Although the utterly charming city of Victoria, Canada, is the provincial capital of British Columbia, it can fly under the radar for many visitors. This is due mainly to its somewhat hard-to-reach location on the gorgeous Vancouver Island.
Once you get past the mental (and, admittedly, physical) barrier of the whole island thing, you’ll be delighted to answer these questions for yourself: “What is Victoria, British Columbia known for? What is Victoria famous for?”
Victoria is famous for the Butchart Gardens, the Fairmont Empress, and the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Victoria is known as Canada’s Garden City and as the most romantic city in Canada.
Victoria is a city of contrasts: it’s home to a great afternoon tea, but also 17 craft breweries. The seafood is next-level fresh, and the Chinese food is authentic. It’s surrounded by the cold waters of the Salish Sea but is known for its mild climate (well, for Canada, so take that with a grain of salt). The area has a long indigenous history, but also a strong British influence.
I bet you want to know more! Without further ado, here are 18 things Victoria is known and famous for.
Table of Contents
1. Canada’s Garden City
Victoria is known as Canada’s Garden City because of its abundance of gardens and flowers, as well as its mild climate (the mildest in Canada, in fact). The city hangs giant flower baskets along lamp posts every spring and summer, and several famous gardens can be found in the city.
And unofficially, there are small patches of flowers scattered everywhere, and even the local universities seem more like gardens with schools (like at the University of Victoria, which also has a campus full of bunnies).
2. Butchart Gardens
The most famous gardens in the Garden City are definitely the Butchart Gardens. Once a family limestone quarry, the Butchart family transformed the unsightly hole into one of the most beautiful gardens in the world (and a National Historic Site of Canada).
The gardens are spectacular year-round (with stunning Christmas lights in winter), with different smaller, themed gardens (the Japanese garden is incredible in the autumn!) that cover a total of 55 acres.
3. Pacific Marine Circle Route
The scenic loop around southern Vancouver Island, dubbed the “Pacific Marine Circle Route,” begins and ends in Victoria.
The drive covers treetops to tidal pools and includes breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Haro Strait, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, plenty of beach hikes, quaint towns, and even a beach waterfall.
4. Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress is one of Victoria’s most well-known symbols. The hotel is ivy-covered and castle-like, and has the best afternoon tea outside of England. Known as Canada’s “Castle on the Coast,” the Empress is one of the first sights you’ll see as you enter Victoria’s picturesque harbor.
5. Victoria Harbour
The Victoria Harbour and Inner Harbour are considered some of the most beautiful harbors in the world. The harbor has been for hundreds of years, starting with the First Nations.
Currently, you’re more likely to find cruise ships and ferries than canoes (although it’s not unheard of!), but the vibrant vibe is still the same. Make sure to visit at night, when the buildings of Victoria are elaborately lit each evening.
6. Coast Salish groups
I would be remiss not to mention Victoria’s long First Nations history when discussing what Victoria is known for.
Indigenous groups have lived in the area around Victoria for over 10,000 years. Local tribes, part of the great Coast Salish peoples, are still alive and well in Victoria.
In addition to local cultural events like potlatches, dances, and art, you can explore the area with the tour group “Explore Songhees,” and even visit the Songhees Food Truck for some native food sampling (hello Salmon Bannock Burger!).
7. Oldest Chinatown in Canada
Victoria is known for having the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Founded in 1858 during the Fraser Gold Rush, it was the starting point for many Chinese immigrants entering Canada and North America.
Victoria’s Chinatown is home to many unique businesses, and festivals, and is supremely walkable.
8. Fan Tan Alley
Victoria’s Chinatown is famous for something besides being the oldest in Canada: Fan Tan Alley!
Fan Tan Alley is most famous as the narrowest street in North America. This skinny alley, once known for opium dens and gambling, is now lined with fun little shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
9. Royal British Columbia Museum
The Royal British Columbia Museum (or the Royal BC Museum), designated “Royal” by the late Queen Elizabeth II, is the province’s premier natural and human history museum.
It’s an essential visit to get a full background of Victoria; permanent exhibits include Becoming BC, First Peoples Gallery, and Natural History. The First Peoples Gallery is especially important (and also fascinating).
10. Whale watching
Victoria is famous for world-class whale watching in the Salish Sea. Set against the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest, the whale watching tours will give you a glimpse of the local and transient orca populations, plus humpbacks, gray whales, minke whales, and tons of other wildlife like seals, sea lions, eagles, and more.
Do your research to make sure the tour you’re on is eco-friendly, as the local Southern Resident orca populations are critically endangered, and it’s illegal to get too close!
11. World’s tallest totem pole
Totem poles, a symbol of the Coast Salish First Nations people, can be found through Victoria, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.
The tallest free-standing one, however, happens to be located in Victoria! Found in the lovely Beacon Hill Park, the Story Pole stands at around 127 feet high and features sacred carvings, such as a bear and a whale.
12. BC Parliament Buildings
As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria is also the seat of the provincial government. The BC Parliament Buildings, a dominant feature of the Inner Harbour, are open to the public for tours. They are particularly stunning at night, as they are lined with lights that reflect off the water.
13. Craigdarroch Castle
One of Victoria’s most famous landmarks is Craigdarroch Castle (partly because several famous movies have been filmed there).
Built in the Victorian era by a coal baron, it has served as a conservatory, military hospital, offices and a college, nowadays it’s a historical museum. Known for its stained glass and intricate woodwork, Craigdarroch is reachable by public bus and open to the public as well.
14. Cold water diving
Plot twist: Victoria is known to have some of the best diving in the entire world! The cold-water diving in the Salish Sea is famous for its super clear water and vibrant colors that are rarely found anywhere else.
The water is most definitely cold and requires a dry suit (essentially an insulated wetsuit), but is easily accessed from Victoria and other points on Vancouver Island.
15. Canada’s oldest brewpub
Victoria is famous for its local craft breweries, including the oldest brewpub (brewery) in Canada: Spinnakers. Spinnakers is credited with pioneering modern craft breweries in Canada, but also serves incredible, locally sourced, sustainable food.
Try their classic Nut Brown Ale and the smoked salmon!
16. Fisherman’s Wharf
The colorful buildings of Fisherman’s Wharf lie just around the corner from Victoria’s famous harbor. Full of float homes, local restaurants, and cute boutiques, Fisherman’s Wharf is also the ideal jumping-off point for small ferry rides and kayaking.
Make sure to stop at the Fish Store for unbelievably fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably-caught seafood. If you’re around in the summer, stop at the local Jackson’s Ice Cream for a scoop of their iconic green tea flavor.
17. Dallas Road Beach
One of the best parts about Victoria is that there are beaches right in the city. The Dallas Road walkway and beach is Victoria’s southern boundary that stretches four miles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Just a few miles from downtown Victoria, here you’ll also find Beacon Hill Park, the location of the Story Totem Pole, plus two small peninsula parks: Holland Park and Clover Point Park.
18. Most romantic city in Canada
Victoria is often voted as the “Most Romantic City in Canada,” which is saying something with the likes of Quebec City and Montreal around! Victoria’s abundance of flowers, mild climate, castles, and classic British touches give it a cosmopolitan charm.
And really, what could be more romantic than the City of Gardens?
Conclusion
For a dose of that quintessential Canadian charm with ocean breezes and a British twist, you absolutely cannot go wrong in Victoria. As you can see, for a little city, Victoria is known for flowers and castles, beer and tea, nature and culture.
So, tell me: how would you answer the question: “What is Victoria BC known for?” Did I miss anything that should be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
