Victoria – A Capital City Full of Charm and Discovery

A visit to Vancouver Island’s capital, Victoria, is like stepping into a postcard — complete with seafront promenades, manicured gardens, historic buildings, and whale-filled waters. Located on the southern tip of the island, Victoria blends old-world charm with vibrant coastal living, making it one of BC’s most beloved destinations.

Getting there is half the magic. The ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay is a stunning 1.5-hour voyage through the Gulf Islands, with scenic inlets, rugged shorelines, and — if you’re lucky — marine wildlife like seals, sea lions, and even orcas. The ferry glides between densely forested islands and passes picturesque bays dotted with cottages and sailboats, making it one of the most beautiful Vancouver Island ferry crossings in North America. But be warned: booking ferry reservations in advance is essential, especially on long weekends, holidays, or during popular Vancouver Island events like regattas, Easter celebrations, or summer festivals. Missing your spot can mean hours of delay and a very different kind of adventure.

For a more dramatic and time-saving arrival, consider a Harbour Air seaplane flight — a spectacular 30-minute ride between downtown Vancouver and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. As the plane lifts off from Coal Harbour and glides over ocean and mountains, passengers are treated to one of the most scenic commutes in Canada. Not the cheapest option, but undeniably one of the most memorable.

Victoria is a place where history, nature, and coastal elegance intertwine. The moment you arrive at the Inner Harbour, framed by the iconic Empress Hotel and the neo-baroque British Columbia Parliament Buildings, you’ll understand its reputation as one of Canada’s most picturesque cities. The harbour buzzes with activity — water taxis crisscrossing, seaplanes taking off, musicians playing, and tourists snapping photos against a backdrop of flowerbeds and heritage architecture. It’s one of the most photographed spots for Victoria sightseeing.

Wander through Canada’s oldest Chinatown, a vibrant district rich in stories, ornate gateways, and hidden alleys like the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley. Take a selfie at Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway, and breathe in the salty air on Dallas Road, a scenic stretch loved by locals for ocean walks and storm watching.

Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress — a grand historic hotel overlooking the Inner Harbour, glowing in the golden hour light.

The Royal BC Museum is another must-see — an immersive journey through Indigenous cultures, natural history, and the evolution of British Columbia. It’s educational, emotional, and visually captivating, especially for first-time visitors seeking a deeper connection to the land.

Just a few minutes’ walk from downtown, you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf, a floating neighbourhood of colourful houseboats, food kiosks, and resident harbour seals. It’s a quirky, family-friendly spot where you can enjoy fish & chips or ice cream by the water, and maybe even catch a spontaneous performance or a seal show.

Insider Tip: One day in Victoria is lovely — but not always enough. If you’re considering a whale watching tour, give yourself extra time. Same goes for a leisurely lunch on the waterfront or exploring scenic coastal drives like Dallas Road, Beach Drive, or even an extended visit to nearby Sooke.

On a bright Victoria day, Fisherman’s Wharf buzzes with life — visitors peer into the harbour waters (perhaps spotting the resident seal), while others savour tacos from the vibrant yellow Mexican-food float. It’s casual, colourful, and irresistibly West Coast.

Once draped in ivy and still steeped in elegance, the Empress Hotel has been thoughtfully restored in recent years, blending its Edwardian grandeur with fresh, modern touches. Even if you’re not staying at this iconic property, you can enjoy its famous Afternoon Tea, served with flair and tradition in the elegant Lobby Lounge. Sip from fine china and nibble on delicate pastries while gazing out over the Inner Harbour — it’s a timeless Victoria ritual.

This 200-acre green space offers flower gardens, tranquil ponds, roaming peacocks, and scenic paths that lead right down to the seashore. Bring a picnic or rent a bike — it’s a serene break from city life.

Part ferry, part floating charm offensive, Victoria’s water taxis make getting around the Inner Harbour both fun and photogenic. Watch them perform synchronized dances on summer weekends — a quirky local tradition.

This jetty stretches out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and rewards walkers with dramatic views of the ocean, passing ships, and the distant Olympic Mountains. It’s especially magical at sunset.

Victoria’s Inner Harbour in full summer bloom — colourful water taxis crisscross the harbour, while the stately Parliament building brings a touch of Very British charm to the West Coast. Image: Tourism Victoria

Victoria is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, about 100 km southwest of Vancouver. While it feels like a world away, it’s easily accessible by sea or air — and very worth the trip. Its mild climate, slower pace, and postcard-perfect scenery make it a year-round favourite for travelers seeking culture, beauty, and calm.

• By ferry: BC Ferries from Tsawwassen terminal to Swartz Bay, followed by a 35–40 minute drive or shuttle to downtown Victoria
• By air: Harbour Air seaplane flights or Helijet service from downtown Vancouver directly into Victoria’s Inner Harbour
• By tour or private transfer: Combine travel with curated sightseeing for a seamless experience

Insider Tip: The ferry can book out fast — especially during spring and summer weekends. Book early and plan ahead to avoid long waits.

Victoria is more than just a day trip. It’s a city to savour — where cobblestone meets coastline, and every stroll reveals a story. Whether you’re there for the gardens, the history, the sea air, or the salmon, it’s a journey that lingers long after you’ve returned to the mainland.