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Named for Queen Victoria, this garden city is situated in the south of Vancouver Island and is the capital of British Columbia.
Compact and easily navigated, it lends itself to discovery on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage or, thrillingly, from a low-flying float-plane.
Parliament Buildings
Victoria is adorned with some lovely colonial architecture such as the Parliament Buildings while the Empress Hotel is an historic gem, an excellent place to take afternoon tea. The nearby Butchart Gardens are world-renowned, as is the Royal British Columbia Museum while other attractions include Craigdarroch Castle, the home of artist Emily Carr, and orca whales which visit the waters off the island in the summer.
Whale watching from Victoria
The waters around Victoria are home to three resident pods of orcas, or killer whales. Famously savage but graceful, these magnificent sea mammals can be seen from 14-metre ocean cruisers or inflatable Zodiacs, both fast and stable, on trips that also often sight minke and grey whales, porpoises and harbour seals, with a commentary provided by on board marine biologists.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Victoria by contacting one of our Canada specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 700
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Suggested itineraries featuring Victoria
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Victoria, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Photos of Victoria
Our expert guides to exploring Victoria
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Victoria, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Victoria at its best.
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Highlights of Vancouver Island Highlights of Vancouver Island
Highlights of Vancouver Island
Canada specialist Jamie shares the best things to see and do on Vancouver Island. You could observe black and grizzly bears in temperate rainforests. Look for orcas on boat trips from Victoria. Or hike to secluded beaches in the remote north.
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Honeymoons in Canada Honeymoons in Canada
Honeymoons in Canada
Country specialist, Caroline, picks some of her top places to stay and things to do on honeymoon in Canada. Her highlights include where to spot Canada’s wildlife, taking a food tour in Vancouver, finding seclusion in the Rockies and staying on an authentic ranch.
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Family holidays to Canada Family holidays to Canada
Family holidays to Canada
Whether you’re visiting the east or the west, Canada offers a wealth of things to do for families, from helicopter rides over Niagara Falls to whale watching around Vancouver Island. Canada specialist Kayleigh outlines her ideas for a memorable family holiday in Canada.
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Self-drive holidays in Canada Self-drive holidays in Canada
Self-drive holidays in Canada
Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.
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Accommodation choices for Victoria
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Victoria. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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The Oswego Hotel
Victoria -
Abigail's Hotel
Victoria -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Victoria -
The Inn at Laurel Point
Victoria