Mother’s Day is coming up quickly with Memorial Day hot on its heels. Where has the time gone? With so many things to do in Victoria this May, don’t let the month slip away. Whether you want to enjoy a family getaway or are just itching for some fun and easy exploration, look no further than our neighboring seaside city to the north! To inspire your trip planning, we’ve put together this list of the top 10 things to do in Victoria, BC this May.
Book Now: Seattle to Victoria Spring Sale
1. The Butchart Gardens City Tour – Now – November 30
Trust us on this one. No visit to Victoria is complete without a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens! While we firmly believe that there’s no wrong time of year to go, springtime – with its verdant foliage and billions of blooms – is particularly compelling for a visit. Just hop off the Victoria Clipper ferry, drop off your bags, and enjoy a guided tour of the city on your way to The Gardens. Cruise by historic spots like Bastion Square and architectural marvels such as the more than 100-year-old Victoria City Hall before arriving at The Butchart Gardens’ front gates. Easy as pie! (Or, easy as housemade berry trifle from the onsite Blue Poppy Restaurant. Yum!)
Book our Butchart Gardens Overnight Package | Book our Butchart Gardens Day Trip Package
2. Browse One of Victoria’s Top Farmers’ Markets
Several farmers’ markets will be open in May, providing the perfect spot to celebrate the bounty of the region. You can mingle with growers while picking up some of the best produce of the season at the same time. You’ll find plenty of delectable treats like chocolate and baked goods too, along with one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing.
Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, Victoria Public Market at Hudson highlights local farmers, artisans, bakers, butchers, brewers, florists, preservers, vintners, and more. Looking for some great deals? The Bastion Square Market opens in May and runs through September, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit on a Sunday to get half-off on many items, including vintage, repurposed, thrifted, and upcycled goods.
The lively James Bay Community Market is open on Saturdays from May 4 through October 5. An open-air marketplace, munch on local produce while you browse handmade artisan wares. Wander between tents with everything from handmade arts and crafts to locally grown fruit and vegetables. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for dad before Father’s Day! Plus, you can bring the whole family with a children’s craft and activity tent, and a face painting booth sure to keep younger ones entertained.
Just a short drive from the city center, Metchosin Farmers Market will open on Mother’s Day, May 12. It runs through the last Sunday in October from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this country market, everything is homegrown, handmade, or homemade, from local fruits and veggies to local meat, fresh-baked breads, canned items, and high-quality crafts.
3. Buccaneer Days – May 10-12
Come and mingle with the locals at the annual Buccaneer Days festival. Adding to the fun which includes a parade, carnival rides, a marketplace, and more, you can even dress up as a sailor or pirate. There’s lots for parents to do with little ones too. The Pirate’s Den Family Zone features a bouncy castle, ride-on vehicles, crafts, a photo booth, and more. And, the grown-ups can also enjoy a beer garden along with a little friendly competition at the cornhole tournament.
4. Celebrate Mother’s Day – May 12
Show mom how much you love her with a day of pampering in Victoria. Does she have a green thumb? A trip to the world-famous Butchart Gardens is just the ticket! Want to make her feel like royalty? Spend a regal afternoon sipping Afternoon Tea at the historic Fairmont Empress. Is Ina Garten her idol? Make a trip to Oak Bay Beach Hotel for their gourmet Mother’s Day Brunch, complete with a sweeping oceanfront view.
5. Harbour Ferry ‘Ballet’ – May 12 – September 2
If you time your visit right you can catch the Victoria Harbour Ferry Water Ballet. The season begins on Mother’s Day, May 12, taking place on Sundays through September 2, 2024 at 10:45 a.m. Crowds fill the Inner Harbour to get the best view and vantage point for photos and videos. Water taxis are the stars – while they normally haul people around, they take a break to dance and twirl for perfectly choreographed performances. It’s truly a sight to behold!
6. Luxton Spring Fair – May 16-19
Bring the whole family to enjoy the Luxton Spring Fair, with carnival rides the main attraction. Of course, there will be plenty of popular carnival foods like corn dogs and nachos, along with the Canadian favorite, poutine! There’s no admission to explore the grounds which include a heritage museum, blacksmith demonstrations, and antique farm equipment displays.
7. Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival – May 18-19
From bagpipes and drums to a whisky school and caber tossing, the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival is bound to make you feel like you’ve traveled across the pond! Nibble on a meat pie and sip your way across two different beer gardens, then catch some live Celtic music and Irish dance performances.
8. Victoria Day Parade – May 20
Take in the largest event of the year by attending the 123rd annual Victoria Day Parade! Enjoy live music from Canadian and American marching bands, cultural performances, and incredible floats along the two-mile route. After the parade, stroll over to Centennial Square for “Celebration Square,” a free event with activities the whole family can enjoy.
9. Swiftsure International Yacht Race – May 25-26
What better way to enjoy a spring day than from the water’s edge?! Find a spot along scenic Clover Point to catch the Swiftsure International Yacht Race, the largest of its kind on the West Coast. It’s a thrill to watch the more than 200 yachts jockey for the best starting position before they head off with their sights set on the finish line at Ogden Point.
10. Patio Season!
With mild weather year-round, patio dining is possible at any time in Victoria, but we admit, it’s especially enjoyable during the warmer months. May is when that craving for alfresco dining really seems to hit and it’s also when the hottest patios in Victoria will be open. Enjoy a lovely view of the Inner Harbour and the sunshine at LURE Restaurant & Bar, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re in the mood for tapas and sherry, head to the patio at Bodega Tapas Wine Bar. Or how about a regal meal on The Veranda at the Fairmont Empress? A beautiful patio in a stunning location overlooking the Inner Harbour, it’s renowned for its signature cocktails and shareable plates.
Overflowing with blooms and replete with waterfront vistas, Victoria is the perfect place to usher in the sunshiny splendor of springtime! Check out our Instagram feed for more ideas on how to explore the city over the much-anticipated Memorial Day weekend.
Feature Photo: Scott Meis