Disclaimer: This post is based in my opinion and my past travel experiences.

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Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is located at the beautiful coast of Vancouver Island. If you are planning to visit Victoria, flying is the fastest option. It only takes 25-35 minutes from Vancouver, 1.5-2 hours from Edmonton, 5 hours from Toronto, 5-6 hours from Quebec, 6-7 hours from Nova Scotia & New York City, and 3-4 hours from California. If you are flying to Canada, Holafly eSIM provides global coverage with unlimited data and 1GB/month back up data. It is easy to use and install. You can use my code, KRIZZIATRAVELS, to get a discount! #HolaflyTraveller

Driving to Victoria is another option for road trip lovers. Rest stops, overnight hotels and ferry rides are some of the things to consider when you travel by road to Victoria. It is only 2-3 hours from Vancouver but you need to ride a ferry. You can bring your vehicle as well. The ferry leaves the Tsawwassen port every hour from 6AM-9PM every day during Summer and every two hours during off season. They have an App called BC Ferries. You can track the daily schedule of the ferry there. You can buy ferry tickets online at bcferries.com, on the App or in-person. You need to pay for the vehicle and for each person inside it. When we went there, children below 18 years old and BC seniors get a discount. Adults pay full price. Transportation by train directly to Victoria is not possible.

PLACES TO VISIT:

1. The Butchart Gardens

This is the largest garden in Victoria. It is located at 800 Benvenuto Avenue Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8. It is open from 9AM-10PM every Wednesday-Sunday and 9AM-5PM every Monday-Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the admission gate. I was amazed by the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Mediterranean Garden, & Bog Garden.

2. The Butterfly Garden

It is located at 1461 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay, BC, V8M 1J5. It is open from 9:30AM-6PM every Thursday-Sunday and 9:30AM-4PM every Monday-Wednesday. From cocoons to full-grown butterflies, this garden has it all.

3. Craigdarroch Castle

This Victorian styled castle is located at 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC. It is closed Monday & Tuesday and it is open from 10AM-5:30PM from Wednesday to Sunday. You can still take photos outside of the castle even if it is closed.

4. Marina and Whale watching tours

Choose a bigger boat to make sure that you will not get wet when the whale dives in front of you. We did and it did not disappoint. It was an amazing experience!

5. Fan Tan Alley

It is a National Historic Site located within Chinatown and it is considered the narrowest commercial street in Victoria. The address of Chinatown is 500 Fisgard St., Victoria, BC while the address of Fan Tan Alley is 2 Fan Tan Aly, Chinatown, Victoria, BC.

6. The Beautiful Parliament Building

It is located at 501 Belleville St., Victoria, BC. I highly recommend that you visit it during the night as well.

7. The Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum

It is located at 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC, beside the Parliament building. It is open from 10AM-5PM 7 days a week. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person.

8. The Fairmont Empress Hotel

Located off the coast of Victoria sits one of the most stunning hotels in Canada, The Fairmont Empress. It is walking distance from the Parliament building and the Royal Museum.

9. The Market Garden

Located at 810 Catherine Street, Victoria, BC, this grocery store looks magical. It is open from 8AM-8PM every day.

10. Hatley’s Castle

It is located at 2005 Sooke Rd., Victoria, BC. The outdoor area of the castle is FREE to visit but you need to buy a ticket if you want to go inside. You can still take photos outside of the castle. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot. Tickets are first come, first served only. Tour times inside the castle can be checked on Hatley Park’s website.

11. Malahat Skywalk

It is located at 901 Trans-Canada Highway, Victoria, BC. It is open from 9AM-6PM Monday to Wednesday and 9AM-7:30PM Thursday to Sunday. Get ready to stretch your legs and build your stamina as you walk up and down the spiral tower and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean & Mt. Baker. You can also slide your way down using the 66 ft. sizzler if you want more thrill. Tickets are available on their website as well. There is a first-come, first-served FREE shuttle from Downtown Victoria to Malahat Skywalk from May to October every year. It runs 7 days a week during Summer and it only runs every weekend during Spring and Fall season. They will pick you up after two hours of your arrival time. If you are visiting during Canada Day celebration (July 1st), you can find the shuttle at the Capital City station.

12. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse

– A national historic site located at Fort Rd Hill Rd., Victoria, BC. It is open from 10AM-5PM every day.

WHERE TO EAT:

1. Fisherman’s Wharf

From shopping to eating your freshly cooked Fish and Chips for supper, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to go. It is located at 1 Dallas Rd., Victoria, BC.

2. Friends and Family Bake

Craving for delicious pastries? I can recommend Friends and Family Bake inside Fan Tan Alley. From the most popular Ensaymada to the sweet Nutella Roll with Cream Cheese, this bakery has it all.

3. Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge

This restaurant offers panoramic views of Victoria and it is the city’s only rooftop restaurant. It is located on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel. Reservations are recommended.

WHERE TO STAY:

1. Chateau Victoria

This hotel is close to downtown and the Causeaway. Most attractions and the church are within walking distance. A shuttle service within a 2.5 km radius of the hotel is also included in your stay. You can see the whole Victoria when you dine at the rooftop restaurant of the hotel.

2. Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

Who doesn’t want a hotel with a view of the ocean and a swimming pool for the kids?! This hotel has a hot tub, air conditioning, room service, 24/7 front desk, spa, gym, a restaurant, and a bar. It is also smoke-free and it is located at 100 Harbour Road, Victoria, BC.

3. Home in North Saanich

This 4-bedroom mini mansion is located 25 minutes away from Victoria. The upper balcony has a Jet Tub for two and it has a spacious deck outside. It is close to Horth Hill Park if you like to hike or take a walk during your stay.

4. Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

It is located at 728 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC. It is walking distance to Fairmont Empress Hotel, Parliament Building, Royal BC Museum, and the Causeaway.

5. The Fairmont Empress Hotel

The Fairmont Empress is one of the most stunning hotels in Canada. From its breathtaking harbour views to its convenient location near popular tourist attractions, this hotel is hard to beat. You could also try their afternoon tea from 11AM-7PM Monday-Wednesday and 11AM-9PM Thursday-Sunday. There is a dress code for afternoon tea.

Keep in mind that even if some of the attractions are free to visit, you may still need to pay for parking your own vehicle. Holiday hours might also differ if you visit during Family Day, Easter, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Christmas & New Year.

FAQ Section:

1. Is two days enough in Victoria, BC?

– It is doable if you only want to visit some of the attractions. If you want to relax in between then I highly recommend that you stay for 5-7 days. You will spend a lot of time in the gardens and museum too (if you are like me who wants to read everything). Whale watching tours take more than an hour as well.

2. Is Victoria, BC walkable?

– Yes. I love walking in Victoria especially in the harbour area.

3. Is Victoria, BC accessible?

– Yes. You can still see the harbour when you are on the sidewalk. Most attractions are accessible.

4. How do you get from Vancouver to Victoria, BC?

– You need to ride a ferry. You can bring your vehicle as well. The ferry leaves the Tsawwassen port every hour from 6AM-9PM every day during Summer and every two hours during off season. They have an App called BC Ferries. You can track the daily schedule of the ferry there. You can buy ferry tickets online at bcferries.com, on the App or in-person. You need to pay for the vehicle and for each person inside it.

5. Do you need to pay for parking in Victoria, BC?

– Yes.

6. Do you need a car in Victoria, BC?

– No. If you are staying within Victoria downtown, most attractions are walkable or it provides free shuttles or paid bus services for tourists. I spent 5 days there and I managed without a car because I stayed at a nearby hotel. There is also UBER in Victoria. You need to download the UBER App.

7. Can you travel by train from Vancouver to Victoria?

– No.

8. When is the BEST time to visit Victoria, BC?

– I visited during the summer, so I’d recommend visiting then. However, I think it would be wonderful to experience the city in every season.

9. Does it rain a lot in Victoria, BC?

– The weather could be gloomy or rainy 2 out of 5 days so be prepared to bring your rain jackets. You could experience rain in the morning and sunshine by the afternoon.

10. Is it windy in Victoria, BC?

– As far as I remember, not much. It is windy when you are on the ferry.

11. When is Summer in Victoria, BC?

– July and August

12. How would you rate Victoria, BC as a travel destination?

-11/10 :))))

Are you planning to visit Victoria or other places in Canada?

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