Some might ask, “Why visit Victoria this winter?” But don’t let this northern gem fool you into thinking it has closed up shop. While the hanging baskets are stored for the season, there are still a plethora of fun things to do in Victoria this winter.

Sure, you’ll want to pack a good jacket. But don’t worry that exploring will put you at risk of frostbite, as it will throughout much of North America. The BC Capital is tucked at the edge of the Olympic Rain Shadow, making winters relatively mild and an early spring a common occurrence.

Seattle to Victoria B.C. 

The fastest way to get from Seattle to Victoria B.C. is a scenic 45-minute flight from Lake Washington of Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Check-in is a breeze (without long lines and harried airport staff). Customs in Victoria is a simple affair, with friendly agents in an intimate setting. Just don’t forget your passport. They’re required for flying.

Top Victoria BC Activities this Winter

1. Enjoy a Spa Day

From aromatic steam rooms and rejuvenating body scrubs to massaging waterfalls and breathtaking views, let your body relax and be restored. The collection of premier resort and day spas in Victoria B.C. and Vancouver Island are ideal for a relaxing getaway. 

2. Visit the Fairmont Empress

A renowned international landmark, the is tucked at the edge of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Reminiscent of a majestic castle, it has welcomed dignitaries and royalty from throughout the globe. The brick façade and slate roof seem to have been plucked from an Elizabethan novel. And during the winter, the wonderous décor and festive lights are hard to beat as are the delicious .

3. Watch the Waves

While Vancouver Island’s northernmost city, Tofino, has earned a reputation for its winter storm-watching, it’s far from the only destination to witness a dramatic roll of waves. The seasonal drama will often roar at Victoria’s stunning outlooks like Dallas Road, Ogden Point, and Esquimalt Lagoon – all easily walkable from downtown.

4. Explore the Royal BC Museum

The ’s elaborate exhibits invite you to wander through time and immerse yourself in the past.

5. Watch Bald Eagles Fly

Renting a car to explore for a day? is a popular year-round destination thanks to its scenic hiking trails. But during the winter, when the salmon come back to spawn, the park becomes a veritable playground for eagle lovers. Attracted by the easy dinners,

6. Take a Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride

Want to give your feet a break, while still exploring the city’s winter splendor? offers iconic sightseeing trips through Beacon Hill Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

7. Visit Victoria Public Market

One of the best places to grab a bite to eat any time of year, the is the city’s only year-round market. It’s housed in a former HC department store and has become a hub for communal gatherings, locally-owned restaurants, and artisans showcasing their handmade goods.

8. Gingerbread Showcase

Victoria’s annual is a veritable feast for your eyes and your nose. It features elaborate, edible displays created by both professional and amateur chefs. The 2025 showcase will be held at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

9. Wander Through The Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas

From carolers and ice skating to light displays and kid-friendly craft zones, The Butchart Gardens is a lot more than just elaborate flower displays during the winter. Their seasonal event — — is a festive holiday tradition that can’t be beaten.

10. Sample Local Chocolate

Would it be a winter holiday celebration without indulging your sweet tooth? We think not. And, there’s no better way to do so than with a local favorite at Victoria’s iconic Rogers’ Chocolates. As Canada’s first chocolatier, they know how to make a great treat — especially their famous Victoria Cream!

11. Find a New Favorite Title at Munro’s Books

The soaring ceilings and expansive collection of titles at make it the ideal place for a leisurely stroll out of the weather.

12. Feel Like Royalty at Craigdarroch Castle

Built in the late 1800s, has been carefully restored and maintained. It features 39 ornate rooms that make you feel like you stepped back in time as one of Victoria’s elite. Plus, during the winter, the castle embraces the season with festive décor and holiday tunes.

13. Delight in a Second Castle at Hatley Castle

If one castle is good, two is better. Considered one of the most Instagram-worthy destinations in Victoria, castle features holiday decorations that will keep the camera roll stacked.

14. Relax in the Inner Harbour

Tucked in the heart of downtown, is Victoria’s urban sanctuary designed for deep relaxation and sensory reset. Their Nordic-style circuit features a contrast of hot and cold therapies, including cedar saunas, mineral pools, cold plunges, and steam rooms, all set in a calming, minimalist space.

15. Tour the Parliament Buildings

Another Inner Harbor landmark is the Victoria Parliament Buildings, offering . The buildings feature a year-round light display, but during the winter, they get a bit of a holiday upgrade as the more than 3,000 lights receive some red and green flare.

16. Take a Historic Walk in Chinatown

Victoria is home to the second-oldest Chinatown in all of North America. And, it’s easy to explore on your own. Wander down , which spans only a few feet in sections, to discover shops and restaurants tucked into quaint doorways. Stand beneath the Gates of Harmonious Interest and know you are protected by the statues on either side. Savor regional cuisine and more.

17. See the Festival of Trees

This yearly tradition has become Victoria’s unofficial kick-off to the holiday season. features a collection of decorated trees, each sponsored by a regional business or organization. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree and the funds raised are donated to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This year’s Victoria Festival of the Trees will be held at The Bay Centre.

18. Re-home a Gently Loved Book at Russell Books

Bookworms will delight at this three-story bookstore chock full of titles and knowledgeable staff. A collection of well-loved copies is stacked on book-laden shelves throughout the three-story bookstore. There are several cozy corners tucked within where you can easily curl up and acquaint yourself with your new literary companion.

19. Make Breakfast an Affair in the Brunch Capital of Canada

In 2017, Food Network Canada officially named Victoria the Brunch Capital of Canada, and with good reason. The chefs in this quaint city have developed quite a reputation for egg-filled creations, namely Eggs Benedict. Known to locals as ‘Bennies,’ nearly every brunch menu will feature at least one Benny, if not several unique options.

20. Find the Perfect Gifts & Keepsakes

Thanks to Victoria’s impressive selection of unique shops and Canada’s favorable exchange rate, Victoria is a shoppers’ paradise, especially if you’re looking for a great holiday gift or keepsake. Get our insider guide on where to go.

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There are hills to hike, waterfalls to explore, and plates of eggs Benedict to devour. This is your ultimate Pacific Northwest travel bucket list. And, it’s just in time for kicking off the New Year!

It’s loaded with seaside cocktails, DIY brewery tours, and can’t-miss donuts. It features remote fishing destinations, sea-to-table cuisine, and some of the most Instagram-worthy spots around.

20 Bucket List Worthy Things To Do In The Pacific Northwest

1. Snap the Best Selfie on San Juan Island

From epic lookouts and historic sites to adorable animals and the best outdoor art museum on the island, San Juan Island has some great spots to snap a selfie (or a few)!

2. Book an Epic Spa Treatment

Indulge in the tranquility of aromatic steam rooms, invigorating body scrubs, soothing massages by waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. Experience the ultimate relaxation and restoration at the top-notch resorts and day spas in Victoria, BC, and throughout Vancouver Island.

Located just a 45 minute seaplane flight from Kenmore, WA to Victoria’s Inner Harbour or a quick 30 minute from from Friday Harbor Airport, San Juan Island to Victoria International Airport, your travel time can be short and your views epic.

3. Make Your Own Pub Crawl in Victoria

With the city’s plethora of microbreweries, Victoria is a beer lover’s haven. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an appetite for this DIY pub crawl. The fabulous Roy Kiers from Chateau Victoria shares his favorite stops, along with great recommendations for small apps perfect to share.

4. Experience Fresh Air and Freedom on a Moped Adventure

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with the wind in your face, especially when you’re on San Juan Island! Located in downtown Friday Harbor, Susie’s Mopeds rents mopeds and scoot coups (essentially a two-seater moped), perfect for exploring the island at your leisure.

5. Enjoy a Seaside Cocktail at Port Ludlow

A peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, Port Ludlow’s Fireside Restaurant faces the marina, including the seaplane dock. The tranquil location is known for its casually elegant Pacific Northwest cuisine. And, the mixologists behind the bar know how to craft one tasty cocktail. Plus, it’s just a short charter flight away.

6. Make Your Own ‘Summer Camp’ at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge

The West Coast Wilderness Lodge may look like a simple collection of windows tucked between the trees. It’s so much more. The unassuming destination is a seasonal one. (Routes are only open May through September.) But when they are, we love to visit.

The gentle waterways at the base of its hill make for exceptional kayaking. You might even be greeted by a few curious seals. Hiking trails abound. They offer zodiac adventures and fishing excursions. The on-site restaurant features sea-to-table cuisine. And the bar offers daily cocktail lessons. Just be sure to book in advance.

7. Witness Two World Wonders – Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens

Like the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are bucket list world wonders. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to see them is from the sky. And, no tour takes you closer than the window seat of a Cessna Caravan.

8. Go on the Ultimate Photo Walk Through Victoria

Known as a pedestrian-friendly city, there is no better way to explore Victoria than on foot. Make sure to bring your camera for this adventure, as it will take you to the best photo-worthy spots throughout the city.

What’s even better about this excursion? It makes for the perfect day-trip activity. Catch the early flight out of Kenmore’s headquarters in Kenmore, WA directly to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. From there, the city is your oyster. Walk. Eat. Snap. Repeat. Then fly home and plan your next trip!

9. Indulge in San Juan Island’s Top Restaurants

Thanks to the San Juan Islands’ remote location, chefs lean heavily on locally sourced ingredients. Here, farm-to-table and sea-to-table cuisine reigns supreme. Not to mention the views are exquisite. 

10. Stand in the Spray of Chatterbox Falls at Princess Louisa Inlet

Carved into the Sunshine Coast, at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet, Chatterbox Falls might steal your heart. Here, old-growth forests tower among magnificent granite walls. The placid waters are mirror-like. And, sounds of water tumbling 120 feet into a glorious mist echoes throughout the canyon.

11. Eat Eggs Benedict In BC’s Brunch Capital

Known for its epic brunch scene, Victoria restaurants specialize in eggs Benedict (also known as Bennys). Chefs have gotten creative with these luscious breakfast plates, offering updated twists on the classic back bacon, poached egg, and hollandaise concoctions.

12. Sample Roche Harbor’s World-Famous Donuts

There are donuts. And then there are donuts at Lime Kiln Café. These cake-like babies are made fresh daily and disappear fast. Make sure to show up early in order to snag one (or a dozen). After all, a visit to Roche Harbor Resort isn’t quite the same without one.

13. Go Fishing Off the Beaten Track

The Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island is a place like none other. It’s close enough to reach in a day and yet somehow it feels removed from the “real world.” At Eagle Nook Resort, you can immerse yourself in the best Mother Nature has to offer. From fishing to wildlife adventures, this slice of remote paradise might make you think about moving to the country.

14. Do Nothing at Harrison House Suites

Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all. At Harrison House Suites, that’s exactly what your vacation can be. Each room is uniquely appointed with plush robes and house-crafted bath roads. Most feature fireplaces. Some include two-person hot tubs. And, all come with a two-course breakfast that’s rave-worthy.

15. Go Whale Watching

Few things are more breathtaking than watching an orca breach – the massive black and white body shooting out from the sea, water trailing off its back as its momentarily suspended in the air. The crash and splash when it hits. The oos and ahhs from the boat. The feeling of your heart beating wildly in your chest.

16. Wander Through the Butchart Gardens

Thirteen miles outside of Victoria’s quaint Inner Harbour, burst with color. The sprawling grounds feature 55 acres of manicured gardens and public trails.

17. Sample Your Way Through BC’s Renowned Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley is the sweetest slice of wine country heaven you’ve probably never heard of. Warm days and crisp nights, gravelly soil rich with minerals, and lush aquifers imbue Cowichan Valley wines with fruit-forward flavors that deliver a crisp, dry finish. The conditions are similar to what’s found in the northern regions of Germany and France. The main difference is: Cowichan vines are relative babies. 

But make no mistake — this quaint slice of paradise produces exceptional grapes. It’s a fact that was recognized in June of 2020 when Cowichan Valley was formally given a sub-geographical indication (sub-GI). An official and protected term in B.C., it helps people identify local wine origins, signifying that at least 95% of the wine was made with regionally grown grapes.

18. Savor Clams at Doe Bay on Orcas Island

With its clothing-optional spa and rustic waterfront campsites, Doe Bay’s idyllic setting invites you to rest and refuel. Their highly acclaimed restaurant features seed-to-table cuisine, with many of the ingredients coming from their very own garden. All seafood is sourced from local fisherman, including their clams. This fragrant bowl loaded with white wine and herbs is the kind of dish over which memories are made. This is a can’t-miss on Orcas Island!

19. Plan the Ultimate Walla Walla Wine Getaway

Situated in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Walla Walla wine country encompasses nearly 3,000 acres, extending into the northeastern-most tip of Oregon. This locale serves as the perfect girls’ weekend destination, providing a serene atmosphere to unwind, relax, and savor some of the finest wines Washington has to offer.

20. Explore Canada’s Oldest Chinatown

While the modern-day footprint of Victoria’s Chinatown may be petite, its cultural and historical impact is not. In 1995, it was designated a national historic site. Here, you can get a glimpse into the rich history of Victoria’s thriving Chinese community. 

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There’s a plethora of swanky cocktail bars in Victoria BC worthy of their elegant hometown. Whether you’re celebrating the New Year or just raising a toast to another day, these sip-worthy destinations don’t disappoint. 

Want to maximize your time exploring (and sipping)? Kenmore offers two direct flights to Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the Victoria International Airport. It’s the fastest and most scenic way to reach the BC Capital. 

6 Can’t Miss Cocktail Bars in Victoria BC

As one would expect of a city where cobblestone streets still linger and gardens are meticulously manicured, Victoria’s swanky cocktail scene specializes in creative, tasty libations.

Patrons who want a true Victoria-fermented sip will be pleased. Local distilleries abound. Vancouver Island is home to more than 10 distilleries, including a few breweries that are also flexing their gin, vodka, whiskey, and bitter muscles.

1. Clive’s Classic Lounge

Considered the birthplace of Victoria’s cocktail culture, is tucked into the lobby of the Chateau Victoria Hotel. The windowless lounge brings a va va voom vibe with its ultra-moody mix of Swarovski crystal lighting, fireplaces, and plush leather chairs. Bartenders follow a strict ‘Mixology Mantra,’ committing themselves to freshly squeezed juices and impeccable standards. Currently, they are also running a ‘Cocktail for a Cause’ campaign — mixing up a chocolate-spiced tequila-esc drink. For each drink ordered, $7.5 is donated to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Victoria. 

2. Little Jumbo

3. Wind Cries Mary

Tucked within Bastion Square, the dark and moody is a sensual space that flickers with candle light. While the food here is celebratory, the bar scene is not to be overlooked. From behind the canopied bar filled with gleaming bottles comes a cocktail menu that’s show-stop worthy. The menu, focused on seasonally local ingredients, offers a mix of sweet and herbal libations. And for those who don’t embibe, have no fear. Many of the cocktails can be served sans-booze. 

4. Q Bar at Fairmont Empress

History and modern luxury converge in the . While the hotel has long been praised for its high tea (and still is), the moody bar is arguably more of a draw. Meticulously restored millwork in a dark walnut is paired with plush couch seating and custom ‘cloud’ chandeliers for a setting that is both inviting and date-worthy. The tapas-esc menu features share-worthy cuisine, not the least of which is the Q Bar’s signature popcorn. Dusted with a house made charcoal spice, it’s addictively smokey and salty. And the cocktail menu? It’s filled with intriguing and inventive twists. From teas and bitters to the hotel’s 1908 Empress Gin — you’ll be able to enjoy both familiar flavors and thought provoking drinks.

5. Citrus & Cane

Tall, sweet, and boozy. specializes in tiki cocktails and bewildering ambiance. The warm wood and pastel palette gives a laid back ambiance, in keeping with a tropical vacation. Here, ‘island time’ may very well reign supreme while service is exceptionally stellar. Fair warning though, seats can be hard to come by.

6. Cenote

Don’t come here looking for fancy chairs and high-brow service. Not that the service is lacking, it’s just more down-home — a reality that’s in keeping with a bar that’s frequented by those in the restaurant industry. From the subterranean enclave, bartenders shake and stir great drinks and nosh-worthy food. It even has its own little library, perfect for those who want to elevate their mind while enjoying a libation (or two). 

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Published 2.27.2022 | Updated 3.20.2023

Thanks to its mild climate, Victoria boasts thousands of cherry blossom trees.

Typically, Victoria’s cherry blossoms begin to bloom by mid-February. The stunning display continues from February until May, creating pink archways throughout the city. The picturesque backdrops are just another reason to take advantage of the B.C. capital’s pedestrian-friendly streets — but you’ll want to see them before they’re gone.

In February of 2019, city counselors approved a plan to push the urban zones toward native species. A push some worry will be at the expense of non-native gems like the famous cherry trees found throughout greater Victoria.

But the blooms haven’t been pushed out yet. In fact, spring is the ideal time to soak them in. And the mature cherry trees throughout the city can show off anywhere from 250,000 to 750,000 blossoms, making the petals hard to miss.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Victoria BC

Whether it’s a long-weekend getaway to Vancouver Island or a few hours until your flight from Victoria to Seattle, these stunning destinations offer ever-changing beauty.

Cherry Blossoms Near Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Along the Inner Harbour, you’ll be treated to a plethora of bright flowers, with particularly breathtaking displays outside the Hotel Grand Pacific and The Robert Bateman Centre.

Outside the Parliament Buildings you’ll also find one of the most stunning cherry trees. And if you continue one block east on Belleville Street to Thunderbird park, you’ll find the totems are graced by brilliant blooms.

Cherry Blossoms in Downtown Victoria

It’s the heart of Downtown Victoria where you’ll find the most well-known views along none other than View Street. Here plum trees, one of the many varieties of cheery trees found throughout the city, are often the first to bloom.

Great Spots to Stroll and Picnic in Victoria

Blanshard Street, from Fort Street to Fairfield Road, offers another tranquil walk. Beacon Hill Park, with its mix of manicured gardens and natural habitats, is another amazing destination for a stroll. If you meander just two blocks west from the park along Avalon Road, you will find another hidden cherry blossom gem next to James Bay Inn.

South of the inn, along South Turner, you’ll find arguably the most famous display of cherry blossoms in James Bay. Spanning two long blocks, it runs right into Dallas Road and Holland Point Park, where you can enjoy a view of the ocean.

And for those looking to savor a pink picnic, there are few better destinations than the grounds at Hatley Castle and Gardens. Though the garden offers year-round displays, it is particularly eloquent during the big bloom.

Cherry Blossoms at Butchart Garden

It goes without saying that Butchart Garden is one of the prime destinations for all things flowers in British Columbia. Primarily you’ll find the pink hues in the Sunken Garden — one of the five main gardens within the finely manicured 55-acre estate.

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Originally Published March 28, 2019 | Updated January 10, 2023

Victoria may be best known for its afternoon tea and historical charm, but it’s also ground central for British Columbia’s craft beer revolution.

Beer has been brewed in Victoria longer than anywhere else in BC. This is thanks to William Steinberger, a German gent who moved to the city from San Francisco in 1859. Despite coming during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, Steinberger focused his sights on liquid gold — brewing beer to satiate the thirsty prospectors.

With the exception of Prohibition from 1916 – 1920 and a two-year span in the early 80s when the city lost its last remaining brewery, Steinberger’s legacy continues to pour throughout the fair capital. But, the real ‘craft’ began in 1984, when both  and  opened.

From day one, Spinnakers brewed beer in-house and served their selection with a menu that rivaled its high-quality pours. This ‘gastropub’ mentality was the first of its kind in the city. More than three centuries later, it still remains one of the region’s top beer destinations.

When Vancouver Island Brewing opened, they focused on creating a selection of all-natural beers. Prizing quality over quantity, they were slow to grow their year-round and seasonal selections — but the result is a flavorful menu worthy of note.

Victoria is Home to More Than 13 Breweries

Today, the city is home to more than 13 different breweries and gastropubs. In addition to the founding breweries, some of the top picks include . Located in Victoria’s Old Town, the heritage architecture is impressive. So too is the fact that its beers have won more than two dozen awards.

With its waterfront location, indoor and outdoor fire place, games area, and dog-friendly patio  is another winner — particularly on a sunny day. Additional craft brewery selections include ,��, and .

However, arguably the most popular brewery in Victoria can be found in the city’s Burnside neighborhood.  began in a windowless apartment. But the humble beginnings didn’t keep the founder, Matt Phillips, from flexing his creative muscles. When the brewery launched in 2001, his flavor profiles were considered ‘out of the can’ with a selection that included Espresso Stout and Raspberry Wheat Ale. Phillips continues to explore untraditional flavor profiles and finetune beloved classics.

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Victoria’s small and intimate pedestrian paths have preserved bits of the city’s past. Unlike a city’s major thoroughfares that are typically renovated by the demand of progress, alleys have a way of preserving the past. The narrow, pedestrian-only passageways hold onto their intimate storefronts and leisurely culture. They beckon the outdoor dining parties, strolling lovers, and adventuresome tourists — especially in Victoria.

The most popular of the BC capital’s wall-lined walkways is Fan Tan Alley. It’s located in one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America and spans less than three feet in sections. The entrance to its less-well-known sister alley—Dragon Alley—is located just across Fisguard Street. Though the two walkways share a similarly colorful past of opium dens and gambling joints, they are both now hubs for restaurants, galleries, and interesting shops.

Closer to Victoria’s downtown hub, you’ll find Trounce Alley. Named after the Victoria Pioneer Thomas Trounce, the picturesque passageway features authentic gaslights that are over 125 years old.

But it’s Waddington Alley that’s arguably Victoria’s most unique path — though often overlooked. The relatively nondescript passage doesn’t feature a plethora of cute shops and overhead lights. Rather, its most interesting feature is underfoot. The alley’s walkway is the last of its kind in the city. Constructed from small creosoted wooden bricks, it’s fondly dubbed the “wooden street.”

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