If you’re Victoria bound, then you won’t want to miss this. These 5 experiences are ones you’ll want to book in for your adventure on Vancouver Island. From the great outdoors to an urban adventure, there is really something for everyone to do in Victoria.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Victoria:
Hotels
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel, for the best Oak Bay hotel
- The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, for the best Inner Harbour hotel
Things to Do
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, my complete travel guide to Victoria is a must-read.
5 Experiences Not to Miss in Victoria, British Columbia
1. Go Whale Watching with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
One unique thing to Victoria that you don’t want to miss is definitely whale watching. This was number one on my list for my trip, mostly because Victoria has some of the best whale watching in the world. With both transient and local orcas that pass seasonally, you have a good chance at seeing the whales during the season (prime is May to October.) My tour was booked with Eagle Wing Whales & Wildlife Watching Tours who took us out for four hours on a group tour.
As I learned more about the company and its efforts for conservation and safe whale watching, I can confidently say this is the company to book with. Their insight into the ecosystem and professionalism in delivering both a safe and fun experience was a highlight of my trip. There is something so special to see these whales in their habitat and there couldn’t be a more epic setting than British Columbia. Book the tour here.
2. Enjoy a Spa Day at a Mineral Pool with a View
If you’re in for a few days and looking to do something a bit different, then I’d book a spa day at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Their perfectly situated mineral pools, perch out with views over the ocean. If a treatment or a soak in the pools doesn’t relax you, then the views certainly will.
Their spa treatment menu has a range of experiences, so you can book in a treatment to your liking and then enjoy the three mineral pools afterward. It’s the perfect city escape and minutes from downtown.
3. Self-Guided Brewery Hopping
Victoria has one of the largest concentrations of microbreweries and there is some incredible local beers here . So I’d do like the locals do, rent a bike or walk, and hop your way through some of the local breweries. You could work your way from the inner harbour, stopping at places like The Drake Eatery, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., Vancouver Island Brewing, and Ile Sauvage Brewing Co. If you prefer something guided, this brewery and food tour is a great option as well.
4. Epic Brunching with Farm Fresh Ingredients
With an abundance of ingredients sourced right from Vancouver Island, Victoria’s brunch scene is one thing you’ll want to try. I didn’t realize how popular it was until after asking a few locals what they did on the weekend. Their answer? Brunch!
One of my favorite spots I went to was a local spot called Nourish Kitchen & Café. The setting is charming, inside an 1888 heritage home where each level has been tastefully decorated. Their food? Amazing. I’d come here straight away for your first brunch, lunch, or breakfast (however you enjoy it!.)
5. Kayaking the Salish Sea
Somewhere between all of the eating you’ll be doing, a welcomed activity is getting out on the sea. Kayaking was my mode of choice (though you can do SUP) for getting a dose of exercise. I booked an Oak Bay kayaking tour for a few hours of scenic adventure. Yes, it was great to burn a few calories, but the views and opportunity to see wildlife up close was what made this experience memorable. Bald eagles swooped down into the water, harbour seals swam around the boat, and the fresh sea air set the scene. It’s an opportunity to get into the great outdoors that makes Victoria incredibly scenic. Book the tour here.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
