Wanderlust. That invisible force that gets you out of the house on weekends and fuels an unquenchable thirst for exploration. While we’re all for far away excursions, safaris, cross-country road trips and the like, there’s more than enough adventure awaiting you less than three hours north. It’s high time to satisfy your inner explorer and work through our roundup of 11 things to do in Victoria, BC this April!
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1. Catch the End of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit – Now – April 16
As the natural world revives from the colder months, blooms decorate our great outdoors, and we await the return of warmer weather, there’s no better way to celebrate the return of the season than immersing oneself in nature. Embark on a captivating visual journey of incredible animal behaviors to breathtaking natural landscapes from around the world at the Royal BC Museum. Ending on April 16th, ignite your curiosity through the lens of award-winning photographers as you gaze at large backlit displays at this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit!
2. Experience Victoria’s Season of Bloom – Now – June 15
For us, spring means two things: lots of beautiful blooms and the perfect excuse to spend time outside soaking in their vivid colors. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the season and explore Vancouver Island’s incredible network of secret gardens. Oh, and how about the world famous Butchart Gardens? Or the historic the Government House Gardens? With so many places to get your flower fix, the hardest part will be trying to pick which one to visit first!
3. Go Whale Watching – Now – October 31
Who doesn’t love whales?! Seize the opportunity to get a glimpse of these incredible marine mammals on Eagle Wing’s whale watching tour! Hop into a luxury, semi-covered catamaran (or a open Scarab-style speedboats, for the thrill-seekers!) to take in outstanding scenery as your experienced onboard naturalists search for humpbacks, minke whales, seals and sea lions, as well as mammal-eating and salmon-eating orca whales. You’re also bound to learn something new as they share valuable insights into these creatures and the stunning environment they inhabit.
4. Check Out the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival – April 3 – May 13
For six weeks each spring, greater Victoria shines a spotlight on more than 9,000 students of music, dance, and drama from across the region. Catch classical guitar, choral, dance, musical theater, speech, dramatic arts and more as the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival takes over the city for its 96th year. Showcasing the stylings of some of the city’s youngest talent, it’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired and applaud the future.
5. Yoga & Cider Mondays at Sea Cider – Weekly starting April 3
Start your week on a relaxing note with an evening of yoga and a crisp glass of cider straight from the orchard. Strike a warrior pose in Sea Cider’s high-ceilinged Pavilion room as you gaze out over the ocean, under the mindful guidance of local instructors. After the class, stay for a glass of cider (or non-alcoholic Temperance) from the property’s sprawling orchards and enjoy a moment of self-care while connecting with fellow yoga lovers.
6. Soak in the Great Outdoors on a CRD Regional Parks Nature Walk – April 5 – 30
With the sun starting to peak out from behind the clouds with a bit more regularity, it’s time to leave your Netflix queue behind and get outdoors. Learn all about the area’s native feathered friends alongside a local naturalist and soak in a riot of color as early spring wildflowers burst to life around you. Or gain insight on a human history spanning thousands of years on a walk exploring indigenous perspectives at the densely wooded Francis/King Regional Park.
Have some little ones in tow? Take them to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park for a stroll to scope out local amphibians and see if you can spot some hopping around on their Feelin’ Out Frogs morning guided walk!
7. Visit Abkhazi Garden
Tucked away behind a hornbeam hedge, Abkhazi Garden is a sweet romantic spot, within a 15-minute walk from downtown Victoria. Carpets of alpine flowers and blooming 100-year-old rhododendrons fill the one-acre grounds, creating a tranquil springtime. Be sure to stop by the cozy teahouse for afternoon tea. With treats created with locally grown produce, it is one of the best in the city!
8. Watch a Tiny Stampede at Beacon Hill Park
Burn off brunch with a stroll around to the 75-acre Beacon Hill Park, just south of the downtown core. Be sure to time your visit with the “Running of the Goats” at 10:10 a.m. at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. A favorite among the kiddos, your little tykes’ faces are sure to light up with glee as the farm’s entire African Pygmy goat herd gallops past in a furry stampede on tiny hooves!
9. Indulge Easter Brunch – April 9
What’s better than celebrating the arrival of spring with our favorite meal of the day – aka brunch?
Nosh on a luxe Easter brunch buffet under glimmering chandeliers in the Fairmont Empress’ Crystal Ballroom. Work your way through gourmet breakfast offerings from a juice bar and mini mushroom fritattas to sustainably-caught seafood and a sumptuous dessert table. Afterward, let the kiddos burn off brunch on an egg hunt with the guest of honor – The Easter Bunny!
Or head to Oak Bay Beach Hotel for a sumptuous meal paired with jaw-dropping views of the mountains across the water. Fill your plate with freshly-baked pastries, quiche, candied salmon, and lots more. Plus, little ones will delight in their own “special treat” at the end!
10. Score Unique Treasures at the Easter Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show – April 9
Following an Easter brunch in Victoria, head Up Island to the charming seaside town of Sidney for the annual Easter Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show. A thrift-shopper’s dream, the event features a goldmine of curios and antiques. Scope out the colorful stalls for your chance to score everything from First Nations collectibles to pre- and post-war jewelry to retro furniture and 50’s vintage clothes and accessories.
11. Become One with Nature on a Swan Lake Christmas Hill Bird Walk – April
Birders rejoice! Boasting several sites where you can catch a glimpse of unique and fascinating birds, the South Coast of Vancouver Island is a haven for spotting feathered friends. To better familiarize yourself with these fascinating creatures, gather up your flock, grab your binoculars, and embark on a bird-spotting excursion! With more then 180 species of birds who call this nature sanctuary home, you’re nearly guaranteed to make an avian acquaintance on a visit to Swan Lake.
Victoria is full of surprises come springtime. A stroll through Beacon Hill Park merits a stop to smell the flowers and a visit to the goats at the newly reopened children’s farm. A wander down Yates or View Street offers sights of thousands of cherry blossoms. With new discoveries waiting for you around every corner, Victoria offers the perfect springtime escape to satiate that weekend wanderlust!
