How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Victoria Without a Car
Friday Evening | Saturday Morning | Saturday Afternoon | Saturday Evening | Sunday Morning | Sunday Afternoon
A 5-minute read
Updated February 19th, 2026
Friday Evening
Arrive, Exhale, and Ease Into the City
You’ve dropped off your bags, the vacation has begun, and it’s time to let the city introduce itself. As the sun begins to set, there’s no better way to ease into the weekend than on the water. Let the sparkling Inner Harbour be your backdrop as a ride with Victoria Harbour Ferry glides you to a waterfront dining destination of your choice. For a true taste of the West Coast, settle in at LURE Restaurant & Bar, where every dish celebrates the region’s bounty and is paired with sweeping harbour views for an intimate start to your stay. If you’d rather dine like a local, Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub is a beloved neighbourhood favourite, brewing its own beers in-house and serving a menu rooted in seasonal flavours. Can’t decide? Make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can wander at your own pace and sample everything from seafood caught that morning to Mexican favourites with a West Coast twist.
Saturday Morning
Slow Starts and Local Rhythms
You’re on island time now, so savour a slow morning as you ease into the day. Victoria is Canada’s brunch capital so you’ll find no shortage of sweet and savoury dishes to fuel a day of exploration. For an elevated take on brunch classics, head to OEB Breakfast Co. on Yates Street, known for creative plates ranging from traditional breakfasts to pierogies and duck. The Courtney Room is nestled on Courtney Street in an enchanting boutique hotel and was recently named Restaurant of the Year at the YAM Restaurant Awards. Don’t miss their smoked salmon benny or buttermilk fried chicken and waffles.
Saturday Afternoon
Ride at your own pace
Victoria has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most cycle-friendly cities and it doesn’t take long to see why. With a handful of bike rental shops around the Inner Harbour, it’s easy to pick up a pedal bike or e-bike and explore this cycle-friendly city at your own pace. From Destination Greater Victoria’s Visitor Centre, it’s a gentle seven-minute ride to Dallas Road, where you’ll be greeted with sweeping coastal views of the Olympic Mountain Range, quiet coves, and beaches tucked along the pristine shoreline. From here, spend the afternoon cruising Victoria’s scenic coastline, picking your favourite beachfront property, pausing whenever the view calls you to stop, and keeping an eye out for seals and otters along the water’s edge.
Culture and creativity
Victoria’s heritage is visible in the city’s historic facades and timeless architectural details, but gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s culture is best done through its museums and historic sites. Begin your afternoon in the heart of the Inner Harbour at the Royal BC Museum, where immersive exhibits bring British Columbia’s natural and human history to life. Just steps across Government Street stands the Parliament Buildings. Built in 1893, they offer free self‑guided tours that showcase the distinctive design of architect Francis Rattenbury and provide a great photo opportunity to commemorate your trip. From here, continue on a leisurely 15-minute walk to Fan Tan Alley—the narrowest street in North America—and you’ll stumble across the Victoria Chinatown Museum. Steeped in history, this intimate museum shares the stories of Canada’s oldest Chinatown and the communities that shaped it.
Saturday Evening
A Relaxed Night Out Downtown
Wind down your day with a relaxed dinner in downtown Victoria. At 10 Acres Commons, the menu focuses on sustainably sourced ingredients grown and raised on their very own farm. Yes, all 10 acres of it! Alternatively, for a cozy tucked-away setting, head to Wind Cries Mary in Bastion Square, where shareable plates and a family-style approach encourage heartfelt conversations over a communal meal. Or, just a one-minute walk from Wind Cries Mary, settle in at Finn’s Restaurant & Bar, where fresh seafood takes centre stage and harbour-side tables provide sweeping views of the Inner Harbour. The perfect backdrop for a slow, satisfying end to the day.
Sunday Morning
Neighbourhood Comforts and Fresh Air
Sunday mornings are a quiet, tranquil time in Victoria, and a perfect opportunity to explore the unique and quirky neighbourhoods that give our city its charm. A 20-minute walk from the Fairmont Empress will take you to Cook Street Village, a small but lively neighbourhood. Follow the locals to bustling coffee shops, tasty food trucks, or The Beagle, a friendly neighborhood pub in the heart of the village. After mingling with your new fellow Victorians, and maybe petting a few dogs along the way, take a 10-minute detour as you stroll through Beacon Hill Park on your way back downtown. Snap a photo of our famous peacocks, reconnect with nature, or visit the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm to meet friendly goats and enjoy a little family adventure right in the heart of the city.
Sunday Afternoon
A Gentle Goodbye
As you savour the last few hours in The Garden City, take the time to revisit a favourite spot or pick up a few treasures for friends and family. Stop by Murchie’s Tea, founded in 1894 by John Murchie, one of Canada’s most prestigious tea connoisseur, and take home a box of your favourite blend. For a taste of the city’s thriving thrifting scene, head to Grove Outdoors, where secondhand outdoor gear and apparel await adventure enthusiasts. Inside the Bay Centre Shopping Centre, explore the Market Collective, featuring local and Canadian makers, artisans, and food producers for a unique gift for someone special.
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