Victoria, BC Travel Guide: Discover the Best of the City
Parliament Building in Victoria, BC
Welcome to Victoria, BC!
Victoria, BC, is a city that feels like it's straight out of a storybook, with its stunning architecture and charming streets.
One of the highlights of Victoria is the iconic Parliament Building, especially beautiful when it's lit up at night.
But Victoria is more than just a pretty face – it's packed with beautiful attractions, and amazing food, and offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Victoria, BC is the perfect weekend getaway location.
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Table of Contents:
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Where to stay—My favorite Victoria Hotels
Explore Our Journey: Interactive Map of Featured Destinations
Best Time to Visit Victoria:
Summer (June-August) offers lots of sunshine but comes with crowds and higher prices. (Average temperature in summer: 68 F or 20 C)
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) have fewer crowds, some sunny days, and are easier to explore. (Average temperature in spring: 57 F or 13.88 C. Average temperature in fall: 58 F or 14.44 C)
Winter (December-February) is off-season but has a magical charm with festive decorations. (Average temperature in winter: 47 F or 8.33 C)
Getting to Victoria:
Most visitors travel to Victoria from Seattle or Vancouver. You can fly into either city and then take a ferry to Victoria. Direct flights from Seattle or Vancouver to Victoria are also available.
If you’re traveling from Seattle:
Victoria Clipper - is the recommended way to get to Victoria. This was the route I took on my first visit, and it was a pleasant experience. There were no delays, and we arrived right on time. The seating is comfortable, but it's advised to book ahead to secure your seats. The ferry departs from Seattle and is a passenger-only ferry (no vehicles), taking you directly to Downtown Victoria Harbor.
Black Ball Ferry - provides direct access to Downtown Victoria Harbor. They offer excellent deals if you're interested in booking your hotel and attractions through them. To reach the Black Ball Ferry from Seattle, you can take the Bainbridge Island Ferry, the Edmonds Ferry to Kingston, or drive through Tacoma to Port Angeles. Parking is available in Port Angeles if you plan to walk onto the ferry.
If you’re traveling from Vancouver, BC:
You can take the BC Ferry from Vancouver, BC (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay). Once you arrive, you'll be about a 30-minute drive away from Downtown Victoria. If you walk onto the ferry without a vehicle, you have several options to reach Downtown Victoria, including taking bus #70, grabbing a taxi, or calling an Uber. During our trip, we opted for Uber and paid $71 CAD. However, on the return journey from Downtown Victoria to the ferry, the Uber cost around $100. We managed to negotiate a lower fare with a taxi driver instead.
Travel Mishaps and Lessons Learned
Storytime: During this trip, we faced several unexpected challenges. Our pre-booked Black Ball Ferry was missed due to a one-hour delay of the Edmonds Ferry, with no updates on their website or from the ticket attendant.
After reaching Kingston from Edmonds, we realized we still had a 1.5-hour drive to the Port Angeles Black Ball Ferry, which we knew we wouldn't make in time. Since no additional Black Ball ferries were available that day, we decided to board the Kingston Ferry back to Edmonds, adding another 2.5 hours to our journey.
From there, we had to drive to Vancouver, BC (Tsawwassen) for another 2 hours and board the BC Ferry.
When we arrived in Vancouver, BC (Tsawwassen), we had hoped to take our car on the ferry with us. However, all the spots were taken, so we were directed to park in the long-term parking lot and walk on. Unfortunately, the long-term parking lot was full (just our luck that day), so after circling it a few times, we were almost ready to give up.
Finally, we decided to check the short-term parking lot. To our relief, the machine allowed us to pay for the weekend stay. Just as we thought we finally made it, we decided to double-check with the front desk that we were allowed to leave our car there, but the front desk attendants warned us that our car would be towed at midnight.
Frustrated, we scrambled to find someone else to confirm this information with. Luckily, we found someone who reassured us that we were allowed to park there and we were good to go.
By the time we boarded our ferry to Victoria, it seemed like we had already experienced every possible setback. What was supposed to be a 5-hour journey took almost 12 hours.
Despite the chaos, we remained positive and kept our spirits high. We were incredibly relieved when we finally arrived in beautiful Victoria!
A valuable lesson learned: Always anticipate last-minute changes to the ferry schedule and confirm the departure time with the attendant before queuing. Additionally, we were grateful that Black Ball Ferry refunded our tickets since we could not make the ferry.
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Where to stay—My favorite Victoria Hotels:
Fairmont Empress Hotel In Victoria, BC
Fairmont Empress Hotel is truly luxurious! It's been welcoming guests since way back in 1908. With its stunning architecture and beautiful waterfront location, it's no wonder it's been a hotspot for royalty, celebrities, and VIPs from all over the world. This hotel offers Fairmont Gold rooms for those seeking an even more exclusive experience.
Fairmont Gold gives you access to:
Private check-in and check-out
Personal Concierge team
Personalized wake-up call with coffee, tea, juice, and croissant (upon request) starting at 7:00 am until 10:30 am
Complimentary breakfast in the lounge (Lounge opens at 7 am till 10 pm.)
Mid-afternoon tea and drinks. Alcoholic drinks are on an honor-based system
Complimentary appetizers and desserts
Terrace seating by the fire to enjoy the coastal views and the Parliament building
The hotel also features a refreshing pool, rejuvenating spa, stylish bar, exquisite restaurant, and a high tea experience.
The service was exceptional throughout our stay, and the beds were incredibly comfortable. Staying in a Fairmont Gold room was definitely worth it.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria
Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC
Oak Bay Beach Hotel is truly stunning and worth every penny. I stayed here during my first visit to Victoria and was amazed. It's just a short drive from Downtown Victoria (under 20 minutes). The resort even offers car services, providing convenient pick-up and drop-off at the Harbour in Downtown Victoria.
The hotel is situated right on the water, with heated mineral pools, rejuvanating spa treatments, and the most gorgeous rooms.
Victoria Restaurants:
Grab lunch or dinner at the popular pub, Bard & Banker
A really cool pub with a second floor overlooking the bar.
They also have live music after 8:30 pm.
I recommend trying their delicious fish and chips.
Dinner at The Courtney Room
A romantic and intimate atmosphere
Our server and sommelier were amazing
Although our food did take a little while to come out of the kitchen, the potato ravioli was worth the wait.
Drinks at the Q Bar
The Q Bar at the Empress is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink in a relaxed and casual setting.
Enjoy a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and wines while taking in the stunning views of the hotel's surroundings.
Whether you're looking to grab a quick drink or spend some quality time with friends, the Q Bar offers a warm and welcoming vibe, ensuring you'll have a great time.
Additional Restaurants in Victoria, BC:
John’s Place Restaurant (brunch)
Blue Fox Café (brunch)
Be Love (vegan)
Penny Farthing - Pub (LOVED their vibe!)
Penny Farthing Pub in Victoria, BC
Things to do in Victoria:
1. Explore Downtown
Downtown Victoria, BC, is the lively heart of the city. You can easily explore its streets, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Don't miss iconic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel among other Victoria attractions.
2. Snap some photos of the Parliament Building
The Parliament Building is one of Victoria’s iconic landmarks. If you're interested, take advantage of the free public tours offered Monday through Friday. No need to book in advance, but make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour starts. The tours usually last around 50 minutes. For more details and specific dates, check their Events Calendar.
3. Discover the Red Telephone Booth
It is located in the Nootka Court building, on the left side of The Empress Hotel. It's just across the street from Miniature World.
4. Visit Miniature World
A place where you can explore miniature versions of famous landmarks and cities. The attention to detail is incredible, with tiny people and cars bringing the scenes to life. With themed areas like the Great Canadian Railway and the Enchanted Valley of Castles, it's a fun experience for all ages! Plan for about 45 minutes to explore Miniature World, and adult tickets are priced at $19 CAD.
5. Check out the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum in Victoria preserves and showcases the rich history and culture of British Columbia. It has interactive exhibits that cover everything from wildlife to human history. You can explore First Nations culture, check out fossils, and even stroll through a recreated historic street. It’s located in the heart of Victoria, and the adult ticket price is $18 CAD.
6. Tea at the Empress
The Fairmont Empress Tea in Victoria is a must! It's a fancy (and pricey) experience in a beautiful hotel. You could choose from various teas and enjoy delicious sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The atmosphere is elegant and charming, making you feel like royalty. It's a great way to relax and treat yourself while in Victoria. Afternoon Tea is priced at $95 CAD per person
7. Chinatown
Victoria, BC's Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and has so much to offer. The architecture is nice, with many interesting buildings and hidden spots to explore. And there are amazing Chinese restaurants you can try. Plus, you can find some unique gifts and souvenirs while you're here.
8. Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle was built in the late 1800s for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made a fortune in coal. The castle's architecture is a blend of Romanesque Revival and Second Empire styles, which makes it really unique. Plus, its location overlooking Victoria adds to its charm. It's definitely a must-see! You can purchase self-guided tour tickets online or at their visitor center when you arrive. The tour is approximately 60 minutes. $20.60 CAD for Adult tickets. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Downtown Victoria, or you can ride bikes or take the bus. Check out their site for more information.
9. Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC, is a stunning floral wonderland that Jennie Butchart dreamed up over 100 years ago. Starting from an old quarry, she turned it into this breathtaking garden we can enjoy today. With 55 acres to explore, you'll find yourself wandering through different themed areas, like the vibrant Rose Garden or the peaceful Japanese Garden. Every season brings a new charm, so whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape, Butchart Gardens is a place you can't miss! - Open year-round. You can purchase tickets online or upon arrival. Price ranges from $22.90 - $41.50 CAD.
10. Seaplane Tour to see all of Victoria’s Glory
Seaplane tours in Victoria, BC, offer a thrilling and unique way to experience the area's beauty. Once you take off from the inner Harbour, you’ll be soaring over the city skyline, mountains, and ocean. Companies like Harbour Air Seaplanes and Kenmore Air offer various tour options, from short scenic flights to full-day excursions. I got to do this during my first time in Victoria. I would say it’s definitely worth it, but take Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness. I found a pretty reasonable price on Viator.
11. Hop-On Hop-Off CitySights
The Hop-on Hop-Off CitySights tour in Victoria, BC, is a fantastic way to explore the city! You can hop on and off at any stop, seeing all the major sights without worrying about driving. Plus, the onboard guide shares interesting stories about the city's history and culture. It's a fun and convenient option for anyone wanting to discover Victoria's highlights! $60 CAD for an Adult Ticket
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this Victoria travel guide useful! From its charming streets to its rich history and delicious food, there's something here for everyone. If you haven't had the chance to visit yet, I hope this guide has inspired you to plan your own adventure to Victoria soon. Trust me, it's a trip you won't forget! Safe travels and enjoy every moment in beautiful Victoria!
Explore Our Journey: Interactive Map of Featured Destinations
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Join the conversation:
If you haven't been to Victoria yet, which part of the blog made you want to visit the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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