Photo Courtesy: iStock; Butchart Gardens

Exploring the Harbor and Gardens

In Victoria’s Inner Harbour—the heartbeat of the city—you’ll find all the attractions and conveniences of a modern urban center. Take time to explore the district, making your way along Government Street, with its historic buildings, restaurants and shopping. The waterfront path meanders along the harbor, offering plenty of photo opportunities in front of Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, the state-of-the-art Royal BC Museum and the grand architecture of the Parliament Buildings.

To get on the water or visit other areas of town, watch for stops on the route of bright yellow accessible water taxis. Take a harbor tour and learn more about the area with Victoria Harbour Ferry, or enjoy a whale and wildlife-watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours.

Cyclists can take advantage of the bike-friendly routes available on the city’s website, including AAA routes, which were specifically developed for all ages and abilities. Rentals are available at The Pedaler, which also offers tours by bike and e-bike. Head north to 183-acre Beacon Hill Park to spend a leisurely afternoon along a network of paths overlooking ponds or manicured gardens.

The 55-acre Butchart Gardens, located in Brentwood Bay about 13.5 miles from Victoria, is a must-see destination for anyone who enjoys strolling amidst thousands of blooms. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, the gardens were built on the site of a limestone quarry more than 120 years ago. Visitors can shuttle to the gardens from the Fairmont Empress Hotel. On Saturday evenings in July and August, a visit in the evening includes a 30-minute fireworks show.

Photo Courtesy: Royal BC Museum

Soak in Victoria’s Culture and History

Be sure to save several hours to leisurely explore the impressive collection of Indigenous art and artifacts at the Royal BC Museum which celebrates the resilience and rich traditions of Victoria’s First Nations.

Treat your ears to a scale of musical notes during free outdoor performances weekdays at central locations such as Centennial Square. The Victoria Summer Music Festival (July 26 through August 10, 2025) features two weeks of performances by local and international artists.

A temporary exhibit showcasing the heritage of Chinese-Canadian residents became a permanent fixture of history in 2024 when the Victoria Chinatown Museum was established in Fan Tan Alley, a charmingly narrow street lined with boutiques and restaurants in Chinatown. Attend a lecture there or join a culinary tour of Chinatown and Old Town with Off the Eaten Track Tours, where you will sample Chinese cuisine and learn more about this fascinating neighborhood.

If you’re intrigued by Victoria’s history or outdoors, stop by the city’s largest bookstore, Russell Books, which is perfect for browsing both new and used titles. Visit the Indigenous makerspace, Aunty Collective, for handmade crafts, beading materials and healing items such as smudges and balms.

Photo Courtesy: Alison Kuhl

Global and Local Eats

Vancouver Island and the surrounding area, with its temperate climate and farmland, provides a wealth of ingredients for chefs and farmers markets, such as outdoor Moss Street Market, which operates from May
to October. The Victoria Public Market is a popular year-round stop for cooks looking for the freshest produce, baked goods and wines made locally.

These same ingredients are found in Victoria’s robust farm-to-table dining scene. The Commons is a casual fine-dining spot in the 10 Acres Farm family of restaurants, where produce and meat come directly from the farm. For a special occasion, reserve a table at Marilena Café & Raw Bar—named Canada’s Best New Restaurant in 2024 by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. Its sustainable seafood and an extensive wine list delight epicureans.

In the heart of downtown, the Bard & Banker is one of the city’s most iconic pubs. There you’ll find grand chandeliers and marble floors from its previous life as a bank, local beers on tap and British-style pub favorites like bangers and mash. Nearby in Chinatown, diners love the daily dim sum lunch at 80-year-old Don Mee restaurant with its signature neon-lit roofline.

Photo Courtesy: The Parkside Hotel & Spa

Turn It Into a Spa and Wellness Weekend

Find your bliss in Victoria by choosing a stay with a spa. In the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooking the city and harbor, enjoy serene luxury in one of its 431 plush rooms and suites in Victoria’s landmark property. Schedule a soothing facial at the on-site spa and relax in the Finnish dry sauna, steam room and mineral pool. Afterward, treat yourself to the hotel’s signature afternoon tea service.

Choose from 126 suites with kitchenettes at The Parkside Hotel & Spa, where you can book a hot stone massage or energizing detox body wrap, or simply relax by the pool. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Spa has 100 rooms, many with views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find spa treatments and outdoor heated mineral pools, plus a hot tub perfect for stargazing and enjoying the wonders of Victoria, British Columbia.