Planning a vacation to Vancouver Island? Then you’ll definitely want to visit the capital, Victoria. It’s one of the most British cities in Canada. Located at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, the city is named after British Queen Victoria. In 1849, the Canadian city was designated as the capital of the British colony, known as British Columbia. It’s smaller than Vancouver, but thanks to its rich history, there are plenty of Victoria attractions to explore. Here are our top 10 picks of things to do in Victoria!
Map overview: things to do in Victoria
With this handy map of Victoria, you can see at a glance where all the must-do activities are located. When you click on the map, you can go directly to Google Maps and find all the details you need.
Enjoy!
The 10 must-see attractions in Victoria BC
To make planning your city trip to Victoria easier, we’ve compiled the following list of all the Victoria attractions you definitely shouldn’t miss!
- Royal BC Museum
- Beacon Hill Park
- Cycling in Victoria
- Craigdarroch Castle
- British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- Chinatown
- Fisherman’s Wharf Park
- Miniature World
- The Butchart Gardens
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Royal BC Museum
This museum, which received the title ‘Royal’ from the British Queen in 1987, houses an enormous collection of artifacts. Both natural and human history enthusiasts will find something to enjoy here. There are always exhibitions on a wide range of themes. Indigenous culture is honored through exhibitions on original languages, totem poles, and other artifacts.
The Royal British Columbia Museum truly has something for everyone. One moment you’re learning about the Mayans, and in the next room, you’re viewing various unique plant species. Altogether, the museum houses 7 million objects. You’ll be amazed. Check out here for an overview of all current exhibitions.
Beacon Hill Park
Victoria’s large park is an attraction in itself. This green oasis by the shore also houses the world’s tallest totem pole. Made by the Kwakwaka’wakw tribe, this nearly 39-meter-high religious statue has stood in Beacon Hill Park for over 60 years. Additionally, there’s a lovely pond with charming bridges. The park is quite enchanting, but it also caters to the more active visitors. If you’re in the mood for a game of baseball, this is the place to be.
See more by bike
If you want to discover all the attractions in Victoria in a short time, choose the Victoria Highlights Bike Tour! You’ll cycle with our experienced guide past the attractions we mention here and much more. The guide has lived in Victoria for quite some time and will share all the fun stories about this capital of British Columbia. By the end, you’ll know all the tips to make your stay in Victoria a great success.
Craigdarroch Castle
If you’re unsure whether this area was ever part of the British Empire, be sure to visit Craigdarroch Castle. This castle looks like it was flown in directly from Great Britain. Inside, you’ll get to know the Dunsmuir family and their intriguing story. It’s clear that this family lived well, as seen in the castle’s interior. Each room is more lavishly decorated than the last. You won’t find anything more Victorian than Craigdarroch Castle in Canada.
You can visit the castle from Thursday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. A visit to the castle takes about 60 minutes with a self-guided tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Craigdarroch Castle website or at the Visitor Centre when you arrive.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
The parliament building of the district of British Columbia is located in Victoria, the capital. The members of parliament in this district have nothing to complain about. This enormous building could have been built by greats like Louis XIV. During the day, this complex is already impressive, but at night, the lights come on—all 3,000 of them!
The BC Parliament Buildings are located at the Inner Harbour, opposite the stately Empress Hotel, another impressive Victoria attraction. This area is delightful for strolling on warm summer evenings.
Chinatown
Chinatown in Victoria is the oldest in the world after San Francisco. With its gateways and decorations, it’s an unmissable attraction. It’s hard to miss because it stands out clearly when you’re in the area. This district in Victoria is unique for its narrow streets and squares. In Chinatown, you’ll also find many theaters, and if you want to try your luck at one of the casinos, you’re in the right place. It’s within walking distance of the Empress Hotel and the Inner Harbour.
Fisherman’s Wharf Park
It’s no surprise that most of Victoria’s attractions are water-related, given that the city is on an island. Near the Inner Harbour is Fisherman’s Wharf Park, an area full of boats, restaurants, and beautiful views. This is the place to take a fun boat trip, for example, to spot whales in the Canadian Pacific. Seal enthusiasts will be thrilled here; the animals are quite happy around Fisherman’s Wharf Park.
Miniature World
If you’re on vacation in Victoria with the kids, Miniature World is a fun place to visit. It’s similar to Madurodam, but Miniature World focuses on the entire world and nearly all of history. Children will be amazed and learn something too, a win-win. Miniature World is also enjoyable for adults, so everyone will have a great time here.
The Butchart Gardens
This beautiful garden is over 100 years old and one of the most famous attractions in Victoria. The garden is a bit of a drive outside the city, but it’s worth it! You can admire no less than 900 different types of plants and flowers during a visit to The Butchart Gardens. The garden is named after Jennie Butchart, who established it in 1904. We definitely recommend setting aside a day during your city trip to visit this stunning garden.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
In this museum, you can admire the largest collection of art of all the museums in British Columbia. There are over 20,000 artworks in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. It is a collection of visual and decorative art. The museum has been around since 1951 and is located just a 20-minute walk from downtown Victoria in a beautiful park-like setting. The exhibitions change, so we recommend visiting the Art Gallery’s website to see which exhibition is currently on display.
Now you know what there is to see in this delightful city on Vancouver Island. Your vacation to Canada couldn’t be better! A real recommendation is to explore Victoria by bike. For example, book the Baja Bikes Highlights Bike Tour. In just a few hours, a local guide will show you all the highlights of the city. They will also give you tips to make the rest of your stay in this Canadian city unforgettable!