Want to take a break from your routine and go on a summer getaway but find yourself short on time? Take day trip to Victoria, the less than three hour trip from Seattle to Victoria on Clipper makes for the perfect international escape. Victoria is incredibly walkable, so it is easy to shop, sightsee (many popular attractions are found in the heart of the city) or hop a tour that will transport you to a specific location. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, avid shopper or outdoor enthusiast there are plenty of activities that can be done in just a day.

The Butchart Gardens. Credit: Brenna Ciummo
The Butchart Gardens. Credit: Brenna Ciummo

1. Explore The Butchart Gardens

Hop on a The Butchart Gardens & City Highlights Tour to visit The Gardens and wander through the grounds to see the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Italian Garden, Japanese Garden and Mediterranean Garden, which are each filled with a variety of unique plants and flowers. Along the way your guide will tell you Victoria’s culture and point out popular landmarks.

Bon Macaron Patisserie. Photo Courtesy Victoria Food Tours
Bon Macaron Patisserie. Photo Courtesy Victoria Food Tours

2. Get a Taste of Victoria on the Food Tour

Treat your taste buds to the very best food in town and explore the city at the same time on the Victoria Food Tour. You’ll visit secret, insider hot spots and have the opportunity to talk to the chefs, cooks and proprietors about their scrumptious creations.

3. Relax with a cup of tea

Take a break for traditional Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress. You will feel like you have stepped back in time when you are served delicious scones, pastries, sweets and savories on fine China. You can even give your little prince or princess the royal treatment with kids tea options.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria
Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria

4. See Canada’s Oldest Chinatown

Explore the historic streets of Victoria’s Chinatown, which is the oldest in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco’s. Maps located near the ornately decorated Gates of Harmonious Interest will provide historical tidbits and help direct you to various points of interest. Make sure to check out Fan Tan Alley, which is the narrowest street in Canada and houses many small boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

5. Visit Craigdarroch Castle

Visit the historic Craigdarroch Castle, which was created for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir that contains 39 rooms and over 25,000 square feet. The castle is still decorated with ornate furniture from the 1890s and has beautiful stained glass windows and carved woodwork that is worth viewing.

6. Shop the City

If you enjoy shopping, you are in luck as there is no shortage of shops in and around Victoria. Trendsetters should check out the fashionable Johnson Street, which is full of locally-owned boutiques selling everything from top-of-the-line vintage to fresh, one-off, custom-made designs. Other popular spots for shopping are Government Street, Broad Street and the Bay Center.

7. Discover Victoria’s Rich History

View over 100 works of stunning wildlife photography taken by the famous Robert Bateman at the Robert Bateman Centre or learn everything you ever wanted to know about the human and natural history of British Columbia through interesting and interactive exhibits at the Royal BC Museum.

8. Pick Up Fresh Produce

During the summertime (and even year-around) the lively and vibrant Victoria farmers markets are full of local, fresh produce and a variety of handmade arts and crafts. Stop by Bastion Square Market, the James Bay Community Market, Moss Street Market or the Victoria Public Market to pick up some goodies to bring home.

Ross Bay Pier. Photo Courtesy of Pedaler Tours
Ross Bay Pier. Photo Courtesy of Pedaler Tours

9. Take Victoria By Bike

Take a tour of Victoria by bike! The Bicycle Tour of Castles, Hoods and Legends will take you past popular attractions like Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill, Cook Street Village and the Dallas waterfront.

Miniature World. Credit: Brenna Ciummo
Miniature World. Credit: Brenna Ciummo

Have Fun with the Kiddos

If you are traveling with children or just young at heart, stop by the Victoria Bug Zoo as well as Miniature World. At the Bug Zoo you will get to view and get hands-on with a variety of insects, while at Miniature World you will be able to see scenes from history, fantasy books and more created in miniature.

Sample Local Suds

Toast to a day well spent with a craft beer on the Brewery Express Tour and Beer Tasting. This two hour tour will take you to one full production craft brewery and one craft beer venue to go on a behind the scenes tour, chat with brewers and sample beer. This is the perfect tour if you want to experience Victoria’s craft beer culture but are short on time.