Post Last Modified – June 03, 2021
Best Things To Do In Victoria, BC – From A Local
I am about to share a few of the Best Things To Do In Victoria BC. Having spent many years living in Victoria, I’m going to offer a locals guide on what you should not miss when visiting the city for the first time.
If you happen to be planning a visit and wondering just what to do in Victoria British Columbia, then read on!
Victoria is situated on Vancouver Island in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada. It’s the Capital City in the Province of British Columbia and is located on the most southern tip of Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island is located off the Pacific West Coast of Canada, approximately 100 kilometers from the mainland and City of Vancouver.
To get you started, first take a quick look at this short video giving you a glimpse of My Number 1 suggestion of things to do when in Victoria!
Orca Spirit Whale Watching – YouTube Video
Victoria has been labeled by visitors many times over as perhaps one of the most Beautiful Places in the World and I could not agree more!
The city simply comes alive, like most, in the summer months. Yet of the areas incredibly mild climate, Victoria is a year round playground and visitors come to the city throughout the year.
It is without a doubt, the warmest year round climate to be found in Canada!
Insiders Guide On Best Things To Do In Victoria BC
#1 – Go On A Whale Watching Adventure
Taking a whale watching tour is perhaps one of the most exciting adventures you can ever take, and certainly one of the most popular one as well. It’s something that’s not often thought of because it is such a unique and rare experience.
As you can see from the video shown above, this incredible adventure and the excitement associated with catching a glimpse of Orca (Killer Whales) is thrilling, not to mention the exciting boat ride as well!
Take it from me, having grown up and lived in Victoria for many years and as an avid scuba diver, actually seeing these incredible creatures up close and personal is truly spectacular!
This Is An Experience Not Soon Forgotten!
Your whale watching adventure begins by taking a thrilling high speed Zodiac ride in search of these great mammals, which is half the fun!
For those seeking a larger and more comfortable whale watching vessel, not to worry, there are also beautifully fully equipped sheltered cruisers that you can take your excursion on.
The photo above was taken several years ago when a very popular attraction (Undersea Gardens) was a fixture in Victorias beautiful and very Scenic Inner Harbour located in the heart of the city.
This is where many of the city’s very popular tourist attractions are located, including;
These are just a handful of the many very popular attractions and some Free Things To Do In Victoria BC, located in the heart of the city.
All, within easy walking distances from each other! 🚶
So, catch the waves and zip out to sea feeling safe and secure with highly qualified Captains and tour guides who are also qualified naturalists. They promise an exhilarating adventure you will never forget!
For more information, check my review of our whale watching tour with one of the foremost whale watching tour companies in Victoria.
Testimonials:
We are still talking about the fantastic viewing opportunity we had. We were frankly overwhelmed by the number of whales we saw that day and the number of pictures that we got with our point and shoot digital. This is a trip will we long remember.
We had a fabulous day out on the water in our zodiac. Thank you so much for keeping us safe. I am deathly afraid of water and you did great job making me feel comfortable. Thank you so much. I had so much fun. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Thanks again for a great trip it was definitely one of the highlights of my vacation.
Attractions & Things To Do In Victoria BC
#2 – Take A Scenic Horse Drawn Carriage Ride & Tour
One other special attraction you may enjoy while visiting Victoria BC, is to take a fun and scenic ride in a Horse Drawn Carriage. This is something very special and unique to this beautiful city for many years now.
If you happen to be one of the thousands of people that come to the city for a brief stop from May to September while enjoying an Alaska Cruise Vacation, this is a perfect way to see the sites of downtown Victoria.
There are multi-person horse drawn carriages that tour the city as well.
How special would it be to be welcomed and enjoy a tour on a horse drawn carriage at your cruise ship?
Sit back, relax and enjoy and number of guided tours to select from, all in the comfort of an open air horse drawn carriage and not in a stuffy tour bus. If you are looking to just see the sites of downtown Victoria briefly, then this is a fun, Must Do Attraction!
Typical tours include Victorias beautiful Beacon Hill Park, as you travel down the scenic waterfront.
As well, catch a glimpse at restored heritage buildings as you make your way along old and historic James Bay. Travel up and into downtown Victoria and catch the main attractions of the city.
View Old Towne and North Americas second oldest China Town. Then make your way back to the Victorias spectacular Inner Harbor, passing the very famous FairmontEmpress Hotel and the Government Parliament Buildings.
The Historic Fairmont Empress Hotel
I have also included a handy website link to Victorias oldest running and well respected horse drawn carriage tour companies for your convenience.
Testimonials:
Fun, informative and worthwhile.
Tour Fit for a Princess.
Wedding evening carriage ride.
Best Sights & Attractions In Victoria, BC
#3 – Take A Stroll On The Ogden Point Seawall
This happens to be one of my all time favorite things to do in Victoria, and has been since I was very young, is walking on the Ogden Point Seawall. For those arriving by Cruise Ship, it’s right next door!
The photo above is one I took many years ago and since then, there have been major improvements to the seawall, including stairs and safety railings along both sides.
If you want to enjoy a relaxing and beautiful scenic walk overlooking the Pacific Ocean in downtown Victoria, then this is a must for every visitor. What’s extra special is that taking a stroll on this unique seawall doesn’t cost you a cent!
It’s Free And It’s Fun!
Enjoy a walk on the Ogden Point breakwater seawall and afterwards, have coffee at the Ogden Point Dive Center and Caf. The restaurant is situated right alongside the breakwater walkway, so you can still take in the amazing view while enjoying a snack.
It is easy to access, right next to the cruise ship terminal and within minutes of the Downtown Inner Harbor of Victoria.
Watch Cruise ships come and go, fish boats and seaplanes out and about, and send off those whale watchers as they make their way out to sea! The breakwater is also a favorite among scuba divers, so you can follow their bubbles as you walk along the seawall.
You can even see directly across to Washington State in the USA and view the Beautiful Olympic Mountains.
The view alone is worth the visit!
There are large rocks to climb about and the seashore as well to stroll along kids will love. The seawall is definitely something for the whole family to enjoy!
Don’t forget to mark this on your Victoria what to do list, you and your family will be happy you did!
I have included a website link to this Victoria attraction, to learn more about Ogden Point.
Things To Do & See In Victoria, British Columbia
#4 – Visit World Famous Butchart Gardens
I’ll let you in on just one other very famous world renowned attraction in Victoria, and that is the spectacular Butchart Gardens. A world class display of spectacular floral gardens situated on 55 acres of breathtaking floral wonder on a privately owned 130 acre estate.
This beautiful Garden display is now well over 100 years old and is still going strong. These amazing Gardens are still owned by the original Butchart family.
Be sure to view recent post and photos of our latest visit to the 💐 Butchart Gardens in Victoria British Columbia.
Below, I have listed the Official Tourism Victoria website link. On their website you can access much more detailed information for helping in planning your visit to the City!
🌷 Tourism Victoria BC – Canada
Update
Last summer, my wife and I returned to the city and enjoyed one of my most favorite things to do when traveling to a new destination. Taking a Guided Walking Food Tour!
I absolutely love taking these types of tours, and Victoria offers an outstanding historical walking food tour. If you love sampling local dishes and finding those hidden gem eateries, you simply must do this tour when visiting the city.
Be sure to check out my recent post and photographs of our wonderful tour with🍲 A Taste of Victoria Food Tours.
I could go on and on here writing about the many wonderful things to see and do in this beautiful city. These are just a few of my favorites and ones I know you will enjoy as well.
If your time is limited in the city, then choosing some of my suggestions is a great way to spend your time in Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia!
Safe and Healthy Travels!
✨ Did You Know
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⚓ Visit Victoria BC’s Beautiful Inner Harbour
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