Victoria’s Quintessential Tours

Victoria is synonymous with exploration. A coastal city embedded in a stunning natural landscape, the southern-most part of Vancouver Island is a masterful infusion of culture, nature, and culinary delights. From iconic tours to uncharted adventures, Greater Victoria has so much to discover.

Iconic Tours

For a conventional journey through some of Victoria’s premier attractions, here’s a starting point.

• Go on a Whale and Wildlife Watching Excursion: Embark on a journey across the open water surrounding Victoria and experience a firsthand encounter with some of the Pacific Ocean’s most majestic creatures. These excursions offer a larger-than-life look into the lives of whales, seals, sea lions, otters and seabirds, with expert guides at your side. Whatever your seating preference—be it zodiac or catamaran—there’s a vessel to provide an optimal experience. Visit our website for a full list of tour operators, including BC Whale Tours, Five Star Whale Watching, Eagle Wing Tours, Orca Spirit Adventures, Prince of Whales Adventures and SpringTide Whale Watching & Eco Tours.
• Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Go back in time and experience 19^th century Victoria with a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown. Offered by Tally-Ho Carriage Tours and Victoria Carriage Tours, these tours provide a novel vantage point to some of Victoria’s most historic neighbourhoods. Perfect for a charming date or a full family outing, these carriage tours are a relaxing way to take in Victoria’s timeless beauty.
• Discover Victoria on a Walking Tour: Got a history buff in your group? If so, a walking tour is a must. Choose between Discover the Past and Toonie Tours for insights and hidden gems on Victoria’s history and vibrant cultural scene. With access to areas where cars can’t go, these tours offer a unique perspective on downtown Victoria, blending the city’s rich past with contemporary sightseeing.

Neighbourhood Exploration

After exploring downtown Victoria, consider moving through some of the city’s lesser-known areas.

• Victoria Harbour Ferry: For a break in the day and another novel angle of the city, consider taking a tour through the Inner Harbour with the Victoria Harbour Ferry. This journey can function as a water taxi, but the stories you’ll hear while on board are the real value. Glide past historic landmarks as you experience the harmony between heritage and artistic innovation.
• Harbour Air Tours: Take in Greater Victoria’s scenic skyline with a Harbour Air tour! From taxiing through the Inner Harbour to the breathtaking views from above the city, it’s a unique and memorable experience. Choose between a 20-minute Classic Panorama tour or an extended 35-minute flight. For more details, visit Harbour Air.
• Cluesolvers: For a fun way to explore some of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks, play a game with the Cluesolvers app! Follow clues to traverse the city on foot and enjoy the sights and sounds on your quest. Each adventure takes about 90 minutes to complete and is best played with a team of 2-5 people. Visit Cluesolvers for more information.

Foodie Tours

Named the 8^th best food scene in the world by Condé Nast readers in 2023, Greater Victoria is known for its fabulous food. From locally sourced seafood to modern culinary infusions, you’ll find joy in every bite.

• A Taste of Victoria Food Tours: Savour the flavours of Victoria with this two-hour guided culinary tour through the heart of the city. Running through Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, you’ll make stops for six food tastings along the way. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available upon request. Discover a feast for the senses and plan your tour today!
• Off The Eaten Track: For another fabulous, guided walk, or a self-paced chocolate tour, check out Off The Eaten Track. From sips and strolls to a proper “Eat Like a Canadian” tour, there’s so much to uncover. Tours range from 2-2.5 hours and are available Wednesday through Sunday. Learn more here.
• Underground Donut Tour: For a fun and quirky twist on traditional food tours, check out the Underground Donut Tour! Part walking history tour, part donut indulgence, you’ll find this tour satisfies more than your sweet tooth. It’s a family friendly activity with a sprinkle of history. Book your tour today with Underground Donut Tour.

Outdoor Exploration

Looking for some nature therapy? Consider exploring some of Victoria’s gardens and parks or venture a little further out of town to experience Vancouver Island’s renowned temperate rainforests.

• Rainforest Tours: Venture into the old growth forests of East Sooke Park with Rainforest Tours. These hiking tours are sure to inspire as you journey past towering cedars and lush ferns. Accompanied by experienced guides, these intimate tours are ideal for families with children or solo travellers looking to meet likeminded friends.
• The Pedaler Cycling Tours: Discover Victoria’s scenic beauty on a cycling tour with The Pedaler. With guided tours starting from $50, you’ll have the option to choose between some of the city’s most iconic routes. From castles and local legends to bites and brews, there’s so much to discover—and why not do it by bike?
• 3HourSail: Embark on a nautical adventure with 3HourSail that showcases spectacular scenery and marine life. With a knowledgeable crew on board, you’ll learn about marine history and geology with the gentle winds of the Pacific at your back.

Accessibility in Victoria

• Freedom Adventure Bus: Victoria’s commitment to accessibility shines through with Freedom Adventure Bus. This group service provides safe, reliable transportation to many locations throughout Greater Victoria—and its vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Learn more about Freedom Adventure Bus here.