Tucked away on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, you’ll find Victoria, a town with that west coast charm that is packed with history, ocean views, and island vibes. Arrive by ferry, floatplane, or cruise ship, and be welcomed by so much to do and enjoy. One weekend is not close to being enough on Vancouver Island, but it is a good amount of time to scratch the surface of Victoria (and the nearby areas). I visited for a weekend in October and I’m already wondering when I can go back to spend more time there but for now, here is my guide for how to spend the perfect weekend.
Day One
Since you only have two days you’ll want to start your first day off early so you can get there with the most amount of time to maximize your day. The ferry regularly departs but make sure to book your place in advance so you are guaranteed a spot.
When you arrive, start your day at the the inner harbour this is one of the most photogenic spots in the city where you can admire the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the BC Parliament Buildings, and watch the seaplanes come and go. Grab a coffee at Hey Happy or Discovery Coffee to help kick start your morning.
If you’re into museums, a visit to the Royal BC Museum may be in order. This is one of the best in Canada and gives a sense of the region’s Indigenous and natural history. It’s open from 10am-5pm every day of the week.
In the late morning, early afternoon, you have a couple options. You can visit Butchart Gardens which is a quick bus ride (about 30 minutes) or drive out of the city centre. They’re open (9am-3:30pm all week) and are stunning year-round and they have themed gardens that changes with the seasons.
If you’d rather stay in town, then you can stroll through Beacon Hill Park which is a local favourite for peacocks, ponds, and ocean views. It’s also home to Mile 0, the starting point of the Trans-Canada Highway.
For lunch, whether you want it before the gardens or Beacon Hill Park or after, a must-do is Red Fish Blue Fish which is located on the harbourfront in a shipping container. They serve amazing sustainable seafood. Note they do close in the winter (around end of October) and re-open in March so check their website before you visit.
In the afternoon, explore Government Street and Lower Johnson Street (LoJo). They are both lined with cute boutiques, local designers, and indie shops. Make a stop down Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown. It’s one Canada’s narrowest street and super cool. Lastly, if you’ve got time, depending on how much time you spend shopping, take a stroll down to Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll find colourful floating homes and an array of food stands (you could also have lunch down here if you prefer).
For dinner, grab a table at a local restaurant. If you want to enjoy fresh seafood, The Flying Otter Grill or Shuck Taylor’s are popular options. However, you can find all sorts of cuisines in Victoria. After dinner head to a cocktail bar for a drink. Here are some great ones in the area:
Day Two
Day two you’ll want to choose your own adventure. I find it highly helpful to have a car when you’re in Victoria because it allows for you to leave the downtown core and enjoy the beautiful nature that the island has to offer.
Before you choose your adventure for the day, have brunch to fuel up at The Ruby which is located at Hotel Zed, a mid-century modern motel which is absolutely adorable (and delicious).
Then head out to one of these two provincial parks for a hike:
Goldstream Provincial Park (30 min drive)
The top hike in this area is the Goldstream Trestle via Goldstream Falls Trail which is about 2-3 hours roundtrip. It has a 47-metre, beautiful waterfall that is also located only a few minutes from the parking lot if you’re not into the hiking. Post hiking, you can head to Langford for lunch at either the House of Boateng Cafe or 900 Degrees Pizza.
East Sooke Regional Park (45-50 min drive)
There are a ton of hiking trains at East Sooke Regional Park to choose from that take you along rugged shoreline views and through the rainforest. We even spotted some seals from the shore! After your hike, you can stop at Sooke Brewing Company or Sheringham Distillery or head to My-Chosen Cafe which is back on your way to Victoria and has a cute cafe, a fun little petting zoo in the back with goats, and a great, cozy restaurant.
Mystic Beach (80 minute drive)
If you are visiting in the summer, Mystic Beach is a popular hike and spot to enjoy the coast. It starts at China Beach trailhead and is about a 4 km roundtrip hike. It has forest boardwalks, suspension bridges, and lots of stairs down to the beach itself. Once you reach the beach there are sea caves and waterfalls. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the route or at the beach!
After cleaning up, have dinner on the town as a reward to your hiking and adventuring for the day. Il Terrazzo has romantic Italian vibes, Boom & Batten has stunning harbourfront views, and Nubo Kitchen & Bar has fantastic sushi and cocktails. Head to one of the bars from day one if you’re looking to keep your night going.
This is a whirlwind way to spend 2 days in Victoria (and area), and I promise that if you wanted to plan a whole week here you could easily fill your itinerary but I hope this gives you a sample of the area. I can’t wait to return!
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