Join us on a holiday to Victoria
Victoria, Vancouver Island, is a city brimming with history.
Having developed following the construction of Fort Victoria, a fur trading post built by British settlers in 1843, the city has a decidedly English edge, with tearooms, double-decker buses and traditional pubs providing a sense of familiarity. However, as the capital of British Columbia, there is plenty of local culture here, too. In contrast to the skyscrapers and bustle of Vancouver, the city of Victoria has a relaxed, slow-paced atmosphere, as well as one of the mildest climates in Western Canada.
Thanks to its compact centre, Victoria is a very walkable city. Government Street offers a range of shops, eateries and museums, as well as one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, and provides access to popular attractions such as the quirky Victoria Bug Zoo. A little further afield, Butchart Gardens delight green-fingered visitors with a range of meticulous floral displays, and there are plenty of opportunities for whale-watching trips and outdoor activities. An excursion to the nearby Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, also on Vancouver Island, is beloved by walkers, while low-key holiday destinations in Greater Victoria, including Sooke and Westshore, provide unspoilt nature and historical sites.
Things to do in Victoria
Your holiday in Victoria is sure to be a stunning one. Here are some delightful experiences to try in Victoria.

Visit Craigdarroch Castle
Visit Craigdarroch Castle, a Victorian mansion built in 1890 by Robert Dunsmuir.

Wander the Royal British Columbia Museum
See the Royal British Columbia Museum, which houses a wealth of intriguing artefacts spanning natural and human history.

Sooke
Here you'll find a great variety of craft shops, parks, and restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood, as well as plenty of fishing and whale watching opportunities.
Things to see in Victoria
Victoria is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. You can experience the best of it in a number of ways.
Food and drink in Victoria
A visit to Victoria offers the chance to try a range of traditional dishes.
One of the city's most popular delicacies is fish chowder. This creamy fish soup is made with salmon and rockfish and is the perfect comfort food to refuel after a day's sightseeing.
Built in 1913, Victoria Public Market is home to a selection of food stalls housed in a former department store. From pizza and pasta to tacos and sushi, you're sure to find something to whet your appetite.
Victoria also has its fair share of nightlife venues, with live music and comedy available throughout the week. Among the most popular bars are Q Bar at the Fairmont Empress hotel, Clive's Classic Lounge and the Churchill pub.

Holiday guides
Our expert travel guides will help you get inspired and prepared for your dream holiday