Fall & Winter
Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada, as it is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island which is a temperate sub-Mediterranean climate zone. With moderate temperatures and an average of 308 days with sunshine, it is among the sunniest cities in Canada.
Fall usually arrives later in September, with fall colours off set by evergreen trees and lush lawns and golf courses with average highs of 12 ºC.
Winter average temperatures ranging from 5 – 9Cº; Victoria sees very little snow, and it rarely lasts long!
Get Outside
With 55 acres of gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties, there is always beauty at Butchart Gardens. As warm days transition to crisp nights, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a parade of red, russet and golden maples emerge at The Gardens.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
November 27, 2020 to January 6, 2021
Christmas is a magical time at Butchart Gardens with thousands of lights and beautiful decor – watch for the 12 days of Christmas! Tickets must be purchased on-line in advance. COVID-19 update
Tucked behind a hornbeam hedge, discover the garden that love built. Prince and Princess Abkhazi were married in 1946 and settled in Victoria where they began work on their one-acre property. Gardens flow around dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas. COVID-19 information
Boasting beautiful views of Washington State’s Olympic Mountains, Olympic View Golf Club is located just 20 minutes outside of downtown and is rated ‘Top 10 Best Public Golf Facility’ in British Columbia by ScoreGolf Magazine.
18 Championship Golf Course and 9 Hole Par 3 Ridge course with massive fairways, huge greens and a course for every level of player.
Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Take a stroll along Victoria’s beautiful inner harbour, just steps away, to watch ships, boats and seaplanes and harbour seals coming and going. This working harbour is part of the traditional lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The shoreline has changed over the years to meet the needs of residents, once a hub of trade and industry with sawmills and warehouses, it is now a key transportation, tourism and leisure area.
The Holidays
November 19, 2020 – January 5, 2021
Get into the holiday spirit with a forest of beautifully decorated trees at the Bay Centre. You can vote for your favourite, proceeds support BC Children’s Hospital.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
November 27, 2020 – January 6, 2021
Christmas is a magical time at Butchart Gardens with thousands of lights and beautiful decor – watch for the 12 days of Christmas! Tickets must be purchased on-line in advance.
12th Annual Gingerbread Showcase
November 21, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Check out the work of professional and amateur bakers showing off their creative abilities at the annual Gingerbread Showcase, supporting Habitat for Humanity Victoria. This year’s theme is “Coastal Living.” This year’s showcase will be hosted at ten locations around the community, download your map.
November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Overlooking the sparkling Inner Harbour, gather around the fire and enjoy seasonal beverages, festive treats and s’ mores at the Fairmont Empress. Outdoor heaters and blankets will keep you toasty.
November 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021
In place of the Santa Parade & Truck Parade, we are safely lighting up the city. Details coming soon!
Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
December 1, 2020 – January 1, 2021
Providing a unique glimpse into authentic Victorian traditions, each year Curator Bruce Davies and the museum’s staff assist long-time decorator Sherry Kerr to meticulously evoke Christmases past in the Castle’s period rooms. You’ll spot vintage toys tucked under the tree, festively decorated mantles throughout the home and a Christmas feast setting fit for Canada’s own royal family, the Dunsmuirs.
Walking Tours
Discover the Past brings together tales of old Victoria’s Christmas Past.
Magnolia’s Mobile Walking Tours
If you prefer to discover the city on your own, download one of our digital walking maps: Welcome to Victoria, Historical Victoria or Foodie Adventure.
Hike
Hiking in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
More than 25 kilometres of trails, varying in degree of difficulty, offer spectacular views, as well as the chance to view animals in their natural environment. In spring and early summer, the moss-covered rocky knolls come alive with a carpet of colourful, vibrant wildflowers.
188 hectares of forest and 21km of trails, take a leisurely stroll, explore the beach or hike to the summit.
Just 17 kilometers from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park lies amid the splendour of an old-growth temperate rain forest. See massive trees, majestic waterfalls, a meandering river that meets the sea, flowers, birds and a world class salmon-spawning stream with thousands of Chum Salmon returning between October and December. Hike to the top of one of the highest points in Greater Victoria, Mt Finlayson. Another trail leads you to Niagara Falls, higher than its namesake – a truly exquisite discovery buried deep in Goldstream’s forests.
Culture
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
With over 20,000 objects, the AGGV collection represents significant works produced in this region and art that represents our histories. Since its founding, we have been assembling work from around the Pacific Rim and have established one of the finest collections of Asian art in the world. COVID 19 information
The Royal BC Museum, founded in 1886, is one of Canada’s greatest cultural treasures, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of BC’s natural and human history. The phased re-opening begins June 19, details here.
Connect in nature, inspire our world. We promote the preservation and sustainability of the environment, and we maintain our art gallery to perpetuate, protect, enhance and promote the artistic and cultural legacy of nature-inspired artists, including Robert Bateman. We also support and develop educational programs relating to the environment and nature-inspired artists. Hours and safety measures here.
Holiday Gift Shopping
Government Street
Take a walk down Government Street to view beautiful heritage buildings and quaint shops with handmade gifts. Peruse Munro’s Books, Artina’s handcrafted jewellery, gift shops and designer boutiques. Stop for delicious snacks along the way. Stores’ hours will vary and not all have re-opened yet.
Local boutiques, one-of-a-kind merchandise, dining, coffee & craft beer eatery all in a beautiful heritage square! Limited house may apply and some vendors may be temporarily closed.
Lower Johnson Street has one of the highest concentrations of independent boutiques and specialty shops in Canada situated amongst the colourful façade of impeccably maintained heritage buildings.
Canada’s oldest Chinatown is characterized by heritage buildings, beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest, small shops and restaurants. Check out Kid Sister Ice Cream, or peak into Fan Tan Home & Style.
Peruse local artisans, farmers, butchers, bakers, cheese-makers and more! Dive into pasta or tacos, sip tea, or delight in a meat or fruit pie. Hours are limited and some vendors are may still be temporarily closed.
Island Craft Beer, Cider & Wine
Breweries
Inspiration through fermentation. See what some beer nerds can accomplish with creativity and a welding torch.
A tiny brewery with big ideas, we make small-batch, experimental beers with high quality ingredients in the heart of Downtown Victoria. Pick-up window, taproom, and patio are located on the courtyard level of historic Market Square.
French for “Wild Island” the name is a reference to the wilderness of Vancouver Island and our focus on Belgian-style wild ales and sour beers. We make use of Kveik, Lactobacillus, and Brettanomyces fermentation, as well as secondary fermentation with fruit.
Vancouver Island Brewery, Victoria
A craft brewery since 1984, we are committed to producing fun, authentic, sharable brews.
Cidery
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Saanichton
An award-wining farm-based cidery focused on producing traditional artisan ciders from organically grown apples.
Wineries
Symphony Vineyard, Saanich
Wines true to the region, 100% Saanich grown. Patio is open Fridays & Saturdays to enjoy a bottle of wine, though tastings are not yet available.
Unsworth Vineyards, Cowichan Valley
Tradition meets artisanal winemaking at this family owned winery.
Blue Grouse Winery, Cowichan Valley
Family-owned, sustainably-farmed Blue Grouse Estate Winery produces award winning wines.
Rockery Creek Winery, Cowichan Valley
A family owned and operated winery, they offer tastings and flights via reservation.
Bike
Victoria is a cyclist’s dream, with many great places to ride. Bring your bike or borrow one of our bicycles and use one of our three bike maps to tour the city.