top things to do in Victoria this summer
Victoria BC summer activities

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, walkable streets, and preserved historical elegance — this compact urban hub is rife with things to do. While Victoria’s mild climate lends it to year-round exploring, the city shines during the summer — and not just in the picturesque downtown, where floatplanes land in the harbor and whale watching tours depart.

The rich diversity of British Columbia’s capital glows among its neighborhoods, stretching up the coast and into the interior of Vancouver Island. It is a captivating mix of cultures, from Canadian and First Nations to Chinese and European. Castles. Wineries. Totems. Wildlife. Views. There are more than 70 unique and exciting things to do in Victoria this summer (and throughout all of Vancouver Island)! So whether you make it a Victoria day trip, weekend or extended stay, you’re sure to have fun.

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British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Victoria BC. by Shawn CCF
BC Parliament Buildings. Victoria BC. by Shawn CCF

Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, Canada, is a picturesque destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the quaint city boasts a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. 

A haven for nature enthusiasts, Victoria is surrounded by lush gardens, including the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. Additionally, the temperate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities that range from exploring scenic parks and hiking trails to enjoying water sports along the coastline. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its emphasis on maintaining a healthy balance between urban living and natural beauty.

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Victoria, B.C. Parliament Buildings
Carriage rides in Victoria BC

As the days grow longer and the weather turns from cold to sun-filled, the BC capital wakes 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 75 flower-filled, thrilling, and unique things to do in Victoria, BC, this spring. 

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Mineral Pools at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Oak Bay Beach Hotel Mineral Pools

There is a reason Victoria remains one of the most romantic and refreshing destinations on the West Coast. Its coastal views and temperate weather offer an elegant reprieve from the drizzle that often plagues the Greater Seattle area. Historic charm abounds in the BC Capital, as does a thriving food scene that’s rooted in farm-to-table cuisine. Here, a commitment to whole-body wellness is matched with an often unmentioned friendliness. It’s a dynamic combo that has made Victoria a haven for those looking to rest and refresh. And no place speaks to this epic sense of retreat more than the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. 

Voted #7 Hotel in Western Canada by the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, Oak Bay Beach Hotel in British Columbia offers the ultimate wellness weekend experience. 

And what’s more, it doesn’t take all day to reach with a convenient, direct flight to Victoria Inner Harbour or Victoria International Airport. Kenmore Air also provides service from San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor Marina direct to Victoria Inner Harbour!

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pacific northwest
PNW Mountains by Kalen Emsley

There are hills to hike, waterfalls to explore, and plates of eggs Benedict to devour. This is your ultimate Pacific Northwest travel bucket list. And, it’s just in time for kicking off the New Year!

It’s loaded with seaside cocktails, DIY brewery tours, and can’t-miss donuts. It features remote fishing destinations, sea-to-table cuisine, and some of the most Instagram-worthy spots around.

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Wind Cries Mary Bar in Victoria BC
Wind Cries Mary Bar

There’s a plethora of swanky cocktail bars in Victoria BC worthy of their elegant hometown. Whether you’re celebrating the New Year or just raising a toast to another day, these sip-worthy destinations don’t disappoint. 

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Oak Bay Mineral Pool
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Arguably the most popular space at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel isn’t the hotel itself. Rather it’s the three heated mineral pools that were custom-designed beside the water. Photo provided by Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

From aromatic steam rooms and rejuvenating body scrubs to massaging waterfalls and breathtaking views, let your body relax and be restored at these premier resort and day spas in Victoria BC and Vancouver Island.

Want to unwind during the busy holiday season? Are you looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway? Do you want to soak and massage away the winter blues? Whether you’re looking to give your healthcare regime a spruce, your mind and body a dose of TLC, or all the above, a spa-focused getaway is just the thing.

The following selection features the best spa resorts and day spas in Victoria and Vancouver Island. Because you deserve a getaway that lets you rest, rejuvenate and return home ready for whatever life holds. 

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shopping during the holidays in victoria bc
happy couple shopping during the holidays

Though Victoria offers all kinds of big city perks like high-tech WiFi and a thriving food scene, this quaint capital has maintained its small-town charm – which makes it an ideal destination for stress-free holiday shopping. With an impressively high walkability score and a collection of eateries perfect to take a rest, you’ll have as much finding gifts this season as giving them. 

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Victoria BC Inner Harbour
Victoria BC Inner Harbour

History, elegance, and kindness: a timeless recipe, readily available in British Columbia’s quaint capital. Nestled at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC is closer to America than its own mainland. But don’t let its proximity to the USA fool you — it’s rife with old-world charm and cultural diversity. Comfort abounds in this urban jewel, where a temperate climate offers strollable streets and a seasonal bounty that spans all four seasons. 

Maximize your time by catching a direct flight to Victoria’s Inner Harbor or Victoria International Airport.

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The Magic of Christmas Lights Display. Photo Provided by The Butchart Gardens
The Magic of Christmas. Photo Provided by The Butchart Gardens
The Magic of Christmas. Photo Provided by The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens didn’t earn its rank among the top display gardens in the world during the cool months of winter. But should you happen to be in Victoria, the quaint British Columbia capital at the southern tip of Vancouver Island during the dormant ‘off-season,’ The Gardens are well worth a visit.

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