Things to do in Victoria and Vancouver Island

An icon to the destination and newly renovated in 2018, the Fairmont Empress is an oceanside escape that marries elegance, convenience, and luxury. Located just steps from the seaplane terminal and ferry docks that depart to Seattle, the Fairmont Empress compliments the qualities you come to expect in a Fairmont property, with the pride of Victoria’s crown jewel. Also newly opened is its Willow Stream Spa. Relax and rejuvenate after a day on the sea or a day on the trails without leaving your hotel.

Seaside luxury outside of the city centre brings the reward of oceanview hot pools and one of Canada’s top hotels and spa. The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel is incomparable to any resort in Victoria. It’s a fresh new look, and ideal location amongst estates, golf courses, countryside landscapes, and of course ocean views make this arguably the best hotel in Victoria if you’re not fussed about staying 15 minutes outside the city centre. Watch the perfect sunset over the Salish Sea from one of three hot pools open until midnight – and only open to adults.

A vacation to Victoria doesn’t have to involve basing yourself at one place – other hotels in the Greater Victoria area to note include Sookepoint Ocean Cottage Resort in nearby Sooke, and Wild Renfrew two hours north in the quaint fishing village of Port Renfrew.

Take a Tesla and discover Indigenous history, forage, and dine with local Indigenous Chef Shirley.

Victoria has a long history dating back to the pre-colonial time, and it’s certainly not forgotten. Indigenous history plays an important role in Victoria as a place and the survival of its people. A stop in Victoria is not complete without a visit to the Royal BC Museum. Here, you’ll get a first-hand look at Indigenous history, culture, and past. The past, although sometimes difficult to talk about, is not forgotten in Canada, and its symbolism of resilience amongst Indigenous people today is seen everywhere. From the Totem Pole’s inside and out of the museum, a cedar house, and an interactive instalment about the many Indigenous languages, and much more, this is a permanent interpretation that brings understanding to many travellers’ unanswered questions. Visiting international exhibitions are constantly at the Royal BC Museum, so be sure to check what will be on display when you’re there.

Whether you are moved by the museum before or after this next part, the total experience is transformational travel at its best. Tesla Tours has teamed up with Chef Shirley Lang of Kitchens of Distinction to provide a foraging experience in Victoria that is complemented by a one-on-one experience with Chef Shirley. Tesla Tours is probably what you imagine – a guided, personal and private tour in a Tesla giving you a view of Victoria by a local, rarely seen by travellers. Modern-day Victoria is shown in all its glory while you make your way to a foraging site and pick the ingredients you’ll later eat with Chef Shirley, and drink in cocktails as well. This is not only a guided hike but a tour through the biggest pantry around. Hop back in your private Tesla, and onwards to Chef Shirley’s kitchen.

Welcomed by cocktails with locally distilled spirits and syrups made of foraged ingredients, Chef Shirley’s kitchen welcomes all with open arms. After some appetizers and cocktails, your meal will be paired with Vancouver Island wine and served in a form of boutique culinary bliss. Prior to this tour, Chef Shirley will clear up dietary restrictions so she can put on a feast made with local ingredients for any needs.

What’s a trip to the coast without putting the boys on a boat? Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Tours depart on large boats and small zodiacs to explore the coast, whale watch and give guests a taste of salty Salish Sea air. Vancouver Island and the surrounding waters are home to resident orca’s that can be seen year-round. If you’re travelling in spring to fall through, you’re more likely to see migratory species such as humpback, minke, and grey whales.

The Butchart Gardens is a sanctuary among a city – a possible stop on your Tesla Tour or an easy trip on your own, the Butchart Gardens have been in the making for over 100 years and spread over 55 acres of urban landscape.

Other urban adventures to note include the Pedaler Cycling Tours, Merridale Cidery & Distillery, North America’s oldest China Town in downtown Victoria, and The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden.

It doesn’t get much more oceanfront than the Flying Otter Grill in the Victoria Harbour. This floating restaurant is attached to the seaplane terminal (servicing mainland Canada including Whistler and Vancouver, as well as Seattle) and the real estate is shared with the neighbouring otters and sea lions who often poke up next to the patio. E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar is the place to take advantage of Canada’s largest Sake selection at the newly opened downtown Victoria restaurant, while the nearby Agrius Restaurant uses freshly baked breads, cured meats, and organic ingredients to cook up a French culinary experience in the centre of Victoria. The Roost Farm Bakery & Vineyard Bistro in North Saanich has the 10-acre farm that the owner grew up as the backdrop and location of the locally and family sourced culinary experience. The owner’s dad is the supplier of their wheat, chickens, berries, and veggies that comfortably fit a rural island experience.

Nightlife and a night out in Victoria are whatever you want it to be – sip on Empress Gin cocktails at the newly renovated Q Bar at the Fairmont Empress, or nestle into a cosy speakeasy with imaginative cocktails that change based on ingredients seasonally available at Little Jumbo. Clive’s Classic Lounge has an amazing happy hour’s with an extensive cocktail list and international wine’s and spirits. Veneto Kitchen + Bar has a newly renovated space in a sleek urban setting with incredible cocktails served by master mixologists. And if you’re looking to cap the night off at the local gay bar, Paparazzi’s is Victoria’s official gay club and a great place to go after some classy drinks around the city.

Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.