TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Find the best spots around town for the month of August

Everyone heard what the city of Victoria is famous for- stunningly beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and restaurants galore. August attracts over 100,000 tourist every year with vivid summer flowers, rich, bold colours of summer and sunny and warm days with slim chances of rain. 

This post lists some of our favorite under-the-radar tidbits as well as some of the most popular tourist hotspots. Be sure to view each venue’s website for the most up-to-date information, safety precautions, pricing, and more.

Check out our list of top 10 things to do in Victoria for our favourite top family-friendly activities in Victoria, live music nights, cooking classes, city food tours in Victoria, some awesome local markets, and Victoria’s top tourist activities.

victoria food passport

1. DISCOVER LOCAL CUISINE ON A GUIDED EAT LIKE A CANADIAN FOOD TOUR 

Off The Eaten Track – 470 Belleville Street

Mon-Sun 2:30-5pm

WHY DO IT: Explore the iconic Inner Harbour, sip and savour local cuisine, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.

WHO IS IT FOR: All foodie lovers out here who would like to open their hearts to some traditional Canadian dishes.

TICKETS & INFO: https://offtheeatentracktours.ca

Tora Tiki Bar Victoria

2. GORGE PARK MARKET DAY

Esquimalt Gorge Park – 1070 Tillicum Road

Mon 4:30-7:30pm

WHY DO IT: Join the local community, build relationships, access health food, and learn about the equitable sustainability in Esquimalt.

WHO IS IT FOR: Live music passionates, hot food at food trucks lovers, and regular weekly shoppers.

VISIT WEBSITE: https://www.eventbrite.ca

hot tub boat victoria

3. SILENT YOGA AND PICNIC BRUNCH

SeaCider – 450 Swift Street

Sun 10:30-11:30am or 11:30-12:30pm

WHY DO IT: This complementary cider tasting combined with outdoors yoga will help you connect with your body, sprit and nature, and sample the locally produced goodies.

WHO IS IT FOR: Adult groups looking for a fun time together

FOR SCHEDULE & TICKETS VISIT: https://www.eventbrite.ca

hot tub boat victoria

4. PHILLIPS BACKYARD FESTIVAL

Philips Brewing & Malting Co. – 210 Government Street

Aug 13-14th

WHY DO IT: The series of concerts hosted in the ‘Phillips Backyard’  will attract beverage enthusiasts by a diverse mix of live music, artists, food, drinks and memorable performances!

WHO IS IT FOR: Music and craft beer lovers who are 19 and over.

TICKETS: https://www.showpass.com

Victoria Public Market Food

5. JOIN SEASONAL SALSA COOKING CLASS

Victoria Community Food Hub- 808 Viewfield Road

Aug 18th

WHY DO IT: This is a fun way to learn to prepare fresh salsa made from ingredients grown on Vancouver Island, following the steps of a Mexican Chef – Karina Gomez.

WHO IS IT FOR: Anyone interested in modern cooking and commercial kitchen.

FOR TICKETS VISIT: https://www.tourismvictoria.com

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Whistle Buoy Brewing Market Square

8. GRAB AN ICED CHOCOLATE DRINK

Chocolat & Co. – 703 Fort Street

Everyday 10am-5:30pm

WHY DO IT: This chocolate shop specializes in amazing drinking chocolate – hot in the winter and iced-cold in the summer. They use ethically sourced cacao and blend it up with some milk. It’s frothy, not-too sweet, and hits the spot on a hot day

WHO IS IT FOR: Chocoholics and anyone looking to cool down with a cold beverage.

MORE INFO: https://www.chocolatandco.com

Goats at Beacon Hill Park

6. PET-A-PALOOZA

Bullen Park – 1140 Lyall street

Aug 13-14th

WHY DO IT: Get some puppy love at Pet-A-Palooza this month. If you are a doggie parent get your little one to sample treats, try accessories and toys, or sign them up for a dog race!

WHO IS IT FOR: Dogs and their people!

VISIT WEBSITE: https://www.petapaloozawest.com/victoria1

Goats at Beacon Hill Park

7. 24TH ANNUAL VANCOUVER ISLAND FEAST OF FIELDS

FarmFolk CityFolk- 7321 Lochside Drive

Aug 24th

WHY DO IT: Learn about the connections between farmers and chefs, field and table, and farm folks and city folks during the three-hour wandering gourmet harvest festival.

WHO IS IT FOR: All ages event for families, friends or group of visitors with “youth” tickets available for folks under 19 and free entrance for children 5 years and under.

VISIT WEBSITE: https://www.eventbrite.ca

johnson street victoria

9. CHOCOLATE & CHURCHES SELF-GUIDED FOOD TOUR

Off The Eaten Track – 470 Belleville Street

WHY DO IT: Sweeten up your day and explore downtown chocolate shops and historic churches in the city. 

WHO IS IT FOR: Individuals, families, friends and most importantly- chocoholics!

VISIT WEBSITE: https://selfguidedfoodtours.ca

Fan Tan Alley Tour

10. MARKET COLLECTIVE & HILLSIDE’S SUMMER MARKET SERIES

Hillside Shopping Centre – 1644 Hillside Avenue

Aug 13-14th

WHY DO IT: Discover a curated collection of Canadian craft. Meet some of the best Artists, Makers and Artisinal Food people you have all come to know and love- and few new.

WHO IS IT FOR: Families, friends, visitors- everybody!

VISIT WEBSITE: https://www.victoriamarketcollective.com

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