I have been asked many many times for recommendations on things to do in Victoria. I will start this post with what I tell everyone visiting: “Ohhhhhkay this is a lot of info and there are tons of spots to check out. Honestly go to all of them or go to absolutely none of them. The Island is a magical place and you will find all sorts of hidden gems no matter where you go. Just have fun, go with the flow, and see where your adventure takes you.” Also, I’d like to add, especially after my mom’s most recent visit, remember life is extremely unpredictable. You can make all the plans you want but the universe may have a different idea. Life can change oh so quickly so keep an open mind and an open heart.
Alright here are my fave 15 things to do in Victoria (Not in any particular order)
1. Definitely go for a walk through Beacon Hill Park. A sacred and significant historical space of the Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation. It is seventy-five hectares of beautiful park, flowerbeds, walkways, cycling routes, gary oak meadows, water fountains, ponds, and playgrounds. There are countless ducks, geese, squirrels and even peacocks wondering about. Stop at the petting zoo (entrance by donation) to visit the llamas, pigs, mini horses, chickens and you might even be able to play with the goats and their kids. Beacon Hill is also home to the tallest totem pole and the Moss Lady.
2. Take a stroll along Dallas Road. Spanning the coast and running right along the ocean there is an upper walkway area, cycling path, and leash free dog area as well as the option to walk down below along the beach, rocks, and driftwood down below. Check out Clover point, Spiral beach, Fonyo Beach, Ogden point and keep an eye out for Hazel’s ice cream bars and Clover Café.
3. The China town here is the oldest in Canada. It is not very big…maybe about 1 square block but has lots of unique little shops and cafes and is home to the famous Fan Tan Alley and the lesser known Dragon Alley.
4. Take a walk through downtown, around the Empress Hotel, the inner harbour, Thunderbird Park, and around Parliament. They are all touristy spots but if you happen to be there on a Sunday morning at 10:45am check out the super cute Water Taxi Ballet in the inner harbour (April - October).
5. Take a soak in a floating Hot Tub through the inner harbour and along the Gorge waterway!
6. The Butchart Gardens are world-renowned. Take a few hours and stroll the gardens in the sun. There is a gift store, coffee shop and gelato place or take a little picnic and enjoy amongst the blossoms. Warning: It is quite expensive for a one-time visit but with that said it is one of my mom’s favourite places and we visit every time she is here.
7. Other garden options that are less expensive/free: Beacon Hill (see #1 above), Government house gardens, The Gardens at HCP, Finnerty Gardens at UVic, Hately Castle gardens (not right in Victoria), and Abkhazi Gardens
8. Grab a coffee at one of the many lovely cafes and take a walk along the beach. Some of our faves include Willows Beach, Gonzales Beach, or Cadboro-Gyro Beach, which has an off-leash dog area.
9. A moderate hike close to the city is Mt Doug. There are several trails and it is a not too long of a hike with pretty nice views at the top (again some areas are a little steep).
10. If you’re not feeling the hike or walk, drive up Mt Doug or Mt Tolmie for some views of the city.
11. Take a whale watching tour and explore the diverse wildlife in the oceans surrounding the island.
12. Thetis Lake is just outside of Victoria and a beautiful walk around a forested lake.
13. Also just outside of the city take a walk along the Esquimalt lagoon or through the grounds of the Hately Castle (X-men, Arrow, and Smallville are just a few of the movies that have been filmed here)
14. The Bug Zoo and Dino Lab are both fun places to explore with kids!
15. If you’re into it there is a walking Ghost Tour through the city as well.
These are just a few of the many places to explore and I will be doing full separate blog posts about hikes around the area and about places to eat…because let’s get serious, Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Canada and there are SOOOO many incredible restaurants, cafes, and food trucks here!
Shine Bright Beauties.
Much love.
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