Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and the largest on Vancouver Island. It is located at the southern end of the Saanich Peninsula, on the southeastern corner of the island. Although I grew up frequently visiting Vancouver Island, I didn’t visit Victoria until I was 18. Since then, however, I’ve been back six more times.
From celebrating Canada’s 150th year of Confederation with an outdoor concert in front of the Legislative Assembly to hiking 30 km of the Juan de Fuca trail, I’ve explored lots of what Southern Vancouver Island has to offer. Here is a guide to some of my favourite shops, historical and cultural spots, restaurants, beaches, and parks that I think you should add to your itinerary when you visit Victoria.
What’s in this guide?
Places to See in Downtown Victoria
Downtown Victoria has a very unique vibe for a Canadian city, at least in my opinion. It’s a port city that welcomes cruise ships and sees an influx of tourists to the Inner Harbour and downtown areas, feeding souvenir shops and Canadian food chains like BeaverTails. However, it is also the provincial capital and houses the BC Legislative Assembly while maintaining the more relaxed island vibe that permeates through Vancouver Island.
Expect shorter hours and don’t anticipate anything will be open too early or late. Most shops are open between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, but it never hurts to double check your destination’s hours if there is anything in particular you want to see.
History and Culture
I’d recommend starting your tour of Downtown Victoria with a walk around the Inner Harbour marina. You can walk along the boardwalk or up along the road. Take some time to check out the art and signage around the area. Walk towards the Legislative Assembly and take a sneak peek at where the BC government works. This building was lit up beautifully when I attended the 150th Canada Day celebration here.
Just east of the Legislative building is the Royal BC Museum. I’d definitely recommend taking a couple hours to check out their exhibits while you’re in Victoria. It includes natural history, human history, and Indigenous Peoples’ history along with limited featured exhibits. I got to see a very interesting exhibition on orcas when I was here.
You can also walk by or check out the lobby of the Empress Hotel, along Government Street and just across from the harbour. If you continue walking 3.5 blocks down Government, you´ll reach Munro´s Books, which is in a beautiful neo-classical building that has served book lovers in Victoria for more than 60 years. I love stopping here even when I’m not planning to book shop (although I rarely leave empty-handed).
Additionally, I encourage you to visit Victoria’s Chinatown. This is the oldest established Chinese neighbourhood in Canada and one of the oldest in North America. Today, the neighbourhood is home to many local shops and businesses, making it a vibrant hub. When you visit, plan to see the Gate of Harmonious Interest and walk down Fan Tan and Dragon Alleys. These narrow alleys are full of history and interesting shops.
Shops to Check Out
Victoria is a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind items or vintage clothes. There is a wealth of vintage and consignment stores around the downtown area, such as Vintage After Death and Victoria Vintage around Market Square. In fact, I usually spend a couple hours around the Market Square area, browsing all the little shops and grabbing a bite to eat at Mom’s Kitchen, Cafe Mexico, or even a liège waffle from Wannawafel (guilty pleasure).
There are also dozens of outdoor stores, including Patagonia, MEC, Robinson’s Outdoor Store, Adventure Clothing, and Grove Outdoors. Dots is also a great find for discount designer wear on Fort Street just across from Russell Books (for all my book lovers who still have money to spend after Munro’s).
I also highly recommend stopping by the Puzzle Lab, which creates beautiful wood puzzles made with contemporary artwork from Canadian artists. The puzzles are absolutely stunning and make a great gift or souvenir.
For more shops and interesting spots to check out in Downtown Victoria, save my map below to your Google account.
Where to Eat in Victoria
If you like seafood, and are visiting Victoria during the warmer half of the year, you have to stop at Red Fish Blue Fish. It’s located on the Inner Harbour near the Fort Victoria Historic Site and the Old Victoria Customs House, but it closes during the winter months.
If you’re in the Market Square area, I recommend Mom’s Kitchen for casual Asian fare. From teriyaki and ramen to jap chae, bulgogi, curry, chow mein, and dumplings there is something for everyone. Portions are generous and the food is delicious. I also recommend Cafe Mexico in this areas if you’re looking for a casual, sit-down place.
Check out Ferris’ Grill, just one block to the south for seafood. Frankie’s Modern Diner offers a retro, family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Victoria, a block from the Inner Harbour and open for all three meals. Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy Be Love, a plant-based kitchen on Blanshard Street. Take a walk into the historical James Bay neighbourhood and stop at The Bent Mast for a casual pub-patio vibe.
Finally, if you’re looking for more elevated experience, try the Boom + Batten on the west side of the harbour or the funky vibe at Finn’s off Wharf Street.
Beyond Downtown
There is so much to see in Victoria outside of the downtown area. Whether you’re just going a hop and a skip away to Beacon Hill Park, checking out Fisherman’s Wharf, or crossing the harbour to West Bay or McLoughlin Point or you are heading further out, there’s so much to explore.
The Craigdarroch Castle, built for a rich man in the 19th century, this 19th century mansion is open for tours today. You can learn some more about the history of Victoria and usually the site is not super busy.
If you’re interested in finding a beach near Victoria, I recommend Killarney Beach out near the University of Victoria or Cordova Bay Beach a little further north. Outdoorsy folks may enjoy hiking up PKOLS (previously referred to as Mount Douglas), hiking to Jocelyn Hill in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, or even taking a relaxing stroll around one of the beautiful trails like at Durrance Lake.
And of course, is a trip to Victoria complete without a visit to Butchart Gardens? This world-famous garden is more than 120 years old and located in Brentwood Bay, just 25 minutes north of Victoria. It is a Canadian National Historic Site and popular for all ages. While in Brentwood Bay, you may also be interested in sea kayaking around Brentwood Bay.
My Map of Victoria
Use the map below to help you plan your trip to Victoria. Star the map to save it to your own Google account for easy itinerary building.