- May 12
- 4 min read

Discovering Victoria, BC: A Guide to Must-See Sites

Destination: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Great for: Honeymooners, Couples, Families, Solo Travelers, Groups, City Breaks, and Getaways

Parliament Buidling on the Harbour in Victoria BC — Parliament Building on the Harbour in Victoria BC

Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, Canada, is a haven for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From stunning gardens to historic landmarks, Victoria offers a variety of must-see sites that cater to various interests. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, foodie, or art lover, here are some essential destinations to explore during your visit to Victoria.

Buchart Gardens on Vancouver Island — Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island

Butchart Gardens

Nestled on Vancouver Island, and roughly 45 minutes from Victoria. The Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned horticultural paradise spanning 55 acres. Established in the early 1900s, these meticulously landscaped gardens showcase a stunning array of flora throughout the year. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Sunken Garden, each offering its own unique charm. Don't miss the evening illumination during the summer months, which transforms the gardens into a magical light-filled wonderland. Transportation from Victoria is relatively easy by shuttle, bus, taxi, or take a tour.

Website: Butchart Gardens
Cost: Admission rates vary by season. Check the website for current pricing.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8

Royal BC Museum

Immerse yourself in British Columbia's rich cultural and natural history at the Royal BC Museum. This award-winning museum features captivating exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts that offer insight into the region's past. From exploring First Nations (Original Inhabitants of Canada) history to marveling at the life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures in the Natural History Gallery, there's something for everyone at this educational institution. I was lucky enough to see an exhibition of Tutankhamun (AKA King Tut) during my last visit to Victoria.

Website: Royal BC Museum
Cost: Admission rates vary. Check the website for current pricing.
Address: 675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2

Craigdarroch Castle

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Craigdarroch Castle is a Victorian-era mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the late 19th century. The castle was built by the coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. This National Historic Site features intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and period furnishings that transport visitors back in time. Explore the castle's four floors, including the tower with panoramic views of Victoria and the surrounding area.

Website: Craigdarroch Castle
Cost: Admission rates vary by age and season. Check the website for current pricing.
Address: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5

Beacon Hill Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Beacon Hill Park, a tranquil oasis spanning over 200 acres. This urban green space offers a myriad of attractions, including manicured gardens, scenic walking trails, and recreational facilities. Highlights of the park include the charming petting zoo, the iconic Beacon Hill Children's Farm, and the picturesque Cameron Bandshell, where outdoor concerts are held during the summer months.

Website: Beacon Hill Park
Cost: Admission is free.
Address: 100 Cook St, Victoria, BC V8V 3X9

Parliament Building in Victoria BC with a horse drawn carriage in front of the building — Parliament Building in Victoria BC

Parliament Buildings

Dominating the city's skyline, and beautiful at night, the Parliament Buildings are a symbol of Victoria's political significance as the capital of British Columbia. Take a guided tour of these iconic landmarks to marvel at the grand architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and historical artifacts housed within. Don't miss the impressive Legislative Chamber, where legislative debates and proceedings take place.

Website: BC Parliament Buildings
Cost: Guided tours are free. Check the website for tour schedules.
Address: 501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 2L8

Whether you're exploring lush gardens, delving into history, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Victoria, BC, offers countless must-see sites that promise to enchant and inspire visitors of all ages. For a short stay these are the top sites but I recommend you stay a bit longer to experience more of Victoria and Vancouver Island. This article covered the must see sites but there is so much more to experience when visiting this charming city.

Vibrant Travel owner in front of gondolas in venice — Tina Vestal, Owner and Trusted Advisor at Vibrant Travel

At Vibrant Travel, I research, plan, and book vacations for busy travelers, couples, and groups looking for authentic experiences in Europe and beyond. As a trusted advisor, I take your trip seriously and take the confusion of travel planning, the overwhelm of group organization, and hours of searching online off your plate. Using my knowledge of the locations, trusted vendors, and experiences I create a vacation you will love without the hassles, time, and stress of planning it yourself. Best of all, I only work with vetted vendors who provide the highest quality services.

I specialize in all of Europe with an emphasis on select destinations that you might find on your bucket list; Ireland, Iceland, and Italy. In addition, each year I add trips to cross off your bucket list like Japan, S. Korea, Austria, Kenya, and South Africa to name a few.

The vacations I plan are the vacations I love to take so I can offer you experiences and places you may not have even considered but ones that will create memories that last forever.

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