Things to Do in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (on any budget!)

Things to Do in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on northtosouth.us

I’ll start this post with a shout-out to Tiffany, our friend who lives in Victoria. She gave us a ton of options of things to do during our visit this week which kept us happily entertained and well fed, and it allowed us to see a lot of the area.

Downtown Victoria at night
Victoria Government Building at night

Visiting Victoria was a bit of a spontaneous decision (we were in the Seattle area, and we figured why not?), so we only spent three days there. While we couldn’t finish every item on this list, we had a ton of fun doing what we did (those items have a *). So now I’m passing the list along to you NTS readers. Here are a few options, for every price range:

FREE

Walking on the rocks south of Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC
Walking on the rocks by the sea, just south of Beacon Hill Park

Take a walk, spot a peacock, or head down to the rocky shore south of the park to gaze at the sea.

A colorful little community of homes at Fisherman’s Wharf with easy-to-spot seals

Float Homes at Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, BC
A float home at Fisherman’s Wharf

Don’t want to pay for the pricey Butchart Gardens? Enjoy this alternative at UVic. And you may spot some bunnies that escaped the great round-up!

Safely meander the railed breakwater, or walk along the exterior, to the lighthouse.

  • Explore the outdoors

Mt Finlayson is nearby for hiking, or you can venture a bit further to the Juan de Fuca trails. Some beaches can be reached by a very short walk. (Tiffany recommends Sombrio Beach!)

$10 or under

poutine
This is poutine – a Canadian must-try. Ingredients include french fries, cheese curd and gravy.
  • Try poutine*

Originating in Quebec, this curd and gravy fry covering has now spread across Canada.

A less expensive visit to the castle; visit the museum, too, for free!

Hatley Gardens
The Gardens at Hatley Park
  • Grab a beer at a local microbrewery

A few options include Swans Hotel Brew Pub*, SpinnakersVancouver Island Brewery, Phillips Brewery, and Moon Under Water.

$11 – $20

Ian at Hatley Castle, Victoria, British Columbia

The filming location for many TV shows and films including X-Men; call ahead to confirm hours and check the closure schedule for private events.

For those preferring some flutter around the flowers.

  • Breakfast Time in a Breakfast Town

Start your morning right in this breakfast town at Blue Fox, Jam Cafe, or Floyd’s Diner.

  • Local eats with a view

For a gorge view, head to Canoe Brew Pub, or enjoy a sea setting at Breakwater Cafe + Bistro.

$21 – $50

Kayaking to seals in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Kayaking around the Brothers Islands on a seal-spotting excursion

Another seal spotting opportunity, or explore the harbor. We preferred seals.

We didn’t make it here on this trip, but we’ve heard good things.

  • Evening Cocktails

For a cocktail night, head to Venetoor Clives. (The Mucho Gusto at Veneto is a must-try, with its thai chili-infused white chocolate.)

Cocktails at Veneto in Victoria, BC
Cocktails at Veneto (Thanks again, Tiffany!)

Over $50

In the mood for a fancy afternoon? Dress is “casually elegant” for this activity; reservations recommended.

Skip the boat charter fees with a shore dive around Ogden Point.

  • Spa Day Dip and Dine

Relax with a mineral pool dip plus endless tapas at Tigh-Na-Mara‘s treetop restaurant.

Thanks again, to our friend Tiffany, for recommending almost every single item on this list!

Tiffany and Diana at Veneto in Victoria

Do you have any suggestions for things to do in Victoria or have you tried anything on this list? Please share your advice and experiences in the comments below!

This article was handcrafted for you from our HAFH in Mercer Island, Washington. Hope you enjoyed it!

2 Replies to “Things to Do in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (on any budget!)”

  1. Hey Diana and Ian,
    thnak you so much for all the tipps. I also quit my job in Germany and want to try it out as a digital nomad 😉 We will see if the test works out!
    I’m no in Victoria and will try out your good tipps. Thank you so much.
    Greetings from Victoria, Alexandra

    1. That’s awesome, Alexandra! Victoria is beautiful. Have an amazing time and best of luck in your adventures!

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