Top Things to do in Victoria
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. The Avenue Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
One of the premiere boutique galleries in the Pacific Northwest, The Avenue Gallery, in Victoria, British Columbia, has been showcasing contemporary Canadian fine art since 2002. Patrons from around the world are treated to ever-changing exhibits and have access to unsurpassed collections by painters, sculptors, and glass and jewellery artists. This impressive gallery carries a broad spectrum of modern art that appeals to people new to the contemporary art scene as well as knowledgeable collectors.
Reviewed By Q6671DBvalm
Avenue Gallery is my favourite gallery in Victoria, so when we renovated our house I looked there for the perfect piece of art for a feature wall in our home. I found the perfect painting, which the gallery owner, Heather, personally came and hung for us. Having Heather come in person to our home means a lot to us, so that this special painting by Shinah Lee is perfectly placed in its feature location. The pieces that Heather chooses for her gallery are unique and inviting. there is no pressure to buy - just super welcoming people and exceptional art in paint, glass, pottery, sculpture and jewellery. This gallery has it all!
2. Glenwood Meats
3. Dino Lab
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
The complete dinosaur lovers experience! Book a private tour of our fossil gallery, dinosaur prep lab & gift shop. Not only will you get to see specimens that are millions of years old, but you'll get to touch and help prepare them. We also do birthday parties, School Assemblies, Public Speaking Events. We even can arrange a private dig for you in one of the private fossil quarries in America
Reviewed By GorgeousElois
We had an amazing tour and hands on experience at Dino Lab. The tour guide was fantastic. Our grandson could not believe that he was allowed to touch so many dinosaur bones, hold a meteorite, see glow in the dark rocks, and sit at a lab bench and work with a real dinosaur bone!!!
4. Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,095 reviews
Welcome to the Parliament Buildings. Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, visitors are welcome for free guided tours year-round. Please note, the buildings are currently closed to the public due to the ongoing health crisis.
Reviewed By l0lee123 - Vancouver, Canada
Adrienne was a wonderful tour guide on our free one-hour tour. We went during the COVID-19 pandemic so the tour only covered the outside of the building. We were also lucky in that only the two of us signed up for that time so we basically had a private tour! Adrienne was bubbly, knowledgeable - and really loves the history of not just the Legislative Building, but also other areas of Victoria too. Her passion and enthusiasm rubs off and she's a wonderful storyteller. Highly recommend this free tour of the Legislative Building - it'll add some interesting facts, stories, and context to your visit.
5. Miniature World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,095 reviews
Unique Tourist Attraction in Victoria, British Columbia. Located in the famous Empress Hotel. Awarded the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor! Over 85 miniaturized dioramas. Further adventures, tiny treasures and little pleasures await all who continue into Frontier Land, Fantasy Land, The Great Canadian Railway,The Fields of Glory, Space 2201, Circus World,The Enchanted Valley of Castles, Old London Town of 1670 & The World of Dollhouses. Special effects in lighting, sound and animation are added to create this miniaturized extravaganza that continues to thrill and delight the young and young at heart! Our latest and greatest creation, "King Arthur's Camelot" is now open, adding 11 new exhibits to our existing collection.
Reviewed By greenlabel67 - Vancouver, Canada
Miniature World has been a mainstay attraction for many years. Located in the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Miniature World will delight young and old alike. There are several themed areas. My favorites were the Fields of Glory, and The Circus. I also liked the recreations of Canada's cities back in the turn of the century, complete with light effects turning day into night. The friendly staff have taken all necessary precautions for COVID 19. Plan on a good hour or more to take it all in. Make Miniature World a stop on your next visit to Victoria.
6. Craigdarroch Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,294 reviews
Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch is a stately home built by the pioneering couple Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, who at the time of its construction were the wealthiest people in British Columbia. Called a 'castle' due to its imposing exterior, the luxurious interior has been restored to look as though the visitor is a guest of Mrs. Dunsmuir during the 1890s. It features beautiful woodwork, unique Victorian artifacts, and an impressive collection of original stained glass, all within a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria.
Reviewed By 970wandak - Kelowna, Canada
The history of this house is fascinating, full of luxury, opulence and wealth. The Dunsmuir family was very wealthy from coal finds in Nanaimo, and James Dunsmuir wanted to flaunt his wealth and importance to Victoria and the world, by building the most luxurious mansion on the highest point of the city. The family was full of relationship drama, Dad died before the house was finished and Mom moved in with her 5 daughters, one of the girls was issued a "Certificate of Lunancy", Alexander died of Alcoholism, son James who became lieutenant governor of BC was sued by Mom for money and left out of her will entirely. The mansion transformed itself into a military hospital, a college, a music conservatory, and school district office before finally being a historical treasure for all to enjoy. It is mostly restored but still a work in progress, Well worth a tour!
7. Royal Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 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 travelling55
Saw a few shows here, staff is great, seats comfy, good visibility and great sound. Usually free parking on street close by. Lovely decor
8. McPherson Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Since 1914, the 772-seat McPherson Playhouse has been at the heart of Victoria's community arts scene. Built as part of the Pantages Theatre chain, this historic theatre is host to local companies including Kaleidoscope Theatre, Victoria Operatic Society, and Blue Bridge Repertory Summer Theatre in addition to presenting many professional theatre and concert performances year round. The McPherson lobby is home to The Gallery at the MAC, a showcase for local and regional visual art.
9. Vancouver Island Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Vancouver Island Brewing is made up of a group of passionate, inspired people. We are proud to be driving innovation in an industry that we helped pioneer in British Columbia. We brew a selection of beers that can accompany you on all your adventures. We’re committed to producing fun, authentic, shareable brews. We never compromise on quality, and that is reflected in all the beers that we make. It’s our commitment to you that when you choose Vancouver Island Brewing, you’ll always get our best.
Reviewed By artvoyage
The tour was great as the tour guide was quite friendly and very knowledgeable. You need to book the tour in advance and it was about 15 min. walk from downtown, but I'd say it was totally worth it. We enjoyed all the beers we had at Vancouver Island Brewery and became a little sad to learn that it is not sold at where we live. I highly recommend the tour!
10. Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Victoria's Historic House Museum Imagine a house full of everything you, your siblings, your parents, and your grandparents ever owned. What could this building and these objects tell you about your family, your life, or your community? In 1975, John and Inez O’Reilly sold their family home, Point Ellice House, to the Province of British Columbia. Taking only a few personal items, they turned the house over, complete with 108 years of family possessions: Furniture, dishes, luggage, letters, pictures, paintings, musical instruments, clothing, and a lot more. Built in 1861-2, Point Ellice House is one of Victoria's oldest homes - it is both a National and Provincial Historic Site. Today, the site offers self-guided tours of the house, special events, and changing exhibits that connect the house and its occupants to the rich history of Victoria and British Columbia.
Reviewed By Mobile771033 - Victoria, Canada
A perfect spot to step back into time and see how people lived in the early 20th Century. Everything left as if the just stepped out for a moment. and Have yourself a cuppa in the restaurant,after visiting the beautiful well kept home..
