Victoria, Canada: A Fun-filled 3 Day Adventure

Discovering the beauty of Victoria, Canada without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the natural beauty of Victoria, Canada by visiting its lush gardens, world-renowned parks, and scenic landscapes on a limited budget. Discover the unique culture of the city by exploring museums, galleries, and historical landmarks that showcase its rich history and heritage. Enjoy budget-friendly dining options by trying out local street food or dining in smaller cafes and restaurants to fully enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Historic Downtown and Beacon Hill Park

  • Start your day at Willie's Bakery & Cafe for a hearty breakfast
  • Explore the charming streets of historic downtown and check out the Victorian architecture
  • Visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about the history of British Columbia
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in Beacon Hill Park, filled with gardens, lakes, and wildlife
  • Walk along the coastal path to see the stunning views of the Olympic Mountains
  • Have dinner at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe for fresh and local farm-to-table cuisine
  • Hotel: Howard Johnson Hotel Victoria clean and comfortable stay at an affordable price
Day 2

Butchart Gardens and Whale Watching

  • Start with breakfast at Shine Cafe for their signature waffles
  • Explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens, with seasonal blooms and concerts
  • Take a whale watching tour with Eagle Wing Tours to see orcas and humpback whales up close
  • Visit Fisherman's Wharf for a casual lunch by the water, with fresh fish and chips
  • Take a stroll through Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, and grab a bubble tea
  • Have dinner at La Taquisa, a local favorite for authentic Mexican tacos and burritos
Day 3

Seaside Adventure and Artisanal Cider

  • Rent a bike or take a walk along the scenic Galloping Goose Trail by the ocean
  • Enjoy a brunch at Spoons Diner, a classic diner with modern twists
  • Visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for contemporary art and exhibitions
  • Drive or take a bus to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse for tastings of local, artisanal cider
  • Visit Craigdarroch Castle, a castle built by a wealthy coal baron, for an architectural delight
  • Have dinner at Foo Asian Street Food for unique Asian fusion dishes
  • Overall, Victoria is a quaint and charming city with endless activities to appeal to all visitors, from nature lovers to art enthusiasts. Stay in the Howard Johnson Hotel for an affordable option without sacrificing comfort. Don't miss out on the beauty of Butchart Gardens, the thrill of whale watching, and the delicious local food and drink scene.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Victoria by plane is to fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ) from major airports in Canada or the United States. Direct flights are available from cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Seattle, and San Francisco.

Car

If you prefer to drive, you can take the ferry to Vancouver Island, then drive to Victoria. The ferry ride is about 1.5 hours from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, and then it takes about 30 minutes to drive from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. Alternatively, you can also drive from Seattle to Victoria, which takes about 3-4 hours.

Train

There is no direct train to Victoria, but you can take a train from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, which is a ferry terminal that connects to Victoria. The train ride from Vancouver to Swartz Bay takes about 3 hours, and then you can take a 35-minute ferry ride to Victoria.

Boat

One of the most scenic ways to get to Victoria is by taking a boat from Seattle or Vancouver. You can take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria, which is a high-speed catamaran that takes about 2.5 hours. You can also take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, which is a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the Strait of Georgia.

Bus

Taking a bus to Victoria is convenient and affordable. The best option is to take a coach bus from Vancouver or Seattle to Victoria. The bus ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 4-5 hours, while Seattle to Victoria takes longer at around 6-7 hours. You can take the bus from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, or from downtown Seattle.

Destination

Victoria

Nestled cozily on an island, Victoria boasts an impressive number of gardens, tea shops, and tourists taking awkward selfies with Butchart Gardens as their backdrop. But don't worry, the city is also home to some less-touristy spots - like the resident sea otters who just can't seem to stop holding hands.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Fantastic Five-Day Family Fun in Victoria, Canada

A family-friendly trip to Victoria, Canada offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and exciting activities for everyone. Explore the famous Butchart Gardens, where kids can marvel at the vibrant flora and explore the serene pathways. Visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Vancouver Island, or embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour and spot majestic whales gracefully swimming in their natural habitat.

Fall in Love with Victoria: 3-Day Romantic Getaway

Victoria, Canada is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with its picturesque coastal beauty and charming atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the historic streets and indulge in delectable local cuisine before taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city. A romantic sunset cruise to admire the stunning views of the Pacific coastline will cap off a perfect trip.

Victoria, Canada: The Ultimate 3-Day Family Adventure

Embark on a memorable family-friendly trip to Victoria, Canada, where you can explore a wide variety of attractions and activities suitable for all ages. Discover the fascinating marine life at the renowned Royal BC Museum and explore the stunning scenery at Butchart Gardens. Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and create lasting memories while exploring the charming neighborhoods and shops in downtown Victoria.

The Ultimate 5 Day Victoria Adventure

A trip to Victoria, Canada can be an affordable option for those on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's history and culture through free walking tours and museums, enjoy the scenic views of the harbor and beaches for little or no cost, and stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or Airbnb rentals. Local markets and food trucks offer a variety of affordable dining options, and taking public transportation or walking can save money on transportation costs.