Victoria – British Columbia, Canada’s Charming Capital

Victoria is British Columbia’s enchanting capital. This city offers visitors and residents a wonderful mix of excitement and relaxation, historical sites and new adventures, and modern comforts and natural wonders.

Here’s what I think of Victoria, BC.

Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria

Travelers from Vancouver can reach Victoria by air or water.

Flying is quicker and more exciting, but more expensive. Air travel can be done via seaplane, helicopter, or commercial planes.

Travelers can board a Harbour Air seaplane in Vancouver harbour and land approximately 35 minutes later in Victoria harbour.

Helijet offers daily helicopter flights between Vancouver’s waterfront and Victoria’s. This option takes around 35 minutes.

If small seaplanes and helicopters are not to your liking, commercial flights from Vancouver’s YVR airport to Victoria’s YYJ or vice versa are also available. Westjet and Air Canada travel this route for approximately 30 minutes each way.

Travel by air elevates the experience as the views from the top are jaw-dropping.

Traveling by water can be done by ferry. There are three ways to do this.

You can bring a car or travel as a foot passenger then catch a BC Ferry from Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver to Sidney, 30 minutes from Victoria; or from Horseshoe Bay, north of Vancouver to Nanaimo.

The third option is to book a motor coach via BC Ferries Connector. This is a convenient option as the BC Ferries Connector shuttles passengers between the downtown core in both cities and drives them on and off the ferry.

Passengers on the ferry have wonderful views of islands, the water, and crossing water vessels. Dolphins, whales, and sea lions sometimes appear on this route, particularly in the spring or summer.

Victoria, BC’s Public Transit System

BC Transit is Victoria’s regional public transit system.

In July 2024, it launched Umo which includes reloadable Umo cards. Umo fare cards can be purchased from the Visitor Centre, some convenience stores, malls, and other major retailers.

Umo is equivalent to Metro Vancouver’s Compass, Toronto’s Presto, and London, UK’s Oyster. It is also tapped into the card reader for fare validation.

The buses are also similar to Vancouver’s, Toronto’s and London, UK’s. I think the BC Transit bus is a bit better because the display shows the nearest 3 stops, including the one it has just passed.

RideShare and regular taxis are also available in the city.

Points of Interest

Parliament Buildings

One of the best experiences one can get from Victoria, BC is the free guided tours of the Parliament Buildings. Tours are offered daily during the summer starting at 9:00 am. Several tours are offered throughout the day and last for approximately 40 minutes.

Tip: The Parliamentary Dining Room serves breakfast and lunch. The menu was conceptualized by an award-winning chef and features fresh B.C. ingredients.

Inner Harbour Causeway

An internet search of Victoria will most likely show a photo of the Parliament Buildings and the Inner Harbour Causeway in its foreground.

Victoria’s Inner Harbour brings a unique mix of history, arts, and nature. The space is multi-functional as it hosts street performances, festivals, and markets. It is also the home of numerous recreational water vessels and businesses. This is the right place to start a sea charter, whale and wildlife watching and kayak adventures.

Tip: Walking along the pathways gives a sense of calm and excitement at the same time. The view from the street level and the marina are both beautiful but slightly different. Make sure to explore both.

Butchart Gardens

Victoria is known as the “City of Gardens” due to its impressive number of green spaces and floral displays. The most iconic of all its gardens is Butchart Gardens.

Although the gardens are beautiful in every season, summer is the best time to visit because the flowers are all in full bloom. A visit during the summer will awaken all your senses.

This attraction is not free but is well worth the price.

Tip: Butchart Gardens is actually in Brentwood Bay. If you don’t have access to a car, an Umo card can take you from downtown Victoria to the entrance of Butchart Gardens and back for only $5. A cab ride will cost around $40 each way.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Before I went to Victoria for the first time, I saw lovely photos of the Fisherman’s Wharf. The marina and its colourful float homes create a beautiful backdrop against the blue water. Aside from the view, the diverse food kiosks, the novel shops, and exciting eco-tours make the Fisherman’s Wharf world-renowned.

Tip: Apart from the usual transportation modes, you can get to the Fisherman’s Wharf via a water taxi. Check out the Victoria Harbour Ferry to learn more.

Accommodations

Accommodations are quite pricey or limited during summer. This is understandable as tourism is one of the top economic drivers in Victoria and summer is the peak tourist season.

Tip: Bringing or renting a car would give you more flexibility in terms of finding accommodations that suit your taste and budget. Another option would be to book as early as possible.

Dining

There are endless dining options in Victoria. Fast food and casual restaurants are, of course, available everywhere. In addition, some hotels offer high tea. The Lobby Lounge of Fairmont Empress serves the city’s most famous high tea experience.

Industries and Job Opportunities

As British Columbia’s capital, the government is the primary mover of the city’s economy. Technology, tourism, and commercial activities make up the rest of the top industries in Victoria, BC. This is especially evident during the summer.

Challenges

Victoria has an apparent issue with homelessness in the downtown core. Though services are offered to assist people experiencing homelessness, available shelter spaces are not enough at the moment.

This problem is not unique to Victoria. Big British Columbia cities, particularly Vancouver and Surrey, also have this challenge. Globally, huge cities also have the same issues so this is not unique to Victoria or Canadian cities. Nonetheless, it is an issue that needs attention.

Reflection

Victoria, BC is a charming city that has something to offer everyone. I would love to visit the city again. Maybe next time, I will go during a different season.

I’m not sure that Victoria is the right place for me to live as an immigrant at this point. I have always worked in the manufacturing industry, which is not a top industry in the city. Maybe if I become more open to working in a different field or industry, I would consider relocating to Victoria.

However, it is a great place to live and relax. When I am ready to move to a more quiet city, I would probably choose Victoria.