48 HOURS IN VICTORIA

Victoria is the capital of the province of British Columbia, and can be found on Vancouver Island, just off the west coast of Canada. I have an article here which describes all of the sights you cannot miss if you are visiting Victoria for the first time. However, if you need help organizing your time and would like to incorporate dining options and a hotel stay, please read the below where I detail how I would spend two days in the city!

First, I would check into Magnolia Hotel & Spa, which offers views of the Parliament Buildings and is only a few steps away from the city’s Inner Harbor. We thought the staff were kind and professional, and found the hotel’s location to be optimal to visit shops, restaurants, and sights. We also appreciated the complimentary cups of coffee and tea in the lobby.

Once you drop off your luggage at the hotel, walk over to Fisherman’s Wharf Park. It is in this area that you will meet up with the Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife touring company for a four-hour whale watching extravaganza. For more information on our whale experience, click here.

*Sea lions seen on our wildlife tour with Eagle Wing*

After seeing orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions, you will most likely work up an appetite! Once you are on dry land, head to Sult Pierogi Bar, where my favorite pierogis are packed with fried chicken, maple-chipotle sausage, waffle crumble, green onions, butter, and maple syrup. If this is still on their menu by the time you visit, I highly encourage you to get three (or four or six or ten).

If it is a beautiful day, head to Beacon Hill Park for the rest of the afternoon. If it is a bit cold or rainy, perhaps opt for a trip to the Royal BC Museum, that has an IMAX experience! End the afternoon with a stroll through Fan Tan Alley on your way to Yua Bistro for dinner, where the portions are generous and the prices are amazing!

Start day 2 with breakfast at The Courtney Room, which just so happens to be on the first floor of Magnolia Hotel & Spa! Spend the rest of the morning touring the Parliament Buildings. Organized tours are free but if you miss one of them (as they are held at specific times), you can always roam around on a self-guided tour.

Have lunch at Gozen Sushi, a restaurant just a short 10-minute walk away from the Parliament Buildings. Then walk or drive to Craigdarroch Castle, a Victorian-era mansion that was built for a Scottish immigrant who made his money in coal.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at Butchart Gardens, a gorgeous botanical garden. I encourage you to check the timetables for your visit, as the visiting hours vary throughout the year, and you do not want to miss these incredible gardens!! End the evening at Eva Schnitzelhaus, a modern German restaurant.

I sincerely hope this two-day itinerary helps you plan your stay in Victoria!

VICTORIA MUST SEES