The Ultimate Travel Guide to Victoria

Warm weather seekers will enjoy the temperatures between June and September. However, tourist avoiders who don’t mind a temperature drop will likely tolerate the weather in May and October. The trails will be less crowded during these months as well!

While snow cloaks most of Canada during the winter, Victoria instead receives buckets and buckets of rain, so you probably won’t enjoy visiting between November and March, unless you really love rain.

From cars to public transportation to walking to cycling to horse carriage rides, Victoria makes it easy for you to choose a mode of transportation that suits you or your desired activities. But if you were to choose anything, just know that the city boasts of excellent cycling opportunities as well, and it’s incredibly walkable.

Are you looking for the best spots to stay in Victoria? Take a look at these neighbourhoods: James Bay (waterfront location), Oak Bay (trendy), and downtown (hello, nightlife).

Victoria boasts of a smorgasbord of trendy cafes and bakeries. But since there are many options, we’ve decided to share some of the best spots for you to help alleviate the stress that often accompanies food-related decisions:

Best seafood spot: Finn’s or The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf. Expect Finn’s to take seafood to the next level. You can also go for quick, tasty bites at the floating Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Best cafe: Blue Fox Cafe. Beware! If you eat here in the morning, you won’t want to eat for the rest of the day: the portions are big. It could be an excellent breakfast or lunch spot before an adventure day.

Best bakery: La Roux Patisserie. Feel like you’re in Paris in this elegant, cozy bakery! Consider stopping by here for a tasty treat after a hiking or biking or kayaking excursion.

Best restaurant: John’s Place Restaurant. Grab a hearty breakfast or lunch at this local hotspot! Try to stop by during Happy Hour, which is between 2-5 from Monday to Friday.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the natural playground in and around Victoria. Spend hours hiking, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Outside of active ventures, you’ll also find other remarkable options that abide by Victoria’s quirky, chilled-out vibes.

Hiking in Victoria

Expect to find a myriad of hikes surrounding Victoria. You may not associate British Columbia’s capital with hiking, thanks to its prime oceanfront location, but the mountainscapes painting the backdrop have several unique trails. While most hikes in Victoria are on the shorter side, they do not cheap out on views.

For the best hikes, locals and visitors alike tend to flock to Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, East Sooke Park, Goldstream Provincial Park, and Mount Work Regional Park. Families will enjoy the mild elevation and gentle trail along the Witty’s Lagoon with Tower Point Hike. If you’re looking for a long, challenging hike with stunning views, try out the East Sooke Coast Trail Hike. Or enjoy a picturesque blend of mountain and water views on the 10 km Jocelyn Hill from Caleb Pike Hike.

Cycling in Victoria

Victoria really is a biker’s paradise. With a network of easy to moderate loops twisting along and by the seascape, waterways, vineyards, parks, and more. Get ready for a picturesque ride, no matter which route you decide to take. One of our favourites? The Seaside Loop. This lovely 25.4mi ride takes you by harbours, parks, and cafes.

Families will really enjoy the 6.4mi Colquitz River Trail bike ride! Pedal by the Panama Flats and end your journey at the Red Barn Market. For a more challenging excursion, give the 38.5mi, out-and-back Lochside Trail to Sidney a try. Pedal by lush farmland and quiet inlets before returning to Victoria.

Mountain bikers can find fantastic trails in Bear Mountain Resort or Mount Work Regional Park.

Water sports in Victoria

Spend relaxing mornings, afternoons, or evenings paddle boarding or kayaking around Victoria. Grab your paddles and meander around the following spots:

• Thetis Lake
• Gorge Waterway
• Esquimalt Lagoon
• Langford Lake
• Matheson Lake
• Tod Inlet
• Inner Harbour
• Gonzales Beach
• Willows Beach
• Elk Lake
• Cadboro Bay

Other can’t-miss activities in Victoria

Victoria has several quirky activities worth taking advantage of! Whether you’re looking for something chill or fascinating or nature-centric, British Columbia’s capital has you covered.

1. Visit Butchart Gardens! Revel in the palette of colours and lush fields of green as you wind through this stunning garden.
2. Go to Miniature World! Marvel at the miniature depictions of historical moments and fictional realms. This museum is also home to the world’s largest dollhouses and model railways.
3. Check out Hatley Park National Historic Site! Let’s face it: Canada boasts of natural beauty, but it lacks architectural wonders. This castle is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Canada! You can also get your steps in by strolling around the gardens surrounding this monumental building.
4. Shop along Lower Johnson Street! Enjoy the number of independent shops and boutiques lining this vibrant street.
5. Go on a carriage tour! Bask in luxury (and relaxation) in a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy the layers of attractions spanning Victoria.
6. Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf! Check out the 33 floating houses dotting this postcard-painted harbour. Whenever you get hungry, stop by one of the seafood restaurants in this area.
7. Stroll through Chinatown! Quick fact: Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America and the oldest in Canada.
8. Hop on a pickle boat! Embark on a sightseeing tour via a boat shaped like a pickle.
9. Relax at the beach! Want a break from all of your adventures? Spend some time relaxing at Willow Beach, but don’t expect to swim. The water is super cold; if you want warmer water, head to Thetis Lake.
10. Go whale watching! Most whale watching tours in Victoria will allow you to go on another tour for free if no whales pop up on your boat ride.

Dangers in Victoria

Overall, Victoria is a very safe city! Most dangers derive from the environment, such as flooding, tsunamis, earthquakes. But only earthquakes fall under the “High Risk” category. In general, the crime rate is relatively low.

Frequently asked questions about travelling in Victoria

Is Victoria expensive?

Victoria is considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in Canada. In 2019, PadMapper shared that Victoria sits in the top 5 of the most costly places to reside in the True North. But when it comes to food and drink, expect similar prices to the rest of Canada. On average, a basic dinner for two at a pub costs around $48. Do note that you can easily walk everywhere, so that should help lower transportation costs.

Is Victoria safe at night?

Yes! Most people consider Victoria to be safe when the sun lowers into the horizon. However, it’s still smart to keep your wits about you during the night.

Does it snow in Victoria?

Compared to the rest of Canada, Victoria doesn’t see much snow. And even when it does fall, it doesn’t stick to the ground for very long—the charming city averages around 26 cm of snow a year. However, there have been several snowless winters. It will get rainy, though! So bring warm clothes if you plan on coming during the colder months.

Fun facts about Victoria

Charm locals with some of these random fun facts about Victoria when you go!

• Victoria is named after Queen Victoria.
• This city receives around 608 mm of rain annually.
• Get ready to eat here! Victoria boasts of the second most restaurants per capita in North America. San Francisco holds the top spot.
• Victoria has over 70 parks!
• British Columbia’s capital is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada.
• Five species of whales float in the waters flanking Victoria.

You’re now ready to plan your trip to Victoria in British Columbia, Canada! Grab your calendar and start choosing which date to book your flight, ferry, or whatever mode of transportation you decide to use to reach this lovely city, which boasts of several activities, stunning architecture, and a lot of restaurants. Before you go, be sure to look at our adventure guides for Victoria—find specific routes tailor-made for you.