Wondering if Victoria, BC is worth visiting?
If you’ve been following travel publications, you may have noticed that Conde Nast named Victoria the world’s best small city in 2023. It’s a bustling cruise ship port, a popular retirement destination for Canadians, and a cultural hub for Vancouver Island locals, but is Victoria worth visiting?
Given that Victoria is my hometown, I may not be entirely objective, but this city gets an emphatic YES from me!
After graduating from UVic, I lived in several other towns on Vancouver Island, the U.S., and Mexico, but Victoria called me back with its gorgeous weather, abundant green spaces, and eclectic culture (oh, and my family lives here 😅). In other words, I adore this city.
Buuuut, even I can admit that it’s not necessarily suitable for every traveler (or every trip).
Victoria is the cultural hub of Vancouver Island and offers a fantastic cross-section of many things the island is known and loved for.
From nature and ecotourism to foodie experiences, historical sites, and fun concerts, festivals, and events, Victoria has something for every visitor to enjoy!
However, the city’s location at the southern tip of Vancouver Island makes it somewhat removed from other regional attractions, meaning it might not make sense to squeeze it into every itinerary.
Read on to learn why I believe Victoria is worth visiting (and reasons why it might not be) so you can decide whether it’s a good fit for you!
Why Victoria is worth visiting
The climate is mild
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person who playfully refers to Victoria as the “Hawaii of Canada” because it is. It’s on an island with many beaches, and it’s often sunny!
Compared to the rest of Canada, Victoria’s climate is incredibly mild. The city’s location on the tip of Vancouver Island means weather systems tend to move through quickly. Crappy weather is usually short-lived.
Victoria experiences all four seasons, sometimes in a single day!
Winters can be cold, but not too cold. Snow is minimal (though the frequency and quantity have increased in the last 10 years).
It does rain quite a bit in the fall and winter (this is a temperate rainforest, after all), but often not for a full day. With the right gear, the rain doesn’t have to disrupt your plans too much.
The summer months in Victoria are also mild. While reliably warm, temperatures usually hang around the high 20s, and an ocean breeze is easy to come by, making even the hottest days very comfortable. There are also plenty of places to cool off in the water!
I suggest visiting Victoria between May and September for the best weather, but you can have a lovely trip here at any time of year.
Incredible nature and scenery
Vancouver Island is one of the most stunning places in the world, and Victoria offers opportunities to soak up all the elements that make it so remarkable. Lush temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, rolling meadows, beautiful beaches, and ocean views… the list goes on.
Traveling to popular destinations like Tofino, Cathedral Grove, Strathcona Park, or the Gulf Islands will allow you to soak up these different environments. But… you can get a taste of each of them in Victoria!
Head to PKOLS or Goldstream Park to wander amongst the towering trees. Stroll along Dallas Road to appreciate views of the ocean and the dramatic Olympic Mountains.
Drive out to Mystic Beach to appreciate the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island (unless you have time to head to Tofino, in which case, do that too).
And if you love the beach, plan to spend a day at Island View Beach, Willows Beach, or Gonzalez Beach frolicking in the sand.
I’ve lived in a few different places on Vancouver Island, and one of the things that makes Victoria so remarkable to me is how diverse the scenery and nature are. It’s such a lovely perk to have access to all this within a short drive from my house!
The food scene
Victoria’s restaurant scene is diverse and eclectic and has exceptional options for every budget.
Vancouver Island is home to all kinds of food production, and a quick glance at Victoria’s restaurant menus will make that apparent.
Many eateries strive to feature locally grown and sourced ingredients on their menus. Eating out in Victoria will highlight just how diverse this part of the world is!
Victoria’s brunch scene is enormously popular, with many restaurants attracting long lines of hungry patrons every weekend morning. Jam Café, Blue Fox, John’s Place, and The Parsonage are among the most popular options, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
Most brunch spots don’t take reservations, so it’s not a bad idea to hit up a coffee shop for a croissant before you line up (I suggest Crust Bakery).
Brunch is just the beginning. Victoria has incredible eateries serving everything from sushi or Mexican to West Coast fare, fusion, and beyond.
You can eat your way through the sitting in all kinds of cool settings– food trucks, airy patios, cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurants, or large dining rooms with ocean views. There’s something for everyone!
Craft beer and spirits
British Columbia is renowned for its craft beer, and Victoria is home to a sizable collection of microbreweries and tap houses serving creative and unique brews in fun settings.
Hoyne, Phillips, and Whistle Buoy are three popular breweries in downtown Victoria!
And beer is just the beginning. You’ll also find cideries, wineries, and distilleries within (and slightly beyond) the city! The family-owned Sea Cider Ciderhouse and Church & State Wines are located on the Saanich Peninsula, about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria.
Many of these locations offer tasting menus, host fun events, and have charming settings that make sampling their wares a complete experience. Spending an afternoon brewery hopping from patio to patio tasting the local flavors is so much fun!
But one afternoon definitely isn’t enough to try everything. If you’re serious about beer or spirits, you’ll want to devise a plan!
Download the BC Ale Trail mobile app to easily reference local breweries and collect points (to redeem for rewards!) when you visit them!
Endless things to do
There is never a lack of fun things to do in Victoria. From community events like craft fairs, art shows, and local markets to concerts and festivals, keeping your calendar fully booked all year is easy. Beyond events, there are tons of incredible attractions and activities to enjoy.
If you want to soak up the outdoors, rent kayaks and get out on the water in Oak Bay, stroll along Dallas Road, join a whale-watching tour, or hike in one of the local parks. You could also rent bikes or take a cycling tour through the city to visit notable landmarks!
For those interested in history, Victoria has several museums and landmarks to help you get to know the city better. The Royal BC Museum has fascinating exhibits on the region’s natural history, and the Shaw Center for the Salish Sea is a wonderful place to learn about the local ecosystems and marine life surrounding Vancouver Island.
The Maritime Museum of BC offers insight into the lives of the folks and vessels that have worked up and down the coast of Vancouver Island over the last 200 years.
Victoria’s Chinatown is another essential place to learn about the city’s history. It’s the oldest Chinatown in Canada, dating back to the mid-1800s when Chinese immigrants made their way to Canada during the Gold Rush.
These days, Chinatown is home to dozens of unique local businesses, great restaurants, galleries, and historical buildings.
Laid back lifestyle
I always say that Victoria is a city that feels like a small town. There are many amenities, but much of the commercial activity and attractions are condensed to the downtown core (though this is changing).
Beyond the city center, most neighborhoods are insulated from hustle and bustle (save Cook Street Village on a Sunday).
Overall, the city is quiet and mellow. Lots of shops downtown close by 7 p.m., and there’s a quaint feeling to it. Aside from brunch, you typically don’t need to wait in long lines to get into restaurants or attractions.
There’s always something to do, and it doesn’t have to feel like a huge production. (Though, I do recommend making restaurant reservations.)
What’s more, Victoria epitomizes West Coast casual. While you can dress up as much as you want without feeling out of place, nobody will look twice at you if you show up in leggings and a sweatshirt.
If you want to dress up without putting too much effort in, throw on an Anián coat, and you’re good to go in almost any circumstance!
Why Victoria isn’t worth visiting (maybe)
It’s not cheap
Victoria isn’t the most budget-friendly destination. While you can make it work, it’s not the best option for budget travelers. Finding accommodation for under $200 per night is a massive challenge in the summer high season.
That said, if you are visiting Victoria on a budget, stay somewhere near the downtown core so you can take advantage of public transportation and/or walk to many of the top attractions.
Buses cost $2.50 per person, making them an affordable way to get around. However, buses in Victoria aren’t as prolific as they should be, so staying near a bus hub (like downtown) makes it much more efficient to use the service.
Additionally, there are plenty of free and low-cost things to do in Victoria, especially if you appreciate nature! You can soak up the local scenery and take in free performances in public spaces.
It’s far from other Vancouver Island attractions
For those planning to incorporate Victoria into a more extensive Vancouver Island trip, it’s essential to research driving times. If you’re on a quick tip, Victoria’s location may hamper your ability to visit other destinations efficiently.
Only one highway leads out of Victoria to the rest of the island, and it’s often under construction, which can result in significant driving delays, especially in the summer and on weekends.
If you plan to head to the Pacific Rim and visit Tofino or Ucluelet, be aware that these cities are about 5 hours driving from Victoria (plus stops). Victoria to Nanaimo is about 2 hours, and Victoria to the Comox Valley is 3 hours. These driving times all assume no delays for road work or heavy traffic.
Consider this as you plan your itinerary, and be honest with yourself about how much time you want to spend driving!
Potential transportation woes
There is public transportation in Victoria, but it could be better. Despite being a sizable city, the bus service is less extensive and less frequent than one would hope.
This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means that if you’re relying on public transportation, you must plan your accommodation and activities strategically and budget extra time for transportation.
Beyond buses, taxis and Uber are available to get around within the city.
Victoria also has a decent network of bike lanes and bike paths, so if you’re visiting with a bicycle, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to get around!
When is the best time to visit Victoria?
The best month to visit Victoria is April. The weather is generally comfortable, with average highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. April typically sees about 8 days of rain, but showers are often scattered, and the weather is usually sunny overall. The mild temperatures and limited precipitation make April a fantastic month for indulging in the abundance of outdoor activities Victoria offers!
Another great thing about April is that tourist season has yet to kick off, so you’ll benefit from lower accommodation prices and smaller crowds at top attractions.
And, if you visit in early April, you’ll be able to enjoy the last of cherry blossom season and see lots of spring flowers popping up around the city!
That said, Victoria is great to visit any month of the year. The summers are warm and dry, making for fantastic beach weather! However, in recent years, forest fire smoke has occasionally affected the air quality in late summer (usually August).
Winters in Victoria are mild, though snow is becoming more common than in previous decades. The city usually only receives a few inches, and it doesn’t tend to stick for long. November and February can be rainy, with many overcast days.
How to get to Victoria
Depending on your travel plans and your place of origin, there are several different ways to reach Victoria! Here’s an overview:
- BC Ferries: Many visitors drive or walk onto a ferry from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen ferry terminal. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and the sailing takes you through the beautiful southern Gulf Islands, which makes for stunning scenery on a nice day. It’s common to see whales and other sea life from the ferry deck, so keep your eyes peeled!
- Victoria International Airport (YYJ): The Victoria Airport welcomes flights from destinations throughout Canada, the U.S. and beyond. It’s a convenient way to reach the city if you’re coming from further away than Vancouver.
- Seaplane from Vancouver: Harbour Air offers seaplane flights between the Vancouver harbour and Victoria’s inner harbour. The flights take approximately 30 minutes, and they also offer gorgeous views of the region!
- Clipper Ferry from downtown Seattle: The Clipper Ferry is one of the world’s fastest passenger boats, traveling between downtown Victoria and downtown Seattle. It’s a convenient way to get between the two cities and positions you well to immerse yourself in downtown Victoria! The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Black Ball Ferry: Also known as the M.V. Coho, this ferry carries vehicles and passengers between Port Angeles in Washington State and downtown Victoria. It’s a convenient way to reach the city if you’re driving up from the U.S. and want to avoid the traffic of Seattle and Vancouver. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Victoria FAQs
Is Victoria a walkable city?
Absolutely! The downtown core is relatively compact and wonderful to wander around on foot. In general, Victoria has great sidewalks and is pedestrian-friendly. Walking is my favorite way to get around!
How many days do you need in Victoria?
You could spend weeks here, but I’d suggest a minimum of 2-3 days for your first trip. That way, you’ll have time to see some of the main sites and get a sense of the city’s culture. This will undoubtedly leave you wanting more!
Is downtown Victoria safe?
Yes. Downtown Victoria is very safe. There are a few blocks on Pandora Street that I would avoid after dark as a solo woman, but ultimately, it’s a very safe city. As long as you keep your wits about you and stay aware of your surroundings, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. I routinely walk everywhere on my own, even at night, and never feel uneasy.
Do you need a car to get around in Victoria?
You don’t NEED a car in Victoria, but it will make it much easier to see and experience the city. If your trip is focused on the downtown area or a particular neighborhood, a car isn’t essential, but if you’re hoping to go beyond the heart of the city, having a vehicle will make it easier to get around and see more offbeat places.
Can you visit Victoria on a day trip?
You certainly can, but it will probably be a long day. If you choose to do this, I recommend concentrating on a single neighborhood or experience so you don’t waste precious time commuting between sites!
What is Victoria most known for?
Victoria is the cultural hub of Vancouver Island. It has a vibrant arts scene and hosts all kinds of festivals, concerts, and other events throughout the year. Victoria is also known for its beautiful scenery, historical sites, and as the seat of British Columbia’s provincial government.
