Things to do in Victoria

Xiaoyi

From Xiaoyi's guidebook

Why Visit: A National Historic Site and arguably the most beautiful garden in North America. ​The Experience: 55 acres of stunning floral displays. Don't miss the Sunken Garden—it’s the highlight of the entire property. ​Host Tip: If you visit during Summer or Christmas, stay for the evening illuminations. It turns into a fairytale world.

Lorina

From Lorina's guidebook

Brentwood, British Columbia, Canada - A day trip about 3 hours north of Seattle (you need your passport, check the border patrol app for crossing wait times - truck crossing is often faster than the Peace arch crossing), an amazing place to stroll and visit the various different gardens (55 acres of gardens! June is a spectacular time to visit). They have a wonderful Christmas light event during the holiday season as well.

Grace

From Grace's guidebook

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year round. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colors. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.

Miriam

From Miriam's guidebook

Constructed in the 1890s, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings still serve as home to the province’s legislature. Built according to the designs of young British architect Francis Rattenbury, the neo-Baroque complex’s imposing size, copper domes, turrets, and stained glass ensure a commanding and stately presence.

Salish

From Salish's guidebook

Take a guided tour or join a public session at the British Columbia Legislature to learn about the province's political history and marvel at the grand architecture of this iconic landmark.

Xiaoyi

From Xiaoyi's guidebook

Why Visit: The heart of downtown Victoria. The Experience: Walk the causeway, watch the street performers, and admire the massive neo-baroque Parliament Buildings. Host Tip: Come back after dark to see the Parliament Buildings lit up with thousands of white lights-it's incredibly romantic and iconic

Sunmi

From Sunmi's guidebook

Malahat SkyWalk near Victoria takes you on a treetop spiral tower with sweeping ocean, island, and mountain views—plus a thrilling spiral slide down. A must-do for breathtaking scenery and fun in one stop!

Xiaoyi

From Xiaoyi's guidebook

Distance: ~15 mins drive north. Description: A stunning tree-top walk that leads to a massive spiral tower. It offers the best 360-degree views of Saanich Inlet and the surrounding mountains. Host Tip: Take the 20-meter spiral slide back down to the bottom-it's not just for kids!

Alison

From Alison's guidebook

Amazing views - cannot recommend this more highly for a great day trip when there's relatively clear skies and not too much wind. I'm scared of heights but I managed to get nearly to the top as the incline is very gentle and it feels very secure with high railings on both sides. If you're adventurous there's a flexi net to walk across at the top and a quick descent option in the form of a slide (I did it - it was great fun - not too scary at all). There's a gift shop and cafe or it's not too far to drive on to Cowichan Bay for lunch and a wander round to make a full day trip.

Olga

From Olga's guidebook

The Kinsol Trestle near Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, is a historic wooden railway trestle, one of the largest in the world. Standing 44 meters tall and spanning 188 meters in length, it's a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers on the Cowichan Valley Trail.

May

From May's guidebook

One of the tallest wooden railway trestles in the world, spanning 44 meters high and 188 meters long over the Koksilah River—an engineering marvel and a must-see for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs.

Sarah & Lance

From Sarah & Lance's guidebook

A work of Art community project of restoration. KinsolTrestle At one time the largest wooden railway trestle in the British Commonwealth,the Kinsol Trestle was the property of Canadian National Railway.Built in 1921 this engineering feat made out of wooden timbers spans the Koksilah River Canyon and is 187.6 metres (615 feet) long and 38.1 metres (125 feet) high. Used to service the forestry industry and the famed King Solomon's Mines, the bridge eventually succumbed to years of wear. Kinsol Trestle Revitalized The Kinsol Trestle was closed due to poor shape until 2011 when it was re-opened to the public after a major project revitalizing the bridge with a new capital through the Cowichan Regional District,funding and donations.

Xiaoyi

From Xiaoyi's guidebook

Located just 5 minutes away from The Butchart Gardens, this is a vibrant indoor tropical jungle that offers a completely different experience from the outdoor gardens. The Experience: Step into a climate-controlled rainforest with thousands of free-flying butterflies, tropical birds, tortoises, iguanas, and even flamingos. The Insectarium: Don't miss the world-class insect collection featuring impressive creatures from around the globe. Perfect for Rainy Days: Since it is entirely indoors and kept at a balmy tropical temperature, this is the #1 best "Rainy Day" activity in the Victoria area. Host Tip: It takes about 30mins to walkthrough and great for kids. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, so keep your camera ready! Ticket price is $21 for adult.

Miriam

From Miriam's guidebook

There’s a rainbow of fluttering wings at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. The destination is also home to carnivorous plants, pink flamingos, insects, and poison frogs. The gardens are entirely indoors, too, making this a great activity on rainy days.

Grace

From Grace's guidebook

Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a rare opportunity to experience a tropical jungle in the northern hemisphere. We are home to ducks, flamingos, rare tropical birds, a chameleon, geckos, poison dart frogs, tortoises, turtles, giant koi and thousands of tropical free flying butterflies, all housed in our 12000 sq ft enclosure.Located just 5 minutes from the world famous Butchart Gardens, you will rediscover your tropical nature. The Jungle also features stunning blooms and thousands of tropical plants, including a foods of the world and carnivorous plant display.

Alison

From Alison's guidebook

Beautiful gardens outside the Lt Governor's House which are open from dawn to dusk (free admission). This is a great place to bring a picnic (or to buy a picnic to go from the Tea Rooms if they are open) or just to wander around. Also look out for free open air concerts during the summer.

Chad

From Chad's guidebook

A beautiful walk through the landscaped ground of the Queen's Representative in BC. Rose gardens, herb gardens, duck pond with turtles, a beautiful ever changing rotation of flower beds. Don't miss the stroll through the trails in the preserved garry oak forest on the south side of the grounds!

Sophie

From Sophie's guidebook

The grounds of Government House are open free to the public sunrise to sunset. A perfect place for a picnic, offering secluded spots for reflection and lovely water views. Walk up for live music on the lawns Thursday evenings during the summer. (http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/news-events/news/default.html#../../news-events/news/special-events/2016/july/concerts.html)

Mary Ellen

From Mary Ellen's guidebook

Study and activity for walking running trails just 10 mins away and walk up Mount Tolmie and down the other side to the University

James-Fan Suits

From James-Fan Suits's guidebook

Conveniently located near the University of Victoria (UVic), ideal for visiting students, families, and academic stays. The campus is known for its beautiful green spaces and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for visiting students, parents, or anyone attending events at UVic.

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

Finnerty Gardens is at UVic, as is Cinecentre (for interesting movies).

Miriam

From Miriam's guidebook

From totem poles to ancient fossils, British Columbia’s history is on display at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. Explore vast collections covering the natural world and human heritage, with dioramas that place historic artifacts in context. A soaring IMAX screen and special exhibitions add to the museum experience.

Xiaoyi

From Xiaoyi's guidebook

​Why Visit: One of the best cultural museums in Canada. ​The Experience: Explore the First Nations galleries and the immersive "Old Town" that recreates Victoria’s streets from the 1800s. ​Host Tip: Check their schedule for the IMAX theatre—it has the largest screen in British Columbia.

Grace

From Grace's guidebook

See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore our permanent galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Discover things and people you never knew before at what TripAdvisor users have twice voted number one in the Top 10 Museums in Canada. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings -- from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery. Stroll through Old Town's wood-cobbled street and enjoy its shops, cinema and railway station.

Tiffiny

From Tiffiny's guidebook

This Historic Castle was meticulously restored to its 1890s glory. Built by the Dunsmuir’s a wealthy coal baron family, this iconic castle gives you a look back in time to the privileged life in the 1890s. Open Weds-Sunday 10am-4pm. (50 mins from Seascape)

Dan

From Dan's guidebook

Craigdarroch Castle is a definitively Victorian experience. It is a shining example of a “bonanza castle” — massive houses built for entrepreneurs who became wealthy during the industrial age. In this case, the industrialist was Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. This legendary Victorian mansion, built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria, announced to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. He died in 1889, leaving his entire estate to his wife Joan, who lived in the Castle until her death in 1908. The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Sunmi

From Sunmi's guidebook

Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria is a stunning 19th-century Victorian mansion filled with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and period furnishings. Explore its grand rooms and towers for a glimpse into the lavish life of a wealthy coal baron’s family.

Jennifer

From Jennifer's guidebook

This amazing castle, park and trail is just 9 mins drive from our house. Please make sure to visit the Haley park where 17 peacocks are living there. You will be most likely see the peacock beautiful dance there. The castle was also a filming location in the XMen movie series as the school for gifted youngsters run by professor Xavier

Olga

From Olga's guidebook

History: Built in the early 20th century (1908-1910), Hatley Castle was originally the residence of James Dunsmuir, a prominent industrialist and politician in British Columbia. The castle was designed by architect Samuel Maclure in a Tudor Revival style, featuring turrets, stone walls, and Gothic details. Royal Roads University: In 1940, the Dunsmuir family sold the estate to the Canadian government, and it was subsequently used as a naval training facility during World War II. After the war, the property became the site of the Royal Roads Military College, and later, Royal Roads University. Film Location: Hatley Castle's striking appearance has made it a popular filming location for movies and television shows. It has been featured in several productions, including the X-Men film series, Deadpool, Smallville, and Arrow. Hatley Park National Historic Site: Today, Hatley Castle and its surrounding gardens are part of the Hatley Park National Historic Site, managed by Royal Roads University. Visitors can explore the castle's interior on guided tours or wander through the manicured gardens and grounds. Events and Tours: Hatley Castle hosts various events throughout the year, including cultural festivals, concerts, and educational programs. Guided tours provide insight into the history and architecture of the castle, offering visitors a glimpse into the past of this magnificent estate.

Eva

From Eva's guidebook

Located 6.1 km (4 miles) or an 11 minute drive from our guest suite. Royal Roads University was once a military training base and is situated on approximately 260 hectares of property. There are hiking trails all over the property taking you through forests and alongside streams and creeks eventually coming out at the ocean on the backside of the Esquimalt Lagoon. If you want to skip the hike and just see the highlights, you can either drive onto the grounds and park or take the transit bus #52 that stops just a few steps away from our guest suite directly to RRU. Hatley Castle and its amazing formal gardens are a must see.

Miriam

From Miriam's guidebook

Perched on a rocky promontory off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, the red and white tower of the Fisgard Lighthouse is immediately noticeable from the water and makes a popular photo opportunity for visitors cruising the coast from nearby Victoria. The Lighthouse is more than just a navigational landmark, though – Fisgard has been guiding ships into Victoria harbor since 1860, making it Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse and now an important national historic site. Looming behind the lighthouse, Fort Rodd Hill is another significant site, dotted with the remains of the 19th and 20th century coastal defenses that once protected Victoria and the neighboring Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can explore three artillery batteries, plus the command posts, guardhouses, underground magazines and barracks, where multi-media displays and interactive exhibitions bring the historic site to life.

Daniel

From Daniel's guidebook

Interested in history? Greater Victoria played an important role to Canada's Pacific operations and defence during World War 2. Come visit intact gun emplacement, learn about the role these coastal gun emplacements played during WW2, and see historic Fisgard Lighthouse, rumored to be haunted.

Gordon

From Gordon's guidebook

Fort Rodd Hill offers a glimpse into Canada's military past. Explore the historic coastal artillery fort, which dates back to the late 19th century. Discover the gun batteries, underground magazines, command posts, and barracks that once played a crucial role in protecting the west coast of Canada.

Grace

From Grace's guidebook

Browse the stunning works of art on display at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which offers pay-what-you-can days on the first Tuesday of every month. The permanent exhibit of Emily Carr works showcases British Columbia’s premiere artist.

Diane

From Diane's guidebook

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is an art gallery located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1951, the gallery possesses notable works by artists such as Emily Carr, and has one of Canada's most significant collections of Asian art. An Asian garden located on the gallery grounds includes the only authentic Japanese Shinto shrine in North America.

Dennis And Joan

From Dennis And Joan's guidebook

View a stunning collection of Emily Carr's artwork in Emily Carr: On the Edge of Nowhere, an ongoing exhibition. The gallery also features a collection of over 15000 objets d'art from Asia, Europe and North America with primary emphasis on Canada and Japan.

Keiran

From Keiran's guidebook

Olympic View Golf Club, aptly named for its beautiful views of Washington State's Olympic Mountains, is located just 20 minutes outside of Victoria's downtown core, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Rated 'Top 10 Best Public Golf Facility' in British Columbia by ScoreGolf Magazine, and previously ranked within the Top 50 Golf Courses in Canada by the Golf Course Ranking and ScoreGolf Magazines, Olympic View is home to Canada's mildest winters, allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy Award-Winning golf all year round.

Remo

From Remo's guidebook

Located 25 minutes Northwest of Victoria past Colwood, one finds one of the top rated golf courses in Canada. Imagine being surrounded by the magnificence of the Olympic Mountains, the roar of two spectacular waterfalls, and the tranquility associated with twelve lakes. Eagles soar overhead. Black-tailed deer feed at the forest's edge. Now imagine a club in your hands and 18 holes of challenging championship fairways stretched out before you. This breath-taking course has many target oriented and undulating fairways, combined with beautiful Japanese gardens. The vistas from some of the tee boxes are unparalleled.

Sunmi

From Sunmi's guidebook

Olympic View Golf Club is a 5 minute drive from the suite. It offers a scenic 18-hole course with stunning mountain and ocean views. Perfect for tourists and golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet relaxing round just minutes from downtown, complemented by a welcoming clubhouse and friendly atmosphere.

May

From May's guidebook

Family-run winery in the Cowichan Valley crafting sustainably farmed, Mediterranean‑style wines in a boutique setting—with a tasting room, restaurant, and scenic patio.

Rebecca

From Rebecca's guidebook

Unsworth Vineyards invites you to discover the charm of their idyllic winery nestled in Cowichan Valley. Known for their award-winning, sustainable wines, Unsworth offers a tasting room and bistro where local flavors and stunning vineyard views come together. Stroll through the picturesque grounds, enjoy a meal, and sample exquisite wines crafted from Vancouver Island's unique terroir. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or a culinary adventure, Unsworth Vineyards is the perfect destination for wine lovers and foodies alike.

Shannon

From Shannon's guidebook

A 14 min drive from the AirBnb Book a tasting tour, buy a bottle of wine or enjoy a picnic on the outdoor terrace.

Kristina

From Kristina's guidebook

Just a 5 minute drive, or a gorgeous 15 minute bike ride away! Enjoy the peaceful orchard views and dine on locally sourced and in-house grown cuisine. Great pizza, burgers, salads and all day brunch. Get a flight of cider and take a tour of the orchard and how they make everything on site!

Shena

From Shena's guidebook

Just a 30 minute drive from us, adelicious destination in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, Merridale Cidery & Distillery is an apple orchard, a craft ciderhouse, a small batch distillery, farm to table eatery, and full-service events venue. Specializing in traditional craft cider and spirits, Merridale creates socially responsible and sustainable high-quality libations and food. Locals and travelers alike are encouraged to slow down, relax, breathe deeply, and soak in everything the 20 acre farm has to offer. Merridale is truly a west coast-inspired experience.

May

From May's guidebook

Set on a 20‑acre orchard, Merridale pairs craft ciders and spirits with a farm‑to‑table eatery, distillery tours, and a whimsical fairy hunt for kids. In Cowichan

Tiffany

From Tiffany's guidebook

Sooke's best fine dining restaurant, in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the water, with excellent chefs and the best ingredients sourced from the local area. We go here for special celebrations and fancy date nights. It's also quite family-friendly, and has a wood-burning pizza oven. In the summer there's extra outdoor seating. Recommended: Make a reservation on their website, eat everything!

Joseph And Marci

From Joseph And Marci's guidebook

Winter Hours Thurs-Sun 4pm-8ish. Reservations recommended as seating is limited indoors but worth it! Great patio dining (in season) with stunning views of Sooke Harbor and the Olympic Mountains. They also offer take-out for some menu items, including delicious wood-fired pizza and the divine chocolate pudding! Everything is made in house with locally sourced ingredients. 5 minutes from the Orca Suite.

Carlene

From Carlene's guidebook

The culinary gem of Sooke, Wild Mountain is known for their gourmet menu that changes with the harvest season. With locally sourced ingredients, their dishes really do offer the best of the best. On the pricier end of local cuisine, this place is a splurge worth the experience. They have a dine in and take out menu, and also offer some of the best pizza on the island. They are typically open Thursday-Sunday 5-8:30pm, but you can check their website for updated hours and menus.

Rebecca

From Rebecca's guidebook

Blue Grouse Estate Winery, tucked away in the serene Cowichan Valley, offers a tranquil escape where nature and exceptional wines blend harmoniously. This family-run winery is celebrated for its sustainably farmed, award-winning wines, reflecting the unique terroir of Vancouver Island. Guests can enjoy tastings in the modern, eco-friendly tasting room or relax on the patio with views of the vineyard and surrounding forest. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual visitor, Blue Grouse promises a warm, welcoming experience rooted in a passion for great wine and sustainable practices.

Sunmi

From Sunmi's guidebook

A 1 hour drive from the suite, Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard in Cowichan Valley is a scenic, sustainable winery known for award-winning wines like Ortega and Pinot Gris. Visitors enjoy beautiful views, eco-friendly practices, and a cozy tasting room—perfect for wine lovers seeking a serene escape.

Gordon

From Gordon's guidebook

Situated in Duncan, Blue Grouse Estate Winery boasts a rich history and produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay Noir. Their tasting room provides a cozy ambiance for sampling their exquisite offerings.

Gary

From Gary's guidebook

An 8-kilometer bike ride or 10-minute drive away, Enrico is an award-winning winery open on weekends for wine tasting from 12:00-5:00 pm.

Bev

From Bev's guidebook

re estate has the perfect microclimate that allows us to grow 7-different varietals, ranging from fruity whites to full-bodied reds that are unique to Vancouver Island. Enrico wines are winning medals across Canada and the United States.

Tiffany

From Tiffany's guidebook

One of our favourites - Enrico Winery Though its a 37 min in to mill bay, you wont be disappointed. They do offer small snack plates with wine.

Julie

From Julie's guidebook

Sombrio offers the option of a beach and a reef break. These consistent waves work best with a swell coming from the west with a north to northeasterly wind. Sombrio is surfable at any tide stage.

Jess

From Jess's guidebook

Sombrio is a great beach to spend the day hiking around and beachcombing. It is 30 min drive from the cabin. The path down to the beach is groomed and about 10 min walk through beautiful forest. In the winter this is a popular surf spot and in the summer it is hiked through as part of the Jaun De Fuca trail

Riley-Sue

From Riley-Sue's guidebook

This beach is a surfer’s dream — wild, beautiful, and incredibly scenic. To the far left of the shoreline, there’s a hidden waterfall. Walk about 15 minutes toward the end of the beach and you’ll find a small stream flowing down; follow it inland and you’ll arrive at the waterfall tucked away in the forest. Located in Port Renfrew, it’s about an hour’s drive from the house — well worth it if you don’t mind the trip.

Gerry

From Gerry's guidebook

The Elk & Beaver Lake Trail is one of many beautiful lakeside trails in Victoria. From the convenient parking lot the trail is mostly flat, gravel or dirt, densely forested at times and runs around both Elk and Beaver Lakes to complete a 10k circuit. The park is very popular for swimming, picnicking, windsurfing, boating, fishing and rowing. Though it can get busy the large size of the park disperses people quite well. If you are running here you will find the trails around the lake peaceful and quiet even if the sandy beaches are crowded and noisy. Like other BC Provincial Parks there are excellent toilet facilities at several points along this beautiful and relaxing trail.

Kyle

From Kyle's guidebook

Enjoy the 10km Victoria's most popular walking path around Elk and Beaver Lake, where you are surrounded by the beauty of the lake and old growth forests. Or enjoy the beach and waters of the lake in the spring and summer months, with close by beach access where you can take your picnic, kids, and water toys and enjoy the day in the public beach area (with full playground).

Trisha

From Trisha's guidebook

Beautiful trails including a 10 kilometre route around the lake. Kids playgrounds, fishing, kayaking and perfect swimming conditions.

Carlene

From Carlene's guidebook

About 15 minutes west of Otters’ Pocket, just past Shirley you’ll find French Beach. A wonderful family friendly beach, park and campground, this is one of our favourite ocean side picnic spots. With easy access for those with kids and mobility limitations, the whole family can enjoy dipping their toes in the water. There is a lot with plenty of parking and a short walk (down a hill) to a peaceful grassy area with picnic tables and a playground. Continue down a few more meters to find a rocky beach with miles of shoreline to explore.

Tiffany

From Tiffany's guidebook

The first major beach along the coast (14mins drive) is an easier stop, with a short walk down to a wide grassy area beside the beach. Great for families, it has a playground, picnic tables and toilets. If you're planning on hitting multiple beaches in 1 day, we recommend this as a good starting point.

Tiffiny

From Tiffiny's guidebook

Short stroll down to the water with amazing tide pools on low tides. Fire pits, bathrooms, and even a children’s park make this a perfect way to spend the day! Head straight down West coast Rd. and look for the signs French Beach provincial Park. (20 mins from Seascape)

Danny

From Danny's guidebook

Looking for a day trip hike? Head here to enjoy a classic West Coast Rainforest nature walk which brings you to a beach with a waterfall. Be sure to hit Shirley Delicous in the morning en route, and Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria on the way home!

Olga

From Olga's guidebook

Mystic Beach, located in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park near Port Renfrew, BC, is known for its stunning coastline, sea stacks, and a waterfall cascading onto the sand. It's popular for hiking, beachcombing, and picnicking.

Anna

From Anna's guidebook

The trailhead to Mystic is 30 minute drive from the cottage leaving from the same car park as China Beach. You will head to your right instead of your left. The hike is about 45 minutes each way through dense forest and can be muddy in the rainy season. There are tree roots to contend with but the elevation change is gentle. There is a suspension bridge and a log staircase at the end of trail. The beach is stunning and sandy. There are cliffs with a waterfall pouring over them and classic west coast rugged beauty in every direction you look. This is a popular hike for locals with dogs and they are often off leash enjoying the hike as well. I think of this place as a crown jewel of the area.

Carlene

From Carlene's guidebook

The hiking, camping and swimming spot that Sooke is most known for. Along the Sooke River you will find a series of deep rock pools filled with cool water, great for swimming on hot days. With a variety of terrain from rocky hiking trails to the partially paved Galloping Goose pathway, Sooke Potholes park is a great spot for everyone to explore. Note that in the summer parking can be limited, so it's best to go early in the day or in the evening.

Tiffany

From Tiffany's guidebook

Incredible rock-pool swimming in the warmer months (Apr - Oct), and a scenic river hiking path all-year. Here's our tips: - Busiest months when swimmable: May, June, July - Paid Parking - Aim to arrive by 9-10am (preferably a weekday) for best chance at parking & area. - It'll warm up! PARKING LOT 1: - Shallower pools and flat beaches - Great spots for families - Competitive parking PARKING LOT 2: - Steep entrance right off parking lot - A few great rock pool areas, creek swimming - Fewer level sandy areas, mostly rocky - Good cliff jumping spots (be careful!) - Busiest parking lot, arrive earliest PARKING LOT 3: - Larger lot, less busy - Continue walking river trail for 20-30mins to find a few large sandy spots, and some less busy pools

May

From May's guidebook

Swim in glacier-carved rock pools and lounge on sun-warmed stone slabs—like nature’s own infinity spa.

Alan & Michelle

From Alan & Michelle's guidebook

This magical park has peacocks, deer, squirrels, ducks, lakes, fountains, old growth trees, stunning flowers, trails, an amphitheatre, cricket lawn, footy field, look outs, and even a mini farm for kids to check out. ONE BLOCK away from condo! Its a jewel in the city!

Amanda

From Amanda's guidebook

With roughly 740,000 square metres of parkland, Beacon Hill Park is the crowning jewel in Victoria’s park system. There are natural areas, manicured flower beds, footpaths and many sports and play features for the whole family to enjoy. Beacon Hill Park has an abundance of natural features and sensitive ecology throughout roughly 740,000 square metres of parkland. A number of environmentally sensitive areas have been identified within the park and are protected through local, provincial and federal law to preserve these threatened and endangered species and ecosystems. In addition to the Garry oak ecosystem, an example of a threatened species is the Yellow Montane Violet, Viola praemorsa. Meandering footpaths offer long strolls among manicured and natural areas and features for the whole family to enjoy. Kite enthusiasts, paragliders and sailboarders can also take advantage of the open vista across the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Beacon Hill Park has an important status as Mile “0”, the western terminus of the 8,000 kilometre Trans-Canada Highway.

Mason

From Mason's guidebook

Enjoy the tranquility of Beacon Hill Park, a sprawling urban green space with gardens, ponds, walking trails, and sports facilities. The park also houses a children's petting zoo, a playground, and the famous Mile Zero monument.

Nina

From Nina's guidebook

Quick recommendation Brunch options! Best overall brunch: Jam Café Most iconic Victoria brunch: Blue Fox Cafe Classic local diner: John’s Place Trendy + coffee: Volta Brunch with a view: Fathom

Carolyn

From Carolyn's guidebook

Take the BC Ferry and you might even see a pod of Orcas on your trip over!

Jenn

From Jenn's guidebook

The heart of the city and one of the most popular area for visitors. Offers a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops along with popular attractions such as Royal BC Museum, Inner Harbour, Markets, Empress Hotel and so much more all within walking distance from 989 Johnson Street!

Gaye

From Gaye's guidebook

Near the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal is a small community that calls itself Sidney by the Sea. It's a charming little town with shopping, eateries, a small aquarium and, in the summer, a street market on Thursday nights and a farmer's market on Sundays.

Zoe

From Zoe's guidebook

Sidney's Waterfront Walkway Sidney's Waterfront Walkway is approximately 2.5 km long and offers a flat, barrier-free surface as you stroll along the oceanfront. Along the waterfront walkway, you will find benches and picnic tables, beautiful gardens and stunning views of Sidney Island, Mount Baker and more! The walkway passes Port Sidney Marina, Beacon Park and Beacon Wharf at the end of Beacon Avenue. Continue onwards past Diver's Point, the Bevan Fishing Pier and Eastview Park. For those wishing a longer walk, continue past the Sidney/Anacortes Ferry Terminal, Tulista Park and on to the recently refurbished Lochside Drive section of the walkway, which features an upper and lower path and many benches. The walkway stops at the Sidney/North Saanich municipal border on Lochside Drive. As the walkway passes Weiler Avenue, there is a 1.2km link westward to the Victoria Airport Authority's 10km-long Flight Path walking/biking trail.

Alan

From Alan's guidebook

There are many coffee shops and book stores as well as the Sydney pier and 2 Km ocean side walkway.

Sarah

From Sarah's guidebook

Jordan River is a popular spot for surfing and storm watching in the fall, winter, and spring. Once a logging town, it now consists of a few quaint houses that are mostly abandoned and a few developments up the hill. Just north of Jordan River is China Beach, which is the start of the Juan de Fuca Trail, a 47 km hiking trail along the coastline.

Tony

From Tony's guidebook

Historic town at the foot of a hydro electric dam. There once were many homes along the waterfront. Enjoy a beach walk or picnic. Search for the old power plant, or 4x4 up to the dam.

Marisa

From Marisa's guidebook

Surfing, beach, and more surfing! This is the place to see the views take in some ocean air, go for a wet suit swim. Hop on a surf board for one of the locals favourite spots to go!

Ocean Island Inn

From Ocean Island Inn's guidebook

Technically it’s own municipality, Oak Bay is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods on this list. Close to the beach, but also to downtown Victoria, this neighbourhood has all the British grandeur from the past, cute cafes and many eateries. Oak Bay is furthermore known for its beautiful hill parks, such as Anderson Hill Park or Walbran Park, which both offer stunning views of the Olympic mountain range. Last but not least, check out the Marina & Willows Beach for a nice afternoon by the water.

Stephanie And Rene

From Stephanie And Rene's guidebook

Our neighbourhood in south Oak Bay is a quiet enclave between Anderson Hill and Gonzales Hill, near the shoreline of the Salish Sea at McNeill or Shoal Bay. It is a rich and layered cultural landscape. Nearby (and that means within a 30 minute walking distance) are some significant and interesting and historic features and characteristic landscapes. On Gonzales Hill (accessible by road or the 111 steps on the path to Walbran Park) are a regional park with Garry oak meadows and the former Dominion Observatory with panoramic views. On the northern slope is the Land Conservancy’s Abkhazi Garden (“the garden that love built”). Below Gonzales, on the shoreline, is the Chinese Cemetery, a national historic site, situated according to feng shui principles: in an earlier era, the temporary resting place of the departed who would be shipped to their home communities for burial. The shoreline of McNeill Bay, also known as Shoal Bay, was once the site of encampments of the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territories we now live. There are views of Thikwaynung or Trial Islands with its lighthouse. After colonization, the area around the bay was appropriated by the Hudson’s Bay Company, and then sold to the MacNeill family in 1852. The area became the site of their farm and other small farms as well (a remaining small barn - now converted to a house - can be found on a neighbouring street.) East of McNeill Bay is Anderson Hill, a municipal park with expansive views to the east , west and south (and on clear days, Mt. Baker in Washington state). The entire area is characterized by varied heritage dwellings. Our own house is a ‘blue collar’ cottage dating from 1922. The garden house was built in 2008.

Nancy

From Nancy's guidebook

Unique shopping along Oak Bay Avenue. Penny Farthing Pub, GardenWorks, boutique clothing stores and much more. Oak Bay is an older established neighborhood in Victoria with many beautiful homes and lovely tree lined streets.

Stef

From Stef's guidebook

Sooke is a beautiful beach town located about 1 hr from the city. Head there for the day. the views and beaches are stunning.

Todd

From Todd's guidebook

This rustic seaside town boasts rugged outdoor/surf culture. Enjoy renowned restaurants and world class beaches.

Sharon

From Sharon's guidebook

Visit Sooke for essential grocery shopping, but also visit Westcoast Natural Foods, numerous bakeries and coffee shops too. There is more to check out while there; our new Sooke Oceanside Brewery, Ed MacGregor Park with a waterfront boardwalk, Whiffen Spit with Sooke Harbour House close or drive further down West Coast road to Gordon's Beach, Jordan River or even Port Renfrew with their fabulous halibut and chips at Coastal Kitchen Cafe.

Olga

From Olga's guidebook

Roomy complex of local & global fashion retailers, with a food court & personal stylist services.

Jenn

From Jenn's guidebook

Local mall with over 120 vendors. To name a few, Sephora, Aritzia, Nespresso, Bath and Body works and much more. For full directory visit Victoria tourism website

Scott And Jennifer

From Scott And Jennifer's guidebook

Mayfair is Victoria’s leading fashion focused shopping centre. Located in Victoria, BC, the centre is conveniently located at the key commuter routes in to the City of Victoria.