Planning a weekend getaway to Victoria, British Columbia? I’m excited to share insights and recommendations for making the most of your trip to the capital of Canada’s westernmost province.

Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and offers offers an enticing blend of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. The city’s compact size makes it ideal for a long weekend getaway, allowing you to experience its diverse offerings without feeling rushed. From its picturesque Inner Harbour to its lush gardens and vibrant culinary scene, Victoria provides a refreshing escape that combines Canadian heritage with contemporary flair.

As you plan your trip, keep in mind that Victoria’s popularity means attractions can get busy, especially during those high season summer months. Consider visiting in spring or fall for milder weather and smaller crowds. But regardless of when you visit, you can adjust your activities to take in all of Victoria’s charm, history, and natural beauty The walkable downtown makes it an easy city getaway. The close proximity to nature, while requiring a car or organizing transportation, makes it a perfect place for outdoor adventures.

Let’s dig in!

Getting to Victoria, B.C.

The FRS Clipper (formerly  branded as the Victoria Clipper, and if you’ve lived in Seattle for any length of time, you’ll probably still call it that) is the fastest and most enjoyable way to travel from Seattle to Victoria. The Clipper began service between Seattle and Victoria in 1986 and is a passenger only; no cars.  

It’s takes about 2:45 for the crossing, giving you plenty of time to relax, grab a bite to eat or drink, get some work done with the complimentary wi-fi, and enjoy the great scenery from the water. If you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll spot a whale (or whale spout) or two. Keep your eyes peeled, although announcements of whale sightings are made over the P.A system.

You can do this trip to Victoria as a day trip, but even better is to plan on getaway for a few days. 

Check the Clipper timetable here.

Tickets & Booking

You can order your tickets via the Fever App or straight on the FRS Clipper website. If you’re traveling during peak season (March to October), I recommend scheduling at least three weeks in advance. During the the shoulder and low season, it’s less crowded and you can get tickets with a much shorter lead time. With that in mind, though, if you suddenly find yourself with a few free days, it’s worth checking availability even at the last minute.

There are three types of tickets to pick from: Economy, Vista, and Comfort. Think of these classifiations like on an airplane – economy, premium economy, and business/first class, each with a little better seating and a few more amenities. Pricing will vary, of course, but for general planning purposes start at $160 round trip per person. Outboard (widow) and upper deck seat have the best views and are priced slightly more. Prices are higher during high season. 

A variety of packages are available, many including hotel stays and tours, so check out the various booking options here. Or contact us and we’ll be happy to make a booking for you.

Passengers can bring on carry-on bags which are stowed in luggage racks on the main level (by economy seats). You can also check your bags for a fee; Comfort Class passengers can check one bag free. I carried on one roll-aboard weekender and it was easy.

There is food and drink on board, including alcohol, menus subject to change. The prices are reasonable and the food of good quality. Note that cash is not accepted, you’ll need a card to pay. Comfort Class offers a few complimentary food choices, coffee drinks, soda, bottled water, juice, chips, snacks, etc.

Departure From Seattle

The Clipper departs from Pier 69 (2701 Alaskan Way), and recommend check in time is a minimum of 40 minutes prior to departure. I recommend at least an hour.

You’ll receive a link to check-in online, but you’ll need to stop at the check in counter to present your passport and visa, if required, for review. It’s a fairly routine, much like a passport and document check at the airport. Only quicker. You’ll receive a boarding pass which allows you to proceed to the boarding gate to board the ship.

U.S. citizens generally do not need a visa for short (up to 180 days) tourist visits. For details about required documents, check here.

Parking is available at Bell Street Pier Garage (across from the Edgewatere Hotel) or Seattle Trade Center garage. Rservations recommended.

Arrival in Victoria

The Clipper arrives and departs from Victoria’s Inner Harbor ferry terminal (254 Belleville Street). This location is close to a number of hotels, and walking distance from a few. Recommendations below.

You will receive a customs declaration form to fill out en route. Upon arrival, have your passport and form handy to show to customs and immigrations, answer a few questions (how long are you staying, what is the purpose of your visit), and you’re off to enjoy the beautiful city of Victoria.

The Return

When you return to Seattle, it’s basically the same thing in reverse. You’ll clear border protetion in Victoria, and then clear customs in Seattle. Each U.S. resident can bring $200 of exempt goods back to the U.S. if gone for less than 48 hours, and $800 if gone for longer than 48 hours. Limitations apply on some items like alcohol and cigarettes.

Things to Do in Victoria

Victoria offers a wealth of activities that cater to diverse interests. Here are some of our recommendated must-see attractions and experiences:

Inner Harbour

This downtown waterfront area is vibrant with street performers, shops, and restaurants. You’ll be forgiven if you don’t venture farther afield, but you will miss out on much that Victoria has to offer. Here are some of our recommendations in or near the Inner Harbour.

B.C. Legislative Buildings: Built in 1897 in the Gothic style, the buildings are illuminated at night with 3,333 light bulbs. The central dome is crowned with a statue of Captain George Vancouver. 

Empress Hotel: One of Canadian Pacific’s grand railway hotels, the Empress was completed in 1908. It is famous for its traditional English teas, sereved in the lobby, with an elegants selection of fine teas, delicate sandwiches, and pastries. Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a splurge, but it is a quintessential Victoria experience. 

Royal British Columbia Museum: One of Canada’s best museums, it has award-winning exhibits on all aspects of natural and cultural history of British Columbia from prehistoric times to the present. Its immersive exhibits include a recreation of Old Town Victoria and an extensive First Nations gallery. We have a full post on museums in Victoria, so check that out for more detailed info. This is my favorite museum in Victoria.

Thunderbird Park: Just behind the Royal B.C. Museum is Victoria’s most important collection of native carvings, including Haida and Tsimshian totem poles, Salish sculptures, and a reconstructed Kwakiutl longhouse.

Old Town: Located along Wharf St and nearby streets, Old Town has cobblestones, narrow alleys, squares, and gaslights. Buildings dating from the 1860s are currently occupied by shops, cafés, and restaurants. Centennial Square is the site of Victoria’s first City Hall, while nearby Bastion Square was the location of the original Fort Victoria.

Chinatown: Four-foot-wide Fan Tan Alley is Canada’s narrowest street, and is packed with shops, art studios, and lot of personality, it’s a great spot for people watching as well as shopping. While in Chinatown, check out the Gate of Harmonious Interest, at Fisgard and Government Streets; it dates back to 1882.

Shopping at Market Square: For a injection of history with your shopping, check out Market Square (next to Chinatown). The market is three floors of restaurants and shops of all types. Even if you’re not a shopper, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy some people watching.

Greater Victoria Area

Craigdarroch Castle: This 39-room castle was completed in 1889 by British Columbia’s first millionaire, Robert Dunsmuir. It’s about a half hour walk from the Inner Harbour.

Butchart Gardens. Located 13 miles north of town on Brentwood Bay, these spectacular gardens were begun in 1904 on the site of an old limestone quarry. Now covering more than 50 acres, they feature several distinct sections, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden. The Gardens are beautiful and offer something different during every season. The Clipper has packages that include transport and admission to Butchart Gardens. Sightseeing Victoria has a shuttle service from the Empress Hotel, and there is also a public transportation via the #75 bus (not all stop at Butchart Gardens, so be sure to check). It’s worth timing your trip around afternoon tea; it’s lovely.

Butterfly Gardens. A little further down the road from Butchart Gardens, this 12,000-square-foot indoor tropical garden has hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a rainforest environment.

Whale Watching. From May to November, the waters off Victoria are prime for whale watching. At least three pods (family groups) of orcas live in the waters off Victoria, and if they are all feeding together, you’ve hit the jackpot. Several companies offer tours to spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life in the waters around Victoria. The best time for whale watching in Victoria is generally June-September, with the highest likelihood of spotting orcas and humpbacks.

Scenic Beaches: One great feature of Victoria is the beautiful scenic beaches, such as the Dallas Road Cliffs, Willows Beach, Cadboro Bay, Whitty’s Lagoon, and Island View Beach. Evenif you’re not up for a long beach day, the calming waters and views can restore a tired traveler’s soul.

Malahat SkyWalk:  Located on the Malahat Nation’s traditional land, approximately 35 minutes north of Victoria, this attraction combines the beauty of nature with the thrill of a skywalk, the history of First Nations people with magnificent views of the area. Well worth a trip. The Malahat SkyWalk adventure begins with the 600-meter altitude TreeWalk, where you will walk among gorgeous Arbutus and Douglas Fir trees. Keep an eye out for local Indigenous art and driftwood sculptures as you walk from the Welcome Centre to the TreeWalk. As you near the end of the TreeWalk, you’ll notice the 10-story Spiral Tower slowly emerge from behind the trees. Once at the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of both Canada and the United States.

Wine Tasting: The Cowichan Valley is the flagship wine region on Vancouver Island. You’ll find excellent dry white wines and classic reds, with notable variable like Ort3e3ga, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. I’ll have another post dedicated to the wines of Victoria.

Where to Eat & Drink

Victoria’s culinary scene is flourishing and you’ll have a hard time deciding where to eat. We tend to keep things casual when we travel, only occasionally indulging in fine dining. You’ll find some great options and leave Victoria with a list to try on a return visit.

Here are some recommendations (in alphabetical order) based both on my visit and from trusted foodie friends. 

• Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio – Located at the Inn at Laurel Point, this restaurant serves up meals throughout the day. They offer a great dinner menu, combining regional, farm-direct ingredients prepared with creative techniques. The mussels frites are delicious, but be sure to save room for dessert. (680 Montreal Street)
• End Dive – This restaurant in Chinatown serves up a punk attitude and delicious seafood dishes. The cocktail menu is extensive and creative. I was a little overwhelmed with all the choice, so appreciated that I was dining with friends eager to try everything and share. (1802 Government Street)
• Floyd’s Diner – This popular breakfast and lunch spot is known for its Mahoney breakfast, named after the owner. “Bring me the Mahoney” will bring you whatever the cooks feel like making for you. And if you’re feeling especially lucky, you can either pay the listed price or flip a coin for double or nothing. Are you feeling lucky? (Multiple spots around Victoria)
• Il Covo Trattoria – With a menu of family recipes and northern Italian classics, this family-owned Inner Harbour restaurant is popular with diners looking for an authentic Italian experience. Great Italian wines on offer. (106 Superior Street)
• Ramen Arashi – This is a Canadian ramen chain, but dishes up comfort food when you need it. My favorite is the Tan Tan Ramen. (2950 Douglas Street, Unit 222).
• Red Fish Blue Fish – Dockside seafood restaurant with great fish and chips – Pacific cod, wild salmon, or BC Halibut. (1006 Wharf Street at Broughton, on the dock)
• Wind Cries Mary – This downtown fine dining restaurant takes a nose-to-tail aproach, with a modern take on classics. Great outdoor patio during the nice weather. (45 Bastion Square)

There are so many more to try on future visits; this list doesn’t even scratch the surface. We’ll update this recommendation list as we discover spots worth our recommendation.

Where to Stay

In Victoria you’ll finnd a diverse range of accommodations, from grand historic landmarks to boutique hotels. Selecting the best-suited hotel in Victoria depends on your travel priorities, and whether you want luxury, convenience, a unique local experience, or some combination of those.

On a recent visit, I stayed at the Inn at Laurel Point which has 194 guest rooms, nearly all with a water view. It’s location on the point of the Inner Harbour is perfect for a Clipper trip, and it’s just a couple minute walk (via a dedicated path) to and from the hotel and terminal. It’s easy walking distance to most downtown attractions, shopping, and entertainment. 

A few other popular selections, all of which I’d take a look at, include:

• Fairmont Empress – A historic landmark hotel overlook the Inner Harbour. I consider it the Grand Dame of the city. Historic hotels come with magnifient history and impressive decor, but also comes with quirkiness.
• Hotel Grand Pacific – Modern accommodations with harbor views.
• Magnolia Hotel & Spa – A boutique hotel close to the Inner Harbour.
• Oswego Hotel – An all-suite hotel that offers a residential feel

Check out the map below to find all sorts of hotel options. Note: You’ll need to enter specific dates and length of stay to get exact rates. Or, contact us directly and we can help you book a hotel in Victoria.

Disclosure: My trip to Victoria was sponsored by the Clipper and their partners.

Save this to your favorite Pinterest board and start planning your trip to Victoria