72 Hours in Victoria: Spring Itinerary
With flowers blooming left and right, spring is the perfect time to enjoy a few days in beautiful Victoria. Here’s a 72-hour itinerary to help you plan your next visit.
What to pack
• Camera
• Good walking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and/or rain jacket (check the forecast!)
• Comfortable clothing (for walking/cycling)
• A bathing suit
• Your appetite!
Day 1
11:00 am | Arrive in Victoria
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can choose to get to Victoria by ferry, aeroplane, or seaplane. From Vancouver, we recommend Harbour Air Seaplanes or BC Ferries. From Washington State, take the Clipper, Black Ball Ferry Line, or Kenmore Air for a seamless and picturesque journey to Vancouver Island.
Settling in
Once you arrive, settle into your hotel. The Parkside Hotel & Spa is a fantastic option within minutes of downtown, and the Magnolia Hotel is another favourite, located right near the Inner Harbour.
12:00 pm | Lunch at CRAFT Beer Market
Walk over to CRAFT Beer Market to enjoy lunch with a waterfront view. CRAFT features an extensive local beer selection, as well as their own in-house brewery, Swift Brewing, and one of Victoria's best patios. Stop in, enjoy a pint, and dig into their creative menu, which puts a fun twist on pub classics.
1:30 pm | Explore Downtown Victoria
Get acquainted with Victoria’s charming downtown neighbourhoods with an afternoon stroll. Start in Chinatown and make sure to duck down Fan Tan Alley, one of the most Instagrammable places in Victoria, to find quirky shops and take some photos. Continue along Government Street and walk down Lower Johnson, which is lined with gorgeous local boutiques, then explore Trounce Alley with its shops, galleries, and tapas bars.
4:00 pm | Break at The Drake
Once you’re ready to get off your feet, head to The Drake Eatery on Pandora Avenue. This craft beer bar has a cool, open atmosphere and is popular with locals, likely in part because it offers an extensive menu of renowned international and local craft beers from breweries like Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., Hoyne Brewing and Driftwood Brewery. Choose to sit indoors or on the back patio overlooking historic Market Square.
Local tip: If you love craft beer, check out the Victoria Ale Trail, part of the self-guided BC Ale Trail.
6:30 pm | Dinner at 10 Acres
For a truly farm-to-table experience, have dinner at 10 Acres. A unique downtown location with three separate dining areas in one building, you can choose from the Commons (casual, industrial atmosphere with oyster bar, great sushi and a live DJ), the Bistro (a true restaurant experience), and the Kitchen, which has been described as “slightly finer dining, inspired by land and sea.” Each eatery sources the majority of its ingredients from the namesake 10 Acres organic farm, located in North Saanich.
We recommend: Fresh oysters and prosecco at the Commons, signature rotisserie chicken at the Bistro, the five-course tasting menu at the Kitchen.
9:00 pm | Live Music or Theatre
After dinner, take in some live music or theatre. Irish Times Pub and The Bard & Banker Pub (both on Government Street) have nightly house bands, and there are lots of other great venues around the city where you can find jazz, indie, or electronic music. If you prefer theatre or opera, research what’s happening at The Royal & McPherson Theatres.
Day 2
9:00 am | Breakfast at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
A perfect introduction to Victoria’s unique brunch culture, Nourish Kitchen & Cafe will charm you with its warm atmosphere (in a James Bay heritage home) and simple, elegant touches.
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
10:30 am | Bike Tour of Victoria
On a spring day in Victoria, the two best ways to get around are on foot or by bike. We recommend booking a guided tour with The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals, who offer both traditional and e-bikes depending on riders’ ability level. The Castles, Hoods & Legends tour is a 2-hour excursion through which you will experience iconic landmarks of historic Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum, Beacon Hill Park, the scenic Dallas Road waterfront, and be introduced to local favourites Moss Rock, Cook Street Village, and artistic Fernwood.
12:30 pm | Lunch at Steamship Grill
After your bike tour, simply walk across the street to Steamship Grill & Bar, which is located right on the waterfront in the historic Canadian Pacific Railway Steamship Terminal Building. Sit on the patio where you can enjoy lunch while watching over the bustling Inner Harbour.
2:00 pm | The Saanich Peninsula – Sidney and The Butchart Gardens
The Saanich Peninsula is a gem of southern Vancouver Island, home to expansive beaches and sprawling vineyards. If you’re driving, start by visiting the seaside town of Sidney, about 35 minutes away from downtown. Admire the many boutiques and bookshops along Beacon Avenue, take a selfie on Sidney Pier, and pay a visit to Victoria Distillers who are known for their award-winning craft gin.
A 15-minute drive from Sidney is the world-famous Butchart Gardens, which erupts into a sea of vibrant colour each spring. During the spring months, you’ll see stunning tulip displays, lush greenery and fragrant blossoms and starting June 1 you can experience the Night Illumination from dusk until dark. Slow down and soak in your surroundings as you meander through the expansive gardens.
Local tip: If you enjoy cycling, the Saanich Peninsula is a fantastic place to explore on two wheels, with lots of winding, coastal roads and scenic areas.
6:00 pm | Dinner at Fireside Grill
Cap your time on the Peninsula off with a dinner at Fireside Grill in Saanich. This award-winning restaurant (named Victoria's Best Fine Dining in 2023 and 2024 by Times Colonist readers) is nestled in a heritage tudor-style estate amidst a Gary Oak meadow, and features one of the city's best patios. Enjoy farm-to-table fare and pair it with one of their sensational cocktails.
Local tip: You're spoiled for choice at Fireside Grill, but we recommend Pork Belly & Scallops.
8:30 pm | Interactivity Board Game Cafe
After dinner, enjoy a fun, easy night out at the Interactivity Board Game Cafe. Grab one of their famous milkshakes and choose from over 500 games to play or buy. They’re open late (midnight or later) so this is a great option if you want to go out, but are looking for an alternative to Victoria’s bar scene.
Interactivity Board Game CafeDay 3
9:00 am | Coffee
Victoria’s burgeoning coffee community is backed by dedicated, skilled baristas who take pride in their craft. The result is a speckling of incredible coffee shops throughout Victoria, each offering a slightly different take on espresso, filter coffee, tea, and snacks. We recommend Caffe Fantastico and Murchie's Coffee Shop.
Once you’re appropriately caffeinated, start your day with a walk along the scenic Songhees Walkway. Cross the brand new Johnson Street Bridge and continue along the coastal pathway where you’ll see an interesting perspective on downtown Victoria from across the Inner Harbour. It’s also a great place to watch the float planes land and take off from the water.
10:30 am | Brunch
Brunch is an institution in Victoria, and by this time you’ve probably already realized that when it comes to the most important meal of the day, Victorians don’t mess around. You’ve probably also realized that brunch doesn’t have to put you into a sugar-induced food coma. Here on the island, fresh seafood and locally-inspired dishes are the name of the game.
Check out this blog post on Must-Try Brunch Spots in Victoria.
12:00 pm | Royal BC Museum or Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
After brunch, experience some local culture and history with a visit to the Royal BC Museum or the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. They also several permanent collections that can be viewed year-round, including Our Living Languages, a groundbreaking interactive exhibition that celebrates the resilience and diversity of First Nations languages in BC, All Things Terry - celebrating Canadian hero, Terry Fox, as well as a Natural History Gallery, Old Town, and more. The museum also hosts a rotating selection of travelling exhibits that are sure to capture the imagination of travellers big and small.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a must-visit for any art lover in Victoria. When it first opened in 1951, exhibitions were held in the historic 1889 mansion that is now adjacent to its seven modern galleries. With almost 20,000 works of art, the gallery is home to one of Canada’s most important Asian art collections and a permanent display of work by celebrated BC artist Emily Carr.
2:30 pm | Snack Break
If you're feeling a mid-day snack attack, head on over to the Dutch Bakery & Diner. You can enjoy pastries, sweets, and savoury items, straight from their bakery counter along Fort Street, or if you're feeling more than a little peckish, stop into their Diner at the back of the shop for a tasty home-made meal.
Dutch Bakery & Diner
3:00 pm | Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
You’re on holiday, which means it’s okay to indulge a little bit. Treat yourself to a massage or facial at the Boathouse Spa & Bath, and take time to soak in the outdoor, oceanfront mineral pools before or after your treatment.
The Boathouse Spa
6:30 pm | Dinner at Marina Dockside Eatery or Vis a Vis
For a memorable final evening in Victoria, enjoy an upscale dinner at Marina Dockside Eatery in Oak Bay, which overlooks the Oak Bay Marina. Choose from elevated classics like panko crusted Fanny Bay oyster burger or hot smoked salmon salad. Alternatively, dine at Vis a Vis on Oak Bay Avenue, a quaint French bistro with a romantic flare.
9:00 pm | Cocktails
Cap things off with a handcrafted libation at one of Victoria’s many fine cocktail bars. Head to the Chateau Victoria, home to Clive’s Classic Lounge and Vista 18 Westcoast Grill & Wine Bar, a restaurant with spectacular views over the city. We also love Clarke & Co. who are known for their quaint atmospheres and creative cocktail menus.
#ExploreVictoria
Please note: Time of day is provided to give visitors a general sense of activity duration. Please check with individual businesses for hours of operation, and then go at your own pace.
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