Discover the top 50 things to do in Victoria, BC! From the most popular Victoria attractions and activities, to outdoor adventures and local favorites. Here are our recommendations on what to do while visiting Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Summertime at The Butchart Gardens. Credit: The Butchart Gardens.
1. The Butchart Gardens
Stroll along meandering paths through fifty-five acres of delightful floral displays at The Butchart Gardens. In 1904, Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site north of Victoria. Her venture has become a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality spanning 100 years, delighting visitors from all over the world.
Please Note: The Butchart Gardens is located about 35 minutes from downtown Victoria. If you are traveling as a walk-on passenger, you can use one of the following modes of transportation to get to The Butchart Gardens:
1. The Butchart Gardens round-trip shuttle transportation: Hop on a motor coach bus in downtown Victoria, and enjoy a 35-minute narrated ride to The Gardens. Depending on the time of year, there are several pick-up and drop-off times to choose from. Book The Butchart Gardens with shuttle transportation.
2. BC Transit: Although a bit longer of a route (with many pick up and drop offs along the way), BC Transit is a cost effective public transportation option. Visit BC Transit for route options.
3. Taxi: There are several taxi companies in Victoria that can pick you up directly in front of our Victoria ferry terminal or your hotel.
Buy The Butchart Gardens Tickets
The Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria, BC.
2. Explore the Inner Harbour of Downtown Victoria
What better place to start? Hop off the M.V. Coho, and you're there. From buskers to local artisan vendors, and food trucks to the iconic Parliament Buildings within just a few steps, the Inner Harbour is a bustling, and exciting part of downtown Victoria.
Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House. Credit: Pendray Tea House.
3. Experience a Traditional Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience in the Pendray Tea House at the Huntingdon Manor, located across the street from our Victoria terminal. Choose from a selection of fine teas, as well as elegant tea plates filled with assorted breads, sweets and pastries.
The Pendray Tea House has a few different options, some of which are seasonally offered, including:
- Traditional Afternoon Tea: Featuring a delicious selection of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, signature pastries and your personal choice of gourmet TWG Tea.
- West Coast Afternoon Tea: It wouldn't be a West Coast inspired menu without a selection of freshly caught seafood! Dive into a selection of smoked salmon, tuna or shrimp sandwiches. Your taste buds will be swimming with excitement.
- Vegan Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a fully vegan-friendly inspired menu.
- Winter Afternoon Tea: 'Tis the season to experience an Afternoon Tea as light and delicate as Victoria's first snowfall. Treat yourself to a uniquely crafted menu complete with options inspired by the beautiful holiday festivities around downtown Victoria.
- Children's Afternoon Tea: Involve the kids in a traditional experience! Portioned appropriately for tiny appetites, the Children's Tea offers a perfect balance of fun & engaging selections for all ages.
M.V. Coho passing Fisherman's Wharf.
4. Wander Through Fisherman's Wharf
Visit one of downtown Victoria's most popular hotspots. Wander through the colorful floating houses, do some local shopping and enjoy a peaceful lunch at one of the restaurants on the water. One of our favourites is Barb's Fish and Chips. Take a water taxi, or arrive by foot — Fisherman's Wharf is located only a few blocks from the Inner Harbour.
First Peoples Gallery at the Royal BC Museum. Credit: Royal BC Museum.
5. Visit the Royal BC Museum
See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore the permanent galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Discover things and people you never knew before at what TripAdvisor users have three times voted number one in the Top 10 Museums in Canada.
Parliament Buildings in the Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria.
6. Tour the Parliament Buildings
Visit the iconic Parliament Buildings in the heart of downtown Victoria. Guided tours are available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, or you can explore on your own self-guided tour. Guided tours last between 30 to 45 minutes and include information on BC's political history and legislative process. Visit the Parliament Buildings' website for more information on tours.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Credit: Butterfly Gardens.
7. Discover Exotic Creatures at Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Enjoy the stunning beauty and color of exotic butterflies, tropical ducks, flamingos, and a variety of jungle creatures at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Thousands of free-flying butterflies will delight guests of this indoor tropical paradise, specifically designed to showcase the life cycle of butterflies and moths. The jungle is carefully controlled to maintain the perfect balance of temperature and humidity for all of the plants and animals. There are also free range frogs, wall lizards and geckos that call the gardens home.
Wood fire pizza at Pizzeria Prima Strada. Credit: Pizzeria Prima Strada, Destination Greater Victoria.
8. Eat Like a Local
Lunch Recommendations
- Red Fish, Blue Fish — Some of the city's best fish and chips!
- 10 Acres Commons — Patio views of bustling Government Street & Inner Harbour.
- Tacofino — Tacos, burritos and nachos... All to die for!
- Pizzeria Prima Strada — Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza... Absolutely delicious.
- Garrick's Head Pub — A favorite pub among the locals!
Dinner Recommendations
- Il Covo — An Italian hidden gem in the historic James Bay neighborhood.
- Heron Rock Bistro — French cuisine made with local ingredients.
- Nobu Japanese Tapas — Share plates with an Asian flair.
- Tapa Bar — Spanish-inspired tapas.
- Be Love — Local, organic, sustainable vegetarian offerings.
- 10 Acres Bistro — A farm-table experience.
Having a hard time deciding where to go? Book a food tour with Off the Eaten Track Food Tours, and experience a bit of everything! Tour through iconic neighborhoods and taste authentically local food along the way. Tickets can be purchased through Black Ball Ferry Line.
Buy Off The Eaten Food Track Tickets
Shopping on Lower Johnson Street in downtown Victoria. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
9. Shop Local in Downtown Victoria
Take a stroll down one of Victoria's main streets — Government Street. Here you'll find a variety of restaurants (Bard & Banker, Irish Times, and Garrick's Head, to name a few), and iconic shops, such as Rogers' Chocolates, Murchie's Tea & Coffee, and many other souvenir shops. Also be sure to check out Low Jo (Lower Johnson Street, off of Government Street); home to many local boutique shops including Rook and Rose (flower and lifestyle), Little Gold (jewelry), and ANIAN (durable, earth-friendly clothing). Market Square, located off of Johnson Street, also has tons of small shops and restaurants to explore.
Craigdarroch Castle.
10. Explore Craigdarroch Castle
Visit this spectacular mansion built between 1887 and 1890 by Robert Dunsmuir with four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and lavish furnishings. Craigdarroch Castle's tower, rising high above the city, offers a stunning view of Victoria, the Pacific Ocean, and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Tours are self-guided and "I Spy" maps are available for children.
Buy Craigdarroch Castle Tickets
Beacon Hill Park. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
11. Beacon Hill Park and Children's Farm
An easy walk from the Inner Harbour of downtown, Beacon Hill Park and Children's Farm is a free spot to visit in Victoria. Stroll through the 200-acre park and admire the beautiful landscapes and bounty of animals including ducks, geese and peacocks. Check out the Children's Farm for a hands-on experience for the whole family, with twice daily goat runs, and other friendly animals. PLUS, don't forget to make a stop at the Beacon Drive-In — voted Victoria's Best Ice Cream for the past 25 years!
Whale watching with Prince of Whales. Credit: Prince of Whales.
12. Go on a Whale Watching Adventure
Explore the Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of the majestic wildlife that floods the local waters in Victoria in the summer months. Take advantage of the opportunity to view several different species of whales in the wild as well as an assortment of seabirds and other species of marine wildlife from downtown Victoria on a Zodiac adventure or a luxury catamaran cruise.
Sunset at the Breakwater on Dallas Road.
13. Stroll along Dallas Road and the Breakwater
Looking for a place with a great ocean view? Stroll along the breakwater where the ocean hugs the path that leads you to one of Victoria’s most iconic lookouts — You can even catch the M.V. Coho on its way to the Inner Harbour! This beautiful spot is only a short walk away from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and is an ideal destination for a sunset walk after a day of exploring.
Horse-drawn carriage in front of the Parliament Buildings. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
14. Tour Victoria by Horse
Enjoy historical tales on Victoria's past, present and future on a guided tour of downtown Victoria. Book a private carriage tour and take a unique journey through downtown Victoria and the surrounding areas. Since 1978, Victoria Carriage Tours has been dedicated to providing quality horse-drawn tours.
Buy Victoria Carriage Tour Tickets
Phillips Brewing Tasting Room. Credit: Off the Eaten Track Food Tours, Destination Greater Victoria.
15. Sip on Some Local Brews
Victoria, BC is home to more than a dozen local breweries. Some of our favorite breweries with patios or tasting rooms include:
- Whistle Buoy Brewing Company (Market Square, Lower Courtyard #63, 560 Johnson Street)
- Phillips Brewing & Malting Beer Shop (2010 Government Street)
- Vancouver Island Brewing (2330 Government Street)
- îLE Sauvage Brewing Co. (2960 Bridge Street)
- Driftwood Brewing Company (836 Viewfield Road)
Plus, discover over 200 craft breweries in British Columbia on The BC Ale Trail.
Biking through Beacon Hill Park. Credit: Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Destination Greater Victoria.
16. Explore Victoria on Bike
Bring your bicycle on the M.V. Coho, or rent a bike in Victoria... Victoria is an extremely bike-friendly city! You can pedal your way through the island with bike lanes throughout downtown Victoria, and trails that continue further up island. Adventure down the E&N Rail Trail that eventually meets up with the Galloping Goose Trail. Cycle to popular destinations outside of downtown Victoria, such as Sidney, Thetis Lake and Sooke.
View all of Victoria's bike lanes and paths.
Chinese lanterns in Fan Tan Alley in Victoria's Chinatown.
17. Check out Historic Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
Chinatown welcomes you with a grand entrance - the Harmonious Gates of Interest. Inside the gates, browse local shops, historic buildings, and quaint Chinese grocers filled with specialty ingredients for cooking a variety of Asian dishes.
Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Canada (and second oldest in North America), and was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995.
Plus, be sure to check out Fan Tan Alley while you're there. Known as the narrowest street in Canada, Fan Tan Alley is home to many small vendors including a record store, cafe, beauty salon and other boutique shops.
Abkhazi Garden. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
18. Admire the Abkhazi Garden
The Abkhazi Garden is a beautiful spot for a relaxing afternoon! From flower beds to 70-year-old trees, this historical destination is full of color and life. Situated on the outskirts of downtown Victoria, this stunning heritage property welcomes you to explore the garden locally known as "the garden that love built". For more information, visit Abkhazi Garden's website.
Discover the Pasting Walking Tour. Credit: Discover the Past.
19. Discover the Past on a Ghostly Walking Tour
Best known for their spine-tingling Ghostly Walks, Discover the Past Walking Tours also offers a variety of fun and insightful history tours. John Adams, Victoria's pre-eminent historian, leads a team of exceptional storyteller guides on these captivating historic tours of downtown Victoria.
For more information, check out the Discover The Past Tours website.
View from the top of Mount Douglas.
20. Soak in the Vistas From One of Victoria's Mountain Tops
Soak in the beauty of the west coast by exploring one of Victoria’s stunning mountain tops with breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains and city.
Some of Victoria's most popular viewpoints include:
- Mount Douglas: 15-minute drive (5.7 miles / 9.1 kms) from downtown Victoria. Many people walk through the forested trails, or paved road to reach the summit, however, there is also a small parking lot at the top.
- Mount Tolmie: 15-minute drive (4.3 miles / 7 kms) from downtown Victoria. Drive on a paved road, with several parking lots on the way to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy the view from your car, or walk through the trails and have a picnic at one of the five designated areas.
- Mount Finlayson: 25-minute drive (12.9 miles / 20.8 kms) from downtown. The summit is only accessible by foot... Be prepared for an adventurous hike!
Port Angeles waterfront.
21. Take a Day Trip to Port Angeles
Take a day trip from Victoria to discover the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula on the most direct route between Victoria, BC and the USA. Choose a tour of the Port Angeles Underground, or rent e-bikes to explore the Olympic Discovery Trail... Or, just explore Port Angeles at your leisure!
Beach on Dallas Road.
22. Spend the Afternoon at one of Victoria's Beaches
Spend the day soaking in the sun, or even take a dip in the ocean! If you're feeling really adventurous, try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding, or kitesurfing.
The city is surrounded by beaches such as:
- Dallas Road Beaches: There are several beaches along Dallas Road. Take a stroll through the paved pathway, and you'll find stairs leading to each beach.
- Gonzales Beach: 8-minute drive (2.5 miles / 4 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Willows Beach: 14-minute drive (4.2 miles / 6.8 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Cadboro-Gyro Bay: 20-minute drive (5.5 miles / 8.8 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Esquimalt Lagoon: 25-minute drive (9 miles / 14.4 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Island View Beach: 25-minute drive (13 miles / 20.9 kms) from downtown Victoria.
Whiskey tasting flight at Macaloney's Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery. Credit: Macaloney's Island Distillery.
23. Tour a Local Distillery
Learn first-hand how Macaloney's crafts beers and whiskies on one of their guided tours. They begin the tour with the raw grains and walk you through their unique process all the way to the finished product. There will also be plenty of opportunities to taste both whiskies and beers along the way!
Please Note: You must be 19 years or older to taste products. Budding beer and whisky connoisseurs 12-18 are welcome but cannot be served any alcohol.
Buy Distillery & Brewery Tour Tickets
Other distilleries in Victoria:
- DEVINE Distillery: 30-minute drive (11.2 miles / 18.1 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Victoria Distillers: 35-minute drive (17.3 miles / 27.9 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Sheringham Distillery: 50-minute drive (25.5 miles / 41.1 kms) from downtown Victoria.
Niagara Falls in Goldstream Park.
24. Explore Goldstream Park
Located about 12 miles (20 kms) northwest of downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is best known for its annual fall salmon run and bald eagles that follow in a feeding frenzy.
Check out the Goldstream Nature House, located at the mouth of the river, with interactive nature displays and live webcams. One of our must-see vista views from #20, Mount Finalyson, is also located at Goldstream. Climb just over 1,300 feet (410 meters) in elevation to the summit. Then, treat yourself with some fire-roasted smokies and s'mores at the day-use area, equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and washrooms. *Please be mindful of potential fire bans in the area.
Located on the opposite side of the highway (west), just before the turn off for the park, you'll find individual campsites (group campsites are located on the east side). Goldstream Falls and Niagara Falls are also located on the west side of the highway.
For more information on Goldstream Provincial Park, visit BC Parks.
Botanical Beach in Sooke.
25. Spend a Day in Sooke
About an hour outside of Victoria, Sooke is full of hidden gems waiting for you to discover. Pack your day bag (or spend a night or two!) and venture through lush forests and coastal beaches. From a waterfall cascading into the ocean to catching unreal surf, Sooke is a great place to embrace the West Coast lifestyle.
Some of our favorite spots in Sooke:
- Sooke Potholes
- French Beach
- China Beach
- Mystic Beach
26. Uncover a Mystery in less than 45 minutes
If you love puzzles and riddles with a hint of mystery, then Horror Escape is the perfect afternoon activity for you! Uncover clues to help you and your team escape before the 45-minute timer runs out... Are you up for the challenge? For bookings and other information visit Horror Escape online.
Beacon Hill Park — A stop on the Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour.
27. Tour Victoria from a Different Perspective
Experience Victoria like no other aboard an authentic British Double Decker bus! Gray Line Victoria's Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour is designed to allow you the flexibility to explore the many points of interest Victoria has to offer.
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus features 14 stops in the city of Victoria including the Black Ball terminal, the Fairmont Empress, Fisherman's Wharf, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, Oak Bay Marina, Dallas Road and Mile Zero.
Fresh produce at the Victoria Public Market. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
28. Check out the local Farmer's Markets
Treat yourself to a wide range of local goodies including produce, freshly baked goods, cheese, local brews, art and pottery, clothing and more from one of Victoria’s markets!
- Moss Street Market (year-round, Saturdays only): 5-minute drive (1.3 miles / 2.1 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- James Bay Farmer's Market (May to October, Saturdays only): Located in James Bay, a couple blocks back from Black Ball's Victoria ferry terminal.
- Esquimalt Farmer's Market (April to November, Thursdays only): 10-minute drive (3 miles / 4.8 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Victoria Public Market at the Hudson (year-round, Monday – Saturday): Located in downtown Victoria, about a 20-minute walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal (or 5-minute drive).
- Metchosin Farmer's Market (mid-May to October, Sundays only): 35-minute drive (13.7 miles / 22.1 kms) from downtown Victoria.
Brunch on the patio at Heron Rock Bistro. Credit: Heron Rock Bistro.
29. Do Brunch in the Brunch Capital of Canada
Breakfast (or brunch) in Canada's brunch capital; a must-do. Our favorite brunch places include Jam Cafe, Blue Fox Cafe, Heron Rock Bistro, or The Ruby on Johnson. Most brunch places do not take reservations, so get an early start to the day to avoid long lines!
Hatley Castle.
30. Visit a National Historic Site: Hatley Castle
If you love history with a mix of modern-day culture, you’ll love Hatley Castle. Filled with interesting artifacts and history, this stunning estate has also become a popular location for the film industry!
Aerial view of Fisgard Lighthouse.
31. Visit another National Historic Site: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
Explore a 19th-century coastal artillery fort situated along the Esquimalt Harbour. Wander through old bunkers and buildings and find your way to the first lighthouse ever built on the west coast of Canada. This historical sight is full of fascinating displays and mini exhibits waiting for you to discover.
Cook Street Village. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
32. Stroll through Cook Street Village
Cook Street village is home to delicious cafes (like Moka House Coffee, The Hot and Cold Cafe and Empire Donuts), restaurants (like Pizzeria Prima Strada and The Beagle Pub), and one of a kind shops (like Cook Street Liquor: a craft beer, wine and spirits shop, Rootcellar: a boutique green grocer overflowing with local produce, dairy, grocery, meats, cheeses, floral and more, and Paws on Cook: a pet store with a large selection of local raw and kibble foods, treats, toys & gear).
IMAX Victoria theatre.
33. See a Movie on the Largest IMAX Screen in BC
Feel like you're really there with the ultimate film experience! The IMAX theater features crystal clear images on the largest IMAX screen in British Columbia, and wraparound digital surround sound to create an incredible and immersive experience.
The IMAX theater is located inside the Royal BC Museum, just a block away from the Black Ball terminal in Victoria.
Water Taxi at Fisherman's Wharf.
34. Tour the Inner and Outer Harbour by Water Taxi
Enjoy a scenic view of the city by catching a water taxi to get to your next destination! With over eight stops throughout the harbor, this is a unique way to tour around Victoria. PLUS, experience different pubs and restaurants along the way with their Pickle Pub Crawl. Visit Victoria Harbour Ferry's website for more information.
35. Learn About Insects at the Victoria Bug Zoo
Spend an afternoon discovering tropical bugs from around the world at the Victoria Bug Zoo. With over 40 species of bugs to learn about, this mini zoo invites you into the fascinating world of insects. The Victoria Bug Zoo is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, a short walk from our Victoria terminal.
Spa Magnolia at the Magnolia Hotel. Credit: Magnolia Hotel & Spa.
36. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Spend the day getting pampered with facials, manicures, massages and more... You deserve it!
Here are a few of our favorite spas in downtown Victoria:
- The Spa Magnolia
- Emerald Day Spa
- Willow Stream Spa
Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio. Credit: Inn at Laurel Point.
37. Take Advantage of Patio Season in Downtown Victoria
Soak up Victoria's mild climate on a patio in downtown Victoria! While summer is the most popular time to find a spot outside, many restaurants offer heated patios, so locals sit outside nearly year-round.
Some of our favorite patio spots include:
- Finest At Sea
- 10 Acres Commons
- Whistle Buoy Brewing Company
- Heron Rock Bistro
- Il Covo Trattoria
- Bodega
- Spinnakers Brew Pub
Visit Destination Greater Victoria's website for a full list of Victoria patios.
Thetis Lake.
38. Relax at the Lake
Searching for an activity the entire family will enjoy? Grab your towels, some snacks and head over to one of Victoria's lakes!
Spend the day swimming (or relaxing) lakeside at one of the following locations:
- Thetis Lake: 20-minute drive (7.5 miles / 12.1 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Beaver and Elk Lake: About a 25-minute drive (9.4 miles / 15.1 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Durrance Lake: 30-minute drive (12.6 miles / 20.2 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Prospect Lake: 30-minute drive (10.3 miles / 16.6 kms) from downtown Victoria.
Victoria Inner Harbour. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
39. Explore the Waters by Kayak
Victoria is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and has endless places waiting for you to explore by water. Take a guided tour around the beautiful city or a solo exploration trip on a sunny weekend day. This local activity is bound to be a memorable experience!
Sidney Pier.
40. Stroll along the Sidney Pier
The town of Sidney is a welcoming community full of boutique shops, delicious bakeries and scenic walks waiting for you to explore. Grab a cup of coffee from a local cafe and wander alongside the Pacific Ocean. Follow the walking trail towards the Sidney pier and stroll to the end of the boardwalk for a captivating view of the Strait of Georgia and San Juan Islands. Don't forget to keep an eye out for marine life along the way!
Robert Bateman Centre. Credit: Loretta Anne Rogers.
41. Visit a Local Art Gallery
If you love art, then Victoria is the place for you! With countless art exhibits ranging from modern to advant guarde, you won't be disappointed. Some of our favorite art exhibits to visit are:
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: 5-minute drive (1.5 miles / 2.4 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- The Avenue Gallery: 10-minute drive (2.9 miles / 4.6 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Madron Gallery: Located in downtown Victoria.
- Sean Schuster Fine Art Gallery: Located in downtown Victoria.
42. Explore the World in Miniature
Gain a whole new perspective as you stroll through Miniature World. With over 85 miniature dioramas and displays, this miniature world is anything but small! Voted top 3 places to see in 2018, this exhibition invites you to travel through space and time as you walk around their impressive creations.
Cedar Hill Golf Course. Credit: Saanich Parks & Recreation.
43. Golf the Day Away
Vancouver Island is a golfer's paradise. Enjoy diverse views from glacial mountains to coastal waters, with over 40 golf courses to choose from.
Some of the best golf courses on Vancouver Island include:
- Olympic View Golf Course: 30-minute drive (11 miles / 17.7 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Highland Pacific Golf Course: 20-minute drive (7 miles / 11.2 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Bear Mountain Golf Course (Valley or Mountain Course): 30-minute drive (12.6 miles / 20.3 kms) from downtown Victoria.
Venture further up island...
- Arbutus Ridge Golf Course: 45-minute drive (29.7 miles / 47.8 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Fairwinds Golf Course: 2-hour drive (89.5 miles / 144 kms) from downtown Victoria.
- Crown Isle Golf Course: 3-hour drive (140.4 miles / 226 kms) from downtown Victoria.
Swan Lake's Floating Boardwalk.
44. Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Wander the Swan Lake loop trail that guides you around a lake and across a scenic floating boardwalk. This wetland area is the perfect bird watching spot, full of many different species. With resting stops spaced out along the way, this 2.5 km trail is truly an enjoyable and scenic loop.
45. Visit the Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Learn about Canadian marine history at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Spend an afternoon reading fascinating stories and admire historical maritime artifacts. With multiple models, half hulls and name plates, this intriguing museum explores marine history through a number of exhibitions.
46. Explore the BC Aviation Museum
Expand your aviation knowledge by adventuring through the B.C Aviation Museum. Saunter through impressive exhibits that explore important moments of British Columbia's aviation history. With amazing replicas and historical machines on display, you will have the chance to see what aircrafts looked like dating all the way back to the 1800's.
Harbour Air departing from Victoria's Inner Harbour.
47. View the City from Above
Admire breathtaking views of Victoria and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance, from the sky! Hop on a float plane in Victoria's Inner Harbour to enjoy an experience you will never forget. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
Find more Harbour Air Seaplanes information online.
Ziplining through the forest. Credit: AdrenaLINE Zipline.
48. Zipline Through the Trees
Soar through the majestic West Coast forest on Vancouver Island just a short distance from downtown Victoria. This fully-guided tour features 8 scenic zip lines, a suspension bridge, and an exhilarating ATV ride through the Sooke Hills. Learn about the local ecology and wildlife during the 2 hour tour.
Buy AdrenaLINE ZiplinE Tickets
View from the Malahat.
49. Malahat Skywalk
Malahat SkyWalk is British Columbia's newest visitor destination. Just 35 minutes north of Victoria, where the forested mountains drop away to the Pacific Ocean, this incredible fully accessible experience includes a 600 m (1,968 ft) elevated walk though the forest canopy leading to a 32 m (105 ft) sightseeing tower offering breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. Guests can find a deeper connection to nature learning about the trees, birds, animals and marine life of this coastal region unique to BC. Malahat SkyWalk is located on the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation and their Indigenous stories are also embedded throughout the experience.
Vancouver Island Highway.
50. Road Trip up the Island
Victoria is one of many incredible destinations on Vancouver Island. Grab a friend and some snacks to prepare for the ultimate road trip!
Head up island towards Mount Washington for some fresh powder skiing in the winter or incredible bike trails and zipline tours in the summer. Continue your journey towards Campbell River where you can overlook a stunning waterfall from the Elk Falls suspension bridge.
If beaches are more your style, make a trip to the surf capital of Vancouver Island... Tofino! Stop for lunch at Coombs Country Market and go for a swim in Sproat Lake along the way. If you take this route, be sure to schedule in a stop at Cathedral Grove. Here you'll walk amongst enormous old growth trees scattered throughout a breathtaking coastal forest.
Vancouver Island has endless adventures waiting for you!
