Stop-and-go, gridlocks, jams and snarl-ups. These are all things city dwellers face daily. Not so in Victoria, BC! Between its walkable city core and relatively small footprint, traversing the city is a breeze, especially if you’re looking for an escape from the driver’s seat.
Be it by motor coach, bike, ferry, kayak, carriage or your own two feet there are plenty of options to get around without a car. Bring the whole family along, with array of kid-friendly activities such as the Royal BC Museum, a bug zoo and an entire miniature world to explore, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
1. Take a Horse Carriage Ride Around Town
If there’s one mode of transportation that drums up images of Victorian days past it’s a horse carriage ride around town. Trot along on a Tally-Ho Carriage tour and explore a variety of destinations; it’s the perfect introduction to a leisurely weekend of island living.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 3 minutes
2. Sip Tea Like a Local
Just steps from the Clipper terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the grandiose Fairmont Empress is the very essence of the city’s European-influenced architecture. Step inside the sophisticated and airy Lobby Lounge, sink into plush couches and sip from china inspired by a visit from Queen Elizabeth herself.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 7 minutes
3. Shop the Victoria Public Market
A quick jaunt uptown to Fisgard St. lands you at the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson. The core of Victoria’s community, the Market puts fresh seafood, a French bakery, handmade pies, farm-fresh groceries and a bounty of other goodies at your fingertips.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 21 minutes
4. Discover Regional Cultures and Ancient Artifacts
Brush up on your history at the Royal BC Museum, which features exciting interactive exhibits and approximately seven million authentic artifacts and specimens. Don’t forget to swing by the neighboring Thunderbird Park to stroll among soaring totem poles carved to emulate coastal Native American styles.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 7 minutes
5. Hop on a Bike for a Tour of Castles, Hoods and Legends
The most fun you’ll have on two wheels! Journey through the city on a two-hour guided tour. Cruise past historic landmarks in Chinatown and Cook Street Village, and stop to take in the scenic views along the Dallas waterfront.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 1 minute
6. Experience The Butchart Gardens’ Season of Bloom
Find your seat aboard a double-decker motor coach outside the Clipper terminal in Victoria and enjoy a narrated tour of the city’s sights en route to the iconic Butchart Gardens. Upon your arrival, explore 55-acres of stunning, vibrant blooms and sit down for tea and a filling lunch of delicious sandwiches and goodies.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: Leaves directly from the Clipper terminal in Victoria
7. Sip Victoria’s Craft Brews
Climb aboard the brew bus and sip your way around Victoria on a three-hour craft brewery tour. Enjoy generous amounts of craft beer at three unique breweries, and learn local brewing history as part of a fully guided, back-of-the-house tour.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: Leaves directly from the Clipper terminal in Victoria
8. See Victoria by Kayak
Pick up a paddle and hop inside your ticket to Victoria’s waterways! A city surrounded by water, there’s plenty to see while you row your way around the Inner Harbour, Oak Bay or watch the sunset over the Gorge Waterway on an evening kayak tour.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 21 minutes
9. Window Shop on Johnson Street
If you’re looking for the perfect place to window shop, Victoria’s best spots are located up and down historic Johnson Street. Brimming with everything from antiques to modern streetwear, traditional restaurants to Belgian waffle stands, this retail hub has got it all.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 21 minutes
10. Stroll the Ogden Point Breakwater
The most scenic spot in all of Victoria is right in town! Serving as an essential seawall to break incoming waves and safeguard the harbor, the Breakwater extends 800 glorious meters into the Salish Sea, offering 360-degree views and the one of the best sunsets in all of Victoria.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 30 minutes
11. Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Open your mobile GPS and you’ll see a swath of green to the south of Victoria’s core. This 75-hectare nature reserve is Beacon Hill Park, home to forest, open fields and beach access, perfect for a waterfront sunset followed by star gazing. Children can get up close and personal with pigs, donkeys, chickens and peacocks at the Children’s Farm, as well as catch a furry, bleating stampede during the “running of the goats” every morning at 10 a.m.!
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 12 minutes
12. Tour the Waterways Aboard a Harbour Ferry
Jump in a spry Harbour Ferry and tour the Victoria’s lively Inner Harbour by boat! Watch the comings and goings of the harbor, and enjoy excellent views of downtown sights such as the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 9 minutes
13. Explore Victoria’s Chinatown District
A piece of advice: when you have the opportunity to explore North America’s second-oldest Chinatown district, take it. Filled with hidden courtyards and back alleys, Victoria’s Chinatown offers plenty to see, including the impressive Gate of Harmonious Interest. Modeled after the entrance gateway to the famous Dunhuang Caves in northwestern China, the gate reflects the need to strive for harmonious relations between all people.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 18 minutes
14. Give in to Your Sweet Tooth
Embrace your inner kid with sweet treats at Roger’s Chocolates, located front and center on Government St. as you make your way downtown from the Clipper terminal. If it’s frozen treats you’re after, there’s no shortage of them here. A trip down Fan Tan Alley will land you at Kid Sister, which offers the best darn small batch ice cream and popsicles on the island.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 10 minutes
15. Duck Down Fan Tan Alley
One of the town’s quirkier highlights, Fan Tan Alley is North America’s narrowest street, at only 35 inches wide at its narrowest point! Scurry between brick-faced buildings pocked with pint-sized shops as you navigate this whimsical and oh-so Victorian attraction.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 18 minutes
16. Wander the Docks at Fisherman’s Wharf
Wander around the corner of the Inner Harbour to discover Fisherman’s Wharf, one of Victoria’s hidden seaside gems. Gaze at the colorful floating homes near the opening to the harbor and keep your eye out for seals playing in the water nearby. If you’re feeling especially generous, pick up a couple fish to throw their way for a fun game of catch. You might even make a new friend or two!
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 10 minutes
17. Walk to a Nearby Coffee Shop
If your energy is getting low, perk yourself up with a delicious, caffeinated brew from one of the numerous quality cafes scattered around downtown. Discovery Coffee roasts a deliciously deep brew, while centrally-located Habit and Hey Happy will keep any wandering feet fueled all day.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 17 minutes
18. Visit Victoria’s Creepy Crawly Bug Zoo
Discover a microcosm of wonder at Victoria’s Bug Zoo, home to about 50 species of insects, arachnids and millipedes as well as Canada’s largest ant farm! Get up close and personal (and shatter any phobias) with a safe handling experience with tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 11 minutes
19. Walk Across the Water to Victoria West
Just a short walk across Johnson St. Bridge and you’ll find yourself in Victoria West, a quiet but dense neighborhood just across the Inner Harbour. Walk along the scenic waterfront through Lime Bay Park, and be sure to stop in for a beer or two at a local favorite, Spinnakers Brewpub.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 30 minutes
20. Quaint and Quirky: Miniature World
Kitty-corner to the renowned Fairmont Empress, Miniature World offers visitors a bite-size glimpse of Victoria’s past, present and future. Experience the Great Canadian Railway, wander the Enchanted Valley of Castles and pay a visit to Olde London Towne circa 1670.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 10 minutes
21. Discover Historic Victoria
Being chock-full of historical sites, you can practically head out in any direction in Victoria and get a free walking tour of the city’s fascinating history. Helmcken House is located on the same block as the Royal BC Museum and from there, Ann’s Academy is just a hop, skip and jump away. Afterward, venture 10 minutes south to the original residence of artist and writer Emily Carr.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 15 minutes
22. Wander the Galloping Goose Trail
Set out on foot or hop on a bike and follow the Galloping Goose Trail starting at the Johnson Street Bridge. Explore the city of Esquimalt or follow the trail further along to the Selkirk Trestle and up past Thetis Lake and on to Colwood, where the road peters out in Leechtown.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 6 minutes
23. ADMIRE ART WITHOUT THE TRIP TO EUROPE
An eclectic island community isn’t complete without an extensive art collection, right? Just east of downtown, The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria houses an impressive collection of over 15,000 objects d’art from all over the world. The first Tuesday of every month is pay-what-you-can.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 29 minutes
24. Soak Up Scenic Views Along Dallas Road
Winding along the southern end of Victoria and along the edge of the Strait of Juan De Fuca, the a marvelously scenic Dallas Road provides stunning, wraparound waterfront views. Stroll all the way from Holland Point to Clover Point and keep your eyes out for kite surfers, as this is their go-to spot!
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 27 minutes
25. Round Out the Day with Cocktails All Around
Finish off the day with a night cap at Clive’s on the south end of downtown Victoria. If you’re by the water, Little Jumbo is a can’t-miss for superb hand-crafted cocktails. And on Douglas St, centrally-located Veneto rounds out the best of Victoria’s nightlife with tasty small plates and tapas.
Estimated Walking Time from Clipper Terminal: 13 minutes
There’s nothing like a refreshing jaunt up to Vancouver Island to get you out of the car and most importantly, break in those fancy new walking shoes. Whether you’re looking to get outdoors, taste new cuisines or discover island culture and communities, Victoria is the perfect place to journey wherever your feet may take you.
How to get there:
Feature Photo: Lucas Anderson
We want a day trip before our cruise staying in North Vancouver hotel have a car where is quickest feet for a day trip to Victoria BC?
*Ferry
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m happy to help you plan ideas for a day trip. However, I wanted to confirm, are you looking for a day trip while you are staying on Vancouver Island or before you arrive? What city will you be departing from? I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers,
Brenna