Great Things to Do in Victoria

Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is the capital of British Columbia. It’s a great place to visit for the day, a weekend, or a longer getaway. There’s plenty to keep everyone busy—from award-winning gardens and museums to the best fish and chips you will ever eat. Keep reading to discover the 12 best things to do and see in British Columbia’s capital.

Butchart Gardens


 Over one million people visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens annually. The National Historic Site of Canada is home to five main gardens: the Rose, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, and Sunken Gardens. The latter was the first project that the Butcharts developed many years ago, as it was previously a quarry. One of the best things about Butchart Gardens is that it looks impressive in every season, even in winter when they decorate with thousands of twinkling lights.


Royal BC Museum



 The Royal BC Museum, established in Victoria in 1886, is home to British Columbia’s natural and human history museum and the British Columbia Provincial Archives (since 2003). Queen Elizabeth II approved of the museum’s Royal title in 1987 when it was bestowed by Prince Philip during that year’s royal tour. It houses three permanent galleries: modern history, First Nations history, and natural history. The Royal BC Museum is also where you will find British Columbia’s largest IMAX® screen.

Fairmont Empress 



 Many of Canada’s Fairmont properties are considered to be Canadian castles. The luxurious Fairmont Empress in Victoria is one of them. Condé Nast designated it a Gold List hotel, while Travel + Leisure named it a top Canadian hotel. Fairmont Empress also recently underwent a $60 million restoration, so internally, it looks more impressive than ever. Tea at the Empress is an afternoon tea that has been enjoyed by visiting royals and celebrities too. It’s a must-do when in Victoria, with delicious treats and over 21 loose leaf teas available.


 Fairmont Empress-4

Miniature World



 Miniature World calls itself “The Greatest Little Show on Earth.” Inside the Victoria tourist attraction, guests will find the world’s smallest operational sawmill, as well as one of the world’s largest model railways, and two of the world’s largest dollhouses, built in the 1880s. Miniature World is also home to the Wonderful World of the Circus, the Enchanted Valley of Castles, Fantasy Land, and so much more. It’s a perfect place for the whole family to spend an afternoon. 

Inner Harbour



 Victoria’s Inner Harbour has to be one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. Found in the middle of the city, it is where the Fairmont Empress, the Royal BC Museum, and the BC Parliament Building (home to BC’s Legislative Assembly) lie. A stroll along the water to see these architecturally pleasing buildings, and to watch the seaplanes take off and land, is a must-do. It looks just as good during the day as it does at night, and festivals and performances take place regularly in the Inner Harbour during the warmer months. 

 BC Legislature

Red Fish Blue Fish



 One thing you have to eat in Victoria is fish and chips from Red Fish Blue Fish. The local business sits in an upcycled shipping container on a wooden pier in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Red Fish Blue Fish only serves sustainable Ocean Wise seafood too. Their menu includes the classic fish and chips, as well as seafood chowder, jerk fish poutine, sandwiches, fried oysters, and tacones. Although their wait times can be long, the meal at the end is definitely worth the wait. 

Hatley Park National Historic Site


 Victoria has many impressive stately buildings, including Hatley Castle at Hatley Park National Historic Site. The prestigious property was a home, a military college, and is now a museum, located on the Royal Roads University campus. Hatley Castle, built in the Scottish-Baronial style, has beautifully manicured gardens surrounding it. Today, it is also featured in many TV shows and films, such as Smallville and the X-Men series. 

Fisherman’s Wharf 


 Yes, Victoria has a Fisherman’s Wharf, just like San Francisco. But Victoria’s counterpart is a little bit different. Located around the corner from Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is home to many people and their floating homes. Walk around the marina and admire the colorful properties, before visiting one of the many restaurants. Tasty treats include fish and chips, Mexican food, ice cream, and more.



Popular posts from this blog

The Waterton Lakes National Park

Image
At 505 square kilometres, Waterton Lakes National Park is the smallest National Park in the Canadian Rockies. It sits in the southwest corner of the province where the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. The contrast of mountains and plains gives it that postcard look that often defines the prairies. It also means the park is home to an unusually diverse mix of plants and animals. It has more than half of Alberta’s native plants within its boundaries. The lake itself crosses over into the United States and in 1932 Waterton Lakes National Park combined with Glacier National Park in Montana to form Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, the first of its kind in the world. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park may be small but it’s packed with things to do such has hiking, SUPing, windsurfing and boating on one of several lakes. It’s a prime location for spotting wildlife and wildflowers. After a busy day of outdoor adventures, the tiny village of Watert...
Read more

Only one day in San Diego? No problem.

Image
Within a two-mile radius of the San Diego International Airport and the Cruise Ship Terminal, dozens of exciting sights and attractions can be found, including museums, historic sites, great shopping, and vibrant neighborhoods. Balboa Park Located close to downtown—ten minutes by taxi from the airport or Cruise Ship Terminal—this urban park is the cultural heart of San Diego. It’s easy to spend an entire day discovering Balboa Park's many cultural delights. Encompassing 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is a magnificent cultural complex, often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West". The Park is home to 85 cultural institutions, including 15 museums (ranging from anthropology to science, as well as classic and contemporary art), performing arts venues (such as the Tony Award®-winning Old Globe Theatre), art galleries, lush botanical gardens and the San Diego Zoo. Between museum visits, stroll along the Prado walkway surrounded by the grand Spanish Colonial-revival style...
Read more