Top Things to do in Victoria
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What to do and see in Victoria, Vancouver Island: The Best Nature & Parks
Victoria is a thriving city of heritage architecture and time-honored traditions like afternoon tea. With the ocean at its doorstep and wilderness in its backyard, it’s also a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find everything from a world-class science and natural history museum to a blooming public park where peacocks roam freely, plus a range of unique shops, cafes and restaurants. And more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the scenery.
Restaurants in Victoria
1. Scenic Marine Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 723 reviews
Scenic running and hiking trail along the Pacific.
Reviewed By ravenB1885MR - Kingston, Canada
We always rent a car to do the scenic drive... right from the empress , thru James bay , past beacon hill... past willow, past oak bay... all the way to the university... so pretty... Grab lunch at oak bay marina restaurant or oak bay ave ( their main strip) or cadboro beach ( Sinclair road).
2. Government House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. The house is located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, in the heart of the Rockland neighbourhood in Victoria, British Columbia. While Government House is not open to the public and currently closed for tours, the expansive grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
Reviewed By nicole154945 - Victoria, Canada
not sure why it took me over 30 years to visit govt house. this place is beautiful. take some time to smell the roses and wander past the beautiful flowers.... check out the views of the ocean and mountains on the back side of the house, and enjoy the water ponds, and fountains.... i loved it!
3. Beacon Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,017 reviews
This park holds a tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929.
Reviewed By BoardingPass518854
Lovely park - beautiful gardens, paths, playgrounds, ponds, the beach, history, world’s tallest totem pole
4. Inner Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,293 reviews
This scenic patch of waterfront is the location of Victoria's many tourist attractions, recreational activities, restaurants and shopping. For a special treat, have afternoon tea at the grand Empress Hotel or board a ferry for a harbor tour.
Reviewed By Redkitewatcher64 - Andover, United Kingdom
The Inner Harbour is the highlight of any visit to Victoria. Its a perfect place to walk around as there is a pathway around the whole harbour. From here there is a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars and is the perfect place to watch the float planes and cruise ships visiting the harbour. Here you can watch the water taxi's travelling around the harbour and people out rowing in the harbour. From here you can walk to Chinatown and the main shopping areas, visit the museums and view historic sites like the hotels and Government buildings, Its a perfect place to watch the sunset , and a walk around at night reveals stunning views of the parliament buildings lit up at night
5. Abkhazi Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
Created by the Georgian Prince and Princess Abkhazi, this lovely garden spans just over an acre and features native Garry oaks, Japanese Maples and splendid rhododendrons.
Reviewed By anen63
My husband and I enjoyed the Royal Abkhazi High tea service with our two kids. They were really interested in our warm scones! The food was also unusual compared the usual plain tea sandwiches. The gardens are quite lush and interesting with a turtle pond aswell. The meal felt relaxed and they were very accommodating to us. Thank you.
6. Victoria Bug Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 861 reviews
The Victoria Bug Zoo opened its doors in 1997 and has been showing visitors of downtown Victoria our awe-inspiring bugs ever since. A visit to this must-see mini zoo offers an excellent opportunity to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world. All the animals are alive and in tanks. Discover roughly 50 fascinating species including giant walking sticks, beautiful praying mantis, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and Canada’s largest ant colony. Knowledgeable tour guides will introduce you to the wonderful world of bugs, give a wealth of information about the animals on display, and provide a safe bug handling experience for the more adventurous. You can choose the level of interaction you have with our friendly animals. Don’t forget your camera to document this unique experience! The displays are ever changing so come in and be amazed by the extensive collection of invertebrates from around the world any time of the year. This stop is sure to thrill everyone; from children, adults, bug-lovers to even the more skeptical visitors! Tours always in progress, so no matter when you come, you are always right on time. Don’t miss this unforgettable, hands-on adventure while in Victoria, BC!
Reviewed By Fran2112 - England, United Kingdom
Amazing place to go to learn about bugs. Great for kids and adults Joanna was so knowledgeable and friendly. Will definitely visit again
7. Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 910 reviews
Reviewed By 600raynad
I walked the breakwater Easter weekend and it was lovely. Very cool. There is scuba diving available on the break water as well. Wish there was a garbage can/ Recycling at some point on the breakwater. The breakwater restaurant had coffee to go by donation which was nice.
8. Francis King Regional Park
9. Cattle Point Urban Star Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By BethC103 - Victoria, Canada
Cattle Point Park is a fablous place to take the family after visiting Beacon Hill Park. Facing the ocen, the park is suitable for short or long walk, sitting on one of the numerous benches to watch the view or a strenous jog with friends. Bring your dog along with you because Cattle Point is definitely a dog friendly palce to visit.
10. Finnerty Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Dave_AdelOZ - Brandon, Canada
A compact but we'll laid out and pretty forest setting garden. Go in May to experience the rhododendrons in flower - a wide range of varieties and colours. Attractive ponds surrounded by water plants and ferns. Some unusual trees and shrubs, some spectacular such as the Davidia, sequoias, hydrangeas, many labelled. A cool and restful oasis. No entrance fee. There's an all faith chapel which on the day of my visit was hosting a wedding with photography in a lawn area behind the chapel. If you are on or near UVic, a visit to Finnerty Gardens is a must.
