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Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia

Marvel at historical buildings, relax in green spaces, or even meet some whales in British Columbia’s capital.

Our most recommended things to do in Victoria, British Columbia

From Victoria: Whale Watching 3-Hour Trip on Covered Boat

1. From Victoria: Whale Watching 3-Hour Trip on Covered Boat

Join certified marine naturalists on a cruise from Victoria to spot whales, including both transient and resident orcas, humpbacks, minke, and gray whales. Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off and relax with guaranteed whale sightings and a conservation fee included in the tour price. After meeting at the pier, begin your carbon-neutral tour led by certified marine naturalists who will share their knowledge and passion for Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife with you. Whilst on the boat, enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, onboard bathrooms, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.  You may also encounter Dall’s and harbor porpoises, harbor and elephant seals, otters, and marine birds such as cormorants and bald eagles.  Make the best of peak whale watching season in Victoria which runs from April through October. In the event of an unlucky tour, you will be invited to join again for a complimentary second whale-watching tour to bring your dreams of seeing these magnificent animals to life.

Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

2. Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

Experience the awe and inspiration of seeing whales in their natural environment on this unique whale-watching excursion from Victoria. Cruise along in an open zodiac boat on the Salish Sea, and get the chance to spot orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as porpoises and seals. After being collected from your downtown accommodation in a comfortable shuttle bus, you will venture down to the harbor where you will meet with your boat. After meeting your guides for the day, you will then depart from Victoria, setting off on your 3-hour whale-watching tour. Between April and October, you will have a greater than 95% success rate of spotting whales, including both transient and resident orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales. Other wildlife you may encounter include Dall’s and harbor porpoises, harbor and elephant seals, and otters and marine birds such as cormorants and bald eagles. The zodiac vessels used on your tour are definitely recommended for the wild-at-heart. You can let the wind blow in your hair and be exposed to the true west-coast elements in an open-style, 12-passenger vessel. At the conclusion of your exhilarating tour, you will be returned back to the harbor, at which point you will be driven back to your accommodation in downtown Victoria.

Victoria: Whale Watching Cruise by Covered Boat

3. Victoria: Whale Watching Cruise by Covered Boat

Experience the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from whales surfacing in unison to bald eagles soaring overhead. Cut through the Strait of Juan de Fuca’s currents in search of orcas and humpback whales, and listen to our marine mammal experts bring the animals’ stories to life. Climb aboard the new Salish Sea catamaran-style boat, custom-designed for whale watching. Push through the waves with ease as you search for whales and other marine species. Stop at different points of interest within the protected waters of the Haro Strait and Strait of Juan de Fuca, where your captain will position the boat parallel to the animals for great photo opportunities. Learn more about the wildlife from up to 3 top marine naturalists. Enjoy the heated indoor cabin and 2 open air sundecks that are ideal for photography, or immerse yourself in this experience while we take free high-resolution photos of the wildlife, the landscape. and your loved ones.

Victoria Panoramic Seaplane Tour

4. Victoria Panoramic Seaplane Tour

Fly high above scenic Victoria BC and explore its beautiful scenery by seaplane. This thrill-a-minute tour will reveal a spectacular landscape and unforgettable aerial views. The Panoramic Seaplane Tour of Victoria will glide over the Olympic Mountains and along the Victoria waterfront to the white sand beaches of James and Sydney Islands. From here the tour heads north to the Saanich Peninsular and over the famous Butchart Gardens before returning back to Victoria Harbor. It is an experience not to be missed, especially if time is limited in Victoria and the photo opportunities just cannot be bettered. A fantastic day out for aviation lovers.

Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

5. Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

Experience the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island by land and ship on a guided day trip from Vancouver with hotel transfers included. View the British Columbia coastline from a sightseeing cruise, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British-inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. On the way, look out for marine wildlife from the outdoor ship decks, especially eagles, sea lions, and whales. Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden complete with a dancing fountain. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the city of Victoria boasts, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour.

Victoria: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

6. Victoria: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

This 3-hour whale-watching tour boasts sighting just about everything there is to see, including groups of predatory transient orcas and breaching humpback calves. Recently, a guest proposed to his girlfriend as a pod of killer whales cavorted in the background! Get suited up in a cozy cruiser suit, ensuring your comfort and safety for the duration of the trip. The tour departs from Victoria’s beautiful inner harbor. Your ride on one of the zipping Zodiac-style boats will be nearly as exciting as seeing the whales. Each of the boats seats 12, and there are great views from every seat. On the way out of the harbor, the boat passes the historic Victoria coastline. Once out of the harbor you’ll see a variety of different species of sea life, including orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, minke whales, porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals, otters, and bald eagles. Every tour is guided by a Transport Canada-approved skipper, who will provide information and commentary on all of the wildlife you see.

Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane from Vancouver

7. Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane from Vancouver

On this full-day excursion you’ll depart Vancouver Harbor by seaplane for an exciting flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. After you arrive in Victoria you’ll enjoy a coach tour that take you to the famous Butchart Gardens. In Victoria the shops, a museum, and several other attractions are just steps away. You’ll return to Vancouver by seaplane on a scheduled afternoon flight of your choice. With more than 50 aircraft, Harbour Air and Westcoast Air operate the largest all-seaplane fleet in the world. DeHavilland DHC-3 Turbine Single Otters and Twin Otters service regularly scheduled flights between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. DHC-2 Beavers service the Gulf Islands. Cessna 185 aircraft are available for charter.

Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

8. Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

After gathering at the Telegraph Cove Resort, you will embark on your 3-hour, fully-guided whale watching and wildlife viewing adventure. In true comfort and style, your crew will be excited to take you to Johnstone Strait, in search of the majestic wildlife that floods the local waters here in the summer months. You can take advantage of the opportunity to view killer whales and humpback whales in the wild, as well as an assortment of seabirds and other species of marine wildlife. Immerse yourself completely in this incredible experience while we take free high-resolution photos of the wildlife, the landscape and your loved ones! The Ocean Magic II is a custom designed marine marvel, which combines the practicality of a semi-covered vessel with the speed and maneuverability of a Zodiac. With three naturalists on board and two different viewing elevations, this is the only purpose-built whale watching vessel of its size in the industry. Sip your coffee, feel the wind in your hair or keep cozy under cover while you explore the pacific northwest.

Victoria: 2-Hour History and Highlights Bike Tour

9. Victoria: 2-Hour History and Highlights Bike Tour

Embark on a fun and unique tour experience as you explore Victoria by bike. See more of the city in less time, visit famous locations and enjoy entertaining commentary from your local guide along the way. Meet your guide, receive your bike and helmet, and then head off to discover some of Victoria's most iconic landmarks, including Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, and Beacon Hill Park. E-Bike upgrades available for $25.00/rider CAD + GST The itinerary includes a ride along the scenic Dallas waterfront and a visit to unique neighbourhoods like Moss Rock, Cook Street Village, and artistic Fernwood. As you discover the city, learn why Victoria has earned the moniker of Most Livable City in Canada.

6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour

10. 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour

Join one of the highest rated wine tours in British Columbia.  Interact directly with the winery teams and enjoy your own private group tastings.  This tour is a must see for anyone who loves wine or just wants a day of relaxation in the Cowichan Valley. All tastings are included as well as a BBQ burger and salad lunch.  See three of the top rated wineries in the Cowichan Valley. Sample Itinerary: 9:45 AM: Registration - Pickup at 660 Oswego St, Victoria, BC at the passenger loading zone 10:00 AM: Leave for Enrico10:40 AM: Lookout photo stop at the top of the Malahat11:00 AM: Enrico Tasting and Lunch12:15 PM: Leave for Blue Grouse12:30 PM: Tasting at Blue Grouse1:30 PM: Leave for Unsworth1:45 PM: Behind the scenes wine tour at Unsworth - Group choice of Vineyard or Bottling 2:15 PM: Tasting at Unsworth3:00 PM: Leave for Home4:00 PM: 660 Oswego Street Dropoff Each Victoria wine tour starts or ends with a behind the scenes tour led by one of the winery partners. See the difference a guided tour makes. The guides have put together the perfect schedule for your group that gives you enough time to enjoy each unique Vancouver Island winery.  Your also have scheduled tastings times with each winery days in advance.  Wineries can get extremely busy during the peak and on weekends, your group will be in front of the line. The winery partners are expecting you.

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Frequently asked questions about Victoria, British Columbia

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What people are saying about Victoria, British Columbia

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,649 reviews

The activity I booked didn't even seem to take place for a moment, because I was the only one who had registered at Orca Spirit for the said day and time. However, after a few phone calls I was able to go to Eagle View (Fisherman's Wharf) an hour later. A golden grip! Have seen a lot of humpback whales, up to less than 20 meters from the boat. Impressive!

The tour was so interesting and informative. It was a really great way to experience many different types of food while seeing so many hidden gems in Victoria. I was traveling alone and this was a great way to see some sites, eat some amazing local food (which I went back to later!) and meet really cool travellers at the same time!

Our guide was really friendly and attentive, and we saw four pods of whales! Which is apparently very rare. An amazing day.

What a great experience. I cannot say enough about the plane ride and the folks working at Harbour Air.

Great experience! Knowledgeable staff. Very enjoyable.