24-Hour Trip: A Perfect Spring Getaway in Victoria

A day can go by in a flash, but when you’re visiting a city as beautiful and as vibrant as Victoria, you can’t let that time go to waste. As springtime sees the rain stop (or at least slow down), the natural beauty of this Pacific Northwest setting truly shines. Make the most of your 24 hours in Victoria with these must-do spring adventures.

Morning at the Parliament Buildings

Visiting a city’s foremost government building may seem like a formality, but Victoria’s is not to be missed. The city is home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, which sits on 12+ acres of land nestled beside Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The buildings, which opened in 1898, are a gorgeous architectural achievement, featuring a large renaissance-style dome over the building’s entrance as well as local BC materials. Beat the crowds and discover the history and present-day workings of British Columbia with a 9:00am guided tour.

Stroll through James Bay Market

Located at the corner of Menzies Street and Superior Street, minutes away from the harbor, the James Bay Market is a warm-weather institution. Open every Saturday from May 7 to September 24, the market is a mix of local produce, artisanal products and live entertainment. Come for the handmade crafts, stay for the home-baked treats.

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Peek around the corner of Victoria’s Inner Harbour to find Fisherman’s Wharf, a hidden gem of floating seaside food. Wander down the wharf and enjoy fish and chips from Barb’s Place and gelato from Jackson’s Ice Cream. You can even buy fresh seafood straight from fishing boats off the wharf. If you’re looking for more coastal adventures, stroll along the seaside past the scenic Laurel Point Park and join a whale watching tour.

Afternoon Tea at the Empress

Step in to the ornately decorated, historic Fairmont Empress and satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional afternoon tea in the luxurious Tea Lobby. Featuring a selection of decadent scones, delicate tea sandwiches and scrumptious pastries, their seasonally inspired menus will ensure that you’re indulging in a taste of spring. With past guests including royalty, celebrities and government bigwigs, the Empress’s tea service is sure to impress.

An Excursion to The Butchart Gardens

If you have time to venture out of the downtown core, nothing says springtime in Victoria like walking under the cherry blossom trees of The Butchart Gardens. Established over a century ago, The Butchart Gardens is now one of the world’s premier floral show gardens, regardless of the season. Spring highlights include several thousand brightly colored tulips, golden chains dangling down from the Laburnum Walk, a symphony of color in the Italian Garden and the reawakening of camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in the Spring Prelude indoor garden.

Dinner in Chinatown

Nestled in the heart of downtown Victoria, the oldest Chinatown in all of Canada is only a five-minute walk from the Inner Harbour. Stroll through this rich cultural area and explore the many beautifully preserved historic buildings and sites, including the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley. If you find yourself craving some Chinatown eats, stop by the local favorite and  TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner J & J Noodle House. Watch through a glass wall as the chefs work their magic and prepare a variety of noodles dishes with noodles made fresh on the premises.

Even if you only have 24 hours, you can still experience some of the great variety that Victoria has to offer. Whether you’re a nature explorer or an urban wanderer at heart, this small West Coast city has something to satiate you this spring, from award-winning local eats to landmark cultural institutions.

Photo Credits from Top: Danny Perez Photography, Ikiwaner, Another Believer, Olga Rosi / Shutterstock.com, Federico Moroni, Elsie Hui, Brad-514