Victoria, Canada


Victoria exudes old-world charm and fragrant, colorful flowers are everywhere. Founded in 1843 by James Douglas of the Hudson's Bay Company, the city was first known as Fort Victoria. By 1848, Vancouver Island was a British colony and Victoria was its capital.

In 1858, Victoria was a tent city and the base for some 25,000 prospectors on their way to the Frasier River gold fields. When Vancouver Island was incorporated with mainland British Columbia in 1868, Victoria became the capital of the entire province.

Although it's a port city, Victoria is not as industrially oriented as Vancouver. The harbors, especially Inner Harbour, are dotted with pleasure craft, ferries and floatplanes. The city is renowned for its beautiful gardens, charming houses and very British feel.

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Points of Interest

  • Butchart Gardens
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Beacon Hill Park
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens
  • Craigdarroch Castle
  • Local Flavors
  • Whale Watching

More about Victoria, Canada Points of Interest

  • Butchart Gardens

    Victoria's most popular attraction, this 55-acre floral wonderland features themed botanical gardens, meandering pathways, refreshing fountains, exquisite foliage, and magnificent bronze statues.

  • Legislative Buildings

    Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, these magnificent buildings, constructed in 1893, honor Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. In the evening, they are illuminated by 3,000 light bulbs.

  • Fairmont Empress Hotel

    Situated over the Inner Harbour, this National Historic Site of Canada is one of Victoria's oldest and most famous hotels and has become an iconic symbol for the city itself.

  • Beacon Hill Park

    This lush, 62-acre oasis is the crowning jewel in Victoria's park system. A haven for wildlife, birds, and outdoor enthusiasts, the grounds are a combination of landscaped and natural beauty.

  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens

    This 12,000-square-foot enclosure is a tropical paradise filled with a multitude of free-flying butterflies. Discover life in this lush habitat, home to rare birds, koi ponds, and breathtaking jungle foliage.

  • Craigdarroch Castle

    A Canadian National Historic Site, this Victorian-era castle was built between 1887-1890. Explore this restored estate, marvel at the antiques and furnishings, and stroll the opulent grounds.

  • Local Flavors

    Victoria is home to a thriving culinary scene of farms, restaurants, tea houses, pubs and craft beverage makers. Samples unique creations from the area's wineries, breweries, distilleries, cidermakers and enjoy treats with fresh local ingredients.

  • Whale Watching

    See killer whales in their natural habitat! During a thrilling harbor cruise, you'll be on the look out for these majestic creatures, as well as be able to spot seals, sea lions and porpoises.

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A Guided Walk into Victoria

2 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 8 5
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Beacon Hill Park

Stretch your legs and your imagination on a guided walk blending stunning scenery with Victoria's man-made treasures. Behold the beauty of the Olympic Mountains as you stroll along the seawall. Gaze upon the Inner Harbour from Beacon Hill Park then roam past the Legislative Buildings and Royal British Columbia Museum.

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Moderate Activity

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$39.95

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Easy Victoria: Double-Decker City Highlights Tour

1.5 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 1 1 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Beacon Hill Park

Climb aboard an air-conditioned double-decker bus and experience the old-world charm of this delightful capital city. Photo opportunities abound as your tour winds through celebrated sights such as Chinatown, Old Town, Beacon Hill Park, Marine Drive, Antique Row, Fisherman's Wharf, the majestic Legislative Buildings and the lovely Inner Harbour.

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$69.95

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Victoria by Horse-Drawn Trolley

1 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 1 2 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Beacon Hill Park

Experience the beauty of Victoria by horse-drawn trolley, a timeless tradition and wonderful way to view this historic city. Your fully narrated tour winds its way through the charming streets of Victoria, revealing stunning architectural monuments, gracious homes, exquisite gardens and cultural points of interest.

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Easy Activity

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$69.95

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Craigdarroch Castle, Mt. Tolmie & City Highlights

3 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 1 0 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Craigdarroch Castle

A fully narrated motorcoach tour introduces you to charming Victoria, this capital city with British style located on Vancouver Island. View the celebrated sights including a photography stop on dramatic Mt. Tolmie, overlooking the city's skyline and the Olympic Peninsula Mountains. Then, explore historic Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890, featuring 39-exquisitely preserved rooms.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

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$74.95

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O Canada Victoria Highlights

2 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 1 4 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Beacon Hill Park

Enjoy an authentic taste of Canada with a visit to a Tim Hortons for coffee and doughnuts following a sightseeing tour of Victoria. Highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, the Empress Hotel and a fun game of Canadian trivia with prizes. You will also receive a goodies bag with some Canadian treats.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$89.95

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Enchanting Butchart Gardens

3.5 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 1 0
  • Butchart Gardens

An extraordinary world emerges at dusk as hundreds of hidden lights transform famous Butchart Gardens into a fairyland scented with summer blooms. A guided city tour transports you to this wonderland of themed gardens, spacious lawns and meandering pathways, gracefully illuminated with a variety of colored lights and magical effects.

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Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

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$99.95

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Enchanting Butchart Gardens (Wheelchair Accessible)

3.5 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 1 1
  • Butchart Gardens

An extraordinary world emerges at dusk as hundreds of hidden lights transform famous Butchart Gardens into a fairyland scented with summer blooms. A guided city tour transports you to this wonderland of themed gardens, spacious lawns and meandering pathways, gracefully illuminated with a variety of colored lights and magical effects.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

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$99.95

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Local Connections: Royal Tea at Abkhazi Garden & City Highlights Created by Historian

2.5 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 6 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful escape strolling in one of the city's premier gardens, listed as one of the top 100 small gardens in the world. Measuring just one acre, the enchanting Abkhazi Garden is home to rhododendrons, oak trees, a flowing lawn, and flowering shrubs. Then, admire the magnificent views from the teahouse home of the Prince and Princess while relaxing with a three-tier Royal tea. A tour of the city's highlights is also included.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$109.95

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Best of Victoria: Butchart & Butterfly Gardens

4 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 3 0
  • Butchart Gardens
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria's most popular sights and marvel at this celebrated attraction, a 55-acre nature lover's paradise with themed gardens, spacious lawns. Also featured is the exotic Victoria Butterfly Gardens a spectacular, color-drenched habitat that houses a multiude of butterflies, tropical flowers, birds and fish in a warm, lush setting.

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Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

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$109.95

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Best of Victoria: Butchart & Butterfly Gardens (Wheelchair Accessible)

4 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 3 1
  • Butchart Gardens
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria's most popular sights and marvel at this celebrated attraction, a 55-acre nature lover's paradise with themed gardens, spacious lawns. Also featured is the exotic Victoria Butterfly Gardens a spectacular, color-drenched habitat that houses a multiude of butterflies, tropical flowers, birds and fish in a warm, lush setting.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

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$109.95

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High Tea at Pendray Mansion & City Highlights

2.5 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 0 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Beacon Hill Park

Admire Victoria's scenic splendor on a guided driving tour celebrating its most treasured sights. Stop for photographs at a variety of viewpoints and soak up the old world charm of this historical city. Then, experience the luxury and tradition of "taking tea" at the historic Pendray Mansion.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$114.95

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Fireworks at Butchart Gardens (Wheelchair Accessible)

4 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 1 6
  • Butchart Gardens

Behold the spectacle of jaw-dropping fireworks as they illuminate the skies over Victoria from the grounds of the Butchart Gardens. After a leisurely self-guided walk through the magnificent summer blooms illuminated with thousands of lights, prepare to "ooh" and "aah" at the dazzling fireworks synchronized to a lively soundtrack.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity

From

$119.95

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Local Connections: Center of the Universe Observatory & City Highlights Developed by Astronomer

3 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 1 7 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel

An outer-worldly experience awaits at the Center of the Universe Observatory, where the wonders of the Cosmos are explored through interactive exhibits. Visit the planetarium, developed by local astronomer James Hesser, and engage in space-age conversation with your knowledgeable guide. There is much to see and do at this compact astronomy center. A city drive completes the evening.

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Moderate Activity

From

$119.95

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Craft Brewery Experience

3 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 7 5
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Local Flavors

Toast to your good fortune on this exclusive VIP tour of Victoria's craft breweries with visits to three of the top spots and tastings of several varietals at each stop.

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Moderate Activity

From

$119.95

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Fireworks at Butchart Gardens

4 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 1 5
  • Butchart Gardens

Behold the spectacle of jaw-dropping fireworks as they illuminate the skies over Victoria from the grounds of the Butchart Gardens. After a leisurely self-guided walk through the magnificent summer blooms illuminated with thousands of lights, prepare to "ooh" and "aah" at the dazzling fireworks synchronized to a lively soundtrack.

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Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

From

$119.95

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English Tea at Butchart Gardens (Wheelchair Accessible)

4 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 4 1
  • Butchart Gardens

Travel to Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, through the lovely Saanich Peninsula on this scenic, guided tour. Explore the magnificent 55 acres of fragrant blossoms, lush foliage, meandering paths and waterways. Then, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack

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$134.95

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English Tea at Butchart Gardens

4 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 4 0
  • Butchart Gardens

Travel to Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, through the lovely Saanich Peninsula on this scenic, guided tour. Explore the magnificent 55 acres of fragrant blossoms, lush foliage, meandering paths and waterways. Then, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

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Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$134.95

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Ocean Wildlife & Orca Exploration Cruise

3 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 6 0 0
  • Legislative Buildings
  • Whale Watching

The waters surrounding Victoria are a haven for seals, sea lions, porpoises and numerous species of marine birds. Experience the thrill of searching for marine wildlife, including killer whales, on this exhilarating high-speed boating excursion. Although nature gives no guarantees, the tour operators have a 90% whale sighting success rate.

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Easy Activity

From

$139.95

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Aviation Museum & Sea Cider Tasting - a Discovery Exclusive

3.75 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 7 2
  • Local Flavors

Explore Canada's aviation history and sip freshly made local organic cider in this delightful half-day tour. A scenic motorcoach ride takes you first to the British Columbia Aviation Museum and then to Sea Cider Farm and Cider House, where you will learn about cider-making and sample their wares.

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Easy Activity

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$139.95

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Taste of Victoria Culinary Walking Tour

2.5 hours | Victoria | Y Y J - 3 8 0

Loosen up your belt as you prepare to taste your way around Victoria's Fishermen's Wharf, home to working fishing vessels, floating art galleries and restaurants. The venues visited and foods sampled during this delicious culinary walking tour could vary, but your tasty exploration includes definite palate pleasers.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$144.95

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