You can do a lot worse than spending two days in Victoria: the blend of natural beauty and culture here is tough to beat.
So, I thought I’d devise the ultimate Victoria weekend itinerary to show off our beautiful city’s magnetic allure.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking to soak in the city’s vibrant culture, this jam-packed itinerary has got you covered.
So buckle up, and let’s dive into your perfect 2 day itinerary for Victoria BC!
2 Days in Victoria BC: A Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: From the Inner Harbour to Lush Gardens
Morning: Kick-Start Your Adventure at the Inner Harbour
- Explore the picturesque Inner Harbour.
- Enjoy a scenic breakfast at a local café.
Your first day begins at Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. This bustling area is home to some of Victoria’s top attractions and offers a fantastic starting point for your adventure.
Grab a hearty breakfast at one of Victoria’s best restaurants and prepare to be dazzled.
10 Acres Bistro is highly recommended for a late brunch, while Bear and Joey Cafe, Blue Fox Cafe and Jam Cafe are great breakfast options just a quick walk from the Inner Harbour.
Half the fun is wandering in and out of the area’s small boutiques, cafes and art galleries.
You can also take the famous ‘pickle boat’ Victoria Harbour Ferries to go through the area’s main attractions. Tours and even a local pub crawl are offered via these small iconic yellow vessels – but it’s a little early for that!
Taking a leisurely walk along the scenic waterfront David Foster Harbour Pathway is also a must. From here, you can make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf to grab some fish and chips, check out some shops, or just take in the atmosphere.
Looking to take the guesswork out of it? Schedule one of the best Victoria city tours to get up to speed with knowledgeable guides first.
⛴️ Coming in from the Lower Mainland? Check out our guide on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver.
Protip: Visit via the Vancouver to Victoria seaplane to maximize your time on the island. It can whisk you away to the Inner Harbour from downtown Vancouver in less than 30 minutes!
Afternoon: Dive into History at the Royal BC Museum & Parliament Buildings
- Discover British Columbia’s rich history at the Royal BC Museum.
- Take a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings.
- Grab a quick lunch or have a picnic.
After filling up on some tasty grub, it’s time to get your culture fix.
Begin by visiting the renowned Royal BC Museum, which boasts impressive exhibits showcasing BC’s natural and human history. If you’re in town with children, nearby Miniature World always makes for a good visit – and shouldn’t burn up too much time.
Once you’ve had your fill of fascinating facts, head over to the nearby BC Parliament Buildings for a guided tour and learn about Victoria’s political past and present. A wonderful example of neo-baroque architecture, these iconic buildings have dominated the Victoria skyline since 1897.
The expansive lawn outside these Victorian-era masterpieces also makes for a fantastic picnic spot for those looking to save a little cash.
The Red Barn Market and Thrifty Foods are a short walk down Menzie Street.
Otherwise, nearby Red Fish Blue Fish on Wharf Street is a great spot to grab some fish and chips – a Victoria essential.
Looking for a room that’s close to the action? Check out our list of the best Victoria hotels and Victoria hostels for accommodation at every price point.
Evening: Embark on a Sunset Whale Watching Tour
- Be mesmerized by the beautiful Salish Sea and Victoria waterfront at golden hour.
- View majestic killer whales, humpbacks and grey whales in their natural environment.
- Grab a seafood dinner along Wharf Street.
The ultimate way to cap off your first day is to soak in a piece of BC’s unparalleled natural beauty.
There is a whole host of Victoria whale watching tours available right from the heart of the city’s Inner Harbour. But for my money, the optimal time to take advantage of the tremendous ocean views that they afford is at golden hour.
You’ll set out from the Prince of Whales dock right in front of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. From there, you’ll cruise out to the Salish Sea to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
You’ll get to see majestic southern resident killer whales, acrobatic humpbacks, and gargantuan grays in their own natural habitat.
Then, just as the sun sets, you’ll head back to town to indulge in a sumptuous dinner at one of the nearby restaurants before calling it a night. You can find a nice seafood dinner at Finn’s or Boom + Batten, or hit up Aura for some delectable Asian-influenced local cuisine.
Two Days in Victoria: Day 2
Morning: Connect with Nature at Beacon Hill Park
- Take a leisurely walk through Beacon Hill Park.
- Enjoy the panoramic views at Mile Zero.
- Check out the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail and Clover Point Park.
Start your second day with a leisurely morning walk through sprawling Beacon Hill Park.
From its picturesque ponds to its lush gardens, the park is a haven for nature lovers. Don’t forget to check out Mile Zero, the starting point of the Trans-Canada Highway, for some stunning ocean views.
Across the street, you can walk along the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail toward beautiful Clover Point Park.
This is a great spot to embark on a Victoria Bike Tour, go for a jog or simply relax and breathe in the cool oceanic air. If you didn’t go yesterday, a quick lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf is a great way to fuel up for the afternoon.
Now that you’ve had a couple of hours of peace and tranquillity in some of Victoria’s Best Parks & Gardens, you should be primed and ready for an afternoon of sightseeing.
Early Afternoon: Experience the Magic of the Butchart Gardens
- Be mesmerized by the beautiful Butchart Gardens
- Receive round-trip transportation to Brentwood Bay from the Inner Harbour
You’ll kick off your first day with a visit to enchanting Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada.
Stroll through the lush floral displays, soaking in the fragrant scents and vibrant colours. Imagine walking through 55 acres of meticulously designed gardens with a stunning array of flowers, plants, and trees from all around the world.
It’s like stepping into a living work of art, with vibrant colours and delightful fragrances surrounding you at every turn.
This world-class botanical garden attracts over one million visitors per year! This makes it far and away Victoria’s most popular attraction.
The gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, 40 minutes north of Victoria. Don’t have a vehicle? Well, don’t worry. You can get a convenient express shuttle from right in front of the Empress Hotel by clicking the button below:
Related: The Best Day Trips from Victoria
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Dive into Chinatown and Oldtown’s Rich Culture
- Wander through Canada’s oldest Chinatown.
- Browse local boutiques and galleries in Oldtown.
Next up, it’s time for some personal exploration of Victoria’s Chinatown and Oldtown districts.
Meander through the narrow streets of Canada’s oldest Chinatown, taking in the unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Walking through the narrow, vibrant streets, you’ll be transported back in time and feel the rich culture and heritage all around you.
One of the most iconic spots in Victoria’s Chinatown is Fan Tan Alley, which happens to be the narrowest street in Canada. This charming alley is lined with quirky little shops, galleries, and cafes just waiting for you to explore.
Then, make your way over to nearby Oldtown. One of the area’s highlights is the iconic Market Square, which has been a bustling hub of the city for over a century.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite, do some shopping, or just soak in the ambiance.
Evening: Enjoy a Taste of Victoria’s Culinary and Nightlife Scene
- Savour the flavours of Victoria’s diverse cuisine.
- Take in some live music, or check out the local nightlife.
As your two days in Victoria, BC draws to a close, treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at one of the city’s many diverse eateries. Whether you’re craving seafood, farm-to-table dishes, or international cuisine, there’s something to suit every palate. Or you could even embark on a Victoria food tour.
Little Jumbo combines farm-to-table dining with the best cocktails in the city in a room with an old-school speakeasy-type vibe.
Looking for something a little more traditional? Il Terazzo offers top-notch Italian cuisine in a romantic Tuscan courtyard setting.
After dinner, why not catch some live music or check out the local nightlife? Victoria is known as the craft beer capital of Canada. So you can hit up any of the dozens of breweries, pubs and taphouses that make up the Victoria craft beer scene for a tasting. Head out alone or participate in a Victoria Brewery Tour. The choice is up to you!
Otherwise, you can head over to Courtenay Street, where you’ll find 3 bars and a nightclub in one block outside the Strathcona Hotel.
⛴️ Coming from Vancouver? Read my post on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver
Victoria 48 Hour Itinerary Runners-Up
So, you’ve already checked out our top-notch recommendations for an unforgettable weekend itinerary in Victoria.
But by no means is this an exhaustive list. And we recognize that all travellers have different tastes (and budgets).
So, we thought we’d sprinkle in a few extra hidden gems for you to explore:
- Visit Craigdarroch Castle – Step back in time with a tour of this beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion, complete with ornate stained glass windows and elegant furnishings.
- Take a Victoria Craft Beer Tour – Sample the best local brews with a guided tour of Victoria’s thriving craft beer scene, visiting award-winning breweries and learning about the brewing process.
- See the City on Two-Wheels – Victoria is known to be Canada’s most bikeable city. Rent a bike and explore on your own, or take part in an organized Victoria Bike Tour to see the city’s top sights by bike.
- Climb the Malahat Skywalk – A 600-metre elevated walkway that rises above the coastal rainforest below and rewards visitors with incredible views. Located 35 minutes north of town, shuttles are available from downtown Victoria.
- Hatley Castle – Explore the magnificent Edwardian estate, once a military college and now home to Royal Roads University, surrounded by lush gardens and forest trails.
- Take a stroll on the Ogden Point Breakwater – Take a leisurely stroll along this impressive breakwater structure, providing unbeatable ocean views and the chance to spot marine life.
- Check out the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria – Discover an extensive collection of Canadian and international art, including works by renowned artists such as Emily Carr and Indigenous creators.
- Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding – Explore Victoria’s picturesque coastline with a guided or self-guided tour, getting up close with marine wildlife and hidden coves.
- Take a Victoria Hop on Hop off Tour– One of the best ways to cover as much ground as possible is to see Victoria via the Hop on Hop off bus. You can create your own customized itinerary from 15 available stops sprinkled around the city’s most important sites.
Victoria Weekend Itinerary FAQs
What’s the best time of year to visit Victoria, BC?
By Canadian standards, Victoria has a very mild climate. In fact, it is known as Canada’s only Mediterranean micro-climate. This makes it a great destination all year round. However, the most popular time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is warmest and outdoor attractions are in full bloom.
How do I get to Victoria from Vancouver?
There are several ways to reach Victoria from the Lower Mainland. If you have a vehicle, the easiest way is the 90-minute ferry from Vancouver to Victoria. If not, the most economical method is the Vancouver to Victoria bus.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, the quickest and most exciting method of transport is easily the 30-minute seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to the Inner Harbour.
What is the best way to get from Seattle to Victoria?
The quickest and most efficient way to get from Seattle to Victoria is via the Victoria Clipper Ferry. This passenger-only ferry departs from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle and travels to Belleville Terminal in the Inner Harbour in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Can I explore Victoria, BC, on foot?
Yes, Victoria is a very walkable city, and many of its top attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. Public transportation is also available if you prefer not to walk. Alternatively, Victoria is chock full of bike lanes, paths and trails. So renting a bike is a great way to get around the city.
Are there any other attractions in Victoria, BC, I should consider visiting?
Absolutely! This weekend itinerary just scratches the surface of what Victoria has to offer. Some other popular attractions include Craigdarroch Castle, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. And if you have the time and resources for a side trip, the new Malahat Skywalk provides incredible panoramic views of the local rainforest, the Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea.
Planning Two Days in Victoria BC Canada?
We hope this blog article on the perfect weekend itinerary for Victoria, BC has given you a taste of what this charming city has in store for you. I assure you once you visit, you’ll quickly begin to understand the hype.
With its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, Victoria is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing for more.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags, get onto the ferry, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime with your new Victoria weekend itinerary!
Enjoy your two days in Victoria ⛴️
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