Top Things to do in Victoria
- 1. Inner Harbour
- 2. Royal BC MuseumTourism VictoriaFamily Fun
- 3. Beacon Hill ParkTourism VictoriaFamily Fun
- 4. Scenic Marine Route
- 5. Government HouseTourism VictoriaArts, History, and Culture
- 6. Christ Church CathedralTourism VictoriaArts, History, and Culture
- 7. British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- 8. Royal Theatre
- 9. Victoria Pier
- 10. Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater
10 Things to Do in Victoria That You Shouldn't Miss
Victoria is a thriving city of heritage architecture and time-honored traditions like afternoon tea. With the ocean at its doorstep and wilderness in its backyard, it’s also a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find everything from a world-class science and natural history museum to a blooming public park where peacocks roam freely, plus a range of unique shops, cafes and restaurants. And more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the scenery.
Restaurants in Victoria
1. Inner Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
This scenic patch of waterfront is the location of Victoria's many tourist attractions, recreational activities, restaurants and shopping. For a special treat, have afternoon tea at the grand Empress Hotel or board a ferry for a harbor tour.
Reviewed By Peytonsage - Barrie, Canada
This walk has a different vibe depending on the time of day - peaceful on a weekend morning, bustling on a sunny afternoon and brightly lit after dark. Nice that it always feels safe no matter the time of day, or night, as well. There's always something going on - prop planes landing in the harbour, yellow taxi boats criss-crossing like water bugs, musicians performing, horse drawn carriages and visitors snapping photos to try and capture the fun and beauty.
2. Royal BC MuseumTourism VictoriaFamily Fun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Step inside and experience British Columbia. Since 1886 the Royal BC Museum has preserved and shared the human and natural histories of this province. Discover the famous First Peoples, Natural History and Modern History Galleries – a feast of sights, smells and sounds of British Columbia. The Royal BC Museum is also home to a cultural precinct including the BC Archives, Helmcken House, St. Ann's Schoolhouse, the Netherlands Centennial Carillon, Thunderbird Park and Mungo Martin House/Wawadit’la.
Reviewed By tammyp123 - Kelowna, Canada
I visited this museum as a child, over 30 years ago, & the hubby & I came with our niece & nephew for spring break. Some of the displays I saw as a child are still there, unchanged. Other new displays such as the photography display, were very boring, especially for the kids & would perhaps be more appropriately displayed in a gallery. The museum has a wonderful & varied depiction of all that is BC but having traveled to many museums all over Canada we can say it is not the best we have been to and it is certainly one of the more expensive ones, with no family discount rate, which is offered in most other museums . I give it an above average rating, because I do love the mammoth, the village & the first peoples displays.
3. Beacon Hill ParkTourism VictoriaFamily Fun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This park holds a tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929.
Reviewed By Hakimom - London, Ontario, Canada
Easy walk from Victoria Inner Harbour, this park was worth the sunset visit.
Peacocks roam the free public parking lot which leads to a petting zoo. Several types of wildlife are sighted throughout the property. Public washrooms are available, did not see a concession stand. Beautifully landscaped and well maintained, paved walkways lined with benches meander through. The reward for making it out to the ocean shores is a glimpse at the world's tallest totem pole located here. People walking dogs on the oceanfront paths outnumber those without, nice to grab a seat and watch the variety.
4. Scenic Marine Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
Scenic running and hiking trail along the Pacific.
Reviewed By McBab - Victoria, Canada
You can't beat the view and ever changing ocean views. Lots of wild life, birds, whales, seals, otter, surfers! The west coast of the island is rugged and spectacular. Start anywhere you like. There are restaurants along the way, becoming less prolific the closer you get to Port Renfrew. There are no gas stations between Sooke and Port Renfrew. A new gas station just opened in November 2017 in Port Renfrew. There are some great restaurants in PR, such as Billie's, The PR Hotel and Coastal Cafe. The hotel has a large deck on the water with views toward a long sandy beach. Wonderful on the fairly warm day or wear your coat and enjoy the view! There are many stops and provincial parks to enjoy along the way. French Beach, Botanical Beach (in PR) - If you want to see fantastic sea life, time your visit with the low tide.
5. Government HouseTourism VictoriaArts, History, and Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 607 reviews
Government House is owned by the Crown in Right of British Columbia, and is the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the province.
Reviewed By lilio74 - san diego, california
While we weren't able to visit the inside of the house, the grounds are beautiful. We spotted three deer while strolling the Gardens and were able to take some spectacular pictures and video of them. Not sure when or if the house is open to the public, but the spotting of the deer was enough to make us think it was worth the visit.
6. Christ Church CathedralTourism VictoriaArts, History, and Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By Pataec - West Palm Beach, Florida
This is a very active church and congregation. We attended Even Song service but other services are available. I'm a retired church musician so this was high on my list.
7. British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the Parliament Buildings are open to the public year-round. Visitors are welcome to join one of the regularly scheduled guided tours, stroll through the buildings on their own self-guided tour, or even have a bite to eat in the Legislative Dining Room.Free guided tours are available Monday through Friday throughout the year, and seven days a week during the summer.
Reviewed By Peytonsage - Barrie, Canada
Unfortunately we couldn't tour inside because it was a weekend but the setting and grounds are very stately and the lighting of the building at night has become the symbol for instant recognition of the city of Victoria. The spring flower plantings were lovely as was the regal old fir tree standing beside the statue of queen Victoria.
8. Royal Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
The 1,434-seat Royal Theatre, opened in 1913 as the Victoria Opera House, is a heritage jewel. It is the home of the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, as well as a diverse selection of locally produced entertainment. The Royal is also known as Victoria's "home of the stars", offering a showcase for Performances from some of the world's greatest entertainers in theatre and dance to classical music and rock 'n' roll.
Reviewed By Pawprintz - Parksville
This theatre is a fabulous spot to enjoy a concert or other event. I recently attended both a Bahamas concert and the ODC contemporary dance performance. The only complaint is the very limited leg room! But the beauty makes up for it. They also offered to serve beverages in plastic sippy cups that could be taken inside!
9. Victoria Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
10. Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 786 reviews
Reviewed By onegameatatime - Regina, Canada
Visited the end of February. The restaurant was actually quite busy. Order a couple of burgers and a beer. No deep frier available so had to go with a salad. Apparently in summer you can have fries from their food truck outside.
Nice views bit overall not very memorable.
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