Victoria, BC

Must-See Attractions

Victoria

Transportation 

  • There is a great public bus system you can use to get from downtown out to Butchart Gardens and other local attractions
  • Budget Rental cars can be picked up downtown
    • If you choose to drive, remember that the speed limit is in kilometers not in miles
  • If you are leaving from Seattle, consider taking the Victoria Clipper. You can be in downtown Victoria in 2 hours and 45 minutes. No traffic jams, no screaming kids strapped in a car seat for hours.

Food

  • John’s Place, 723 Pandora Avenue– for a hearty and pretty cheap breakfast head over to this local favorite. Lines can get long on the weekend so show up early if possible.
  • Koto Sushi, 510 Fort Street, Victoria- Decent bento boxes, but nothing to write home about. Easy to grab food in a pinch if the much more popular Ebizo Sushi, 604 Broughton Street.
  • Pizzeria Prima Strada, 230 Cook Street, Victoria- take a walk out of downtown Victoria and rub elbows with the locals at this neighborhood hotspot. Don’t be afraid of the lineup at the door. Many people are just waiting for take out. Grab some antipasta and a few pizzas and your family is good to go!

Lodging

ItinerarIES

Christmas in Victoria BC

Celebrate the Christmas holiday in style with a trip to British Columbia’s capital. Read the Victoria, BC Destination Guide before you hop on the Victoria Clipper or a ferry up to the island. To get your trip planning started on the right foot, here is an easy itinerary to follow along, or start making your own plans. It includes many of our favorite Christmas activities, spots to eat, and a hotel recommendation. For specifics and more options, refer back to the destination guide.

Day 1

  • Depart for Victoria, BC from Seattle or Vancouver in the morning
  • Arrive in Victoria, BC
  • Check into Hotel Grand Pacific (or leave your bags with bell hop)
  • Tour the Festival of Trees in the Fairmont Empress
  • Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress (reservations needed)
  • Rent a car, take a charter or public bus up to Butchart Gardens just before the sun sets
  • Tour the 12 Days of Christmas light display in the gardens
  • Dinner at Butchart Gardens
  • Evening boat show or truck parade (1st weekend of December)
  • Back to the hotel to warm up and sleep

Day 2

  • Breakfast at John’s Place
  • Tour the town and winter market
  • Stop in at the Original Christmas Village for a few new ornaments
  • Lunch at Red Fish, Blue Fish
  • Take the ferry back to Seattle or Vancouver

3-Days in Victoria, BC

When spring has crept its way to the island, British Columbia’s capital city of Victoria shows off all her splendor. Start planning your own trip up with Victoria, BC Destination Guide and this handy sample itinerary that will get your explorer juices flowing, and booking the tickets you need to make this trip a reality.

Day 1

  • Depart for Victoria, BC from Seattle or Vancouver via ferry in the morning
  • Arrive in Victoria, BC
  • Check into your hotel (or leave your bags with the bell hop)
  • Grab lunch at Ebizu Sushi
  • Visit the Royal BC Museum
  • Dinner at Pizzeria Prima Strada in the Cooks Island neighborhood

Day 2

  • Breakfast at Rosie’s in the Cook Island neighborhood
  • Rent a car to explore the island
  • Drive up to Butchart Gardens, stopping at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens on your way
  • Explore Butchart Gardens for 2-3 hours, enjoying a picnic lunch while there
  • Drive down the coast as you return to Victoria, BC. Stop at the beach for a little beach combing.
  • Grab dinner from Red Fish, Blue Fish. Eat at the tables provided while you watch the sunset or take your meal back to your hotel.

Day 3

  • Store your bags with the bellhop
  • Breakfast at Willie’s Bakery & Cafe
  • Browse the shops of downtown Victoria
  • Explore Chinatown
  • Cool off in the Bay Centre if the sun turns up the heat
  • Return to your hotel for your bags
  • Depart Victoria by ferry

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