Victoria Voyage |
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria is a city steeped in colonial history and is a quick journey from Vancouver. Victoria has a wide variety of attractions, from museums to colourful gardens, and its seaside location makes it a picturesque destination on anyone's West Coast vacation. Head out on the water on a whale watching tour, relax during afternoon tea or explore the interesting shops in the old town. Whatever you do, make sure you visit Victoria.
Getting to Victoria
BC Ferries: If you plan on taking a car, your only option is to hop aboard a sailing with BC Ferries. Foot passengers are also welcome. The most common route from Vancouver to Victoria is via the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Ferries travel across Georgia Strait and pass through stunning West Coast scenery -- keep your eyes peeled for seals, eagles and even orcas.
- From Vancouver, head south on Oak Street to BC Highway 99
- BC Highway 99 south to Highway 17 south
- Take BC Highway 17 south to Tsawwassen ferry terminal
- Ferry across Georgia Strait (1h 40min)
- Take BC Highway 17 from Sidney to Victoria
Air: A fast and convenient way to get to Victoria is by float plane. Flights depart routinely from Vancouver's Burrard Inlet and land in Victoria's Inner Harbour. This picturesque flight is an unforgettable journey on anyone's trip to the West Coast.
Helijet: For those people needing to get to Victoria in short time, the Helijet is the way to go. Take off from Burrard Inlet or Vancouver International Airport and get dropped off right in Victoria's Inner Harbour. A beautiful 35 minute trip, the Helijet is the quickest option.
First Stop:
Victoria's Inner Harbour 
The social hub of Victoria, the Inner Harbour is a must-see when visiting the city. Museums, galleries and the world-famous Empress Hotel are all a stone's throw away while busking musicians entertain cosmopolitan audiences along the seawall that edges the Pacific Ocean. Plus, if you choose to do so, this is your departure point for an exciting whale watching tour.
Recommendations:
• Tea at the Empress Hotel
• Whale Watching Tour
• Watching street entertainers
Next Stop:
Parliament Buildings 
British Columbia's capital, Victoria is home to the statuesque provincial Parliament Buildings. The lawns of the Parliament are the perfect place for a picnic or take a tour and find out how Canadian Provincial government works.
Also nearby:
• Royal London Wax Museum
• Pacific Undersea Gardens
• Royal BC Museum & IMAX Theatre
You Must See:
Butchart Gardens
A trip to Victoria is not complete without a visit to Butchart Gardens. Located 21km (14 miles) from Victoria, the 100-year old Gardens are famous for their 55 acre display of fragrant flowers and beautiful flora from around the world. Paths meander throughout the Gardens offering spectacular views of the four distinct areas of the attraction. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the Butchart Gardens. Better yet, take a Butchart Gardens Tour from downtown Victoria!
Other Victoria attractions:
• Craigdarroch Castle
• Fisgard Lighthouse
• Butterfly Gardens
Not Ready to Go Yet?
A trip to Victoria from Vancouver can be done in one day or you may choose to stay in Victoria for a night or two to allow yourself time to really explore the colonial charm of this West Coast city. Take a look at Victoria accommodations options.