Want to have fun without breaking the bank? Consider these 20 free things to do in Victoria, BC – you won’t have to spend a single loonie! Even better, Clipper Vacations has some great deals on offer:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
BOOK NOW to $AVE on your Seattle to Victoria Trip!\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
\n1. Watch for Whales<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"]()
Orca off the shores of Victoria, B.C. credit: Jonathan E Shaw via Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere are many paid whale watching boat tours in Victoria. Clipper Vacations<\/a> even offers a day trip that includes a whale watching excursion. But did you know you can see them without paying a thing? Of course, it’s not guaranteed, but orcas have been spotted from the walkways around the Inner Harbour, and from Beacon Hill Park. Plus, visiting the park checks off another one of the top free things to do in Victoria – detailed on our list further below. Furthermore, breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State are guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n2. Tour the Renowned Parliament Buildings <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Victoria]()
Look closely to catch sight of the many sculptures adorning the Parliament Buildings. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf anything epitomizes Victoria, it\u2019s the iconic blue-green domed Parliament Buildings<\/a>. Take one of the free guided tours<\/a> available to get expert insight as you explore, bringing history to life.<\/p>\nMake your visit even more exciting by checking to see when the Legislative Assembly<\/a> will be in session. If you can time it right, you’ll be invited to go behind the ornate ropes of the public galleries to attend debates, watch live chamber proceedings, and committee meetings.<\/p>\nNOTE<\/strong>: On weekends, visitors must join a tour to enter. The free tickets are distributed from the front driveway on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n3. Experience Old World Glamour at the Fairmont Empress<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"The]()
The reconstructed dome high above the hotel\u2019s Palm Court. Credit: Annarae<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA renowned international landmark, it would be hard to find anything more quintessentially Victoria than the Fairmont Empress<\/a>. A fixture in the capital since it opened in 1908, the moment you step inside you’ll be immersed in Old-World glamour and New World whimsy. The cloud-like chandelier is a standout, crafted with 250,000 hand-cut crystals, floating above the Empress lobby.<\/p>\nThe Empress\u2019 other showstopper is in Palm Court. A kaleidoscopic stained-glass dome, the colors of the glass shift with the weather. That makes it appear different in every season, and sometimes every day. Definitely worth a return visit!<\/p>\n
4. Wander through Victoria\u2019s Vibrant Chinatown <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"With]()
With its whimsical silhouette and bold color scheme, the Chinese Public School may be Chinatown\u2019s most distinctive heritage building. Photo: Charlie Chan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA piece of advice: when you have the opportunity to experience North America\u2019s second-oldest Chinatown district<\/a>, take it! Victoria’s Chinatown is chock-full of delights. Discover everything from hidden courtyards and enticing alleyways to rich cultural attractions, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and a treasure trove of shops. To take it all in, we highly recommend exploring this colorful neighborhood on foot<\/a>.<\/p>\nWalk beneath the immense Gate of Harmonious Interest, stroll down Fan Tan Alley, visit the vibrant Chinese Public School, and the serene Tam Kung Temple. You’ll find the temple tucked inside the historic Yen Wo Society Building<\/a>.<\/p>\n5. Window Shop & More From Lower Johnson Street to Market Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"]()
Market Square, Victoria B.C., credit: Michal Klajban, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHead to Lower Johnson Street<\/a> for some of the best window shopping in Victoria. It’s not only another great place to stroll, but it also leads to Market Square<\/a>. The city’s historical town square, it’s surrounded by heritage buildings, with more shops, boutiques, galleries, and jewelry stores to browse. In the open courtyard, free live free music is often hosted too.<\/p>\n6. Explore the Historic James Bay Neighborhood <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Colorful]()
Colorful heritage homes in Edwardian styles fill James Bay. Credit: Herb Neufeld<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nChinatown isn’t the only historic neighborhood that deserves exploring. Surrounded by water on three sides and with walkable pathways, the bedroom community of James Bay offers a glimpse of life as one of Victoria\u2019s earliest settlers. You can even take a free James Bay Heritage Walking Tour<\/a> that will bring you to the highlights and beyond.<\/p>\nHollybank<\/em>, Hatherleigh<\/em> and Spring Cottage\u00a0<\/em>are a few of the favorites, looking as if they came straight from a storybook with turrets and spires.<\/p>\n7. <\/strong>Be One with Nature at Beacon Hill Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Vibrant]()
Vibrant plants and flowers fill Beacon Hill Park year-round. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhile we mentioned whale watching from Beacon Hill Park<\/a>, it offers plenty of other free things to do. As a nature reserve, you’ll find an oasis in the heart of the city, with colorful flowers and unique plants, a forest, beach access, and even free-roaming peacocks. There’s also a\u00a0 seasonal petting zoo.<\/a> We’re talking pigs, donkeys, chickens, donkeys, alpacas, goats, and more. Seriously, the entertaining goats are worthy of a visit alone!<\/p>\n
1. Watch for Whales<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"]()
Orca off the shores of Victoria, B.C. credit: Jonathan E Shaw via Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere are many paid whale watching boat tours in Victoria. Clipper Vacations<\/a> even offers a day trip that includes a whale watching excursion. But did you know you can see them without paying a thing? Of course, it’s not guaranteed, but orcas have been spotted from the walkways around the Inner Harbour, and from Beacon Hill Park. Plus, visiting the park checks off another one of the top free things to do in Victoria – detailed on our list further below. Furthermore, breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State are guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n2. Tour the Renowned Parliament Buildings <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Victoria]()
Look closely to catch sight of the many sculptures adorning the Parliament Buildings. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf anything epitomizes Victoria, it\u2019s the iconic blue-green domed Parliament Buildings<\/a>. Take one of the free guided tours<\/a> available to get expert insight as you explore, bringing history to life.<\/p>\nMake your visit even more exciting by checking to see when the Legislative Assembly<\/a> will be in session. If you can time it right, you’ll be invited to go behind the ornate ropes of the public galleries to attend debates, watch live chamber proceedings, and committee meetings.<\/p>\nNOTE<\/strong>: On weekends, visitors must join a tour to enter. The free tickets are distributed from the front driveway on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n3. Experience Old World Glamour at the Fairmont Empress<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"The]()
The reconstructed dome high above the hotel\u2019s Palm Court. Credit: Annarae<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA renowned international landmark, it would be hard to find anything more quintessentially Victoria than the Fairmont Empress<\/a>. A fixture in the capital since it opened in 1908, the moment you step inside you’ll be immersed in Old-World glamour and New World whimsy. The cloud-like chandelier is a standout, crafted with 250,000 hand-cut crystals, floating above the Empress lobby.<\/p>\nThe Empress\u2019 other showstopper is in Palm Court. A kaleidoscopic stained-glass dome, the colors of the glass shift with the weather. That makes it appear different in every season, and sometimes every day. Definitely worth a return visit!<\/p>\n
4. Wander through Victoria\u2019s Vibrant Chinatown <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"With]()
With its whimsical silhouette and bold color scheme, the Chinese Public School may be Chinatown\u2019s most distinctive heritage building. Photo: Charlie Chan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA piece of advice: when you have the opportunity to experience North America\u2019s second-oldest Chinatown district<\/a>, take it! Victoria’s Chinatown is chock-full of delights. Discover everything from hidden courtyards and enticing alleyways to rich cultural attractions, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and a treasure trove of shops. To take it all in, we highly recommend exploring this colorful neighborhood on foot<\/a>.<\/p>\nWalk beneath the immense Gate of Harmonious Interest, stroll down Fan Tan Alley, visit the vibrant Chinese Public School, and the serene Tam Kung Temple. You’ll find the temple tucked inside the historic Yen Wo Society Building<\/a>.<\/p>\n5. Window Shop & More From Lower Johnson Street to Market Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"]()
Market Square, Victoria B.C., credit: Michal Klajban, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHead to Lower Johnson Street<\/a> for some of the best window shopping in Victoria. It’s not only another great place to stroll, but it also leads to Market Square<\/a>. The city’s historical town square, it’s surrounded by heritage buildings, with more shops, boutiques, galleries, and jewelry stores to browse. In the open courtyard, free live free music is often hosted too.<\/p>\n6. Explore the Historic James Bay Neighborhood <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Colorful]()
Colorful heritage homes in Edwardian styles fill James Bay. Credit: Herb Neufeld<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nChinatown isn’t the only historic neighborhood that deserves exploring. Surrounded by water on three sides and with walkable pathways, the bedroom community of James Bay offers a glimpse of life as one of Victoria\u2019s earliest settlers. You can even take a free James Bay Heritage Walking Tour<\/a> that will bring you to the highlights and beyond.<\/p>\nHollybank<\/em>, Hatherleigh<\/em> and Spring Cottage\u00a0<\/em>are a few of the favorites, looking as if they came straight from a storybook with turrets and spires.<\/p>\n7. <\/strong>Be One with Nature at Beacon Hill Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Vibrant]()
Vibrant plants and flowers fill Beacon Hill Park year-round. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhile we mentioned whale watching from Beacon Hill Park<\/a>, it offers plenty of other free things to do. As a nature reserve, you’ll find an oasis in the heart of the city, with colorful flowers and unique plants, a forest, beach access, and even free-roaming peacocks. There’s also a\u00a0 seasonal petting zoo.<\/a> We’re talking pigs, donkeys, chickens, donkeys, alpacas, goats, and more. Seriously, the entertaining goats are worthy of a visit alone!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/3737458041_92e7599b46_k.jpg\")
There are many paid whale watching boat tours in Victoria. Clipper Vacations<\/a> even offers a day trip that includes a whale watching excursion. But did you know you can see them without paying a thing? Of course, it’s not guaranteed, but orcas have been spotted from the walkways around the Inner Harbour, and from Beacon Hill Park. Plus, visiting the park checks off another one of the top free things to do in Victoria – detailed on our list further below. Furthermore, breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State are guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If anything epitomizes Victoria, it\u2019s the iconic blue-green domed Parliament Buildings<\/a>. Take one of the free guided tours<\/a> available to get expert insight as you explore, bringing history to life.<\/p>\n Make your visit even more exciting by checking to see when the Legislative Assembly<\/a> will be in session. If you can time it right, you’ll be invited to go behind the ornate ropes of the public galleries to attend debates, watch live chamber proceedings, and committee meetings.<\/p>\n NOTE<\/strong>: On weekends, visitors must join a tour to enter. The free tickets are distributed from the front driveway on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n A renowned international landmark, it would be hard to find anything more quintessentially Victoria than the Fairmont Empress<\/a>. A fixture in the capital since it opened in 1908, the moment you step inside you’ll be immersed in Old-World glamour and New World whimsy. The cloud-like chandelier is a standout, crafted with 250,000 hand-cut crystals, floating above the Empress lobby.<\/p>\n The Empress\u2019 other showstopper is in Palm Court. A kaleidoscopic stained-glass dome, the colors of the glass shift with the weather. That makes it appear different in every season, and sometimes every day. Definitely worth a return visit!<\/p>\n A piece of advice: when you have the opportunity to experience North America\u2019s second-oldest Chinatown district<\/a>, take it! Victoria’s Chinatown is chock-full of delights. Discover everything from hidden courtyards and enticing alleyways to rich cultural attractions, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and a treasure trove of shops. To take it all in, we highly recommend exploring this colorful neighborhood on foot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Walk beneath the immense Gate of Harmonious Interest, stroll down Fan Tan Alley, visit the vibrant Chinese Public School, and the serene Tam Kung Temple. You’ll find the temple tucked inside the historic Yen Wo Society Building<\/a>.<\/p>\n Head to Lower Johnson Street<\/a> for some of the best window shopping in Victoria. It’s not only another great place to stroll, but it also leads to Market Square<\/a>. The city’s historical town square, it’s surrounded by heritage buildings, with more shops, boutiques, galleries, and jewelry stores to browse. In the open courtyard, free live free music is often hosted too.<\/p>\n Chinatown isn’t the only historic neighborhood that deserves exploring. Surrounded by water on three sides and with walkable pathways, the bedroom community of James Bay offers a glimpse of life as one of Victoria\u2019s earliest settlers. You can even take a free James Bay Heritage Walking Tour<\/a> that will bring you to the highlights and beyond.<\/p>\n Hollybank<\/em>, Hatherleigh<\/em> and Spring Cottage\u00a0<\/em>are a few of the favorites, looking as if they came straight from a storybook with turrets and spires.<\/p>\n While we mentioned whale watching from Beacon Hill Park<\/a>, it offers plenty of other free things to do. As a nature reserve, you’ll find an oasis in the heart of the city, with colorful flowers and unique plants, a forest, beach access, and even free-roaming peacocks. There’s also a\u00a0 seasonal petting zoo.<\/a> We’re talking pigs, donkeys, chickens, donkeys, alpacas, goats, and more. Seriously, the entertaining goats are worthy of a visit alone!<\/p>\n2. Tour the Renowned Parliament Buildings <\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Victoria](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/10\/Destination-BC.jpg_mag1.jpg\")
3. Experience Old World Glamour at the Fairmont Empress<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/10\/Annarae2_crop-q50.jpg\")
4. Wander through Victoria\u2019s Vibrant Chinatown <\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"With](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/10\/CharlieChan_smaller.jpg\")
5. Window Shop & More From Lower Johnson Street to Market Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/10\/Market-Square-Victoria-BC.jpg\")
6. Explore the Historic James Bay Neighborhood <\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/10\/Herb-Neufeld_mag1.jpg\")
7. <\/strong>Be One with Nature at Beacon Hill Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Vibrant](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/10\/Beacon-Hill-Park_mag1.jpg\"){kind=tracking}