Victoria, BC
Victoria, British Colombia, named in honor of Queen Victoria, is the oldest city in western Canada. The city is frequented for its lush gardens, colorful history, relaxing atmosphere, native artwork, and fresh high-quality restaurants and cafes. Known as the City of Gardens this destination is a playgroup for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, with tours of the Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, Whale & Wildlife Watching. Victoria hosts amazing architecture, heritage sites, museums, gardens, galleries, markets and cultural celebrations for all to enjoy. Take a day to enjoy a few of the many breweries and cideries in the area including Canada’s oldest brewpub. If you head a bit north toward the Saanich Peninsula you will also find several wineries for tastings and pairings with locally sourced cuisine.
Destination Highlights
Attractions
With endless opportunity for adventure and relaxation in Victoria, you will not find a shortage of activities. The Victoria Ferry Company offers tours and boat taxi rides directly from the Empress Dock to enjoy short water rides. Walk through the famous Butchart Gardens, explore the Craigdarroch Castle, and find yourself immersed in Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Excellent for families and the adventurous souls, you can also find yourself embarking on a water journey for a world-class whale watching experience, sunset kayak, deep sea fishing, or coastal sailing experience. First Nations, British and Asian traditions also run deep in the heart of Victoria’s architecture, heritage sites, museums, gardens, galleries, markets, and more, so be sure to take it all in. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dozens of remarkably groomed parks, or coastal beaches and lakes.
Things To Do
Victoria offers endless activities for the adventurous spirits, and for those that enjoy a relaxing and tranquil vacation. The world-class whale and garden tours are a must-do activity, along with exploring the coastal harbor, historical sites, museums, and famous Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. With the city surrounding by waterways, seas, lakes, coves, bays, and beaches the scenery alone will leave you feeling peaceful and rejuvenated and what better way than to end your day with a spa treatment and locally sourced meal. The area offers golf for those that enjoy a day on the green, and boasts a perfect climate for hiking, cycling, kayaking, diving, fishing, picnicking, and ziplining.
Food & Culture
Indulge in the fresh flavors of Victoria’s healthy cuisine, as local chefs take full advantage of the surrounding coastal waters and rich farming regions nearby. With hundreds of restaurants, bistros, bars, breweries, cafés, produce markets and food festivals, you will find no shortage of top-quality eateries. The City of Gardens is not only known for its luscious floral sprawling green spaces, but also for its abundance of locally grown vegetables and fruits that supply the local restaurants. You will also find a variety of quality locally made wines, ciders, craft beers, and spirits. Be sure to enjoy Victoria’s traditional afternoon & high tea at one of the dozens of local tearooms, loose leaf shops, gardens, or comfortable cafés for the full local experience.
