Immerse yourself in Victoria's unique character. British Columbia's capital offers an eclectic mix of history and culture. Sites like the Craigdarroch Castle give you a slice of the city’s rich history, while bright cafés, bars and independent shops have a distinctly bohemian, all-original vibe. You can explore open green spaces like Beacon Hill Park and try some gaming in a virtual reality arcade – Victoria really is that eclectic.
Take your pick from charming and modern hostels in Victoria. If you love local history, stay in an old townhouse. Travellers who love to be near the serene water can find a Victoria hostel with harbour views. There are hostels with pool tables too, so you can mix with other travellers. What better way to meet people (and save some money) than a hostel with a free nightly dinner? If you prefer to cook your own meals, there are Victoria hostels with guest kitchens too. Most hostels also have free Wi-Fi so you can stream a film in the evenings.
Each of Victoria’s neighbourhoods gives you a different slice of city life. The downtown district is the main entertainment hub, and home to Thunderbird Park where you can explore totem pole art and other First Nation monuments. Head to James Bay for Fisherman’s Wharf, with local shops, food kiosks and a neighbourly vibe. Fernwood is the place to hang with Victoria's artists. This residential neighbourhood has a quaint village feel, seasonal markets and lots of theatre.
Tick off your things to do in Victoria list with a trip to Craigdarroch Castle, a Victorian mansion that's a must-see. Butchart Gardens makes a great outdoor activity, with five gardens to explore, including a Japanese one. Afterwards, head over to the harbour for traditional fish and chips while you look out at the colourful floating homes. In China Town you can wander down Canada’s narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley. To get social with the locals, take a break at the Interactivity Board Game Café.
From Victoria International Airport, various buses will take you to the downtown area in around 1.5 hours. A taxi takes about 30 minutes. Getting around the core of the city is easy on foot, or you can rent a bicycle. There are also bus routes to get you from sight to sight or into a new neighbourhood. Exploring further afield in Canada? The Greyhound Bus depot has regular services to Vancouver, Calgary and beyond.
Top rated hostels in Victoria
