3 Days in Victoria BC: A Guide to BC's Charming Seaside Capital
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Known for its stunning natural scenery, historic architecture, and laid-back vibe, Victoria is the ideal destination for a long weekend getaway. Victoria is worth a visit all its own and its location makes it an easy starting point for exploring other popular nearby destinations like Vancouver and Tofino. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers easy access to rugged wilderness hikes, sandy beaches, and the lively Inner Harbour.
In this guide, you'll discover the best time of year to visit beautiful Victoria, how to get there, suggestions for where to stay, and a sample 3-day Victoria itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Victoria. Whether you want to learn about Victoria's roots as a former British colony, explore the world-famous Butchart Gardens, or simply stroll along the waterfront, this guide will ensure you experience the highlights.
When Is The Best Time of Year to Visit
Victoria enjoys mild weather year-round, thanks to its location on Vancouver Island along the Pacific Ocean. The climate is similar to surrounding cities such as Seattle and Vancouver so there’s technically no bad time to visit. However, the best time to visit depends on the types of activities and attractions you'd like to experience.
Spring (March-May) - Springtime brings blooming flowers, fewer crowds, and more affordable rates before the kickoff of peak season. Temperatures are cool and rainfall is moderate. Whale watching tours operate as early as March and this is a great time to visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens to see the spring blossoms.
Summer (June-August) - The summer months are the most popular time to visit Victoria with long sunny days, warm temperatures, and major events like Canada Day (July 1). This is Victoria’s peak season so high seasonal rates apply and attractions are crowded, especially in August. Outdoor patios come alive and ferries and cruise ships operate at full capacity.
Fall (September-November) - Fall offers beautiful autumn colors and crisp air. Crowds thin after Labor Day while many attractions remain open making this the ideal time to visit Victoria. September still feels like summer while November is much cooler. Unique activities in this period are the fall salmon runs and harvest food festivals.
Winter (December-February) - Winter is the off-season with more rainy days, cooler temperatures, and fewer daylight hours. Some attractions will be closed such as whale watching or operate at reduced hours. However, this is when hotels offer lower rates and the city is far less crowded. I visited in January and enjoy traveling to destinations during their off-season. We experienced great weather with mostly sunny days and temperatures in the 40s.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Victoria
I would recommend spending 3-4 full days in Victoria to have enough time to see the top attractions at a relaxed pace. With only 1 day, you'll likely feel rushed trying to fit everything in and you’ll miss out on some of the more unique things this city has to offer.
With 3 full days in Victoria, you'll have time to explore all of the top sights at an enjoyable pace, including the Royal BC Museum, the Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Beacon Hill Park, the BC Parliament Buildings, and more. You can also take a relaxing afternoon tea, enjoy long dinners downtown, go whale watching, or tour the spectacular Butchart Gardens over in Brentwood Bay.
How to Get to Victoria
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island off the southwest coast of mainland British Columbia. There are several transportation options for getting to Victoria depending on where you're coming from.
By Plane - The main airport serving Victoria is Victoria International Airport (YYJ). It's located about 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria and there are nonstop flights to Victoria from major cities across Canada as well as some major cities in Mexico, and Seattle. The flight time from Vancouver to Victoria is only about 30 minutes and the flight time from Seattle to Victoria is only about 50 minutes!
By Ferry - You can take a BC Ferries vessel from Tsawwassen just south of Vancouver to Swartz Bay, located about 40 minutes north of downtown Victoria. It's about an hour and a half sailing time and you can then drive or take a bus directly into Victoria. There are several daily departures and reservations are recommended especially during peak summer travel times. Ferry rates from Vancouver to Victoria range from $20 each way without a vehicle and $85 each way with a vehicle.
If you’re traveling from Seattle, you can take the FRS Clipper ferry straight to Victoria’s Inner Harbour with rates starting from $125 round trip per person. The FRS Clipper is a passenger vessel only so you cannot take a car on it. This is how I traveled from Seattle to Victoria in January; it was simple, easy, and enjoyable. The sailing time is about 3 hours each way and you can select your seats just as you would on an airplane. However, if you’re traveling during the off-season, be sure to check that the ferry is available as their boats do go into dry dock for a few weeks each year.
Another option is to take the Black Ball Ferry that departs from Washington’s Port Angeles. This ferry is for both walk-on and drive-on passengers so if you’re departing from Washington State and want to drive to Victoria, this would be the option for you. This is also the fastest ferry option from the US as the sailing is only 90 minutes! Vehicle prices including the driver start at $73 each way and $22 each way per passenger.
By Cruise Ship - Many major cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean offer cruises from Seattle, Vancouver, and even California that stop in Victoria. The cruise ships dock at Ogden Point which is near the scenic Inner Harbour downtown so you can easily explore the city on foot.
Getting Around in Victoria
Getting around this charming coastal city is easy, whether you prefer public transit, walking, biking, driving, or taking a water taxi.
Public Transit - Victoria's public bus system, BC Transit, covers the city and nearby suburbs. Most buses start and end downtown at the main transit loop near the Inner Harbour. Purchase tickets onboard with cash, or get a reloadable BC Transit card for convenience. The buses are clean, safe, and run frequently along major routes.
Walking - The best way to get around Victoria is by walking. Exploring the downtown core on foot is enjoyable thanks to the compact size and pretty Victorian architecture. Attractions like the Legislative Assembly, Royal BC Museum, and Inner Harbour are within close walking distance of numerous hotels and restaurants. We walked the entire time we were in Victoria and had no issues - even in January!
Biking - Biking is a great way to cover more ground while enjoying ocean breezes. Downtown Victoria is flat and bike-friendly. Rent bikes by the hour or day from cycle shops near the Inner Harbour. Well-marked bike lanes make the scenic ride to Beacon Hill Park easy. We rented e-bikes from Pedego one afternoon and enjoyed cycling along the waterfront Dallas Road path which features stunning ocean vistas.
Driving - Having a car makes it convenient to venture beyond downtown and see more of the surrounding area. Street parking downtown is metered or by permit only, but there are parking garages scattered throughout downtown. Having a car allows you to visit attractions like Craigdarroch Castle, Abkhazi Garden, and Butchart Gardens much more easily.
Water Taxis - Victoria Harbour Ferry provides small passenger water taxis conveniently connecting downtown Victoria with nearby communities across the harbor. Ferries depart from 12 water taxi stops and run all week long from 10 am to 7 pm. Point-to-point fares cost around $15 for adults, $7 for ages 6-18, and children under 6 enjoy free rides. Victoria Harbour Ferry also offers private boat tours and group tours of Victoria Harbour and Victoria Gorge.
Where to Stay in Victoria
Victoria offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Staying downtown allows you to be steps away from the Inner Harbour, museums, restaurants, and attractions. We stayed at Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites which has a prime location steps away from the waterfront. The prices at Chateau Victoria range from budget to luxury depending on what type of room you’re looking for. This is also a great option for families and groups as they offer two-bedroom suites!
Other popular downtown hotels include the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel and Inn at Laurel Point. These hotels also offer comfortable rooms, convenient locations, and amenities like pools, restaurants, and lounges. Rates range from $250/night to well over $400/night.
How to Spend Three Days in Victoria BC
Day 1 Beacon Hill Park and an Evening Hot Tub Boat Ride
Start your first full day in Victoria by taking in the sweeping views of the city and harbor at Vista 18 Restaurant. This restaurant sits on the 18th floor of Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites and offers tasty breakfast classics made from fresh, local ingredients. Order a coffee to-go and take a short walk to Beacon Hill Park where you can walk through winding pathways and see the Moss Lady sculpture and wild peacocks who call this park home. Beacon Hill Park is over 180 acres and is full of landscaped gardens and ponds. It’s beautiful year-round and my favorite thing about the park is that you can get an up-close look at peacocks. As with any wildlife though, you want to avoid feeding them but they surprisingly aren’t afraid of humans and they sometimes get pretty close to you.
After you’ve explored Beacon Hill Park, stop by Italian Food Imports for a delicious homemade Italian sandwich. They have classic Italian and gourmet combinations like my favorite, David, which is prosciutto, provolone, balsamic fig spread, spinach, and artichoke aioli. Chef’s kiss! Once you’ve wrapped up lunch, walk down to Victoria’s Chinatown where you can wander through maze-like alleyways that are barely wide enough for two people, like the famous Fan Tan Alley. Here, you can explore all sorts of shops, and don’t worry about missing out on the restaurants in this area - you’ll be back in this neighborhood tasting food on day two!
By now it’s time to give your feet and body some much-deserved rest and relaxation and there’s no better way to do this than by soaking in a hot tub. And this isn’t just any hot tub, it’s a hot tub boat! Hot Tub Boat Victoria offers private rentals for up to 6 people and unlike the hot tub boats in Seattle, they charge by the number of people in your party starting at $200 for two people. This was one of my favorite things to do and it’s the ultimate way to relax for two hours. When you’ve returned your boat rental, make your way back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner at hot spot, Wind Cries Mary. Reservations are recommended, but the staff will always try to fit you in if they can. Wind Cries Mary offers a variety of fresh vegetable starters, pasta, seafood, and steak. And their cocktails are great, too! As you head back to your hotel, swing by the BC Parliament building for a glimmering surprise. This historic building lights up every night and is a true delight to see, so much so that I found myself wanting to walk by it every single night!
Day 2 Victoria Food Tour and the Royal BC Museum
On day two, you’ll want to opt for a light breakfast or skip breakfast altogether as you’ll be going on a food tour before lunch in which you don’t want to be too full for. Crust Bakery is a great place to grab coffee and a pastry, plus it’s not far from the meeting point of the food tour. The highlight of day two is a 2-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria which was one of my favorite things I did while visiting Victoria. The owner, Andy, will be your tour guide and he’s wonderful. He’s a local and is truly passionate about both food and people. One thing that’s unique about this food tour is that the restaurants featured change periodically, so if you visit again and take this tour, you’ll most likely end up going to completely different places. The food tour begins in Chinatown and ends at Inner Harbour and you’ll visit 7-8 establishments and sample a range of cuisines. Trust me, this is not one you want to miss.
Once the tour is over and your bellies are full, spend the rest of the day inside the Royal BC Museum. Here you can see fossils, learn about dinosaurs that once roamed British Columbia, and learn about the Indigenous tribes of the region. The Royal BC Museum also has the largest IMAX screen in British Columbia where you can see recently released movies and special documentaries.
For dinner, treat yourself to one of the best meals in town at Il Terrazzo. Booking a reservation may be tough as this restaurant fills up quickly, but if you can snag a reservation, it’s worth it! We ate here to celebrate my belated birthday and we both absolutely loved our meal. Il Terrazzo is the perfect place for a romantic dinner in Victoria or to celebrate with loved ones. Imagine a candlelit dinner next to a brick fireplace sipping wine and eating freshly made pasta - it doesn’t get better than that in my book! After dinner, head over to Haunted Manor which houses one of the most unique mini-golf courses I’ve ever seen. The indoor 18-hole mini golf course has riddles at each hole and is decorated with ghoulish decor. It’s a fun spot for couples, groups, and families.
Day 3 High Tea and Biking Along the Coast
Your last full day in Victoria will be spent experiencing one of Victoria’s most popular activities and taking in the sights. Kick off your day with a classic breakfast at Blue Fox Cafe which is a popular place for both breakfast and brunch. Then, make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll find colorful floating homes, restaurants, and shops. Fisherman’s Wharf is primarily a tourist attraction that is most popular in the summer months. You can visit year-round, but many of the restaurants and shops shut down for the winter.
Next, walk to the nearby Pendray Inn and Tea House where you can have high tea. High tea is really popular in Victoria and it’s a great way to spend the afternoon. Enjoy a pot of your favorite tea in floral chinaware and snack on tiered trays of tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries. If it’s your first time experiencing high tea, make sure that you do not eat before your reservation. I made that rookie mistake, not realizing how much food would be served, and I’ve learned my lesson.
Spend the rest of your afternoon riding along the southwestern coast of Victoria. We rented e-bikes from Pedego during our trip and really enjoyed seeing the beautiful coastline as the day faded away. Victoria has lots of bike paths throughout the city that are easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors. If you ride or walk along Dallas Road, be sure to stop at the Dallas Road Staircase. This viewpoint is really pretty and there are steps leading down to the water and disappear into the waves. Depending on how hungry you are, a great option for your last dinner in Victoria is at Little Jumbo. This one was recommended by a friend and was also recommended by multiple people in the restaurant industry in Victoria and it will not disappoint. The food and drinks are amazing and I can’t wait to go back to eat more. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, Clive’s Classic Lounge is a wonderful option for small plates and they also have some of the best cocktails in town!
If You Have an Extra Day
If you want to spend four days in Victoria, you can spend a day visiting the popular Butchart Gardens or book a whale-watching tour. You’ll need about half of a day for either of these activities, but both are well worth it.
Several companies like Prince of Whales, Eagle Wing Tours, and SpringTide Whale Watching offer half-day or full-day whale watching cruises leaving from Victoria's Inner Harbour. You'll head out into the Salish Sea on a boat with an experienced naturalist on board. They'll keep an eye out for whales and provide commentary about the different species you may encounter, like orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. The boats have both indoor and outdoor viewing areas so you can bundle up outside for the full experience of feeling the ocean spray. Pack some snacks, a camera, binoculars, and layers, as it can get cold on the water.
Butchart Gardens is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria and the park itself is massive! You’ll want to plan to spend 3-4 hours here exploring the gardens which span over 54 acres. At Butchart Gardens, you’ll find greenhouses and themed gardens, and you can even have high tea here. During the winter months, Butchart Gardens has a dazzling display of lights that’s worth seeing and is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. If you don’t have a car, you can take the public bus to Butchart Gardens or take a taxi which will cost $45-$60 each way.
Victoria is a charming city with beautiful gardens, historic buildings, lively neighborhoods, and an amazing food scene. Spending 3 days here allows you to experience the best of what Victoria has to offer at a relaxed pace. But if you’re looking to cover more ground, take your time and spend an extra day or two here to really enjoy this gem of a city.
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
