Victoria, British Columbia is one of my favorite cities. There are so many things to love about it. One of the things I enjoy most, though, is how much it resembles Europe. Parts of Victoria make me feel like I stepped back into France and I just love it! If you have not been to Victoria yet, here are 7 things you want to be sure and do in and around the city:
Since Vancouver Island is, well, an island, there are a lot of Marinas to visit. One that I would highly recommend putting on your list, though, is Oak Bay Marina. It is just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria and is my absolute favorite. With a beautiful view of the mountain and a location adjoined to a dreamy little park that turns into an Autumn dream in October, it is a wonderful place to enjoy looking at boats and feeding the harbor seals. Just watch out for the seagulls! They like to try and steal the fish from your hands. So don’t dangle it above the seals for too long!
Another great reason to visit Oak Bay is because of its Marina Dockside Eatery. I stopped there for brunch and was definitely not anticipating my meal there to end up being one of the best from my entire trip! It really was, though. This little cafe had my egg and ham sandwich brought out in just a few minutes and let me tell ya, those eggs were perfect. Not rubbery at all! And their caramel latte is the best latte I have ever had. No joke. I cannot wait to go back and get another one!
If you love history and would like a glimpse of what privileged life was like in the 1890s, a tour of Craigdarroch Castle is definitely for you. This Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion has been beautifully restored and a walk throughout it will give you a fascinating tale of the intriguing Dunsmuir family. Their story is a rags to riches one and you certainly don’t want to miss it!
Craigdarroch is only eight minutes from downtown Victoria and admissions are just $13.95 for adults.
If you enjoy a good tea, High Tea at The Fairmont Empress is something you won’t want to miss. For $75, you get to enjoy one of their delicious loose-leaf teas and a nice array of fancy pastries and sandwiches in a beautiful building built in 1908.
If $75 sounds like a bit too much for you, though, there is also The Gatsby Mansion. I had tea there as well and everything was delicious.
Craigdarroch Castle was so much fun to explore; however, if you only have time for one castle, this is the one I would recommend! Constructed in 1908, Hatley Castle is one of the most famous mansions in British Columbia. It is happily situated just 25 minutes from downtown Victoria and is a major tourist attraction due to its beautiful design and well kept grounds. Its look is certainly not the sole reason for its popularity, though. This Scottish Baronial styled estate has also been used in quite a few movies and TV shows. Some popular appearances include: X2, X-Men The Last Stand, Masterminds and episodes of Smallville, The Killing, Deadpool, McGyver, and Arrow.
Sometimes when I visit a new place I stray away from the touristy attractions. They are always so packed and at times I just prefer to explore without a list of things to see, you know? Well, that being said, this is one tourist attraction I would not recommend you skipping. When visiting Victoria, you simply must stop at Butchart Gardens! They are just too beautiful to pass up.
Since I visited in the Autumn, there were not as many flowers (though there were some!). However, I am so happy that I visited this time of the year because their Japanese garden was beyond gorgeous. I could not get over all of those bright Autumn colors. So if you are coming at a time that you think is “out of season” for gardens, still go! They even have a ton of decorations in the winter for Christmas. This is a place well worth a visit all year round.
With its unique shops, creative boat houses, and tasty food kiosks, Fishermans Wharf is a marine destination that you simply don’t want to miss. Its also another fun place to feed seals and watch fisherman. Not to mention, you can take a water taxi ride from here, join a whale watching tour, or hop into a kayak as well!
A trip to Victoria is not complete unless you walk around the city – especially at night! I love looking at all of the shops and docked boats during the day, but everything becomes just that much more magical at night. With white lights adorning the entire Parliament building and old fashioned street lamps lit up, Victoria becomes a wonderland in the late hours and it’s a photographers dream. ????
A good place to eat at when you are walking around this waterfront is the Flying Otter Grill. This restaurant serves delicious broccoli soup and gives you the best view of sea planes landing on the water.
Victoria, British Columbia is one of my favorite cities. There are so many things to love about it. One of the things I enjoy most, though, is how much it resembles Europe. Parts of Victoria make me feel like I stepped back into France and I just love it! If you have not been to Victoria yet, here are 7 things you want to be sure and do in and around the city:
Since Vancouver Island is, well, an island, there are a lot of Marinas to visit. One that I would highly recommend putting on your list, though, is Oak Bay Marina. It is just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria and is my absolute favorite. With a beautiful view of the mountain and a location adjoined to a dreamy little park that turns into an Autumn dream in October, it is a wonderful place to enjoy looking at boats and feeding the harbor seals. Just watch out for the seagulls! They like to try and steal the fish from your hands. So don’t dangle it above the seals for too long!
Another great reason to visit Oak Bay is because of its Marina Dockside Eatery. I stopped there for brunch and was definitely not anticipating my meal there to end up being one of the best from my entire trip! It really was, though. This little cafe had my egg and ham sandwich brought out in just a few minutes and let me tell ya, those eggs were perfect. Not rubbery at all! And their caramel latte is the best latte I have ever had. No joke. I cannot wait to go back and get another one!
If you love history and would like a glimpse of what privileged life was like in the 1890s, a tour of Craigdarroch Castle is definitely for you. This Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion has been beautifully restored and a walk throughout it will give you a fascinating tale of the intriguing Dunsmuir family. Their story is a rags to riches one and you certainly don’t want to miss it!
Craigdarroch is only eight minutes from downtown Victoria and admissions are just $13.95 for adults.
If you enjoy a good tea, High Tea at The Fairmont Empress is something you won’t want to miss. For $75, you get to enjoy one of their delicious loose-leaf teas and a nice array of fancy pastries and sandwiches in a beautiful building built in 1908.
If $75 sounds like a bit too much for you, though, there is also The Gatsby Mansion. I had tea there as well and everything was delicious.
Craigdarroch Castle was so much fun to explore; however, if you only have time for one castle, this is the one I would recommend! Constructed in 1908, Hatley Castle is one of the most famous mansions in British Columbia. It is happily situated just 25 minutes from downtown Victoria and is a major tourist attraction due to its beautiful design and well kept grounds. Its look is certainly not the sole reason for its popularity, though. This Scottish Baronial styled estate has also been used in quite a few movies and TV shows. Some popular appearances include: X2, X-Men The Last Stand, Masterminds and episodes of Smallville, The Killing, Deadpool, McGyver, and Arrow.
Sometimes when I visit a new place I stray away from the touristy attractions. They are always so packed and at times I just prefer to explore without a list of things to see, you know? Well, that being said, this is one tourist attraction I would not recommend you skipping. When visiting Victoria, you simply must stop at Butchart Gardens! They are just too beautiful to pass up.
Since I visited in the Autumn, there were not as many flowers (though there were some!). However, I am so happy that I visited this time of the year because their Japanese garden was beyond gorgeous. I could not get over all of those bright Autumn colors. So if you are coming at a time that you think is “out of season” for gardens, still go! They even have a ton of decorations in the winter for Christmas. This is a place well worth a visit all year round.
With its unique shops, creative boat houses, and tasty food kiosks, Fishermans Wharf is a marine destination that you simply don’t want to miss. Its also another fun place to feed seals and watch fisherman. Not to mention, you can take a water taxi ride from here, join a whale watching tour, or hop into a kayak as well!
A trip to Victoria is not complete unless you walk around the city – especially at night! I love looking at all of the shops and docked boats during the day, but everything becomes just that much more magical at night. With white lights adorning the entire Parliament building and old fashioned street lamps lit up, Victoria becomes a wonderland in the late hours and it’s a photographers dream. ????
A good place to eat at when you are walking around this waterfront is the Flying Otter Grill. This restaurant serves delicious broccoli soup and gives you the best view of sea planes landing on the water.
Aloha Mikela,
Very well done. You have officially put Victoria on my list!
A Hui Hou,
Wayne
Thank you!
I was in Victoria a few (many) years ago! It’s beautiful, and I’m definitely wanting to go again soon. We did the Butchart Gardens (gorgeous!) and at least on of the marinas. As for Canada, I am Canadian, haha, so I’ve done my fair share of visiting (though there are still tons of places I want to visit – Yukon, Newfoundland, and Montreal are on the tops of my list 🙂
Erin | Explore, Refresh
Oh yes, I would love to visit Montreal!
I lived in Victoria for 6 years, it’s such a beautiful city! I would also recommend Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road/Ogden Point. 🙂
Thanks! I will have to check those out next time I visit! 🙂
What an incredible place with so much to see and do. I love rather place for high tea though. Looks fabulous.
Mich x
https://michjosephblog.wordpress.com
You would love it there! 🙂
I have never been to Victoria but Canada is definitely number one on my travel bucket list. Victoria looks stunning, your photos are incredible! I would love to visit the different harbours, the Fishermans Wharf and Butchart Gardens. I would also love to enjoy High Tea, I have never done that which is ridiculous considering that I’m living in London. Victoria definitely reminds me of Europe but it’s even prettier, I really hope I can visit one day xx
113thingstosay.com
Thanks dear! And you really must enjoy high tea! Go to Fortnum and Mason – I loved it there 🙂
It all looks so amazing! Especially the tea. I’d love to visit some day.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks!
OMG your photo selection is stunning.
I’m more than impressed
xx
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thank you!
That is so cool you did a blog post about where I live!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Its a beautiful city xo
Lovely post. You photo choices are wonderful. x
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
https://www.instagram.com/themakeupaficionado17/
https://au.pinterest.com/bernadette_95/
Thank you!
I always love reading your travel posts! Victoria is absolutely stunning!
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
Thank you Paula!
Wow, so many things to do + see! Victoria looks gorgeous!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Yes, there really are!
Wow the photography is amazing! Looks like a great place to visit!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you!
I can really tell why you love it!
It’s lovely, isn’t it? 🙂
I don’t think there is one of your Victoria posts that I haven’t pinned! I’ve been talking about where I want to go in 2017 and you have definitely made me put Victoria on my wish list 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful New Year sweet friend!
xo Kelsey | http://www.abalancingpeach.com
Aww thanks! I hope you have a wonderful New Years as well dear! xo
So many gorgeous photos! I’ve definitely heard tons of good things about Victoria before, hopefully I’ll be able to visit one day!
Thanks Naomi!
Looks SO beautiful! I’d love to visit someday!
Katie | WillowAndWhiteBlog.com
It really is, so I hope you get to! 🙂
Omg Victoria looks gorgeous! All of your photos are stunning! Now I really want to visit Victoria!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thanks Shannon!
Victoria is only a few hours from Seattle, and I can’t believe I haven’t visited since I was little! You’ve convinced me that I need to make a trip up there ASAP! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and happy new year!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Yes you really should! I wish I lived that close to Victoria! And thank you ❤️
I haven’t visited there since I was a kid. Your photos are always so stunning. I would love to visit all those castles and enjoy high tea there too! Sounds like a great place for a mini-break!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Thanks so much dear! ❤️
You capture the best in every location you post about and you literally make me want to visit every place you mention on here. Beautiful images as always. Happy New Year x
Beauty with charm
Aww thank you Alina! xoxo ❤️
I would love to visit there. It looks so cute with so much charm! And I totally would go for the high tea! It just sounds so fun! Happy new year Mikela!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks, you too! xo
I’d love to go back! Such gorgeous photos! I loved the parliament building at night as well. 🙂 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Thank you! xo
Amazing! I love the architecture! An the boat!!
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
Isn’t it just gorgeous?!
Oh my gosh I’ve been telling my husband we need to go here!! Looks so pretty!
http://Www.doniell.com
Yes! You two really need to visit!!
I have never been to BC and need to add it to my bucket list, stat!
xx katie // a touch of teal
Yes! You’d love it there 🙂
I have loved every tiny bit of this post and read it three times (won’t even tell you how much I’ve looked at all those amazing photos)!!! How beautiful is Victoria!! Wow! Is it too big of a dream that I would absolutely LOVE to happily settle there with my hubby? 🙂 We are so in love with Canada but then seeing places like this in more detail just gives that dream a re-newed boost 😀
And yes, it definitely resembles Europe in so many ways!! I see France, England & The Netherlands in it <3
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
Thanks dear! I am so in love with Canada as well. Can’t wait to visit Moraine Lake one day!
What a great post, thanks for sharing! You’re photos are absolutely stunning!! 🙂
XOXO, Aliya
https://aliyapatrice.com/2017/01/29/the-v-day-edit-part-ii-edgy-chic-vibin/
It looks so beautiful there, amazing pictures,
Great post and amazing photos!
xx
Mónica Sors
This looks like an absolute dream! I’d love to visit!
Xo
Jeanie
http://www.thefashionlotus.com