Victoria Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Victoria tours and things to do in British Columbia’s charming harbour capital on Vancouver Island: spot orcas and humpbacks on a whale-watching trip, wander the world-famous Butchart Gardens, explore the historic Inner Harbour, take a scenic day trip from Vancouver and sample the local food scene. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Victoria by interest
Whatever brings you to Victoria — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Whale watching
Orcas & humpbacks.
ExploreButchart Gardens
Floral wonderland.
ExploreCity sightseeing
Harbour & Empress.
ExploreFrom Vancouver
Island day trip.
ExploreHarbour boat tour
On the water.
ExploreWildlife & nature
Wild BC.
ExploreFood & craft
Markets & beer.
ExploreVictoria highlights
Whales & gardens.
ExploreTop attractions in Victoria
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Whale Watching
Orcas & humpbacks.
Butchart Gardens
Floral wonderland.
City Sightseeing
Harbour & Empress.
From Vancouver
Island day trip.
Inner Harbour
Boat tours.
Wildlife
Wild BC.
Food & Craft
Markets & beer.
Victoria
Harbour capital.
Coast awayWhale Watching
Orcas & humpbacks.
30 min awayButchart Gardens
Floral wonderland.
City awayCity Sightseeing
Harbour & Empress.
Ferry awayFrom Vancouver
Island day trip.
City awayInner Harbour
Boat tours.
Island awayWildlife
Wild BC.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Victoria visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and sunny — peak season.
Spring (Apr–May)
Mild, with the gardens in bloom.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Crisp days and fewer crowds.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Mild but wet, and very quiet.
For whales
Spring to autumn for the best sightings.
Best overall
Late spring to early autumn for warm days.
One day
Whale watching and the Butchart Gardens.
Two days
Add city sightseeing and a harbour cruise.
Three+ days
Add wildlife tours and the island.
For wildlife
A whale-watching trip.
For gardens
A visit to the Butchart Gardens.
For the city
The Inner Harbour and Empress.
On foot
The harbour and centre are compact.
By ferry
Ferries and seaplanes link Vancouver.
Tours
Tours reach the gardens and whale spots.
Harbour ferries
Little ferries hop around the Inner Harbour.
Where to stay
Stay near the Inner Harbour downtown.
Canadian dollar
Canada uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Whale watching
Dress warmly — it is cool out on the water.
Butchart Gardens
Go early or late to avoid the crowds.
The city
See the Parliament lit up at night.
Harbour
Take a little harbour ferry for a fun ride.
Afternoon tea
Try the classic tea at the Empress Hotel.
Combos
Some tours pair the city with the gardens.
Whale watching
Trips sell out in summer — book ahead.
Vancouver trips
Day trips fill up — reserve early.
Garden tours
Butchart tours fill up — book ahead.
Harbour cruises
Boat tours fill up — reserve early.
Food tours
Small food tours fill up — book ahead.
Summer
Peak summer is busiest — book far ahead.
Whale watching
Around €70–130 for a whale-watching trip.
Butchart Gardens
About €55–100 for a Butchart Gardens tour.
City tour
Roughly €60–100 for a city sightseeing tour.
Vancouver trip
Around €78–150 for a day trip from Vancouver.
Harbour cruise
About €90+ for a harbour boat tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Victoria through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Gardens bloom.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
- Best for
- Whales & sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Crisp & calm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Quieter.
- Best for
- Quiet & mild.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wet.