Victoria Sights & Attractions
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Victoria, British Columbia.
The city of Victoria is in itself an attraction. One could wander the streets dipping in and out of restaurants and shops for hours, without making any official plans for sightseeing. Statues, artistic sculptures, historical buildings, interesting neighbourhoods, ocean views—they are all found just by meandering through downtown Victoria. But there are many official must-see attractions as well and it is worth making a plan before visiting in order to experience the best that Victoria has to offer, from city sites to historical attractions, parks and gardens to museums and galleries.
CITY SITES
Downtown is the best place to begin any visit to Victoria. The Inner Harbour is a lively area filled with artisans, buskers, restaurants, tour companies and major attractions, including the Empress, BC Legislature and the Royal Wax Museum. It's also a great spot for people watching and yacht spotting.
Leading north from the Inner Harbour is Government Street, chock-a-bloc with shops, restaurants and historical buildings. Government Street eventually leads to Canada's oldest Chinatown. Canada's narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley can be found here just off Fisgard Avenue leading to intriguing little shops.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Victoria has a rich naval history that continues to this day as the location of Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet. As a British Colony, a Royal Naval base was originally formed in 1848 in Esquimalt. In the late 1890s, Fort Rodd Hill was established in order to defend this base. Fisgard Lighthouse is also here and visitors can explore the area and experience exceptional views.
The Maritime Museum of BC is located downtown in Bastion Square. Purportedly haunted, it is situated in the old courthouse, which had once been the site of the police barracks and gaol in 1858. At least 11 hangings occurred here, with bodies buried under what is now the museum.
Moving from the underbelly of society to the upper crust, many of Victoria's grandest buildings are the result of the social elite. Point Ellice House in Victoria's Upper Harbour was built in 1867 for Peter O'Reilly, magistrate and gold commissioner. Today it retains many of its original furnishings and is open for visitors to take a peek into the lives of the Victorian rich and famous.
The Dunsmuirs were among those social elite made rich by the coal industry. Craigdarroch Castle, built in 1890, is a reflection of this wealth and perhaps ego. Hatley Park Castle is also part of the Dunsmuir legacy. Built in 1908, it features lavish gardens and decadent architecture that sought to recreate the authenticity of a real castle. It's real enough for the movies; the castle was used in the second and third X-Men movies as Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Two of Victoria's most prominent and impossible-to-miss historical attractions are located downtown near the Inner Harbour: The Fairmont Empress Hotel and the BC Legislature. Built in 1898, the legislature offers regular tours. Especially impressive at night, the building is outlined in lights. The Empress is equally iconic. Visitors can stop in for afternoon tea or lounge in the regal Bengal Lounge.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Victoria has a vibrant arts and culture scene fed by an abundance of creative souls that have immigrated here for a life inspired by the area's natural beauty. This accounts for more than 50 galleries in Victoria, the largest one being the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which first opened in 1951. It occupies a historic 1889 mansion in addition to seven modern galleries and displays nearly 17,000 art works. This is BC's largest public collection.
Emily Carr's legacy is a national treasure and the house in which she was born in 1871 is today a must-see tourist attraction. Carr was renowned the world over for her innovative painting style and visitors can see reproductions of her works adorning the walls of this restored Victorian Gingerbread home known as Emily Carr House.
Majestic totem poles were a popular theme in Carr's work and real-life examples can been seen at Thunderbird Park, a 10-minute walk away. The park sits on the grounds of the Royal BC Museum, another cultural attraction worth visiting for its insight into British Columbia's past, present and future through more than seven million items. Victoria's IMAX is also located here.
FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
While some might consider certain tourist attractions tourist traps, their central location and enticing signage will make it nearly impossible for those with children to avoid. Pacific Undersea Gardens has been located in the Inner Harbour for generations and can provide visitors with insight into what lurks beneath the water, from spiny rock cod to tentacled octopuses. Moving from undersea life to still life, the Royal London Wax Museum is located next door. It opened its doors in 1961 as North America's first Tussaud wax museum (related to Madame Tussauds in London, England), and here King Henry XIII and his eight wives, Albert Einstein and Napoleon Bonaparte all appear to come to life, along with some 300 other figures, including a frightening dungeon display for those brave of heart.
Those with blood lust should head over to Nightmares Entertainment on Government Street. A stairway leads below Trounce Alley where the ghoulishness of Halloween can be experienced year round. Beware of the infamous Angry Man.
The more sedate Miniature World offers the chance to feel like a giant among a curious display of small models; doll houses, enchanted valleys and castles, the great Canadian Railway and much more have been recreated. A very different world of miniature is offered at the Bug Zoo, providing insight into the life of insects. See live spiders, walking sticks, praying mantis and much more.
The residents at the Butterfly Gardens may not be considered as creepy. A 1,115-sq-m (12,000-sq-ft) tropical enclosure showcases some 3,000 butterflies along with flamingos and koi fish.
PARKS & GARDENS
Beacon Hill Park is a wonderful place to spend the whole day. Encompassing 25 ha (62 acres) of downtown Victoria, this treasure offers a combination of natural and landscaped grounds suitable for picnicking, dog walking and horseback riding. There's a petting zoo, wading pool, formal gardens and a band pavilion. Dallas Road flanks the park to its south with an ocean-front walkway and panoramic views.
For a more formal garden experience, visit Abkhazi Garden. Located in a residential neighbourhood, the home once belonged to Prince and Princess Nicholas Abkhazi who lovingly landscaped their property in the 1940s. A charming tearoom is also open to visitors. However, the crème de la crème of formal gardens is Butchart Gardens. With some 22 ha (55 acres) of landscaped wonder this privately owned garden was transformed from the remains of a barren limestone quarry in 1904. Today, it is one of Victoria's most visited attractions with seasonal floral displays year round in addition to a tea room, restaurant, carousel, totem poles, gift shop and more.
WINERIES & VINEYARDS
If formal gardens and hanging baskets on every corner bursting with flora aren't evidence enough of Victoria's fertile environment, take a visit to a nearby vineyard. Vancouver Island has dozens of wineries but there are a few more central to Victoria, such as Church and State Wines en route to Butchart Gardens or Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse where tastings and orchard tours are available.
CITY SITES
Downtown is the best place to begin any visit to Victoria. The Inner Harbour is a lively area filled with artisans, buskers, restaurants, tour companies and major attractions, including the Empress, BC Legislature and the Royal Wax Museum. It's also a great spot for people watching and yacht spotting.
Leading north from the Inner Harbour is Government Street, chock-a-bloc with shops, restaurants and historical buildings. Government Street eventually leads to Canada's oldest Chinatown. Canada's narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley can be found here just off Fisgard Avenue leading to intriguing little shops.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Victoria has a rich naval history that continues to this day as the location of Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet. As a British Colony, a Royal Naval base was originally formed in 1848 in Esquimalt. In the late 1890s, Fort Rodd Hill was established in order to defend this base. Fisgard Lighthouse is also here and visitors can explore the area and experience exceptional views.
The Maritime Museum of BC is located downtown in Bastion Square. Purportedly haunted, it is situated in the old courthouse, which had once been the site of the police barracks and gaol in 1858. At least 11 hangings occurred here, with bodies buried under what is now the museum.
Moving from the underbelly of society to the upper crust, many of Victoria's grandest buildings are the result of the social elite. Point Ellice House in Victoria's Upper Harbour was built in 1867 for Peter O'Reilly, magistrate and gold commissioner. Today it retains many of its original furnishings and is open for visitors to take a peek into the lives of the Victorian rich and famous.
The Dunsmuirs were among those social elite made rich by the coal industry. Craigdarroch Castle, built in 1890, is a reflection of this wealth and perhaps ego. Hatley Park Castle is also part of the Dunsmuir legacy. Built in 1908, it features lavish gardens and decadent architecture that sought to recreate the authenticity of a real castle. It's real enough for the movies; the castle was used in the second and third X-Men movies as Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Two of Victoria's most prominent and impossible-to-miss historical attractions are located downtown near the Inner Harbour: The Fairmont Empress Hotel and the BC Legislature. Built in 1898, the legislature offers regular tours. Especially impressive at night, the building is outlined in lights. The Empress is equally iconic. Visitors can stop in for afternoon tea or lounge in the regal Bengal Lounge.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Victoria has a vibrant arts and culture scene fed by an abundance of creative souls that have immigrated here for a life inspired by the area's natural beauty. This accounts for more than 50 galleries in Victoria, the largest one being the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which first opened in 1951. It occupies a historic 1889 mansion in addition to seven modern galleries and displays nearly 17,000 art works. This is BC's largest public collection.
Emily Carr's legacy is a national treasure and the house in which she was born in 1871 is today a must-see tourist attraction. Carr was renowned the world over for her innovative painting style and visitors can see reproductions of her works adorning the walls of this restored Victorian Gingerbread home known as Emily Carr House.
Majestic totem poles were a popular theme in Carr's work and real-life examples can been seen at Thunderbird Park, a 10-minute walk away. The park sits on the grounds of the Royal BC Museum, another cultural attraction worth visiting for its insight into British Columbia's past, present and future through more than seven million items. Victoria's IMAX is also located here.
FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
While some might consider certain tourist attractions tourist traps, their central location and enticing signage will make it nearly impossible for those with children to avoid. Pacific Undersea Gardens has been located in the Inner Harbour for generations and can provide visitors with insight into what lurks beneath the water, from spiny rock cod to tentacled octopuses. Moving from undersea life to still life, the Royal London Wax Museum is located next door. It opened its doors in 1961 as North America's first Tussaud wax museum (related to Madame Tussauds in London, England), and here King Henry XIII and his eight wives, Albert Einstein and Napoleon Bonaparte all appear to come to life, along with some 300 other figures, including a frightening dungeon display for those brave of heart.
Those with blood lust should head over to Nightmares Entertainment on Government Street. A stairway leads below Trounce Alley where the ghoulishness of Halloween can be experienced year round. Beware of the infamous Angry Man.
The more sedate Miniature World offers the chance to feel like a giant among a curious display of small models; doll houses, enchanted valleys and castles, the great Canadian Railway and much more have been recreated. A very different world of miniature is offered at the Bug Zoo, providing insight into the life of insects. See live spiders, walking sticks, praying mantis and much more.
The residents at the Butterfly Gardens may not be considered as creepy. A 1,115-sq-m (12,000-sq-ft) tropical enclosure showcases some 3,000 butterflies along with flamingos and koi fish.
PARKS & GARDENS
Beacon Hill Park is a wonderful place to spend the whole day. Encompassing 25 ha (62 acres) of downtown Victoria, this treasure offers a combination of natural and landscaped grounds suitable for picnicking, dog walking and horseback riding. There's a petting zoo, wading pool, formal gardens and a band pavilion. Dallas Road flanks the park to its south with an ocean-front walkway and panoramic views.
For a more formal garden experience, visit Abkhazi Garden. Located in a residential neighbourhood, the home once belonged to Prince and Princess Nicholas Abkhazi who lovingly landscaped their property in the 1940s. A charming tearoom is also open to visitors. However, the crème de la crème of formal gardens is Butchart Gardens. With some 22 ha (55 acres) of landscaped wonder this privately owned garden was transformed from the remains of a barren limestone quarry in 1904. Today, it is one of Victoria's most visited attractions with seasonal floral displays year round in addition to a tea room, restaurant, carousel, totem poles, gift shop and more.
WINERIES & VINEYARDS
If formal gardens and hanging baskets on every corner bursting with flora aren't evidence enough of Victoria's fertile environment, take a visit to a nearby vineyard. Vancouver Island has dozens of wineries but there are a few more central to Victoria, such as Church and State Wines en route to Butchart Gardens or Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse where tastings and orchard tours are available.
Garden Setting
Downtown Hotel
Indoor Pool
Quality Inn Downtown Victoria
A full-service hotel located 2 blocks from the Inner Harbour and main attractions!
Heritage Hotel
Continental Breakfast
