The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden in Victoria BC
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden

While coffee is the ‘get up and go’ boost that starts many a day, tea invites the mid-day respite from the hustle and bustle. This afternoon practice brings with it a sense of calm and luxurious indulgence. It speaks to a time when life was slower and device free — as it was when the Prince and Princess Abkhazi began cultivating their stunning estate in the mid-1940s.

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Boating in the Salish Sea by Vancouver Island
Boating in the Salish Sea

There are hundreds of islands in Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Canada. The Straits of Juan De Fuca divide Washington from Vancouver Island, Canada and connect to the Pacific Ocean 60 miles west. The islands form a protected inland arm of the ocean that covers over 1,000 square miles called the Salish Sea. Astounding water depths dropping over 900 feet fill gaps between the rocky islands. Over a trillion gallons of water move during each tide refreshing the sea every day and providing a home for myriads of sea life.

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Craigdarroch Castle with cherry blossom during springtime season. Photo by Shawn CCF
Craigdarroch Castle with cherry blossom during the spring season. Photo by Shawn CCF.

Published 2.27.2022 | Updated 3.20.2023

Thanks to its mild climate, Victoria boasts thousands of cherry blossom trees.

Typically, Victoria’s cherry blossoms begin to bloom by mid-February. The stunning display continues from February until May, creating pink archways throughout the city. The picturesque backdrops are just another reason to take advantage of the B.C. capital’s pedestrian-friendly streets — but you’ll want to see them before they’re gone.

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Horse-Drawn Carriage rides in Victoria BC
Carriage rides in Victoria BC

With the days growing longer and the weather turning from cold to sun-filled, the BC capital seems to wake up. Hanging baskets once again take their stand throughout the city. Foot traffic increases, though not so much as to be overwhelming. The longer days mean more time spent enjoying meals outdoors, exploring parks, and savoring views. 

Depending on who you ask, spring in Victoria may very well be the best time to visit. Discover 70-plus flower-filled, thrilling, and unique things to do in Victoria, BC, this spring. 

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Victoria BC Inner Harbour

When you have just a day to soak up the majestic beauty of Victoria, B.C., don’t let a second go to waste. Hit the streets. Immerse yourself in the culture. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want it on this photo walk.

While B.C.’s quaint capitol is filled with elegant history, it has also bloomed into a hub for tech-savvy, food-loving, craft-beer-drinking enthusiasts. So lace up your shoes and bring your appetite for this awe-inspiring adventure. 

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Mother and kids at Malahat Skywalk on Vancouver Island
Mother and kids at Malahat Skywalk
Thrilling, engaging, and educational — activities the whole family will love!

Throughout Vancouver Island, tidepools dot rocky coastlines and lush vineyards roll into wild forests. Gorgeous parks with finely manicured gardens stud urban centers. Historic landmarks offer tangible telescopes into the region’s past. Museums celebrate the area’s diverse cultures and habitats. 

Spanning roughly 12,000 square miles, you won’t find a character-filled, rollercoaster-laden kids’ fantasy world. Your family will find so much more. This remote British Columbia gem offers the chance to walk through tree canopies, sip tea like a royal, and play tag among the apple trees of an active cider distillery. 

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Best Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC with potatoes
Best Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC

Remarkable architecture, lush gardens, and a plethora of delectable eateries dishing up some of the best eggs Benedict you’ve ever had make Victoria a must-visit destination.

Dubbed the Brunch Capital of Canada, the B.C. capital’s blossoming food scene is home to some of the best egg-wielding chefs in the Pacific Northwest. When it comes to a breakfast-worthy getaway, eggs Benedict takes the plate. And, Victoria has Bennies (Victorian for eggs Benedict) in ready supply.

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kenmore air seaplane flying into victoria inner harbour
kenmore air flying into victoria inner harbour

While Victoria is closer to American soil than its British Columbia mainland, it feels a bit like traveling to Europe. (It’s 75 miles from the Emerald City and just 28 miles from the closest US town, Friday Harbor.) Sure, the watery border can make you think twice about the best way to get to Victoria BC. 

But if you know your options, getting there can be just as much fun as being there. The following outlines the six top ways to travel between this Vancouver Island metropolis and Washington’s high-tech hub. 

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Hiking at sunset. Photo by Destination BC and Hubert Kang
A couple on a hike during sunset at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Photo by Destination BC and Hubert Kang.
A couple on a hike during sunset at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Photo by Destination BC and Hubert Kang.

Thanks to its old-world elegance, walkable streets, and temperate weather — Victoria oozes romance. Here, mundane tasks, like grocery shopping, can feel like a date. But it’s not just the city’s day-to-day living that’s filled with couple-worthy activities. There’s an impressive selection of romantic things to do in Victoria, BC.

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raising a toast with beer by Giovanna Gomes
raising a toast by Giovanna Gomes

Originally Published March 28, 2019 | Updated January 10, 2023

Victoria may be best known for its afternoon tea and historical charm, but it’s also ground central for British Columbia’s craft beer revolution.

Beer has been brewed in Victoria longer than anywhere else in BC. This is thanks to William Steinberger, a German gent who moved to the city from San Francisco in 1859. Despite coming during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, Steinberger focused his sights on liquid gold — brewing beer to satiate the thirsty prospectors.

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