Discover the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
When I boarded the FRS Clipper in Seattle for a long weekend in British Columbia's capital, I expected a charming waterfront city with afternoon tea and beautiful gardens. What I didn't expect was how easy it would be to fill three days with incredible food, unique experiences, and neighborhoods that were just as enjoyable to wander as the city's biggest attractions.
From soaking in a hot tub boat to taking a guided food tour through the historic Chinatown and cycling along Dallas Road, Victoria quickly became one of my favorite weekend getaways from Seattle.
In this guide, I'm sharing the experiences I personally loved, a few iconic attractions that are still on my list, and practical tips to help you decide which activities are worth adding to your own itinerary. If you're planning a longer visit, be sure to check out my 3-day Victoria itinerary, where I share exactly how I spent my long weekend in the city.
Table of Contents:
Compare Victoria's Best Experiences
| Experience | Best For | Time Needed | Indoor / Outdoor | Book Ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Taste of Victoria Food Tour | Food lovers & first-time visitors | 2-2.5 hours | Mostly outdoor | Yes |
| Victoria Hot Tub Boat | Couples & small groups | 90 minutes | Outdoor | Yes |
| Afternoon Tea at Pendray Inn | Afternoon tea & special occasions | 1.5–2 hours | Indoor | Yes |
| E-Bike Rental | Active travelers & scenic exploring | 2–3 hours | Outdoor | Yes |
| Beacon Hill Park | Nature lovers & families | 1–2 hours | Outdoor | No |
| Fisherman's Wharf | Casual sightseeing & families | 30–60 minutes | Outdoor | No |
| Fan Tan Alley & Chinatown | Shopping, history & photography | 30–60 minutes | Mostly outdoor | No |
| BC Parliament Buildings | History & architecture lovers | 30–60 minutes | Indoor & outdoor | No |
| Royal BC Museum & IMAX | Museum lovers, families & rainy days | 2–3 hours | Indoor | Yes |
| Haunted Manor Mini Golf | Families, groups & rainy days | 45–60 minutes | Indoor | No |
| Craigdarroch Castle | Historic homes & architecture | 1–2 hours | Indoor | Yes |
| Whale Watching | Wildlife lovers & first-time visitors | 3–4 hours | Outdoor | Yes |
| Butchart Gardens | Garden lovers & photographers | Half day | Outdoor | Yes |
My Favorite Victoria Experiences
When looking back on my long weekend in Victoria, I really experienced a lot. But there are a select few experiences that I always go back to when giving recommendations to friends, and those are my absolute favorite things to do in Victoria. If I only had a weekend in Victoria, these are the experiences I'd prioritize first. They gave me a great mix of local food, time on the water, scenic views, and opportunities to enjoy the city, all without needing a car.
A Taste of Victoria Food Tour
If you're visiting Victoria for the first time, I'd put the A Taste of Victoria Food Tour at the top of your list!
Food tours are one of my favorite ways to get to know a new city, and this one gave me a much better understanding of Victoria than I would have gotten by wandering around on my own. Over about two hours, we visited several locally owned restaurants and specialty shops, sampling everything from savory bites to sweet treats while learning about the city's history and culinary scene.
The portions were generous enough that I didn't need another meal afterward, and the walking between stops was easy, making it a great way to explore downtown without feeling rushed. Our guide kept the tour engaging with stories about Victoria's neighborhoods and recommendations for places to revisit later in the trip.
I'd recommend this tour for first-time visitors, food lovers, and anyone who wants a fun introduction to the city. It's absolutely something I'd book again, especially if I were visiting with friends or family who had never been to Victoria before.
Victoria Hot Tub Boat
The Victoria Hot Tub Boat was one of the most unique experiences I had during my trip. We have these in Seattle, and they’re always a good option to do with friends or family.
If you've never heard of it before, it's exactly what it sounds like - a floating hot tub that you captain yourself around Victoria's waterways. Before setting off, you'll get a quick orientation on how to operate the boat, a map of the area you’ll need to stay within, and then you're free to cruise at your own pace.
I booked this experience with my partner on our first day in Victoria, and it was a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Sitting in warm water while taking in views, passing boats, and chatting was completely different from anything else we did on the trip.
I'd recommend it for couples, friends, or anyone celebrating a special occasion. It's not the cheapest activity in Victoria, but if you're looking for something memorable that you can't do in many other cities, I think it's well worth considering.
Afternoon Tea at Pendray Inn
Afternoon tea was at the top of my Victoria bucket list, and the Pendray Inn delivered exactly the experience I was hoping for.
Set inside a beautifully restored Victorian mansion not far from the Inner Harbour, afternoon tea here feels elegant without being overly formal. The three-tiered tray arrives filled with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones served with traditional accompaniments, making the experience feel just as special as the food itself. We never felt rushed, and it was the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of Victoria's most iconic traditions.
If afternoon tea is part of your plans in Victoria, I'd absolutely recommend making a reservation in advance, as tables can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months.
Rent an E-Bike and Ride Along Dallas Road
Renting an e-bike was one of the best ways to experience Victoria beyond the Inner Harbour. You can opt to rent and explore on your own, or join a guided tour.
We picked up our bikes downtown at Pedego before making our way to Dallas Road, where a dedicated waterfront path runs for miles along the coastline. The ride was almost completely flat, making it comfortable even if you don't cycle very often, and the electric assist meant we could simply enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about the effort.
We rented bikes on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and the weather couldn't have been better. Along the way, we stopped several times to watch the waves, admire the mountain views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and enjoy the sun as it began to set.
If I were planning another trip to Victoria, renting an e-bike would absolutely be on my itinerary again. It's an easy way to see more of the city while spending time outdoors, and I'd especially recommend it if you catch one of Victoria's sunny days.
Explore Victoria Beyond the Inner Harbor
One of my favorite things about Victoria is how walkable it is. We visited by ferry from Seattle, so we didn’t have a car, and we never felt like we were missing out. Between attractions, I found myself wandering through parks, along the waterfront, and into neighborhoods that each had their own personality. These stops don't require much planning, but they’re worth exploring.
Beacon Hill Park
If you're looking for a break from the crowds around the Inner Harbour, head to nearby Beacon Hill Park. This is Victoria’s version of Central Park in New York City.
I visited twice during my long weekend in Victoria, once on foot and again riding an e-bike along Dallas Road, and both visits felt completely different. The park is filled with walking paths, ponds, gardens, and plenty of open green space, making it an easy place to slow down for an hour or two.
One of my favorite surprises was seeing the park's resident peacocks wandering freely throughout the grounds. I had heard they lived here, but it was still funny to turn a corner and find one casually strutting down the path.
Whether you're packing a picnic, taking a break between sightseeing, or simply looking for a quieter side of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
Fan Tan Alley & Chinatown
No visit to Victoria is complete without wandering through Fan Tan Alley, Canada's narrowest commercial street. I loved this area and felt like I was stepping back in time as I made my way through the maze of narrow alleyways.
Lined with local boutiques, cafés, and colorful storefronts, it's one of those places that's just as fun to explore as it is to photograph. I spent some time browsing the small shops before continuing through Victoria's historic Chinatown, one of the oldest in Canada.
While you won't need a lot of time here, it's an easy stop to pair with lunch downtown or the nearby food tour, and it's one of those corners of Victoria that gives the city so much character.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is one of Victoria's most colorful waterfront areas, with floating homes, seafood stands, and plenty of places to sit and watch the harbor activity.
I visited in January, which meant several of the floating restaurants and seasonal businesses were closed for the winter. Even so, I still enjoyed walking around and seeing the brightly painted floating homes, but I could definitely tell the area would feel much livelier during the warmer months.
If you're visiting in spring or summer, I'd plan to stop here for lunch or an afternoon snack. During the winter, I'd treat it more as a scenic walk than a dining destination. There’s not much to see during its off-season, so it won’t take up too much time on your itinerary.
Museums, History & Rainy-Day Activities
While Victoria is a fantastic city to explore outdoors during the summer months, its weather is similar to Seattle, where it rains quite a bit, so it's also nice to have a few indoor options in your back pocket. Whether you're visiting on a rainy day or simply looking to balance out your itinerary, these were some of my favorite places to learn about the city's history and spend a few hours indoors.
Tour the BC Parliament Buildings
One of the best free things to do in Victoria is take a guided tour of the BC Parliament Buildings. Even if you're not typically interested in government buildings, I found the tour surprisingly engaging. Walking through the historic chambers while learning about British Columbia's political history gave me a much greater appreciation for one of Victoria's most recognizable landmarks.
The building itself is beautiful, both inside and out, and since tours are free, if you're already exploring the Inner Harbour, it's well worth setting aside an hour for a tour. We found ourselves in awe of the building and made stops to view it at all different times of the day. Seeing the building light up at night was one of my favorite views.
Visit the Royal BC Museum & IMAX
If I had to recommend just one indoor attraction in Victoria, it would probably be the Royal BC Museum. I spent a couple of hours here exploring exhibits that cover everything from British Columbia's natural history to Indigenous cultures and the province's early settlers. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, and it's one of those museums where you can easily lose track of time.
I also added an IMAX movie to my visit, which made for a fun way to round out the afternoon. Whether you're traveling with kids or visiting as an adult, if the weather doesn't cooperate during your trip, this is where I'd spend a few hours.
Play a Round at Haunted Manor Mini Golf
Looking for something a little different? Haunted Manor Mini Golf is an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course that's themed around ghosts, monsters, and classic horror movies. It's a fun change of pace after a day of sightseeing and an easy option if the weather isn't cooperating.
I wouldn't plan an entire afternoon around it, but if you're traveling with friends, teenagers, or simply want something playful to do in the evening, it's a surprisingly entertaining stop. We had a great time making our way through all of the holes. Some were more challenging than others, but the spooky element added another layer of fun.
Popular Victoria Experiences Still on My List
Even after three days in Victoria, I didn't have time to do everything on my list. Rather than pretending otherwise, I wanted to include a few experiences I researched extensively while planning my trip and still hope to do on my next visit. If one of these sounds like a better fit for your travel style than some of my firsthand recommendations above, they're absolutely worth considering.
Visit Craigdarroch Castle
If you're interested in history or architecture, Craigdarroch Castle is one attraction I'd strongly consider adding to your itinerary.
I originally planned to visit during my trip but simply ran out of time. After looking into it, the beautifully restored Victorian mansion seemed to be one of the city's most impressive historic attractions, with grand staircases, stained-glass windows, and panoramic views from the upper floors.
Since it's located a little outside the Inner Harbour, I'd recommend pairing it with nearby neighborhoods or an e-bike ride to make the most of your time.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of Victoria's most popular experiences, and it's one activity I didn't have the chance to do during my visit.
I have been whale watching in other destinations, though, and it's consistently been one of my favorite ways to experience coastal wildlife. If seeing orcas, humpback whales, or other marine life is high on your bucket list, Victoria is one of the best places in British Columbia to book a whale watching tour.
Since tours frequently sell out during the summer months, I'd recommend reserving your spot in advance if this is something you don't want to miss.
Explore Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens was another place I hoped to visit but had to save for my next trip. Located about 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria, the gardens are one of the city's most iconic attractions and are especially popular in the spring and summer when thousands of flowers are in bloom.
Since I visited Victoria without a car, transportation was one of the biggest factors in deciding what we could realistically fit into our itinerary. If you're visiting car-free like I did, I'd recommend looking into a tour or shuttle that includes transportation rather than trying to piece together public transit.
How Many Days Do You Need in Victoria?
While you can actually see some of Victoria's highlights on a day trip from Seattle or Vancouver, I think three days is the sweet spot if you want to experience the city without feeling rushed. There’s more to see and do in Victoria than the typical popular attractions.
During my long weekend, I had enough time to explore the Inner Harbour, take a food tour, enjoy afternoon tea, rent an e-bike, visit several museums, and wander through Victoria's neighborhoods. Even then, I still left with a list of places I wanted to come back and see.
If you're planning your first visit, I'd recommend following my 3-day Victoria itinerary, which breaks down exactly how I'd spend a long weekend in the city.
Where to Stay in Victoria
If you're planning to stay downtown, I highly recommend choosing a hotel within walking distance of the Inner Harbour. So many of Victoria’s best experiences are within walking distance of this area, so for me, staying in this part of the city is a must.
I stayed at Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, and it turned out to be the perfect home base for exploring the city without a car. We walked to nearly every attraction in this guide, and when we wanted to venture a little farther, renting e-bikes made it easy to explore places like Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road.
If you're deciding where to stay, I've put together a full Chateau Victoria review that covers the rooms, location, amenities, and who I think the hotel is best suited for.
Tips for Choosing What to Do in Victoria
Prioritize experiences over trying to see everything. Victoria has a relaxed pace, and I enjoyed the city much more once I stopped trying to check attractions off a list.
Book popular tours in advance. The food tour, hot tub boats, and whale watching tours can all sell out, especially during the summer months.
Take advantage of Victoria's walkability. I visited without a car and never felt limited. Between walking, biking, and public transportation, it's easy to explore the city's most popular neighborhoods.
Leave time to wander. Some of my favorite moments weren't planned at all. Whether it's discovering a quiet path through Beacon Hill Park or browsing shops in Chinatown, Victoria is a city best enjoyed at a slower pace.
Victoria completely won me over during my first visit, and it's a city I already know I'll be returning to (it is just a ferry ride away from Seattle after all). Between the waterfront, incredible food scene, and historic charm, it's the type of destination that caters to all senses and every type of traveler.
If you're ready to start planning your own visit, my 3-day Victoria itinerary shows exactly how I'd spend a long weekend in the city, while my guide to taking the FRS Clipper from Seattle to Victoria will help you decide if traveling by fast ferry is the right option for you. And if you're hoping to experience Victoria through its food, don't miss my A Taste of Victoria Food Tour review, where I share why it ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the trip. Finally, if you're still deciding where to stay, check out my full Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites review to see why it made such a great home base for exploring the city without a car.
Happy travels!
-Tess
Looking for more information about destinations in British Columbia? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!