Visit Victoria

Victoria celebrates its status as the capital of British Columbia with its historical architecture, museums and gardens. The Parliament Buildings light up the harbour, while The Fairmont Express Hotel, another of architect Francis Rattenbury's creations, delivers Gothic architecture and luxury décor.

Whale watching

Vancouver Island is a famous spot for whale watching enthusiasts. A chance to see migrating gray whales as close to five kilometres from the shore is not to be missed from March to May, whereas killer whales can be spotted further north until Autumn.

Pacific Rim National Park

If it is uninterrupted natural landscapes you are looking for, a Victoria holiday offers day trips to Port Renfrew, which acts as a starting point for the 48-mile West Coast Trail. The Pacific Rim National Park has shorter strolls as well, one being the Sandbar Trail that passes through the douglas fir plantation.

Culture

The Royal British Columbia Museum makes use of wildlife exhibits and cultural artifacts in its permanent exhibitions, while The BC Experience offers geographical exhibits depicting Victoria through time.

Canadian artist Emily Carr's work is permanently displayed in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, while a visit to Thunderbird Park brings artwork outdoors with an array of totem poles depicting adventures of tribes from the north-west coast.

Restoration projects have also given rise to quaint boutiques and popular cafes in Bastion Square. A re-established Market Square accompanies The Bay Centre shopping mall, all a short walk from the harbour.

Grizzlies, Orcas & Black Bears of Vancouver Island

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,505 pp incl. flights

Leave the urbane charms of Vancouver behind to take in the unique wildlife, coastlines and forests of Vancouver Island with ultra-scenic drives, expert-led excursions and stays in remote lodges.

Canada's Pacific Coast self-drive

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,430 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made fly-drive pairs Vancouver and Victoria's city highlights with the natural wonders and wildlife of Whistler, the Sunshine Coast and Pacific Rim National Park.

Tastes of Vancouver, Victoria & Whistler

10-day tailor-made holiday from £3,205 pp incl. flights

With a raft of included activities, from foodie tours to float-plane flights, this is the ideal introduction to the myriad delights of Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria.

Vancouver in a Nutshell

9-day tailor-made holiday from £3,370 pp incl. flights

With a choice of accommodation options and a host of included experiences, this curated city stay takes in the very best of urban Vancouver and the sheer beauty of its surrounding natural world.

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Top places to stay in Victoria - Canada

The Fairmont Empress

Historic hotel

The Fairmont Empress stands guard over the Inner Harbour and is regarded as one of Victoria’s most iconic hotels.

Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria, British Columbia

Traditional hotel

Sitting on the waterfront in British Columbia’s capital, the Inn at Laurel Point offers spacious comfort, scenic harbour views, and easy access to Victoria’s many attractions.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia

Contemporary hotel

Just a few minutes away from downtown Victoria, this luxury oceanside resort is consistently ranked in Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Canadian Hotels and offers a peaceful and ultra-comfortable retreat with easy access to some of the best of Vancouver Island.