23 Fantastic Things to Do in Victoria BC

Planning a trip to Victoria (or visiting on a cruise)? You’ll want to know all of the best things to do in Victoria, and you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve visited Victoria several times, most recently on back-to-back Alaska cruises. It’s one of my favorite cruise ports since it is so easy to explore on your own if you don’t want to take a ship excursion.

I’ve got all the city’s top attractions here for you, from the Royal BC Museum to Canada’s oldest Chinatown, to the iconic Fairmont Empress. And you certainly won’t want to miss the stunning Butchart Gardens!

Ready to see the sights in Victoria? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

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Best Things to do in Victoria BC Canada

1. Marvel at the incredible Butchart Gardens

If you are at all a fan of gardens, you will want to tour the fabulous Butchart Gardens. It’s definitely my favorite attraction in Victoria!

The Butchart Gardens are a spectacular collection of gardens, filled with flowers in every color of the rainbow.  The Butchart Gardens are part of the greater Victoria area and are a large part of why Victoria is known as ‘the Garden City’. 

The Butchart Gardens are magnificent any time of year, but especially in the spring and summer.

The Butchart Gardens are about a half-hour drive north from Victoria, but a visit is definitely worth the drive, as they are one of the best gardens in the world.  These must-see gardens cover 55 acres and delight over a million visitors annually.

The Butchart Gardens were built out of a former limestone quarry, being beautifully repurposed after the quarry was depleted over 100 years ago.  The gardens have expanded and become more spectacular over the decades and are a National Historic Site of Canada.

Make the most of your trip with this private tour of Victoria and the Butchart Gardens. Prefer to do it yourself? This shuttle to the Butchart Gardens + admission ticket may be the best choice for you!

The Sunken Garden

The Butchart Gardens contain several differently themed gardens.  The main path starts you off at an overlook viewing the stunning Sunken Garden, which is (in my opinion) the most spectacular of the gardens.

The elaborate design of the Sunken Garden is incredible.  Multiple colors and patterns of plantings are mixed with manicured lawns and shrubbery, with densely forested hills rising in the background.

Continue along the paths to experience the Bog Garden, the Rose Garden, the serene Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, and the Mediterranean Garden.   Take your time to explore the beauty of each of the garden styles.

The Ross Fountain

Paths meander amongst the gardens which also contain many gorgeous fountains, ponds, and statues.  Be sure to admire the Ross Fountain, dramatically set within a lake surrounded by cliffs and tall trees. 

Stay a while to enjoy the illuminated fountain show. This is also a favorite photo location in the Butchart Gardens.

If you’re hungry, stop by the restaurant, coffee shop, or gelateria for a pick-me-up.  There is also a seed and gift store if you’d like to take home a unique souvenir from your visit.

Here’s a beautiful video highlighting Butchart Gardens through the seasons:

2. Take a whale watching tour from the Inner Harbor

The city of Victoria centers around the inner harbor. From here, you can go for a whale-watching tour (Victoria is one of the best places for whale watching in the world!).

The best way to be able to see the whales is on this small group Zodiac whale watching tour (my mom is going to take this one!).

(If whales aren’t your thing, you can enjoy harbor tour, or take an unforgettable panoramic seaplane tour.)

The inner harbor has the best panoramic views of Victoria’s most gorgeous buildings.  From here you can see the iconic Empress Hotel, the grand Legislative Assembly, and the stately Steamship Terminal.   

Don’t forget to check out the ‘CANADA’ sign — a picture-perfect view framed by the Legislative Assembly to the left and the columned Steamship Terminal to the right.

Best things to do in Victoria (walking tour):

I call this the ‘cruise port walking loop’.  It contains all of the best things to do in Victoria BC — straight from your cruise ship dock in the Ogden Cruise Port Terminal.

My ‘DIY’ walking tour itself will take 3-4 hours as you take a journey through the top attractions of Victoria.

Being able to see so many fabulous attractions makes Victoria one of the best Alaska cruise ports of call!

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3. See the First Nations Breakwater Murals and the Breakwater Lighthouse

You can’t miss seeing the breakwater as you leave the cruise terminal. It stretches out into water, curving protectively towards the Ogden Point Cruise Terminals.

Take a close look at the breakwater, and you’ll notice that it is painted with colorful murals. These ‘Unity Wall Murals’ honor the First Nations traditions and history.

This artistic project began in 2009, with art created along the inner curve of the breakwater. Due to strong positive public response, the project expanded to include the outer curve as well.

You can walk along the length of the breakwater to the Breakwater Lighthouse, which was built in 1916.

And, at the land end of the breakwater, you’ll find the Ogden Point Sundial. With this sundial, you are the item casting the shadow onto the ground. Just align your feet with the correct markings indicating months and timings in the year to ensure you’re accurate.

4. Walk along the waterfront to Holland Point Park

From the cruise terminal, follow Dallas Road south/south-east.  This route follows the coastline and you’ll enjoy waterfront views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

The road leads to Holland Point Park.  The park is really just a natural area with a path and some benches, but it’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset!

Be sure to follow the trail through the park, the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail.  From here you’ll get the best views of the water, and if you look back towards the north you can see the cruise ships at dock.   

(Our cruise ship was the ‘small’ one on the right in this photo.  The neighboring mega-cruise ship made ours look like a toy!)

5. Enjoy the gardens of Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is one of the largest and most beautiful city parks that I have had the pleasure to visit.  This Victorian-era park spans a massive 200 acres and has a wide diversity of attractions. 

You’ll find everything from rose gardens to sports courts to children’s playgrounds (and public washrooms).  Give yourself plenty of time to wander the park’s paths and explore its treasures. 

Prefer to explore a city on two wheels, rather than two feet? Check out this 5-star bike tour! Cycle past Victoria landmarks while enjoying the fresh air and learning about the city’s colorful past on this Victoria Castles and Neighborhoods Bike Tour!

Manicured Gardens

Beacon Hill Park boasts gorgeous blooms throughout its manicured gardens.  Stoll along the paths and enjoy the lush green lawns edged by glorious blooms, or stop to smell the roses in the Rose Garden.   We even spotted some peacocks fearlessly roaming the park!

In addition to the more formal gardens, you’ll find more natural landscapes. Beacon Hill Park contains portions of the endangered Garry Oak ecosystem. 

Mile Zero Monument

Beacon Hill Park stands at the western end of the main Trans-Canada Highway.  The ‘Mile Zero’ monument marks the Victoria end of Highway 1, which stretches all the way to St. John’s on the eastern edge of Canada.

Highway 1 passes through nine of Canada’s ten provinces and many of its major cities.  (Please don’t ask me how a highway can jump from Vancouver Island to the mainland!)

World’s Tallest Totem Pole

Beacon Hill Park contains what claims to be world’s largest free-standing totem pole, although apparently many totem poles claim that title. 

Even Google can’t make up its mind on the height of this one –the name lists 127 feet while the description says 173 feet.  Either way, it is quite impressive and worth a closer look at the carvings and colors.

Splash Park

If you follow Circle Drive westwards, just before you reach the edge of the park, you’ll find the splash park area.    The main feature is this GIANT watering can.  There are controls over to the side that activate the water feature.

I had sent Chris on ahead to take a look around, and then triggered the spray (tee hee).  It’s actually quite a bit of water!  Look closely, and you can see the spray arcing his way. 

The Moss Lady

The Moss Lady is one of the iconic landmarks inside Beacon Hill Park. She was created in 2015 by artist Dale Doebert, and was inspired by the Mud Maid. The Mud Maid is located in the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall England.

There are some shady benches located across from the Moss Lady, a great place to enjoy this natural artwork.

6. Admire the Victorian Architecture of the Emily Carr House

Many of the grand buildings in the city feature elegant Victorian architecture, but don’t overlook the more everyday buildings. 

As you walk along the side streets heading from the park towards the harbor and museum, you’ll find many lovely examples of Victorian architecture in homes, inns, and shops.

The Emily Carr House and Museum is one of the better-known examples of Victorian architecture, and it’s located just a block from Beacon Hill Park. Emily Carr was a well-known Canadian painter, and her childhood home is now a National Historic Site of Canada.

What, exactly, are the characteristics of Victorian architecture?  Some features include bright colors, steeply pitched roofs, and ornately detailed gables.  You’ll also see wraparound porches and a lot of fancy gingerbread trim.

Victorian houses that are repainted in multiple colors to accent their architectural details are often referred to as ‘painted ladies.’ 

7. See the Totem Poles in Thunderbird Park

As you leave Beacon Hill Park, continue following Douglas Street. This will take you directly to Thunderbird Park.

Thunderbird Park contains many stately totem poles as well as First Nation historic buildings. My favorite of the totem poles is this one, with the gorgeous outstretched wings of the Thunderbird.

Thunderbird Park is an open-air, outdoors collection, so you can see the totem poles for free.

8. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum

If you’re in the mood to visit a museum during your stay in Victoria, then your best bet is the Royal British Columbia Museum.  This natural history museum features an impressive collection of totem poles both inside the museum in the Totem Hall.  

The Royal BC Museum has an enviable location, on the southwest corner of Belleville Street and Government Street.  To its west is the impressive Legislative Assembly building, and to its north is the stunning Hotel Fairmont Empress.

The second floor of the museum focuses on natural history (think woolly mammoths), with the third floor covering human history from the region’s indigenous peoples to the influx of settlers and how this shaped today’s culture.

Don’t forget about the IMAX Victoria Theater, where you can immerse yourself in experiences spanning from the depths of the oceans to prehistoric dinosaurs.

Museum tickets are quite inexpensive.  Note that access to the IMAX theater needs to be purchased separately from admission to the museum.

9. Listen to the Netherlands Centennial Carillon

Before you leave the grounds of the Royal British Columbia Museum, be sure to look to the north. Here you’ll find the Netherlands Centennial Carillon.

The Netherlands Centennial Carillon was a gift from British Columbia’s Dutch community, given in thanks for Canada’s part in liberating the Netherlands during WWII.

This 62-bell carillon is the largest in Canada. The carillon is reached by climbing a 75-step spiral staircase and a 10-step ladder.

As you walk around Victoria, listen for the bells of the carillon. They play on the hour between 10am and 5pm (October-March) and between 10am and 8pm (April-September).

10. See Christ Church Cathedral

Just a few blocks northeast of the Royal British Columbia Museum is the Christ Church Cathedral.  This Anglican cathedral’s façade is in the Gothic style. 

With its two square towers, pointed archways, and central stained-glass rose window, Christ Church Cathedral reminds me a lot of my favorite cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

Christ Church Cathedral has a gorgeous triple set of stained-glass windows which resemble outspread wings with vibrant colors and detailed patterns.  It also features an elaborate pipe organ that was actually designed around the rose window.

I was able to climb a set of stairs to get an up-close look at these amazing stained-glass windows. Just be sure to be respectful of the religious space.

11. Admire St. Andrew’s Cathedral

St. Andrew’s Cathedral dates from the 19^th century and is built in the High Victorian Gothic style. The spire of the main tower reaches a height of 175 feet, making the church stand out from the shorter buildings of this neighborhood.

The interior of the cathedral is very bright and airy due to the high arched ceilings.  Sunlight shines in through its many colorful stained-glass windows, including two large rose windows.

12. Check out Victoria’s City Hall

As you approach Chinatown, you’ll see Victoria’s City Hall. Take a quick detour of a half-block to get a closer look.

Victoria’s elegant City Hall building was completed in 1890. It is one of the best remaining examples of the Second Empire architectural style, and it has been designated a National Historic Site.

The Canadian flag proudly flies from the top of City Hall’s clock tower.

13. Visit Canada’s oldest Chinatown

Enter Victoria’s Chinatown through the iconic Gate of Harmonious Interest, located on Fisgard Street. The gate is flanked by two stone lions, which were gifts from Victoria’s sister city of Suzhou. 

Victoria is home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second-oldest in North America (the oldest being in San Francisco).  

As you walk west along Fisgard street approaching the Chinatown gate, stop to take a look at the striking architecture of Victoria’s Chinese Public School.

Chinatown is filled with an amazing variety of restaurants.  You’ll have no problem finding a great place for a meal, but you may have a hard time narrowing down your choices.  Then explore the shops, markets, and boutiques to find the perfect souvenir of your trip to Victoria.

My favorite thing was this whimsical crosswalk as you approach the ornate Chinese gate marking the entrance to Chinatown. How cute is this crosswalk, with the signs of the Chinese Zodiac?

14. Wander through Fan Tan Alley

While you’re in Chinatown, be sure to check out Fan Tan Alley, famed for being the narrowest street in Canada. 

You may recognize it from the movie Bird on a Wire, in which Mel Gibson rides a motorcycle down this narrow alley.

It is named for the Chinese game Fan-Tan, as the area was originally a gambling district—not exactly a safe place to wander!  Today it is a popular tourist destination, so feel free to explore its shops and cafés.

15. Enjoy public art and statues

There is a lot of unique public art to be found as you explore Victoria, particularly around the Inner Harbor area near the Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Center.

One of the most popular and touching statues is ‘The Homecoming’, by sculptor Nathan Scott. This shows the special moment of a sailor joyously reuniting with his family.

Just across the street you’ll find ‘The Surfacing’, a living sculpture of an orca surfacing from the waters. The sculpture actually features two orcas, one of them a young one which is hidden behind the larger orca pictured here.

16. See Miniature World

Miniature World bills itself as ‘The Greatest Little Show on Earth‘. If you’re a fan of miniaturized displays, you’ll want to make a stop at this museum.

It’s easy to miss this hidden gem, but it’s one of the best Victoria attractions for families.

This whimsical museum contains interactive displays detailing historical events and places, as well as unique features like the World’s Smallest Operating Sawmill.

17. Take Tea at the Hotel Fairmont Empress

The Hotel Fairmont Empress, commonly known as ‘The Empress’, is Victoria’s most iconic hotel (and claims to be one of the 21 most iconic hotels in the world).  It has been honored as a National Historic Site since 1908. 

This hotel looks like it was transported from Europe, with ‘Châteauesque’ elaborate architecture.  The Empress sports a lush green lawn and faces Victoria’s inner harbor, a great location from which to take a photo of this grand hotel.

The Empress is one of the reasons Victoria is one of the best places for a romantic getaway in BC!

Book your stay at the Fairmont Empress for an unforgettable Victoria experience!

Looking for a splurge during your trip to Victoria?   Indulge in afternoon tea at the Empress, an elegant experience featuring sweet and savory goodies. 

Be sure to make a reservation and dress appropriately.  Or, reserve a ‘tea to go’ box and enjoy your tea picnic-style.

18. Stop and smell the roses

Victoria is knows as Canada’s ‘Garden City’ for very good reason. As you’re exploring Victoria, particularly around these main attractions in the zone between the inner harbor and Douglas Street, you can’t help but see all the hanging flower baskets.

On our tour to the Butchart Gardens, our guide told us that there are 12,000 flower baskets in Victoria. They water them with a big tanker truck.

We also learned about Flower Count Week. This occurs in March throughout the Greater Victoria area. In this lighthearted competition, everyone goes out and counts the flowers in their yard, or in a park, and reports that in to a central location.

In 2022, the flower count tallied nearly 28 BILLION flowers! That is a LOT of flowers.

So, when you’re visiting Victoria, definitely take time to stop and smell the roses — or daisies, or dahlias, or sunflowers..

19. Tour the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

The Legislative Assembly is a magnificent neo-baroque building with 33 distinctive copper domes.   

A majestic statue of Queen Victoria stands proudly at the front of the grounds.  Pass lush green lawns, a central fountain, and colorful flowerbeds as you approach the stately parliament building.

In the summer months, the parliament buildings are open to the public. 

Take a free guided tour to view the magnificent architecture and to learn about British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly.  Self-guided tours are also available on weekdays. 

Be sure to check out the stained-glass windows and the dome of the Memorial Rotunda.

You can watch the legislature at work from the public galleries – be sure to check the parliamentary calendar to ensure that the legislative assembly will be in session during your visit.   

For a unique experience, dine at the Parliamentary Dining Room (reservations recommended).

20. Check out the Steamship Terminal

As you head west along Belleville Street, you’ll find the curious columned building of the Canadian Pacific Railway Steamship Terminal facing the harbor. 

This unique architecture, in the neo-classical style of a Greek temple, certainly seems a bit out of place amongst the rest of Victoria’s architectural styles.  (Surprisingly, the same architect designed the Empress, the Legislative Assembly, and the Steamship Terminal!)

The Steamship Terminal was built in 1926 and was the arrival point for passengers traveling to Victoria by steamship.  After the era of the steamship had passed, the building was converted into a Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. 

Nowadays, the Steamship Terminal has been repurposed once again and is home to the Bateman art gallery as well as a restaurant.  Ferries from Seattle and Port Angeles dock at the nearby Ferry Ramp, with passengers getting their first glimpse of Victoria here.

21. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Continue following the roads skirting the edge of the peninsula, and you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf.  This series of floating piers is home to colorful tiny houses and food kiosks.   

The marina is also filled with pleasure craft, fishing charters, and whale-watching boats.   Join a kayak tour and view Victoria from a different perspective – and maybe make some marine friends with harbor seals or river otters.

At Fisherman’s Wharf, you can catch a water taxi to take you to various waterfront locations.  This will save some wear and tear on your feet if you want to cover more ground on your walking tour of Victoria.

Hungry?  Grab a bite to eat from one of the floating food court vendors, then relax at the adjacent Fisherman’s Wharf Park.

Staying longer?  Here are more great things to do in Victoria:

If you’re staying in Victoria for the weekend or a few days, then you will be able to spend a lot more time exploring all of the great things to do in Victoria. 

Some attractions, such as Craigdarroch Castle, are still within the city but just a bit further from the harbor area we explored with the cruise port walk.  If you want to visit Hatley Castle, that is located just a short drive outside the city.

And, if you love exploring the great outdoors, there are plenty of great hikes near Victoria to enjoy!

22. Explore Hatley Castle

While you’re driving around the greater Victoria area, you should plan to visit Hatley Castle.  Hatley Castle is about a half hour’s drive from Butchart Gardens, or about a twenty-minute drive westward from Victoria.

Hatley Castle is a gorgeous mansion dating from 1908, when it was the opulent residence of coal magnate James Dunsmuir. 

In 1940 the estate was purchased by the Department of National Defense.  For fifteen years, this magnificent estate was used as a dormitory for the Royal Roads Military University.  (My dorm certainly didn’t look like this!)

The grounds of the estate are vast with three formal gardens: smell the blooms of the Rose Garden, view the pleasing symmetry of the Italian Garden, and enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Garden.

Cinema fans might recognize Hatley Castle from appearances in several movies including the X-Men films (as Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters).   Hatley Castle also serves as the estate of Lex Luthor in the TV series Smallville.

You can take a guided tour of the estate which includes access to the first floor of the castle as well as the gardens.  You may also explore the gardens and estate grounds on your own.

23. Visit Craigdarroch Castle

While we’re on the topic of castles, within the city of Victoria lies another famous one — Craigdarroch Castle.  Craigdarroch Castle was also built by the Dunsmuir family, in this case by the patriarch, Robert Dunsmuir. 

Craigdarroch Castle is a Scottish Baronial mansion which was built in the late 1800’s during the Victorian era.  It looks like something straight out of a fairytale and styles itself as ‘Canada’s Castle’.

Craigdarroch Castle is a ‘bonanza castle’ – a fancy mansion built by industrialists who made their fortunes in the industrial age (coal, in the case of the Dunsmuirs).

 No cost was spared in the building of this castle, as evidenced in its elaborate woodworking and intricate stained-glass windows.

Taking a self-guided tour of this castle is like taking a step back in time, as it is outfitted with period décor and furnishings.  Craigdarroch Castle is open for tours on Wednesday-Sunday.

It’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Victoria Canada!

Victoria Canada Map of Top Attractions

You can also download a printable version of my Victoria attractions map (made by my husband Chris!):

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Well, that does it for this visit!  You can see there are plenty of great things to do in Victoria, BC, whether you’re visiting for a few hours, or for a few days.  I hope you’ve found a few reasons to add a trip to Victoria to your travel destination bucket list!

Planning on taking a trip to Victoria? You won’t want to miss out on any of these great attractions. Pin this for later!

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You might also enjoy these posts about my favorite places to travel in Canada:

• Best Food Tours in Montreal
• Montreal Botanical Garden Highlights
• Best Tours in Ottawa
• Best Things to Do in Ottawa
• Montreal vs Toronto: Which is the Best City to Visit?

You might also enjoy these posts about my favorite Alaska cruise ports:

• 9 Best Alaska Cruise Ports: Discover Nature’s Beauty
• Best Things to Do in Ketchikan on a Cruise
• Best Things to Do in Seattle in One Day

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