Top 6 Activities to Experience in Victoria, BC, Canada

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most enchanting destinations. The diverse cultures that have settled in Victoria have significantly influenced the city's architecture, landscape, and character. Thanks to numerous heritage preservation initiatives, these influences remain vibrantly showcased throughout the city today.

If this is your first time visiting Victoria by cruise, be sure to explore the city’s rich cultural and historical landmarks. Many passengers opt to disembark in Victoria during their Alaskan cruise to delve into the past at its historic sites, revel in the exceptional natural beauty of its gardens and parks, and savor local delicacies. With countless activities available in Victoria, you'll find no shortage of options — although selecting which activities to pursue might be a bit of a challenge.

1.    Craigdarroch Castle

A short distance from downtown Victoria lies the breathtakingly restored Craigdarroch Castle. Constructed in 1890 by Robert Dunsmuir, a renowned railroad magnate and politician, this castle features exquisite stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. Adorned with luxurious furnishings and artifacts from the Dunsmuir family, the castle offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era. Recognized as a national historic site, it boasts over 39 rooms to explore, making it a must-visit during your cruise to Victoria.

2.    Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

Step further back in time with a visit to Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, one of the most significant military fortifications on Canada’s west coast. Tour the restored artillery fort and navigate through a labyrinth of bunkers and command posts. Originally constructed in 1878, the architecture reflects its rich 19th-century heritage.

From this vantage point, you can also view the Fisgard Lighthouse, the first lighthouse ever built on Canada’s west coast. This historic landmark is protected as a national historic site.

3.    Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride

Experience the charm of Victoria by taking a tour of its historic districts in a horse-drawn trolley. If you decide to hop off at one of the four designated stops, you'll find some of the city’s finest dining and shopping options nearby. Alternatively, you can choose to remain on board for the entire ride, allowing you to relax and soak in the sights of Downtown Victoria. The trolley also conveniently connects you to other attractions, including Beacon Hill Park.

4.    Butchart Gardens

A family cruise to Victoria isn’t complete without visiting the stunning Butchart Gardens. Renowned for their diverse and aromatic blooms, these gardens have been recognized by some of the world’s leading publications as among the best globally. Designated as a national historic site of Canada, Butchart Gardens attracts over one million visitors each year who come to admire the diverse flora across five distinct gardens: Japanese, Mediterranean, rose, sunken, and Italian.

5.    Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park spans 200 acres on the southern shore of Victoria and offers a wide range of outdoor activities.

The park is equipped with picnic spots, a petting zoo, scenic walking trails, water fountains, a pavilion, and a wading pool for cooling off on warm summer days, among many other facilities. If you're looking to enhance your family cruise with some relaxation, Beacon Hill is the ideal destination.

6.    Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown holds the title of the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Its streets are adorned with traditional Chinese decorations and boast various attractions, including Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, and the Gate of Harmonious Interest, the official entrance to Chinatown.

You don’t have to travel to China to indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine. Some of the most delectable dishes in Victoria are found in Chinatown. You might discover soup-filled dumplings, hand-pulled noodles that seem to stretch endlessly, and ducks so perfectly golden and crispy that they’ll be hard to resist. The tantalizing scent of five spice will linger on your lips all the way back to the ship.

Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Victoria’s Chinese heritage while enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine when you book the Victoria City Lights shore excursion.

Victoria boasts a wealth of natural beauty, diverse cultures, and historic landmarks that make it an essential destination. If you decide to disembark from your cruise vacation at this port, you'll discover a wide array of activities to suit nearly any interest. Whether your passions lie in history, culture, nature, or even snapping a few selfies, this multicultural city has something for everyone.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.