The city of Victoria sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, which is the largest of British Columbia's 6,500 islands. Victoria is a beautiful cosmopolitan city with a small-town atmosphere. It serves as the capital city of British Columbia and the seat of provincial government. "The Garden City" as it is known, is a year-round tourism destination that reflects its First Nations and British history in heritage buildings and totem poles alike. The picturesque Inner Harbour and downtown core are bustling with colour and charm.
Things to do in Victoria
Abkhazi Gardens
TLC/The Land Conservency of B.C. - The Gardens is said to be one of Canada's most significant garden creations. Created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in the mid to late-1940s and maintained and improved by them throughout their life together, the garden features native Garry oaks, ornamental evergreens, significant rhododendrons, rock and alpine plants, naturalized bulbs, and good examples of Japanese Maples and weeping conifers. The Land Conservancy of British Columbia is coordinating a drive to raise funds and save Abkhazi Garden for future generations. Open March 1 - September 30 Wednesday - Sunday & holidays 1 - 5pm; Find Best Western Victoria lodging nearby. Call 250-598-8096 for more information.
1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC
All Fun Waterslides & Recreation Park
This is the largest waterslide complex on Vancouver Island. This popular Victoria attraction features batting cages, go-karts, miniature golf, driving range, RV Park and auto race track. Call for hours and prices Call 250-474-3184 for more information.
2207 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC
Anonsen Artwork
This art gallery/studio features drawings, paintings, sculptures and prints by Victor Anonsen and friends. All items shown at the Gallery are for sale. The artist will be in-store making his eclectic creations.
102 321 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Open daily in the historic neighbourhood of Rockland and just a short walk from town, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is home to B.C.'s largest public art collection. Featuring one of Canada's leading Asian collections, including an original Japanese Shinto Shrine located outside in their quaint Asian Garden, and extensive works by Emily Carr. Exhibitions range from Asian, historical and Canadian art, and engaging contemporary. Gallery Shop features an impressive array of art, pottery, scarves, jewelry and much more from local artists and artisans. Open Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm; Thursday 10am - 9pm; closed Christmas Day, Good Friday & Remembrance Day. Call 250-384-4101 for more information.
1040 Moss Street, Victoria, BC
B.C. Aviation Museum
Hangar facilities with 20 vintage aircraft; separate Memorial Room with artifacts dedicated to the two Great Wars. Selected aircraft under restoration every Thursday. Open daily summer 10am - 4pm; winter 11am - 3pm; admission is charged. Call 250-655-3300 for more information.
1910 Norseman Road, Victoria, BC
Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, a fifty-five acre wonderful floral display, offers spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. In 1904, Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of Portland cement at Tod Inlet on Vancouver Island. Today you will see the results of her venture that spans 100 years and delights visitors from all over the world. You will see the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world. Call 866-652-4422 for more information.
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Victoria, BC
Butterfly World
Stroll amidst hundreds of exotic butterflies flying free in an indoor tropical rainforest. Witness the entire life cycle of these amazing insects. Our spectacular flowering plants and foliage, fascinating birds, waterfalls and stream all contribute to make this a photographer's paradise and a truly memorable experience for the entire family. Open March 15 - November 1, 7 days a week 10am - 5pm; April & October 10am - 4pm. Located in nearby Coombs. Call 250-248-7026 for more information.
Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum
Exhibits at this Museum include WWI & WWII memorabilia, regalia, army artifacts, photo collection and library. The Museum is open June - August Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 3pm; September – May Thursday 8pm -10pm; admission is by donation. Call 250-363-8753 for more information.
Carr House
This is the 1871 birthplace of Emily Carr, one of Canada's foremost artists and authors. The residence has been partially restored to reflect its appearance in the 1890s, to include period rooms, a variety of rotating exhibits, gift shop and many reproductions of Carr's works. Costumed interpreters are on hand to assist you on your personal tour of Emily's childhood home. Open May 19 – October 12 daily 10am - 5pm. Call 250-383-5843 for more information.
207 Government Street, Victoria, BC
Centre of the Universe
This new interpretive centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory lets you treat yourself to spectacular views of Victoria and the Cosmos! Our interactive exhibits and talented staff will introduce you to the amazing world of astronomy. Tour the awesome 1.8 metre Plaskett Telescope or try one of our fascinating interactive exhibits. Travel the constellations in our Starlab Planetarium; experience a special theatre presentation- the Falling Asteroid Blues, the Backpacker’s Guide to the Universe, or another one of our entertaining multimedia shows. Take part in one of our family-friendly special events, like our Saturday Star Parties or Stargazer Sundays.
5071 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC
CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum
This Museum charts the maritime history of the naval base at Esquimalt. Displays include recreations of a WWII shipboard mess deck, communications room and wheelhouse. Located in a National Historic District, the museum is housed in a complex of distinguished brick buildings designed by prominent Victoria architect, John Teague. Erected in the late 19th century as a hospital, the complex now showcases the heritage of the military presence on, and defense of, Vancouver Island. Self-guided walking tours are offered year-round; guided tours of the museum by arrangement. Open Monday – Friday 10am - 3:30pm; closed weekends and statutory holidays. Admission is charged. Call 250-363-4312 for more information.
Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum
This Victorian mansion was built from 1887-1890 for Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, Scottish immigrants who made their fortune from Vancouver Island coal. Today it is a National Historic Site and Craigdarroch features an extensive collection of stained and leaded glass windows, magnificent woodwork, Victorian furnishings and decorative arts. Self guided tours – beware there are 87 stairs with no elevators on site! Open daily June 15 - Labour Day 9am - 7pm; Labour Day - June 14 10am - 4:30pm.
1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC
Crystal Garden Conservation Area
This world renowned Conservation Centre is set in the historic Crystal Garden. The glass domed building features over 40,000 square feet of exotic plants and animals. As you enter our conservatory, let your senses marvel at the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Hundreds of tropical plants line the meandering paths that lead to discoveries of brightly coloured parrots, playful lemurs, koi ponds, tropical butterflies, coral flamingos, and pygmy marmosets. The Conservation Centre is part of the "Global Endangered Species Program" and is home to over 200 animals. Call 250-953-8815 for more information.
713 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
Discover the Past / Ghostly Walks
Explore Victoria year round on Discovery Walks and Ghostly Walks. These popular walking tours were developed by John Adams, local historian, author and TV host of Creepy Canada. In summer, tours are scheduled every day; in fall, winter and spring they are on weekends only. Specializing in fascinating history and ghost stories. Call 250-384-6698 for more information.
634 Battery Street, Victoria, BC
Discovery Station
Discovery Station is a local artist workspace & gallery featuring local arts of different mediums, metal designs, candle works, soap works, tile works, garden accessories, gourmet coffee bar & our own Discovery Recording Studio for musicians. Call 250-389-6182 for more information.
526 Discovery Street, Victoria, BC
Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
A National Historic Site, this former military site features gun batteries that were built to protect the Royal Navy base at Esquimalt Harbour. The lighthouse was built in 1860 and the Fort was built from 1895 – 1900; in operation to 1956. The 44 acre site offers self-guided tours with interpretive signs, audio stations, and audio-visual programs. The Fisgard Lighthouse exhibit area includes artifacts and display panels. Open daily March 1 - October 31 10am - 5:30pm; November 1 - February 28 9am - 4:30pm; Call 250-478-5849 for more information.
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria, BC
Galey Farms
Located only minutes from downtown, our third generation family farm grows over 50 varieties of vegetables and berries to perfection due to our rich soils, compost and integrated pest management. The Scarecrow Country Maze is now one of Canada's leading mazes. Our special effects team is building a new ghost town, flower gardens, ponds, bridges, more scarecrow exhibits than ever and the new cave exhibits for you to explore. We also feature a large petting farm and field tours. The maze opens and is best in July and runs through the summer. Call 250-477-5713 for more information.
4150 Blenkinsop Road, Victoria, BC
Great Canadian Casinos
This is Victoria's first choice for gaming fun and entertainment. The 32,000 square foot Casino features 300 of your favourite slot machines including Wheel of Fortune, Little Green Men, Monopoly and the popular "Race to Win" Car Carousel where lucky winners drive home in a brand new car. Card lovers can try their hand at exciting table games like Blackjack, Roulette and Three Card Poker. For great ambience, friendly fun and an exciting atmosphere, come to Great Canadian Casinos. Open 10am – 4am daily. Call 250-391-0311 for more information.
1708 Old Island Highway, Victoria, BC
Harbour Street Dinner Theatre Company
Offering great fun and terrific food, the Harbour Street Dinner Theatre is Victoria's only year round Dinner Theatre. Operating February - December with three different productions each year. Please contact us for performance schedule and ticket pricing. Call 250-389-1442 for more information.
205 1201 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC
Hatley Park Castle & Museum
Discover the Castle and formal Italian, Japanese and English Rose gardens found on this 650 acre estate. The museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the site from the days when the property was a Coastal Salish Indian burial site to the present time when it is home to the campus of Royal Roads University. Tours are given for both the Castle/Garden and Museum daily June - Labour Day; September – May Monday – Friday.
2005 Sooke Road, Victoria, BC
Helmcken House
This is B.C.'s oldest house that still sits on its original site. An entertaining stereo taped tour is narrated by the walls of the house and voices of family members bring to life Canadian history of the West Coast. Learn how B.C. joined Canada; explore "Grandfather's Attic"; marvel at one of Canada's most complete collections of medical instruments. Open daily May - October 10am - 5pm Call 250-361-0021 for more information.
Heritage Acres/Saanich Historical Artifacts Society
The Society collects, restores, houses, displays and demonstrates artifacts telling the story of farming, country life and industry on early Vancouver Island. This village setting lets you wander through the site to see the various artifacts that are displayed in the museum buildings. The 29-Acre Site also features nature trails, picnic areas and park land. Open daily June 1 - Sept 30 9:30am - 4pm; October – May 9:30am - 12noon. Admission is by donation. Call 250-652-5522 for more information.
7321 Lochside Drive, Victoria, BC
Horticultural Centre of the Pacific
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific includes over five acres of gardens on a 103 acre site in Saanich, just outside Victoria. Set in a conservation park with nature trails, wetlands and bird watching sites; Victoria's mild pacific winters allow for year round gardening. Tour the Winter Garden, Japanese style Takata Garden, Zen Garden, rhododendron garden, heather garden and trial dahlia garden. Enjoy the wonderful perennial borders, lilies, hardy fuchsias and herbs. Call 250-479-6162 for more information.
505 Quayle Road, Victoria, BC
Intrepid Theatre
The theatre produces alternative theatre & two popular international theatre festivals, The Victoria Fringe Festival (summer) & the Uno Festival of Solo Performance (spring).
201 1110 Government Street, Victoria, BC
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Western Canada's oldest Maritime museum is located in an 1889 heritage building in Victoria's historic Bastion Square. Travel back in time to the days of pirates, shipwrecks, exploration and discovery. Call 250-385-4222 for more information.
28 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC
Miniature World
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in downtown Victoria. You will find over 80 exciting miniature displays including the World's Smallest Operational Sawmill, two of the World's Largest Doll Houses (circa 1880), the Great Canadian Railway, and the Wonderful World of the Circus, the Enchanted Valley of Castles and Space 2201 AD. Further adventures, tiny treasures and little pleasures await all who continue into Frontier Land, Fantasy Land, the Fields of Glory, the World of Dickens and Olde London Towne of 1670. Call 250-385-9731 for more information.
649 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
National Geographic IMAX Theatre
The National Geographic Theatre is located in Victoria, BC. Our 406 seat theatre features the 2-D IMAX Experience; with a projected area more than 6 stories high and 70 feet wide, up to 10 times larger than conventional screens, filling the viewer's entire field of vision. The theatre gives you the most powerful and involving film experience, bringing images to life with 12,000 watts of IMAX Digital surround sound. See great presentations such as the Journey Into Amazing Caves, Blue Planet, Alaska, Mysteries of Egypt and more. Please call for show times and pricing. Call 250-953-IMAX for more information.
675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
Pacific Undersea Gardens
Go Deep in Victoria's Inner Harbour where you will see the Live Dive Show in our exclusive Undersea Theatre on the bottom of the sea! Visitors can descend to the lower level display area of the vessel, 5 meters (15 feet) beneath the ocean, to watch a variety of marine plants and animals. You will find more than 5,000 animals of different species inhabiting the aquariums around the vessel in a natural but protected environment. Call 250-382-5717 for more information.
490 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
Point Ellice House
Point Ellice House is a National Historic Site located in Victoria, BC. This heritage house (and its gardens) was the family home of the O'Reilly's for 110 years. Over 12,000 original artifacts. Afternoon tea on the lawn. Call 250-380-6506 for more information.
2616 Pleasant Street, Victoria, BC
Royal British Columbia Museum
Come and discover this wonderful museum and its famous First Peoples, Natural History and Modern History Galleries. Walk through a rainforest, view animals on West Coast beaches and in tidal wetlands. Sit among aboriginal ceremonial poles and masks, walk through a longhouse, learn of native people's struggles after European settlement and the contemporary culture of the Nisga'a people. Enjoy an extensive display of Haida Argillite carving. Sail through the HMS Discovery, the ship that brought Captain Vancouver to these shores, "slosh" through a fish canning factory, explore the dark world of mining and the dangerous world of logging. Open daily 9am - 5pm; open until 6:30pm July 10 - October 31; IMAX films are shown hourly 10am - 8pm; closed Christmas Day & New Year's Day. Call 250-356-7226 for more information.
675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
Royal London Wax Museum
From royalty to rogues and the renowned, "they seem alive" in the mystical, magical world of wax. Recently added features include a replica of Britain's Coronation Chair, the Event of the 20th Century, and the Woman of the 20th Century. The world of wax is open daily Call 250-388-4461 for more information.
470 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC
St. Ann’s Academy
This building was first constructed in 1871 with additions in 1886 and 1910. It was originally used as a schoolhouse and convent; in later years as offices. The building has recently been restored. The chapel is open for public viewing and an interpretive centre is under development. Open during summer daily10am - 4pm; winter please call for times. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Call 250-953-8828 for more information.
835 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
Theatre Inconnu / Shakespeare Festival Theatre
Inconnu is Victoria's longest producing alternative theatre company that specializes in innovative approaches to the classics and produce a high profile annual summer Shakespeare Festival. Company shows have toured across Canada and several times to Europe. Call 250-360-0234 for more information.
Victoria Bug Zoo
Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. A visit to this zoo offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with live giant walking sticks, alien-eyed praying mantis, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name just a few. The latest concept in environmental education and entertainment, the Zoo features exotic insects, spiders and other arthropods from around the world. Exhibits change regularly; lots of fun for the whole family. Gift shop features specialty honeys, souvenirs, and educational toys. Fee for admission to exhibits. Call 250- 384-2847 for more information.
631 Courtney Street, Victoria, BC
Victoria Chinatown Walking Tours
Step through the gate of harmonious interest for an unforgettable walking tour of Canada's Oldest Chinatown. Victoria's Chinatown was the stopover, playground, and temporary home for prospectors and adventurers during the heydey of the 1858 West Coast Gold Rush. At its height, Victoria's Chinatown had about 3,500 permanent Chinese residents! Call 250-383-7317 for more information.
Victoria Harbour Ferry Co.
The Harbour Ferry is world renowned for its bustling traffic and unique waterways. Victoria Harbour Ferry tours are known for their friendly skippers and fun, informative tours. Hop aboard one of our little ferries and see Victoria from the water. Look for our "Ferry Stop" signs at major waterfront locations around the harbour. Call 250-708-0201 for more information.
453 Head Street, Victoria, BC