A football fan's guide to visiting Victoria, BC from Seattle
Swap the skyscrapers and stadium chants of Seattle for a seaside city where every traveller is set up for a winning streak. In Victoria, BC, your football journey continues with a vibrant mosaic of cozy harbours, wild Pacific adventures, heartwarming hospitality, and a dash of local fun. Here, you’ll trade the midfield scramble for sunny waterfront strolls, breakthrough with culinary creativity and cultural discoveries, and find camaraderie in every pint and panoramic view. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or recharging between matches, Victoria’s blend of old-world charm and west coast wonder offers the perfect extra time from kickoff to final whistle.
Hotel recommendations | Getting here | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Hotel recommendations
Inn at Laurel Point
Nestled on the tip of the Inner Harbour with sweeping views, this contemporary hotel offers a tranquil retreat minutes from downtown. Spacious rooms, lush gardens, and a celebrated waterfront restaurant make it perfect for anyone seeking relaxation and style. Wake up to the gentle sounds of the ocean and enjoy your morning coffee on your patio as you watch the harbour ferries and seaplanes scuttle across the water.
Robin Hood Inn & Suites
Find comfort and genuine island friendliness at the Robin Hood Inn & Suites, a recently reimagined, but ever legendary, hotel loved for its welcoming vibe and its connection to our urban outdoors. Enjoy spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms, complimentary bikes and kayaks, and easy access to both downtown Victoria and surrounding green spaces. With its relaxed atmosphere and community-focused spirit, Robinhood Inn & Suites is a winning choice for travellers eager to experience Victoria like a local.
Getting here
Kenmore Air Seaplane – The High-Flyer Transfer
Take to the skies with Kenmore Air, offering breathtaking seaplane flights from downtown Seattle’s Lake Union directly to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. In just under an hour, soar above the Salish Sea for panoramic Pacific Northwest views and a bucket-list touchdown right in the heart of Victoria. This fast, scenic, and truly memorable arrival sets the perfect tone for your travel adventure, your extra time in Victoria begins the moment you board!
FRS Clipper Ferry – The Strait Shot
Enjoy the ease and comfort of the FRS Clipper ferry, a walk-on, passenger-only service that sails direct from downtown Seattle’s waterfront to Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. Relish a smooth, scenic cruise through the Salish Sea while relaxing in comfort, with onboard amenities and stunning views making the journey part of the experience. With downtown-to-downtown convenience, you’ll step ashore ready to start exploring Victoria’s vibrant attractions without skipping a beat.
Day 1: Coastal kickoff
Bard & Banker
Start your morning at the Bard & Banker, an iconic downtown Victoria pub serving up classic, elevated breakfasts in a striking, historic setting. Located right on Government Street, Bard & Banker pairs hearty, locally sourced ingredients with the lively charm of a heritage bank-turned-pub. It’s the perfect spot for soccer fans to fuel up and soak in Victoria’s local culture before a day of sightseeing.
Royal BC Museum
Delve into British Columbia’s rich natural and cultural heritage with a morning at the Royal BC Museum, located in the heart of downtown Victoria. This renowned museum features immersive exhibits on Indigenous cultures, local wildlife, and regional history, making it a standout attraction for curious travellers. Experience an educational and inspiring start to your day as you discover why Victoria’s cultural scene is truly one-of-a-kind in the Pacific Northwest.
BC Parliament Buildings
Just across the street from the Royal BC Museum are the picture-perfect BC Parliament Buildings. This historic landmark makes a great backdrop for a photo for the folks back home, but also offers terrific, free guided tours of the interior, offering insights into the building, the province, and the spectacular architecture throughout the space.
Rogers’ Chocolates
Treat yourself to a taste of history at Rogers’ Chocolates, a beloved Victoria institution and official National Historic Site of Canada. Located in a charming heritage storefront downtown, Rogers’ tempts visitors with handcrafted chocolates made using time-honoured recipes and the finest ingredients. You’re sure to smell the scent of chocolate from outside, let the aroma lure you inside this iconic shop to experience decadent sweets, and a distinct sense of tradition that embodies Victoria’s enduring love for quality and craftsmanship.
Local tip: While you can’t go wrong with any of the chocolates at Rogers’, we recommend the aptly named “Victoria Creams”, which features a creamy whip covered in their renowned chocolate.
Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails
Savour an unforgettable dinner at Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails, a Victoria favourite nestled in a beautifully restored historic waterfront building. Dig into expertly prepared, sustainable seafood, premium steaks, and signature cocktails while overlooking one of the best views of Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. Known for its upscale yet inviting atmosphere, Finn’s promises a quintessential West Coast dining experience perfect for capping off your day in the city.
Axe & Grind
Add a dash of Canadiana to your evening with axe throwing at Axe & Grind, located right in downtown Victoria. Perfect for groups, families, or solo visitors, this fun and social activity lets you channel your inner lumberjack in a safe, energetic setting. As one of Canada’s most quintessential experiences, axe throwing at Axe & Grind offers travellers an entertaining night out and a truly memorable taste of Vancouver Island’s beach fire spirit.
Day 2: Maritime moves
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub serves up some of the best farm-fresh cuisine in town just steps from the waterfront in historic Vic West. Enjoy a breakfast menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, house-baked goods, and paired with a pint of Spinnakers’ own craft beer, plus sweeping views over the harbour. This beloved, sustainability-focused brewpub is a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of the Pacific Northwest to kickstart their Vancouver Island adventure.
South Island SUP
Explore Victoria’s stunning coastline on a guided standup paddle boarding tour with South Island SUP. Glide over calm harbour waters or scenic ocean inlets, enjoying panoramic views of the city, wildlife sightings, and a peaceful morning on the water. Standup paddle boarding is an active, fun way to experience Greater Victoria’s unique maritime landscape and distinctive blend of city and nature.
Pedego Victoria
Experience Victoria’s spectacular coastline with an evening cruise along Dallas Road on a comfortable Pedego Victoria eBike rental. Take in panoramic ocean views, the fresh sea breeze, and iconic city sights as you glide past beaches, parks, and the popular breakwater. This relaxing, eco-friendly adventure is the perfect way to discover Victoria’s natural beauty and vibrant local life as evening falls.
Swift Brewing
All that activity surely means you’ve worked up a thirst! The folks at Swift Brewing have your back with a nice cold pint waiting just for you. This tucked away, local brewery has an ambience like no other, it’s like stepping into a time machine, transporting you back to a simpler time, one with basement party vibes and great company.
Local tip: We recommend grabbing a pint of Smooth Operator, Swift’s Citra Hazy Pale Ale.
Irish Times Pub
Step into the heart of Ireland with a warm and lively dinner at the award-winning Irish Times Pub, right in downtown Victoria. Enjoy hearty pub favourites, seasonal specialties, and live music in an authentically decorated, heritage space filled with global soccer fans and local energy. With its welcoming atmosphere and wide selection of local brews and international beers, Irish Times Pub is the go-to venue for a fun, social evening in the city, and possibly the best spot to catch the game in the city.
Day 3: Harbourfront hat-tricks
Blue Crab Seafood House
Indulge in a coastal-inspired breakfast at Blue Crab Seafood House, conveniently located along Victoria’s picturesque waterfront at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina. Savour fresh, West Coast flavours and hearty morning plates in a bright, contemporary space overlooking the marina. With its reputation for attentive service and spectacular seaside views, Blue Crab Seafood House is an ideal destination to begin your day in Victoria.
Fisherman’s Wharf
While you’re in the neighbourhood, take quick pop over to Fisherman’s Wharf. This vibrant dock on the middle harbour is loaded with colourful float homes, gift shops, and places to eat. This is a great place to snap some photos for your photobook, and a great place to grab a beer on the sun-soaked deck.
Whale Watching Tour
Set sail on an exhilarating whale watching tour in Victoria, where the pristine waters of the Salish Sea offer some of the best marine wildlife viewing opportunities in Canada. Board a comfortable, covered boat designed for both thrill and relaxation as you scan the horizon for orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and playful porpoises in their natural habitat. With breathtaking views, expert local guides, and the chance for unforgettable encounters, Victoria’s whale watching adventures are a must for anyone seeking the wild wonders of the Pacific Coast.
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.
Discover the bold spirit of Victoria’s craft beer scene with a visit to Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., located just a short stroll from the heart of downtown. Step into their distinctive tap room to sample an impressive lineup of innovative brews, from hoppy IPAs and crisp lagers to creative seasonal releases, all crafted onsite using traditional malting techniques. With its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and reputation for pushing the boundaries of craft brewing, Phillips is the perfect place to toast your Victoria adventure and connect over a fresh pint.
Local tip: With such a distinctive range of beers, you’re going to want to try a flight. We recommend a flight consisting of Blue Buck Ale, Dinosour Stone Fruit Sour, Tilt Lager, and Electric Unicorn White IPA.
Chinatown
Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Victoria’s historic Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, and immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and hidden gems. Wander the legendary Fan Tan Alley (Canada’s narrowest street), known for its eclectic shops, and rich history before discovering the fascinating exhibits at the Victoria Chinatown Museum. This evening exploration is a perfect way to experience Victoria’s multicultural heritage, urban charm, and the dynamic spirit of its historic Chinatown district.
Clive’s Classic Lounge
Enjoy a sophisticated evening at Clive’s Classic Lounge, globally renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails and imaginative, inspired dinner menu. Located in the Chateau Victoria Hotel, Clive’s offers a cozy, upscale setting ideal for cocktail aficionados and culinary explorers alike. With its vibrant bar program and creative cuisine, this award-winning lounge is a must-visit for foodies seeking Victoria’s cutting-edge flavours and unmatched ambiance.
Day 4: Playmaker’s paradise
LURE Restaurant & Bar
Start your morning off with some of Victoria’s most jaw-dropping Inner Harbour views at LURE Restaurant & Bar, perched right on the water at the Delta Hotels by Marriott. Feast on creative, locally inspired breakfast dishes and fresh-brewed coffee while watching floatplanes and boats glide across the iconic harbour. LURE’s stylish décor and unbeatable vantage point make it a top pick for visitors wanting a memorable start to their morning.
Local tip: LURE backs onto the Songhees Walkaway, a lovely place for a morning stroll soaking in both breathtaking harbour views as well as opportunities to learn about local Indigenous culture.
Off The Eaten Track Tours
Embark on a culinary adventure with the Off The Eaten Track Food Tour, exploring Victoria’s vibrant food scene one delicious bite at a time. Wander through historic neighbourhoods and hidden laneways as a local expert introduces you to award-winning eateries, artisan producers, and beloved local hotspots unique to Victoria. This guided morning food tour offers a flavour-packed introduction to the city’s diverse culinary landscape, showcasing why Victoria is celebrated as a top foodie destination.
Victoria Harbour Ferry Co.
Set out on a magical Victoria Harbour Ferry tour and see downtown Victoria light up during the golden hour. Drift along the Inner Harbour and enjoy close-up views of Parliament, the Empress Hotel, and waterfront restaurants, all from the cozy comfort of a classic local ferry. Ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors, this evening cruise offers a fun and scenic perspective on Victoria’s landmarks and bustling harbour nightlife.
Victoria is where every travel day is a world-class play, full of local tradition, wild adventure, and community spirit you’ll remember long after the final whistle blows. Whether you’re here for a pre-game warmup, a post-tourney cooldown, or just a change of scenery from Seattle’s stadium seats, Victoria scores big on originality and excitement!
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