Victoria Winter Guide 2026
Your guide to the ultimate Victoria vacation - EXTRA cozy edition!What to do in Victoria January & February 2026
Discover Victoria on a walking tour
Did you know that Victoria, BC receives nearly 50% less rainfall than Vancouver, making it one of the best cities in Canada for winter walking tours? Bundle up and explore the city on foot for a scenic way to enjoy Victoria sightseeing, discover local history, and experience the city from a true local’s perspective—even in the cooler months
Get Fed on a Guided Foodie Tour
When you’re looking for things to do in Victoria in the winter, a food-focused walking tour is the perfect way to explore the city. At Off the Eaten Track, our walking food tours combine sightseeing with multiple food stops, giving you a guided stroll through Victoria’s neighbourhoods while enjoying tastings from locally owned restaurants, cafés, and specialty food shops.
A food tour is more than just eating (though there’s plenty of that). Along the way, our local guides share stories about Victoria’s history, architecture, and vibrant culinary scene—plus insider tips on where to eat, drink, and explore next. It’s a relaxed, social way to stay active, support local businesses, and experience the city like a local, making it one of the most enjoyable winter activities in Victoria, BC
Take Your Time on a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Not a fan of group tours? Our self-guided food tours in Victoria are a perfect winter activity—especially in January and February, when the city is quieter and ideal for exploring at your own pace. With no set schedule and no crowds, it’s just you, your phone, and a great excuse to get outside and discover the city.
Using a GPS-triggered walking tour app, you’ll follow curated foodie routes through Victoria’s neighbourhoods while listening to engaging stories about local history, culture, and hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll unlock insider restaurant recommendations and exclusive discounts, making it one of the most flexible and fun things to do in Victoria in winter. Think of it as having a local guide in your pocket—perfect for locals, visitors, food lovers, and anyone looking for a low-key winter adventure.
Dive Into History on a Discover The Past Tour
For history lovers looking for things to do in Victoria in the winter, Discover the Past offers engaging walking tours that bring the city’s past to life—rain or shine. This family-run Victoria tour company has been leading guided walking tours since 1999, making them one of the city’s most trusted names in local history.
Still run by founder John Adams alongside his son Chris, Discover the Past is known for immersive storytelling, in-depth research, and knowledgeable guides who turn Victoria’s streets into an open-air history book. These tours pair perfectly with a self-guided food tour later in the day, making it easy to enjoy both history and local eats in one outing. It’s an ideal way for locals and visitors alike to experience the best of Victoria walking tours in January and February—at a relaxed winter pace.
Take In A Live Show
Victoria’s theatre scene is vibrant and diverse, blending historic charm with contemporary storytelling. From the grand Royal Theatre and the intimate McPherson Playhouse to the innovative Belfry Theatre in Fernwood, the city offers everything from Broadway tours and symphonies to Canadian plays and local performances. Whether you’re looking for world-class productions or community-driven shows, Victoria’s theatres provide a rich cultural experience year-round.
Royal Theatre
The Royal Theatre in downtown Victoria is a beautifully restored Edwardian-era playhouse that’s been entertaining audiences since 1913. With its ornate chandeliers, velvet seats, and grand architecture, it’s the city’s premier stage for everything from Broadway shows and ballet to symphony concerts and comedy. A visit here is both a cultural experience and a step back in time. Browse their calendar today!
McPherson Playhouse
The McPherson Playhouse, affectionately known as “The Mac,” is a charming historic theatre in Victoria’s Old Town. Originally built in 1914 as a vaudeville house, it now hosts concerts, plays, film festivals, and community performances. With its intimate size, ornate details, and rich history, it’s one of the city’s most beloved cultural venues. Check out the upcoming shows here!
Belfry Theatre
The Belfry Theatre, housed in a renovated 19th-century church in Victoria’s Fernwood neighbourhood, is known for its intimate setting and focus on contemporary Canadian plays. With thought-provoking productions and a commitment to local storytelling, the Belfry is a cultural hub that brings fresh, engaging theatre to the heart of the community. See what’s coming up!
Get 10% Off All Foodie Tours using Promo Code WINTER26 at checkout.
Empty streets, small groups, and delicious warm food are just a few of the reasons to join an Off The Eaten Track food tour this winter. Use promo code WINTER26 at check out and get 10% off! Hurray, discount only valid JAN 01 – FEB 31
Go To An Awesome Foodie Event
Victoria has some amazing foodie festivals and they happen to occur in the winter months! If you ever needed an excuse to come to Victoria in the Winter, these foodie festivals should be top of your must visit list.
Dine Around & Stay In Town JAN 23 - FEB 08
Dine Around & Stay in Town—the city’s most anticipated winter culinary event. This annual celebration invites locals and visitors to experience prix-fixe menus, special dining offers, and exclusive hotel packages at some of Victoria’s best restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars. It’s the perfect excuse to explore new spots, revisit favourite neighbourhood restaurants, and indulge in Victoria’s vibrant local food scene at exceptional value.
At Off The Eaten Track, we love how Dine Around & Stay in Town showcases the creativity of Victoria chefs during the quieter winter months. From cozy bistros and elevated fine dining to craft cocktails and local wine pairings, the event highlights why Victoria is one of Canada’s top culinary destinations. Pair your Dine Around experience with a self-guided food tour or a winter walking tour to turn a simple night out into a full-on foodie adventure—no tourists, no crowds, just great local flavour.
Culinaire FEB 26
February in Victoria wouldn’t be complete without Culinaire, a signature winter foodie event that brings together the city’s top chefs, beverage makers, and local producers for an elevated culinary experience. Designed to celebrate creativity and connection, Culinaire showcases innovative tasting menus, expertly paired wines and cocktails, and immersive dining experiences that highlight the best of Vancouver Island’s local food scene.
For fans of Victoria’s culinary culture, Culinaire offers a deeper look behind the scenes—where technique, storytelling, and seasonal ingredients take centre stage. At Off The Eaten Track, we see Culinaire as the perfect complement to winter food tours and self-guided culinary walks, giving locals a chance to explore new neighbourhoods, meet the makers, and support independent restaurants during the slower season. If you’re planning your winter dining calendar, Culinaire is a standout event that proves Victoria’s food scene shines brightest—even in the heart of winter
Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival FEB 01 - FEB 31
Winter in Victoria gets a little cozier with the return of the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival, a beloved seasonal event that invites local cafés, bakeries, and chocolatiers to craft limited-edition, over-the-top hot chocolates throughout January and February. From classic rich cocoa to creative flavour combinations and dairy-free options, the festival is a delicious way to explore Victoria’s café culture while supporting local businesses during the winter months.
This year, Off The Eaten Track is proud to be a sponsor of the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival, helping celebrate the makers and small businesses that keep Victoria’s food scene vibrant year-round. The festival pairs perfectly with a winter walking tour or a self-guided foodie adventure, turning a simple hot chocolate stop into a full neighbourhood experience. Whether you’re planning a cozy date, a weekend treat, or a reason to get out and explore the city, the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival is a must-do winter foodie event in Victoria.
