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Named for Queen Victoria, this garden city is situated in the south of Vancouver Island and is the capital of British Columbia.
Compact and easily navigated, it lends itself to discovery on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage or, thrillingly, from a low-flying float-plane.
Parliament Buildings
Victoria is adorned with some lovely colonial architecture such as the Parliament Buildings while the Empress Hotel is an historic gem, an excellent place to take afternoon tea. The nearby Butchart Gardens are world-renowned, as is the Royal British Columbia Museum while other attractions include Craigdarroch Castle, the home of artist Emily Carr, and orca whales which visit the waters off the island in the summer.
Whale watching from Victoria
The waters around Victoria are home to three resident pods of orcas, or killer whales. Famously savage but graceful, these magnificent sea mammals can be seen from 14-metre ocean cruisers or inflatable Zodiacs, both fast and stable, on trips that also often sight minke and grey whales, porpoises and harbour seals, with a commentary provided by on board marine biologists.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Victoria by contacting one of our Canada specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 700
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itinerary featuring Victoria
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Victoria, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Victoria
- Salt Spring Island 27 miles away
- Vancouver 59 miles away
- Whistler 119 miles away
- The Sunshine Coast & Desolation Sound 125 miles away
- Tofino 126 miles away
- Vancouver Island 127 miles away
- Campbell River 140 miles away
- Northern Vancouver Island 165 miles away
- Naramata & Okanagan Valley 190 miles away
- Sun Peaks 230 miles away
- Port Hardy 244 miles away
- The Cariboo 268 miles away
Photos of Victoria
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![Whale watching tour, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Whale watching tour, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada -
![Whale watching tour, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Whale watching tour, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada -
![Local resident in Victoria]()
Local resident in Victoria -
![Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada -
![Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada -
![Moss Lady in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Moss Lady in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada -
![Houseboats at Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Houseboats at Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada -
![Victoria Harbour, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada]()
Victoria Harbour, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Our expert guides to exploring Victoria
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Victoria, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Victoria at its best.
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Highlights of Vancouver Island ![A pod of orca off Vancouver Island]()
Highlights of Vancouver Island
Highlights of Vancouver Island
Canada specialist Jamie shares the best things to see and do on Vancouver Island. You could observe black and grizzly bears in temperate rainforests. Look for orcas on boat trips from Victoria. Or hike to secluded beaches in the remote north.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Canada ![Lake Louise]()
Honeymoons in Canada
Honeymoons in Canada
Country specialist, Caroline, picks some of her top places to stay and things to do on honeymoon in Canada. Her highlights include where to spot Canada’s wildlife, taking a food tour in Vancouver, finding seclusion in the Rockies and staying on an authentic ranch.
Read this guide -
Family holidays to Canada ![Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario]()
Family holidays to Canada
Family holidays to Canada
Whether you’re visiting the east or the west, Canada offers a wealth of things to do for families, from helicopter rides over Niagara Falls to whale watching around Vancouver Island. Canada specialist Kayleigh outlines her ideas for a memorable family holiday in Canada.
Read this guide -
Self-drive holidays in Canada ![Jasper National Park]()
Self-drive holidays in Canada
Self-drive holidays in Canada
Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Victoria
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Victoria. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![The Parkside Hotel & Spa, Victoria, rooftop terrace]()
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Victoria -
![The Inn at Laurel Point]()
The Inn at Laurel Point
Victoria -
![Abigail's Hotel, Victoria]()
Abigail's Hotel
Victoria -
![Balcony at the Oswego Hotel]()
The Oswego Hotel
Victoria
