VICTORIA MUST SEES

While Vancouver is the city that first comes to my mind when I think of hubs in British Columbia, Victoria is actually the capital of the province. Funnily enough, this capital isn’t even on mainland Canada – you have to take a boat to get to Vancouver Island, where Victoria is located. The city is named after Queen Victoria, and you can still see British influences in the city’s architecture (most notably the Parliament Buildings) and culture (with cute shop names and afternoon tea offerings). If you are making the journey to Victoria for the first time, here are some of the sights that you cannot miss!

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens was created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart. The garden was honored as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 to celebrate 100 years, and is still privately owned and maintained by the Butchart family to this day. I thought Butchart Gardens was going to be like any other botanical garden. However, when a huge parking lot came into view with friendly staff directing traffic as if we were at Disney World, I soon came to realize this was not your typical garden. Once parked, we made our way to the entrance and came upon a huge gift shop and 55 acres of grounds to be discovered. Delight in Butchart’s rose garden, sunken garden, Japanese garden, and more. You can also extend your visit by eating at one of the dining options. Please note that technically, this attraction is 30 minutes outside of Victoria, but well worth a visit!

Craigdarroch Castle

When we turned down a quiet residential street, I was surprised to see a Victorian mansion at the end of the road, looking out over the city of Victoria. Craigdarroch Castle was built between 1887 and 1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his money in coal. While the house doesn’t expand out too much, it does expand up, with four floors replete with stained glass windows and Victorian-era décor. You will be able to walk around each room and learn about the Dunsmuir family during your self-guided tour, which should take you around 90 minutes to complete. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Centre, where you will also find restrooms and a gift shop. Note that while Craigdarroch Castle has many bathrooms, they are only for viewing, so please make use of the Visitor Centre facilities before you enter the mansion! CJ and I walked to Craigdarroch Castle from the city centre, but you could absolutely take a taxi or drive yourself, as there is a small parking lot available next to Craigdarroch.

Hatley Castle

You will have to drive a little bit outside of Victoria’s city centre to access Hatley Castle, a Classified Federal Heritage Building at Royal Roads University, but I think it is well worth the trip! The Castle wasn’t always a part of a university, as it was commissioned as a family estate by James Dunsmuir, whose last name you will recognize from Craigdarroch Castle mentioned above. Lavish interior wood paneling, impressive stone façade, and a variety of gardens await you! Note that you will only be allowed to go inside the castle with a guided tour, as this building is now used for Royal Roads University administration offices, classes, and events. Even if you are unable to join a tour, I will say that my favorite part of Hatley Castle is the small rose garden (which is free to access and no tour is needed!)

Fisherman’s Wharf Park

Fisherman’s Wharf Park is walking distance from the city centre of Victoria, and is a little area with food offerings, a few shops, and floating homes. While the homes are nice to view as they come in an array of colors, please keep in mind that people live and work in these floating vessels and it is important to respect the properties. I personally think that Fisherman’s Wharf Park is a pretty small destination and not worth walking over to if you do not have an activity in mind. For example, we went to Fisherman’s Wharf Park to depart on a 4-hour whale watching excursion!

Whale Watching

There are many opportunities to go whale watching, so you do not have to book a tour out of Victoria specifically. However, we had an absolutely marvelous experience with the whale watching company we booked, so I highly recommend reading my article on whale watching from Victoria here!

Beacon Hill Park

While the open water is definitely a big draw to Victoria, the city also has some lovely green areas, with Beacon Hill Park being one of its best! Spanning almost 200 acres, Beacon Hill Park has no shortage of nature for you to witness, perhaps as you walk one of its many paths. Maybe mosey on over to the Stone Bridge at Goodacre Lake, spot hidden art pieces scattered throughout the green, or visit a playground. And don’t forget to be on the lookout for the “Mile 0” sign in the park, which is the symbolic start to the famous highway 1/Trans Canada highway.

Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest commercial street in North America, located in Victoria’s Chinatown neighborhood. The alley gets its name from a gambling game that was played in the area. Unfortunately, the alley fell into disrepair when police cracked down on illegal gambling clubs. Decades later, Fan Tan Alley was revitalized, and today it is home to small shops, restaurants, apartments, and offices. When you turn down the alley, brick flanks you and red lanterns glow above you. It is truly a delight to see!

Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum was founded in 1886, and holds many important collections and artifacts. I thoroughly enjoyed the recreation of a 20th century town in British Columbia, and I also really appreciated the Living Languages exhibit, which displays the history of disrupted languages in the province. I would give yourself plenty of time to visit the museum, as the building also holds Victoria’s IMAX experience!

Mount Douglas

Mount Douglas a mountain offering hiking trails and wonderful views of the area around Victoria. You can partake in an intermediate hike, or you can drive to the small parking lot at the top of the mountain and just go for the views, which are really incredible!

Parliament Buildings

Victoria’s Parliament Buildings are quite prominent, looming large over the city’s inner harbor. You will be able to recognize them by their oxidized copper domes (and probably the flock of tourists)! Guided tours are free, but they are at certain times of the day, so be sure to check with an employee once you are there. If you miss a tour, you are able to roam on a self-guided tour and check out the stained-glass windows, the Memorial Rotunda, the Public Galleries, and more!

48 HOURS IN VICTORIA

48 HOURS IN VANCOUVER