Things to do in Victoria

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Victoria showing skyline, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Craigdarroch Castle featuring heritage architecture
Butchart Gardens showing a river or creek and a fountain
Victoria featuring a lake or waterhole and a pebble beach
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park showing a park, landscape views and forest scenes

Victoria Attractions

Victoria is one of the most peaceful and attractive cities in British Columbia, Canada. Located on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this city is one of the top spots to enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway or an extended stay. Expedia can save you a great deal of money on Victoria tours by offering you huge discounts on hotel stays, airfare, and car rentals.

One of the best tourist attractions in Victoria is the lovely green space known as the Butchart Gardens. Gorgeous flowers and manicured plants adorn the gardens. Paved walking paths will also lead you past enchanting waterways and unique sculptures.

While visiting Victoria, you simply must see the elegant interior of The Empress. This classic hotel still maintains its old-fashioned charm and even offers afternoon tea and snacks inside its tearoom. Completed in 1908, The Empress still stands as one of the most iconic places in Victoria.

Victoria additionally features other impressive historical buildings. A detailed map of the city will help you locate places like Christ Church Cathedral, Craigdarroch Castle, and the Helmcken House.

Visiting the local cultural spots around the city is another great thing to do while taking Victoria excursions. The Chinatown district features traditional Asian sculptures and other art installations and is the perfect location to learn more about the city’s Chinese immigrants. While totem poles displayed at certain outdoor locations around the city tell the story of the region’s native people.

Finding fun things to do in Victoria is easy when you book through Expedia. Many of the featured hotels are located near some of the best Victoria activities and locations.

Victoria must see attractions

1. Victoria Harbour

Come to Victoria Harbour to experience the spirit of the city at its most dynamic. Get a sense of the area’s modern atmosphere and culture as well as its history. Watch street performers flaunt their skills, visit some of Victoria’s most significant buildings and browse the markets for the perfect souvenir. All this against the backdrop of the sparkling waves, topped with vessels of all kinds.
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Victoria Harbour featuring a bay or harbor and heritage architecture

2. Government Street

Government Street is one of Victoria’s most popular commercial and entertainment streets. Come to this lively area to shop for fashion and handicrafts, visit museums and historical buildings and discover Canada’s oldest Chinatown. If you follow the street south from the city’s downtown district to Holland Point Park you are rewarded with views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
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Government Street featuring a house, a small town or village and street scenes

3. Royal BC Museum

At the Royal BC Museum you can see totem poles and dinosaur footprints, learn about British Columbia’s human and natural history, and visit two of the oldest buildings in the province. Founded in 1886, the museum joined forces with the BC Archives in 2003 to create one of Canada’s most revered cultural museums.
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Royal BC Museum showing interior views

4. Victoria Fisherman's Wharf

At Fisherman’s Wharf you can feed seals, explore a picturesque floating village, enjoy fresh seafood, join whale-watching tours and watch a unique water “ballet.”
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Victoria Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a house and a coastal town

5. British Columbia Parliament Building

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings are arguably Victoria’s most well-known landmark. Admire 19th-century architecture, stroll around the premier’s rose garden and see sculptures of historical figures and murals portraying life in British Columbia. The grounds of the Parliament Building and Legislative Assembly are also the location for many free cultural events, such as live music performances and ceremonies. Pass by after dark when over 3,000 lights illuminate the building, a picturesque sight.
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British Columbia Parliament Building featuring heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and night scenes

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What to do in Victoria

Free Things to Do in Victoria

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Victoria:

Mount Douglas Park - Make this place among your first stops if you're chasing fun during your time away.

University of Victoria - This modern-style local landmark is a terrific backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

George Mason's Heritage Home - Come to grips with some of the fascinating history of the region through this site.

Chinatown - This is a vibrant area where you can soak in the vibe and feel the rhythm of the local way of life.

Princess Louisa Inlet - Shut your eyes and draw a deep breath — there's nothing like being by the water for some rest and relaxation.

Market Square - Organize a visit and learn about the significance of this place to the locals.

Christ Church Cathedral - Incorporate a little spirituality into your trip with a stop at this religious site.

Cadboro Bay - Keep a lookout for pretty shells and other little treasures laying along the shoreline here.

West Coast Trail - Contemplate the stark contrast between urban life and nature's rugged beauty at this breathtaking location.

Beacon Hill Park - Whether you know your bamboo from begonias, you'll find beauty in this stunning display.

Things to Do in Victoria with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Victoria. Here are some family friendly experiences you can do together that will make your vacation memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Victoria? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Victoria

Victoria Harbour featuring a bay or harbor and heritage architecture

Victoria Harbour

4.5/5(876 reviews)

Old meets new as historic architecture, traditional fishing boats and contemporary performers crowd together at one of Victoria’s liveliest spots.

Victoria Harbour
Government Street featuring a house, a small town or village and street scenes

Government Street

4.5/5(511 reviews)

This central street attracts the crowds with its museums and galleries, historical architecture, shopping districts and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

Government Street
Royal BC Museum showing interior views

Royal BC Museum

4.5/5(370 reviews)

Learn about the region’s human and natural history, visit some of the oldest buildings in the province and see a special collection of totem poles.

Royal BC Museum
Victoria Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a house and a coastal town

Victoria Fisherman's Wharf

4.5/5(400 reviews)

Come to this working harbor to see its colorful floating houses, go on a kayaking trip or a wildlife-spotting cruise and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood on the docks.

Victoria Fisherman's Wharf
British Columbia Parliament Building featuring heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and night scenes

British Columbia Parliament Building

4.5/5(583 reviews)

Visit the legislative headquarters of British Columbia to admire neo-baroque architecture and murals depicting scenes from the province’s history.

British Columbia Parliament Building
Victoria which includes a city, street scenes and a house

Chinatown

4/5(354 reviews)

Discover the passageways, temples, murals, shops and traditional Asian restaurants in this historic district established by Canada’s first Chinese immigrants.

Chinatown
Fisherman\'s Wharf Park which includes marine life as well as a small group of people

Fisherman's Wharf Park

4/5(21 reviews)

Take a walk around the delightful gardens of this charming park and then explore a vibrant waterfront area of colorful houseboats, cafés and restaurants.

Fisherman's Wharf Park
Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park

You can take time to visit Goldstream Provincial Park during your travels to Langford. Stroll along the area's waterfront, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Goldstream Provincial Park
Great castle that was used in the X-Men movies and Smallville.

Royal Roads University

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Walk around the campus at Royal Roads University during your stay in Colwood. Stroll along the area's waterfront, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Royal Roads University

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Victoria

Victoria which includes a city, street scenes and a house

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(796 area reviews)

Downtown Victoria boasts a lively atmosphere with movie theatres, stage theatres, hotels, and various dining options. Explore tourist attractions like Bastion Square, Centennial Square, and the historic Chinatown.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour featuring heritage elements and a bay or harbor

Inner Harbour

Spend time at the water’s edge and still be in the city’s core. You’ll find many attractions and things to do while walking in this picturesque area.

Inner Harbour
Victoria showing a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

5/5(513 area reviews)

You can explore vibrant attractions like Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman's Wharf Park, and the Royal British Columbia Museum in this area near Victoria's Inner Harbour. Accessible via Belleville Street and other main roads, it also offers a HeliJet terminal and a US ferries terminal.

James Bay
The largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula.

Saanich East

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Saanich East, you might make a stop by sights like Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course.

Saanich East
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Esquimalt

Southern tip of Vancouver Island hosts Esquimalt, a municipality with a rich naval history and heritage sites like Craigflower farmhouse and schoolhouse. Explore the area along the historic Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway.

Esquimalt
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Saanich West

While there might not be top attractions in Saanich West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Princess Louisa Inlet and Uptown Center.

Saanich West
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Victoria

Butchart Gardens featuring a garden and flowers

Brentwood Bay

Langford

Langford

Photo by Kim Knudsen

Oak Bay

Colwood

Colwood

Port Renfrew which includes tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and mountains

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area

Frequently asked questions

Is Victoria worth visiting?
Offering a mix of bars and pubs and history, there's no shortage of things to do in Victoria. While you're here, head to Royal BC Museum, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Victoria?
Start your day with a visit to Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Then, explore other areas of Victoria for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Victoria?
The top tourist attraction in Victoria is Royal BC Museum, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Victoria?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city attractions, such as Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and Victoria Bug Zoo. The average stay in Victoria is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Port Angeles isn't far away.
Is Victoria a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Victoria is a good place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Then take a stroll around Downtown Victoria, located 0.1 miles from the center, and James Bay, which is roughly 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Victoria with kids?
Planning what to do in Victoria with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Victoria for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Victoria, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to de Vine Vineyards or Government Street.
Are there free things to do in Victoria?
In Victoria, Christ Church Cathedral is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Victoria.

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