Top 6 Places to Visit in Victoria, Canada

Victoria, located near the southern point of Vancouver Island, is shielded by the Olympic Peninsula's mountains and affected by the warm North Pacific current, resulting in Canada's mildest climate. It's one of the hottest places to visit in Canada in winter, and it's a popular tourist destination for both Canadians and international visitors, with activities available all year.

Victoria, BC, should be at the top of your trip list if you're looking for a pleasant combination of historic charm, natural beauty, and bustling city life. Victoria, Canada, is a gorgeous city famed for its breathtaking coastline vistas, well-preserved architecture, and a wealth of engaging attractions. 

In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit in Victoria, BC, ensuring that your trip is filled with memorable experiences. Whether you're interested in exploring lush gardens, immersing yourself in history, or indulging in culinary delights, Victoria has something to offer every visitor. So, prepare to embark on a journey through this enchanting city and discover the hidden gems and must-see destinations that make Victoria a genuinely remarkable destination

Explore the Parliament Buildings in Victoria

When is the best time to travel to Victoria?

The best times to visit Victoria and Vancouver Island are March through May and September through November. The region experiences some of the country's mildest weather and driest summers, so expect moderate temperatures in the spring and fall, despite the occasional drizzle. Summer is by far the most popular time to come, especially to the various events held in Victoria and around Vancouver Island. This area also attracts a fair amount of winter visitors due to its closeness to Whistler, Canada's most popular ski destination. You'll get the most whale sightings if you arrange your visit from April to October.

Explore top tourist places in Victoria, BC, for travelers

Victoria is a significant attraction on Vancouver Island. Ferries make it a convenient day trip from Vancouver, but regular flights connecting through Vancouver make it an ideal weekend location from any place in North America. It's also an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the island. 

See our list of the top places to go in Victoria, BC, for suggestions on where to go.

1. The Inner Harbour

A sunny day on one of the best places to visit in Victoria - the Inner Harbour

The picturesque Inner Harbour of Victoria is the best place to go in Victoria, BC, and the most significant starting place for travelers. Many of the city's most fantastic attractions are either on the waterfront or within walking distance. On bright days, you may wander down the waterfront, passing past the Empress Hotel and Parliament buildings, watching street buskers play, or stopping in at a restaurant for a bite to eat.

If you're looking for some tourist places in Victoria, The Inner Harbour is a lovely site to visit. Boat excursions depart from the docks, and horse-drawn carriages travel the streets above. Festivals and other events are held often in this neighborhood, and there is usually lots of bustle.

Staying on the port is the most incredible option for those without their vehicle or for those who merely wish to park their car for a time. While the Fairmont Empress is the obvious choice in terms of location, the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort is also a fantastic alternative in a less congested neighborhood.

Float aircraft land and take off at the Inner Harbour, providing service to Vancouver and Washington state.

2. Royal BC Museum

Royal BC Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in Victoria

The Provincial Museum and Archives of British Columbia is one of Canada's best museums of natural and cultural history, with various three-dimensional displays offering a feast of sights, fragrances, and sounds.

Explore a rainforest, see wildlife on tidal marshes and beaches around the West Coast, sit amidst Aboriginal ceremonial poles and masks, explore a large residence, and discover the challenges faced by First Nations people following European colonization. A reenactment of the HMS Discovery, the vessel that brought Captain Vancouver to these shores, and an Old Town shopping district are two other interactive aspects.

Outside, Thunderbird Park features hand-carved monuments and house posts. Nearby, the modest mid-nineteenth-century Helmcken House is British Columbia's oldest dwelling still existing on its original site. J.S. Helmcken, a practicing doctor and local politician, previously lived in the residence. He strongly advocated for the then-British colonies of Victoria and British Columbia to join the newly formed Canadian confederation.

It should be noted that large plans were in place to destroy and rebuild the museum beginning in 2022, but the project was abandoned owing to the vast expense. However, in preparation for the project, many of the displays were stored. The museum is gradually restoring the disassembled displays, but it will be some time before everything is back to normal.

The museum is located in the center of Ottawa, halfway between the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. It ranks as one of the best places to visit in Victoria for tourists from all over the world.

Address: 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, British Columbia

3. The Butchart Gardens

Seeing the beauty of Butchart Gardens for family tourists

Although the garden is only a short drive from downtown Victoria, it is one of the area's major tourist attractions and well worth seeing. It's also a site where you may go numerous times a year to witness how the seasons change. Even in the dead of winter, the gardens are a pleasure to behold, with an outdoor skating rink and a spectacular light show around Christmas.

Jennie Butchart, wife of a wealthy quarry owner, founded the garden in 1904. She planted a lovely garden in an abandoned limestone quarry. Thanks in part to the moderate environment, the gardens have subsequently grown into a 20-hectare horticultural tour de force in Canada.

Among the most beautiful gardens are the Italian garden, rose garden, Japanese garden, and sunken garden. Artistic and musical events are held in the open spaces amongst the pools, fountains, and exotic plants.

To reach The Butchart Gardens, use Highway 17A north for 22 kilometers to Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula.

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia

4. Beacon Hill Park

Explore Beacon Hill Park is one of the best places to go in Victoria

Beacon Hill Park, which is green and well-kept, is the best place to visit in Victoria, BC with friends and family. Beautiful views over Juan de Fuca Strait to the snowy peaks of the Olympic Peninsula may be had from its highest point.

Giant trees, gardens, and ponds may be seen throughout the park. The park's walking routes lead to secluded seats and spots for tranquil leisure. You may observe a variety of species here, including deer, peacocks, ducks, and even an otter on occasion. Paths also lead to high spots with stunning views of the sea and mountains.

Recreational spaces for baseball, tennis, cricket, and lawn bowling are also available in the park. Summer entertainment for youngsters is provided by two water parks.

Mile 0, located on the park's southwest boundary, represents the western end of the continent-spanning Trans-Canada Highway. A monument of Terry Fox, who attempted to run across Canada in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research, sits nearby.

Address: 100 Cook Street, Victoria

5. Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

Sightseeing Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site for travelers

The gun batteries of Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, about 13 kilometers west of Victoria, used to protect the sheltered waters of Esquimalt Harbour, which was initially a British naval outpost. The cannons were in use from 1895 until 1956. The well-preserved stronghold is open to the public today.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site is the best place to visit in Victoria in summer. The fort has a variety of intriguing hideouts for youngsters to explore and weapons to climb on, and the coastline out front frequently has something unusual washed up. Walk around 10 minutes from the beach to the point and Fisgard Lighthouse. This classic Victoria picture site was the first light on Canada's west coast.

If you genuinely want to make your family's vacation an adventure, consider camping overnight at one of the completely self-contained facilities.

Address: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria

6. Fairmont Empress Hotel

Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of the best places to stay for family tourists

The Fairmont Empress Hotel on the Inner Harbour, like the Château Frontenac in Québec City, was built in 1908 for Canadian Pacific and is one of Victoria's most beloved icons. Throughout the decades, this historic hotel has housed celebrities and notable people, including members of the British Monarchy.

The Empress was created by architect Francis M. Rattenbury, and entering the enormous foyer of this magnificent hotel is like traveling back in time to before World War I.

One of the most popular things to do at Fairmont Empress Hotel is have Afternoon Tea, which is served with great flair in the Lobby Lounge. Make a reservation to secure a space.

Miniature World is a collection of several dozen miniature sceneries housed in an expansion on the north side of the Empress Hotel. Models of historical events, castles, and dollhouses interest both children and adults.

7. Cook Street Village

Charm? Victoria has it in spades. Cook Street Village, with its European atmosphere, unique retailers, coffee shops, gourmet grocers, apparel boutiques, British-style pubs, and inventive diners, is an excellent example. The Old World atmosphere is relaxed, so you can take your time exploring the neighborhood, which stretches five blocks between Oscar and Leonard streets. You'll also want to visit Johnson Street, which features attractive heritage buildings and overflowing flower baskets, as well as Canada's oldest Chinatown. While you're there, rent and ride bicycles. Cook Street Village is one of the top tourist places in Victoria, Canada

8. Chinatown

Victoria's oldest Chinatown, with its lively stores and eateries, is located in the city's core  – one of the most beautiful places to visit in Victoria, Canada. In addition to having endless stores to peruse and hundreds of wonderful foods to taste, the neighborhood has beautiful architecture and was named a National Historic Site in 1995.

Following the discovery of gold in Fraser Canyon in 1858, thousands of miners, many of them were Chinese, moved from California to British Columbia and settled. Victoria's Chinatown began as a cluster of wooden huts and is today peppered with landmarks such as the elegant Gate of Harmonious Interest, Tam Kung Temple, and the small and atmospheric Fan Tan Alley. 

Explore top the best places to visit in Victoria, Canada, by applying for Canada e-visa 

By applying for a Canada ETA, tourists can see the best places to visit in Victoria, Canada. The e-visa system provided by Canada Immigration Services streamlines the visa application procedure, allowing travelers to receive their visas simply online. With the visa in hand, travelers may go on a journey to experience Victoria's stunning sights. Victoria provides a multitude of intriguing experiences, from the landmark Inner Harbour, where the majestic Parliament Buildings tower tall, to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens with their colorful floral displays. Visitors may also immerse themselves in the Royal BC Museum's rich history, meander through the quaint alleys of Old Town, or take a leisurely walk along the gorgeous Dallas Road shoreline. Travelers may quickly discover the best places to go in Victoria, Canada, that has to offer with the help of Canada Immigration Services and the simplicity of the e-visa system, making cherished memories along the way.