Victoria City Highlights

Victoria’s pride of heritage is reflected in the beautifully restored and well maintained architectural treasures located throughout the city, especially downtown. In fact, many of the city’s most popular attractions and restaurants are housed in heritage buildings. Moreover, with such a wide range of fascinating attractions to choose from, Victoria has plenty to capture everyone’s interest and imagination.

Antique Row
The section of Fort Street between Blanshard Street and Cook Street is famous among antique collectors for its many shops and boutiques.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
An 1889 mansion contains contemporary and historical works by international and Canadian artists, including Emily Carr.

Bastion Square (1843)
The original site of Fort Victoria is now the location of shops, outdoor restaurants with water views and the Maritime Museum of BC.

The Butchart Gardens (1904)
Fifty-five acres of floral finery offer spectacular views and meandering paths.

Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum
This military history museum located in the Bay Street Armouries.

Carr House (1864)
Visit the birthplace of one of Canada’s foremost artists, Emily Carr.

CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
The museum is located at Historic HMCS Naden. Guided tours are available.

Chinatown (1882)
Highlights in one of North America’s oldest Chinatowns include the Gate of Harmonious Interest and Fan Tan Alley (the narrowest street in Canada).

Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum (1890)
The majestic castle was built by BC’s first millionaire, Robert Dunsmuir.

Craigflower Farmhouse and Schoolhouse (1856)
A pioneer-era home and schoolhouse exhibits life as it was in early Victoria.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel (1908)
Historic pictures line the walls of this world-famous hotel designed by Francis Rattenbury. Walking tours are available.

Fort Rodd Hill (1895) and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites (1860)
A coastal defense installment and the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific Coast is set in a beautiful waterfront park.

Hatley Park Castle and Museum (1908)
An opulent castle is surrounded by gardens, heritage trees and a lake, on the grounds of Royal Roads University.

Helmcken House (1852)
A pioneer doctor’s home (the oldest house in BC) sits on its original site.

Heritage Acres
Old-fashioned museum and historic buildings are exhibited with farming equipment in a park setting.

Legislative Buildings (1898)
These majestic buildings overlooking the Inner Harbour are the centre of provincial politics.

Marine Ecology Station
Explore the habits of undersea creatures in several different marine habitats.

Maritime Museum of British Columbia
More than 5,000 artifacts depicts the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest.

Market Square (1898)
An outdoor courtyard is surrounded by historic buildings housing shops and restaurants.

Miniature World
See a world of miniatures in settings from the World of Dickens to the Enchanted Valley of Castles.

National Geographic IMAX Theatre
Victoria’s IMAX Theatre is located downtown and features powerful and involving film experiences.

Pacific Undersea Gardens
An underwater garden showcases marine animal and plant life.

Point Ellice House (1867)
An Italianate-style heritage home with flower and vegetable gardens also provides outdoor afternoon tea service.

Ross Bay Cemetery
The historic site is the final resting place for many famous Victoria residents. Tours are available.

Royal BC Museum
The world-renowned museum features Native history, the ocean and the natural history of BC.

Royal London Wax Museum
Take a fascinating look at history in the tradition of Madame Tussaud’s of London.

St. Ann’s Chapel and Interpretive Centre (1858)
Victoria’s first Roman Catholic chapel (now deconsecrated) and the 1910 auditorium in this magnificent building is fully-restored.

Sidney Historical Museum
The pioneer history of the Sidney area is chronicled at this museum, located in the Old Post Office.

Sidney Marine Mammal Museum
Marine mammals and the history of the Sidney area are the topic of this museum.

Sooke Region Museum and Moss Cottage
Learn about Native, pioneer, Gold Rush, farming, logging, and fishing history.

Victoria Bug Zoo
Live insects from around the world are presented in a fun, educational environment.