As the weather starts to warm up, Victoria comes to life with blooming flowers and outdoor activities. Known as the City of Gardens, and home to the mildest temperatures in Canada, spring is the perfect time to visit Victoria. The city offers a range of activities that make for a memorable trip for the adventurer, the artist, the culinary enthusiast, and the shopaholic alike! Take advantage of the budding spring and read below for the top things to do in Victoria, BC this spring season.
Plus, Victoria's blooming season is on a SUPER SALE! Experience the Magic of Spring at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC from $175 USD pp/do. Packages include ferry, a stay in Victoria, BC, and admission and shuttle to The Butchart Gardens. Packages valid March 15 - April 30, 2024.
Spring tulip blooms at The Butchart Gardens. Credit: The Butchart Gardens.
1. Admire Victoria in Full Bloom
Enjoy the world-famous flowers and gardens Victoria has to offer, including The Butchart Gardens, Government House and Abkhazi Gardens.
The Butchart Gardens offers thousands of blooms during this time of year, including the Cherry and Plum blossoms, more than 28 varieties of Magnolia trees (some date back to Jennie Butchart's original plantings), over 160,000 blooming tulip bulbs, and other beautiful blooms including Hyacinthus (Hyacinth), Narcissus (Daffodil), and Myosotis (Forget-me-not)... Spring at The Butchart Gardens is not to be missed!
Plus, from March to April, admire the stunning Cherry Blossoms as they bloom along View Street, right in the heart of downtown Victoria. Can’t get enough of the budding spring? Check out Rook & Rose flower shop on Johnson Street for beautiful bouquets (fresh and dried!), apothecary, and home goods.
Brunch at Floyd's Diner. Credit: Floyd's Diner.
2. Visit the City's Best Cafe and Brunch Spots
If you love brunch, you’ve come to the right place. Victoria has countless iconic brunch spots that will fuel all of your adventures, including Jam Cafe, Floyd’s Diner, Heron Rock Bistro and John's Place (all within walking distance of our ferry terminal!). If you’re looking for something lighter like a coffee and a treat, we recommend Crust Bakery or Murchie's Tea & Coffee.
Shops on Lower Johnson Street. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
3. Shop Local
Victoria is home to many wonderful local shops that have a variety of goods. If you’re looking for something to remember your trip, check out Government Street for classic souvenirs. If you love looking for vintage treasures, Victoria is home to curated Vintage clothing shops including Vintage After Death, Victoria Vintage, Brica Brac Salvage, and many more.
If you're into browsing, head to Lower Johnson Street (just off of Government Street) for some of Victoria’s most popular local stores. Lower Johnson has many local boutique shops including Violette Boutique (jewelry), and ANIAN (durable, earth-friendly clothing). Market Square, located off of Johnson Street, also has tons of small shops and restaurants to explore!
Malahat Skywalk Spiral Tower. Credit: Malahat Skywalk.
4. Enjoy Some Breathtaking Views
Roughly a 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria, The Malahat Skywalk provides some incredible views of Southern Vancouver Island and the Saanich Inlet. Walk their Spiral Tower to get 250 meters above sea level. Enjoy the surrounding arbutus forest and the accompanying local wildlife that lives within it. Do not forget about the spiral slide that will take you from the top of the tower to the bottom in seconds!
Lounging area at Willow Stream Spa. Credit: Willow Stream Spa.
5. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
No vacation is complete without some much needed relaxation. Victoria has some amazing spas that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for more adventures. For a unique experience, check out Ritual Nordic Spa home to Scandinavian spa and wellness treatments. For a classic spa experience, go to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress... You deserve it!
View from Dallas Road. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
6. Spend Time Outdoors
For some of the best hikes (and panorama views) in the city, check out Mount Doug or Mount Tolmie. If you’re looking for a day at the beach, we recommend Willows Beach, Gonzales, Mount Doug Beach, or stroll along the endless beaches along Dallas Road nearby our ferry terminal in downtown!
Easily accessible from downtown, Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s largest parks. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, spot resident peacocks, check out Beacon Hill Petting Zoo, and don't forget to grab some ice cream from Beacon Hill Drive In (featuring some of city's best ice cream!).
Exterior of Royal BC Museum. Credit: Royal BC Museum, Destination Greater Victoria.
7. Embrace your Curiosities
Downtown Victoria offers an assortment of indoor activities for all ages, including a variety of museums that will feed your curiosities. This spring, the Royal BC Museum is showcasing the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” exhibit until June 2nd, 2024. Check out other unique year-round exhibits such as the Victoria Bug Zoo and Miniature World, exhibiting over 85 miniature dioramas from various artists. If you’re a lover of nautical history and ocean sciences, visit the Maritime Museum of BC, which offers exhibits and walking tours.
Exterior of Greater Victoria Art Gallery. Credit: Greater Victoria Art Gallery.
8. Get Creative
Feeling inspired by the colors of spring? If you’re in the mood to try your hand capturing the season’s beauty, it’s time to get creative. Drop in to one of many paint classes across the city, visit Four Cats for a spring-themed workshop, or Fired Up to paint your very own ceramic souvenirs. If you’re looking to admire other artist’s creations, check out the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria!
Interior of the Board Game Café. Credit: Bob Hewitt Photographic, Destination Greater Victoria.
9. Fun and Games
Quest Reality Games offers a variety of escape rooms and outdoor escape challenges that keep you entertained while exploring the city. Looking for a scary challenge? Horror Escape is the perfect place.
If you’re craving a game of Pac Man, Frogger, Fix it Felix, pin-ball, or any other arcade classic (new and old!), you should definitely pay a visit to Quazar’s Arcade.
Victoria is also home to Haunted Manor: mini golf, a fun and engaging combination of a haunted house and a miniature golf course. If you want to wind down around a board game with your friends and family, the Board Game Cafe offers tasty treats and a huge selection of games for all interests! There won’t be a dull moment here.
Fish & Chips and a "Tacone" from Red Fish Blue Fish. Credit: Red Fish Blue Fish.
10. Experience Victoria’s Local Food and Drinks
Craving local food and beer? Victoria has it all, from fish tacos at Red Fish Blue Fish on Wharf Street to perogies at Sult on Yates Street, and pasta from Pagliacci's on Broad Street. If you’re looking for a drink, stop by Cenote or Citrus and Cane for a wide range of specialty cocktails. You’ll find local brews from one of Victoria’s microbreweries everywhere you stop, but you can also hunt them down by following Victoria’s Ale Trail.
