Welcome
About City Trail Wander
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, City Trail Wander explores the natural beauty of Metro Vancouver, and beyond, through first-person walking and cycling videos on YouTube and other social media platforms.
About this guide
Growing up and living in Vancouver, there have been many opportunity to travel over to Vancouver Island and visit Victoria countless times to explore and get to know the city.
There are so many things to see and do in the provincial capital it was hard to choose what to include in this guide. However, we've curated five of our favourite attractions that we think you'll enjoy along with some great places we love to eat at while in Victoria.
The guide also includes transportation recommendations, a few dining suggestions, all with links each of the locations and services listed.
In this guide
About Victoria
Five things to see and do in Victoria
Getting here and getting around
Hungry? A few places to eat
About Victoria
Victoria is the capital city of the Province of British Columbia. Founded in 1843 as a fur trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, the city was named after Queen Victoria and became the capital of British Columbia in 1871.
This charming city, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, has a rich history filled with exciting stories and cultural influences shaped by First Nations peoples, European settlers and immigrants from all over the world, resulting in a unique blend of traditions and customs.
Today, not only is Victoria known for being the seat of government for the province, but also as a bustling hub of art, culture and outdoor activities, drawing visitors from all over the world to its stunning natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
Five things to see and do in Victoria
There is so much to see and do in Victoria and selecting only five attractions was not easy. On my various visits though, these are some of my favourite places that I enjoy returning to over and over again.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
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Step into the past and discover the fascinating story behind Craigdarroch Castle, one of Victoria's most iconic landmarks.
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Government House
Government House
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Official residence of the lieutenant governor, the Kings representative in British Columbia. Take a tour, have lunch at Rudi's Team Room or wander through the beautiful gardens.
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Victoria Public Market
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
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A vibrant and bustling market; a great spot to experience the diverse tastes of Victoria and British Columbia!
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Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
Victoria’s Chinatown
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Wander through Canada's oldest Chinatown, exploring its vibrant history and the narrowest commercial street in North America, Fan Tan Alley, which is only 0.9m (3ft) at its narrowest point.
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Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park
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Beacon Hill Park features tranquil gardens, and stunning views from the hilltop lookout.
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Getting here and getting around
Getting to Victoria
There are multiple options on how to get to Victoria. Whether you're sailing in from Metro Vancouver or from the United States onboard a ferry or flying in to downtown Victoria or the Victoria International Airport, the amount of options makes getting to Victoria is easy and convenient.
Helijet
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Scheduled helicopter airline serving downtown Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.
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Harbour Air
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Scheduled floatplane airline serving downtown Victoria and other destinations on the south-coast of British Columbia.
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Kenmore Air
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Scheduled floatplane airline serving downtown Victoria from downtown Seattle, USA and other destinations in Washington State.
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BC Ferries
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Scheduled ferry service between Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver) and Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria Capital Regional District)
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YYJ - Victoria International Airport
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YYJ is currently served by 12 airlines offering service to 8 domestic and international destinations; some routes operate on a season basis.
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FRS Clipper
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Passenger ferry operating between downtown Seattle and downtown Victoria.
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Black Ball Ferry Line
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A car and passenger ferry offering service from Port Angeles, Washington State to downtown Victoria.
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Getting around
BC Transit is the public transport provider in Victoria. Numerous bus routes operate in the city and throughout the region making getting around very convenient.
Pick up a book of 10 tickets for the best value for money. Check the "fares" section of
Hungry?
Victoria's restaurant scene is very diverse! There's an endless variety of delicious eats to indulge in from high teas, craft beers, pub food and international fair from around the world or a sweet treat from Canada's first chocolatier, which got its start right here in Victoria.
Victoria has something for every type of foodie. Here are a few places you might want to consider checking out.
Bon appétit!
Pagliacci's
Downtown Victoria
Pagliacci's
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This is a favourite to eat at when in Victoria. Enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere at Pagliacci's, serving up pasta dishes and other Italian staples. The home-made focaccia bread is delicious!
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John's Place
Downtown Victoria
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Varsha Indian Kitchen
Chinatown, Victoria
Varsha Indian Kitchen
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Delicious Indian cuisine! Varsha's is the place to go to satisfy your cravings for Indian food.
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Finn's
Downtown Victoria
Finn's Seafood Chops Cocktails
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A stylish spot serving up delicious seafood, steaks, creative cocktails and more.
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The Sticky Wicket
Downtown Victoria
The Sticky Wicket Bar & Restaurant
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A casual spot with great pub food and live sports.
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Rogers Chocolates
Downtown Victoria
Rogers' Chocolates
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Canada's first chocolatier got its start right here in Victoria; satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in some gourmet chocolate.
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Bon voyage and have a fantastic time in Victoria!
Heading to Vancouver?
Metro Vancouver Summer Travel Guide
Our Premium Travel Guide is packed with destination inspiration to help you make the most of your visit this summer. You'll find over 40 curated places for you to discover with:
- Free and paid attractions around Metro Vancouver
- Shopping and dining recommendations
- Transportation tips and recommendations including airports, airlines, rail and bus lines, public transit and more
- Plus: Interactive maps, photos, videos, links and more.
Our guides are perfect for the solo traveller, partner travel and family travel.
Located on the west coast of Canada, Metro Vancouver is made up of 22 municipalities from small towns and villages, like Belcarra and Bowen Island, to major cities such as Vancouver, Richmond and New Westminster.
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, City Trail Wander publishes walking and cycling videos on YouTube of the Metro Vancouver region and beyond.
Adventure • Foodie • History • Shopping • Nature • People & Culture • Relaxation • Romantic • Budget • Photography
Metro Vancouver Summer Travel Guide (Free Edition)
In this FREE edition Metro Vancouver Travel Guide, we've selected 3 free and 2 paid attractions from our Premium Travel Guide to help you start planning your trip to Metro Vancouver. Also included are interactive maps, a summary about getting to Metro Vancouver and getting around the region while you're here, links to attractions and more.
In our Premium summer travel guide you'll find over 40 curated places for you to discover:
- Free and paid attractions around Metro Vancouver
- Shopping and dining recommendations
- Transportation tips and recommendations including airports, airlines, rail and bus lines, public transit and more
- Plus: Interactive maps, photos, videos, links and more.
Find the Premium guide at, https://www.thatch.co/guide/1r5xp98pung37/view.
Our guides are perfect for the solo traveller, partner travel and family travel.
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, City Trail Wander publishes walking and cycling videos on YouTube of the Metro Vancouver region and beyond.
Adventure • Architecture • Foodie • People & Culture • Photography • Budget • Nature • Shopping • Romantic
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