Jump to:
Named for Queen Victoria, this garden city is situated in the south of Vancouver Island and is the capital of British Columbia.
Compact and easily navigated, it lends itself to discovery on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage or, thrillingly, from a lowflying float-plane.
Parliament Buildings
Victoria is adorned with some lovely colonial architecture such as the Parliament Buildings while the Empress Hotel is an historic gem, an excellent place to take afternoon tea. The nearby Butchart Gardens are world-renowned, as is the Royal British Columbia Museum while other attractions include Craigdarroch Castle, the home of artist Emily Carr, and orca whales which visit the waters off the island in the summer.
Whale watching from Victoria
The waters around Victoria are home to three resident pods of orcas, or killer whales. Famously savage but graceful, these magnificent sea mammals can be seen from 14-metre ocean cruisers or inflatable zodiacs, both fast and stable, on trips that also often sight minke and grey whales, porpoises and harbour seals, with a commentary provided by on board marine biologists.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Victoria by calling one of our Canada specialists on 1 800 992 198
Suggested itineraries featuring Victoria
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Victoria, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Map of Victoria
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Victoria
- Salt Spring Island 42 kilometers away
- Vancouver 95 kilometers away
- Whistler 191 kilometers away
- The Sunshine Coast & Desolation Sound 201 kilometers away
- Tofino 203 kilometers away
- Vancouver Island 205 kilometers away
- Campbell River 225 kilometers away
- Northern Vancouver Island 265 kilometers away
- Naramata & Okanagan Valley 305 kilometers away
- Port Hardy 393 kilometers away
- The Cariboo 431 kilometers away
Photos of Victoria
-
![Local resident in Victoria]()
Local resident in Victoria -
![Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia]()
Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia -
![Parliament Buildings, Victoria]()
Parliament Buildings, Victoria -
![Seaplanes cross paths in Victoria, Canada]()
Seaplanes cross paths in Victoria, Canada -
![An orca swims by off Vancouver Island, Canada]()
An orca swims by off Vancouver Island, Canada -
![Breaching humpback, Victoria]()
Breaching humpback, Victoria -
![Victoria, British Columbia]()
Victoria, British Columbia -
![Victoria, British Columbia]()
Victoria, British Columbia
Accommodation choices for Victoria
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Victoria. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Abigail's Hotel
Abigail’s Hotel is a boutique property located just three blocks from Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour. The heritage Tudor-style architecture of the building and colourful English gardens will enchant you, evoking the spirit and old-world charm of this beautiful city.
The Oswego Hotel
The Oswego Hotel is a modern boutique hotel with a sophisticated charm. Located minutes from Victoria’s downtown and the Inner Harbour, it makes a great base from which to explore the city's historic downtown area.
The Inn at Laurel Point
In a beautiful locations surrounded by ocean and Japanese-style gardens, this hotel is a good base for a stay in Victoria. The onsite restaurant offers some of the best cuisine in the city and the outdoor patio gets the morning sunshine.
Ideas for experiencing Victoria
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Victoria, and which use the best local guides.
Knife and Fort Culinary Tour
Culinary walking tour experts, Off the Eaten Track, provide you with a taste of urban west coast culture on this hour and a half long tour of Fort Street, Victoria.