Solo travel in Victoria, BC
As an island destination, Victoria’s no stranger to going it alone, in fact, sometimes we prefer it that way. On our four-day getaway we’ll explore museums steeped in history, indulge in the flavours of the region, and set sail across the Salish Sea, and best yet, we’ll do it all at our own pace. This is our call to like-minded souls who like to do things the right way, their own way.
Recommended accommodations | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Recommended accommodations
Parkside Hotel & Spa
Located on the corner of Humboldt and Blanshard streets, the Parkside Hotel is just minutes away from the Inner Harbour and all that downtown Victoria has to offer. The Parkside offers a wide array of amenities that are perfect for solo travellers who are looking to meet friends or take some time for themselves. From their 24-hour fitness centre to stargazing packages, barbecues, and floating sound meditation, Parkside has a way to make your stay a little more memorable, no matter what you’re into.
Local tip: Parkside’s complimentary bikes are a great way to explore more during your stay in Victoria.
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
Known for their friendly service, Chateau Victoria rolls out the Westcoast welcome for all their guests. Their great location puts the city’s best right at your fingertips. Home to Vista 18 and its breathtaking views of the harbour, and Clive’s Classic Lounge – where it’s easy to pull up a stool at the bar, a globally recognized top cocktail bar, Chateau Victoria is a great stay for the social traveller who’s always up for raising a glass and making new friends.
Ocean Island Backpackers Suites
This budget-oriented option is a great option for backpackers making a stop in the city. Ocean Island offers a range of private or shared rooms, letting you create a stay that’s as social as you want to be. Located downtown, you’re just minutes from Chinatown and the shopping hot spot of Lower Johnson Street. On site you’ll find parking, laundry, free wifi, a licensed lounge, and a fully equipped guest kitchen.
Day 1: Where the city meets the sea
Visiting somewhere new can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling alone. But you can leave that stress on the Mainland. Victoria’s Inner Harbour is compact, walkable, and loaded with rich history and exciting things to do. One minute you’ll be strolling the harbourfront, then tucking into a museum, and hopping on an e-bike, and you’ll do it all within a few open, airy blocks of one another.
Courtyard Café or Murchie's Coffee Shop
An easy way to get a feel for the city is through our coffee culture. From local roasters to cafés, Victoria’s local coffee scene punches well above its weight. The Courtyard Café, just steps from the Inner Habour’s Lower Causeway, on Belleville Street, is a local favourite for those on the go. The Café features a simple, straightforward menu, while still serving delicious coffee, espresso, smoothies, sandwiches, and baked goods. For the coffee afficionados, head over to Murchies Coffee Shop, and choose from their wide selection of coffee-based drinks, teas, and their mouthwatering selection of sweet and savoury baked goods. Whatever you’re craving, be sure to get it to go, because we’re going to hit the harbour for a stroll.
Inner Harbour
Let’s hop across Belleville Street and head down to the Lower Causeway to visit the Inner Harbour, Victoria’s beating heart. As you stroll along the walkway, grab a seat to enjoy your coffee and watch seaplanes and harbour ferries scuttle across the water. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, harbour seals, and if you’re really lucky, even orcas. This picturesque walking path is a great place to get your bearings for the city; it connects Victoria’s historic downtown with the nearby neighbourhood of James Bay and is lined with immaculate architecture that’s perfect for photo ops.
Victoria Visitor Centre
Let’s face it, when you’re travelling solo in a new place, things can be intimidating. But they don’t have to be! Pop into the Victoria Visitor Centre on the corner of Wharf and Government Street along the Inner Harbour. From booking attractions to dining recommendations or simply pointing you in the right direction, the Visitor Centre’s friendly team is here to help.
Local tip: It’s more than just a Visitor Centre; it’s a gallery too! Inside the Visitor Centre you’ll find moving Indigenous artwork from the Lekwungen-Speaking Peoples.
Tractor Every Day Healthy Foods
Located kitty-corner from the Visitor Centre, [JW1.1]Tractor Every Day Healthy Foods has become a local hot spot for fresh, feel-good food. Grab one of their famous soups, salads, or sandwiches and dine in their cozy dining space or get it to-go and enjoy your lunch back down at the Harbour or on the lawn of nearby BC Parliament Buildings.
Royal BC Museum
Did you know that BC is bigger than France and Germany combined? So, you can imagine that the province has some stories to tell! Dive into millions of years of the province’s history, ranging from the time of dinosaurs to Indigenous peoples, European settlement, and present day. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from across the province and also welcomes a rotating selection of curated exhibits and annual exhibitions from around the globe. This is a must-stop attraction for history buffs and those looking to connect deeper with Victoria, the province, and Canada. Travelling solo allows you to take in all that the museum has to offer, missing none of intricate details as you explore.
Pedego Electric Bikes Victoria
Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. Our grand network of bike lanes connects the many neighbourhoods and communities of Greater Victoria to the heart of downtown. At Pedego Electric Bikes, just a two-minute walk down Belleville Street from the Museum, the knowledgeable team will get you set up on the best bike for your adventures. Their fleet of e-bikes are perfect for exploring downtown and the nearby neighbourhoods of James Bay and Fairfield.
Local tip: Don’t know where to go? We recommend following Blanshard Street south to Beacon Hill Park, following the pathways through one of the world’s largest totem poles, and then hopping on the Dallas Road pathway to follow the coastline.
Clive’s Classic Lounge
Voted one of Canada’s Best Bars again and again and again, Clive’s has established a reputation as a must-dine experience for cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Clive’s boasts one of Victoria’s largest whiskey collections, but for many, it’s Clive’s unique cocktails that keep folks coming back. Located inside the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, just minutes from the Inner Harbour, it’s a great spot to pull up a chair at the bar and chat up a local, a visitor, or one of their friendly and knowledgeable bartenders. Cheers to new friends at Clive’s!
Day 2: A stroll through time and taste
It’s a day of history and flavour. We’ll start the morning slowly, at our own pace, before setting sail into Victoria’s historic Old Town, and meeting new friends as we discover the stories and recipes that bring this section of the city to life.
Caffe Fantastico
With multiple locations around Greater Victoria, Caffe Fantastico is one of Victoria’s favourite coffee shops. Their downtown Victoria location, Tre Fantastico, located inside the Parkside Hotel, is an off-the-beaten path gem. Away from the lively main drag of downtown, it’s a favourite for slower mornings. Caffe Fantastico roast their own beans and serve a great selection of locally-driven cooking. Everything’s made to order, so grab a seat and enjoy it, but we recommend getting your coffee to go for a short morning stroll.
St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site
Located right across Humboldt Street from Tre Fantastico, St. Ann’s Academy is a great spot for a morning stroll, coffee in hand. This National Historic Site of Canada is home to heritage buildings, a manicured landscape, and is a picture-perfect backdrop for selfies.
Victoria Harbour Ferry Co. Ltd.
Let’s take a 10-minute stroll from St. Ann’s down Humboldt Street to the Inner Harbour and head out on a Harbour Ferry ride. After spending some time along the harbour, you’re probably familiar with them already, having watched these yellow or green boats zip across the water. These cozy little ferries are a fantastic way to get around, while offering you a different vantage point of the city and its landmarks. Hop aboard a “pickleboat” (as they’re known to locals), chat with the friendly-captain, and set sail across the Inner Harbour for a boat ride you won’t soon forget.
Swift Brewing
Hop off the Harbour Ferry at the Chinatown dock on Swift Street. You’ll no sooner be back on dry land than strolling into your first brewery, Swift Brewing at CRAFT Beer Market. Part brewery part retro basement party, the atmosphere at Swift Brewing is truly something else. It’s like stepping into a time machine, an ode to all things 80s. The warm, welcoming setting gives the place a vibe that you’re chilling with old friends.
Off the Eaten Track Food Tours
It’s time to explore Victoria’s historic Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, and what better way to do it than through your taste buds. On a Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Tour with Off the Eaten Track, you’ll munch your way through this historic neighbourhood indulging in an array of traditional Chinese fare and contemporary food from around the world. It’s finger-licking fun and great way to connect with other fabulous foodies.
Victoria Chinatown Museum
This small but mighty museum nestled in Fan Tan Alley (Canada’s narrowest street) is a perfect fit for the solo traveller, because then there’s no one trying to rush you through it! The museum packs in the history, with incredible stories from the Chinese-Canadian community and their impact on Victoria, BC, Canada and beyond, that are examined in depth. One of the many strengths of this museum is its wonderful and welcoming staff, who will help educate you about the neighbourhood, its legacy, and maybe even share a few of their own stories.
The Palms Inspired Kitchen & Cocktails
Just a five-minute walk down Pandora Ave from the Victoria Chinatown Museum on the corner of Douglas you’ll find The Palms Inspired Kitchen & Cocktails on the ground floor of the Hotel Rialto. It’s a great place to grab a seat at the bar and watch the mixologists work their magic. The vibe is elevated yet casual, where it’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation while you dine.
Local tip: Take the long way home! Government Street pulses with a whole different vibe come nighttime. Take in the illuminated architecture, and maybe even pop into a pub to catch some local music.
Day 3: Boats, bites, and a bit of luck
Today’s our day on the water. We’ll dine in oceanfront restaurants, stroll floating neighbourhoods, and set sail onto the Salish Sea in search of sea creatures big and small. It’s a big day, spanning from sunrise to sunset, but don’t worry, things will never feel rushed.
Blue Crab Seafood House
Rested along the shorelines of Victoria’s Middle Harbour, the Blue Crab Seafood House, in James Bay, pairs fresh local and sustainable seafood with gorgeous harbour views, and it’s become a bit of a local favourite for breakfast. Watch the seaplanes come and go as you dig into crab eggs benedict and a mimosa, seaside.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a vibrantly coloured floating micro-neighbourhood on Victoria’s Middle Harbour. It’s part working port and part-residential, and in between you’ll find a bunch of quirky eateries and shops (don’t worry, we won’t judge you for grabbing an ice cream cone after breakfast). Explore the docks, chat with local fisherman, and be sure to take plenty of photos.
Whale Watching Tour
We’ve spent enough time at the water’s edge; it’s time to get out onto it! Join a whale watching tour from one of Victoria’s many providers and set out on a journey to meet the magnificent marine creatures of the Salish Sea. During peak season, your odds of seeing a whale are over 95%, and many of the city’s best providers will offer a whale guarantee – meaning if you don’t see one this time, they’ll have you back out again for another tour free of charge. While you’re out on the water, you might see sea lions, eagles, dolphins, porpoises, orcas, humpbacks, and Grey whales, just to name a few. Whether you’re looking for a gentler covered tour, or a heart-pounding zodiac tour where you feel the spray of the waves, Victoria’s whale watching providers have a range of vessels to make every traveller feel at home on the water.
Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room
Let’s take a trip to the edge of the island, luckily, we don’t have to go very far. The Dallas Road waterfront marks the very southern tip of Vancouver Island, and from it, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Salish Sea and the distant Olympic Mountains. Tucked away on Dallas Road, is the Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room serving up local flavour with a side of those can’t miss views. Grab a pint of locally brewed beer, dig into fresh dishes, and watch the day melt away above the Salish Sea. Before you leave, you might want to grab an Overboard Ice Cream Sandwich for our post-dinner walk.
Ogden Point Breakwater
Stretching out a mile into the Salish Sea, the Ogden Point Breakwater is a favourite for sunset walks. Take a stroll all the way to the lighthouse at the end, watching as the sun sets behind the Olympic Mountains turning the sky into a palette of pastel hues. As you walk, look around you, keeping your eyes peeled for divers, octopuses, sealions, and maybe even orcas.
Day 4: Soft mornings and salt air
Today’s the day where we put you first. We’ll start things off with a slow morning, indulge in a filling brunch – heck, we might even eat a little too much, and feel our stresses melt away during a sunset sauna session. It’s our last day in Victoria; it’s an ode to Island time.
Macchiato Caffe
Macchiato Caffe works hand-in-hand with local and regional suppliers to serve up a coffee experience unlike anywhere else. With two locations in downtown Victoria, on Broad Street and Johnson Street, you’re never far from great coffee. Macchiato is a great place to start a slow morning, savouring warm coffee, and some of the city’s favourite breakfast sandwiches. We’re in no rush, so settle in and enjoy the moment.
Munro’s Books
Situated in a heritage building that was once home to the Royal Bank of Canada in the early 20th century, Munro’s Books is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world; featuring a beautiful 24-foot coffered ceiling designed to resemble the library of Ephesus built by the romans, it’s no wonder why. Once you can take your eyes off the architecture, you’ll realize it’s filled with some pretty spectacular books too! So, peruse the racks and pick up a book from a local author to remind you of your time in Victoria. From cookbooks to fiction, Indigenous topics, and more, there’s a read for every kind of reader waiting to be discovered.
Rogers’ Chocolates
Just a two-minute walk down Government Street, toward the Inner Harbour, is where you’ll find Rogers’ Chocolates. As far as National Historic Sites go, you won’t find one sweeter than this. For over 140 years, Rogers’ Chocolates has been crafting some of Victoria, and Canada’s, best chocolates. We recommend stopping in to grab one of their famous Victoria Creams, which feature a whip creme base smothered in chocolate.
Beacon Hill Park
Let’s take a stroll up to Beacon Hill Park, a sprawling 200-acre park just minutes away from the Inner Harbour. In the park you’ll find Gary Oak Meadows, a petting zoo, gardens, public art, and much more. For our slow morning, we might just park ourselves beneath a willow tree and read a few pages out of our book.
Floyd’s Diner
It’s time for a late brunch! As Canada’s Brunch Capital, there’s nowhere that does brunch better than Victoria. And out of all the brunch spots in Victoria, there’s nowhere that does brunch quite like Floyd’s. Why? Because Floyd’s offer The Mahoney, the ultimate challenge for brunch lovers. What is it exactly? You’ll find out when you order it, because no two Mahoney’s are the same. That’s right, the cooks just prepare whatever they feel like making you, so come hungry. Find Floyd’s James Bay location in the Royal Scot Hotel.
BC Parliament Buildings Tour
As you’ve wandered around the Inner Harbour, you’ve certainly noticed the BC Parliament Buildings by now, you’ve probably even taken a selfie in front of them. But it’s halls aren’t just for government officials, you too can walk through these historic buildings that have shaped the province of British Columbia for over 125 years. Join one of the free guided tours through the buildings where you’ll learn about the province’s rich history, see the architectural splendor of these buildings from the inside, and maybe even meet a few of the characters from its past.
Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails
Located on Wharf Street, with arguably Victoria’s best harbourfront patio, Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails has kept locals and visitors alike coming back time and time again. Finn’s menu features sustainably caught seafood and AAA meats cut in-house in a historic building first constructed in 1882. Grab a seat at the bar, soak in the views, and enjoy the character of this heritage building as you slurp oysters, crack crab legs, and tip back a shaft – the quintessential Victoria cocktail.
Local tip: It can be tough to choose with all the options at Finn’s, but we recommend starting with Fresh Steamed Local Mussels.
HAVN Saunas
Cap off a relaxing day with a sauna session at HAVN Saunas. Located on a barge at Ship Point on the Inner Harbour, this floating wellness experience is one of the most sought-after sauna experiences on the coast. Grab your robe, then hit the upper deck, where you’ll find saunas, cold plunges, and hot tubs that overlook the Inner Harbour. Between sessions, warm up inside the cozy lounge, where comfortable couches, reading materials, and a large harbour facing window invite you to linger with a hot drink or something sweet before heading back outdoors. The views are even better in the evening, as the sun begins to set and the twinkling lights of Victoria’s historic architecture begin to shine.
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