Victoria is a true treasure with the nation’s warmest climate and a laid-back West Coast atmosphere. There is practically plenty for everybody in this urban sanctuary where the culinary and local beer culture surpasses that of a metropolitan city, whether you are an outdoorsy enthusiast or a luxury enthusiast.
When searching for Victoria tourist attractions, you may have a lot to research upon. Lucky for you, Scoop Canada has done the legwork for you.
The picturesque capital of British Columbia is Victoria, which is located on the infamous Vancouver Island. This distinctive coastal province beckons to be discovered with its mild weather, year-round blossoms, and vast natural surroundings.
Without any doubt, Victoria is an extraordinary, international powerhouse of food, art, and culture located on the southern tip of Vancouver, hence covering a major portion of southern Vancouver island. There are countless opportunities to explore and learn something new thanks to the tourist attractions in Victoria having a moderate environment, which opens the door to a variety of events and activities.
You will have the impression that you have been teleported to a quaint English village as you walk through Victoria’s tourist attractions. The downtown area encompasses a few of British Columbia’s most gorgeous architecture, including the colourful Victorian townhouses, blooming dangling baskets all over, and more.
The Fairmont Empress, the BC Parliament Building in Inner Harbour, and Craigdarroch Castle will enthral classic enthusiasts. You will adore Victoria if you like to explore gorgeous areas.
Culture and Heritage
The pub mecca of British Columbia ought to be Victoria. There seems to be a unique pub around every bend in the city centre. The Irish Times, which also was selected as North America’s greatest Irish bar this year and offers live entertainment every night, is among the most well-liked choices. Since 1975, Bartholomew’s Tavern has been a “local favourite.”
Initially, people of the country first settled in Victoria’s untamed wilderness, which still has a good bond to indigenous traditions. Tour the Royal BC Museum to learn further and to see the indigenous artefacts, the First Peoples Exhibitions, and the “Our Living Languages” display.
You can also interact with native artists this summer through the Indigenous Summertime Artists Workshop Series and participate in the Indigenous Cultural Event in June.
Is it any surprise that Victoria has a long history if it was named after Queen Victoria? Victoria offers a wealth of tales that are best told in person, including those about coal barons who built palaces, the earliest Chinatown in Canada, imperial parks, morning tea, and much more.
The wonderful weather of Greater Victoria enables Islanders to cultivate crops, gather wild foods, and create regional dishes well past the regular Canadian planting season. The farm-to-table trend has been welcomed by several eateries in the Victoria area, and they are now serving up some amazing cuisine.
Given their British heritage, it is safe to say that they have continued some customs, including high tea. Guests can enjoy delectable and distinctive iterations of this custom across the city.
You will quickly see why residents in Canada’s brunch hub are so dedicated to their Sunday brunch arrangements. Victoria has a fantastic brunch option with something for every palate.
Victoria has an obvious charm, from centuries-old customs like high tea and horse-drawn coaches to traditional architecture lit up by hundreds of lights at night. The residents, who are among the kindest on the planet, are reputed to be as lovely as the capital itself.
Victoria Tourist Attractions
Why don’t you visit the best tourist attractions mentioned below and let the world know about your experience in the comments?
1. Explore the Royal BC Museum
A must-visit site of exploration, it is a fascinating location to discover British Columbia’s rich heritage, lifestyle, and spirit of adventure. This museum should be enjoyable for both adults and kids.
When visiting, keep in mind this is one of the most important cultural institutions in Canada-the Royal BC Museum Corp is one of the best tourist attractions. The Archives were established in 1894, and the exhibit was in 1886.
To gather artefacts, records, and samples related to British Columbia’s human and natural heritage, preserving them for generations, and disseminating them globally, these two organizations merged in 2003 to form the united state museum and Repositories of British Columbia.
There are various tourist attractions in Victoria, but don’t miss this museum when you plan to travel to Canada if you are a natural history enthusiast. You must visit the Royal British Columbia Exhibition if you want to understand the cultural and natural origins of Canada.
Take in the cultural aboriginal ritual masks, spears, and other exhibits as you stroll along the beautiful west coast shores and tidal marshes. Learn about the First Nations’ battles with the earliest European colonists. Embark on an immersive recreation of the HMS Exploration, the vessel that took Captain Vancouver to Canada’s beaches for the first time.
Therefore, why not stop by the Royal British Columbia Exhibition if you want a glimpse of the past?
Enquire any kid (or baby at heart) what the most enjoyable moment of their trip to the Royal British Columbia Museum was, and they will probably fawn well about the full-size Mammoth, aptly dubbed “Woolly.”
This is a location that every family should visit when exploring Victoria. When seen in a stunning, enormous Ice Age clay model, it is simple to picture this magnificent creature prowling about Vancouver Island tens of millions of years ago.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to walk through Victoria’s sidewalks at the beginning of the century? You may experience “Old Town,” a replica cityscape that aids in telling the tale of urban history in British Columbia, at the Royal BC Museum.
The two publishing presses in Columbia are also worth seeing because they are some of the province’s earliest manual machines, dating back to 1899. Their ability to share the tales of British Columbia in approaches that educate and engage thought and inspiration comes from their archives, studies, and demonstrations.
The Royal BC Museum contributes to new understanding and knowledge of British Columbia by examining the environmental and social histories and by offering a stimulating venue for debate and a sanctuary for introspection.
There are also a lot of thrilling stores in the area surrounding the museum, why not consider visiting a gift shop and buying something for your loved ones back home?
2. Wander Through Beacon Hill Park
This lush greenery expanse, which spans nearly at 200 acres, is a significant feature of the Victorian environment. There are many places to watch, discover, or just unwind in the peaceful flowerbeds.
A successful trip that incorporates a stopover at Beacon Park Area is the finest way to visit to make the most of your time and become familiar with the vast park. Numerous tourists adore the allure of riding in a horse-drawn wagon, or the fun of taking a bike tour or jeepney, which both let you explore greater portions of the region in much less time than strolling.
The majority of Victoria City excursions include time for this wonderful urban getaway for visitors. pathways, playgrounds, and sports facilities. In Beacon Hill, the opportunities are endless.
Beacon Hill Park, one of Victoria, British Columbia’s nicest parks, is just a 20-minute stroll from the Coho Ferry and Clipper Terminals or the Ogden Bay Cruise Terminal. Additionally, the park is a short 5 to 10-minute stroll from Victoria’s Parliament House.
Your whole group will adore this spot, and the children will be thrilled. This will be a fun adventure whether you have three hours or the entire day. Beacon Hill Park has served as a holy and important heritage site for the Lekwungen individuals for a long time. Beacon Hill is recognized by the Lekwungen language, which translates to “warmed by the sun.”
In 1858, Sir James Douglas, the Administrator of Vancouver during that era, set aside the acreage for a park. The City of Victoria got 75 hectares from the Province of British Columbia in the year 1882 as a token of trust, and Beacon Hill Park was recognized as a “National Historic Site” in 2009. This little hill, where 2 navigation beacons formerly stood, has the name “Beacon Hill.”
Beacon Hill Park is approximately 1/4 the area of Central Park in NYC, so make sure you have your comfy shoes before starting an adventure. In addition to baseball, softball, volleyball, lawn bowling, and football, you can enjoy mini golf there.
The city uses the park as a place to meet up with family and friends for leisure activities, for some of those out for a romantic stroll on any other day, or as a route via nature to and from the office. This parkland is a treasure in Victoria’s city centre. Buses run frequently throughout Victoria and can take you from anywhere in the city to Beacon Hill Park.
When you visit Victoria, contemplate using the BC Transit journey planner, you should be able to easily travel to the park from any motel you may be lodging at in the downtown Victoria region. This is because many places are within walking distance and you will save money on cabs too, if not wanting to walk, you can use a Victoria Harbour ferry to travel while also seeing amazing scenery.
Additionally, Victoria BC is a relatively vibrant city you can walk through. You might even be near enough even to stroll to this accessible park. There is an eatery close by if you get hungry before, during, or after visiting Beacon Hill Park.
Since 1958, Beacon Drive-In has provided services to locals and visitors. Even if it is only ice cream, you could always pause here for a meal when you tour the park because it regularly ranks among Victoria’s absolute favourites.
3. Scout the Victoria Bug Zoo
Since its gates first debuted in 1997, the Victoria Bug Zoo has indeed been showcasing its amazing bugs to tourists in urban Victoria. A fantastic chance to watch and interact with real tropical creatures from all over the world is provided by a trip to this must-see small zoo.
All of the creatures are in enclosures and are alive. Find out about 50 amazing species, such as the biggest ant colony in Canada, stunning praying mantises, glow-in-the-dark spiders, hairy spiders, and huge moving sticks. Experienced tour operators will provide you with a plethora of details about the species on display as well as an introduction to the fascinating world of insects.
Nothing to be afraid of; none of these bugs will harm you. Don’t forget to take pictures to remember this extraordinary event. Drop in at any moment of the year and be astounded by the massive collection of insects from all over the world; the exhibits are always changing. Everyone who visits this site—children, adults, bug enthusiasts, and even more sceptic visitors—will be enthralled.
Enjoy your very personal tour of the realm of bugs, get some experience in the field, and then you and the children can hold some famous tiny inhabitants. So be sure to stop here if you plan to travel to Canada.
The zoo features tour guides who can tell you everything there is to know about the various animals like sea lions in addition to display cabinets filled with bugs. You could even get to pet some of the species if you take one of the free excursions.
Off the Douglas, on Courtney Road, is where you will find this hidden treasure. Expect the large green signage dangling above the walkway, it would be simple to locate the entry.
The interior has bright walls that are covered in crayon scribbling art. There are only a few rooms in the small zoo. However, there is quite a deal to see, and the guides’ narration is fascinating.
Whichever day you choose to stop by, the zoo remains open. It is one of the best Victoria tourist attractions if visiting with family.
4. Stroll in Victoria Butterfly Gardens
At this buzzing destination, you will come across surprises around every corner, including a poison dart frog, turtle, big iguana, flamingo, tropical duck, and a free-flying tropical bird. They have a wide range of tropical fishes that swim in a tranquil stream and lake that are surrounded by a magnificent cascade.
Around three basketball courts’ space worth of tropical butterflies—up to 70 species—fly across our expansive premises. Explore their beautiful gardens, which feature tropical flowers, plants, and exotic fruits.
In the Great White North, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens are a must-see destination. In this tropical paradise, there are over 70 different species of butterflies for you to see.
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens, however, offers visitors more than just breathtaking butterflies. The meadows are also home to flamingos, iguanas, poison dart toads, and tropical birds. In addition, all of the species at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens are rescued, given, or saved, which is terrific news for all of you animal activists.
Envision a vibrant indoor garden full of butterflies in a variety of colours and forms. They almost pose for pictures as they drift in the air, and they sporadically land on your cap and clothes. A few turtles, birds, flamingos, instructional displays, and a gift store should next be viewed.
The Butterfly Gardens encounter is just like that, and it is wonderful. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are a kaleidoscope of flapping wings. The area is also the abode of poisonous reptiles, bugs, pink flamingos, and poisonous plants. Additionally, because the gardens are fully enclosed, this is fantastic entertainment on rainy days.
Explore the Victoria Butterfly Gardens for at least an hour. These two components go well together because you will pass them right before you arrive at The Butchart Gardens’ entryway.
5. View the Butchart Gardens
A journey to the Butchart Gardens is essential on every excursion to Vancouver Island. This well-known Victoria tourist attraction is situated in Brentwood Bay, close to Victoria, and is devoted to a collection of lovely gardens featuring a wide range of flower kinds.
It is one of the biggest draws in Vancouver and is so well-liked that tourists vacationing a few days in Vancouver frequently take day trips to the island. The Butchart family controlled and owned the limestone quarries that were originally used to build the gardens.
So when limestone supply ran out in the early 1900s, Jennie Butchart began the laborious process of turning the old quarry into a buried garden. Vancouver Island in British Columbia provides a dizzying assortment of advantages, from charming city centres to magnificent historical resorts to rugged coastlines. Nevertheless, despite the island’s abundance of natural beauty, one spot succeeds in standing out.
There are a few vacation experiences that are worthwhile overspending on. Afternoon tea still being served at The Butchart Gardens is one of them. Even while it may not be typical in your country, afternoon tea is a favourite in Victoria and other British-influenced towns.
Its purpose is to satisfy your appetite while allowing you to converse with the people you are with. Leaving aside the “formal definition,” taking tea and cake in the gardens is just a way to unwind and appreciate being in such a unique setting. Learn some important information before you explore this must-see attraction.
The Butchart Gardens near Brentwood Bay are one of the most popular tourist spots in Canada. The Gardens were founded in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, the developer. The Butchart Gardens have grown to 20 hectares of aromatic, rich greenery and underground gardens since that time.
You can take a trip down the many twisting roads in this magnificent wonderland, which includes Italian and Japanese-style landscapes.
On the 55 acres, there are several gardens to explore in addition to lovely flower arrangements. Among the gardens at Butchart, the submerged garden may be the most recognizable. Before actually plunging into a park with blooms, trees, bushes, and grass, take the time to take in the vista.
Explore the lovely rose garden if you are touring the grounds during June and August to take in the beauty and scent of thousands of roses. Snap a photo beneath the Rose Arch.
Before going to the Star Pond, spend some time relaxing in the Japanese garden, which is full of beautiful foliage. Pretty flowers encircle the pond, which has a frog fountain in the middle. The beautiful flora and exhibits in the Mediterranean and Italian landscapes are not to be overlooked.
Bring your kids to the mesmerizing Rose Carousel where they may ride on adorable hand-crafted animals including zebras, monkeys, and ostriches.
Alternately, take advantage of the crisp Canadian evenings by exploring the Butchart Gardens when they are lighted by thousands of lights as you stroll outside at night. Grab a picnic blanket and a lounge chair to the Gardens’ summertime evening events to enjoy the beautiful presentations.
If looking for a place to stay and not on a budget, consider staying at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, it may be a little pricey, but the experience, view, and food are all worth it.
A few other must-visit tourist attractions include the British Columbia parliament buildings, miniature world, Goldstream provincial park, Fort Rodd Hill, and Johnson street bridge. Understandably, you won’t be able to cover all the best Victoria tourist attractions but plan your trip days if you want to make a full experience out of spending big bucks.
In British Columbia, Victoria is a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway or short break with so many tourist attractions. The majority of the major attractions are close to one another in the city center because it is a relatively small city.
Victoria is the place to go if your idea of the ideal weekend getaway includes brunching, sightseeing, eating pub food on a sunny terrace, and exploring intriguing museums.
