- May 12
- 4 min read

Unforgettable Experiences in Victoria, BC: Must-Dos for Every Visitor

Travel Destination: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

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

Victoria Harbour with sailboats and the Fairmont Empress — Fairmont Empress at the Harbour

Victoria, British Columbia, nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, beckons travelers with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Victoria offers a myriad of experiences that will leave a lasting impression. This is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by travelers visiting Vancouver. It is a day trip from Vancouver, but better yet, come for a getaway and stay a bit. Here are a few must-do activities to add to your itinerary when you travel to this charming city.

Whale jumping out of the water — Whale Watching

Whale Watching Tour

For your first trip to Victoria, you must go on an exhilarating whale-watching tour to witness the majesty of orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat. Several tour operators in Victoria offer guided excursions, taking you through the pristine waters of the Salish Sea. Keep your camera ready as you cruise past rugged coastlines and picturesque islands, soaking in the awe-inspiring sights.

Website: Prince of Whales Whale Watching
Cost: Prices vary depending on the duration and type of tour. Check the website for current rates.
Address: 812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3

Pro Tip 1: Make sure to take one with a whale guarantee. That doesn't mean you will see a whale but it usually means you will be give another opportunity for free or at a reduced cost with the tour provider.

Pro Tip 2: They do not all have private bathrooms so make sure it is an actual bathroom with privacy if you think you will need it. A zodiak may sound like fun until the coffee from breakfast kicks in.

Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress

Indulge in a time-honored tradition with an afternoon tea experience at The Fairmont Empress, a historic landmark overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour. Step into elegance as you savor an assortment of teas, freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries in the opulent surroundings of the hotel's Tea Lobby. Immerse yourself in the refined ambiance and Victorian charm of this iconic institution.

Website: The Fairmont Empress
Cost: Prices start at CAD $85 per person. Reservations are recommended.
Address: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5

Zip Line over the trees with a woman upside down. — Zip Line on Vancouver Island

Zip Line Adventure at Adrena LINE

Experience an adrenaline rush like no other with a zip-line adventure through the lush forests of Vancouver Island. Adrena LINE offers an exhilarating zip line tour that takes you soaring through the treetops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Feel the wind in your hair as you zip from platform to platform, experiencing the thrill of flight amidst the natural beauty of the temperate rainforest. While not technically in Victora, it is something to experience while on the Island.

Website: Adrena LINE
Cost: Prices vary depending on the tour package. Check the website for current rates.
Address: 5128C Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0E2

Craft Beer Flight — Craft Brewery Tours Abound in Victoria

Explore Victoria's Craft Beer Scene

Immerse yourself in Victoria's vibrant craft beer culture by embarking on a tasting tour of local breweries. With a plethora of breweries dotted throughout the city, you'll have the opportunity to sample a diverse range of handcrafted beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Join a guided brewery tour or create your own itinerary, exploring tasting rooms and brewpubs nestled in Victoria's charming neighborhoods. Victoria also offers many distilleries and wineries if beer is not your area of interest.

Website: Victoria Beer Society
Cost: Prices vary depending on the brewery and tasting options.
Address: Various locations throughout Victoria

Inner Harbour with boats and Fairmont Empress in background in Victoria BC Canada — Inner Harbour in Victoria BC

Walk Along the Inner Harbour

Take a stroll along Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour, where historic landmarks, bustling cafes, and vibrant street performers converge. Admire the iconic Parliament Buildings, snap photos of the colorful boats moored at the marina, watch the seaplanes come in for a water landing, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this waterfront promenade. Be sure to visit the Inner Harbour during the evening hours when the lights illuminate the area, creating a memorable and magical ambiance.

Website: Victoria's Inner Harbour
Cost: Free
Address: Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2

From exhilarating outdoor adventures to refined culinary experiences, Victoria, BC, offers a wealth of must-do activities for every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking thrills, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Victoria promises unforgettable experiences that will leave you longing to return. Make the most of your time in this enchanting city by using a travel advisor to assist you. With everything from caving, animal encounters, walking tours, gardens, and even mystery tours, you can choose to be busy or relax at the harbor with a cocktail and admire the view. Victoria has it all.

Vibrant Travel 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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Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.

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