Top Things to do in Victoria
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Victoria, Vancouver Island
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. Sitchanalth - Ancient Salish Seaport
2. Wharf Street
3. L Mack Carvings
4. Government Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 reviews
Busy street lined with some of Victoria's biggest tourist attractions.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
There can be little doubt that Government Street is an important hub in Victoria. With clear access to the harbour and home to the seat of the Province’s government, it is a major political, economic and transport center; however, reading through the myriad of TripAdvisor reviews, it would be difficult to garner such a picture. Instead, most tend to simplify the Government Street experience to that of a bastion for tourists: “A nice downtown street with lots of stores, restaurants and pubs” is an apt summary of what most say about this significant area of BC’s capital. To a certain extent, such sentiment isn’t entirely wrong – Government Street does carry many a tourist shop and is bustling with visitors from Spring through Fall – but it’s not entirely right, either. Government Street is packed with a lot history. We just need to put down our selfie sticks and open our eyes to see it. Indeed, to talk about Government Street as if it were nothing more than “T-shirt-beach towel & maple syrup shops” is to do it a gross disservice and, I think, just plain ignorant. Such views downplay or outright ignore the history that’s staring them right in the face. For one, Government Street is littered with heritage buildings erected anywhere between 1869 and 1931. Some are listed on TripAdvisor, but a lot aren’t. The fact that a number of these edifices – many built during the Victorian period – are still in use and beautifully maintained speaks to the character of the city. Second, Government Street has held the key to Victoria’s political history since at least the late 1800s, when it became the formal gathering place for our Provincial politicians. Many a consequential decision has been rendered in these handsome Parliament buildings since 1893. Third, Government Street is also home to what I’ll call BC’s earliest example of the cultural mosaic. A large section of Government Street actually cuts through Victoria’s Chinatown (the oldest in Canada), which is a destination in itself. Granted, the Chinese faced segregation in the early years, but the tides of history have worked hard to eliminate this. The end result has been a touring experience – through Government Street – that is socially rich, culturally complex, and thus so much more than mere shops and restaurants. What I really appreciate about Government Street – and Victoria – is the fact that it seems to have struck the proper and right balance between its past and the contemporary present. As you wander this “golden route,” you can explore and see many of this city’s great landmarks and sites: The Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Empress Hotel, Emily Carr House, Historic Chinatown, Munro’s Books, Murchie’s Tea, Cowichan Trading, the ever popular Roberta’s Hats and, to a lesser extent, The Bay Centre. Between all of these sites, there’s a good mix of social, economic, political and even religious history. There’s also a good dose of our current ethos. In short, unlike other major areas I’ve visited elsewhere (Robson Street in Vancouver, for example), Government Street hasn’t jettisoned its vibrant Victorian-era architecture in favour of post-modern gentrification. After ambling about Government Street, one is likely to get hungry. Given that this area of Victoria is such a hub of social activity, it should come as no surprise that there’s a healthy plethora of dining options to be had. If you want something high end, you can certainly have it, but there’s plenty of wallet-friendly options, too. Off the top of my head, I’d recommend attending any one of: Irish Times Pub (building erected in 1894), Q at the Empress, Bard & Banker (opened in 1885 as the Bank of BC; Robert Service worked here a short while), and Brasserie L’Ecole. Or, if you don’t mind deviating off Government, great eateries like Little Jumbo, The Keg, Nautical Nellies and IL Terrazzo are just a few minutes’ walk away. I love how many of these establishments maintain their Victorian-era charm and openly acknowledge their history. Government Street has certainly evolved over the years but, thankfully, it hasn’t willfully chosen to ignore its rich history unlike so many other places. We can come here and admire the Victorian-era heritage, or we can shop and play tourist – it’s our call. At day’s end, we’ll all recognize that Government Street epitomizes Victoria, regardless of why we’re here. Try it – I challenge you. Google “Victoria BC.” The first image you’ll see is of the Inner Harbour with the Parliament Buildings in the background. We all come to Government Street, whether we’re actively looking for it or not; thus, to say “This is not a destination” is foolhardy in the extreme.
5. Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,276 reviews
Reviewed By BFRay - Bellows Falls, United States
If you want to put a real shine on your stay in Victoria, choose the Empress Hotel. It is pricey, but the accommodations are truly 5 star, world-class. From the exceptionally gracious and receptive front desk personnel to the bell captains to the doormen [no doorwomen in sight during our visit] to the entire staff we encountered, it felt warmly welcoming. Even Winston, the house dog, was friendly. We were a family of three generations, and felt like part of the family there. Look up at the 250,000 hand-cut Czech crystals, 4000 pound "cloud" chandelier for your first "Wow!" moment. The furniture and furnishings, the interior architecture, lighting, window treatments, etc. are all exquisite. High Tea is an absolute must, of course. We dressed for the occasion, but there is no formal dress code. My 9 year old grandson, himself a world traveler, was impressed and drank almost his entire pot of tea. The personal attention makes you feel like royalty for an hour or two. The Q, the Bengal Lounge are both excellent dining experiences. Be sure to try the PNW oysters and the signature Empress Blue Gin & Tonic. The Empress is on the harbor, and a 12 minute walk from the Victoria Clipper, our transportation from Seattle. It makes a great headquarters for all Victoria has to offer.
6. Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 910 reviews
Reviewed By 600raynad
I walked the breakwater Easter weekend and it was lovely. Very cool. There is scuba diving available on the break water as well. Wish there was a garbage can/ Recycling at some point on the breakwater. The breakwater restaurant had coffee to go by donation which was nice.
7. University of Victoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By RobertMJThompson - Victoria, Canada
I always like the feeling of remembrance when I make a reason to visit this campus. As I stroll around the property, particularly in the autumn, I feel an instant connection to academia. I didn't attend UVic as a student, but I recall the stress of exams, the blush of new relationships, the invigorating feeling of exploring a fresh idea. The geography of this campus is a circle; a perfect descriptor for life. Come for the landscaping and gardens, come for a film, play or concert, come for the deer, come for a picnic. Come as you are and connect with those who revel in the joy of learning.
8. Cadboro-Gyro Park
9. Carr House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 168 reviews
Under new management! A new era and a new approach. This family home and garden of internationally renowned painter and writer Emily Carr is both a National and Provincial Historic Site. During the summer season, until September, it is open for tours by booking on the events page at www.carrhouse.ca. During the rest of the year Carr house is the site of workshops and programming for the community in themes that celebrate Emily Carr's life; art and environmentalism, feminism, positive relations with Indigenous communities, mentorship of emerging artists and writers. Heritage preservation and gardening workshops are also offered. Offerings are listed at https://carrhouse.ca/events Carr House stands on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen speaking Peoples.
10. Bastion Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 305 reviews
What was once the site of the historical Fort Victoria is now a lively gathering place filled with galleries and sidewalk restaurants.
Reviewed By just0netraveler - Victoria, Canada
Some nice stores and often some buskers during the summer. Nice pubs, restaurants and shops to spend some time as you walk around Victoria.
