Must See Arts & Culture in Victoria, BC
Victoria’s story bursts from the canvas with passion, heritage, and imagination. Whether you’re captivated by vibrant art or timeless history, these unforgettable spaces promise to move, surprise, and connect you to the soul of the city.
Museums & Galleries | Indigenous | Theatres | Gardens & Parks | Historic Sites | Public Art | Getting Here
Approximate 15-minute read.
Updated February 13, 2026.
Museums & Galleries
Victoria’s story bursts from the canvas with passion, heritage, and imagination. Whether you’re captivated by vibrant art or timeless history, these unforgettable spaces promise to move, surprise, and connect you to the soul of the city.
Royal BC Museum
Explore British Columbia’s deep history at the Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria, where exhibits come to life to tell province’s story. From Indigenous cultures to wildlife dioramas (be sure to stop by and say hi to Woolly the Woolly Mammoth), there’s an inspiring discovery in every gallery. Make this cornerstone museum your first stop near Victoria’s lively Inner Harbour, just a five-minute walk from the Victoria Visitor Centre.
From January 23rd - July 6th, 2026, you can experience "Critical Distance", an immersive augmented reality experience that brings you face-to-face with a holographic orca pod. And back for another year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year takes over the second flood galleries from February 6th to April 19th, 2026.
Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum
Imagine stepping into the late 1800s as you enter Craigdarroch Castle, an architectural jewel perched above Victoria’s Rockland neighbourhood, just a 9-minute drive from downtown Victoria. Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, the castle is a Victorian masterpiece. Craigdarroch features four stories of stained glass, intricate woodwork, grand staircases, and elaborate fireplaces that whisper stories of wealth, ambition, and a bygone era. As you wander through echoing halls and richly furnished rooms, you’ll uncover the cultural legacy the Dunsmuirs left behind and gain an intimate glimpse into a pivotal era of British Columbia’s social and economic transformation.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Immerse yourself the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, where historic elegance meets contemporary creativity along tree-lined Moss Street. With seven diverse galleries housed in both a grand 19th-century mansion and modern wings, the gallery showcases an inspiring blend of Canadian and international art, including acclaimed Indigenous works. Outside, wander the tranquil Asian Garden and discover one of North America’s only Japanese Shinto Shrines, a peaceful, reflective oasis that beautifully complements the city’s thriving creative scene. It's just a short 3-minute drive from Craigdarroch Castle to the Art Gallery, making it a great addition to your trip to the Rockland neighbourhood.
Until April 12th, a cultural treat is on full display as ਸ਼ੀਸ਼ੇ ‘ਚ ਤਰੇੜ - sheeshe ‘ch thareṛ | a crack in the mirror showcases the works of Simranpreet Anand and ethnomusicologist Conner Singh VanderBeek which highlights concepts drawn from the histories of Punjab and its diasporas. Also catch Dangerous Beauty: The Prints of Albrecht Dürer until May 3rd.
*Artwork pictured by artist Simranpreet Anand. Organized and circulated by The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford. Image credit: Rachel Topham Photography
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Uncover the fascinating tales of Canada’s oldest Chinatown at the Victoria Chinatown Museum, nestled right in the heart of Canada’s narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley. From colourful traditions to memories of early settlers, and the Chinese Canadians who built the city, province and country into what it is today, each exhibit breathes new life into Victoria’s rich multicultural legacy. This Chinatown gem invites you to journey through time and culture in the city centre.
Maritime Museum of BC
Chart a course through Pacific maritime history at the Maritime Museum of BC, just steps from Victoria’s storied waterfront. Kids and adults alike are captivated by tales of shipwrecks, sea exploration, and legendary mariners. Marvel at detailed ship miniatures and displays that bring working vessels to life. For a splash of nautical adventure in downtown Victoria, this museum sails to the top of any visitor’s list. It's less than a block away from the Royal BC Museum, making a great addition to a day of learning and fun.
Through April 25th, visitors can enjoy "1858: Black Routes, Black Roots", which follows the journey of early Black immigration to BC, and tells the story of 800 free Blacks who left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island.
DinoLab Inc.
Calling all dino enthusiasts! We’re taking a 65-million year trip through time. At DinoLab in Victoria, you’re not just looking at fossils, you’re actually getting your hands dirty with real-deal dinosaur bones in a working fossil lab. DinoLab’s guided tours offer your fascinating insights into the life of these prehistoric creatures, as you view, handle, and even work on, real dinosaur bones. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a paleontologist, this is the place to let your curiosity run wild. DinoLab is just across the street from Fisherman's Wharf, making for a great family afternoon in James Bay, where you can get on the water, dine, and dig into prehistoric history.
BC Aviation Museum
Ever wonder what it feels like to stand next to something truly gigantic? Visit the BC Aviation Museum in Victoria and see the legendary Hawaii Mars water bomber (the sheer size alone will leave you speechless!). Located right by the airport, this spot is paradise for aviation fans and curious visitors of all ages. At the BC Aviation Museum, you’ll wander through fascinating exhibits featuring historic aircraft, engines, and aviation artifacts, and even step inside some of the planes themselves. With hands-on displays, model collections, and stories of daring pilots, there’s always something to ignite your imagination for sky-high adventure. Located in Sidney, it's a bit of a drive from Victoria (about 40-minutes), but if you're coming from the mainland, it makes a great stop on the way back to the ferry terminal.
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Dive beneath the surface of the Salish Sea at the Shaw Centre in Sidney. Get up close to mesmerizing marine life, discover the deep connections of the local First Nations, and feel the coastal spirit of Greater Victoria all in one visit. It’s interactive, eye-opening, and full of aquatic wonder. Just 10-minutes from the BC Aviation Museum, also in Sidney, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a great addition to your Sidney day-trip, letting your family travel from the skies to the seas.
Local tip: There’s something lurking in the depths! Can you spot the Giant Pacific Octopus?
Monkey C Artcade
Monkey C Artcade, on Fort Street, is where Victoria’s creative energy comes to play. Imagine a gallery where art and music collide, packed with quirky mutant machines, Monkey C invites you to flick switches, press buttons, and enjoy hands-on fun for every age. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just looking for something different, you’ll feel right at home here.
Indigenous
The lək̓ʷəŋən People have stewarded the lands since time immemorial.
Signs of the lək̓ʷəŋən
When you visit the City of Victoria, you are walking on the traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People, represented today by the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation. Trace the footsteps of this living history by exploring the Signs of the Lekwungen: a series of beautiful castings of carved cedar spindle whorls. The seven signs encourage visitors to peer past the world they see today and imagine the lands as they were before European contact. These sculptural guides lead you through Victoria’s downtown and the iconic Inner Harbour, inviting reflection and fostering respect for the enduring culture and presence of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People.
Local tip: Songhees Tours offers immersive, Indigenous-led walking tours through the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Unlike conventional tourism experiences that gloss over colonial histories or rely on scripted facts, Songhees Tours are guided by Lək̓ʷəŋən hosts who bring guests “onto the highways of our ancestors, where every paddle stroke and footstep is grounded in truth, protocol, and lived experience.”
Theatres
Feel the energy rise and the lights dim as Victoria’s theatres invite you into a world of wonder, creativity, and shared applause. Each stage is a doorway to unforgettable moments. Lose yourself in the rhythm of live performance and the joy of discovery.
Royal Theatre
Let the lights dim and your excitement build at the magnificent Royal Theatre, on Blanshard Street in downtown Victoria, a beacon for world-class music, ballet, and drama. Ornate architecture, with its sweeping balconies, grand arches, and exquisite detailing, creates an atmosphere steeped in both elegance and history. Since opening its doors in 1913, this beloved landmark has been enchanting audiences, offering not just unforgettable performances but a glimpse into Victoria’s cultural and architectural legacy. This must-visit theatre stands as a crown jewel of Victoria’s arts scene.
McPherson Playhouse
Settle in for an unforgettable evening at the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria’s charming Old Town, where the atmosphere always crackles with creativity. Originally opened in 1914 and lovingly restored, the theatre’s graceful Edwardian-era architecture (complete with decorative plasterwork, a grand proscenium arch, and elegant details) transports audiences to another era. Its intimate setting and historic charm make every performance feel personal, securing the McPherson Playhouse’s reputation as one of Victoria’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Located a short walk from the Inner Harbour, it’s the perfect place to experience the city’s creative spirit.
Local tip: Make it a date night, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants within walking distance such as Eva Schnitzelhaus, Cafe Malabar, Il Terrazo, Brasserie L'Ecole, and The Palms.
Belfry Theatre
Experience the thrill of live performance at the Belfry Theatre, a local Fernwood favourite known for bold, thought-provoking theatre from Canada and around the world. Housed in a lovingly restored church, this unique venue packs Victoria’s theatre calendar with heart and innovation. The soaring ceilings, original stained glass, and intimate seating create a uniquely welcoming space where stories come alive. Keep the night going with a dinner at nearby Bistrot L'Stage.
Intrepid Theatre
Embrace the unexpected with Intrepid Theatre in downtown Victoria. Here, the daring and the unusual come to life through indie performances, keeping audiences curious and inspired all year long. Stumble upon something delightfully different at this downtown Victoria stage.
Gardens & Parks
Breathe deep and wander where nature and artistry entwine. Victoria’s gardens and parks are living tapestries blooming with beauty in every season.
The Butchart Gardens
Lose yourself among blooming pathways and tranquil corners at The Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site just outside Victoria in Brentwood Bay. Transformed over a century ago from a rugged quarry by Jennie Butchart, this world-renowned oasis bursts with ever-changing colour and fragrance. Marvel at the stunning Sunken Garden (this is your moment Insta-gang), where vibrant floral displays fill the former quarry, or find serenity in the Japanese Garden’s peaceful maples and water features. Complete your visit with their celebrated afternoon tea in the elegant Dining Room, an experience as memorable as the gardens themselves.
Local tip: It's a bit of a drive to The Butchart Gardens, about 25-minutes. But if you didn't bring your car no worries, you can catch a shuttle with Gray Line Sightseeing Tours.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is where downtown Victoria meets open meadows, peacocks, and quiet gardens. His 183-acre park offers woodland and shoreline trails, ponds, sports fields, and sprawling greenspaces and more, it’s a spot locals love as much as visitors. Some of the park’s icons include the famed Moss Lady, a pebble bridge, the Cameron Bandshell, Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway, and the world’s fourth tallest totem pole. Pause, picnic, or play in one of Victoria, BC’s greenest getaways. In the heart of downtown, it's just a 10-minute walk from the Victoria Visitor Centre to Beacon Hill Park.
Abkhazi Garden
Tucked away in Victoria’s Fairfield neighborhood, Abkhazi Garden. Known as the “Garden the love built”, the property was developed by the Prince and Princess of Abkhazia after a romance that spanned the globe (and a world war). Wander winding paths, marvel at rare flowers, and relax in a peaceful tearoom that feels worlds apart from city life. Find serenity and storybook charm in this local gem.
Local tip: Stay for tea! The Abkhazi Tea House, situated in the heritage building in the heart of the garden offers one of Victoria's best afternoon tea experiences.
Government House Gardens
Perched in Victoria’s Rockland area, the Government House Gardens offer a patchwork of beautifully tended landscapes and historic trees. Government House is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of British Columbia and has taken the name of the “ceremonial home of all British Columbians”. Stroll among sculptures, heritage blooms, and panoramic views that stretch over central Victoria. Whether springtime or fall, this garden is always in bloom with history. If you're doing a garden tour today, it's just a 5-minute drive from Abkhazi Gardens to Government House, or a 9-minute bike ride.
Historic Sites
Unlock the secrets of Victoria’s past as you stroll through castles, lighthouses, and halls that echo with stories. These storied landmarks invite you to not just witness history, but to step into it, forging your own memories along the way.
BC Parliament Buildings
Stand in awe on the manicured lawns of the BC Parliament Buildings overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Designed by famed architect Francis Rattenbury, when he was just 25 years old, the BC Parliament Buildings are home to the provincial legislature. Each night, the buildings illuminate from the glow of over 3,000 lightbulbs, making this stop the perfect photo opportunity no matter what time of day you visit. The Parliament Buildings might arguably be Victoria’s most iconic landmark.
Emily Carr House
Step inside the National Historic Site childhood home of iconic Canadian artist Emily Carr, tucked away in James Bay near downtown Victoria. Every room and artifact honours Emily’s creative spirit and the landscapes that inspired her. This lovingly preserved home is where art and Victorian history meet. Aside from the rich history of the property, the building itself is a wonderful example of the Italianate villa style popular in the 1860s. Just two blocks away from Beacon Hill Park, it makes for a great stroll to add a touch of history to your day.
Local tip: Be sure to stop in for one of Carr Houses’ Emily Carr inspired art or writing classes. These instructor-led workshops allow you to channel your Inner Emily in a fun classroom setting steeped with history.
Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
Walk the ramparts of Fort Rodd Hill and snap photos at the historic Fisgard Lighthouse in nearby Esquimalt. These National Historic Sites blend military heritage with breathtaking ocean views, all a short drive from Victoria’s core. A part of Greater Victoria’s deep maritime history, Fisgard Lighthouse was the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada, shining its beacon for the first time in 1860.
Local tip: From historical sites to historical flavours, stop by the Six Mile Pub, BC's oldest Pub, in View Royal on your way back to town.
Hatley Castle
Marvel at the fairytale setting of Hatley Castle, just 10-minutes from Fort Rodd Hill, surrounded by lush gardens in Victoria’s Westshore area. This grand estate in Colwood dazzles with guided tours, sprawling lawns, and a storied past. Discover Victoria’s own castle, just minutes from downtown. Built in 1908, the Castle is a wonderful example of Edwardian-era architecture, backdropped by stunning views of the Salish Sea and Olympic mountains. Does the Castle look familiar? You might recognize the property from appearances in hit TV and movies, including X-Men, Deadpool, MacGyver, Smallville, In the Land of Women, and more.
Fairmont Empress
There’s something magical about the Fairmont Empress. It’s a distinctively west coast blend of history, elegance, and some truly legendary views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Don’t miss the prime selfie spot out on the lawn walkway, capturing their world-famous “Empress” sign behind you, then treat yourself to afternoon tea, pinkies up, like royalty in Canada’s Castle on the Coast. This National Historic Site is an unforgettable blend of old-school glamour and modern-day charm.
Rogers' Chocolates
Step back in time at Rogers’ Chocolates, on Government Street, an iconic gem that’s been sweetening Victoria’s downtown for over a century. The sweets you enjoy today are still made from some of founder Charles “Candy” Rogers original recipes. These hand-crafted confections feature only sustainable certified cocoa and come in an array of flavours and styles that are certain to satisfy every sweet tooth, whether you’re craving caramels, truffles, or classic bar chocolate. At Rogers’, it’s more than just chocolates, it’s a taste of the city’s history, wrapped up in delightful old-world charm.
Local tip: You’re spoiled for choice with a wide selection of chocolate treats at Rogers’, but we recommend indulging in the city’s namesake Victoria Creams. Think dark chocolate with a rich, naturally flavoured whip creme based centre.
Ross Bay Cemetery
Set along the windswept shores of Victoria’s southern coastline, Ross Bay Cemetery is both peaceful and packed with stories. Since 1872, this historic Victorian-era site has welcomed visitors to wander beneath rare pines, cherry blossoms, and graceful old firs. Here you’ll find the graves of icons like Emily Carr, Sir James Douglas, and gold rush legend Billy Barker, each with their own legacy in BC’s past. It’s a true local landmark where history and beauty come together in every stroll.
Local tip: Join a guided Sunday cemetery tour with the Old Cemeteries Society and uncover the storied history of this National Historic Site.
Public Art
Let the city streets become your gallery as you encounter striking public art woven into Victoria’s landscape. Each sculpture invites you to pause, reflect, and feel a deeper connection to the stories and spirit that make this place unique.
The Hands of Time
Explore downtown Victoria and travel deep into its past with the Hands of Time. These 12 bronze life-size hands are all engaged in activities symbolic to Victoria’s past, such as carving a canoe paddle, holding a railway spile, tying a rope to a mooring ring, and more. These works celebrate the city’s rich Indigenous, Chinese, and European cultures, honouring both the city’s history and its identity.
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