Essential summer: Must-do activities in Victoria

It’s summer in Victoria, and the beaches, ice cream and restaurant patios are calling! Whether your perfect summer day is basking on the beach, ziplining in the forest, or something in-between — read on for inspiration to get the most out of the season.

A woman walks down the staircase into the Sunken Garden while holding an ice cream cone at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC

Enjoy the summer blooms

When you're in the City of Gardens, take time to experience the full wonder of the local gardens and floral displays. From famous cultivated gardens like The Butchart Gardens and Abkhazi Garden to the iconic hanging baskets decorating the Inner Harbour causeways and city center, there's lots of opportunity to petal peep wherever you go! If you'd like to see spectacular private gardens, take a stroll or bike ride through the neighbourhoods of James Bay and Fairfield, where residents are known for their creative and colourful displays.

The Butchart Gardens Abkhazi Garden Inner Harbour

A whale watching tour with Prince of Whales Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours sails past Race Rocks Lighthouse in Greater Victoria, BC

Head out whale watching

Did you know Greater Victoria offers some of the best whale watching in the world? With orcas, humpbacks, grey, and minke whales known to frequent the local waters, you're almost guaranteed to have a sighting. In fact, many of Victoria's top whale watchers offer guaranteed sightings, which means that if you don't see a whale on your trip, they'll have you back out on the water again for free. It's more than just whales though, on your journey you might be so lucky to see sealions, eagles, dolphins, ospreys, porpoises, and harbour seals.

Whale watching

A woman swings on a rope swing on a beach in Greater Victoria, BC at sunset

Hit the beach

Lucky for you, Victoria is surrounded by gorgeous beaches that are waiting to be explored. For a family-friendly, sandy beach with lots of space for activities, try Willows Beach in Oak Bay or Cadboro-Gyro Park in Gordon Head. For a true west coast beach adventure, head up toward Port Renfrew along the Pacific Marine Circle Route and visit the oft-photographed Mystic Beach, Sombrio Beach, Sandcut Beach, and Botanical Beach.

Willows Beach Cadboro-Gyro Park Sandcut Beach Botanical Beach Provincial Park

Ride the Harbour Ferries

One of the most unique ways to get around in Victoria is via Victoria Harbour Ferry, a fleet of "pickle boats" (as us locals call them) that zip across the Inner Harbour between iconic stops like the Fairmont Empress, Fisherman's Wharf and Spinnaker's Gastro Brewpub. You can use the ferry as transportation or enjoy a scenic harbour mini-cruise.

Photo: Victoria Harbour Ferry

Victoria Harbour Ferry Company Ltd.Fisherman’s Wharf Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

A couple rides red and blue e-bikes along a waterfront path on Dallas Road in Victoria, BC

Get on a bike

Victorians are proud of the city's cycling culture, and hopping on a bike while you're visiting is a great way to explore the city and feel like a local. With two-way, paved paths that meander throughout Greater Victoria (try the Galloping Goose Regional Trail or the Lochside Trail) and separated bike lanes in the downtown core, it's easy to get around without worrying about traffic. Rent an e-bike with Pedego, or take a tour with The Pedaler.

Pro tip: If you're staying at the Parkside Hotel & Spa, you'll also have access to their fleet of bikes at no additional charge!

Galloping Goose Regional Trail Pedego Electric Bikes Victoria The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals The Parkside Hotel & Spa

A young couple in red and yellow kayaks paddle across the Inner Harbour in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC

Hit the waves

Take to the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea, paddle in hand, exploring pocket beaches, islands, and a wonderful world of marine wildlife. Join a guided tour with South Island SUP and find the just the trip you're looking for with everything from sunrise tours, to moonlight paddles, bioluminescence, and more. Or meet up with the talented guides at Ocean River Sports or Kelp Reef Adventures who will lead you through the Inner Harbour, passing iconic sites, along the way during your voyage out to the open ocean.

South Island SUP Ocean River Sports Kelp Reef Adventures

A couple dines on the patio at Fireside Grill in Victoria, BC

Eat al fresco

Patio season is upon us, so make the most of it. As Canada's City of Gardens, we does al fresco like nowhere else, as many of our city's top eateries' outdoor spaces blossom into something truly spectacular. Think hanging baskets, garden beds, and even Gary Oak meadows. This makes for a great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of our region in a natural setting, seeing how our sense of place inspires our sense of taste. Great options for al fresco dining include Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse on the Saanich Peninsula, Fireside Grill's famous patio tucked alongside their heritage home setting, and the Q at the Empress overlooking the iconic Inner Harbour.

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse Fireside Grill Q at the Empress

Looking for more?

For even more summer events, festivals and activities happening in Victoria, check out the online calendar of events.

Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

Download PDF The cover of the 2026 Destination Greater Victoria Vacation Guide depicts a woman wearing a red life jacket and paddling a blue kayak looks back at her partner who is taking a photo of her.

The cover of the 2026 Destination Greater Victoria Vacation Guide depicts a woman wearing a red life jacket and paddling a blue kayak looks back at her partner who is taking a photo of her.

Navigate our map of Greater Victoria

Download PDF A map of Greater Victoria.

Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.