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

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.

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

• 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.

• Fisherman’s Wharf Floathome Community*

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

• Finnerty Gardens

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!

• Ogden Point Breakwater*

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

• Try poutine*

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

• Hatley Gardens*

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

• Grab a beer at a local microbrewery

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

$11 – $20

• Hatley Castle

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.

• Butterfly Gardens

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

• Kayak Rentals*

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

• Butchart Gardens

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

• Evening Cocktails

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

Over $50

• Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel

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

• Scuba Diving

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!

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!