** This post was updated July 9, 2024 **

Victoria is the cuter-than-a-button, picturesque darling of British Columbia. I really love this little city – with its super-easy and affordable ferry trip from Seattle, and its walkable fun-filled streets, what’s not to love? When you’re looking for things to do in Victoria, look no further.

It is also the capital of British Columbia, so there is a lot of history surrounding it, as well. Most of the attractions are centered around the waterfront/downtown area, so everything is within walking distance. It makes for a great day trip by ferry from Seattle, but to really get the full experience, plan 2-3 days here.

For great hiking near Victoria BC, read my post about it.

Things to Do in Victoria, BC

With its close proximity to Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, Victoria is a great place to visit all year round, as the weather is generally mild. However, I’ve found that late Spring through Autumn is the perfect time frame in which to visit. 

When you get tired of walking, there are bike rentals available. You will also find some horse-carriage rides near the waterfront, but honestly, they are kind of touristy and overpriced. But a nice romantic thing to do if you’re so inclined.

Below are things to do, places to eat, and where to stay. First, here are some photos to wet your whistle.

What to Do in Victoria – a Sample 2-day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown and Surroundings

Breakfast at Jam Café
– Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jam Café, known for its all-day breakfast menu and delicious comfort food.

Explore the Inner Harbour
– Take a stroll along the Inner Harbour. Enjoy the scenic views, street performers, and historic buildings like the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Royal BC Museum
– Spend a couple of hours exploring the Royal BC Museum. Don’t miss the First Peoples Gallery and the Natural History Gallery.

Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish
– Head to Red Fish Blue Fish for a sustainable seafood experience. Enjoy fish tacos, seafood chowder, and more from this popular waterfront eatery.

Beacon Hill Park
– In the afternoon, wander through Beacon Hill Park, a beautiful urban park with gardens, ponds, and walking trails. Visit the petting zoo and check out the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole.

Hatley Castle
– Visit Hatley Castle in Victoria, B.C. is a stunning historic mansion that sits amidst beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes. This century-old castle boasts a rich history and has served as a filming location for various movies and TV shows.

Dinner at Il Terrazzo
– Enjoy a delightful Italian meal at Il Terrazzo, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious pasta and seafood dishes.

Take an Evening Walk Along the Harbour
– After dinner, take an evening walk along the Inner Harbour. The area is beautifully lit at night and perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Day 2: Gardens and Coastal Beauty

Breakfast at Blue Fox Café
– Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Blue Fox Café, a local favorite known for its delicious and varied menu.

Butchart Gardens
– Spend the morning exploring Butchart Gardens. This world-renowned garden features beautifully manicured landscapes, themed gardens, and vibrant floral displays.

Lunch at The Dining Room Restaurant (Butchart Gardens)
– Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Dining Room Restaurant within Butchart Gardens. The restaurant offers a lovely view of the gardens and a delicious menu.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens
– Visit Victoria Butterfly Gardens, located near Butchart Gardens. Wander through the tropical rainforest environment and admire the colorful butterflies and exotic plants.

Sidney by the Sea
– Take a short drive to the charming town of Sidney. Explore the quaint shops, visit the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, and enjoy a walk along the waterfront.

Dinner at The Fish Store
– Head back to Victoria and have dinner at The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy fresh seafood in a casual, laid-back setting.

Sunset at Dallas Road
– End your day with a scenic drive along Dallas Road. Stop at one of the viewpoints to watch the sunset over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Bonus Activities

Victoria’s Chinatown – savor the shops, the restaurants, and the mystery that surrounds it all.

Fisherman’s Wharf  On the south side of the inner harbor.

Hatley Castle  An exquisite historical site just outside of town.

Afternoon Tea at the Empress.  An honest-to-gosh English tea experience, with a tri-tiered dessert niblet tray.

Whale Watching  Whale sighting are never a guarantee, but oh what a view!

For great shopping information, go to Victoria Shopping.

Other Options for Dining in Victoria

Bard & Banker Public House  A Scottish style pub with two floors, great food and drink and plenty of live music and KILTS!

Spinnakers Craft beer and pub food lovers unite!

Pig BBQ Joint   The best BBQ in town, hands down.

Red Fish Blue Fish  A popular seafood eatery that’s easy on the wallet!

Brasserie L’Ecole  For something a bit more upscale, try this incredible French bistro.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Ocean Island Inn  A cute, funky hostel with private rooms for the budget traveler.

Inn at Laurel Point  I’ve stayed here before and it’s a great mid-range hotel. Very comfortable.

Fairmont Empress Hotel  Go all out and stay at this iconic property.

How to Get to Victoria

To reach Victoria from Seattle, you have several convenient options. The most scenic route is by taking a ferry. Hop on the Victoria Clipper, a high-speed passenger-only ferry that takes you directly from downtown Seattle to the Inner Harbour of Victoria in just under three hours. Another option is to drive to the port at Anacortes and take the Washington State Ferry to Sidney, B.C., which is a short drive from Victoria.

The current fares to take a ferry from Seattle to Victoria can be found HERE. 

Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria is equally straightforward. You can drive or take a bus to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, where you’ll board a BC Ferries vessel for a one-and-a-half hour picturesque journey through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay. From there, it’s a quick 30-minute drive to Victoria. Alternatively, for a speedier option, consider a floatplane service like Harbour Air, which flies you from downtown Vancouver directly to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in just about 35 minutes.

The current fares to take a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria can be found HERE.