Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Downtown Victoria Mini Travel Guide. In this mini travel guide we've curated 5 of our favourite attractions to visit while in Victoria, British Columbia, along with a few favourite places to eat. Also included are some transportation recommendations to help you get to Victoria. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings and laid-back island vibe. Whether you're strolling through the picturesque Inner Harbour, exploring the bustling downtown core, or admiring the stunning views from Beacon Hill Park, there's always something new to discover in this vibrant city.
18 Places • 5 Saves • ago
Free

Welcome

About City Trail Wander

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, City Trail Wander explores the natural beauty of Metro Vancouver, and beyond, through first-person walking and cycling videos on YouTube and other social media platforms.

About this guide

Growing up and living in Vancouver, there have been many opportunity to travel over to Vancouver Island and visit Victoria countless times to explore and get to know the city.

There are so many things to see and do in the provincial capital it was hard to choose what to include in this guide. However, we've curated five of our favourite attractions that we think you'll enjoy along with some great places we love to eat at while in Victoria.

The guide also includes transportation recommendations, a few dining suggestions, all with links each of the locations and services listed.

In this guide

     About Victoria

     Five things to see and do in Victoria

     Getting here and getting around

     Hungry? A few places to eat

About Victoria

Victoria is the capital city of the Province of British Columbia. Founded in 1843 as a fur trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, the city was named after Queen Victoria and became the capital of British Columbia in 1871.

This charming city, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, has a rich history filled with exciting stories and cultural influences shaped by First Nations peoples, European settlers and immigrants from all over the world, resulting in a unique blend of traditions and customs.

Today, not only is Victoria known for being the seat of government for the province, but also as a bustling hub of art, culture and outdoor activities, drawing visitors from all over the world to its stunning natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.

Five things to see and do in Victoria

There is so much to see and do in Victoria and selecting only five attractions was not easy. On my various visits though, these are some of my favourite places that I enjoy returning to over and over again.

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle
@citytrailwander
Step into the past and discover the fascinating story behind Craigdarroch Castle, one of Victoria's most iconic landmarks.
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Details

Government House

Government House
@citytrailwander
Official residence of the lieutenant governor, the Kings representative in British Columbia. Take a tour, have lunch at Rudi's Team Room or wander through the beautiful gardens.
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Details

Victoria Public Market

Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
@citytrailwander
A vibrant and bustling market; a great spot to experience the diverse tastes of Victoria and British Columbia!
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Details

Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

Victoria’s Chinatown
@citytrailwander
Wander through Canada's oldest Chinatown, exploring its vibrant history and the narrowest commercial street in North America, Fan Tan Alley, which is only 0.9m (3ft) at its narrowest point.
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Details

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park
@citytrailwander
Beacon Hill Park features tranquil gardens, and stunning views from the hilltop lookout.
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Details

Getting here and getting around

Getting to Victoria

There are multiple options on how to get to Victoria. Whether you're sailing in from Metro Vancouver or from the United States onboard a ferry or flying in to downtown Victoria or the Victoria International Airport, the amount of options makes getting to Victoria is easy and convenient. 

Helijet
@citytrailwander
Scheduled helicopter airline serving downtown Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.
Add to
Details
Harbour Air
@citytrailwander
Scheduled floatplane airline serving downtown Victoria and other destinations on the south-coast of British Columbia.
Add to
Details
Kenmore Air
@citytrailwander
Scheduled floatplane airline serving downtown Victoria from downtown Seattle, USA and other destinations in Washington State.
Add to
Details
BC Ferries
@citytrailwander
Scheduled ferry service between Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver) and Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria Capital Regional District)
Add to
Details
YYJ - Victoria International Airport
@citytrailwander
YYJ is currently served by 12 airlines offering service to 8 domestic and international destinations; some routes operate on a season basis.
Add to
Details
FRS Clipper
@citytrailwander
Passenger ferry operating between downtown Seattle and downtown Victoria.
Add to
Details
Black Ball Ferry Line
@citytrailwander
A car and passenger ferry offering service from Port Angeles, Washington State to downtown Victoria.
Add to
Details

Getting around

BC Transit is the public transport provider in Victoria. Numerous bus routes operate in the city and throughout the region making getting around very convenient.

Pick up a book of 10 tickets for the best value for money. Check the "fares" section of 

Hungry?

Victoria's restaurant scene is very diverse! There's an endless variety of delicious eats to indulge in from high teas, craft beers, pub food and international fair from around the world or a sweet treat from Canada's first chocolatier, which got its start right here in Victoria.

Victoria has something for every type of foodie. Here are a few places you might want to consider checking out. 

Bon appétit!

Pagliacci's

Downtown Victoria

Pagliacci's
@citytrailwander
This is a favourite to eat at when in Victoria. Enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere at Pagliacci's, serving up pasta dishes and other Italian staples. The home-made focaccia bread is delicious!
Add to
Details

John's Place

Downtown Victoria

John's Place
@citytrailwander
Amazing breakfasts in an eclectic decor.
Add to
Details

Varsha Indian Kitchen

Chinatown, Victoria

Varsha Indian Kitchen
@citytrailwander
Delicious Indian cuisine! Varsha's is the place to go to satisfy your cravings for Indian food.
Add to
Details

Finn's

Downtown Victoria

Finn's Seafood Chops Cocktails
@citytrailwander
A stylish spot serving up delicious seafood, steaks, creative cocktails and more.
Add to
Details

The Sticky Wicket

Downtown Victoria

The Sticky Wicket Bar & Restaurant
@citytrailwander
A casual spot with great pub food and live sports.
Add to
Details

Rogers Chocolates

Downtown Victoria

Rogers' Chocolates
@citytrailwander
Canada's first chocolatier got its start right here in Victoria; satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in some gourmet chocolate.
Add to
Details

Bon voyage and have a fantastic time in Victoria!

Heading to Vancouver? 

* * *
CURATED BY
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, City Trail Wander publishes first-person view walking and cycling videos of the diverse natural beauty of Metro Vancouver and places beyond. Join City Trail Wander on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
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Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Downtown Victoria Mini Travel Guide. In this mini travel guide we've curated 5 of our favourite attractions to visit while in Victoria, British Columbia, along with a few favourite places to eat. Also included are some transportation recommendations to help you get to Victoria. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings and laid-back island vibe. Whether you're strolling through the picturesque Inner Harbour, exploring the bustling downtown core, or admiring the stunning views from Beacon Hill Park, there's always something new to discover in this vibrant city.
18 Places • 5 Saves • ago
Free

Welcome

About City Trail Wander

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, City Trail Wander explores the natural beauty of Metro Vancouver, and beyond, through first-person walking and cycling videos on YouTube and other social media platforms.

About this guide

Growing up and living in Vancouver, there have been many opportunity to travel over to Vancouver Island and visit Victoria countless times to explore and get to know the city.

There are so many things to see and do in the provincial capital it was hard to choose what to include in this guide. However, we've curated five of our favourite attractions that we think you'll enjoy along with some great places we love to eat at while in Victoria.

The guide also includes transportation recommendations, a few dining suggestions, all with links each of the locations and services listed.

In this guide

     About Victoria

     Five things to see and do in Victoria

     Getting here and getting around

     Hungry? A few places to eat

About Victoria

Victoria is the capital city of the Province of British Columbia. Founded in 1843 as a fur trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, the city was named after Queen Victoria and became the capital of British Columbia in 1871.

This charming city, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, has a rich history filled with exciting stories and cultural influences shaped by First Nations peoples, European settlers and immigrants from all over the world, resulting in a unique blend of traditions and customs.

Today, not only is Victoria known for being the seat of government for the province, but also as a bustling hub of art, culture and outdoor activities, drawing visitors from all over the world to its stunning natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.

Five things to see and do in Victoria

There is so much to see and do in Victoria and selecting only five attractions was not easy. On my various visits though, these are some of my favourite places that I enjoy returning to over and over again.

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle
@citytrailwander
Step into the past and discover the fascinating story behind Craigdarroch Castle, one of Victoria's most iconic landmarks.
Add to
Details

Government House

Government House
@citytrailwander
Official residence of the lieutenant governor, the Kings representative in British Columbia. Take a tour, have lunch at Rudi's Team Room or wander through the beautiful gardens.
Add to
Details

Victoria Public Market

Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
@citytrailwander
A vibrant and bustling market; a great spot to experience the diverse tastes of Victoria and British Columbia!
Add to
Details

Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

Victoria’s Chinatown
@citytrailwander
Wander through Canada's oldest Chinatown, exploring its vibrant history and the narrowest commercial street in North America, Fan Tan Alley, which is only 0.9m (3ft) at its narrowest point.
Add to
Details

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park
@citytrailwander
Beacon Hill Park features tranquil gardens, and stunning views from the hilltop lookout.
Add to
Details

Getting here and getting around

Getting to Victoria

There are multiple options on how to get to Victoria. Whether you're sailing in from Metro Vancouver or from the United States onboard a ferry or flying in to downtown Victoria or the Victoria International Airport, the amount of options makes getting to Victoria is easy and convenient. 

Helijet
@citytrailwander
Scheduled helicopter airline serving downtown Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.
Add to
Details
Harbour Air
@citytrailwander
Scheduled floatplane airline serving downtown Victoria and other destinations on the south-coast of British Columbia.
Add to
Details
Kenmore Air
@citytrailwander
Scheduled floatplane airline serving downtown Victoria from downtown Seattle, USA and other destinations in Washington State.
Add to
Details
BC Ferries
@citytrailwander
Scheduled ferry service between Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver) and Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria Capital Regional District)
Add to
Details
YYJ - Victoria International Airport
@citytrailwander
YYJ is currently served by 12 airlines offering service to 8 domestic and international destinations; some routes operate on a season basis.
Add to
Details
FRS Clipper
@citytrailwander
Passenger ferry operating between downtown Seattle and downtown Victoria.
Add to
Details
Black Ball Ferry Line
@citytrailwander
A car and passenger ferry offering service from Port Angeles, Washington State to downtown Victoria.
Add to
Details

Getting around

BC Transit is the public transport provider in Victoria. Numerous bus routes operate in the city and throughout the region making getting around very convenient.

Pick up a book of 10 tickets for the best value for money. Check the "fares" section of 

Hungry?

Victoria's restaurant scene is very diverse! There's an endless variety of delicious eats to indulge in from high teas, craft beers, pub food and international fair from around the world or a sweet treat from Canada's first chocolatier, which got its start right here in Victoria.

Victoria has something for every type of foodie. Here are a few places you might want to consider checking out. 

Bon appétit!

Pagliacci's

Downtown Victoria

Pagliacci's
@citytrailwander
This is a favourite to eat at when in Victoria. Enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere at Pagliacci's, serving up pasta dishes and other Italian staples. The home-made focaccia bread is delicious!
Add to
Details

John's Place

Downtown Victoria

John's Place
@citytrailwander
Amazing breakfasts in an eclectic decor.
Add to
Details

Varsha Indian Kitchen

Chinatown, Victoria

Varsha Indian Kitchen
@citytrailwander
Delicious Indian cuisine! Varsha's is the place to go to satisfy your cravings for Indian food.
Add to
Details

Finn's

Downtown Victoria

Finn's Seafood Chops Cocktails
@citytrailwander
A stylish spot serving up delicious seafood, steaks, creative cocktails and more.
Add to
Details

The Sticky Wicket

Downtown Victoria

The Sticky Wicket Bar & Restaurant
@citytrailwander
A casual spot with great pub food and live sports.
Add to
Details

Rogers Chocolates

Downtown Victoria

Rogers' Chocolates
@citytrailwander
Canada's first chocolatier got its start right here in Victoria; satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in some gourmet chocolate.
Add to
Details

Bon voyage and have a fantastic time in Victoria!

Heading to Vancouver? 

* * *
CURATED BY
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, City Trail Wander publishes first-person view walking and cycling videos of the diverse natural beauty of Metro Vancouver and places beyond. Join City Trail Wander on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Send A Tip
Support City Trail Wander’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© City Trail Wander Privacy Terms