10 Best Things To Do in Victoria, BC Vancouver Island Guide
Victoria may be small in size, but it’s big on charm. From lush gardens and historic streets to seaside strolls and cozy cafés, this island city has a little something for every traveler. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, here are some of the best things to do in Victoria.
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is one of Victoria’s top attractions, located at the end of the city’s main street near the Inner Harbour. Admission is $30, which gives you access to two levels of permanent and temporary exhibits. The ground floor is also home to an IMAX theatre, (although it was closed during our visit due to labour disputes). Highlights include the recreated Old Town, which transports you back to early 20th-century Victoria, and the Natural History Gallery, where you can walk among life-sized dioramas of British Columbia’s wildlife and landscapes. Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore fully.
Parliament Building BC
The Parliament Buildings are the icon of Victoria – and the perfect spot to snap that “I’ve been here” photo. They’re right next door to the Royal BC Museum, so it’s easy to pair the two in one visit. You can either join a free guided tour or wander around on your own, Monday to Friday during opening hours.
Tip: Make sure to come back in the evening – the building looks stunning all lit up
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is one of downtown Victoria’s must-visit free attractions, and it’s just a short walk from most hotels. The park covers over 200 acres, with a mix of manicured flower beds, fountains, ponds, and open green spaces that are perfect for a picnic or a stroll. Wildlife is abundant – you’re likely to spot ducks and herons around the water features, and even peacocks wandering freely through the grounds. There are also walking trails, a children’s playground, and viewpoints along the coastline with sweeping views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains in Washington.
Couldn’t fit all my favorites in the top 10, so here are a few bonus picks you can book easily through GetYourGuide. I’ve handpicked these for fun, popular ways to see Victoria!
Haunted Manor: Mini-Golf & Ping Pong Lounge
Haunted Manor is hands down the best mini golf I’ve ever played, and one of my top must-do activities in Victoria. For $25 per person, you’ll putt your way through 18 creatively designed holes inside a spooky, haunted-themed setting. Each hole offers a unique twist – sometimes you’re putting, sometimes the challenge is something completely unexpected – which makes it so much more immersive than your standard mini golf course. The attention to detail in the sets and atmosphere makes the whole experience feel like part game, part haunted attraction, and a lot of fun.
Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is such a beautiful spot to wander through – full of character, history, and mouthwatering smells from every direction. The streets are lined with heritage buildings and colourful decorations, making it a great place to just stroll, window shop, and soak up the atmosphere. And of course, you can’t leave without stopping somewhere for a delicious bite to eat!
Shopping
Whether it’s The Bay Centre, Mayfair, or one of the many boutique spots around town, Victoria has plenty of great places to shop. You’ll find everything from classic retail chains to unique local stores – and even if you’re just window shopping, it’s a fun way to spend a few hours. Perfect for a rainy day!
Best Places to Stay in Victoria, BC
Not sure where to stay in Victoria? For a central, affordable option, I recommend Ocean Island Inn. It’s a great base for exploring downtown and beyond. Find more details and my full review here.
The Butchart Gardens
With an entry fee of $35, we went into The Butchart Gardens with pretty high expectations. Back home in New Zealand we were spoiled with the Hamilton Gardens – free to enter – so the bar was already set high!
That said, it’s easy to see why more than a million visitors come here every year. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with five main garden areas, each offering something unique – from lush forest greenery to vibrant, colorful flower displays. It’s a peaceful place to wander and take photos, and there’s plenty of space to explore at a relaxed pace.
We did enjoy our visit, though honestly, I found the entry price a little steep for what it was. Still, if you’re a garden lover or want to tick off one of Victoria’s most famous attractions, it’s worth experiencing at least once.
Goldstream Provincial Park
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park feels like stepping into another world. The park is home to towering old-growth trees, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful forest trails that range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. It’s the perfect place to escape the city and reconnect with nature, even if you only have a few hours to spare.
One of the highlights is Niagara Falls (not to be confused with the famous one in Ontario!). Although the main trail is currently closed, in the drier months you can reach it by walking along the riverbed. Rounding the bend to see the waterfall in full flow was a truly majestic moment and definitely worth the effort.
Sombrio Beach
Less than two hours from downtown Victoria, tucked away on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, lies the stunning Sombrio Beach. It’s a favourite spot for surfers, backcountry campers, and – if you know where to look – a hidden waterfall.
After seeing it in person, I can confidently say it’s one of my all-time favourite waterfalls (and I’ve seen a lot of them!). Nestled in a lush, mossy canyon, it feels like stumbling upon a secret world. I’d tell you exactly where to find it – but honestly, part of the magic is in the adventure of discovering it for yourself.
Hint: Check AllTrails.
Mystic Beach
Another natural wonder a little further down the coast is Mystic Beach. It takes a bit more effort to reach than Sombrio, but the reward at the end is absolutely worth it. You can park along the roadside for a more direct route to the trail, or use the parking lot near the China Beach trailhead if you prefer a bit more space.
Once you make it down to the beach, you’ll quickly see why it’s so special – a waterfall cascades straight from the cliffs onto the sand below, creating a truly magical scene.
Tip: Try to visit during low tide, as the waterfall can be difficult to access when the tide is high.
Victoria really surprised me with how much there is to see and do. Between the amazing food, quirky attractions, beautiful gardens, and nearby natural gems, it’s the perfect mix of city comfort and outdoor adventure. Sure, my stay came with a few sleepless hostel nights and some stair climbs I won’t soon forget – but that’s all part of the fun! If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver Island, don’t skip Victoria – it’s full of character, charm, and plenty of “worth it” moments.