So, why is Victoria, British Columbia an amazing weekend trip idea?
Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, British Columbia, is not just a pit stop (or cruise port stop) but a destination rich with lush gardens, historic sites, and vibrant cultural experiences. Known as “the Garden City,” Victoria’s charming landscape and mild climate make it an ideal weekend getaway from places like Seattle, accessible via a short ferry or seaplane ride. Ready to explore? Here’s your ultimate guide to a memorable weekend in Victoria, BC.
Interested in visiting the “Garden City” on your next trip? Continue reading below for the top 8 things to do when you visit!
We also have a great ideas on a charming Vancouver trip article to help you plan even more adventures!
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Tip: You can have this view from this amazing VRBO waterfront condo and stay like a local rather than a hotel.
Victoria, Canada is a Beautiful Trip Destination
The Top 8 Things to Do in the Gorgeous “Garden City” of Canada
Victoria is also a port city and a port stop on many Alaska Cruises. This makes Victoria not just an amazing weekend trip idea from Seattle, it’s a great day trip too!
Most of our top recommendations can be experienced even if you are only in town for a day on a cruise port stop (our first trip there was on an Alaska cruise stop and we loved it so much we’ve been back to experience a longer stay since it’s so easy to get to from Seattle!).
Related Articles from nearby Seattle: (you can combine it with a Victoria weekend!)
- We have a guide on the best things to do in Seattle!
- Don’t forget to try the Great restaurants in Seattle if you’re in town
1. Stop and Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens (Brentwood Bay)
You can’t visit the “Garden City” without checking out one of their famous gardens! Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the stunning Butchart Gardens have been on display for over 100 years.
With 55 acres of gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners, there’s no wonder it is internationally renowned. The garden is open year-round with activities for every season, from summer concerts and homemade gelato to a “12 Days of Christmas Lights” Display and hot chocolate.
One of the most quaint and adorable features of the Butchart Gardens is their Rose Carousel (I love carousels!). This ride features a menagerie of 30 hand-carved wooden animals and chariots and is a unique activity for adults as well as kids.
2. Have Proper Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress
Having a proper tea in Victoria is on many travel bucket lists. You can also spend your weekend here at one of Victoria’s most well-known luxury stays, The Fairmont Empress. This award-winning hotel boasts 464 guest rooms and suites that offer spectacular views of the harbor, gardens, and city downtown area.
Ready for the royal treatment? Experience the elegance of the Lobby Lounge with Tea at The Empress, where you will be poured Traditional Afternoon tea, a ritual of over 114 years that is still being passed down through generations. The premium and ethically-sourced loose-leaf tea is accompanied by delicacies like pastries, scones, homemade strawberry jam, honey from the hotel hives, and more.
Reservations are highly recommended, and you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable experience. Check out the culinary menu here, and the loose-leaf tea menu here.
Another great place for afternoon Victorian-style tea is at The Huntingdon Manor Hotel in their sister property the Pendray Inn and Teahouse . We didn’t get in when we were there, but have heard it is wonderful and plan to go soon.
3. Learn About Culture and Natural History at the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum was founded in the 1800’s and includes great traveling exhibits as well as natural history artifacts, human artifacts, archives, and art. There is also an Imax theater with rotating choices of shows. We loved the totem pole carving demonstration when we visited and seeing the great collection that the museum has to offer. It is definitely worth a stop when you are in Victoria on a trip.
✈️You can find great 2 piece travel outfits on Amazon that are budget-friendly and pack well for your Victoria trip!🌸
4. Experience the Wonderful Architecture at Craigdarroch Castle
If you had ever wanted to experience wealth in the Victorian era, visiting the incredible Craigdarroch Castle may be up your alley. This legendary mansion was built between 1887 and 1890 by the richest man in Western Canada, Robert Dunsmuir. While once a home for him and his family, the castle has since then been restored and has become a historic museum site. We visited Craigdarroch Castle on a tour that also included different areas of interest on the coast and neighborhoods in the area. There’s a pedicab tour to Craigdarroch too if you’d rather ride. It’s a beautiful place to visit and the view from the top tower is amazing!
The Craigdarroch Castle is recognized as a “bonanza” castle, AKA a huge mansion that successful business owners would buy during the industrial age. From being used as a military hospital, to a college, to a music conservatory, the castle teems with history.
The breathtaking castle exhibits four floors that feature Victorian-era furnishings, Romanesque architecture, a vast collection of photographs and paintings, and one of North America’s finest collections of stained glass windows. Tours are offered weekly to accommodate travelers who want to see the interior of the huge castle.
Fun fact: the Craigdarroch Castle was actually used to film “The Boy” 1 and 2!
5. Make a Stop at Bastion Square for Music and Great Food
5. Make a Stop at Bastion Square for Music and Great Food
Bastion Square is not far from the inner harbor in the downtown area on the corner of View and Government Streets. It was the a fort at one time, but now offers many opportunities for outdoor dining as well as an art market on some weekends. We loved just sitting there and listening to the live music at Bastion Square and then dining al fresco on amazing seafood.
Bastion Square is a great gathering place and easily walkable to or from many other activities in Victoria.
6. Victoria is the Perfect Location to See Orcas in the Wild (on a boat tour)
If you are ready to catch an adventure outside in nature, seeing orcas are within reach. Lucky for you, Victoria has a plethora of outdoor activities, and one of these involves catching a look at one of the coolest wildlife around, like Orcas and Bald Eagles. In fact, Victoria is considered by some to be the best place to whale watch in the wild!
During this tour, you get to witness (hopefully) the magnificent beauty of the Orca leaping out of the water and returning to the ocean.
Some of the other incredible wildlife you can see during a tour include Dall’s porpoises, Harbour porpoises, Steller and California sea lions, Harbour and Elephant Seals, otters, a variety of birds such as cormorants and Bald Eagles, and possibly Minke and Gray whales. It’s a unique activity to add to your itinerary.
7. Grab a Bite and Experience Chinatown
It’s the oldest Chinatown in Canada (and the second oldest in North America next to San Francisco). There are several little restaurants, shops, and scenic views that are must-sees on your visit to Victoria. It’s also just a quick walk from the Empress Hotel on Fisgard Street.
Don’t miss these points of interest when visiting the Chinatown area in Victoria!
- Walk down Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street!
- Snap a picture in front of the Gate of Harmonious Interest, located at the entrance of Chinatown
- Shop at Fisgard Street, a colorful and picturesque spot in the area
- Discover and learn about the old architecture within Chinatown. There is so much history in the 100-year-old town!
The perfect part about adding Chinatown to your itinerary is that it is a smaller area that won’t take up much of your travel time. You can still experience something new and take some cool photos in this great area.
8. Walk Along the Waterfront at Inner Harbor
Considered to be one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Victoria’s Inner Harbor is a one-stop destination for shopping, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
The gorgeous waterfront at The Inner Harbour is a great way to finish off a long day of traveling; walk leisurely around sunset and take in the spectacular views of the architecture nearby, such as The Fairmont Express, Parliament Building, and the Steamship Building. Take pictures of the array of beautiful flower beds around the harbor, and maybe even catch a water taxi to check out someplace new.
Pro tip- visit the Inner Harbour at night to see all of the stunning buildings and hotels lit up!
Other Activities and Transportation Options to try on an Amazing Victoria, British Columbia Trip
- BC Transit serves all parts of Victoria and has an app to navigate stops.
- There are also pedi-cabs, carriages, and bike rentals.
- The high-speed ferry from Seattle to Victoria is a great way to start the weekend
- There are many locations that have live music and some really great coffee shops in the downtown area to experience as well.
- See all of Victoria from Gonzales Hill Observatory
Essential Packing List Items for your Victoria Trip:
- Portable Phone Charger – Protect your phone from going dead when you need it for a photo op! The Portable Fast Charger with Built-in Cables is budget-friendly!
- Waterproof wind jacket – We love the budget-friendly 33,000ft Men’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof for men or women.
- Waterproof Binoculars – The Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars (Amazon) are waterproof and easy to pack with easy focus too!
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Travel walking can mean 8-10 miles a day without even realizing it. Make sure to pack comfortable, supportive shoes to prevent foot pain and blisters. Our pics are these comfortable Sketchers go-walk ones or our favorite Birkenstock Gizeh sandals from Amazon!
- Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important. Pack a refillable water bottle that’s lightweight and will keep you hydrated by using so you can utilize public water stations all day. Check out this inexpensive collapsible water bottle 2 pack on Amazon!
Final Thoughts on an Amazing Victoria, British Columbia Weekend
With accessible transportation, diverse activities, and beautiful sights, Victoria is more than just a convenient weekend getaway—it’s a destination that offers new adventures each visit. Whether you’re exploring during a sunny summer or enjoying the festive lights of winter, Victoria’s timeless charm is sure to make your trip unforgettable. We loved visiting Victoria and will definitely return soon!