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Victoria

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Landmark
—°18
Victoria (Canada)

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Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is beautifully situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern Canadian culture. Named after Queen Victoria and founded in 1843, the city is famous for its British heritage, which is reflected in its Victorian architecture, double-decker buses, and the traditional afternoon tea served at the Fairmont Empress hotel. The Inner Harbour is the city's focal point, home to the majestic British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the world-class Royal BC Museum, which provides comprehensive exhibits on the province's natural and human history. Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada, allowing for year-round gardening and outdoor activities, which has helped make it a premier destination for tourism and retirement. However, the city's economy is increasingly driven by a booming technology sector, alongside provincial government services and marine research. Nearby Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre floral display built in a former limestone quarry, is a National Historic Site of Canada that attracts millions of visitors annually. Victoria's commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous parks and its role as a gateway to the rugged wilderness and Pacific coastline of Vancouver Island.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446811131616141064
Rain mm189104138875846273564135193176

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a worthwhile destination year-round. The historic downtown with the Parliament building is easily explored on foot.
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Typical hours
The Parliament building and museums are typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The Butchart Gardens are seasonally accessible from March to November.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in front of the Parliament building and at the Inner Harbour. Drones are not permitted in Butchart Gardens; tripods are usually fine.
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Time needed
Two days are usually enough for Victoria to see the old town and Butchart Gardens. With a trip to Pacific Rim National Park, three days are recommended.
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Combine with
Combine Victoria with a day trip to Pacific Rim National Park or Tofino. A ferry to Vancouver is also a popular combination.
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Getting there
Victoria is best reached by ferry from Vancouver (BC Ferries). Buses run from Swartz Bay ferry terminal to downtown.
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Insider tip
Visit the Inner Harbour at sunset when the Parliament building lights reflect. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

History & landmarks

Victorian Era

1843

Geography

Elevation
23 m
Coordinates
48.42840, -123.36560

Facts

  • Capital of British Columbia
  • Founded in 1843
  • Population of approx. 92,000 (city)
  • Southernmost city in Western Canada
  • Mildest climate in all of Canada
  • Home to the Butchart Gardens

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Royal BC MuseumRoyal BC Museum<1 km · SEExplore →
SaanichSaanich2 km · SWExplore →
Craigdarroch CastleCraigdarroch Castle2 km · NExplore →
Fisgard LighthouseFisgard Lighthouse9 km · SExplore →
Butchart GardensButchart Gardens14 km · SWExplore →
SidneySidney14 km · WExplore →
LangfordLangford16 km · SExplore →
MetchosinMetchosin19 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Victoria (18)

Christmas Hill🌿 nature

A hill in Victoria, British Columbia, known as a viewpoint.

Smith Hill🌿 nature

A hill in Victoria, British Columbia.

Peacock Hill🌿 nature

A hill in Victoria, British Columbia.

Robin and Winnifred Wood Recital Hall🎭 culture

A recital hall in Victoria, British Columbia.

Archer🏛 museum

An art gallery in Victoria, British Columbia.

Monkey C Interactive's Artcade📍 landmark

An interactive art and arcade attraction in Victoria.

🕒 Th-Su 14:00-22:00; PH off

Cormorant Point Pool🏺 historical

Ruins of a pool at Cormorant Point in Victoria.

Cordova Bay📍 landmark

A bay in Victoria, British Columbia.

PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)🌳 park

A park in Saanich known for Mount Douglas, a volcanic hill. (Wiki: Mount Douglas)

Cedar Hill Park & Golf Course🌳 park

A park and golf course in Victoria, British Columbia.

Victoria City Hall🏺 historical

Victoria's city hall, a historic Second Empire style building. (Wiki: Victoria City Hall)

Our Lady Queen of Peace⛪ religious

A place of worship in Victoria.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many days should you plan for Victoria?
Two days are enough to visit the Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings, and Butchart Gardens.
When is the best time for whale watching?
Peak season is between May and October when orcas and humpback whales pass through the waters.
How do you get to Victoria from Vancouver?
The best way is to take the BC Ferries from Tsawwassen or a seaplane directly to the inner harbour.
What local specialty should you try?
Try the Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress or fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.
Is Victoria family-friendly?
Yes, attractions like the Victoria Bug Zoo and Miniature World are very popular with children.
Victoria: where is it located?
Victoria is located in Canada.
Victoria: what is there to see?
Highlights include Christmas Hill, Smith Hill, Peacock Hill.
Victoria: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Victoria: why is it worth visiting?
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is beautifully situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern Canadian culture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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History & landmarks

Butchart Gardens — Victoria (Canada)
Butchart Gardens
World-famous floral display gardens in British Columbia.
Vancouver — Victoria (Canada)
Vancouver
Major city in British Columbia
Whistler — Victoria (Canada)
Whistler
Whistler is a world-class resort town in British Columbia, nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains.
Canadian Rockies — Victoria (Canada)
Canadian Rockies
Mountain range in western Canada
Jasper National Park — Victoria (Canada)
Jasper National Park
National park in Alberta
Lake Louise — Victoria (Canada)
Lake Louise
Glacial lake in Banff
Banff National Park — Victoria (Canada)
Banff National Park
National park in the Rockies
Calgary — Victoria (Canada)
Calgary
Major city in Alberta

Nature

Fraser River — Victoria (Canada)
Fraser River
The longest river within British Columbia.
Great Bear Lake — Victoria (Canada)
Great Bear Lake
The largest lake entirely within Canada.

More places

Vancouver Film Industry — Victoria (Canada)
Vancouver Film Industry
Often referred to as 'Hollywood North'.
Port of Vancouver — Victoria (Canada)
Port of Vancouver
Canada's largest and most important port on the Pacific.
Vancouver Island — Victoria (Canada)
Vancouver Island
Large island off the Pacific coast of British Columbia.
Okanagan Valley Orchards — Victoria (Canada)
Okanagan Valley Orchards
Known for orchards and wineries in British Columbia.
Mount Robson — Victoria (Canada)
Mount Robson
Highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Mount Edith Cavell — Victoria (Canada)
Mount Edith Cavell
A prominent mountain in Jasper National Park.
Banff Grizzly Bears — Victoria (Canada)
Banff Grizzly Bears
The Rockies are home to these impressive predators.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — Victoria (Canada)
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Traditional hunting site of the indigenous peoples.