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The Ordinary and Less Ordinary Things To Do in Victoria, British Columbia
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items I put together this list of recommendations for you, hope you find it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions and don't hesitate to comment with any questions or feedback.
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Must Do's:
Must See:
Absolutely Don't Miss These Sights In Victoria BC
Just outside of Victoria but worth the visit if you have time.
Let's Stay Here....
If you've got the time, these are the side trips that are worth doing!
Must Do's:
You've got to hit up these if you visit Victoria BC
Celebrate BC’s diversity through galleries that capture the history of the people, plants and animals that live in BC. Walk through a historic town, visit a Kwakwaka’wakw Chief ceremonial house. Look at how climate change is affecting this area.
Royal BC Museum, Victoria BC
Discover Victoria at your own pace. These buses tour around town and you can jump off at any stop that tickles your fancy. Then hop back on at the same (or different) locations. A great way to see everything so you know what you want to come back and spend some time on.
24 Hour Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Victoria City Tour
Ok, I know this may not be for everyone but trust me… kids love it!
Victoria Bug Zoo
Must See:
I know this is a little out of the ordinary for sights, but this is a hidden gem. Not only do you see the beautiful location, get some local history, but there are also a few hidden trails at far end.
Chinese Cemetery (Victoria, British Columbia) Free Attraction
This funky little alley is hidden but worth the find. You'll find lots of little treasures and curios along with a bit of history of Victoria.
Fan Tan Alley -Shopping in China Town, Victoria BC
Take a walking tour through Craigdaroch Castle located just steps from downtown Victoria BC. Learn how the home changed hands multiple times but still stands today.
Craigdarroch Castle
Another hidden treasure located on the inner harbour. This cute marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in the heart of the working harbour. Wander down the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, se... You'll often see some of the local native critters hanging out too.
Fisherman's Wharf - Victoria BC
Another slightly odd addition to my list, but this cemetery is one of the most beautiful I've seen. The Victorian era style, location across the street from iconic Dallas Road, and the number of prominent locals interned here (like artist Emily Carr), along with the local deer who live here make this a peaceful and beautiful stop to wander. Grab a coffee at Fairfield Market across the street and take your time wandering through.
Ross Bay Cemetery - Victoria BC
This is kind of an unknown tourist location. The house is still used today by the official government mostly as a place for dignitaries to stay(including the Royals), but the reason I'm suggesting it is for the grounds. It is a very sweet 20-40 minute walk around the house and gardens. Very peaceful with lots to see.
Government House - Victoria, British Columbia
Absolutely Don't Miss These Sights In Victoria BC
These are the things everyone should see at least once in Victoria!
Located right on the harbour downtown, this is a MUST stop. The location is what makes Victoria so incredible. Talk a walk inside and stop for high tea.
Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada
Located near the Empress Hotel and BC Museum, this building is gorgeous especially during the holidays. During the day there are often events happening on the grounds and the site is beautiful.
The Parliament Building, Victoria, British Columbia
This 185 acre park located in downtown Victoria is one of the best gifts of this cute town. There are ponds, a petting zoo, peacocks roaming freely, herons nesting (in season), a totem pole, playgrounds, and a tree planted by Winston Churchill.
Beacon Hill Park, Victoria BC
Dallas Road is amazing. There is a walkway (or bike) along the water for 2.5-4.5 miles. Looking out over the water you see the mountains of Washington state. On breezy days you'll see kite surfers, wind surfers, kite sails. You can walk along with dogs in the dog off-leash areas. Or you can stop at Clover Point or any of the benches along the way to just enjoy the amazing views.
Dallas Road Beach, Victoria BC
Just outside of Victoria but worth the visit if you have time.
This is a cute aquarium in Sidney BC, about a 30-45 minute drive outside of Victoria. If you are headed to the ferries, make some extra time to his this up.
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea - A little aquarium in Sidney BC
This is 55 acres of gorgeous well maintained gardens. They have celebrations for every season: during the summer there is outdoor evening entertainment, in the fall there is a stunning show of color, and winter celebrations topped with thousands of lights. There's a lot of walking but you can always stop at the Tea House for a quick bite.
The Butchart Gardens, Saanich BC
This 800 acre park located just outside of Victoria is beautiful. A National Historic Site, and locale for many movies is located on the grounds or Royal Roads University.
Hatley Park National Historic Site- Colwood BC
About a 35 minute drive outside of Victoria but the views are amazing. Enjoy the 600 meter elevated walkway through an Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest until you get to a 10 story spiral tower lookout. 360 degree views. 250 meters above sea level.
Malahat Skywalk
Let's Stay Here....
These are the TOP, and LEAST known places to stay for romance and views in Victoria BC
This is my top choice for accommodations in Victoria BC. It's walkable to the inner harbour/downtown and lots of other sights. The restaurant is great! The views and walkability are top notch for Victoria.
Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria Canada
Another favorite stay. This has a couple of really good restaurants, full spa, outdoor pool. It's lovely for a romantic getaway but you do have to drive to go anywhere.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria Canada
If you've got the time, these are the side trips that are worth doing!
Salt Spring Island is just a 35 minute ferry ride from Sidney (which is about a 40 minute drive from Victoria). I'm going to make a separate list just for Salt Spring because there is so much.
Salt Spring Island: An Artists playground
I also make a list just for Tofino. It's about a 5+ hour drive from Victoria to Tofino but once you are there, you will feel like you are at the end of the Earth. It's a small, peaceful, community where surfers and fisherman hangout. Bring a book and some good friends!
Tofino, British Columbia: BC's longest white sand beach.