks out on the Inner Harbour and boasts some of the finest restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Victoria. In the summer, its seasonal artisan market and many outdoor patios make it an ideal spot to visit
Market on Yates
The best supermarket in town with the highest quality products. Locally owned, the Market on Yates delivers a wide variety of products to our customers. Great customer service, good value and knowledgeable staff. We love their meat and seafood section. Situated downtown, on Yates.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park is a series of deep, polished rock pools and potholes carved naturally into the bedrock of the Sooke River. This area is a popular spot among locals. The water is beautifully clean and clear, and lovely to swim in! We love taking a day trip here!
Visit their website here: https://www.victoriatrails.com/trails/sooke-potholes/
Mount Doug
The largest park in the Saanich area, Mount Douglas offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the area around Victoria, including east to Haro Strait, north and west through Saanich, and south towards downtown Victoria. It’s an intermediate level hike of approximately 1.5 hours offering a truly spectacular view. Mount Doug is 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria by car
Here’s their website: https://www.victoriatrails.com/trails/mount-douglas/
Pride Week (June 28 – July 5, 2020)
Celebrate your true colors and love one another! Victoria Pride Week empowers those who are – or think they may be – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, intersex, and all friends and allies to celebrate learning and empowerment throughout the week-long festival. With the Victoria Pride Parade starting on the final day July 5th.
Symphony Splash
If watching fireworks with your loved one isn’t a good idea, I don’t know what is. In early August, tens of thousands of people will take to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the 31st annual Victoria Symphony Splash. From a floating stage in the Inner Harbour, the VS orchestra and special guests will perform, ending with fireworks of course!
Vic West Path to Esquimalt
A short stroll may lead to a big adventure, right? Do not miss this out and take a stroll along the water in Vic West and explore the meandering paths along the rugged coastline.
Shopping
Shop in the name of love. Johnson Street includes one of the highest concentrations of independent boutiques in Canada all situated amongst the colourful façade of impeccably maintained heritage buildings. The street’s history dates back to the founding of Victoria. Lower Johnson Street, extending west from Broad Street down to Wharf Street, is the epicentre of fashion in Victoria and definitely a place to check out!
Visit Little Gold for elegant yet understated jewelry from local and international designers. Stop by John Fluevog for some funky heels (John Fluevog is a Victoria native), and stop into Citizen Clothing for the latest trends.
