4 Days, 1 Budget: Explore Fun-Filled Victoria

Discover the charm of Victoria without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Victoria, Canada is an ideal destination for those who want to travel on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's beautiful and historic attractions, such as the Royal BC Museum and the Craigdarroch Castle, on foot. Local parks, such as Beacon Hill Park, are free to enter and offer stunning views of the city's natural beauty.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Victoria's Inner Harbour

  • Check in at the Hotel Rialto in downtown Victoria
  • Walk to the Inner Harbour and see the historic steamship SS Princess Marguerite
  • Visit the Royal BC Museum and learn about local history
  • Admire the Parliament Buildings and take a guided tour
  • Indulge in fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish
Day 2

Biking the Galloping Goose Trail

  • Rent bikes from The Pedaler and follow the scenic Galloping Goose Trail
  • Stop at the Craigflower Schoolhouse and learn about early Victoria education
  • Visit the stunning Hatley Park National Historic Site and its castle
  • Take a break at the Wildwood Ecoforest and enjoy a picnic
  • End the day with a craft beer at Victoria's Moon Under Water Brewery & Pub
Day 3

Butchart Gardens and Whale Watching

  • Take a bus tour to the Butchart Gardens and marvel at the flowers and fountains
  • Dine in style at the gardens' Dining Room Restaurant
  • Head to the Inner Harbour for a thrilling whale-watching tour
  • Spot orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife
  • Have a late-night snack at Tacofino's food truck, the best Mexican street food in Victoria
Day 4

Sooke Potholes and French-Inspired Afternoon Tea

  • Get an early start and drive to the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
  • Hike to the crystal-clear potholes and take a refreshing dip
  • Return to Victoria and enjoy an afternoon tea at Murchie's Tea & Coffee, a local institution
  • Visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and admire the works of Emily Carr
  • End the day with a farewell dinner at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe, a farm-to-table restaurant with vegetarian options.

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.

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A Vibrant Long Weekend in Victoria, Canada

As a tourist in Victoria, Canada, visitors can explore the charming downtown area filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks such as the Empress Hotel and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The city's picturesque scenery offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hikes in regional parks, whale watching tours, and kayaking in the Inner Harbour. Visitors can also indulge in the city's rich culinary scene, especially its famous afternoon tea.

4 Days, 1 Budget: Explore Fun-Filled Victoria

Victoria, Canada is an ideal destination for those who want to travel on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's beautiful and historic attractions, such as the Royal BC Museum and the Craigdarroch Castle, on foot. Local parks, such as Beacon Hill Park, are free to enter and offer stunning views of the city's natural beauty.

Victoria, Canada: A Whimsical 2-Day Family Adventure!

Victoria, Canada offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming blend of history, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities. Explore the iconic Butchart Gardens, where children can immerse themselves in colorful floral displays and enjoy the magical carousel ride. Make sure to take a stroll down the Inner Harbour, where you can spot seaplanes, play in the waterfront parks, and visit the interactive Royal BC Museum to learn about local indigenous culture and the vibrant history of the city.

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A trip to Victoria, Canada makes for a perfect family-friendly getaway. Located on Vancouver Island, this beautiful city offers a delightful combination of stunning natural landscapes, charming gardens, and a rich history. Families can enjoy exploring the world-famous Butchart Gardens, experiencing marine wildlife on a whale watching tour, and immersing themselves in the colorful cultural scene at downtown's Inner Harbour.