There are so many unique things to do in Victoria, BC. Similar to other coastal cities in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria is known for its year-round mild weather, stunning waterfront location, and access to the outdoors. It’s also obsessed with supporting small businesses, so the maker culture runs strong here, too.
But what makes Victoria truly special is its heavy British influence. It feels like a European escape without the time commitment or price tag. In fact, people often say it feels more British than Britain itself. So at just 3 hours by ferry from downtown Seattle, Victoria is the perfect trip for when you want to feel a world away without having to travel far.
If you’re ready to experience an area full of historic charm with the perfect balance of British and PNW sensibilities, now’s the time to visit Victoria. To help you plan your trip, I’m laying out all the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC so you can make the most of your time in this gem of a city.
This article is sponsored by FRS Clipper and Destination Greater Victoria. They hosted me on a trip, but I’d been to Victoria before and planned my own itinerary. Only places I love are in this article.
Also this post has some affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click on them and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting the brands that support me in keeping this site running!
Unique Things to Do in Victoria, BC
Save this article to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it when I discover more unique things to do in Victoria, BC!
Visit beautifully-manicured gardens
Victoria is known as “The City of Gardens” because it’s home to dozens of, well, gardens. Given the city’s mild weather, flowers start blooming as early as February while the rest of Canada is still covered in snow.
There are plenty of options for seeing the city’s green thumb in action. Here are some gardens ranging from the super famous to hidden gems.
The Butchart Gardens
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$40/adult, ~$20/youth, $~5/kid 5-12 | best for: the city’s largest & most famous botanical garden
With more than one million visitors annually, The Butchart Gardens is the quintessential must-see tourist attraction in Victoria. Well, it’s technically in Brentwood Bay, BC about 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria, but there are plenty of ways to get there.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the route 75 bus from outside the Fairmont Empress Hotel, hire a taxi for about $55 CAD each way, or buy a shuttle ticket. Or you can keep it super simple by booking a tour that leaves directly from the ferry terminal.
Once at Butchart Gardens, get ready to explore 55 acres of land covered by millions of plants. It’s actually built on a former limestone quarry that dates back to the early 1900s, so you’re witnessing more than 100 years of landscape design.
To explore it all, you’ll walk along paths that meander through five different spaces: The rose, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, and sunken gardens. There are restrooms, restaurants, a carousel, and a gift shop for when you need to take a break. In fact, you can add on afternoon tea to make your visit extra special. If you do this, plan to spend at least four hours at the gardens. Two should be enough if you skip it.
Hatley Park
website | get directions | price: free | best for: rose gardens
Hatley Park is a national historic site that you may recognize from movies like X-Men. It’s a popular filming location thanks to the breathtaking castle on its premises.
Built in the early 1900s, the castle sits on Royal Roads University property and features a stunning mix of different architectural styles. For example, you’ll find an ornate Art Nouveau doorbell, Elizabethan grand hall, Greek Revival drawing room, and Arts and Crafts wood trim throughout the interiors. You can take a guided tour inside the castle during summer, but the exterior is equally worth exploring year round.
The grounds feature a Japanese, Italian, and rose garden surrounding the castle. The Japanese garden has water features with trout running through them, while the Italian garden has more hardscaping and sculptures. Visit all three and decide your favorite, keeping an eye out for wild peacocks!
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$12-$16/adult, kids under 16 free | best for: a variety of garden styles
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is a hidden gem, so it’s one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC. It’s a nonprofit that shares property with the Pacific Horticulture College, which means the gardens are cared for by volunteers, staff, and students.
Given how large its gardens are, I’m surprised more guidebooks don’t talk about visiting HCP. You’ll find more than 25 different garden styles, including the largest outdoor Bonsai Garden in Canada and the only outdoor bonsai Garden in Western Canada. You can explore all of them at your own pace or book a guided tour.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$15.50-$20/adult, $9/kid 5-12, free for kids under 4 | best for: tropical gardens & animals
If you’re a plant parent like me, chances are you’ll love visiting the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. It’s the size of almost three basketball courts and is filled with popular house plant varietals, tropical flowers, carnivorous plants, and more.
Like its name implies, you’ll also find thousands of tropical butterflies. But that’s not the only animal you’ll find at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. There are also frogs, tortoises, iguanas, flamingos, tropical birds, and more. There’s even an insectarium that’s bound to give you the heebie jeebies (in the best possible way)!
Experience afternoon tea
The land that Victoria resides on has been inhabited by the lək̓ʷəŋən people of southern Vancouver Island (today known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations) for thousands of years. British explorers came to the area in the early 1800s and, in 1843, the Hudson’s Bay Company built Fort Victoria.
Given the region’s British influence, it’s no wonder afternoon tea is so ingrained in the city’s present-day culture! Here are some of the best afternoon tea experiences in Victoria.
Pendray Inn & Teahouse
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$62-$68/adult, $24/kid | best for: excellent tea service in a historic home across from the ferry terminals
Pendray Inn & Teahouse has one of the most popular afternoon tea services in Victoria. It’s connected to Huntington Manor Hotel and sits on an estate built by William Joseph Pendray in 1890. He ended up in Canada after emigrating from England to California during the Gold Rush. He struck it rich in BC and put all his money into a soap factory, which is now on the land where the Fairmont Empress Hotel sits. Wanting a home close to the factory, he bought property nearby and built The Pendray Inn & Teahouse we know today.
You’ll find most of the original architecture and gardens still intact. The main difference is that it’s been converted into a hotel with about 120 AC-equipped rooms (some pet friendly), two restaurants, a spa, and bike rentals. Even if you’re not staying here, though, you can experience the property’s grandeur at afternoon tea.
There are a few different food menus to choose from. I recommend mixing-and-matching among your party so you can try all the dishes. Your food will be served on a 3-tier tray and include a mix of savory bites, scones with cream and jam, and pastries. Each person will also get one pot of tea from BC-based Silk Road Tea or Westholme Tea.
I’ve been to a few afternoon tea services and typically the food is mediocre. However, I enjoyed just about every bite at Pendray Inn. Standouts included the classic scone, egg salad sandwich, shrimp toast, and smoked salmon crostini. There were also macarons from Bon Macaron Patisserie, one of my favorite Victoria bakeries.
Abkhazi Gardens Teahouse
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$28-$65pp | best for: tea among beautiful gardens
Abkhazi is a public garden spanning a quaint one-acre estate. The property was developed in the 1950s by Prince Nicholas Abkhazi and Princess Peggy Pemberton-Carter. They met in France where Nicholas was hiding after escaping the Bolshevik Revolution. However, it wasn’t until reconnecting after WWII that they decided to make a life together in Victoria.
You can learn more about their history on a guided tour of the gardens. Then follow up your visit with refreshments at the teahouse.
What makes Abkhazi Gardens’ tea service special is the fact that they have more varied price points. Typically afternoon tea is a splurge, but Abkhazi has options for smaller appetites. Given that its farther away from downtown, Abkhazi is a great option if you want a lower-cost tea experience at a spot off the beaten path.
Tea at the Empress
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$95/adult, $52/kid 5-12 | best for: an excuse to visit one of Victoria’s fanciest hotels
Ask anyone where to get afternoon tea in Victoria and chances are they’ll recommend the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Fairmont is known for hosting lavish teas at many of their properties around the globe, and its Victoria location is no exception.
Your tea service will include homemade jam using local berries, honey from Fairmont’s own beehives, and lavender grown on the hotel’s roof. It’ll be served on gorgeous china that’s a reproduction of an intricate pattern designed for a party that King George VI and Queen Elizabeth threw at the Empress in 1939. You can see the original pieces on display in the hotel.
Pro tip: While you’re at the Empress, check out Miniature World for another one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC. It’s a series of doll-sized exhibits depicting intricate landscapes and scenes.
White Heather Tea Room
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$42-$60pp | best for: a hidden gem loved by locals
White Heather Tea Room is a hidden gem loved by locals. I only learned of it after going deep on research and stumbling across a Reddit thread with passionate fans. It’s a bit east of downtown Victoria in the Oak Bay neighborhood. Many tourists never make it out this way, but White Heather is nestled on a street filled with indie shops worth exploring.
While you won’t get as opulent of a setting as the other popular afternoon tea spots, what you will get is high quality food at a modest price point. You can also purchase most of White Heather’s loose leaf teas to take home as a souvenir.
Take a food tour
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$55-$200pp | best for: grazing through the best eats according to a local
Victoria is a huge food town, which means you can easily get overwhelmed by all the choices. A food tour can help cut through the decision fatigue and give you a taste of the best restaurants vetted by a local.
One of the most well-rated food tour companies in Victoria is Off the Eaten Tracks. Owner Bonnie offers a bunch of different tour options exploring everything from quintessential Canadian foods to hidden gem dinner spots. I took the Hip & Hidden Chinatown and Old Town tour and loved it. Bonnie was a great storyteller and took us to delicious spots I hadn’t found during my own extensive research.
Off the Eaten Tracks also has a storefront on the waterfront that curates gifts from local businesses. It’s a great spot to stop for souvenirs before you head home!
Eat your way through Victoria Public Market
website | get directions | price: free | best for: sampling a bunch of local restaurants under one roof
If you’ve ever been to Canada, you’ve probably seen a Hudson Bay department store. What you may not know is that the Hudson Bay Company dates back to the 1800s and used to be a fur trading company. However, at the recommendation of the famous British department store, Harrods, they spun off some of their warehouses to become luxury department stores. The building that now houses Victoria Public Market was one of their first.
Nowadays it’s a bustling food hall that makes a great lunchtime stop. You’ll find all independent small businesses, some up-and-coming who use the market’s commissary or rentable public kitchen.
I recommend spending an hour or so perusing all the vendors and doing your own little food crawl. As you do, keep an eye out for these spots that I learned about from Bonnie during my Off the Eaten Tracks food tour:
- Cafe Malabar – Excellent Kerala Indian cuisine from the commissary kitchen
- Two Crows Mustard – Pies and condiments, both house-made and from friends
- Shatterbox Coffee Co – Italian coffee shop and grocer with excellent soup
Partake in Victoria’s brunch culture
Victoria is big on brunch. In fact, it’s been called the brunch capital of Canada, so partaking in this all-important meal is one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC.
Here are a few of the most popular spots. I recommend visiting on a weekday or right when they open on weekends to beat the crowds.
Jam Cafe
website | get directions | best for: creative takes on brunch classics
Jam Cafe has two locations, one in Vancouver and one in Victoria. It’s best known for Benedicts, especially unique ones like pear and brie, Nashville hot chicken, and southern sausage gravy. However, you’ll also find other savory dishes ranging from a one-of-a-kind tater tot bowl to classics like huevos rancheros.
The Ruby
website | get directions | best for: southern-style breakfast
The Ruby has two locations, one on Douglas Street and one on Johnson. The Douglas location has a strong mi century modern aesthetic while the Johnson one leans into a grandma/hunting-chic vibe. You’ll find the same menu at both featuring their famous rotisserie and fried chicken. Definitely get a dish with that (you can order either on the side to try both). However, don’t sleep on the brisket that they get from hometown favorite Jone’s BBQ.
Explore a historic fort
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$9/adult, kids under 17 free | best for: batteries & a lighthouse overlooking the water
I discovered late in life that I’m obsessed with visiting historic forts. They’re often located along the coast because the military used the prime position at the mouth of waterways to defend the land from enemy intrusion by boat. The result is stunning views with the added bonus of historical structures to explore.
Victoria’s Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites fit this bill. The fort was built in the 1890s and has three gun batteries, barracks, command posts, and more. Fisgard Lighthouse was built in 1860 as the first permanent lighthouse on Canada’s west coast. It’s one of the poshest keeper’s quarters I’ve seen, which is now a mini museum.
You can do an audio tour to learn more about the fort or spend the afternoon meandering the park’s paths and reading interpretive signs at your own pace. On a nice day you’ll see plenty of boats in the bay near the lighthouse, so don’t forget your camera!
Walk or bike Victoria’s countless paths
website | price in CAD: ~$35-$75 to rent a road or e-bike for 4 hours | best for: getting exercise & views
Victoria often earns the top spot on studies about the most bike-friendly cities in Canada. So one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC is to spend an afternoon exploring the many paved pathways shared by both cyclists and pedestrians. If you only have time for a quick stroll, check out Songhees Walkway and David Foster Wy for epic views of Victoria Harbour.
If you’re down to bike, Cycle BC has a guide to some of the most popular biking routes. Two paths high on my bucket list are the Galloping Goose Trail that takes you east of the city to trestles and the Lochside Regional Trail that ends at Sidney’s Seaside Sculpture Walk. Both also allow pedestrians.
For bike rentals, The Pedaler is located right across from the ferry terminals at Huntington Manor Hotel. I recommend getting an e-bike so you can cover more ground. They also offer guided tours if you prefer having an expert take you around the city.
Seek out the city’s best parks
The City of Gardens has more than 138 public parks, so visiting them is one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC. Here are some of the best.
Beacon Hill Park
website | get directions | price: free | best for: one of the largest parks in the city
Beacon Hill Park is over 180 acres and has a plethora of paved paths, gardens, and play fields to explore. It’s easily accessible by foot from downtown Victoria, so it’s a popular spot to visit by both locals and tourists alike.
Don’t miss The Moss Lady sculpture and walking along Dallas Rd Waterfront Trail to get epic views off the southern coast of Vancouver Island. You can take it all the way to Ogden Point Breakwater, which is known as an epic spot to watch the sunset.
If you prefer a guide, this horse-drawn tour is a quirky way to see the park’s best highlights.
Pro tip: If you have kids in tow, Beacon Hill Farm is right in the park and offers petting opportunities.
Thunderbird Park
website | get directions | price: free | best for: Indigenous totem poles
Thunderbird Park is part of the Royal BC Museum, but anyone can visit without paying admission. It features stunning Indigenous totem poles crafted by Kwakwaka‘wakw master carver Chief Nakaṕankam (Mungo Martin) and artists under his and his sons’ direction.
In fact, Chief Nakaṕankam helped ensure Thunderbird Park was an accurate representation of First Nations traditions. The original park constructed in 1941 had inaccurate art, so Chief Nakaṕankam was enlisted to make it right. Today the park’s iconic Wawadiťła House is owned by his family and is used for First Nations peoples’ events.
Fisherman’s Wharf Park
get directions | price: free | best for: sustainable landscaping & access to the wharf
Chances are you’ll visit the popular Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Victoria. When you do, don’t miss the small park near the entrance of the wharf’s parking lot. It was built with sustainable practices in mind and has paths weaving through small hills to make you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the wharf. It’s also right across the street from the popular Finest at Sea fish shack, so you can bring your lunch for a picnic in the park.
PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
website | get directions | price: free | best for: 360-degree views
If you’re looking for a “hike-hike” within the city limits, head to PKOLS. It’s the largest urban park on the Saanich Peninsula and is relatively close to downtown Victoria. You’ll find more than 13 miles of walking and hiking trails, many that weave up the mountain to stunning 360-degree views. However, if you just watch to catch the views, you can drive up to the summit after 12 pm (it’s closed to vehicles before then).
Goldstream Provincial Park
website | get directions | price: free | best for: hiking & waterfalls within 30-minutes of the city
If you’re okay driving a bit east out of downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is the quintessential place to get a proper “hike hike”. It’s almost 1,200 acres and has a bunch of different hiking, biking, and walking trails. In fact, it’s so big you’ll need to coordinate which parking lot is best for your planned activities.
Don’t miss Niagara Falls, a smaller falls compared to the famous one near Toronto, but a great spot for pics nonetheless.
Get lost in the alleys of Chinatown
website | get directions | price: free | best for: shopping & eating
Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America behind San Francisco’s, so visiting is a must-do during your trip. You’ll find beautiful Chinese architecture and cobblestone alleys perfect for exploring.
The most popular of those alleys is Fan Tan Alley. It gets really crowded on weekends in summer, but if you visit on a weekday, especially if it’s raining, it’ll be virtually empty.
Besides popping into shops, one of the best things to do in Chinatown is eat. So as you explore, keep an eye out for these spots:
- Friends & Family Bake – Filipino bakery with life-changing ube ensaymada
- MAiiZ Nixtamal – An unexpected Mexican joint making exceptional masa
- Dumpling Drop – Thai-style dumplings you can eat hot or take home frozen
If you’re interested in having a guide take you to all the best spots and share more about the history, here is a well-rated Chinatown walking tour.
Shop around LoJo & Old Town
get directions | price: free | best for: shopping & historic architecture
After exploring Chinatown, head to Old Town next door to continue discovering unique independent shops tucked in charming brick buildings. The most famous street to meander is Lower Johnson, known as “LoJo” to locals. As you explore, keep an eye out for some of my favorite shops:
- Gage Gallery – Artists co-op with affordable original art
- Good Vibes Space – Colorful home goods and gift store
- Open House – Minimalist women’s clothing store
- Paboom – Well-curated home goods and gift store
- Bon Macaron Patisserie – Sweet and savory macaron souvenirs
- Rook & Rose – Stunning dried floral arrangements
- Chintz & Co – Opulent furniture and home goods store
As you explore the area, you’ll likely stumble across Market Square. It reminds me of the sunken squares often found in Boston with two-story buildings surrounding a central plaza. When the railway came to Victoria in the late 1880s, the square was used to hold imported and exported food goods (hence the name “market”). Nowadays it’s full of quirky shops, bars, and restaurants.
Another historic area you’ll come across is Bastion Square. This historic plaza marks where the Hudson Bay Company’s bastion and fort once stood. Today it’s known as the “Heart of Haunted Victoria” because every building in it is known to have ghosts.
Go on a spooky ghost tour
link to book | get directions | price: ~$15-$20pp | best for: spooky tales
Want to go deep on the city’s haunted areas? One of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC is take a nighttime ghost tour. Your guide will take you through the city’s most historic areas and tell you eerie tales about murders, disappearances, and encounters with the dead.
Snap pics at iconic historic buildings
Victoria’s population exploded during the Gold Rush, leading to its incorporation in 1862. Since it’s an older city, you’ll find stunning architecture perfect for a day of exploring.
There are a ton of historic buildings in Victoria. You can take a self-guided walking tour or consider booking one of these group tours:
If you only have time to visit a few buildings, here are the most iconic ones to prioritize as you make your way through the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC.
BC Legislative Buildings
website | get directions | price: free | best for: tours of government buildings
Victoria is British Columbia’s capital, so there are a lot of gorgeous government buildings along the waterfront that have become postcard fodder for the city. You can pick up a self-guided tour map at the information desk or time your visit with one of its free 40-minute walking tours. If you need a break, the Parliament Dining Room is open weekdays for breakfast and lunch. There’s also a gift shop to pick up souvenirs.
Craigdarroch Castle
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$20/adult, $15/youth, $10/kid 6-12 | best for: stunning mansion
Craigdarroch is an example of a “bonanza castle” — a massive house built by entrepreneurs who struck it rich during the industrial age. In this case, the industrialist was Scottish immigrant Robert Dunsmuir. He made his fortune in coal mining and used his riches to build a stunning Victorian mansion from 1887-1890.
The castle sits on a hill overlooking the city, a purposeful location meant to signify that Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Victoria. Since its whole purpose was to flaunt wealth, you’ll find multiple floors of intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and opulent Victorian-era furnishings begging to be photographed.
Christchurch Cathedral
website | get directions | price: free | best for: stunning church architecture
If you love exploring Gothic churches common in Europe, you’ll be happy to know there’s one right in Victoria. Christchurch Cathedral was first built in 1896, with different sections added on over the decades until it was finally completed in 1991. It’s one of Canada’s largest churches, with vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and stunning Gothic architectural details.
Go on a beer crawl
The pub culture runs strong in Victoria given its British roots and Pacific Northwest obsession with craft beer. Thee are a ton of breweries on the BC Ale Trail, which you can explore at your leisure or on one of these well-rated tours:
If you only have time to explore a few at your leisure, here are the breweries not to miss.
Whistle Buoy Brewing
website | get directions | best for: small-batch experimental beers
Whistle Buoy is located right in Market Square, so its covered outdoor seating area is prime real estate for people watching. You’ll find all kinds of beer varieties on the menu, including many experimental styles using interesting local ingredients. For example, when I went there was a delicious sour beer using kiwis grown on Vancouver Island. I also had a creamy stout made with coffee from a local roaster, a play on Victoria’s popular shaft cocktail.
Driftwood Brewing Company
website | get directions | best for: IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged beers
Ask any serious beer lover where to grab a brew in Victoria and chances are they’ll mention Driftwood. This brewery is credited with putting the Victoria beer scene on the map when it launched in 2008 with only pale ale and Belgian beers, a departure from the typical IPA offering at the time. It shook up things again by releasing BC’s first wet-hopped IPA.
Now award-winning IPA fills up half Driftwood’s tanks, but the brewery also has a significant barrel-aged and sour beer program. You can find a rotating selection of beers in Driftwood’s tasting room, plus take a tour of the brewing facilities.
Phillips Brewing
website | get directions | best for: unpretentious beer in a variety of styles
Phillips is another well-known brewery that’s become a community gathering place for locals. The brewery is known not only for its beers, but also the variety of events it hosts throughout the year, including a large annual music festival.
However, fun events with bad beer wouldn’t take a business far. Luckily Phillips’ beers are good enough to keep people coming back for more. What makes the beers special is the fact that Phillips is the only craft brewery in Canada to malt its own barley. So what you’re tasting is a true seed to cup experience.
Seek out the city’s best craft cocktails
One of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC is experience the city’s buzzing nightlife scene full of award-winning bars and mixologists. Here are some places not to miss when you’re craving a cocktail.
Little Jumbo
website | get directions | best for: killer cocktails with a food menu to match
Little Jumbo is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar in Old Town. While not super hidden, you walk down a hallway and enter a nondescript door to access its moody chic interiors. Once inside you’ll be met with warm service and a serious cocktail program inspired by the rivalry of two prolific historic celebrities in the industry: Jerry Thomas the “father of American mixology” and Harry Johnson the “the father of professional bartending”.
The food program at Little Jumbo is just as good as the cocktails. It features a focused menu of dishes highlighting local bounty. If available, don’t miss the clams with tomatoes and cream broth.
Clive’s Classic Lounge
website | get directions | best for: cocktail aficionados
Inside the Chateau Victoria Hotel, Clive’s is a must-visit for serious cocktail enthusiasts. It’s the most awarded cocktail bar in Victoria thanks to its meticulous attention to detail. You’ll find a range of classic cocktails alongside the team’s innovative seasonal recipes, plus one of the city’s largest whiskey collections with 250 and counting.
Citrus & Cane
website | get directions | best for: tropical cocktails & aesthetics
This is the cocktail bar to visit if you love decor that’s just as beautiful as the drinks. Citrus & Cane is in a 1970s building and oozes with mid century modern details. The space is anchored by an oval bar with distinct spaces that have their own unique historic ceilings. Drinking C&C’s tropical cocktails featuring all homemade syrups is like being whisked away to a posher era in history.
Humboldt Bar
website | get directions | best for: cocktails with a naturalist twist
If you love herbaceous cocktails, Humboldt Bar is for you. Inspired by famous botanist Alexander von Humboldt, this cocktail bar has a menu full of drinks with interesting combinations of plants and shrubs. It’s led by an ex-Little Jumbo bar manager, so you can expect the same dedication to mixology and creativity.
Take a walk in the sky
website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$30 per adult, $20 per kid 6-17 | best for: stunning landscape views
Malahat SkyWalk is one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC when you’re looking to get a bit outside the city and catch some views. It’s a large, wheelchair-friendly spiral ramp that towers over the Salish Sea in an area previously only accessible to hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.
To access it, you’ll walk ~1.5 miles round trip through beautiful madrone trees on a raised boardwalk with wood animal sculptures lining the walkway. When you get to the ramp structure, you’ll meander up a gentle slope to the top where you’ll find an exhilarating net you can walk across. There are also sweeping views of multiple mountain peaks and island chains spanning both Canada and the US.
When you’re ready to go back down, you can walk down the ramp or go via the spiral slide. It’ll take you to the bottom in about 8 seconds and you can ride it more than once if desired. Afterwards you can get snacks at the ice cream food truck and concession stand near a small playground, then end your trip in the gift shop for locally-made souvenirs.
My partner said this is one of his favorite things that we did on our trip to Victoria, so it’s a must do if you’re a kid at heart, traveling with little ones, or just want great views with little effort.
Spend the day wine tasting
Victoria is within an hour of the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island’s wine region known for dry white wines, pinot noir, and lesser known cool-climate grapes. The area’s interesting varietals make wine tasting one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC.
You can book a wine tour through the FRS Clipper or embark on a DIY itinerary at some of my favorite spots.
Emandare Vineyard
website | get directions | best for: old world wines & a gorgeous French cottage feel
Emandare is a small vineyard owned by a husband and wife. In fact, the tasting room is inside a coach house behind their stunning French cottage-inspired home. They make elegant Old World-style wines using organically-grown grapes from their estate and those sourced from their friends in the valley.
I fell in love with Emandare’s wines and found myself Googling in the parking lot how many bottles you can bring to the US from Canada. After learning there are no liquid restrictions on the Clipper and you can bring back a case without triggering suspicion that you’re reselling it, I went back in and bought two bottles!
Alderlea Vineyards
website | get directions | best for: sustainably-farmed grapes
Alderlea Vineyards is a small, husband-and-wife-owned winery situated among some of the oldest vines on Vancouver Island. You’ll get to try fruit-forward wines meant to pair with food and some really interesting aromatic white wines that pack a heft. I’m one of those wine-os that typically gravitates toward reds, but I ended up bringing two bottles of Alderlea’s crisp and floral whites home!
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
website | get directions | best for: ambiance
Ask anyone which Cowichan Valley winery is the most beautiful and they will undoubtedly say Blue Grouse. As one of the largest wineries in the region, it had the capital to invest in a stunning, sustainably-built tasting room overlooking vineyards. It’s an especially lively place to visit in summer when the patio doors are thrown open to create an indoor-outdoor space.
Wine wise you’ll find a large selection of crowd-pleasing wines. I was thrilled to learn Blue Grouse grows gamay noir, one of my favorite grape varietals. When I visited they were pouring a lovely rosé with it. Obviously I brought it home, making that 5 bottles in total for our trip.
Venturi-Schulze Vineyards
website | get directions | best for: vinegar & jam tastings
Venturi-Schulze is a family-owned winery that uses beyond organic farming methods. I love how most of its wines feature interesting grapes I’ve never heard of before. The result is a series of palate-punching wines that’ll make you rethink what you know about classic winemaking.
But what makes Venturi-Schulze truly special is the fact that it also makes homemade jams and vinegar. And this isn’t just any vinegar. It’s Balsamic vinegar made with a mother brought to Victoria in the 70s from Italy’s Emilia region, the home of traditional and highly-regulated Balsamic production.
I don’t typically like commercial Balsamic vinegars because I find them too thick and sweet. I now know why after going through a tasting at Venturi-Schulze. Commercial vinegars have a lot of additives like molasses and caramel food coloring, whereas traditional Balsamic is only white grapes and maybe some sulfites.
You can really taste the difference in Venturi-Schulze’s vinegars. They’re lighter, less sweet, and have the most interesting zing you’d expect more from a red wine vinegar. Yet, it’s softer. I loved it so much, I took home a bottle!
Visit quaint towns & farms in Cowichan Valley
While you’re in Cowichan Valley exploring the wineries, you’d be remiss not to also check out the quaint towns and farms dotting the area. As you make your way from winery to winery, keep an eye out for these spots:
- Alderlea Farm & Cafe – Seasonal cafe with great pizza and desserts
- Italian Kitchen & Deli – Grocer perfect for pizza and picnic essentials
- Cowichan Creamery – Dairy farm that sells homemade cheeses
- Sweet Meadows Market – Large farm store with produce and pantry items
If you can only make it to one small town in Cowichan Valley, make sure it’s Duncan. This quaint town is about 45 minutes outside of Victoria and has a surprising amount to do. Highlights include the Saturday Duncan Farmers Market, strolling the shops along Kenneth Street, and taking a tour of their many totem poles.
Walk along the historic Kinsol Trestle
website | get directions | price: free | best for: stunning pictures
Vancouver Island has a series of now-defunct railroad trestles that were built in the late 1800s to early 1900s as a way to export goods from the booming lumber and mining industries. The most impressive is Kinsol Trestle in Cowichan Valley.
Looming at 614 feet tall over the Koksilah River, Kinsol Trestle is known for a unique seven-degree curve that makes for stunning photos. To get to it, you’ll walk about 0.5 miles from the parking lot along a flat gravel path. Once at the trestle, you can explore it from the bridge or meander down a path to get to the riverbank that’s dotted with picnic tables. I recommend experiencing the trestle from both angles so you can really appreciate it in all its majesty.
Go whale watching
Similar to the nearby San Juan Islands in Washington, Victoria is a prime spot for whale watching. You can see marine life year round, but the best time to guarantee a whale sighting is from May to October. So if you’re visiting during that time, consider going whale watching with a tour company like Eagle Wing Tours.
If you can’t fit whale watching into your trip to Victoria, the Clipper offers whale watching tours that depart from Seattle.
Ride one of the famous pickle boats
If you want to take a boat ride, but it’s not whale season, there are still plenty of ways to get on the water. One of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC is to ride the iconic pickle boat taxis across the harbor. You “hail” it through a QR code at one of the various stops around the city. There’s also the option to take a tour or charter one for your group.
Rent kayaks or a hot tub boat
Another one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC from the water is kayak or stand-up paddle board (SUP). You can rent single or double kayaks and SUPs by the hour. Popular spots to paddle include Victoria Harbour, Thetis Lake, and the southern coastline of the city around Oak Bay.
If you’d prefer to have a guide bring you to the best locations, here are some well-rated tours:
Want to get on the water, but don’t feel like paddling? You can also rent a hot tub boat to experience one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, BC!
Relax at an Instagram-worthy spa
Given its prime location on the water, Victoria has some spas with gorgeous Instagrammable views. While I haven’t been able to check these out yet, they’re high on my list of unique things to do in Victoria, BC!
HAVN Saunas
website | get directions | best for: saunas & water views
HAVN is a floating park right on Victoria Harbour. It has a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic and a focus on hot-to-cold hydrotherapy treatments. There are multiple saunas, cold pools, hot tubs, and relaxation areas that you can circuit through at your own pace while taking in the stunning water views.
Boathouse Spa
website | get directions | best for: outdoor pools with water views
Boathouse Spa is inside Oak Bay Beach Hotel. It has massages, facials, and other services typical of spas. But what makes it really special is its prime location on the water. You can take full advantage of the views from the spa’s outdoor heated pools and lounge areas.
Map of more unique Victoria, BC activities
Looking for more ideas of unique things to do in Victoria, BC? Check out my Google Map that I constantly update with new places to try. As I experience them, I’ll update the notes in the map pins and add my favorites to this article!
Tips for visiting Victoria, BC
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your trip around all the fun and unique things to do in Victoria, BC.
Getting to Victoria
You can’t drive to Victoria because it’s located on Vancouver Island in Canada. So that means your options are flying or ferry.
You can find direct flights from Sea-Tac International Airport to Victoria International Airport on commercial airlines like Alaska and American Airlines. Or you can take a sea plane via Kenmore Air, which departs from Lake Union and lands in Victoria Harbor.
While direct flights are just an hour long, they tend to be around $400 USD or more per person. Plus if you fly a commercial airline, you need to find transportation to downtown Victoria because Victoria International Airport is about 30 minutes north of the city in Sidney, BC. You also have to limit the liquids in your luggage to abide by TSA regulations.
I recommend taking the ferry to Victoria, BC, especially if traveling with pets.
There are three ferry options to Victoria: BC Ferries from Vancouver, Black Ball Ferry Line from Port Angeles, WA on the Olympic Peninsula, and the FRS Clipper from downtown Seattle, WA. I haven’t been to Victoria via Vancouver or Port Angeles yet, but I’ve been on the Clipper multiple times and it’s my favorite way to get to BC’s capital city.
The Clipper leaves Seattle at 8 AM every day. It’s only a 3-hour ride, so you’ll be in Victoria by 11 AM with plenty of time to take advantage of the day.
Round trip Standard Fare tickets start at about $124 to $179 USD per person. You can upgrade to the Vista or Comfort Class for about $30 to $50 USD per person round trip if you want better views and more comfortable seats. If you want complimentary refreshments and a free welcome drink, Comfort Class is your best option. Any fare option has discounts available if you book in advance or as part of a hotel and tour package.
Besides the convenient departure location and gorgeous views of the Salish Sea along the journey, my favorite thing about taking the Clipper is just how easy breezy it is compared to the airport. There’s no TSA security lines or limits on liquid. The customs lines are generally short and relaxed. So all in all, it’s a much less stressful way to travel!
Pro tip: You can also travel with your pets on the Clipper! They don’t put animals in cargo, so it’s a better experience for your furry friend compared to flying.
Best time to visit
Given its mild weather, Victoria is a great place to visit year round. However, there may be some times more suited for you depending on your travel preferences.
If you’re looking for the best weather with the lowest chance of rain, May through October is your best bet. This is also whale season, if that’s important to you.
However, this is when the summer crowds set in. If you’re like me and don’t mind navigating typical PNW weather in exchange for fewer crowds, visit from November through April. This is also when you’ll find the best hotel deals.
Transportation options
You have a few different options for getting around as you explore all the unique things to do in Victoria BC.
Uber is technically in Victoria, but a lack of drivers means unpredictable wait times. Luckily Victoria is a very walkabout city, so you can explore most of the downtown area by foot or bike.
My preference is to rent a car from a downtown Victoria location (not the airport) because I like the mobility and have never had trouble finding parking. However, you can also call a taxi via Yellow Cab, Victoria Taxi, or water taxi. If you don’t mind the bus, BC Transit has many routes and is only $5 CAD per person for a day pass.
Another option is the Hop On, Hop Off Bus that runs a route along Victoria’s most popular attractions. As its name implies, you can get on and off at any time for about $60 CAD per adult (less for kids).
Where to stay
Victoria, BC has a lot of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget. My preference is to stay right on the harbor in downtown Victoria because the location and views can’t be beat.
You can book many of Victoria’s most iconic hotels through the Clipper’s ferry and stay packages, including Pendray Inn and the Fairmont Empress Hotel I mentioned earlier in this article.
The nicest place I’ve stayed is the Inn at Laurel Point. This dog-friendly hotel hosted me for a free stay and I couldn’t get over the property. The balconies of the waterfront rooms are a prime spot to watch boats and seaplanes zig zag across the water.
Most rooms come with a spa bathroom and there’s an onsite pool and fitness center for more wellness amenities. You’ll also find a yummy waterfront restaurant, coffee shop, peaceful garden, waterfront walking paths, and fine art throughout the hotel. All in all, the Inn at Laurel Point is a luxurious and central place to stay when exploring all the unique things to do in Victoria, BC!
More to explore around Canada
After you experience all these unique things to do in Victoria, BC, here are more guides to help you plan adventures around the rest of British Columbia and nearby Alberta.
