Answering Victoria’s Hottest Questions

We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about Victoria! Was your question not on our list? Have no fear: our FAQ page may have what you need. Still not seeing the answer you’re looking for? Our lovely team at the Visitor Centre, located at 812 Wharf Street by the Inner Harbour is here for you. You’re also invited to message us through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram – our team of friendly locals jump at the chance to share what we know about our city.

ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

Q: What is there to do in Victoria?

A: What isn’t there to do in Victoria? We have been deemed Canada’s Garden City, and for good reason – our city’s gardens range from smaller, tranquil gems, to sensational tourist attractions. Our old-world charm presents itself in Victoria’s astounding heritage architecture and we are also home to several National Historic Sites that you can tour. The English tradition of afternoon tea is kept alive and strong here, with several local businesses offering this exquisite dining experience. Our big, blue backyard has made us known as a prime whale-watching destination, an experience you will carry with you for life. We are also known for our incredible restaurant and craft brewery scene! Farm-to-table and line-to-table are not just buzzwords here, and many of our restaurants prioritize local, island-grown ingredients.

No matter the season, our city is constantly buzzing with vibrant festivals that span music, art, cultural festivals, and even large-scale vintage car shows. If you are looking for specific city events or festivals, check out our Calendar of Events. Every vacation is different in Victoria, whether this is your first visit, or your fortieth!

Q: How can I get to The Butchart Gardens?

A: So glad you asked! The Butchart Gardens, a over 100-year-old internationally renowned display garden, has shaped Victoria into the Garden City it is known as today. The 55-acre property was designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its 100th birthday.

The Butchart Gardens is located in beautiful Brentwood Bay, a scenic 40-minute drive through the Saanich Peninsula. No car? No problem! Our friends over at Sightseeing Victoria (formerly CVS Tours) have a shuttle that departs from the Fairmont Empress straight to The Gardens. Grayline West Coast Sightseeing offers a guided sightseeing tour that takes you to The Butchart Gardens, departing from Vancouver. Harbour Air Seaplanes also has a Soar N’ Sip afternoon tea package that includes air transportation to the island, a drive over to the Gardens, and back. The Gardens are also very accessible by bike thanks to our island’s fantastic trail network! Book a self-guided e-bike tour to The Butchart Gardens with The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals. Cycle BC will also rent out bicycles, scooters, and even motorcycles to facilitate (and elevate!) your journey.

The Gardens are open during all four seasons, and have spectacular, unique offerings no matter what time of year you visit. Please refer to their website for visitation hours and for specific directions in how to get there.

Q: How can I book a water taxi?

A: Victoria’s famous water taxis are brought to us by a beloved business called Victoria Harbour Ferry Company Ltd. – the people behind our happy little “pickle boats”! Besides operating a convenient water taxi service, Victoria Harbour Ferry also runs historic sightseeing tours, a pickle-boat pub crawl, and even an adorable Water Ballet from April to October.

To board the water taxi, there’s a QR Code you can scan (or you can give them a call at 250-514-9794) from the dock at any of their stops, and they will come pick you up! Their many stops include the Empress Dock at the Inner Harbour, Victoria’s Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more. Visit their website for their full list of stops.

Q: What are some local farm-to-table restaurants in Victoria?

A: The best comes right from our backyard. Here in Victoria, we gravitate towards seasonal, farm-fresh or ocean-fresh ingredients, and so many of our local restaurants source as many of their ingredients as possible from the island. A few of the many farm-to-table recommendations for experiencing the best in local cuisine are 10 Acres, Agrius, Fireside Grill, Wind Cries Mary, and Big Wheel Burger.

Q: Where can I learn about Victoria’s history?

A: Our destination is teeming with rich history. Our story begins with the Lekwungen People, who hunted, gathered, and managed their traditional territories that Victoria was built upon. The Songhees and Esquimalt Nations are part of the Coast Salish peoples, and are descendants of the Lekwungen family groups. Some of the best ways to learn about our past-to-present Indigenous history is through booking a tour with Explore Songhees, or by exploring the Signs of Lekwungen walkway.

The European settlers brought Victorian era architectural practices to the city, and Victoria was incorporated as a city in 1862. Craigdarroch Castle, Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse, Hatley Castle, the Parliament Buildings, and the Fairmont Empress are just a few of the historic sites and stunning feats of architecture that came out of this era, many of which offer historic site tours.

The discovery of gold in the Fraser Canyon in 1858 lead to a sudden surge of immigration to British Columbia, about a third of which were Chinese peoples voyaging across the Pacific Ocean to Victoria. Many of them chose to live in what is now known as Canada’s first and oldest Chinatown – an area of the city that is as fascinating as it is vibrant and artistic. We highly recommend booking a walking tour through Discover the Past Tours, a shopping tour through That Girl in Victoria, or a food tour through Off the Eaten Track to learn more about this area’s history.

Q: Where can I see wildlife in the city?

A: Victoria is known for its whale-watching! We recommend booking through any of our fantastic whale watching providers for a chance to see orca, humpback whales, porpoises, harbour seals, sea lions, waterfowl, and more.

Another phenomenon witnessed in Victoria is the incredible salmon run, which normally happens mid-to-late October. Millions of Pacific salmon work their way up our streams, creeks and rivers to get back to their original homepools, where they will spawn the next generation of salmon. The best place to witness this natural spectacle is Goldstream Provincial Park, about a 25 minute drive from downtown Victoria.  As a bonus wildlife perk, the migration tends to attract bald eagles, raptors, and black bears, who speckle the park’s trees and the riverbed waiting for dinner to be served.

Perhaps not wildlife, but there are plenty of livestock and family-friendly farms around Victoria. Perhaps the most famous is Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, which is known for their daily Goat Runs and their interactive petting zoo. If you’d like to see exotic, tropical animals, drop into the Victoria Butterfly Gardens on a trip out to Brentwood Bay. While in that direction, stop by at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea to view an aquarium and educational centre that hosts a Giant Pacific Octopus.

Q: What are some of the most haunted areas in Victoria?

What a thrilling question! There’s a fair share of spooky stories that come along with being such a historical city. Fairmont Empress, Victoria’s Chinatown, and Ross Bay Cemetery are some of the most haunted locations in the city. For those who love thrills, chills, and the supernatural, we highly recommend booking a tour with Ghostly Walks. Check out our blog on the Top 10 Haunted Places in Victoria to get that fear factor you’re seeking.

Q: Where can I dine along the harbour?

Get the best seats in the house! Our city is enriched with incredible restaurants that don’t just boast a tasty meal, but a wonderful scene along our coast as well. Check out Boom + Batten, Lido Waterfront Bistro, Blue Crab Seafood House, Lure Restaurant & Bar, and Glo Restaurant + Lounge for just a few of our waterside dining recommendations. Nothing beats a brew with a view! Check out Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Canada’s first brewpub, which offers beautiful views of the Inner Harbour.

Q: What are some of the best hikes near Victoria?

Victoria is a pilgrimage for those who love the great outdoors. There are countless amounts of trails, parks, and outdoor spaces that are all within just an hour’s drive of the city. Check out the popular Mount Douglas hike for panoramic views of the city. This hike includes a paved path up for cars, if you’d rather chase the views without the workout. Other local favourites include Jocelyn Hill Trail Loop in Gowlland Todd Provincial Park (some of the most impressive views our destination offers), Mount Work Regional Park (which also boasts a thrilling network of mountain biking trails), and the Thetis Lake Hiking Trail (ideal if you want to cool down by the beach after your hike).

We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about Victoria! Was your question not on our list? Have no fear: our FAQ page may have what you need. Still not seeing the answer you’re looking for? Our lovely team at the Visitor Centre, located at 812 Wharf Street by the Inner Harbour is here for you. You’re also invited to message us through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram – our team of friendly locals jump at the chance to share what we know about our city.

ENJOY YOUR VACATION!