Exploring Victoria, BC: A 3-day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Historic Downtown Victoria
    Starting point

    Begin your journey by exploring one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Canada, the Historic Downtown of Victoria. Admire the vintage architecture, visit the historic Chinatown District, and browse through the quaint shops and restaurants. Make sure to visit the impressive Fairmont Empress Hotel.

  • Day 2: Waterfront and Museums
    25 minutes (1.9 km) from Downtown Victoria

    Explore Victoria's scenic waterfront area, and visit attractions such as the Royal BC Museum to explore the natural and human history of the province. You could also learn about marine wildlife at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Indulge in the local delicacies by trying fresh seafood at nearby restaurants.

  • Day 3: Gardens and Castles
    29 minutes (11.3 km) from Downtown Victoria

    Take a tour of the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, admire its stunning floral displays and water features. Afterward, visit the iconic Craigdarroch Castle, which was built in the late 19th century and is now a National Historic Site of Canada. End your trip with a relaxing walk in the nearby Government House Gardens.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Chinatown (1-2 hours, free)
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel (30 minutes, free)
  • Royal BC Museum (2-3 hours, CAD 29.95)
  • Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre (1-2 hours, CAD 18.50)
  • Butchart Gardens (2-3 hours, CAD 33.45)
  • Craigdarroch Castle (1-2 hours, CAD 14.25)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CAD 95.15

Transportation

Victoria has an efficient public bus system, with a daily pass costing CAD 5.00. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. If you have a car, parking within the downtown core is limited, but there are many parkades available.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a ferry to explore Vancouver Island further. You could also go whale watching, kayaking, or hiking in the beautiful parks. If you have less time, prioritize the attractions based on your preference and interests.

Airports

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the primary airport serving Victoria, located 22 km north of downtown. The airport offers direct flights to several Canadian and US destinations, as well as connecting flights to other parts of the world. Bus and taxi services are available to/from the airport.

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