Those who live in Seattle or anywhere in the Puget Sound area are fortunate to be within easy reach of the beautiful B.C. capital. After all, how many people are able to say they can visit an entirely different country on just a quick overnight getaway? Plus, there’s something to love for nearly all interests. As such, we’ve created the perfect 2-day Victoria itinerary for a wide range of travel types.
Whether you’re a family looking for fun for all ages, a food and wine enthusiast, an adventurer, a wellness seeker, an avid shopper, or just want to enjoy some of the most iconic attractions in Victoria, we have the ideal hotel and ideas to help you make the most of your time. Plus, getting there is all part of the fun itself, with the scenic three-hour ride on the elegant Victoria Clipper ferry.
No matter which you choose, we advise taking the morning ferry. You’ll arrive in Victoria at 11 a.m. so that you can make the most of the day. By upgrading to Vista or Comfort Class you’ll have the very best view from the top deck. It’s the perfect spot to watch for wildlife in the water and the sky. Bald eagles often soar above, and if you’re lucky, you might encounter a pod of orcas. Humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and harbor porpoises are just a few of the others to keep an eye out for on this scenic journey.
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Families
Where to Stay: Coast Victoria
The Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA is a free shuttle ride or a short walk from downtown while the colorful floating home community next to Fisherman’s Wharf is only steps away. This is where the local seals like to hang out, making it fun for the kids (and many adults too). Plus, as the hotel is along the waterfront, you can look forward to a beautiful view from your room window or balcony. The property also hosts the city’s only indoor-outdoor pool that overlooks the harbor.
Day 1
Your adventure begins with a ride on the Clipper. When booking, families might want to look for seating around a table to sit together facing each other. Those with little ones might bring coloring books and crayons to keep them occupied. If the kids are old enough to play, you can also use the table for card games. It can also be fun to compete to see who can spot the most wildlife, kind of like a scavenger hunt but just using your eyes.
Once you’re in Victoria, you’re just a minute’s stroll from the Royal BC Museum.
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum provides the chance to step back in time while discovering the history of British Columbia. The interactive exhibits make it even more entertaining for some educational fun, bringing the past to life through hands-on activities and storytelling. The “Seashore” exhibit is particularly engaging and almost always keeps the kids entertained as a tide pool with live marine animals. The “Ocean Station” is an interactive Victorian-era submarine exhibit where visitors can even explore the underwater world. There’s also an IMAX theater for family-friendly documentaries and feature films, along with an extensive collection of totem poles.
Lunch with a view
There are so many great places to dine in Victoria, be sure to check out the post on our favorite restaurants here. But if you’re a family who enjoys fish ‘n chips, we can give you a quick recommendation: Red Fish Blue Fish. Created out of a recycled cargo container, it’s a walk-up eatery right on the Inner Harbour with outdoor seating on the pier.
After checking into your hotel, it might be time to head to the park.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is a local favorite and visitors often note how much they enjoy it too. Families can get up close to friendly farm animals at the Children’s Farm, including sheep, goats, donkeys, and chickens. There are many scenic trails to stroll where you can spot wildlife too. A coastal walk brings the chance to spot orcas enjoy offshore too. And, if you stick around until dusk, the park is an ideal vantage point for watching a sunset.
Pagliacci’s
For dinner, consider Pagliacci’s is a Victoria institution. This authentic Italian eatery is sure to please everyone in the family. After all, few kids don’t like pasta, and it offers heaping bowls of it! But everything on the menu is outstanding, from the fresh-caught fish to Angus New York cut steaks and free-range chicken.
Day 2
AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure
Now that everyone is rested, this morning is the perfect time for the more adventurous families to catch the shuttle for some thrills. By catching the shuttle to AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure you can whiz over the canopy of trees and lush valleys on eight different ziplines. Up to 150 feet high and 150 to 1,000 feet long, you’ll get an incredible bird’s-eye view, and an adrenaline rush. To make things even easier, you can book the tour directly with FRS Clipper.
With the Clipper heading back to Seattle at 5 p.m., there’s no need to rush. The park has two suspension bridges that are perfect for capturing a family photo.
Victoria Bug Zoo
After returning to Victoria you might explore the Victoria Bug Zoo. Just a block north of the Fairmont Empress, if your kids are brave, they can even hold some insects at this mini-zoo. There are more than 50 different species, from praying mantis and walking sticks to glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Plus, visitors of all ages can learn interesting facts about bugs that most people aren’t aware of. It’s a hands-on experience and it can be a great way to overcome any phobias in a safe environment. In fact, it can even foster a lifelong passion for insects!
Marble Slab Creamery
After discovering all those unique little creatures, it might be time for a frozen treat. The Marble Slab Creamery is the perfect venue for a grand finale on this Victoria itinerary. This is where you’ll find what’s arguably the best handmade ice cream on Vancouver Island!
Food & Wine Focused
Where to Stay: Inn at Laurel Point
The Inn at Laurel Point, just a 10-minute walk from the Royal BC Museum, is popular among romance-seeking couples, but it’s also a standout when it comes to gastronomy. It hosts the award-winning Aura Waterfront Restaurant, offering shareable farm-to-table dishes that can be complemented by a well-curated wine, cocktail, and craft beer list. And, you can dine with a breathtaking Inner Harbour view. The waterfront property also offers an indoor heated pool, and some of its rooms feature balconies or terraces with picturesque water views.
Day 1
Begin your food- and wine-focused trip with a ride on the Clipper. It offers a menu of tasty light bites and drinks freshly-brewed coffee and cinnamon rolls to enjoy along the ride. But save room for the delights that wait in Victoria.
Downtown Food & City Tour
If you want to sample a wide range of tasty local eats, join the two-hour Downtown Food & City Tour. The first tour starts at 11:30, so it’s perfectly timed for your arrival. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way to discover a new favorite that’s off the beaten tourist path. Samples at seven local foodie spots are included with everything from fresh pastries, charcuterie, Korean corn dogs and farm-to-table fare to decadent chocolate and French macarons. By the time it’s said and done you’ll have had more than a full meal. Plus, as a city tour you’ll see highlights in the historic downtown while gaining expert insight from a local.
The Butchart Gardens with Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea at The Butchart Gardens is really a must, bringing the chance to stroll through the endless colorful flowers and experience the rich heritage of Victoria. It will also give your feet a rest after your food and city tour so you’ll be refreshed for exploring the world-renowned gardens. The elegant Dining Room Restaurant is like a scene straight from a Victorian period film and serves Afternoon Tea from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tally-Ho Carriage Tour
After returning to downtown Victoria, consider the one-hour Tally-Ho carriage tour. It’s a great way to give your stomach a break while continuing the immersion into Victorian life. You’ll soak up the sights and sounds of the city, with pick up and drop off at the Parliament buildings.
After touring, check into your hotel to rest and refresh, enjoying dinner as noted at the Aura Waterfront Restaurant with a beautiful view of the Inner Harbour.
Day 2
Blue Fox Cafe
The Blue Fox Café is highly acclaimed – it was even called the “Best of the City for Breakfast” by Victoria News. It’s the perfect spot to fuel for the day, renowned for its many different types of eggs Benedict, including options with wild smoked salmon. If you’re craving something sweet, we love the Oranges del Sol. Available with griddle cakes or French toast, it features fresh Navel orange segments, vanilla bean cream, toasted pecans, orange blossom syrup, Saigon cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.
Cowichan Valley Wine Tour
Oenophiles won’t want to miss a wine tour of the Cowichan Valley that explores one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The burgeoning wine scene boasts some excellent tasting rooms and wineries while particularly renowned for its dry whites, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. Tours typically start at 10 a.m. and will bring you back to Victoria at approximately 4 p.m., perfectly timed for your return trip on the Clipper to Seattle. Itineraries usually include tastings of award-winning vintages at three boutique wineries, an artisan lunch at a winery, and time to shop in the village of Cowichan Bay.
The Victoria Icons
Where to Stay: Fairmont Empress
There is no grander icon than the Fairmont Empress when it comes to Victoria hotels. A crown jewel on the waterfront since 1908, it’s hosted many big-name guests like Bob Hope, Queen Elizabeth II, and Harrison Ford. With historic charm combined with 21st-century amenities, it’s sure to impress. Not to mention, it includes a heated indoor pool, a spa, and venues for fine dining.
Day 1
After your scenic Clipper ride to Victoria, it’s time to check out the most iconic attractions in the city.
The Butchart Gardens
Welcoming nearly one million visitors annually, The Butchart Gardens is ranked among the world’s most beautiful gardens and is one of the most popular attractions in the B.C. capital. There’s a reason to visit in every season, from spring’s thousands of blooms, including over 160,000 tulips, and summer concerts, to autumn’s spectacular array of red, russet, and golden hues popping on Japanese maple trees; it’s truly not to be missed. Even winter is magical, particularly at Christmas with special holiday displays.
Afternoon Tea at the Empress
Whether or not you’re staying at the Fairmont Empress, enjoying Afternoon Tea is one of the most iconic things to do in Victoria. It’s become a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest, combining a selection of over 20 fine loose-leaf teas and mouthwatering light bites, prepared using the freshest local ingredients. The warm scones drenched in homemade clotted cream are to-die-for!
Historic Chinatown
Canada’s oldest Chinatown is right here in Victoria and well worth a visit. The highlight is the entrance itself, the Gates of Harmonious Interest. It was modeled after the gateway to the famous Dunhuang Caves in northwestern China. You’ll see two Chinese verses on the archfront, translating “to work together with one mind” and “to help each other to achieve harmony.”
There’s also plenty to see in historic Chinatown, which is fun just to wander with a maze of back alleyways, secluded courtyards, a treasure trove of shops and restaurants. After exploring, you’re you’re craving Chinese, the Dumpling Drop is our favorite with authentic, freshly-fried, hot dumplings.
Day 2
Pickle Boats
Victoria’s iconic pickle boats are cheerful looking water taxis that are ideal for getting around to seaside spots. But they also put on a beautifully synchronized Water Ballet, a cherished tradition here since 1990. The choreographed display takes place at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday between May and September, plus Saturdays in July and August.
Royal BC Museum
Frequently named Canada’s best museum, we mentioned the Royal BC Museum in the family-focused itinerary but as a top attraction in Victoria, it’s a must for those exploring the icons. B.C.’s only natural and human history museum, its vast collection includes around seven million artifacts. It hosts exhibits on everything from the First Peoples Galleries showcasing First Nations cultures to the province’s rainforest and coastal ecosystems.
The B.C. Parliament Buildings
The Parliament Buildings are an iconic 19th-century landmark. Their stately stone columns and birdcage-like domes looming over the Inner Harbour have been featured on countless Victoria postcards and tourism sites. Plus, you can even take one of the free, guided tours if you’re here during the high season (around mid-May through August).
Red Fish Blue Fish
Red Fish Blue Fish is a classic on the Inner Harbour where you can soak up your last moments in Victoria with a delicious meal and an amazing view from the pier. The outdoor seating makes it perfect for savoring fish ‘n chips or grilled seafood on a sunny day.
Outdoor Adventurers
Where to Stay: Hotel Grand Pacific
Located on the Inner Harbour just a two-minute walk from the FRS Clipper Terminal, the Hotel Grand Pacific provides an ideal base for all your outdoor adventures. Plus, it has an athletic club with high-end cardio and weight-training equipment, a 25-meter lap pool, a hot tub, sauna, and steam room.
Of course, one of the many highlights of a visit to Victoria is getting there on the Clipper, an outdoor adventure itself, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife throughout the trip. But once you’re there, you’ll find plenty more.
Day 1
Fisherman’s Wharf
You might want to start your time in the city by admiring the colorful houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf, right around the corner from the Inner Harbour. It’s also the perfect place to fuel up for any outdoor activity. Barb’s Fish & Chips is a Victoria institution here since 1984 with picnic tables ideal for dining while enjoying a salty sea breeze.
Paddle for a Unique Perspective of the Scenery
Now it’s time to burn off those calories! Paddleboards, single and tandem kayaks are available for rent via Ocean River Adventures, providing a spectacular perspective of Victoria and its landmarks from the water. Or, even better, take a guided tour for local insight. Plus, you can add the excursion when booking your ferry through Clipper Vacations for savings and convenience.
On the 2.5-hour tour (starting at 1:30 p.m.), an expert guide will tell you all about the historic waterfalls and stop at some of the top sights. While you’re out on the water you can often spot all sorts of wildlife, including seals and bald eagles.
Enjoy a Soothing Soak
With your room ready at the Hotel Grand Pacific, you might want to check in and enjoy a quick soothing soak in the hot tub to rejuvenate.
Sunset Whale Watching
Now that you’re refreshed, it’s the perfect time to join a sunset whale watching tour. Eagle Wing Tours is an industry leader in sustainable tourism and conservation, offering these excursions departing at 6 p.m. daily from mid-May through early October. While kayaking is a great way to see wildlife, the odds of encountering whales is much better on a boat excursion that will bring you into the heart of the Salish Sea. Not only will you enjoy the magnificence of a sunset but the chance to encounter orcas and humpback whales.
Day 2
Breakfast at the Hotel Grand Pacific
Your hotel is ideal for breakfast with everything from creamy Cappuccino and the Tiramisu Pancake to the mouthwatering Crab Benny. Plus, you’ll be steps from your next activity.
Explore Victoria on Two Wheels
Right across the street from the Clipper Terminal, about a 3-minute walk from the Hotel Grand Pacific, you’ll find The Pedaler. You can rent bicycles here to explore on your own or take a tour that explores the city’s most breathtaking views, rich history, and iconic landmarks. That includes a castle, the world’s tallest freestanding totem pole, and North America’s narrowest street. Even better? You can also include this tour with your Clipper Vacations booking!
OR
If you’re up for a thrill, you can embark on a zipline ride that will take you high above the canopy of coastal rainforest near Victoria via AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure. And, you guessed it – this experience is also possible to add to your booking! A shuttle is included, leaving at 11:15 a.m. and returning in time for your ferry departure (May through September). It’s all fully guided, featuring eight zipline rides and two suspension bridges.
Wellness Enhancing
Where to Stay: Huntingdon Manor
The historic Huntingdon Manor Hotel near the FRS Clipper terminal, offers an oasis of tranquility in an ideal location. The Free Spirit Spa offers personalized experiences using essential oils and botanicals free of chemicals for its skincare and body treatments. Brand new for spring 2025, you’ll also have easy access to Ærth Saunas for deep relaxation and restoration.
Day 1
Upon arrival to Victoria following your relaxing ride on the Clipper, drop off your bags at the the hotel and look forward to some stress-melting activities.
The Butchart Gardens
There may be no better way to begin this wellness-enhancing Victoria itinerary than a visit to The Butchart Gardens and its 55 acres of floral splendor. Did you know that being in nature, including among plants and flowers, can help reduce stress and even lower blood pressure? It can also increase feelings of happiness. After exploring you might enjoy the award-winning afternoon tea with everything from herbal to black teas known for their health benefits.
Tractor Foods
For tasty, healthy bites, head to Tractor Foods at Victoria Harbour before returning to your hotel. Focused on “real” ingredients sourced directly from local producers and farms, it offers everything from veggie-packed bowls and salads to housemade soups and grilled items like smoked salmon.
Spa & Sauna Time
Once you’ve settled into your room, it’s time to take relaxation up a notch by heading to the spa. Be sure to check out the treatment menu and book in advance, with everything from pampering massages to facials and acupressure available. Afterward, you might take advantage of time in the sauna. The outdoor space harmonizes with the edible landscape it’s surrounded by. The 90-minute sessions will take you through cycles of heat, cold, and rest, aimed to foster deep connection, sharpen the mind, and awaken the body.
Day 2
Perhaps enjoy a relaxed morning with the hotel’s sumptuous breakfast buffet. After all, sleep is an important part of wellness!
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
Tucked into the historic Hudson building, the Victoria Public Market is open seven days a week. It’s fun to browse with local bakers, food producers, and specialty food retailers, as well as being perfect for picking up healthy ingredients for a picnic.
Appreciate Victoria’s Beauty on a Scenic Walk
With picnic items in hand, enjoy one of the many options for a scenic walk in and around the city. The just over three-mile-long Victoria Inner Harbour Trail winds along the bay where you can see all sorts of shore birds and marine life. Along the way, there are benches nestled in the trees where you can stop to enjoy your lunch. Beacon Hill Park is another ideal option with shoreline and woodland trails. When making your way through the native and exotic trees, you’ll likely see many free-roaming peacocks.
The Float House
If you have more time before returning to Seattle via the Clipper, consider a float therapy session at The Float House. It’s 60 minutes of bliss as you float on the surface of soothing, warm, Epsom salt-filled water that creates extreme buoyancy to eliminate the effects of gravity. It’s been compared to floating on air and is known to provide a wealth of therapeutic benefits to enhance well-being. Believe us when we say by the time you’re done, you’ll feel like Jell-O!
Shopping
Munro’s Books, photo credit:
Munro’s Books
Where to Stay: Royal Scot Hotel
Nestled in the Inner Harbour, a stay at the Royal Scot Hotel will put you just steps from numerous shopping opportunities. It’s within walking distance of both the downtown shopping district and Antiques Row, making it perfect for avid shoppers. Plus, Americans can enjoy significant savings due to the favorable exchange rate (typically over 25%).
The hotel itself offers an indoor pool and hot tub that’s sure to feel incredible after a day on your feet. In-room spa treatments are available too.
Day 1
Your entire trip can be filled with shopping, starting with the ride on the Clipper to Victoria, which offers unique Pacific Northwest items. You’ll find everything from postcards to apparel, including hats, beanies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Duty-free, discounted alcohol is available too. But you’ll want to make time to enjoy the scenery while out on deck too.
Victoria Public Market
After dropping off your bags at the Royal Scot, you might want to start at the Victoria Public Market. Not only does it offer a wide range of local foods but a variety of other items, including handcrafted goods. You can do some shopping and enjoy a casual lunch here with some of the favorite eateries including Naami’s Mediterranean. This highly-rated restaurant offers everything from beef kebabs to saffron lemon chicken. In the mood for Indian? Try Shashwat Indian Cuisine with a menu of traditional Indian fare, Indo-Chinese dishes, and street food.
Vintage Treasures
Looking to score some great vintage finds? Head to Johnson Street where you’ll find many secondhand shops such as Flavour Upstairs, Second Degree Vintage, and Victoria Vintage. Pandora Avenue and Yates Street are prime spots for thrift shops too. You’ll find many throughout Victoria, from Cheers Vintage Collective to Csinos Vintage.
Refresh
By mid-afternoon, you’ll probably be ready to refresh, perhaps taking advantage of the pool or hot tub at your hotel. Once rejuvenated, you can get back to shopping!
The Bay Centre
Spanning a full city block, The Bay Centre offers over 90 venues where you can shop ’til you drop and around a third are locally owned. You’ll find everything from culinary shops and homeware to fashions and accessories. And, even better? Nearly 35 are locally owned like The Tuscan Kitchen featuring handmade Italian ceramics and Be MyGift Memories.
Fine Dining at Il Terrazzo
Why not end your day of shopping at one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city? Il Terrazzo offers Northern Italian-inspired fare with a PNW twist and an extensive wine collection in an atmospheric setting.
Day 2
Murchie’s Fine Tea & Coffee
Get your morning caffeine fix, boosting your energy for another shopping spree at Murchie’s. The oldest tea company in Canada offers over 100 artisanal teas and coffees in its gift shop along with a cafe offering fresh pastries.
Munro’s
Munro’s, opened by Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro and her husband Jim in 1963, is a must-visit for book lovers. Set within a neoclassical former bank building, National Geographic named it one of the world’s top 10 bookstores.
Oak Bay Avenue
For the quintessential British-style shopping experience, take a stroll along Oak Bay Avenue. It’s lined with all sorts of charming, locally-owned galleries and boutiques, including many items made by independent artisans.
Specialty Food Shops
Victoria offers a ton of unique specialty food shops, including Victoria Olive Oil Co. If you appreciate good olive oil and balsamic vinegars, don’t miss it. Tastings of more than 80 different varieties from across the globe so you can try before you buy. Just around the corner, you can get your sweet fix at the Old Tyme Candy Shoppe. If you’ve been craving that favorite childhood treat, it’s the place to go with hard-to-find retro items and much more.
Italian Food Imports has a Classic Italian Espresso Bar for an energy boost before your ride back to Seattle. It also offers freshly-made paninis and sandwiches, along with a variety of high-quality Italian products from sauces and pastas to coffee.
