Spontaneous trips are the best! Out of all the places in the world, you should consider a day’s trip and things to do in Victoria BC, in Canada. But what does it have to offer? The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria, is situated on the edge of Vancouver Island’s Southern end, and a trip to Victoria, BC, is thoroughly exciting as it is brimming with beautiful natural environments, fun activities, shopping places, and more! Also, it has several museums displaying and safekeeping stories and history of the province and country. Read along to learn more!
Overview
The moniker “Victoria, BC” resonates with a distinctly British vibe, evoking a particular aura. For those familiar with movies like Enola Holmes or The Boy, despite their differing genres, there’s a shared essence of sophistication, mystery, and stories. This is a common trait among locations touched by British influence, and Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, is no exception to this rule. While the residents can soak in the place at any given time, tourists require prior planning, don’t you think so? But worry not! We are shouldering that responsibility for you. We have prepared a list of places you can visit for a day’s trip to Victoria with a thrilling itinerary.
10 Best Things to Do For A Day’s Trip to Victoria, BC
Here are 10 top places to visit on your Victoria one-day trip.
1. The Harbour
Victoria is eminently walkable because of its proximity; one can visit multiple places in less time. The first thing you could do in the city is take a ferry ride in the Inner Harbour for a few hours. The fun doesn’t end here! One can enjoy multiple experiences, such as music shows, festivals, local entertainment, and luscious eateries. Furthermore, if you are at the Harbour, you can enjoy whale-watching and marine life from afar. You could also visit the Parliament buildings for free guided tours. These tours allow you to see one of the city’s most grand and impressive buildings closely.
2. Butchart Gardens
One of the best things to do in Victoria, BC, is to explore Butchart Gardens, a stunning refuge and Canadian National Historic Site situated to the north of Brentwood Bay. For over a century, Butchart Gardens has remained a breath-taking natural wonderland of the city. Five astounding gardens exist on the 55 acres, all for you to explore. You can wander into the Japanese, Italian, Sunken, and Rose Gardens. They are considered a nature lover’s paradise. Why? Because that’s how many lovely plant species and greenhouses can be found in one place. You can also attend the amazing Victoria fireworks every Saturday night from June to September. On the weekends, you can enjoy live music shows on the lawns set up for concerts.
3. Royal BC Museum
On your trip to Victoria, BC, the Royal BC Museum is the go-to place for an insightful history lesson on British Columbia. The province’s oldest stories can be found in this rich and multicultural area. Learn more about the area’s history and rich legacy through various archives and artefacts. The museum houses extensive exhibits and displays on natural and human history. Additionally, its indigenous collections encourage learning the history of the First Nations and important restoration tales when you travel. The museum’s highlights include the thought-inducing First People’s Gallery and Thunderbird Park, which has a mystical and stunning totem pole display. It is the perfect location to enjoy British Columbia’s history. Thus, add this to your ‘Victoria BC things to do’ list now!
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
One of the city’s most recognisable sights is the Fisherman’s Wharf. The shops, eateries, and colourful homes on the floating pier are admirable. The Wharf is great if you love spending time by the water. Spend a few hours investing to know this unique neighbourhood and fall in love with it. The wharf may interest you if you enjoy observing the fishing vessels carrying out their routine marine tasks. Taking in the views of the people living in their floating homes is certainly quite amusing. You may also catch a glimpse of some untamed seals. They have the same curiosity level as the visitors on their trip to Victoria, BC. Don’t forget to visit Barb’s Fish & Chips for the best fresh fish in town and mouth-watering cuisine.
5. Beacon Hill Park
On your day trip to Victoria, BC, you must visit the city’s most beloved park: Beacon Hill Park. It is a wonderful 185-acre garden with vibrant flower beds, gorgeous walkways, and various sports facilities. Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC, is great for romantic picnics and leisure strolls. People often fly kites here; sometimes, paragliders fly high above the park. The Garry Oak Ecosystem is one of this park’s most notable features. It contributes much-required biodiversity to the area and is appealing to nature lovers. If you’re visiting with children, they’ll love the play areas, water parks, and a rose garden.
6. Victoria Chinatown
A different concept place than what we have been expediting? Well, spending a few hours in Chinatown will be one of the best things to do in Vancouver. If you are on a day’s trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, you should visit Chinatown for an exceptional experience. To reach your location, walk through the energetic, colourful, and full of scents on Fisgard Street. The area here showcases the local lifestyle through busy eateries and speciality stores.
Another amazing place you can visit in Chinatown is Fan Tan Alley. Quirky and exciting kiosks fill this street, ensuring they grab your attention. You can also buy various items and gifts while relishing yummy meals. Furthermore, Gat of Harmonious can increase your interest if you love photography. It is also known as the traditional Chinese arch (Paifang). So don’t hesitate to collect some of the best memories of Chinatown from here.
7. Victoria’s Culinary Scene
Food forms an essential part of any place’s identity, and on a day trip to Victoria, BC, letting your tastebuds experience the flavours of this Canadian city might also be one of the best things to do in Vancouver. Victoria has lots to offer to satiate your tummy. The province is a food paradise with no dearth of cafes and restaurants. Visit the Jam Café for a delicious and wholesome breakfast. With its delectable options, it can fill your stomach and your soul. What better way could you start your day than this? Flying Otter Grill is another option, especially if you love seafood. It’s quite famous for its fish and chips and chowder. It is located on the Fisherman’s Wharf docks in what was once a container. However, don’t judge because it’s one of the best things you can do in Vancouver’s cold winter. All in all, Victoria comes as a full package.
8. Tasting Best Beers
Now that we’ve already discussed the city’s cuisine availability, how can we forget something you can sip on?! You can also get included in some excellent activities on your Victoria one-day trip. It is known for strong-brew coffee and fresh berry shakes, but Victoria also has exceptional local beers. If you enjoy beer, the Irish Times Pub is a must-visit. It offers excellent beers that you’ll love. This place feels just like Ireland. Enjoy classic pub food like fish and chips or Shepherd’s pie while listening to live music. If you like stronger drinks, there’s whiskey available, too. You can also visit Phillips Brewing & Malting for a tasting experience that will stay in your memories for a long time. Additionally, this is the place to go if you want a calm pub atmosphere in the city, making it one of the best things to do in Victoria, BC.
9. Craigdarroch Castle
Are you interested in history? If so, Craigdarroch Castle might appeal to you. It is an architecturally beautiful and history-filled place that will take you back in time. Located only a 10-minute drive from the city centre, this beautiful castle is filled with stunning stained glass and proudly towers over the surrounding area. It has precise woodwork and rooms that teleport you to the Victorian era in just a few moments. Specifically speaking, the mansion tells the tales of the Dunsmuir family. Thus, take a few hours to visit this castle, experience the old vibes, and learn some new monumental stories.
10. Beach Frolic
A little sunshine, a sea view, and sand on holidays are therapeutic! Though this may vary depending on the temperature, spending time on the beach generally comes to mind. For such reasons, Oak Bay’s Willows Beach is the best option for enjoying the warm weather. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for paddling and will refresh and relax you. Besides, imagine all the fun you could have playing games and mingling with the locals! This Victoria one-day trip will turn out to be the best. A beach barbeque is also a great idea for groups travelling. It could involve socialising, eating and drinking, playing games, etc. If you wish to expand your experience, head towards Willows Park and Oak Bay Avenue, where you can enjoy dining and shopping at the eateries and whimsical shops.
An Itinerary For A One Day Trip in Victoria, BC!
Now that we have already provided you with a few destinations to visit in Victoria, let’s sketch a day-to-day plan. Here is a bifurcated itinerary of the best things to do in Victoria BC –
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Morning: The Elegance of Harbor and Museum
Begin your day with the view and sounds of Victoria’s Harbour. The scene of the busy hub with ocean vistas, swaying boats, and, if you’re lucky, fantastic street performers might be one of the best things to do in Victoria BC without actually doing anything. A cup of coffee from a waterside cafe would be like a cherry on the cake. Furthermore, you can proceed towards the Royal BC Museum. You’ll understand how a morning history lesson can also be fascinating.
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Lunch: A Take at Seafood
When it gets close to lunchtime, you’ll start to feel hungry. Luckily, Victoria has two great places to eat lunch that you should try. The Flying Otter Grill offers meals by the water, showing off the city’s coastal bounty with abundant fresh seafood. For a more relaxed meal that’s just as famous, try Red Fish Blue Fish. It’s an outdoor place where you can get delicious seafood dishes and has become a Victorian staple.
Note: If you prefer vegan and vegetarian options, Green Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant, Be Love, MeeT on Blanshard, etc., are great.
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Afternoon: The Fun Accompanying Park and Wharf
After lunch, enjoy a relaxed stroll in Beacon Hill Park, especially if you are a nature lover. This large park is a quiet place right in the centre of the city, filled with calm ponds, singing birds, and colourful plants. After you’ve enjoyed the outdoors, visit the charming Fisherman’s Wharf. With its special floating homes and tasty local food, it offers something different and interesting at every corner. Let’s make this journey more fun, should we? After you finish the above two activities, you can get lost in the tales of times and facts of history. For the same, you can visit Craigdarroch Castle. You will find the essence of the Victorian era in every corner of this castle.
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Evening: Cheers to Chinatown and Nightlife
If you are fond of a lively and vibrant lifestyle, Chinatown is the place for you. Besides, you can expand your shopping experience, savour various food and drinks, tour Fan Tan Alley, and more. The narrow pathway of Fan Tan Alley is the storehouse of history and extraordinary shops and trinkets. As the day ends, visit the Irish Times Pub of Chinatown, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., and some finely selected local brews to experience the lively nightlife of Victoria. The nonchalant environment of the place is sure to take you into a different zone. You can make memories of a lifetime on a day’s trip to Victoria, BC.
Conclusion
If your search engine had a “Victoria BC things to do” query, it has now been resolved. After all, true friends help each other, right? So, keep your worries aside, start packing, book your tickets, and fly to this beautiful destination. Visit the museums, taste the delicacies, go shopping, etc. Happy Travel, folks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Victoria, BC, is a pretty walkable destination if you prefer not to use a car. The places you would want to visit are close to each other.
You can start your day trip in Victoria by exploring the Harbour and Royal BC Museum, and then enjoying lunch at Flying Otter Grill, Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant, or MeeT on Blanshard. After that, enjoy a stroll at Beacon Hill Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf, and explore Craigdarroch Castle. Next, end your day in the evening at Fan Tan Alley, Chinatown, and more.
After lunch, you can spend your afternoon exploring places like Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Craigdarroch Castle, etc.
Victoria in British Columbia is worth your next trip, whether it’s for a day or more than that.
Yes, you can avail of Uber in Victoria, BC. However, if you want it for the entire tour, you must reserve it a month before your trip.
Victoria, BC, is a pretty walkable destination if you prefer not to use a car. The places you would want to visit are close to each other.
Victoria, BC, is known for its historical presence, architecture, closeness to nature, vibrant arts, and more. How do I plan a day trip to Victoria?
How do you spend an afternoon in Victoria, BC?
Is Victoria worth a day trip?
Is Uber available in Victoria, BC?
How easy is it to get around Victoria, BC, without a car?
What is Victoria BC well known for?
