Top 12 Things to Do in Victoria, Canada, Explore and Experience!

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In this post we will be introducing the historical, outdoorsy, west coast city of Victoria, B.C. We will be discussing a brief history and revealing our top 12 things to do! For any tours or activities, you might be interested in, you can book through Expedia, Viator or Get your Guide all very easy to use, reliable and what we recommend.

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Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Victoria
2. Victoria’s Historical Run Down
3. Top 12 Things to do and experience in Victoria.
4. References
5. The Wrap up

1. Introducing Victoria, Canada:

Tucked away on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC is a coastal gem that blends historic charm with laid-back island vibes. As the capital of the Canadian Province of British Colombia, this city is known for its picturesque Inner Harbour, the beautiful Fairmont Empress Hotel, the oldest Chinatown in Canada, the impressive Beacon Hill Park, waterfront walking trails, the unique Fisherman’s Wharf, lots of delicious food choices and more. Victoria is a perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for everyone!

2. Victoria’s Historical Run Down:

• For thousands of years this area has been home to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and you can still see their influence here today.

• In 1778 Captain James Cook was the first European to explore the area, which caused interest in the region.

• In 1843 the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Victoria, as a fur trading post, named after the Queen of England.

• In 1858 the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush brought a surge of settlers to the area, transforming Victoria into a major supply center.

• In 1871 British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation, and Victoria became the official capital of the new province.

• In the late 1800’s/ early 1900’s Victoria grew as a shipping and naval base and took on its British influence through its architecture in buildings like the Empress Hotel and the Parliament buildings.

• In the mid 1900’s the city shifted from industry to military focus to become a tourist and government center.

3. Top 12 Things to Do in Victoria:

1. Fisherman’s Wharf with a Fish and Chips Lunch:

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the charming Fisherman’s Wharf. This unique coastal gem is a lively floating village featuring a collection of whimsical, colourful houseboats, local shops, restaurants, and food kiosks, perched right on the water. Watch for the harbour seals playfully swimming by, as well as ducks and mergansers. Check out the delicious Barb’s Fish and Chips for a great lunch or dinner. You can also catch a whale watching tour or one of the cute little water taxis from here. You don’t need a long time to explore this area, but it’s defiantly worth a stop. For more information, check it out here.

2. Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Inner Harbour:

The iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel first open its doors on January 20^th, 1908. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway because of a dream they had to build chateau-style hotels across Canada to accommodate their affluent clients, and they didn’t just want impressive hotels, they wanted them in locations that would showcase Canada’s diverse beauty. Victoria’s Empress hotel was built across from the beautiful inner harbour with great views of the bay and of the provincial parliament buildings. Fun fact, the Empress hotel has been making their own Empress 1908 Indigo Gin since 2017, it has a distinct indigo blue shade because of the butterfly pea blossom used in its distilling process. So, If you’re exploring the hotel, stop by one of the bars and try one of their famous Gin & Tonics. While you’re there, cross the street and stroll along the board walk in the inner harbour, from there you can take a water taxi, or small boat tour towards the gorge waters. For more information on the Empress check it our here.

3. Songhees/Inner Harbour Trail with Water Taxi:

This waterfront trail runs on both sides of the Victoria Harbour, (Inner Harbour Trail on the downtown side and Songhees Trail on the opposite side) it’s mainly flat and covers almost 6 kms. The views are amazing and there are places to stop along the way. We’ve been to Victoria several times and I’d always wanted to do this walk, so the last time we were there we made a point to do it. On this trip we were staying just outside of the downtown core, so we had a car, we drove into town in the morning and parked at Parking lot 708, near the water. This is where we started our walk, so it will depend on where you are staying, but basically head down to the water and head towards the Johnson St. Bridge (it’s the new fancy bridge that glows blue at night). You’ll cross over the bridge then head west (left) and follow the path along the water. You’ll pass by the upscale Delta Marriott Hotel, (with washrooms), a few parks, the Victoria International Marina, with the Boom and Batten restaurant, just past that is Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Guesthouse, known as Canada’s oldest brewpub and a local favourite, they also sell homemade chocolate and fresh baked bread for take away. Lastly, you’ll reach the West Bay Marina, where the Songhees Trail ends. Here you’ll see a village of floating home, similar to the Fisherman’s Wharf, but without the shops and restaurants. Here we are suggesting to catch one of the Victoria Harbour Ferries (little water taxis) over to Fisherman’s Wharf, look for the Ferry sign and call the number for pick up, otherwise you might be waiting for a while. The ferry ride its self doesn’t take very long 10/15mins, once you reach Fisherman’s Wharf, explore the floating homes, shops and stop for lunch at Barb’s fish and chips. From here you have about a 2.0km walk back to the parking lot or less depending on where you started.

4. Victoria Food Tour:

We love doing food tours, definitely one of our favourite things to do when travelling. We’re from Canada, so was curious as to what food they would service us, but they did not disappoint. We had a mix of Korean, Middle Eastern, French, Mexican, street food, sandwiches, baked goods, drinking chocolate, wine and more, we all really enjoyed it. It was approx. 2 hours, and our guide was great, super friendly and knowledgeable, we got a history lesson, as well as some great food. It was $120 per person, definitely enough food to consider this either your lunch or dinner. We booked through Viator and choose the Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour by Off the Eaten Track. Check them out.

5. Beacon Hill Park:

This is a must-see in Victoria for a leisurely stroll, this park covers 200 acres of parkland and is known as the crowning jewel of Victoria’s Park system. We have been different times of year but have always been lucky enough to see some beautiful animals, peacocks, blue herons, deer, turtles, wood ducks, ducks and lots of other birds, there is also beautiful ponds, fountains, a stone bridge, gardens, and recreational areas. When we were there in April one year, it was when the blue herons were having their babies and there were a lot of herons in the trees and flying overhead, was quite an experience. The park flows down to the water at the Strait of Juan De Fuca, so there are views of the water too. Another interesting thing about this park, is that there is a sign within the park that marks Mile Zero (technically Kilometer zero) of Canada’s 8,000 km long Trans-Canada Highway that starts here! The address is Beacon Hill Park, 100 Cook Street and it’s about a 5-7mins walk from the Inner Harbour.

6.  High Tea at the Pendray Inn and Tea house:

This was one of our highlights, we choose the Pendray Inn & Tea House instead of the Empress Hotel for high tea for two reasons, well maybe three, it wasn’t anywhere near as busy, it was less expensive, and this Inn was adorable! This place is what I would envision if I thought of a Victorian Tea House. We stayed in their attached hotel before, Huntingdon Manor Hotel and it was quite nice, but hadn’t done the High Tea, so was quite excited to try it out and was not disappointed. Our server was very professional and attentive, and the food and tea were delicious, enough to fill us up for our lunch. The Empress would definatley be another option if you wanted to do a high tea, but we really liked the Pendray Inn, check it out and decide.

7. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site:

This place is about 25 to 30 mins from downtown Victoria, in Colwood. This historic site has Fort Rodd Hill, a 19^th-century west coast artillery fortress that was on active duty from 1895 to 1956 and the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada, the Fisgard lighthouse. You can explore inside both sites and wander along the beach or if the timing works out watch one of the Canadian Navel ships set sail from the Esquimalt Harbour. There is a fee to get in, but until September 2^nd, 2025, there is free admission, so take advantage of this if you can. For more information, check it our here.

8. Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley:

Victoria’s Chinatown is a must-see destination, not only is it a National Historic Site, it’s the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and has the narrowest street in Canada, the pedestrian only Fan Tan Alley, a very unique alleyway that opens up to some interesting shops. There is another interesting hidden gem, Dragon Alley, which leads to a housing area. There is a lot to explore, so take your time and look at as much as you can. They have a lot of shops and restaurant in this area, and the Victoria’s Chinatown Museum. The history is incredible so soak it all in.

9. Craigdarroch Castle:

If you take a 30 mins stroll east of the Inner Harbour you’ll get to this beautiful landmark, and Victorian-era Scottish Mansion. The Craigdarroch Castle was built by the coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria, between 1887 and 1889. Robert and his wife Joan had 11 children, 2 of which were sons who both worked in the family business. Unfortunately, Robert never saw the completion of the castle as he died in 1889 before it was finished. Joan lived in it for 18 years until she died in 1908. If you enjoy history, this is a great place to visit. The castle is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 6:00pm and tickets are $23.50 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youth, and children.

10. Malahat Skywalk:

The impressive Malahat Skywalk is approx. 45 mins north of downtown Victoria, it opened in July of 2021, and stands at 32 meters tall. It has a coffee shop, gift shop with indigenous art, a 600m treewalk through the forest with wooden sculpture of animals, which leads you to the gentle spiral ramp that takes you up to the top of the lookout. There are amazing views of the water, forest and far away mountains, it’s quite spectacular! We arrived early in the morning and at first there was a lot of fog, which looked pretty interesting, but within a few hours, our views completely changed.  On your way down you can either walk back the way you came up or take the spiral slide, we opted for the slide, which was fun, but went a little faster than I thought it would. They offer a free shuttle from downtown Victoria and tickets are $43.95 online or $46.95 at the ticket window for adults 18-64, there are discounts for youth and seniors and free for those 5 and under. Check out their website for more information and up to date pricing, open/closing hours, and free shuttle schedule.

11. Ogden Point and James Bay Neighbourhood:

The James Bay Neighbourhood is just west of Beacon Hill Park, and south of the Inner Harbour. This is the oldest residential neighbourhood on the west coast of Canada. Development started in this area in 1859 when Governor James Douglas started the construction of the administration buildings, this spurred the residential development and by 1897 the area grew considerably. The Governor and his wife lived in a house on the corner where the present-day Royal BC Museum stands, and the famous Canadian painter from the Group of 7, Emily Carr, grew up in this neighbourhood. You can do a self-guided James Bay Heritage walking tour of the neighbourhood, that is quite interesting. Check it out for more information and map.

South of the James Bay Neighbourhood is Ogden Point, this is where all the cruise ships dock, but there is also a long wharf with a lighthouse at the end, it’s almost a kilometer long, takes about 10 mins to walk, and boasts some nice views. There is also a nice café at the beginning of it called Break Water Café, they had good looking menu and tasty food.

12. Gold Stream Provincial Park:

A short 30 mins drive from downtown is the beautiful Gold Stream Provincial Park, with huge, Douglas-fir, and Western Red Cedars trees, if you’re looking to walk among giant trees, this park won’t disappoint. They have great hiking trails, fishing, wildflowers, waterfalls, you can spot bald eagles and in the fall is the annual salmon run, so lots to do. A great place to reconnect with nature and have a picnic! Make sure you check out there website above for up to date info on trail conditions.

4. References:

All of this information, research and suggestions came from our own experiences we had while exploring this beautiful west coast city of Victoria. As well, we spent countless hours researching and reading travel books, like DK Eyewitness, Top 10 Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Moon’s Victoria and Vancouver Island. We also read multiple Travel blogs and tourism websites like, this one!

5. The Wrap up:

After reading this, we hope you feel inspired to visit this outdoorsy, historical, west coast city, filled with incredible views, hikes, and great food. We hope you find our information helpful when you’re planning your own trip to Victoria, Canada.

At Wild Meadow Studio, we love everything travel – planning, research, maps, books, itineraries, tours, trying local foods, meeting new people, hiking, cooking classes, relaxing and of course creating memories and artwork, through our photos! We enjoy talking travel too, whether it’s sharing our experiences or hearing about yours. So, comment, ask questions, give advice, join our mailing list, like, follow, pin, share with friends, anything goes, let’s talk travel!

Thank you,

From Wild Meadow Studio

A Travel and Photography Blog

Where we Focus on the Journey

By: Beth de Verteuil

www.wildmeadowstudio.com

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