Victoria Inner Harbour Glowing

Vancouver Island Weekend Escape to Chateau Victoria

Victoria Inner Harbour

In the early 1840s, James Douglas, known as the Father of British Columbia, described his first visit to Victoria, “The place itself appears a perfect ‘Eden,’ in the midst of the dreary wilderness of the North West Coast…one might be pardoned for supposing it had dropped from the clouds into its present position.”

Douglas would have noticed the rich soil and the gentle topography. He would have likely been warmed by the sun-filled days that grace the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Along the shoreline, he would have found gentle inlets that lead to freshwater streams. 

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things to do in Victoria BC

Summer Weekend Getaway Guide: Victoria B.C.

Victoria BC

Victoria is just 25 miles from Port Angeles, the closest American shore. That’s 25 miles closer to America than its Canadian mainland. But the quaint British Columbia capital feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of US city life thanks to its walkable streets, historic architecture, and generally upbeat culture. 

Like its residents, its gardens tend to be bright and cheerful — thanks in large part to incredible Victoria BC weather patterns. Tucked within the Olympic Rainshadow, the small metropolitan hub gets 308 days a year with sunshine! So whether you’re looking for indoor activities or plenty of fresh air, there’s a wide variety of things to do in Victoria, BC. 

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restaurant dinner

Best Restaurants in Victoria, B.C. to Try (2024)

Restaurant

A West Coast gem, Victoria is often praised for its picturesque harbor, historic architecture, and tepid weather. But the food scene here is equally as enticing. And the city’s not without its culinary cred. 

The British Columbia capital is the scene of Canada’s first brewpub. The nation’s first chocolatier opened up shop along the cobblestone streets. It’s been recognized as one of the best places to enjoy high tea like a royal, is home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and its neighboring wine region has been not so silently earning attention. 

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top things to do in Victoria this summer

70 Things to Do in Victoria, BC this Summer (2024)

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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Victoria, B.C. Parliament Buildings

75 Things to do in Victoria, B.C. This Spring (2024)

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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pacific northwest

20 Things To Do In The Pacific Northwest

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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

Toast Worthy Cocktail Bars in Victoria BC

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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

Top Spa Resorts and Day Spas in Victoria and Vancouver Island

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

Victoria BC Holiday Shopping Guide

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

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Victoria, BC This Winter

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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