Victoria Summer Guide 2025
Your guide to the ultimate Victoria vacation!Summer Activities
Whale Watching
Whale watching in Victoria isn’t just a tourist activity—it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s most amazing shows. With orcas, gray whales, and sea lions all frequenting the waters, every trip out feels like a new adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, heading out on the water here is an unforgettable way to connect with the wild heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Eagle Wing Tours
If you’re exploring Victoria’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t miss the chance to experience an unforgettable whale watching experience with Eagle Wing Tours. As Canada’s first 100% carbon-neutral whale watching company, Eagle Wing is a leader in responsible tourism.
Eagle Wing is also widely recognized as Victoria’s top-rated whale watching company, combining thrilling marine adventures with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Prince of Whales
If you’re near Victoria’s Inner Harbour and looking for an unforgettable whale watching experience, check out Prince of Whales. As one of Victoria’s most iconic whale watching companies, Prince of Whales has been offering marine tours for over 30 years.
Choose from high-speed Zodiac adventures or relax aboard their environmentally friendly catamaran. Their tours are guided by knowledgeable marine biologists and naturalists, providing fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Orca Spirit Adventures
Or check out Orca Spirit Adventures! They offer a range of tours aboard luxury covered vessels, as well as high-speed Zodiacs, making them a top choice for both comfort seekers and thrill lovers. for those craving a more adventurous ride.
With departures from two convenient docks in Victoria, Orca Spirit gives you more options and flexibility to fit your schedule. Even better, they offer a 95% whale sighting guarantee—if you don’t see whales, you’ll receive a free return tour.
Butchart Gardens
A visit to Victoria, BC isn’t complete without experiencing the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Founded by Jennie Butchart in 1904, this former limestone quarry has blossomed into one of Canada’s most iconic horticultural landmarks. Open year-round, Butchart Gardens is especially stunning in the summer, when its vibrant floral displays are in full bloom.
Stroll through a variety of themed gardens, including the breathtaking Sunken Garden, the romantic Rose Garden, the tranquil Japanese Garden, and more—each one offering a unique sensory experience that blends nature with artistry.
But Butchart Gardens offers more than just beautiful blooms. Guests can enjoy high tea, dine at one of several on-site restaurants, browse the charming gift shop, and even catch live music during the summer months.
Getting to Butchart Gardens from downtown Victoria is easy. You can take the CVS shuttle, which departs daily in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, or hop on BC Transit’s Route 75 bus for a convenient and scenic ride.
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a cultural icon where history, nature, and community events come alive. Explore the immersive Natural History Gallery, featuring Woolly – our favourite woolly mammoth – or visit the First Peoples House and learn about Indigenous culture and languages.
The museum also features incredible exhibits that you can experience for a limited time. Currently, you can find the following exhibits running in summer 2025:
- Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change (May 30, 2025 – January 5, 2026)
- Odysseys and Migration (April 17, 2025 – May 3, 2026)
- Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz (March 28, 2025 – September 28, 2025)
Outdoors, enjoy Thunderbird Park’s majestic totem poles and historical buildings, such as Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse. Lastly, don’t miss your chance to catch a documentary or a feature film at the IMAX Theatre! Click here to check out the current showtimes.
Parliament Buildings
No visit to Victoria, BC is complete without exploring the Parliament Buildings, home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This architectural gem is a downtown landmark and one of the city’s most popular historical attractions.
During the summer months, visitors can take advantage of free guided or self-guided tours that offer a unique glimpse into British Columbia’s political history and the inner workings of its government.
Time your visit right, and you might catch the award-winning Travelling Plays – a lively theatrical performance that brings history to life with costumed actors portraying figures like Queen Victoria. It’s a fun and educational way to experience Victoria’s colonial heritage.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for free things to do in Victoria, the BC Parliament Buildings offer an enriching and memorable experience in the heart of the city.
High Tea
If you’ve made it this far, indulging in high tea is an experience you won’t want to miss. This elegant tradition is a delightful nod to Victoria’s British heritage, and one of the city’s most iconic culinary experiences.
Several renowned afternoon tea spots in downtown Victoria offer a perfect blend of sophistication and charm—complete with fine China, tiered trays of finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and premium teas. Whether you’re looking for a classic setting or a modern twist, high tea in Victoria is a relaxing and memorable way to immerse yourself in local culture.
The Empress
For a truly regal experience, don’t miss afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress—one of the most iconic and luxurious high tea experiences in Victoria, BC. Set in the elegant Lobby Lounge of the historic hotel, this tradition has been delighting guests for over a century.
The Fairmont Empress also offers an exclusive collection of premium loose-leaf teas, served in royal China gifted by Queen Elizabeth herself in 1939, adding an authentic royal touch to this quintessential Victoria afternoon tea experience.
Pendray Inn & Tea House
If you’re looking for a cozier afternoon tea experience, the Pendray Inn & Tea House is the perfect choice. Located in a beautifully restored heritage mansion, the Pendray offers a warm, historic setting that blends charm, comfort, and sophistication.
Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu of afternoon tea delights, with vegan, gluten-free, and children’s options available—making it one of the most inclusive high tea experiences. For something a little different, the Scottish High Tea is a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic sit-down, featuring unique menu items inspired by traditional Scottish fare.
Walking Tours
Summer is the perfect time to explore Victoria on foot. With its sunny weather, blooming gardens, and scenic waterfront views, the city is made for strolling.
A walking tour lets you slow down and soak in the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture that make Victoria so unique. Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone alleys of Chinatown, admiring the historic Parliament Buildings, or sampling local eats on a foodie tour, walking tours offer a deeper, more authentic way to connect with the city!
Off the Eaten Track
Discover Off the Eaten Track Food Tours—Victoria’s original and largest culinary walking tour company. Since 2012, they’ve been offering guided food tours in Victoria, BC that highlight the city’s hidden gems, historic neighborhoods, and locally loved eateries.
Each tour includes delicious tastings, rich storytelling, and insider tips from passionate local guides. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local foodie, Off the Eaten Track provides a fun and flavorful way to experience the city like never before.
Discover the Past
For one of the most captivating historical experiences in Victoria, join Discover the Past Walking Tours. Led by renowned historian John Adams, these tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s heritage. Their popular nightly Ghost Tours in Victoria are a must-do for anyone interested in haunted history, legends, and eerie tales from centuries past.
Discover the Past also offers walking tours in French, making them a great choice for French-speaking visitors to Victoria. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the city’s hidden stories, one step at a time!
The Girl in Victoria
Looking for a more personalized way to get around? Check out That Girl in Victoria, a boutique self-guided and driving tour company created by Michele Davis. Known for her warm personality and in-depth knowledge of the city, Michele offers customized tours that combine local history, storytelling, and fun facts with curated stops for shopping, afternoon tea, or even a beach picnic!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or want to see the city through a local’s eyes, That Girl in Victoria delivers a unique and memorable Victoria sightseeing experience at your own pace.
Summer Events
July
- Summer at Ship’s Point (every Tuesday-Thursday from 4:00-8:00)
- Set against the stunning backdrop of the Inner Harbour, this seasonal series transforms Ship Point into a lively hub with live music, local food trucks, wellness classes, and a craft beer garden hosted by the Victoria Beer Society
- 19th Annual Festival Mexicano (July 12 & 13)
- Held every July at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour, visitors can enjoy authentic Mexican food, a festive beer garden, and vibrant cultural displays, all organized by the Mexican Canadian Community Association of Victoria.
- Flavour Trails (July 12 & 13)
- Flavour Trails is a fun celebration of local food, farms, and community in Greater Victoria, offering a series of self-guided agri-tourism festivals throughout the summer.
- Thirsty Chef (July 26)
- Now in its 11th year, the Thirsty Chef is one of Victoria’s most anticipated summer food and drink festivals, hosted by The Drake Eatery. The courtyard in Market Square transforms into a culinary playground where local chefs team up with top craft breweries to serve up bold, creative pairings. Enjoy good food, live music and proceeds support the Victoria Cool Aid Society
August
- Phillips Backyard (Aug 7-10)
- This beloved summer series transforms the brewery’s backyard into a high-energy, genre-spanning celebration of music, craft beer, and community vibes. Headlined by The Roots, this festival is sure to sell out!
- Flavour Trails – Saanich (Aug 9 & 10)
- Canada Dry Victoria Dragonboat Festival (Aug 8)
- Since 1994, this vibrant festival has been a celebration of sport, culture, and community, rooted in Victoria’s Chinatown and open to all. It’s one of the most scenic and spirited dragon boat festivals in Canada!
- Flavour Trails – North Saanich (Aug 23 & 24)
- Sannich Fair (Aug 29 – Sept 1)
- Western Canada’s longest-running agricultural fair returns for its 157th year at the Saanich Fairgrounds. This family-friendly event features rides from the West Coast Amusements, livestock shows, live music and food trucks!