Itineraries for Your Trip to Victoria
3 Days in Victoria for First Timers
Victoria is known as a port stop for cruise ships heading back to the US from Alaska: I visited for the first time on such a journey, having only a few hours to walk around downtown and enjoy a meal. Since then, I've returned many times, as it's an easy visit from my northern California home.
When you have three days in Victoria, you can go beyond the top spots like Butchart Gardens and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and spend the afternoon whale watching or visiting the Malahat SkyWalk. Walk through Old Town Victoria to check out the colorful buildings and have a meal or two in Victoria Chinatown while you’re there.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Butchart Gardens.
Victoria sees some of Canada's mildest weather, averaging 45–75°F (7–24°C).
British Columbia's capital city is known for its rich history and outdoor activities. Its location on the water makes it a prime spot for whale-watching cruises, where visitors can spot bald eagles, orcas, and humpback whales.
When you're ready for land-based exploration, Craigdarroch Castle is a popular spot for history lovers as it was built in the Victorian era by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. Many pedicab or walking tours include it on their itineraries, or you can take a self-guided tour when your schedule allows.
Many visitors to Victoria enjoy an afternoon of high tea at one of the city's historic hotels, such as the Fairmont Empress. When it's time for a meal, foodies find Chinatown full of interesting dining opportunities. A food tour is the best way to experience it; you'll get insider tips on where to go and what to order, and you won't have to wait to be served.
While you can easily spend a few days exploring downtown Victoria, it's fun to head out of the city center to visit nearby wineries or check out spots like the Malahat SkyWalk when you have a few days in the area. Hike through old-grown rainforests, spotting waterfalls and rivers full of salmon along the way.
Now that you’re covered Victoria’s must-see history and wildlife, take the third day to explore Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Top day trips from Victoria include tasting tours through the Cowichan Valley wine region and guided tours of Butchart Gardens. It's possible to experience Butchart in a half-day, but flower fanatics should set aside a full day to explore 55-acre (22-hectare) grounds. For a glimpse of British Columbia’s landscapes beyond Vancouver Island, take a ferry to the vibrant city of Vancouver or hop a sightseeing plane for a journey into the high peaks that surround Whistler. After a day of blooms, bottles, or BC peaks, head back to where you started, watching one last Victoria sunset from the heart of the atmospheric Old Town.
Spend your last afternoon in Victoria walking through the downtown area or enjoying a ghost tour with tales of the past told by creative storytellers. Swing by the impressive British Columbia Parliament Buildings to learn about the fascinating characters who were part of its history.
