TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Find the best spots around town for the month of August

Welcome to Victoria! A city full of beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and restaurants galore. 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, sunny patios to drink a beer on in Victoria, work colleague activities, some awesome date night ideas, and Victoria’s top tourist activities.

victoria food passport

1. DISCOVER JAMES BAY ON A SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR.

Off The Eaten Track – 470 Belleville Street

WHY DO IT: A fun and easy way to explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhood on your own time with no big groups.

WHO IS IT FOR: The adventurous traveller who has a tight schedule and isn’t keen on joining a tour group. Also fun for school groups and work mates.

VISIT WEBSITE: www.selfguidedfoodtours.ca

Tora Tiki Bar Victoria

2. GET TROPICAL WITH A TIKI COCKTAIL

Tora Tiki – 714 Cormorant Street

WHY DO IT: Recently opened and Victoria’s only tiki bar! Truly live like an Islander and have some killer traditional tiki cocktails

WHO IS IT FOR: Adults looking for a fun and tasty cocktail experience, a great date night experience and an after work idea.

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

hot tub boat victoria

3. FLOAT THE INNER HARBOUR IN A HOT TUB

Hot Tub Boat Victoria – 450 Swift Street

WHY DO IT: A super unique way to see the coastline of the city from the water. But in a hot tub!

WHO IS IT FOR: Adult groups looking for a fun time together, can take up to 6 people over the age of 12.

VISIT WEBSITE:  https://hottubboatcanada.ca/

hot tub boat victoria

4. TAKE A SIGNS OF THE LEKWUNGEN TOUR

City of Victoria – various locations along inner harbour

WHY DO IT: Learning about the Indigenous culture is a must-do when visiting Victoria. This self-guided walking tour takes you to 7 important cultural sights around the waterfront.

WHO IS IT FOR: Families and anyone interested in Indigenous culture and history.

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

Victoria Public Market Food

5. EAT WELL AT THE VICTORIA PUBLIC MARKET

Various vendors – 1701 Douglas Street

WHY DO IT: Explore multiple small foodie businesses under one roof including Italian, local coffee, tacos, Japanese, and much more!

WHO IS IT FOR: Anyone with an appetite and a desire to try something local.

VISIT WEBSITE: https://victoriapublicmarket.com/

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Whistle Buoy Brewing Market Square

8. DRINK LOCAL BEER ON A PATIO

Various locations 

Shown here is the Whistle Buoy Brewing and The Drake patios at Market Square. We would also suggest Herald Street Brewing and Phillip’s Brewery.

WHY DO IT: Victoria is considered the craft beer cradle of Canada and we have some pretty awesome local beer. Not to mention some sweet patios.

WHO IS IT FOR: Beer lovers and patio-hoppers. Mostly 19+ but some allow youth such as Spinnakers and Canoe.

VISIT WEBSITE: https://bcaletrail.ca/

Goats at Beacon Hill Park

6. RENT A SCOOTER AND CRUISE

Cycle BC – 685 Humboldt Street

WHY DO IT: An exciting and fun way to see most of the city. We suggest cruising along Dallas Road and stopping for a picnic at the beach.

WHO IS IT FOR: Makes a fun date or grab a group and make it a party for anyone over the age of 21.

VISIT WEBSITE: www.cyclebc.ca

Goats at Beacon Hill Park

7. PET A GOAT AT BEACON HILL PARK

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm – Circle Drive

WHY DO IT: It’s an institution and has been open since 1985. Plus the small admissions fee goes towards the farm and education.

WHO IS IT FOR: Families and animal lovers. And a visit to Beacon Hill is perfect for garden lovers!

VISIT WEBSITE: https://beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca/

johnson street victoria

9. SHOP ON LOWER JOHNSON STREET

Various locations – 

Some of our favorite shops include the Regional Assembley of Text, Flavour Vintage, Little Gold, and Rook & Rose.

WHY DO IT: Johnson Street includes one of the highest concentrations of independent boutiques in Canada, several world-class hair salons, and specialty shops.

WHO IS IT FOR: Anyone looking to spend some money on some great local goods. Also a great street to visit some heritage buildings and grab a bite to eat.

VISIT WEBSITE: https://downtownvictoria.ca/precincts/lower-johnson/

Fan Tan Alley Tour

10. TAKE A WALKING FOOD TOUR OF CHINATOWN

Off The Eaten Track – online tickets

WHY DO IT: Victoria has the oldest Chinatown in Canada and it is full of awesome hidden gem foodie businesses, history, and interesting architect including the famous Fan Tan Alley.

WHO IS IT FOR: Families, foodies, and history buffs.

VISIT WEBSITE: www.offtheeatentracktours.ca

Top 5 Things You Must Eat & Drink In Victoria 2021

From seafood to brunch to craft beer to the infamous shaft cocktail, we’ve compiled the top 5 must eat food & drinks while visiting the Garden City.

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