Victorians know we live in a beautiful city, and often have favourite spots in town to show off.
When family or friends visit, it’s a great opportunity to explore the city like a tourist again.
It’s not hard to make the most of a visit to Victoria, but sometimes it’s nice to hear from the locals about how they would help somebody explore the city in which they live.
For this purpose, members of the Victoria Buzz Facebook group have provided their input on what the must-do things are when having an out-of-town family or friend visit, and they did not disappoint.
Here are some must-see attractions or hotspots in Victoria to show off to your guests if they’re visiting for just one day:
Breakfast downtown
Victoria is known for its breakfast restaurants. Some even call it the breakfast capital of Canada.
There are so many local restaurants that are staples of Victoria’s food culture, it would be impossible to name them all, but here are a few:
John’s Place, Jam Cafe, The Ruby, The Blue Fox, Volta Victoria, The Breakfast Shop, Shanzee’s Old Town, Fuego Old Town Eatery or one of the many Floyd’s Diner locations across the city are all fantastic places to start your day in Victoria.
It’s hard to go wrong for breakfast in downtown Victoria, so be sure to fuel up for a fun-filled day!
The Fairmont Empress
After breakfast, take some time to explore the city.
One of Victoria’s most famous landmarks, The Empress is an example of some of Victoria’s oldest architecture and undoubtedly a must-see when visiting.
Nicknamed “Canada’s Castle on the Coast,” The Fairmont Empress is one of the city’s most historic buildings, currently operating as a luxury hotel.
The hotel is renowned for its High Tea, although this must be booked in advance.
It’s also a great spot to grab a classy bite to eat or a cocktail, which typically doesn’t require booking ahead.
The hotel is also a great place to wander, with many shops and displays set up inside.
The legislature buildings
The parliament buildings on the legislative lawns are where the province’s elected representatives meet to shape the future of the province.
The buildings are open Monday to Friday for guided tours for those curious about where BC’s MLAs go to work, but are just as impressive from the outside.
The buildings carry quite a bit of history in the city, having officially opened more than 125 years ago.
The buildings are also lit up outside at dusk, and offer an incredible reflection on the waters of the Inner Harbour.
The Inner Harbour
Right across from The Empress and the legislature buildings is another of Victoria’s landmarks, the Inner Harbour.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a free concert at Ship Point or the Water Taxi Ballet from the harbour.
Even without a specific event , the Inner Harbour offers incredible views of the Salish Sea, the Esquimalt skyline and the boats making their way in and out of the city.
If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Red Fish Blue Fish, The Flying Otter Grill or Lido’s Waterfront Bar & Bistro for some good eats (and maybe a cheeky afternoon cocktail) right in the harbour.
Fisherman’s Wharf
A bit further down from the harbour is Fisherman’s Wharf.
A cute little community with eclectic boathouses and some fantastic shopping and food, Fisherman’s Wharf is a favourite among visitors to Victoria.
As a bonus, the resident harbour seals are always around waiting to mingle with tourists, so make sure to say hi! Or of course, there’s Barb’s Fish and Chips for a yummy bite to eat.
The Breakwater/Dallas Road
A short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf is the Breakwater on Dallas Road.
Dallas Road is a favourite activity for Victoria residents and visitors alike.
Relaxing on the beach and soaking up some sun while taking in views of the beautiful Olympic Mountains and Salish Sea is truly an experience that will make anyone fall in love with the city.
Grab some ice cream from Overboard Ice Cream to really put things over the top. And if they don’t mind kind of being out in the middle of the water per se, take them for a walk on the breakwater!
Beacon Hill Park
After a stroll along Dallas Road, Beacon Hill Park is a must.
With beautiful gardens and a pond that is home to turtles, blue herons, seagulls, ducks and more, taking a relaxing walk through Beacon Hill is truly a lovely experience.
While you could spend a whole day in Beacon Hill Park, an hour strolling through the gardens is a perfect way to get excited for the rest of the day in Victoria.
And of course, make sure to stop at the Beacon Hill Drive-In for some lunch or their famous soft serve.
Afternoon tea
Tea is another staple of Victoria.
As mentioned before, The Empress offers a high-class afternoon tea experience, as do establishments like The Pendray Tea House and The Tea House at the Abkhazi Gardens.
If you want to stay on the move, Murchie’s Tea and Coffee is a great way to get some tea on the go.
Shopping downtown
After some afternoon tea, it’s time to hit the streets for some shopping.
There are dozens of amazing shops on Government Street and across downtown.
Book stores like Russell Books and Munro’s Books are some of the most famous in the city and an excellent place to stop in and browse.
Artisan shops like Luna Collective and clothing shops like Blue Sky Clothing are great places to grab some luxury goods from local makers.
There are also plenty of places to pick up something for the kids, including Oscar & Libby’s in Market Square and Kaboodles on Government Street.
Souvenir shops and chocolate shops also line Government street for someone looking to remember the experience or snack on something tasty on their way home.
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is one of Victoria’s highlights.
The museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history of the region, including its Indigenous heritage and wildlife.
It also offers excellent rotating exhibits, including a yearly wildlife photographer of the year exhibition and other topics from Ancient Egypt to World War 2.
Remember to catch a show at the IMAX theatre while you’re there!
Miniature World
Miniature World, located on Humboldt Street, is a popular attraction in the city with dioramas and doll houses that tell the story of the city and of western Canada.
With tiny depictions of the history of the railroads and the logging industry in the region, this is a great way to learn about the history of the Pacific Northwest.
There are also eclectic displays showing everything from circus shows to intergalactic scenes, with expert lighting and craftsmanship.
Miniature is a great place to learn about the history of the city in a unique and interesting way for adults and children alike!
Bug Zoo
About a block from Miniature World, the Bug Zoo can sometimes be forgotten, but Victorians know it’s one the city’s hidden gems.
This “mini” zoo offers patrons the ability to handle some creepy-crawlies while learning more about them.
Knowledgeable tour guides lead bug enthusiasts through the space, teaching as they go.
The Bug Zoo is an excellent option for those interested in insects, arachnids and arthropods alike!
See a film at an independent theatre
Part of Victoria’s charm is the many independent theatres in the city.
The Vic Theatre offers cult classics, local films, blockbuster classics and more, so be sure to check out what’s being offered at the time.
Capitol 6 is a great spot for a luxury theatre environment, complete with reclining seats and a beautiful interior.
A little outside the city centre, The Roxy Theatre and Cinecenta, the campus theatre, are also great options for everything from artsy indie films to the new hit blockbuster.
Dinner and cocktails
There’s nothing like sitting down to a delicious dinner after a long day of exploring.
Victoria offers some truly incredible dining experiences, from patios that look over the harbour to hole-in-the-wall spots offering high-end cuisine.
Restaurants in Victoria are as unique as they are plentiful.
For patio dining, establishments like The Local, Glo Restaurant + Lounge, LURE Restaurant and Bar and Spinnaker’s are all excellent options.
For a fine-dining experience, try Janevca, The Courtney Room, end dive, Boom + Batten or Wind Cries Mary.
For families or large groups, Bodega and Tapa Bar in the beautiful Trounce Alley offer tasty dishes for everyone in the family, along with some great wine, beer and cocktails for the adults.
For a lively neighbourhood or dive bar vibe, Leopold’s Tavern, Bartholomew’s Pub, The Irish Times and Tora Tiki all get rowdy in the best way.
All of these options are simply a taste of what Victoria has to offer, and wandering into any local restaurant is likely to make for a memorable experience.
Lookout over the city
After a day of exploring the city from the ground, eating at local restaurants and shopping around town, seeing Victoria from a different perspective can be a great night cap.
There are several areas in town that offer panoramic views of Victoria and the surrounding area, including PKOLS, Mount Tolmie and Christmas Hill.
For those with transportation who want to get a wider view of the region, the Malahat Skywalk is a short drive from the city centre and offers incredible views of the Saanich Inlet.
Every so often it’s important to think about what makes the city we live in so special.
Exploring it like a visitor can be the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Do you have a must-do activity when you have a family or friend visiting? Let us know in the comment section below!
