Top 10 Things to Do in Victoria

OK folks…

It’s that time of year again when my friends from near and far start asking me about what to do on Vancouver Island. Here’s a list of what I recommend doing in Victoria and surrounding areas. I know that by making this into a top ten list that things might get controversial so go ahead and disagree with me and add your own favourites in the comments.

Gypsy Hippie on Salt Spring Island

Top 10 Things to do in and around Victoria:

1. Hike a Local

Drive to the top of Mt. Tolmie. This local mountain is centrally located within Victoria and provides great views of the city and surrounding neighbourhoods. Road and walking path can be accessed from Cedar Hill X Road. If you are looking for a more rigorous hike try Mt. Douglas in Mt. Douglas Park. Follow this link for a good description on parking and accessing the park. The views are spectacular from the top!

2. Beacon Out

Ever Noticed the Beacon Drawing?

Take a long walk along Dallas road and enter Beacon Hill Park, if you have kids with you go to the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo (or even if they don’t have kids it’s a hoot seeing baby goats and unusually tame peacocks) After the zoo, stop at the Beacon Drive-In for delicious ice-cream (ok, it’s not really ice cream but the soft-serve is very good with hot fudge, caramel, or strawberry topping). Beacon Hill is close to downtown Victoria so go from there into downtown for some shopping/eating.

3. Eat Fish and Chips

Now this is a hot-topic among locals as to where to find the best fish and chips in Victoria. I’m going to remain fairly impartial here and just list these highly recommended establishments.

Eat fish and chips right down on the docks at Barb’s Place, or buy your f & c at The Willow’s Galley and walk down to the beach. If eating with a view isn’t a must, go to Haultain Fish and Chips, repeatedly a local favourite or try The Old Vic Fish and Chips a relic in the biz (but shows its age by not having a search-able website) and lastly, if you’re keen to explore the town of Sidney, you should make a point of stopping in at Fish on Fifth.

4. Dinner in Fernwood

The locals are raving about  Stage Small Plates Wine Bar . Pair this culinary experience with drinks at the Fernwood Inn. Many patrons walk from one local to the other.

5. Binge on Brunch

Brunch for All!

Try brunch on Sunday morning at the Marina. You must make a reservation early for this one. The brunch buffet is excellent. Last time I was there I truly gorged myself on many yummy yummy bites. Note: It’s on the pricey side but offers a great seaside view. Tip: After you eat, go down to the marina below and watch as people feed the greedy (but oh so adorable) seals.

6. Island Cottage Country

Drive to Shawnigan Lake, a mere 45 minutes north of Victoria.  Shawnigan is cottage country “island style”. While you’re there, why not access the Trans-Canada Trail along the west side of Shawnigan Lake Road and hike north to the Kinsol Trestle (the largest in the world). Visit the website to read directions on how to access the Trestle by car. Once you’ve explored the Trestle drive over to the Merridale Estate Cidery. An amazing and very filling dinning experience set on an apple orchard with huge veranda and laid back (see picture below).

7. Run with the Salmon

The salmon run is part of Vancouver Island’s natural and seasonal rhythm. Every school on the island takes their classes to see the Salmon run. Visit Goldstream National Park, only 17 km outside of Victoria (The salmon run does not take place in the summer but the park has many paths and an excellent visitors center).

8. Do Some Pot.

Ha, ha, hardy har….Go to the Sooke Potholes. Ok, I’m not going to lie, the potholes are very cold but amazingly refreshing on a hot day. To work up a sweat before your swim, walk to the potholes by traveling along the Galloping Goose Trail (a 40 minutes walk from the trail to the potholes). This walk is stunning and will take you over two trestles. In fact, plan a bike trip, rollerblade, or walk along the Galloping Goose trail at any time during your stay in Victoria. The trail is 55 km long and provides ample opportunity for people to visit the sites and get in some exercise.

9. Hug a Tree

A 2.5 hour drive up island will take you to Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This will give you a chance to see an old growth forest that will have you speechless. Some of the trees at Cathedral Grove are 800 years old and measure 9 meters in circumference. Yes, that is 9 meters! On your way to Cathedral Grove you may wish to stop in Parksville. It’s long stretches of beaches especially at low tide are wonderful to walk barefoot along. Play a round of mini-golf there while you are there because this is what you do in Parksville. Go Paradise Fun Park, you won’t miss it from the road – it’s the one with a huge boot and castle.

10. Hippie-Out

Last but not least, I always tell people to do a little bit of island hoping (even if it’s one hop). Go to Salt Spring Island for the day and hippie-out. Take a 30 minute ferry from Swartz Bay to Salt Spring. Go to Ruckle Park and sit on the rocks, go into Ganges (downtown) and go to the visitors center, ask for a map of the artist tour guide. This map will show you all of the local artists who open up there homes and studios for the public to come and see their creations for sale. My favourites on the map are the Salt Spring Island Cheese (a great place for having lunch as well) and the Flat bread stop as well (sorry, I don’t remember their name). Bring your bathing suit to Salt Spring and swim at any one of there many lakes or try swimming in the ocean. The warmest dip in the ocean is at Vesuvius Bay, near the Crofton ferry.