16 Things to Do in Victoria, BC, Canada (the brunch capital of Canada!) Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia is one of Canada’s most elegant cities. In this travel guide, I’m showing you 16 things to do while visiting Victoria, BC, Canada (located on Vancouver Island, sometimes referred to as Victoria Island). This city has so many similarities to San Francisco, and one of my favorite things was discovering some epic Brunch spots! Whether you’re traveling to and staying in Victoria for a few days or stopping in on a day trip from the cruise ships, this Victoria city tour should give you some ideas about how to fill your itinerary. I hope you enjoy exploring Victoria, BC with me as we visit the historic downtown, harbour, take a ride on pickle boats, stop by Fisherman’s Wharf, eat fish & chips, explore the castles and gardens, go whale watching, stroll through Beacon Hill Park and so much more.
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Chapters:
0:00 Brunch Capital of Canada
0:50 About Victoria
1:30 Floyd's Diner
3:10 Harbour
3:41 Pickle Boats
4:23 Water Ballet
5:10 Fisherman's Wharf
6:18 Historic Downtown
7:16 Johnson Street
7:38 Squares & Alleys
8:42 Quazar's Arcade
8:58 Chinatown
9:44 Fan Tan Alley
9:58 Beacon Hill Park
11:30 Whale Watching
12:04 Craigdarroch Castle
12:29 Gardens
12:59 Fish & Chips
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READ MORE IN MY BLOG:
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Places Like Banff: Canadian Rockies Off the Beaten Path
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About me - Aly Smalls:
I'm the CFF (Chief Fun Finder) of my travel website - Like Where You're Going.
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[@alysmalls]

If you need a place to stay, I stayed at the Strathcona Hotel - it's in the heart of downtown Victoria, has renovated rooms but the hotel still has the original historic charm & the price is great considering it's 2 blocks from the waterfront! You can save up to 40% off by signing Up for Plannin For free: plannin.com/hotel/b6826812-2668-4b64-b380-78aaf23ec99e?refId=03922abd-a09b-4de2-8440-b396deafebb5

[@dustingrant8531]

we would like our houses!

[@dustingrant8531]

there

[@cactus23]

Born in Victoria. Never knew how lucky I am! ❤️

[@anfaluxuspro.entertainment5452]

I'm thinking about going to school for higher studies in Victoria... any suggestions

[@28Pluto]

@@anfaluxuspro.entertainment5452 Almost everything costs a bit more than you might expect. It costs money to transport goods to an island, so you gotta pay the "island tax" on everything. Learn to buy local! But it's also one of the most beautiful, energetic cities in Canada while still being relatively small. Summertime is super crazy with tourists if you live in a popular area, but it is also considered a "retirement town" for older people. Many young people come here for school, so downtown knows how to party if you want that. The only public transit is bus, but I'd say it's pretty efficient. (Too small to need a train.) It rains ALL winter, but huge amounts of snow are rare.

[@davemacmurchie6982]

@@anfaluxuspro.entertainment5452 Start looking for accommodation well before you need it - housing you can afford is nearly impossible to find. That said, if you can find a place to live, there's nowhere better. I grew up in Victoria and didn't really appreciate how special it is until I moved to southern Californai for grad school. I couldn't wait to get back and now that I've managed that, I'm here for keeps.

[@martinpenev6750]

Gosh, I haven’t been to Victoria since 2010. How time flies! Love BC and of course Canada 🇨🇦 ❤️

[@esehn6972]

I have the immense privilege of calling Victoria home for the last 13 years. It is wonderful.

[@tomokoinoue7831]

I came back from Victoria yesterday. I agree with you about foods are good. Foods are not cheap, but they serve good size portions and good quality foods. I want to explore Vancouver Island. Thank you for the video.

[@robwoudsma]

Retired in 2017 and moved here. The best place to be in the best country. So much to see and do!

[@KiaFursuits]

I grew up and still live in Victoria! I remember all throughout elementary and middle school we would have field trips to downtown and visit the museum, and China town. Such a lovely place to live. :)

[@tanmoybarai6089]

Hi, can you give me a suggestion on whether it's a good idea to visit Victoria in January? Is it too much cold in January?

[@davemacmurchie6982]

@@tanmoybarai6089 By Canadian standards it's not at all cold in January - usually above freezing overnight. There are exceptions though - we had a few days of extreme cold, like -5C, a couple of weeks ago (Jan 24 or thereabouts) but the last few days have been in the range of +7C in the afternoon (Feb 4) Lots of people out on bikes.

[@jamesesl1]

I think, one of the most stunning things I didn't hear mentioned was the amazing street performers, and incredible outdoor free concerts. I saw Rankin Family, Colin James and more. Fringe festival, young violinists, Chloe and Michael, I still remember. So cool!!

[@robertbeaumont790]

Great video. I was born here and live here. A couple of things to also see are Hatley Castle and the garden grounds there, incredibly beautiful. Also there's a top floor restaurant on the 19th floor of The Chateau Victoria called Vista 18. It has great views of the whole city skyline and harbor. :D

[@alysmalls]

Awesome, I'll look those up for next time, thank you

[@paulafowler5099]

You're absolutely correct. Sadly!!

[@Chicomacheeno]

We are visiting for a few days right now and sent this video to a friend in Nepal to show what it’s like here. I didn’t know about the castles. Thanks!

[@christophers796]

Victoria BC is the perfect place to eat and relax and work and live 🎉2024

[@markcummings3146]

Really enjoyed this one Aly, makes me want to book a flight to Canada🙂

[@sunnybamrah1900]

Well made video, bravo🙏! Victoria is the best city and it has my heart💞. You missed stunning places like ogden point, willows beach, cattle point, hollydene beach and cloverdale point. I know you can't visit so many places in such short time. 🤗 thanks for making this amazing video.

[@dz1515]

Somehow you made a great vid showcasing this awesome small city...yet, still missed so much. I guess that fact validates further, how awesome it is. You'll have to go back and see some other spots!

[@marqy007]

I spent a few years in this city. It's the best kept secret in Canada and the most beautiful by far!!

[@28Pluto]

Not really a secret considering the place is completely overwhelmed with tourists every summer. But yes, it is truly beautiful. Source: I'm from Victoria.

[@Xilladan093]

​@@28Pluto lol

[@zakiulhussain5385]

Very beautiful Victoria,Canada 🍁

[@brandonpeniuk]

Thanks for sharing. I will be headed to Van Island in May 2024. Ticket is booked. I usually go to Victoria every year to visit good friends. this time around I am going up to Tofino to go surfing. I have never been surfing before so it should be epic. Then I will be going up to Campbell River to visit family and friends. My cousin is a fishing guide. Earlier this year I was up in Campbell River and I want on his boat and we caught three Link Cod. It was Epic.

[@paulafowler5099]

Living in Kelowna now, but you made me so homesick. I need to move back to my beautiful Victoria. Thanks for this.

[@Ehsan-Jabbari]

Thank you for your video. That was helpful.

[@AlexAvedessian]

I had a chance to visit this lovely and beautiful part of Canada, Victoria during second half of May 2019, although I stayed three days, two nights, still I remember the attractions and landmark I have visited, particularly the Butchart's Garden.. I am planning to visit it again next spring

[@carolinetheberge4671]

Lovely city! Good video, thankyou!

[@Jay-lr3me]

I love how much places like victoria embrace their british roots

[@paulorose1447]

We plan to visit Victoria again! I have been there 2 times but have not explored the beauty of city yet and the rest of Vancouver Island. We plan to stay at the Nanaimo and area.

[@JhonyLeft]

I lived there for a season and I really had the timed of my life. I miss that piece but I promise to go back one day! 🫶🏼

[@ivanovskilozada3282]

My favourite place, Fisherman's and Parlament Building, Simply, the best!!!

[@jodieashleyyy]

I lived across the street from Fan Tan Alley! Such a great location. Victoria is amazing! 😊🙌

[@jodymcleod4636]

Missed the Hot tub boats by the pickle boat base. darn. Lol!

[@danielleg1504]

Great video - thank you! I’m trying to convince my hubs that it’d be a good spot for our next family vacay. 🤞🏽

[@MdKhan-tl9qe]

Victoria Such a beautiful place to live Thanks for Nice video 😊

[@newyorkernewjersey]

Thanks - Very helpful. Gonna be heading there this summer for 3 weeks!

[@DrNuwanPSYDFonseka]

Thank you so much for this video this video so helpful planning trip

[@vicchris3943]

Just visited Victoria, so beautiful island, and massive , , buchard garden is so beautiful, worth the ticket

[@duanecaringuthrie171]

From someone who is from Victoria, you did a great job presenting some of the highlights.

[@mikebarnes2294]

Thanks for this video. I'll be taking an Alaskan cruise this summer that will have a port call in Victoria.

[@jmart07]

Great video! I have a day in Victoria as part of a port stop and been having trouble figuring out what to do. I think i want to do the whale watch tour you mentioned

[@Fartinmymouth]

Wow,really wanna take a visit there

[@ericy3918]

Loved that you flipped for the Mahoney! And Quazar’s. 👍 so many more things to see here!

[@alysmalls]

I can't wait to go back!!

[@Relaxation-Clips]

Love Aly’s smile 😊😊😊

[@riaztrade1868]

Nice and quality video and i really enjoyed

[@joantaveras4721]

Beautiful! 😍

[@moray8973]

Awesome video Aly!! Your best yet.

[@alysmalls]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@humayunkabir528]

Wonderful Things

[@imanzandroto]

I like your video! Love.

[@parinitashaileshramteke7454]

Wow, Victoria, British Columbia is really beautiful 😍👍

[@samanthalocadia3045]

Really enjoyed watching your video! We just moved to Van Island so we will have to try it all out❤ thanks!

[@cindybendall1551]

thanks for the great vid! reminds me to take a walk in my own neighbourhood!

[@lynnettenaismith8569]

Great video. There are lots more places to visit in and around Victoria. Dallas Road, centennial Square, Clover Point (especially when it's stormy). I was born in at the Jubilee Hospital and grew up at Ten Mile Point. I wish I still lived out there.

[@adrac8317]

Thanks. I love Vancouver but Victoria never came to mind till now!

[@marcelomohrgc]

This video is great! It's not easy to find all that information with this clarity. It will be very helpful to me! Thank you! Hugs from Brazil!

[@alysmalls]

Thanks Marcelo :)

[@cheryldavis1268]

Thank you for the tour. You have a lovely voice and you make me want to go back there and see a few places that I missed. 😊

[@PhiromWalker]

I am your fan watching channel ! good place for tourism I will share for my friend as well!

[@catacombcatholic5571]

In a way, I wish the Mediterranean garden had more to it. Next time you go, it is by the parking lot, before the main gate. I finally located this garden. This is a nice garden for toddlers, as the paths are less populated, and there are wild bunnies and many birds! Thank you for your stellar video! I think it is the trees that make these gardens so remarkable.

[@levinsonmartins865]

Great and informative video, 👍

[@canuckcoffeecanada]

No one ever calls it "Victoria Island..." In my 5+ decades here... never heard that - tourists maybe...

[@alysmalls]

Welcome to KZbin SEO 😉

[@canuckcoffeecanada]

@@alysmalls Love your channel BTW - As someone who ONLY goes to Hawaii -- you have me thinking... My FAV condo in Kona used to be 200$(USD) a day... in 3 years it is just shy of 500$(USD) a day.... and it is very basic. If I may ask: What is your home base? You seem to have a Canadian accent.... but I may be out to lunch.

[@alysmalls]

I'm Canadian yes :)

[@ericy3918]

When I moved from Victoria to Edmonton, many edmontonians called it Victoria Island. Quite irritating 😂

[@kraftwithakkraft3307]

I’m in Calgary and yeah, I have NEVER heard that. It’s weird.

[@venkatdevkatte2274]

So Beautiful city

[@terezijaschwarzott8092]

Great video! J.2008 im Lac La Hace, Vankuver, Viktoria, Buchart Garden...Bjutiful..❤❤❤

[@cleversonsutil4495]

Great video! I will go to Vancouver on July, so I will spend some time on the island.

[@veenarani3277]

Most beautiful victoria❤

[@jimbo5503]

thx 4 this wonderful video - with greetings from Germany.

[@kennyrichey3238]

Great video Aly!

[@alysmalls]

Thanks Kenny!

[@jaygilliland3371]

great video!

[@my_RS4]

Great video. We're going in Mid December, hopefully it's not crazy cold!!

[@ardourallen3799]

Finally, no robotic voice over... a real person! ty

[@user-ou2le5hf8e]

Thanks for sharing this video. I will go Victoria in August 🌹. It is so many information for me~ I am super excited. From South Korea 😊

[@alysmalls]

Have a great time!

[@dianepancel-pierce4478]

Another great place to have fish n chips is Willows Galley in Estevan village.

[@admtech69]

I remember thinking Victoria was unreal like Disneyland now that ive lived here for 30+ years it really is beautiful place!

[@annachang3635]

Awesome 😎👍

[@annachang3635]

My visiting video will follow little different beautiful individuals local masterpieces

[@MrRyanDiehl]

One thing most travel people miss is visiting Government house. The lieutenant governor of B.C. House has many rose gardens and other theme gardens. House tours as well and all Free! Just down the street from Craigdarroch Castle

[@alysmalls]

Yes, I featured the rose garden in the video ☺️

[@FAISALALSAUD22]

I have been to Victoria it was in 2005 I was studying English there . It was the best times of my life ❤

[@kpop998]

Hi , Do you think it worth to study exchange program there for a year?

[@travel4dummies160]

Never had the chance to go to Canada before but I’d love to go!

[@alysmalls]

Hopefully one day soon!

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

@@alysmalls Are you Yank or Canuck?

[@Earth.is.F1AT]

it's not that great, l0l......

[@anischowdhury8138]

Butchart garden is perhaps the jewel in the Canadian crown.

[@AndyLikeARollingStone]

GG on winning the mahoney!✌

[@KayTEEChimp]

When did you film this video? Awesome video. I can't wait to visit Victoria again.

[@alysmalls]

This was in September

[@brigittebabnik4899]

we love to live in victoria

[@bill...9566]

Nice to visit. You can’t afford to live here. If you’re driving, drive down Pandora Street from Cook Street into town. It’s a sight to see.

[@BRILIANT660]

VICTORIA ISLAND LOOK VERY BEAUTIFUL PLACE NICE VIEW ENJOYED WATCHING VHERE MY FREIND GOOD MORNING STAR AND FINISH VIDIO

[@Vulcancruiser]

One of the beautiful cities of the world.........so much to see and do it would take hours to cover it........check it out you'll be glad you did...........

[@user-em2uy2pf4n]

❤ Victoria canada😊

[@michaeljacques7172]

Were you at the Oswego Hotel on Friday evening, January 20? There was a couple standing near the entrance after a fire alarm went off. I’m staying here and watched your KZbin video on Victoria. Thanks for all the excellent recommendations.

[@alysmalls]

No we weren't

[@VDRP]

I figured out a new breakfast item, 1 shot Jamesons, 1 beer (Blue Buck or Dark Lager) and 6 pieces of bacon, killer!!!! This video is amazing, nice work!!!!! Fan Tan Alley, the smallest and luckiest alley anywhere, shame she didn't check out Turntable records.

[@alysmalls]

I would love to make a part 2!

[@VDRP]

@@alysmalls Please do, there are places you missed. Shame Floyd's Diner on Quadra street is no more.

[@user-kx9ch8en4p]

Wow I fall in your love❤

[@emary9511]

my hometown

[@1043dawn]

I was born and raised in Victoria. It has changed a lot but is still worth a visit. Can’t afford to live there. Oh well

[@davidphilion1432]

When were you on the island Ally? Victoria will always be home for me.

[@alysmalls]

September

[@28Pluto]

No trip to Victoria is complete without visiting Big Bad Johns!! haha

[@nigelgray2544]

Went on vacation to Victoria July 2022, never rained once whilst there and was 29-33 Degrees C every day , loved every minute , it’s very expensive though but worth it

[@rinabunawi4474]

One of nice island in canada i was there on 1997

[@lynda4661]

You can see the water taxi ballet from the delta hotel ..

[@animalactions5111]

Thanks for the great video. Which is your favorite country to travel in between Canada the USA and Mexico?

[@alysmalls]

Hmm hard question to answer - they all offer a different experience and type of trip!

[@FBall-im8ui]

I have to visit my own city eh!

[@Salmankhan-vr4fi]

Love you canda

[@swedeclc]

What time of year/month was this video filmed? Thank you!

[@eudaimoniac4620]

Grew up in Victoria and left in the 2000’s to pursue a career. Now I will probably never be able to afford to move back.

[@radiusnorth1675]

At the 6:58 is that the "Bard and Bank" because I would definitely put it on my "to visit list". Thanks

[@alysmalls]

yes

[@radiusnorth1675]

Thank you. Just have to hitch my wagon!@@alysmalls

[@sxckpyr24]

so far away i live in New Brunswick 🥲

[@gr8witenorth61]

i used to live there about ten years ago, met a few good people and ran into a number of not so good people, if there was a place i could afford, id move back there for the winters, very rainy winters though so you better love england, cause from about november to about may its rain, rain, rain............with the odd sunshiny day, than back to rain again to finish off your hopes and dreams of a dry day................

[@chulchue2619]

Really well done: 1. What was the cost of the whale watching trip, 2. How much live music and/or dance clubs exist? Do they only play on Fri/Sat or is it every night during high season?

[@fluffytail6355]

You clearly have internet and know how to use it. Try Google. It can answer all of your questions.

[@cheaputhyvan4705]

❤

[@JoseMartins-nr3jv]

Canada British Columbia Victoria 🇨🇦 And United Kingdom Wales Cardiff 🇬🇧

[@marthern8]

Hi! How many days would you recommend is a good amount of time to visit all these places/ explore Victoria? Thanks! :)

[@alysmalls]

3 days would be good

[@marthern8]

@@alysmalls any hotel recommendations as well? TY!

[@theseareafewofmyfavoriteth2788]

Which hotel you recommend for victoria?