Summer
The coastal city of Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada, with low humidity, and ocean breezes that keep temperatures moderate, and perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Please be aware that as businesses adjust to meet the ever changing requirements to keep everyone safe, some details may change. We recommend you click through to the business’ website to review details & protocols before you go.
Gardens & Scenic Strolls
With 55 acres of gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties, there is always beauty at Butchart Gardens. The gardens are in full bloom in Summer and there is so much to take in, from the stunning beauty of the Sunken Garden, to the serenity of the Japanese Garden and the vibrant colours of the Rose Garden to the sunny Italian Garden.
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
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.
Just around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures amongst fishing vessels, pleasure boats with live-aboard float homes, as well as commercial businesses.
Government House is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. The grounds embrace 36 acres, including formal gardens and a rare Garry oak ecosystem.
Just 5 blocks from the inner harbour, Beacon Hill Park is 740,000 square meters of parkland. This park boasts manicured gardens, meandering footpaths, ponds, a Garry Oak ecosystem, and open vistas across the Strait of Juan De Fuca.
The Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Located just twelve kilometres north of Downtown Victoria, British Columbia, you will find a public garden lovingly cared for by volunteers, staff and students. You will find an Urban Garden, Cutting Garden, Herb Garden Birds, Bees and Butterfly Garden, Boarder Garden, the largest outdoor Bonsai Garden in Canada, and more!
Hatley Castle National Historic Park
Just 13km from downtown, you will find this fascinating Edwardian estate, with Japanese, Rose and Italian Gardens on 565 oceanfront acres with an amazing view of the majestic Olympic Mountains.
Golf
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.
Walking Tours
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.
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.
Explore by Sea
Whale and wildlife watching tours are available on open or covered boats. Our front desk team can assist in booking your tour.
Take a tour of Victoria with a unique perspective; see the city from the water with a kayak or Stand Up Paddling Tour with Ocean River Sports, and learn about Victoria’s historic waterways that make up the downtown and the working harbour.
Adventure
Play more and fear less with WildPlay! From Adventure Course to Zip lines, Axe Throwing and the ‘What’s to Fear Jump” this is the place for adventure!
Malahat SkyWalk – Opens July 2021
Just a 35 minute drive from Victoria, the Malahat SkyWalk is an accessible 600m TreeWalk through a beautiful arbutus forest leading to a gentle spiral ramp where you can enjoy spectacular views from the lookout at 250 meters above sea level.
Arts, Culture & History
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. Visiting during COVID
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.
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this legendary Victorian mansion was built between 1887-1890. The architecture showcases the Romanesque revival taking place at the time, and has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.
Currently open with reduced hours and tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Discover the Past Walking Tours
While best known for spine-tingling Ghostly Walks, Discover the Past offers an array of tours, curated by Victoria’s leading historian John Adams, that weave history and storytelling.
Shopping
Government Street
Take a walk down Government Street to view beautiful heritage buildings and quaint shops with handmade gifts. Peruse Munro’s Books, Rogers Chocolates, 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 the little shops in Fan Tan Alley.
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 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.
Merridale Cidery & Distillery, Cowichan Valley
Merridale makes farm-crafted Cider, Spirits, and Fortified Ciders. Visit their Tasting Bar, Eatery and retail shop.
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.
Rathjen Cellars, Saanich
A farm-based winery committed to using 100% Vancouver Island fruit, we draw inspiration from Old World traditions to create wines that reflect our coastal climate and pair beautifully with our local food.
Unsworth Vineyards, Cowichan Valley
Tradition meets artisanal wine-making at this family owned winery.
Averill Creek Vineyard, Cowichan Valley
Averill Creek is built into the side of Mt. Prevost, and our state-of-the-art facility incorporates three buildings structured together, allowing wine to flow down from one stage to the next without the need for pumps. This gravity flow method allows for gentle handling of delicate varietals – helping to retain their subtle characteristics.
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.