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
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2026
Sep 19, 2026Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.
Sponsored Content
Get to Know TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal's program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business. TAP FORBIZ offers solutions suited to each business: travel cost reduction, more flexibility, more benefits and more value. With TAP FORBIZ, businesses can centralize purchases, control the company budget and ensure greater cost predictability with exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to each company's profile. Each trip becomes a strategic decision to travel more and spend less.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat
This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look
In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Daily
Sep 17, 2026eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026Celebrity River Cruises’ First Ship Completes Float Out for August 2027 Debut
Celebrity Cruises celebrated the float out of Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first ship in its highly anticipated Celebrity River Cruises fleet. Set to sail in August 2027, Celebrity Compass sets a new standard in river cruising, bringing Celebrity Cruises’ signature approach to elevated travel to the world’s most iconic rivers.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026LXR Hotels & Resorts Coming to Costa Rica in 2029
Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in Costa Rica in 2029 with the launch of Maravé Manuel Antonio, bringing a new level of luxury to Costa Rica’s Pacific beachfront. The property will sit on a nearly 40-acre estate of rare beachfront that descends from rainforest ridge to ocean.
ShareThis