Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is one of those rare cities that seems to have it all! Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, it offers a mix of urban charm and outdoor adventure, all steeped in rich history. You’ll find Victorian-era architecture sitting comfortably alongside modern food trucks, and quiet seaside strolls giving way to bustling markets and festivals. It’s a place where you can spend the morning spotting orcas in the Salish Sea and the afternoon sipping tea at a historic hotel!
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city! And with EMR Vacation Rentals offering fully-equipped vacation homes throughout Greater Victoria, from Sooke to Sidney, you’ll have the perfect home base for exploring it all!
A Brief Introduction to Victoria
Victoria is often referred to as the “Garden City,” and with good reason! With its temperate coastal climate, Victoria has the mildest winter in Canada making it one of Canada’s greenest cities! You will regularly find greenery lasting into early November and the first blossoms of spring arrive as early as late January! As the ancestral home of the Coast Salish First Nations for thousands of years, Greater Victoria is filled with a rich history and Indigenous culture waiting to be explored!
Downtown Victoria is walkable and welcoming, with Government Street and the surrounding Old Town and Chinatown areas offering plenty to explore. It’s also home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in North America. From seaplanes and sightseeing to whale watching tours and museums, there’s something here for every kind of traveller!
Interested in more information about Victoria? We have everything you’ll want to know about the capital city right here!
Top Things to Do in Victoria, BC
1. Explore the Inner Harbour
This is the heart of the city and a great place to begin your adventure. Surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with life, the Inner Harbour is ideal for a self-guided walking tour.
- Snap a photo in front of the iconic Parliament Buildings
- Watch the seaplanes land and take off over the Salish Sea
- Walk the scenic Ogden Point Breakwater and enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains
- Have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, a grand Canadian landmark
- Visit the Royal BC Museum
2. Enjoy Victoria’s Unique Side!
On the surface, Victoria is a refined city with a distinctly British influence but just below the surface you can uncover Victoria’s quirky side making this city even more charming!
- Take a stroll through Canada’s narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley
- Wander through Miniature World, a quirky local favourite
- Shop in Market Square, Victoria’s open-air commercial space packed with boutiques, breweries and unique finds!
For more unique things to do, take a look at our blog:
3. Discover >Beacon Hill Park
Just steps from downtown, Beacon Hill Park is 200 acres of gardens, ponds, and walking paths. You’ll find everything from peacocks to towering totem poles here.- Visit the Children’s Farm for an animal encounter
- Walk to the Dallas Road waterfront for views of the Juan de Fuca Strait
- Grab ice cream at the Beacon Drive-In
4. Enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf
A short walk from the Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a floating neighbourhood packed with personality.- Grab fresh seafood from colourful food kiosks
- Say hello to the harbour seals
- Launch a kayak tour or hop on a water taxi for a fun ride around the bay
5. Stroll Through Stunning Gardens
- Victoria’s gardens are famous for a reason. Whether you’re into floral displays or peaceful green spaces, there’s something for you.
- The Butchart Gardens (a must-see, especially in spring and summer)
- Abkhazi Garden, a lesser-known but lovely gem
- Victoria Butterfly Gardens, perfect for kids or a rainy day
6. Go Whale Watching
Hop on a whale watching tour and head into the Salish Sea. You may spot orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and more.- Tours leave from Victoria, Sidney, and Sooke
- Best seen from April through October, but marine life is abundant year-round
For a full list of the best whale watching near Victoria, we’ve rounded up our favourites in our blog:
7. Step Into the Past at Historic Sites
Victoria’s heritage is everywhere you look, and several landmarks tell its story best.- Hatley Castle, a grand estate with gardens and ocean views
- Check out Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning Victorian mansion
- Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, a great day trip near Esquimalt
- Wander through the oldest Chinatown in Canada
For more historic places to explore, check out our list of the top heritage sites in Victoria!
8. Get a Taste of Victoria!
The city’s Victorian flair isn’t just in its architecture—it’s in the way people spend their time.- Have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress
- Book a guided food tour or brewery crawl to sample local flavours
- Enjoy some incredible farm-to-table food that showcases the abundance of the Island
- Sip a cocktail with ocean views
Looking for more recommendations? Take a look at our favourites!
Best Time to Visit Victoria
Spring
Spring is when the gardens come alive. The Butchart Gardens are at their colourful peak, and the city feels fresh and quiet. It’s also a great time for early whale watching tours.
Summer
This is peak season for a reason: warm weather, long days, and all attractions in full swing. It’s perfect for kayaking, beach walks, and open-air markets.
Fall
Quieter streets and golden foliage make autumn ideal for photography and sightseeing. Consider a day trip to Sooke or a walk up Mount Douglas.
Winter
Winter is the most peaceful time to visit, with fewer tourists and cozy charm. Enjoy museum visits, brunches, or simply relaxing in your rental with ocean views.
Best Restaurants and Brunch Spots in Victoria
- Jam Café – A local staple with generous, creative brunch dishes
- Nourish Kitchen & Café – Thoughtful, organic food in a heritage setting
- Little Jumbo – Hidden downtown spot for creative cocktails and upscale eats
- The Courtney Room – Elegant dining and incredible cocktails
- Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub – Canada’s oldest brewpub with ocean views
Bonus Travel Tips for Visiting Victoria
- Book ahead during summer! Popular tours and accommodations fill up quickly.
- Walk as much as possible. Downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour are best explored on foot!
- Bring layers! Even in summer, the coastal breeze can be cool.
- Use water taxis. They’re a fun and easy way to get around the harbour!
- Make time for a day trip! Don’t miss nearby Sidney, Saanich, or the hiking trails around Mount Douglas!
Where to Stay in Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for the very best vacation rentals in Victoria, you’re in the right place! We specialize in providing comfortable, beautifully located vacation homes across Greater Victoria! Whether you’re staying in Sooke for ocean views, Sidney for easy access to the airport and BC Ferries, or Saanich for garden tours and winery visits, we have the perfect base for your trip!
Each property comes equipped with the comforts of home, from full kitchens to Wi-Fi, and many feature extras like hot tubs, patios, and water views. Plus, booking directly with us means you’ll get the best rates, local support, and a stay you can trust!
Ready to Discover Victoria, BC?
From strolling the Inner Harbour to sampling local fare on a food tour, visiting historic sites to spotting orcas on a whale watching tour, Victoria is one of Canada’s must-see destinations.
Start planning your adventure today with EMR Vacation Rentals—your local guide to everything that makes Victoria BC unforgettable.
Victoria doesn’t have a bus or train that connects directly to Vancouver, but it does have a very scenic ferry system.