Victoria, British Columbia, nestles on Vancouver Island’s southern tip off Canada’s Pacific coast. Named for Queen Victoria, the provincial capital and oldest city in the Pacific Northwest was home to Coast Salish First Nations peoples before European settlement. With its friendly, exciting and welcoming vibe, Victoria offers a perfect year-round getaway. Enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, Inner Harbour strolls, centuries-old historical sites, summer festivals and a thriving arts scene.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Visitors to Victoria arrive by air or water, as there is no bridge to the mainland. Victoria International Airport, about 18 miles north of Victoria, connects directly to major gateways in Canada plus Seattle, Washington. Transfer to the city via rental car, taxi (25 minutes, $45–66), ride-hailing services or BC Transit (14 minutes, $22). The ferry route offers a relaxing cruise with the chance to view marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions. BC Ferries operates between Victoria and Vancouver. The Black Ball Ferry Line services Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington.
You can easily explore downtown Victoria on foot, or rent a bike from outfits such as The Pedalist Cycling Tours & Rentals, Victoria Bike Rentals and others. The Victoria Regional Transit System operates numerous bus routes throughout the metropolitan area, to the airport and to nearby towns.
LODGING
Fairmont Empress Hotel
With an alluring blend of classic and contemporary, the 431 guestrooms and suites boast magnificent views of the harbor, city and gardens. Indulge in signature West Coast treatments at Willow Stream Spa.
721 Government St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 384 8111
fairmont.com
Hotel Grand Pacific
The world is your oyster at this full-service luxury hotel blocks from downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy walks along the picturesque Inner Harbour, yoga classes and an impressive athletic club.
463 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 386 0450
hotelgrandpacific.com
Inn at Laurel Point
This eco-certified, 4-star hotel beckons with stunning ocean-view rooms and high-end amenities as well as open spaces for kids to explore. Guests have access to a glass-enclosed pool, fitness center, EV charging stations and on-site dining.
680 Montreal St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 386 8721
laurelpoint.com
DINING
Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio
Aura’s chefs combine regional, farm-direct ingredients with bold international flavors, while a curated list of wines, craft beers and cocktails offers perfect pairings. Enjoy it all with a stunning view of the Inner Harbour.
Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 414 6739
aurarestaurant.ca
The Fish Store
What better place to enjoy the freshest, locally sourced fish than a floating seafood restaurant and fish store at Fisherman’s Wharf? Sample the oyster bar, fry bar, clams, mussels, crab, fish tacos and soups.
Fisherman’s Wharf Park, 1 Dallas Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 383 6462
floatingfishstore.com
Tea at the Empress
The Empress has poured afternoon tea for 115 years in the elegant Lobby Lounge. Savor premium looseleaf teas and baked goods accompanied by house-made honey from its own hives, lavender from its rooftop garden and jam made from local berries. Reservations highly recommended.
Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 389 2727
fairmont.com
ATTRACTIONS
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria, the meticulously restored mansion is a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, fabulous furnishings and layers of history.
1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 592 5323
thecastle.ca
Fisherman’s Wharf Park
Eat, play and shop at Victoria’s lively marine destination where you’ll find food kiosks, restaurants, boutique shops and eco-tours alongside fishing vessels, live-aboard pleasure boats and even float homes.
12 Erie St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 383 8326
gvha.ca
Royal BC Museum
One of Canada’s greatest cultural treasures, the museum exhibits artifacts and specimens of British Columbia’s natural history from paleontology to mammalogy, and human history including archaeology, indigenous collections and modern history.
675 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
tel 250 356 7226
royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
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