Plan a Wonderful Weekend Away in Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia, welcomes travelers all year long with its mild climate, unique architecture (think Victorian-style houseboats) and a nearby temperate rainforest. The city’s British heritage can be felt at the fish-and-chips shops and cafés, where you can enjoy a proper afternoon tea.

Spend your weekend strolling around the Inner Harbour, whale-watching on the water and getting a better sense of the many layers that make up the city’s storied history. For the fastest (and most scenic) way to get from Vancouver to Victoria, reserve your flight on a Harbour Air seaplane that lands downtown on the water.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Explore the City by Bike

Begin your first day in Victoria with breakfast and a coffee at Bear & Joey Café. Grab a breakfast sandwich and flat white to go and you’ll blend in with the locals walking down the streets with one of their coffee cups.

Downtown Victoria boasts cyclist-friendly paths, which make for an easy and active way to explore the city. For a bit of history while you cycle, book a tour with the Pedaler. The “Castles, ‘Hoods & Legends” tour will take you to famous landmarks (think Craigdarroch Castle and Beacon Hill Park), as well as some local-favorite hidden gems.

While you have your bike, make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll find a colorful collection of floating homes. Check out the food stands and small shops, such as 4 Winds Nest Artisans Boutique for handcrafted pottery and jewelry and Sweets, a floating candy shop serving saltwater taffy and mini doughnuts.

In the spring and summer, tuck into a basket of freshly fried haddock and fries at Barb’s Fish & Chips, a Victoria institution for nearly 40 years. If it happens to be your birthday, the fine folks at Barb’s will give you your lunch on the house.

In the “colder” months (the city is still quite temperate in winter and fall), head downtown for shared plates and a glass of sangria on the Tapa Bar‘s heated patio.

After lunch, make your way to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Begin by snapping a photo of the Gate of Harmonious Interest as you walk down along Fisgard Street. A trip to Chinatown isn’t complete without squeezing down the historic Fan Tan Alley.

In the evening, unwind and enjoy dinner at 10 Acres Bistro. This restaurant takes farm-to-table to the next level by growing the vegetables from heirloom seeds at their 10 Acres Farm to make their produce-forward dishes.

Saturday: Go Whale-Watching

A weekend in Victoria isn’t complete without brunching with the locals. Remember to reserve your table early if you’re looking to dine at one of the popular spots in town like Nourish Kitchen & Café. After your meal of spiced oatmeal pancakes or eggs Benedict with pumpkin-seed hollandaise, pick up a delicious souvenir from the Pantry at the café.

Then, take a tour with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours to see the natural wonders of Vancouver Island up close. The waters surrounding the city are home to some of the most majestic aquatic life, including humpback and orca whales.

If you’d prefer to spend your afternoon on land, drive west to the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa to hit the links on one of the top-rated courses in North America. The resort offers two options, both codesigned by Jack Nicklaus. Avid golfers will appreciate the epic elevation changes in the Mountain Course, while novices will appreciate the Valley Course’s more gentle terrain.

Enjoy lunch at the Masters Lounge for a seasonal, Pacific Northwest-inspired meal in the shadow of majestic Mount Baker.

Spend the late afternoon and evening in Sidney (about a 30-minute drive north). This seaside town is famous for its stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Make your way along the Sidney Pier and grab a drink at Victoria Distillers (home to the famous purple Empress 1908 Gin), or drop into the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea waterfront aquarium.

Before you head back downtown, stop by Riva for hearty Italian food or Sea Glass Waterfront Grill for the catch of the day.

Sunday: Stroll the City’s Gardens

Enjoy your last day in Victoria by savoring the city’s slower side. Enjoy a leisurely British-inspired brunch at Heron Rock Bistro, a short walk from Victoria Inner Harbour. Try the “Classic Breakfast”: eggs, bacon and bangers (sausage) are served with caramelized onions and pan fries.

Then pop into the Royal BC Museum. Founded in 1886, the museum houses an impressive collection of more than 7 million pieces. Exhibitions in the three core galleries highlight the province’s natural history, First Nations’ history and language and the development of British Columbia. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits (think ancient Egypt or the Titanic) and features films in its IMAX theater.

Next, make your way to the Butchart Gardens, located 13 miles from downtown. The gardens feature 55 acres of blooms, 26 greenhouses and 900 bedding plant varieties to explore. Skip lunch in favor of an afternoon tea in the Dining Room, which serves scones, savory sandwiches and sweets paired with loose-leaf teas and a heavy dose of Victorian-era grandeur.

For your final dinner in picturesque Victoria, catch a Harbour Ferry along the coastline to one of the many waterfront restaurants. The ferry conveniently stops at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, departing from Selkirk Landing to West Bay Marina with stops in Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Sit on the patio at LURE Restaurant & Bar to enjoy spectacular views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.