travel services in victoria bc

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1889 Oak Bay Avenue

Victoria, BC V8R 1C6

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Business Owner

Departures Travel is an independently owned full-service travel agency in Victoria BC. We are officially Victoria's oldest travel agency located in a gorgeous sunny location on Oak Bay Avenue. We now have a team and a new office in Sidney BC. We also have a team of travel experts in Alberta. Our mission is to deliver you high-touch, personalized customer service enhanced by well-travelled, dedicated, trained, and long-term expert travel advisors. Our well-experienced and consumer-focused experts will take special care of all your needs, desires and preferences. So, sit back and relax and let Departures make your travel experiences hassle-free, enjoyable and memorable! …

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Wow. Talk about stuck up and unfriendly people. It's no wonder that travel agencies are dying a fast death. I complain a lot about the lack of customer service these days but it's true. What happened to common sense, basic good manners and good customer service? I travel a lot and with the help of a wonderful travel agent in Vancouver I've had some great experiences and adventures. So they're not all bad but the woman in "Departures" on Oak Bay ave could have cared less about discussing travel options with me. So I would not recommend seeking travel information from this business. Book your next vacation online. There is better customer service online these days.... and better deals.

I have had the pleasure of working with the Departures team. One example is when my son was travelling internationally. Colleen troubleshooted and was so helpful with managing the logistics. On a separate note, they are super generous to our community being members of 100 Women Who Care Victoria, and are a drop off point for our member's donations. Can't say enough about these professionals who always take the extra step to serve. Thank you to all of the team at Departures!

This is an amazing group to work with! So warm friendly and extremely knowledgeable for all your travel needs! They will jump through hoops to get you the travel experience you so deserve! Wow reading the negative response from below is quite shocking and in my opinion unbelievable, please don't consider this review! I have never had better service! I book all my trips through Departures be it big or small and know with comfort that I will be well taken care of! Forever a Departures customer and keep up the fabulous work! Thank you thank you!

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Vancouver Island Travel and Occupational Health Clinic in Victoria, BC

Visiting a travel health clinic is essential for any traveller embarking on a trip, especially when travelling to areas with high-risk health conditions. Our travel and occupational health clinic in Victoria, BC, provides various services to ensure travellers are adequately prepared for their journeys. These services include providing vaccinations, TB test services, first aid supplies, assisting with healthful travel planning, and addressing all specific travel needs. An essential resource for travellers, we provide a comprehensive range of services for patients who are travelling internationally, as well as for employers, employee drug testing , occupational health services including medical and physical evaluations , TB testing and vaccines for keeping our patients safe at home and workplace.

• All travel and non-travel vaccines
• Yellow fever vaccines
• Preventative vaccine and self-treatment for traveller's diarrhea
• Travel medicines for malaria and altitude sickness prevention
• Travel supplies (e.g., bandages, gauze, antiseptic wound cleaner, saline nasal spray, etc.)
• International certificate for proof of vaccinations
• Employment drug testing
• Occupational health services including medical and physical evaluations
• Functional fitness testing
• Tuberculosis (TB) test and vaccination
• Employee health and vaccinations

To keep travellers safe, healthy, and comfortable, we provide the following travel services:

Pre-travel medical advice

Pre-travel medical advice is a service provided by travel clinics to help travellers prepare for their journey. It involves a consultation with one of our healthcare professionals who will assess the traveller's health status, destinations, and itinerary to provide personalized advice on how to stay healthy while travelling. This may include recommendations for vaccinations, medication, and precautions to avoid contracting illnesses such as malaria or dengue fever. Pre-travel medical advice can help travellers make informed decisions about their health and safety while travelling, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free trip.

Travel vaccinations

Travel vaccinations are vaccines given to travellers to protect them from contracting infectious diseases abroad. We provide injections specifically designed to provide immunity to diseases prevalent in some areas of the world. The purpose of travel vaccinations is to prevent the spread of diseases and to protect travellers from getting sick. Some standard travel vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, typhoid, and rabies. It is essential to receive vaccinations before travelling to ensure a safe and healthy journey.

Travel medicine

Travel medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the health needs of travellers. It involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating health issues that may arise during travel. Our team provides pre-travel medical advice, including recommendations for necessary vaccinations and medications, as well as advice on how to stay healthy while travelling. We also offer post-travel care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses acquired while travelling. The goal of travel medicine is to ensure that travellers stay healthy and safe while travelling, regardless of their destination or itinerary.

BC employers require healthcare workers & first responders to get employment drug testing and occupational health services including medical and physical evaluations , TB testing and vaccination, and other workplace vaccinations. WE CAN DO THAT FOR YOU!

Benefits of Travel and Employment Health Clinic Victoria Island, BC

The Vancouver Island Travel and Occupational Health Clinic is the go-to place for travellers who want to protect their health prior to take-off. Our highly trained and professional staff is composed of licensed healthcare professionals who have extensive experience in travel medicine. We are dedicated to providing personalized pre-travel medical advice, including recommendations for necessary vaccinations, medications, and tips on how to stay healthy while travelling. Our clinic is also equipped to provide TB test service and first aid supplies to travellers.

To minimize stress before your trip, we offer direct billing to most insurance providers, making the process of receiving vaccinations and other services more convenient for travellers. Additionally, we accept private insurance, making our services accessible to a broader range of travellers. As a city with many international residents and travellers, we also provide information in both metric and imperial units.

With our expert staff, convenient services, and commitment to traveller health, the Vancouver Island Travel Clinic is the go-to destination for anyone looking to stay healthy and safe while travelling and workplace. Please contact our team today to check vaccine availability, receive pre-travel medical advice, purchase travel medications, or obtain occupational health testing, employment functional evaluation service and certification.

Vancouver Island Travel Clinic

#103 - 2020 Richmond Road Victoria, BC V8R 6R5

Email: [email protected]

Contact Us Today

Explore Victoria , British Columbia

With its stately parliament buildings, glorious gardens and cultural amenities, the Queen's namesake city flaunts its quintessential British bent. On arrival, two prominent features—landscaping and architecture—immediately beg a closer look. Victoria cultivates the British passion for horticulture. Flowers and foliage pruned to perfection pop up everywhere: in more than 900 hanging baskets throughout the city; displayed under glass at the Crystal Garden conservatory; gracing the lawn of Government House, residence of the lieutenant governor; and even in experimental patches at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific. Learn More...

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Victoria, B.C.

Everything to eat, sleep, see and do in the seaside city..

by : Jillian Vieira - May 26th, 2022

Instagram: @bluegrousewines, @evaschnitzelhaus, @ritualnordicspa

Undoubtedly British Columbia’s brightest gem, Victoria is home to an unparalleled food scene, a boom in cool breweries, can’t-miss cultural spots and the absolute freshest air a city dweller could dream of. Is there anything this coastal city can’t do? Turns out, no. Read on for our tried-and-tested itinerary packed with the best places to stay, eat and see in Victoria.

Magnolia Hotel & Spa

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Victoria BC Boutique Hotel (@magnoliahotel)

When you’re after the boutique feel, book in for a few blissful nights at the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, an award-winning, locally owned institution that’s steps from Victoria’s stunning Inner Harbour. Here, the little details matter: cloud-like beds, recently renovated, marble-clad bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, a welcome glass of Vancouver Island-sourced sparkling for guests checking in on the weekends, locally made chocolates placed on your nightside table during turndown service. The Magnolia even offers highly curated trail maps to inspire adventuring all over the city. Take out one of the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes to explore the suggested (and sworn by) hidden gems along Government Street, Chinatown and other nearby hotspots.

623 Courtney St., magnoliahotel.com

EAT & DRINK

Eva schnitzelhaus .

Take traditional Bavarian cuisine and mix it with a modern feel — that’s Eva, a new eatery nestled in Victoria’s Chinatown. Some menu highlights: snappy currywurst, gooey raclette laid over fingerling potatoes, plus a crisp-on-the-outside-chewy-in-the-centre pretzel served with mustard-y butter. Even the eggplant schnitzel, a dead-on dupe for the vegetarians amongst the group, is a must for the table. Pints of German beer are a given at Eva, but don’t sleep on the cocktail list options, including the Shwartzwald Manhattan, a Black Forest-flavour spin on the classic.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Eva Schnitzelhaus (@evaschnitzelhaus)

Blue Grouse Estate Winery

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Blue Grouse Estate Winery (@bluegrousewines)

Just 45 minutes from Victoria in the Cowichan Valley is Blue Grouse, a lovely low-intervention winery that’s well on its way to becoming certified organic. Take in the truly epic views — seriously, it looks like the Austrian countryside — with a glass of Rosé Frizzante, a sparkly, strawberry-tinged wine that’s utterly gluggable. It’s the kind of bottle that’ll warrant paying for checked luggage on your way home. (If you’re looking for a DD, book a half day with Explore Vancouver Island , a one-man touring company that’ll cart you around to other must-hit spots like Merridale Cidery & Distillery . The converted mini school bus you ride in is equipped with a four-wheel upgrade for even more up-island excursions, too.)

2182 Lakeside Rd., bluegrouse.ca

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by s h e r w o o d (@sherwood.victoria)

710 Pandora Ave., sherwoodvictoria.com

The Courtney Room

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Downtown Victoria Restaurant (@thecourtneyroom)

619 Courtney St., thecourtneyroom.com

Whistle Buoy Brewing Company

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Whistle Buoy Brewing (@whistlebuoybrewing)

560 Johnson St. Lower Courtyard, whistlebuoybrewingcompany.com

Ritual Nordic Spa

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by RITUAL Nordic Spa (@ritualnordicspa)

Racking up 25k steps a day in a new city will eventually catch up with you. When your tourist legs are about to quit, head to Ritual, a modern-day bathhouse dreamed up by owner Marci Hotsenpiller who took her Finnish grandmother’s love of sauna and turned it into an urban Nordic spa. The aim is to recover and recharge; the therapeutic Rx that’ll get you to that zen state is its hot-cold-relax circuit. Start in one of two authentic steam rooms, take a dip in the cold plunge (or stand under a bucket shower if you want to get it over with quick!), then zen out in the salt lounge or on Ritual’s secluded patio. It’s designed to be wellness that’s semi-social with none of the pretentious spa vibes.

989 Johnson St., ritualnordicspa.com

Malahat Skywalk

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Malahat SkyWalk (@malahatskywalk)

Looking for a roadside attraction that actually lives up to the hype? Plan a day trip up to Malahat Skywalk. The experience starts with a 600-metre nature walk high up in an arbutus tree grove, a completely accessible forest path dotted with inconspicuous wildlife works by local driftwood artist Tanya Bub. Then, you’ll climb the actual Skywalk,  an open-air, wooden helix (generously equipped with a gentle ramp) that takes you 250 metres above sea level. At the top of the towering structure, you’re treated to bird’s eye views of the South Island and, if you’re feeling gutsy, a speedy ride on the spiral slide that’ll bring you back down to ground level. There’s nothing like a 10-second whirl from way up to make you feel like a kid again.

901 Trans Canada Hwy., malahatskywalk.com

Explore Songhees Walking Tour

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Explore Songhees (@exploresonghees)

Those who crave a bit of culture should check out a walking tour with Explore Songhees. Starting at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour — a location, it should be known, that resides on traditional Lekwungen Territory — Indigenous guide Cecelia Dick shares the traditions, history and significant sites of her ancestors, the Songhees Nation. Learn about their cultural practices like canoe racing, dancing and sustainable land use, then enjoy a homemade bannock tasting paired with fresh jam.

exploresonghees.com

See more accommodation options at hotels.com

Read more: These Are the Top Canadian Vacation Rental Properties Right Now Far and Away: Visit Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn Chasing the Northern Lights: Plan Your Trip to the Yukon

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

April 16, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

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Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

• Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
• Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
• Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
• Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

• Fairmont Empress (luxury)
• Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
• Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria.

Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk

The Malahat Skywalk , one of the newest attractions in Victoria, offers a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the top things to do in Victoria. Perched on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this awe-inspiring structure provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty—from the deep blue waters of the Saanich Inlet to the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The adventure begins with a scenic walk through a lush Arbutus forest, leading up to an exhilarating ascent of the spiralling, 10-story wooden tower. At the summit, guests can either soak in the breathtaking views or opt for a thrilling descent via the 20-meter spiral slide. The combination of stunning landscapes, innovative design, and adventurous elements makes the Malahat Skywalk a must-visit destination, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday fireworks show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moved with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching . Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

• Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Day Trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big , there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Best Hotels in Victoria
• Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
• Things to Do in Vancouver
• Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
• Canada Road Trip Ideas

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

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getting around

Getting around Victoria is a pleasant and easy experience. No matter what method of transportation you prefer, you will be able to find your way around Victoria with ease.

Buses & Transit

• 520 Gorge Road East Victoria, BC V8W 9T5
• Phone: 250-385-2551
• Fax: 250-995-5639

BC Transit is available seven days a week, and serves not only downtown Victoria, but also all ferry terminals (Sidney, Ogden Point, Swartz Bay and Brentwood Bay), along with the Victoria International Airport.

If the occasion requires you to use more than one bus to complete your trip, and cash/tickets are your fare payment, you will require a either two tickets or a dayPASS which allows unlimited travel in one day.

• PO Box 207 461B Main Street Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
• Phone: 250-725-2871
• Toll Free: 866-986-3466

Tofino Bus’ licensed and experienced drivers will help you enjoy the comfortable ride in a 21 passenger mini bus. The drivers are very friendly and as the ride goes, they will comment on the historical buildings.

Offering daily year-round departures, Tofino Bus is the gateway to the Tofino, Pacific Rim, Ucluelet, Long Beach and Pacific Rim National Park.

Car & Truck Rentals

• 757 Douglas Street Victoria, BC V8W 2B4
• Phone: 250-953-5300
• Toll Free: 800-668-9833

Visit Budget for the largest selection of rental vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, specialty models). They also offer free detailed maps, 2 for 1 or 50% off from coupons for accommodations, attractions, restaurants, ocean adventures and services. The service areas include all Inner Harbour arrivals, cruise ships, floatplanes, Seattle and Port Angeles Ferries.

• Didi Car Rentals & Sales Ltd 643 David Street
• Victoria, BC V8T 2C9
• Phone: 778 430 3999

Didi Car Rentals and Sales Ltd. is a very competitive company, with their prices being the first indicator of that – Offers start from $29.99 on sophisticated high-end vehicles. Some other services include a Free Vancouver Island travel guide, local pick up and drop off, flight service, official Chinese drive listen translation and more.

• National Car and Truck Rentals 767 Douglas Street
• Phone: 250-386-1213

National offers low daily, weekly and monthly rates for high quality car and truck rentals, minivans and sport utility vehicles. They also offer special weekend packages—one-way rentals are available, plus customer pickup and return in the service area.

Chaffeur & Charter Services

• International Stage Lines 4171 Vanguard RoadRichmond, BC V6X 2P6
• Phone: 604-270-6135
• Fax: 604- 270-8162

1978 marks the year when International Stage Lines started providing charter services with a fleet of 40 coaches. For a premium price, International Stage Lines provides charter motor coach services, no matter the size. In addition, they offer Airport & Ferry terminal transfers, Day Trips, Sightseeing Tours and Conference Shuttles. Local services are available for any group of people traveling to Vancouver, Seattle and Whistler.

• L.A. Limousine Tours PO Box 27085 – 772 Goldstream Avenue
• Victoria BC V9B 2X3
• Phone: 250-391-9000

Serving Victoria and Vancouver Island since 1989, L.A. Limousine Tours has become the largest ground transportation company on Vancouver Island. With high-end models such as Lincoln Town Cars, Nagivator SUV’s, Exclusive Vans, Lincoln MKT’s, Navigator SUV Stretches and a Limousine Bus with 26 seats to ride in, guests will be able to travel in a comfortable and discreet style. L.A. Limousine Tours is also one of the first limousine companies in BC that offers a Hybrid Luxury vehicle option for their clients.

• Landsea Tours 680 Industrial Avenue
• Vancovuer, BC V6A 2P3
• Phone: 604-255-7272

For a beautiful half-day or even a full-day sightseeing adventure, Landsea Tours & Adventures offers breathtaking tours around Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver’s North Shore and Sea-to-Sky corridor. With very skilled driverswho will host both an entertaining and informative tour, each excursion is personalized for you. Bring a camera, as there are some stops with free time to admire the gorgeous scenery that BC has to offer.

Horse-drawn Carriages

• Tally Ho Carriage Tours Corner of Belleville &Menzies Streets
• Victoria, BC V8M 1V9
• Phone: 250-514-9257

Running since 1903, Tally-Ho Carriage Tours is the original horse-drawn tour company in Victoria, known for creating breathtaking memories. Experienced guides gladly show you the mesmerizing capital of British Columbia and reveal Victoria’s well-rounded history. The tour begins near Victoria Harbour, close to downtown, and slowly goes by some of the many beautiful heritage homes in Southern Vancouver Island. If you wish, you could also wander through the scenic Beacon Hill Park or gaze upon the Dallas Road waterfront.

• Victoria Carriage Tours Corner of Belleville &Menzies Streets
• Victoria, BC V8W 1T3
• Phone:250-383-2207

For more than 30 years, Victoria Carriage Tours has provided the best horse drawn carriage or trolley experience. Guided tours, given by friendly and professional drivers in tuxedos and top hats, include the amazing Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park and James Bay.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

• Cycle BC.ca rentals 685 Humboldt Street
• Victoria, BC V8W 1A6
• Phone: 250-380-2543

Cycle BC Rentals proudly offers the largest selection of rentals of high-end motorcycles, bicycles, scooters and accessories. They also offer the best rates for new and high-end equipment. They’ll show you how to explore the best secrets of Victoria: its scenic waterfront, popular gardens and many buildings that gleam with history.

• Shuttles & Taxicabs 2nd Floor 2612 Quadra Street
• Victoria, BC V8T 4E4
• Phone:250-382-2222

Shuttles and Taxicabs takes pride in everything they do. During fifty-four years of serving the locals of Greater Victoria, they have shown a high level of reliability and dedication to their customers. They provide very clean and comfortable cars, polite and friendly operators and courteous service.

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Victoria is truly walkable. The Inner Harbour and downtown core are best explored on foot, but there are several other types of transportation. From horse drawn carriage to double-decker bus, find transportation for your preferred pace.

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