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Visit Victoria while on your Canadian holiday, the beautiful capital of British Columbia and one of Canada’s oldest cities. This picturesque destination is one of the country’s most charming, as well as one of the most interesting as there’s so much history to discover.
Take a relaxing 90 minute ferry ride from Vancouver and soak up the old-world atmosphere in this lovely city when you arrive. Visit the Inner Harbour and take a stroll along the wharf; see the unusual floating houses and shops that are one of the city’s most popular attractions. This is one of Victoria’s top spots for eating and drinking as there are some great restaurants and bars on the waterfront, perfect for an evening drink whilst watching the sun set. For a special occasion during your holiday, book afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Founded in 1843 and named after Britain’s reigning Queen, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest which makes it a city of great historical significance. Discover its fascinating past at the Royal BC museum near the waterfront and learn about how it’s changed since the time of its native people. Stroll around the city and discover many historical buildings, like the original school and doctor’s surgery, as well as the local market and art galleries.
Victoria is a perfect destination for outdoor lovers; also known as the ‘City of Gardens’, you can explore the best of the city on foot, allowing you to make yourself at home. Take a walk around the Beacon Hill Park and marvel at the views of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.
Another stunning way to see the city is by boat. Choose from a full day excursion to a relaxing sail around the harbour and see the best of Victoria from the water. Victoria is also home to some of Canada’s most popular wildlife, including whales and harbour seals - there really is something for everyone in this magical city!
Journey back to Vancouver on a floatplane, which is a once in a lifetime experience, to end your memorable trip to Victoria. British Columbia is one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces and a holiday in Victoria should be high on your Canadian holiday bucket list!
Things to do
Popular things to do in Victoria
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The Whales & Gardens Tour
from £112pp
Enjoy two of Victoria essential experiences in a single day. Explore the Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of the majestic wildlife that floods the local waters in the summer months. Take the opportunity to view several different species of whales in the wild l and other species of marine wildlife from downtown Victoria en route to The Butchart Gardens. At your leisure set your own pace exploring the lush grounds of this National Historic Site of Canada, spread over 22 hectares.
Duration: 5.5 hours
Departures: Daily between May 22 - Sep 20 -
Victoria Whale Watching by Zodiac
from £76pp
An exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. A certified Marine biologist will provide information on these wonderful creatures.
Duration: 3 hours
Departures: Daily between Apr 1 to Oct 31
*A minimum age of 5 years is required.
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Victoria
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Inn at Laurel Point
from £51
Perched on the end of Victoria’s harbour the hotel is surrounded by water giving it a truly unique island feel. Most rooms have a balcony and all are serenely ...see more
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Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
from £48
Located in downtown Victoria, the Château Victoria is a short walk from the harbour and shopping areas. Comfortable with calm neutral tones. Clive’s Classic ...see more
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Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA
from £44
Overlooking the city’s busy harbour and with its own marina, the Coast Victoria Harbourside is a stunning hotel with incredible views.
Rooms ...see more
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Fairmont Empress
from £97
The Fairmont Empress is grand and elegant throughout and has a great location in downtown Victoria.
Rooms and suites are luxurious and traditionally ...see more
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Accent Inn Victoria
from £30
The Accent Inn enjoys a convenient location just a few minutes’ north of downtown Victoria on the main highway.
Rooms are comfortable and ...see more
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Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza
from £36
With an excellent position within walking distance of Victoria’s best shops, restaurants and attractions, The Best Western is a good value hotel ...see more
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Comfort Inn & Suites
from £39
Conveniently placed on the highway to the north of the city, the Comfort Inn provides a good base for your stay in Victoria.
Rooms are bright ...see more
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Days Inn On The Harbour
from £41
With a great location just steps from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the Days Inn is an excellent value choice for your stay in the city.
Rooms ...see more
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Days Inn Victoria Uptown
from £33
The Travelodge is a classic hotel with a good location on the pretty Gorge Waterway and just a few minutes ride on the free shuttle to the downtown ...see more
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Delta Hotels By Marriott Victoria Ocean Point Resort & Spa
from £52
The Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel with a beautiful location on the inner harbour, just a ...see more
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Hotel Grand Pacific
from £48
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxurious hotel with a great location on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, next the beautifully ornate Parliament Buildings ...see more
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Magnolia Hotel & Spa
from £52
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is a grand boutique hotel with a great location in the heart of downtown Victoria.
Rooms are elegant with lovely ...see more
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel
from £80
The luxurious Oak Bay Beach Hotel enjoys a prime location in a wealthy neighbourhood of Victoria with fabulous views out over the Pacific and islands.
Rooms ...see more
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Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour
from £33
The Quality Inn is a good hotel with a convenient location for exploring the city, within easy walking distance of attractions, shopping and the harbourfront.
Rooms ...see more
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Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
from £48
The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites is in a great position near to Victoria’s Inner Harbour with pretty grounds filled with colourful flowerbeds.
The ...see more
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Sandman Hotel & Suites Victoria
from £40
The Sandman is a good hotel with great amenities and just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Victoria and its busy harbour.
Rooms are spacious ...see more
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The Embassy Inn
from £45
The Embassy Inn enjoys a fantastic location opposite the impressive Parliament Buildings, just a few minutes’ walk from the harbourfront.
Guest ...see more
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The Oswego Hotel
from £49
The Oswego Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in a quiet neighbourhood within walking distance of the harbour and downtown Victoria.
One and two ...see more
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The Parkside Hotel Spa
from £52
This modern all-suite hotel is in a fantastic location in the centre of Victoria, just minutes from the downtown attractions and harbour area. Suites are ...see more
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Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa
from £66
The Westin Bear Mountain is a luxurious mountain lodge with amazing views and fantastic facilities.
From the traditional rooms with private balconies ...see more
Top tips
Victoria is appealing all year round and the perfect holiday destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With expansive views of the beautiful waterfront, this picturesque city is home to everything from gardens, museums, wildlife tours to spas and child-friendly attractions. It will be hard to know where to begin! To help you make the most of your visit, here are some of our top tips for getting the most out of your holiday to Victoria - from fun, family attractions and relaxing spa visits, to strolling through the world-renowned Butchart Gardens and enjoying your beautiful surroundings.
Top tips for visiting Victoria
Top Tip 1
• Begin your holiday in style and enjoy a birds-eye view of Victoria as you approach in a floatplane, taking in the spectacular surroundings. Once you arrive in this quaint, almost English city, afternoon tea is the quintessential Victoria experience. Our personal favourite is the Fairmont Empress, located right on the Inner Harbour with unparalleled views of the water and a unique selection of teas including pineapple orange!
Top Tip 2
• One of the best places to go orca spotting, Victoria is home to a wide choice of whale watching companies. Wander down to Fisherman’s Wharf and if they have spotted whales in the morning, they will have “guaranteed whales” signs out in force!
Top Tip 3
• Fisherman’s Wharf itself is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Even if you’re not embarking on a whale watching tour, be sure to wander around this unique part of Victoria, buy fresh seafood off the boats and spot the artistically decorated houseboats floating on the water.
Top Tip 4
• Quaint boutiques, large shopping centres, local markets – Victoria has all manner of shopping. Sample handmade chocolates in Government Street before heading over to Batison Square’s popular artisan market to appreciate the locally produced crafts or simply sit in an outdoor cafe and soak up the bustling atmosphere.
Top Tip 5
• Known as the ‘City of Gardens’, Victoria has an array of green spaces renowned for their beauty and individual charm. A stroll around Beacon Hill Park is a must, with its ocean views, forest trails and wild animals. Another top attraction is the internationally acclaimed Butchart Gardens on the edge of the city. Opened over 100 years ago, these floral display gardens are ablaze with colour. Stroll across the expansive lawns and appreciate the exquisite Sunken Garden and the beautiful smells permeating from the rose-laden arches. Check the website before visiting, as there are often spectacular firework shows on a Saturday night and musical entertainment on the Concert Lawn.
