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Afternoon Tea
Tea is a must-do while in Victoria. Enjoy this popular activity in one of Victoria’s many tea-rooms. Experience a taste of England, either in a charming, intimate venue or a more elegant setting.
Cycling
The Galloping Goose Trail is an excellent paved pathway, ideal for bicycles, through Greater Victoria. Constructed on an old Canadian National Railroad right of way, the trail is wide and has gradual grades suitable for all levels. Shared by pedestrians, wheelchairs and roller blades, the trail connects housing districts, shopping districts and wilderness areas.
Dining
Victoria underwent a culinary renaissance during the past decade. International influences resulted in a marvelous array of dining choices from all over the world. Chinese, French, Italian, South American, Mexican, Greek, Vietnamese, Japanese, East Indian, West Coast and Vegetarian choices abound; find plenty of excellent choices to suit both your palate and your pocketbook. Naturally, a specialty in many of the city's restaurants is seafood, particularly fresh salmon, halibut, and shellfish. Victoria has always been famous for its neighbourhood pubs and traditional British pub-style fare; indulge in fresh and crispy fish and chips, steak and kidney pie and, of course, a great selection of ales. Some of Victoria's most popular pubs are also microbreweries, where house brews are made right on the premises.
Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, a variety of gala celebrations take place to honour all the things Victorians love, including Shakespeare, world music, beer, flowers, jazz, visual arts, literature, boats, fringe theatre and so many others.
Fishing Charters
A wide range of vessels can be chartered from the many fishing charter companies around Victoria and up-Island, from skiffs to private power boats or large group charter vessels. Local guides know where the salmon fishing is best at any time of year and where you can catch a variety of other sea fare.
Harbour Tours
Along the Gorge Waterway, cruise the Strait of Juan de Fuca in a native canoe, enjoy a sunset and dinner cruise or head to Fisherman’s Wharf for classic fish and chips.
Hiking
Choose from tour-guided or self-guided trails all over Victoria and the surrounding area. Hike along the rugged west coast, through a natural rainforest, up a local mountain or amongst fallen leaves in the parks. Hikes range from 1 hour to several days.
Horse-drawn Carriage Tours
What better way to learn about the local sights and heritage of Victoria than in a horse-drawn carriage? Meander through beautiful parks and quiet streets.
Kayaking
For a seal’s-eye-view, sea kayaking is exciting and fun. Kayaks, canoes and other small craft can be rented, or guided tours can be arranged from a few hours to longer expeditions.
Relaxation / Spas
Attend lectures or treatments to pamper yourself in one of Victoria’s many intimate spas. Or attend a workshop about aromatherapy, reflexology, or massage therapy. Have massage chairs brought in for coffee breaks throughout your conference, or book appointments at a relaxing spa location.
Scenic Air Tours
Enjoy views of Victoria from the sky; soar like an eagle in a floatplane, chartered plane or helicopter. For a more adventurous excursion, try parasailing.
Theatre & Art Galleries
Victoria's professional and community performing arts companies offer year-round entertainment, ranging from mainstream to experimental. From opera to symphony to an assortment of concerts, plays, musicals and films, Victoria has something to entice everyone.
Victoria's place in art history was established by the city's most famous artist-in-residence, Emily Carr. Carr House, her birthplace, is now a historic site and offers a glimpse into her past. Many of Carr's works, in addition to a broad collection of North American, European, and Asian art, are on display at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, one of Canada's leading art galleries. Private galleries throughout the Victoria area present works by local, national and international artists.
Whale Watching
The straits around Victoria are home to three resident pods of orcas (killer whales). You can board a wildlife or whale watching expedition craft at the Inner Harbour or several other departure points.
Shopping Downtown
Walk down Government Street, Victoria’s main shopping street, and browse many popular boutiques. Take side streets into Trounce Alley, Bastion Square, Market Square, Fan Tan Alley and Fisgard Street. Be sure to check out Antique Row, on Fort Street.
Wine and Spirits Tours
Both winery and brewery tours are available locally. Victoria has some wonderful local brews just waiting for you to try out. Ask about a winery visit to one of BC’s Gulf Islands.
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Boat Charters
Chartering a sail or power boat is another way to discover the many sheltered waters and hidden islands in Island waters. There are a number of marine charter companies offering skippered sightseeing and nature tours as well as dinner or sunset cruises.
Canada’s Oldest Chinatown, with Dim Sum
Canada’s oldest Chinatown was established in the late 1850’s, when gold fever in the Cariboo region pushed miners from San Francisco to north of the 49th parallel. At one point, more than half of Victoria’s population was Chinese. A tour of this three-block area includes true tales of opium manufacturing, gambling and tall tales of secret tunnels leading to The Empress Hotel. Finish with dim sum at any one of several Chinese restaurants in the area.
Discover the Islands
Take a tour to Roche Harbour in the San Juan Islands (United States), discover art galleries on the Gulf Islands (Canada), or go for a hike through a temperate rain forest. Choose from a number of different companies that offer personalized excursions or pre-packaged tours.
Diving
Find out why Victoria’s underwater environment has been rated the second best scuba diving spot on the planet.
Gardens Tours
From Butchart Gardens to Beacon Hill Park, Victoria has dozens of tour options. Charter a double-decker bus, rent a car, try a guided limousine tour or simply stroll along the streets of Victoria.
Golf
Victoria boasts some of Canada’s most beautiful and challenging courses. The truly dedicated golfer can spend an entire vacation exploring a variety of courses up and down Vancouver Island. Courses are open year-round; find every level of difficulty from championship links to pitch-and-putt courses.
Heritage Fashion Show
See the vogue styles for the men and women of the 1900's.
Horseback Riding
Do you have a taste for the country? Explore some more of this beautiful island on horseback. Guided tours are available.
Museums and Heritage
Full of colorful characters and enthralling tales, the city's 150-year history is carefully preserved in its many historic sites and heritage buildings. From the imposing facades of the Legislative Buildings and St. Ann's Academy to the gun batteries of a former military fort and the fairy-tale turrets of a century-old castle, exploring Victoria's historic treasures is always a rewarding pastime.
Victoria has several exceptional museums, rated among the very best in North America, including the Royal British Columbia Museum. Whether your interest is military, maritime, aviation history, Native culture, pioneer stories, or marine mammals, Victoria's museums will capture your imagination with exciting exhibits that bring human and natural history to life.
Parks
With more than 50 acres of gardens, paths, ponds, a children’s petting zoo, a 100-year-old cricket pitch, baseball diamond, soccer fields and an activity play centre for children, Beacon Hill Park has something for everyone.
Sailing
Stroll the many docks around Victoria and see that the age of sail is still alive and well. Chartering a sailboat is a splendid way to discover the protected waters and picturesque coves of the Gulf Islands.
Walking Tours
See the sights and hear the history; any one of our members can introduce you to the heritage side of our city. Bird-watching tours are also available year-round. Let someone else do the work and board a pedicab; be pedaled around the city and learn the history of Victoria.
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