20 Things to Do in Victoria this Winter (2024)

Some might ask, “Why visit Victoria this winter?” But don’t let this northern gem fool you into thinking it has closed up shop. While the hanging baskets are stored for the season, there are still a plethora of fun things to do in Victoria this winter.

Sure, you’ll want to pack a good jacket. But don’t worry that exploring will put you at risk of frostbite, as it will throughout much of North America. The BC Capital is tucked at the edge of the Olympic Rain Shadow, making winters relatively mild and an early spring a common occurrence.

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Seattle to Victoria B.C. 

The fastest way to get from Seattle to Victoria B.C. is a scenic 45-minute flight from Lake Washington of Lake Union to Victoria Harbour Airport. Check-in is a breeze (without long lines and harried airport staff). Customs in Victoria is a simple affair, with friendly agents in an intimate setting. Just don’t forget your passport. They’re required for flying.

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Top Victoria BC Activities this Winter

1. Enjoy a Spa Day

From aromatic steam rooms and rejuvenating body scrubs to massaging waterfalls and breathtaking views, let your body relax and be restored. The collection of premier resort and day spas in Victoria B.C. and Vancouver Island is ideal for a relaxing getaway. 

2. Visit the Fairmont Empress

A renowned international landmark, the Fairmont Empress is tucked at the edge of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Reminiscent of a majestic castle, it has welcomed dignitaries and royalty from throughout the globe. The brick façade and slate roof seem to have been plucked from an Elizabethan novel. And during the winter, the wonderous décor and festive lights are hard to beat.

3. Watch the Waves

While Vancouver Island’s northernmost city, Tofino, has earned a reputation for its winter storm-watching, it’s far from the only destination to witness a dramatic roll of waves. The seasonal drama will often roar at Victoria’s stunning outlooks like Dallas Road, Ogden Point, and Esquimalt Lagoon.

4. Explore the Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum’s elaborate exhibits invite you to wander through time and immerse yourself in the past. In addition to its year-round exhibits showcasing the city’s history, it has attracted world-premiers like the museum’s current Stonehenge. Featuring 400+ ancient artifacts, it explores the history of the most mysterious and unique stone monuments in the world. 

5. Watch Bald Eagles Fly

Goldstream Provincial Park is a popular year-round destination thanks to its scenic hiking trails. But during the winter, when the salmon come back to spawn, the park becomes a veritable playground for eagle lovers. Attracted by the easy dinners, these stately birds are most prominent from early December through late January.

6. Take a Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride

Want to give your feet a break, while still exploring the city’s winter splendor? Tally-Ho Carriage Tour offers iconic sightseeing trips through Beacon Hill Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

One of the best places to grab a bite to eat any time of year, the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson is the city’s only year-round market. It’s housed in a former HC department store and has become a hub for communal gatherings, locally-owned restaurants, and artisans showcasing their handmade goods.

8. Gingerbread Showcase

Victoria’s annual Gingerbread Showcase is a veritable feast for your eyes and your nose. It features elaborate, edible displays created by both professional and amateur chefs. The 2023 showcase will be held at the Grand Hotel Pacific.

9. Wander Through The Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas

From carolers and ice skating to light displays and kid-friendly craft zones, The Butchart Gardens is a lot more than just elaborate flower displays during the winter. Their seasonal event — The Magic of Christmas — is a festive holiday tradition that can’t be beaten.

10. Sample Local Chocolate

Would it be a winter holiday celebration without indulging your sweet tooth? We think not. And, there’s no better way to do so than with a local favorite at Victoria’s iconic Rogers’ Chocolates. As Canada’s first chocolatier, they know how to make a great treat — especially their famous Victoria Cream!

11. Find a New Favorite Title at Munro’s Books

The soaring ceilings and expansive collection of titles at Munro’s Books make it the ideal place for a leisurely stroll out of the weather.

12. Feel Like Royalty at Craigdarroch Castle

Built in the late 1800s, Craigdarroch Castle has been carefully restored and maintained. It features 39 ornate rooms that make you feel like you stepped back in time as one of Victoria’s elite. Plus, during the winter, the castle embraces the season with festive décor and holiday tunes.

13. Delight in a Second Castle at Hatley Castle

If one castle is good, two is better. Considered one of the most Instagram-worthy destinations in Victoria, this stately castle features holiday decorations that will delight you.

14. Holiday Movie Night

Back by popular demand, Oak Bay Beach Hotel is offering Holiday Movie Nights! Guests will be treated to FARO Pizza dinner, followed by a holiday film in the David Foster Foundation Theater! What show are we most looking forward to? It’s hard to choose, but ELF on December 2, 2024, will be a riot of holiday laughter.

15. Tour the Parliament Buildings

Another Inner Harbor landmark is the Victoria Parliament Buildings. They feature a year-round light display, but during the winter, they get a bit of a holiday upgrade as the more than 3,000 lights receive some red and green flare.

16. Take a Historic Walk in Chinatown

Victoria is home to the second-oldest Chinatown in all of North America. And, it’s easy to explore on your own. Wander down Fan Tan Ally, which spans only a few feet in sections, to discover shops and restaurants tucked into quaint doorways. Stand beneath the Gates of Harmonious Interest and know you are protected by the statues on either side. Savor regional cuisine and more.

17. See the Festival of Trees

This yearly tradition has become Victoria’s unofficial kick-off to the holiday season. The Festival of Trees features a collection of decorated trees — each sponsored by a regional business or organization. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree and the funds raised are donated to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This year’s Victoria Festival of the Trees will be held at The Bay Centre.

18. Re-home a Gently Loved Book at Russel Books

Bookworms will delight at this three-story bookstore chock full of titles and knowledgeable staff. A collection of well-loved copies is stacked on book-laden shelves throughout the three-story bookstore. There are several cozy corners tucked within Russel Books where you can easily curl up and acquaint yourself with your new literary companion.

19. Make Breakfast an Affair in the Brunch Capital of Canada

In 2017, Food Network Canada officially named Victoria the Brunch Capital of Canada, and with good reason. The chefs in this quaint city have developed quite a reputation for egg-filled creations, namely Eggs Benedict. Known to locals as ‘Bennies,’ nearly every brunch menu will feature at least one Benny, if not several unique options.

20. Find the Perfect Gifts & Keepsakes

Thanks to Victoria’s impressive selection of unique shops and Canada’s favorable exchange rate, Victoria is a shoppers’ paradise — especially if you’re looking for a great holiday gift or keepsake. Get our insider guide on where to go.

More Fun Things to Do in Victoria