Last visited in 2011
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada’s Pacific coast. Named after Queen Victoria, the city is one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest, with British settlement beginning in 1843. Often called the Garden City, Victoria is a popular tourist destination with a mild climate and strong cultural heritage.
- Victoria’s Inner Harbour
- The Empress Hotel
- British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- Butchart Gardens
- Victoria’s Chinatown
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the city’s central and most memorable area for visitors. Surrounded by historic landmarks, gardens, street performers, and boats, it offers a scenic and walkable waterfront connecting many major attractions. From the harbour, visitors can view the Fairmont Empress and the Parliament Buildings and easily reach nearby museums, parks, shopping areas, and Old Town. It serves as a natural gathering place for tourists, cruise passengers, and locals alike.
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Fairmont Empress – is a historic luxury hotel overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, renowned for its romantic colonial architecture, scenic bay views, and rich history. Opened in 1908, it has hosted numerous celebrities and members of royalty while offering modern amenities and elegant guest rooms. The hotel is especially famous for its long-standing tradition of Afternoon Tea, making it one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks.
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British Columbia Parliament Buildings – This collection of grand Parliament Buildings located on the Inner Harbour are a sight to see, with their stained glass, domes and turrets. Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, this is where the province’s elected representatives meet to shape its future through debates and passing laws.
The Parliament Buildings are open to the public for free 50-minute guided tour, which you should book online and remember to bring your photo identification. You can also enjoy lunch at the parliamentary, Dining Room which offers delicious meals made with fresh B.C. ingredients. You have to reserve your table in advance!
Butchart Gardens – are one of the reasons Victoria is often referred to as the City of Gardens. Considered one of the world’s top display gardens, it was started by Jenny Butchart who wanted to beautify the barren pits her husband’s limestone mining company had left on their property. Owned by the same family today, the majority of its 55 acres are open to the public. In total, there are 700 varieties of plants that are in bloom between March and October, making it one of the most visually stunning Victoria attractions.
Butchart Gardens, Ross Fountain – is located at the far end of the Sunken Garden and was installed in 1964 to mark the garden’s 60th anniversary. Surrounded by seasonal flowers, the fountain is especially striking at night, when illuminated water displays rise up to 70 feet, creating a dramatic and magical effect.
Victoria’s Chinatown – is the second oldest in North America, after San Francisco’s, and is a must-visit attraction. It features distinctive Chinese architecture and narrow cobblestone alleys that invite exploration. The most famous is Fan Tan Alley, which can be very busy on summer weekends but is often quiet on weekdays.
