This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Privacy Policy for details.
If you’re the type of traveler who looks for outdoor adventures, active excursions, and scenic vistas (ideally with a hike in front of them), you’ll be happy to learn that Victoria has tons of options for you. Here are some of the top outdoor things to do in Victoria, perfect for Wild Weekenders (iykyk), nature enthusiasts, and anyone who would rather be on the move than sitting still.
1. Go whale watching on the Salish Sea
There are tons of places to go whale watching along BC’s west coast, but Victoria is special. Why? Because you have the opportunity to see several different species of whales on tours from here! Unlike Tofino, where you’re most likely to see Humpbacks and Gray Whales, or Campbell River, where you’re most likely to see only Orcas, in Victoria you can see all of the above and more!
Peak whale watching season is May to October, when whales migrate up and down the west coast between Canada and Mexico. You can opt for a tour in a large boat or a zodiac (my personal preference), where guides will teach you about the local marine ecosystems and show you all kinds of sea and marine life, including seals, sea lions, birds, whales, and more.
I’ve done this tour with SpringTide Eco Tours and highly recommend it, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the companies– they all work together to share info on sightings so that nobody misses out.
2. Soak in the views from the Malahat Skywalk
If you’re a fan of scenic lookouts, the Malahat Skywalk is pretty exceptional. Located on a bluff at the top of the Malahat, this 10-storey spiral tower offers incredible views of the Saanich Inlet, the Saanich Peninsula, Mt. Baker, and Vancouver Island. It’s truly stunning.
And it’s not just a viewpoint, but an immersive nature experience. In addition to the views from the top of the tower, you can try out the adventure net, the 66 foot spiral slide back to the ground. In other words, there’s plenty of adventure to be had!
You can also learn about the region and the indigenous history of the area by reading interpretive signs, walking through nature trails, and checking out cool art installations.
The Malahat Skywalk is a 40-minute drive from downtown Victoria and there is free parking on site. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can reach the site using their free shuttle, which runs daily from June 28th to September 1st, and on Saturdays and Sundays from September 6 to October 12. View the schedule here.
Book your Malahat Skywalk tickets here!
🗺️ Grab the Map: If you only have a short time in Victoria, the Victoria Hit List Map will save you hours of planning. Open it in Google Maps and you’ve got 200+ local-approved pins — all the fun, none of the guesswork. Grab it here!
3. Street art & brewery tour
Victoria has no shortage of awesome street art and an abundance of great local breweries and this walking tour enables you to enjoy both of them at once!
Throughout the three hour walking tour you’ll learn about Victoria’s history and culture by way of the mural artwork spread throughout the city, and along the way you’ll pop into some of the most iconic breweries to sample the local wares. This is a wonderful way to see a side of Victoria you might not otherwise notice!
4. Hit the local trails
One of the most popular outdoor activities among Victoria locals is hiking, and once you grasp the multitude of trails in the area, it’s easy to see why. There are options for every age, skill level, and scenery preference. You can choose from mountain ascents, forested paths, or ocean views; you might even find all of these in one trail!
East Sooke Park, Goldstream Park, and Gowlland Tod Park (Jocelyn Hill is a gorgeous trail!) are popular spots with multiple trails to choose from. For gentler routes, closer to the city, PKOLS Park, Elk Lake, and Summit Park offer beautiful views and forested trails.
Pro Tip: If you don’t already have it, download the AllTrails app to compare terrain, trail distances, and difficulty levels for trails in the Victoria area. There’s sure to be something that suits exactly what you’re looking for.
5. Take a kayaking tour
Getting out on the water is such a fun way to experience any seaside destination. It gives you a whole new perspective on the area and paddling is so peaceful. There are several organizations within Victoria offering kayaking tours to keen visitors. You can learn about history on an inner harbor paddling tour or take a shoreline kayaking tour from Oak Bay to spot local marine life.
If you’re an experienced paddler, rent a kayak from Ocean River Sports and design your own paddling experience.
6. Cool off with a brew on a local patio
Victoria’s brewery scene is definitely something to write home about. There are tons of great spots to enjoy locally (and regionally) produced beer and spirits. Each brewpub has a totally different vibe, so it’s fun to bar hop and experience different spots.
Whistle Buoy and Boomtown both have awesome patios. Herald Street has a cool space in Old Town and often features live music. Superflux Cabana is a tropical themed space, great for groups. The Drake has a huge selection of taps and a comfy, chill environment, perfect for chatting.
This is just a tiny selection of what Victoria has to offer. You’ll also want to look into Small Gods, Category 12, Mile Zero, Refuge Tap Room, and Phillips Brewery. All of these (and more) are listed on my Victoria Hit List Map, making it easy to pick spots that work within your itinerary.
7. Catch sunset along the Ogden Point Breakwater
There’s nothing like watching the sunset over the ocean and Victoria offers several awesome places to do it.
The Ogden Point Breakwater is a solid choice because it’s a large open space so you don’t have to compete for the perfect viewpoint. Plus, it’s close to downtown so you can zip off to dinner once the sun sets. The breakwater is a short, level walk on pavement and there’s lots of parking in the vicinity, too.
Backup options for sunset views include Clover Point, PKOLS Park, Saxe Point Park, and Mt. Tolmie.
8. Take a Seaplane Flightseeing Tour
Seaplane flights are a wonderful way to get a sense of the topography of the region and they are so much fun! If you’ve never been in a small aircraft, just know these planes can be a little noisier and bumpier than the large jets you’re used to, but they are so much fun.
A short seaplane tour over Victoria will give you the opportunity to get a new perspective on the mountains and coastline in the area. If you’re lucky you might even be able to spot whales from the air! It’s an epic way to see the area, and you’re sure to get a bit of a rush during takeoff and landing (in a good way, promise!).
Click here to book your seaplane tour!
9. Rent a bike and cruise the local cycling trails
Victoria’s cycling infrastructure is in the midst of an ongoing glow-up. There are tons of gorgeous cycling routes connecting the entire city, making bicycles a wonderful way to get to know the different neighborhoods. You can rent bikes from several different bike shops around town, including Oak Bay Bicycles, Reciclistas, and Bishop’s Family Cycles.
You can also connect to the Galloping Goose trail, the Lochside Trail, or cruise along the local bike lanes throughout town! Peddle out to the Sea Cider tasting room on the Saanich Peninsula, or cruise along Dallas Road while you soak in the ocean views.
Alternatively, you can book a cycling tour of the city and have a guide show you all the highlights while teaching you about the local history!
10. Splash around in one of the local swimming holes
Whether you prefer ocean or lake swimming, Victoria has tons of options for you! There’s nothing better than a relaxing swim on a warm summer day, so why not build it into your travel schedule?
Thetis, Elk, and Durrance Lakes and the Sooke Potholes are popular swim spots for fresh water lovers. If you prefer ocean swimming Island View Beach, Willow’s Beach, and Gonzalez Bay are all excellent spots. Just be sure to check local water advisories in case any of these swimming spots are closed due to poor health conditions.
It’s pretty clear that there’s no lack of fun outdoor activities in Victoria. Which of these adventurous options will you include on your Victoria itinerary?
