The 6 Best Victoria Day Trips
Do you want to see the most picturesque small city in Canada? Then it’s time to visit Victoria? This portal page presents six day trips – both walks and drives – to explore fairy tale castles, Victorian homes, glorious coastal views, and even a volcano.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our advice below is not based on a couple of tourist trips. Our recommendations are based on our extensive experience living in Western Canada. We are avid hikers, nature lovers and photographers (all photos are my own).
All of our recommendations are top-rated by Google Maps Ratings, which is based on everyone, not just tourists. Each place recommended in our custom CA Victoria Map is appended with a Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).
Six Days for Your Itinerary
Victoria, the capital city of BC, has the best climate. This is the city of flowers and gardens, views and volcanoes! It’s one of our favourite places. Victoria may just be the best small city to visit in all of North America.
Each of these day trips is independent, and they could be done in any order. But if you have limited time, then the trips are in order of importance. Unless you love flowers, then Butchart Gardens is a must.
Vibrant Victoria – Magic Moments covers the main points of interest in the downtown area.
Not So Secret Floral Hot Spots covers the Empress Hotel Gardens, BC Parliament Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, Emily Carr House, and the Terry Fox Statue at Mile Zero.
Fairy Tale Castles and Volcanoes covers Craigdarroch Castle, Foul Bay Road, Trafalgar Park, Oak Bay Marina, Beach Drive, Mount Tolmie Park, and Mt. Doug Vista.
Blooming Butchart is a top botanical garden outside of Victoria.
Hidden Gems Drive covers Esquimalt, Fort Rodd, Fisgard Lighthouse, Hatley Park Castle, East Sooke and Harris Canyon.
Charming Chemainus is a unique artistic town north of Victoria.
Final Comments on this Itinerary
This is a portal page with an index of the itineraries in the Victoria, BC area.
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Itinerary Map & Resources
Google Maps Ratings
Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.
Canada FAQ
The Exploring Canada post answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) such as:
- How do you plan a trip to Canada?
- How safe is Canada?
- What is the best season for travel?
- Can I see everything in 3 or 3 weeks?
- What are the best places to see in Canada?
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