Day 1: Stroll Through Downtown Victoria
Put on those comfy walking shoes for a stroll through the best of downtown Victoria.
Miniature World
Miniature World – the greatest little show on Earth – is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions located in the Fairmont Empress. Welcome to the little people’s Wonderful World of Smallness — step into the Story Books of fact, fiction and fantasy. We recommend allocating one hour for Miniature World.
Wharf Street to Chinatown
Walking back toward the Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Centre (stop in for more tips on things to do!) at the corner of Government Street and Wharf, continue and turn right on Wharf Street. This route will take you along the historic heart where schooners used to dock and has great views overlooking the Inner Harbour. Continue for about 15 minutes and you’ll come to Fisgard Street, the home of Canada’s oldest Chinatown (2nd oldest in North America after San Francisco). Be sure to check out Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest “street” in Canada.
Lunch in Chinatown or the Victoria Public Market
You may choose to lunch in one of the many Chinese restaurants along Fisgard Street or extend your stroll to the Victoria Public Market (just across on Douglas Street). Located in the iconic Hudson Bay building, Victoria Public Market highlights local artisans, farmers, butchers, bakers, cheesemakers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurateurs.
Government Street
Retrace your steps and turn south on Government Street. Stroll along the historic storefronts that you’ll pass along Government Street featuring one of a kind shops such as Silk Road Tea, Murchie’s Tea and Coffee, Munro’s Books and:
Roger’s Chocolates
All that walking and perhaps shopping has probably left you in need of a pick me up! Along Government Street, you’ll find one of Victoria’s icons: Roger’s Chocolates. The first Rogers’ chocolates were made in 1885 by Charles “Candy” Rogers in the back of his grocery store in Victoria, B.C. For those who appreciate the magical quality of carefully made, premium chocolates with a history.
Haunted Manor Mini-Golf
The fun continues! Haunted Manor Mini Golf is an immersive twist on the classic game of Mini Golf. You’ll putt your way through a haunted Victorian manor with 18 interactive holes and a ghoulish story to tell. There’s also a licensed and private ping pong lounge for up to 10 guests that you can book. Come early to enjoy a craft beer or cider before your round of golf!
Day 2: Experience Popular Victoria Attractions
The Royal BC Museum
Discover BC at the Royal BC Museum. From coastal forests to the depths of the north Pacific, explore our gallery and immerse yourself in tales of where we’ve been and where we are going. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings as you journey to the Ice Age and spot a Woolly Mammoth. Dive under the ocean and check out some of the amazing creatures living in our waters and see how climate change is impacting the world we live in. Allow yourself a couple of hours to fully appreciate the Museum. Watch for special exhibitions. We recommend allocating two hours for the museum.
Lunch/Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House
A few blocks to the west of the Museum you’ll find the Pendray Tea House. Experience the charm of yesteryear. Centrally located, this delightful tea house invites tourists to savor an authentic Afternoon Tea right in the heart of the city. Indulge in a spread of delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and home-baked pastries, each item meticulously crafted from premium local produce. This quintessentially British affair offers a unique taste of Victoria, combining historical elegance with gastronomic delight.
Double Decker Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
Experience Victoria like no other, join us aboard one of our iconic open top double-decker buses! Sightseeing Victoria’s Hop on Hop off Tour allows guests great flexibility to explore the many popular attractions Victoria has to offer. We suggest you hop off at:
Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, located within beautiful Beacon Hill Park of Victoria, B.C, is pleased to bring the farm animal experience into the city. Operated since 1985, by the Koenders family, the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm take pride in providing both and educational and economical form of entertainment for the whole family. Their goal is to help children develop a respect for animals that will remain with them for life.
Day 3: A Day Full of Adventure
Harbour Air Flightseeing
Located in the Inner Harbour, steps from hotels, you’ll find the seaplane terminal of Harbour Air. Here you can board a seaplane and have the perfect introduction to flying on floats! Take in the beauty of Victoria’s twisting coastline, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the majestic Olympic Peninsula. Return over the city, landing right downtown in the Inner Harbour. Choose the duration (20 or 30 minutes in-flight) you wish. You must pre-book.
Shopping and Lunch at the Bay Centre
A few blocks east of the Harbour Air Terminal you’ll find The Bay Centre on Government Street. Besides being a “must shop” (the Bay Centre has a mix of over 80 street front and interior shops covering an entire full city block) the Centre has a food court on the 4th level as well as an Earls restaurant on the main. Be sure to check out Victoria Market Collective. Market Collective’s mission is to create a platform to support local and handmade from grassroots to Canadian professional artisans.
Whale Watching
After lunch it’s time to try another iconic activity in Victoria. You can choose from a number of whale watching operators. We recommend reserving with Prince of Whales, Five Star, Orca Spirit or Eagle Wing, all of whom offer a variety of vessels, outstanding customer service and naturalists on board to interpret what you are seeing. Generally, tours are approximately 3 hours, and all leave from the Inner Harbour.
There’s lots more to do if you have more time but we hope this gives you an idea of the broad range of activities in Victoria and awaiting your visit!
Insider's Tip
Tip #1: After indulging in the delectable afternoon tea, make sure to take a stroll through the expansive gardens that envelop the Pendray Tea House. Here, you’ll discover numerous topiary plants, a living tribute to the historic Pendray’s Gardens, a popular attraction from back in the early 20th century. These carefully sculpted plants offer a serene and captivating backdrop, reflecting the timeless charm of Victoria’s heritage.
Tip #2: Check out the Top 10 Ways to Experience the Bay Centre Like a Local