A guide to Victoria – Vancouver’s cooler little cousin

Just a short flight or ferry ride from Vancouver, Victoria combines British Columbia’s natural beauty with a quieter, historic charm. From scenic bike trails and harbourside saunas to sustainable dining and landmark hotels, this capital city offers an immersive island escape with plenty to explore.

British Columbia, celebrated for its majestic mountains, ancient forests, coastal adventures, and rich Indigenous heritage, is often synonymous with the vibrant city of Vancouver. However, after enjoying a 30-minute scenic seaplane ride over the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island, visitors will find the historic capital city of Victoria, offering a captivating blend of urban charm and natural beauty. 

With its warm hospitality and unique island attractions, Victoria invites exploration, yet it remains overshadowed by its bustling neighbour. Also easily reached by ferry from Vancouver or Seattle or via Victoria International Airport, Greater Victoria is a vibrant region comprising several municipalities, provincial parks, and extensive multi-use paths while offering a delightful mix of dining and wildlife adventures. The charming seaside downtown, with its horse-drawn carriages and double-decker buses, evokes a historic British ambience, yet the city remains distinctly Canadian at heart.

Restaurants

Victoria’s downtown core embraces the iconic Victoria Harbourfront, a defining landmark of the city. Within walking distance of the waterfront are some of the province’s finest restaurants, offering exceptional dining experiences, indoors and out. 

Offering arguably the best views of the harbour, Aura Restaurant features a waterfront patio and specialises in fine West Coast dining. The menu highlights sustainably-sourced, farm-fresh ingredients, including the freshest seafood, for an unforgettable culinary experience. 

On the subject of farm-fresh ingredients, 10 Acres Farm and Restaurants uses its nearby farm to supply both 10 Acres COMMONS and 10 Acres Bistro + Bar, among others. 10 Acres COMMONS blends a modern, comfortable aesthetic with industrial accents, offering a community-focused space featuring sustainable seafood, organic produce, creative cocktails, and local craft beer. Just steps from the Inner Harbour, 10 Acres Bistro + Bar showcases the freshest Vancouver Island foods in a cozy garden courtyard, highlighting seafood, cheese, and farm-to-table produce. 

Nowhere A Restaurant works closely with small farms and fishermen to deliver an ever-changing tasting menu with optional wine pairings, ensuring a unique and locally-sourced dining experience. 

Nestled on the edge of Victoria’s storied Chinatown, Rabbit Rabbit is a new, charming wine bar with a menu that evolves with the seasons. French-Asian dishes with a British twist blend nostalgic flavours with innovative techniques, paired with an exceptional wine list. 

Breweries & distilleries

Canada is renowned as one of the world’s top exporters of wheat and barley, and a visit to British Columbia is incomplete without sampling its exceptional craft spirits and beers. Visitors should consider including the multi-award-winning Macaloney’s Island Distillery and Two Dogs Brewery in your itinerary, perfect for a post-hike or bike aprés. Spinnakers and Whistle Buoy Brewing are also worth visiting. For a curated experience, guided tastings are available via A Taste of Victoria Food Tours.

Biking & hiking

Victoria boasts hundreds of kilometres of bike paths, ranging from seaside trails to urban bike lanes. The Galloping Goose, a 55-kilometre former railroad line, is a standout multi-use trail offering breathtaking views of forests, farmland, and waterfronts as it connects various communities across lower Vancouver Island. To help navigate this, The Pedaler offers rentals and guided bike tours, including an Eat, Drink, Pedal Guided E-Bike Tour with A Taste of Victoria. 

One of the newest attractions on Vancouver Island is the Malahat SkyWalk, a 30-minute drive north of Downtown Victoria. Accessible via a free shuttle, the SkyWalk has been designed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape with environmental and Indigenous heritage interpretation. This elevated walkway winds through the treetops, culminating in a stunning spiral tower that provides panoramic vistas of the forests, mountains, and ocean.

Travellers wanting to stretch their legs further can consider a nearby or distant water adventure with South Island SUP or Vancouver Island Hikes, Bites + Beer – there are also several nearby adventures easily accessible by car. Travellers can explore the breathtaking Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and the distinctive Sooke Potholes, discover the enchanting old-growth forest walk at Port Renfrew’s Avatar Grove and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Goldstream Provincial Park.

For a hike right in Victoria with outstanding views, there’s Mount Douglas (PKOLS), while Jocelyn Hill offers spectacular vistas in the Highlands region/Gowland Tod Provincial Park. Access via Caleb Pike is recommended, though parking is limited, so visitors are advised to arrive early. More walking guide ideas can be found at Hiking Vancouver Island and Take A Walk with Tourism Victoria. 

Cultural tours

Kelp Reef offers sea kayak tours, and whale-watching tours are on offer with Eagle Wing Tours – both offer more than just a chance to get out on the water and see wildlife. With a foundation in conservation, these tours connect visitors to the rich biodiversity of BC’s West Coast, emphasising its ecological importance and deep cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples who have cherished these lands and waters since time immemorial. 

Also in Victoria Harbour, the new Indigenous Placemaking art by local Songhees artists at the Inner Harbour Marina offers a unique cultural experience. Complementing this, the Songhees Nation provides engaging tourism programs, including cultural tours and guided canoe tours in the harbour, updated each spring and summer. To further explore Indigenous culture, the Royal BC Museum’s First Peoples Gallery is a must-visit, offering profound insights into the heritage and traditions of Indigenous communities in the region. 

Relax

After an invigorating workout on foot or wheels, HAVN Saunas offers an unforgettable waterfront wellness retreat. Perched on a reclaimed barge in Victoria Harbour, this spa offers a truly distinctive urban experience with pools, saunas, and loungers, all set against unbeatable views.

The Fairmont Empress

When in Victoria, there’s no going past the most iconic hotel on Vancouver Island – the Fairmont Empress. Perched majestically on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, this historic landmark has been a symbol of elegance and grandeur for over a century. Known as the “Castle on the Coast,” the Fairmont Empress combines old-world charm with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for its guests. Its prime waterfront location provides breathtaking views of the bustling harbour and is home to several world-class dining options, including the award-winning Q at the Empress. Guests can also experience the famous Afternoon Tea at the Empress, a cherished tradition that has been delighting visitors for decades. Also Biosphere Certified, The Fairmont Empress is committed to sustainability through Fairmont’s Planet 21 program, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.