10 Unexpected Ways to Explore Victoria, BC

Victoria is more than picturesque streets, historic architecture, and waterfront views. For today’s traveller, the most memorable trips aren’t measured by the number of attractions visited, they’re defined by a sense of place in the destination. How an experience makes you feel, how it connects you to where you’re visiting and how it allows you to slow down and immerse yourself in the world around you.

Whether you’re seeking wellness, culinary discovery, Indigenous culture, or hands-on creativity, Victoria offers countless ways to learn, see and experience. From paddling alongside First Nations guides to foraging for seaweed with a marine biologist, these experiential activities reveal a side of Victoria that many visitors never see.

If you’re planning your next stay at Magnolia Hotel & Spa, here are some of the most unique experiences to add to your Victoria itinerary.

Discover Victoria’s Indigenous History with Songhees Tours

Few experiences offer a deeper understanding of Victoria than a tour with Songhees Tours, the only Indigenous-owned and operated tour company in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Led by Lekwungen hosts and supported by community Elders, guests can choose from immersive canoe journeys or guided walking tours that explore the traditional territory of the Lekwungen Peoples. Every experience is rooted in authenticity, cultural protocols, and storytelling that connects visitors to thousands of years of history.

Rather than simply seeing Victoria’s famous harbour, you’ll experience it through the eyes of the people who have called these shores home since time immemorial.

Perfect for: Culture seekers, history lovers, and travellers looking for meaningful local experiences.

Slow Down with Forest Bathing in Beacon Hill Park

Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is to simply be present.

Hidden Victoria offers guided Forest Bathing experiences through the tranquil landscapes of Beacon Hill Park. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, these two-hour walks encourage mindfulness, connection with nature, and a slower pace.

Along the way, guests enjoy locally wildcrafted herbal tea and a locally made treat while reconnecting with the natural world. Even better, the experience is designed to be accessible for guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Perfect for: Wellness enthusiasts, couples, solo travellers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect during their visit.

Deepen Your Appreciation for Tea at JagaSilk

Victoria’s tea culture runs deeper than afternoon tea.

At JagaSilk, located in Nootka Court beside the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, curious travellers can explore the art and science of tea through intimate workshops and educational clinics. Depending on the season, classes may include:

• Matcha preparation and tasting
• Loose leaf tea brewing techniques
• Kombucha making
• Tea appreciation seminars

Whether you’re a longtime tea enthusiast or simply looking to learn something new, these workshops offer a unique way to connect with one of the world’s oldest traditions.

Perfect for: Tea enthusiasts, lifelong learners, food and beverage lovers, and travellers seeking a peaceful indoor experience.

Taste Victoria on a Walking Food Tour

Victoria has become one of Canada’s premier culinary destinations, and one of the best ways to experience it is on foot.

Off the Eaten Track offers guided and self-guided food tours that introduce visitors to local cafés, artisan producers, restaurants, and hidden culinary gems throughout downtown.

With multiple guided itineraries, self-guided options, and private experiences available, there’s a tour suited for every appetite.

Along the way, you’ll discover why Victoria’s farm-to-table philosophy and vibrant local food scene continue to earn national recognition.

Perfect for: Foodies, first-time visitors, groups of friends, and anyone wanting to discover Victoria’s culinary scene beyond the guidebooks.

Recharge with Float Therapy

Looking for the ultimate reset?

FloatHouse Victoria offers flotation therapy sessions where guests float effortlessly in over 1,000 litres of warm water enriched with Epsom salts. The high buoyancy removes pressure from the body, creating a sensation of weightlessness while encouraging deep relaxation.

Many guests describe floating as one of the most restorative wellness experiences they’ve ever tried, perfect after a day of sightseeing or before settling into a restful evening.

Perfect for: Spa lovers, wellness seekers, busy professionals, and travellers looking to completely unwind after a day of exploring.

Explore Victoria’s Haunted History

Victoria’s streets are filled with fascinating stories, some more mysterious than others.

Join Discover the Past for one of their popular ghost walks or historical tours and uncover the city’s hidden history through captivating storytelling led by knowledgeable local history enthusiasts.

Whether you’re intrigued by Victorian-era mysteries, famous residents, or forgotten landmarks, these walking tours reveal a side of the city that guidebooks often miss.

Perfect for: History buffs, curious travellers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.

Forage Along the Coast with a Marine Biologist

Victoria’s coastline is an incredible outdoor classroom.

Join marine biologist Amanda Swinimer of Dakini Tidal Wilds for an unforgettable guided seaweed tour through the intertidal zone. During this immersive experience, you’ll learn how to identify edible seaweeds, discover the ecology of the shoreline, and gain a greater appreciation for the incredible biodiversity found along Vancouver Island’s coast.

It’s a fascinating experience for food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the ocean.

Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts, adventurous travellers, food lovers, photographers, and anyone curious about Vancouver Island’s coastal ecosystems.

Learn New Culinary Skills with Chef Heidi Fink

Take a piece of Victoria home with you by learning to cook like a local.

Celebrated chef Heidi Fink offers hands-on cooking classes featuring cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re interested in Mediterranean dishes, baking, seasonal cooking, or international flavours, classes are designed for home cooks of all skill levels.

Private classes are also available for groups looking to celebrate a special occasion together.

Perfect for: Home cooks, couples, food lovers, small groups, and travellers looking to bring a taste of Victoria home with them.

Connect with Local Artists at Gage Gallery

Victoria’s creative community is thriving, and Gage Gallery offers one of the city’s most welcoming artistic spaces.

Home to 22 contemporary local artists, the gallery features rotating exhibitions every few weeks, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Visitors can browse paintings, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media while chatting directly with the artists exhibiting their work.

Those looking for a more immersive experience can participate in monthly workshops where artists share techniques and creative inspiration in an approachable, hands-on setting.

It’s a wonderful way to support local artists while creating your own memorable experience in Victoria.

Perfect for: Art lovers, creative travellers, collectors, rainy-day explorers, and anyone looking to meet local artists and discover Victoria’s thriving arts community.

Explore Victoria at Your Own Pace with Magnolia’s Curated Trails

Some of Victoria’s best experiences are self-guided.

Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s Curated Trails help guests explore the region through thoughtfully designed itineraries based on their interests.

Whether you’re looking for:

• Scenic cycling routes
• Beautiful beaches
• Craft cocktail stops
• Local tapas bars
• Boutique shopping
• Vancouver Island wine tasting

Our curated guides make it easy to discover both the city and the surrounding region.

For guests wanting to venture beyond downtown, our Flavour Trails highlight exceptional wineries, restaurants, and producers throughout the Cowichan Valley, Sooke, and the Saanich Peninsula, showcasing some of Vancouver Island’s most celebrated culinary destinations.

Perfect for: Independent travellers, returning visitors, couples, and guests looking to experience Victoria like a local with thoughtfully curated itineraries.

Stay at the Centre of Victoria’s Most Memorable Experiences

One of the greatest advantages of staying at Magnolia Hotel & Spa is that many of Victoria’s most unique experiences begin just steps from our front door. Whether you’re exploring the Inner Harbour by canoe, sampling local cuisine on a walking tour, or unwinding after a day of adventure, you’ll return to the comfort of boutique luxury in the heart of downtown Victoria.

Because the best way to experience Victoria isn’t simply to see it, it’s to truly connect with it.

Ready to plan your next Victoria getaway? Explore our curated local guides and let our knowledgeable team help you discover experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.