My Adventure in Victoria: A Day of Garden Bliss, Seaside Strolls & Storybook Streets

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Victoria, British Columbia is one of those rare destinations that truly feels like stepping into a postcard. From scenic ferry rides and vibrant gardens to castle views and afternoon tea, every corner of the city is brimming with charm. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply craving a coastal escape, here’s a recap of my day in Victoria — a blend of highlights, favorite finds, and optional gems for your own perfect itinerary.

🛳 Getting There: Scenic Routes & First Impressions

I had planned to catch the 6:00 a.m. ferry from Vancouver… but ended up on the second one. The route is breathtakingly scenic as it weaves between forested islands and, fun fact: you actually cross into U.S. waters briefly before returning to Canada.

If you’re taking the ferry, layer up. A fleece and windbreaker are essential for enjoying the breezy outdoor decks where you’ll want to be soaking in the views.

Want something quicker? There’s also the option of flying in. The seaplane ride takes just 35 minutes and offers jaw-dropping aerial views of the islands and coastline.

Butchart Gardens: A Living Work of Art

First stop: the famous Butchart Gardens — a 55-acre explosion of color and serenity. You can explore it in about 90 minutes, and while there’s a suggested route, you can also wander. Here’s what you’ll see:

• Sunken Garden: A former quarry turned fairytale landscape
• Rose Garden: Bursting with over 250 varieties
• Japanese Garden: Tranquil paths and peaceful ponds
• Italian Garden: Elegant symmetry and fountains

I stopped for lunch at the gardens’ restaurant and had the seafood pesto pasta — fresh, flavorful, and the perfect mid-day indulgence.

Victoria: Downtown Highlights

From Butchart Gardens, I headed downtown and booked the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, but if you want something more private you can definetly arrange a private driver.

This area (part of historic Chinatown) features colorful Victorian storefronts, funky boutiques, and Gold Rush roots. Don’t miss Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in North America.

Nearby, you can find Bastion Square What was once the site of the historical Fort Victoria is now a lively plaza filled with galleries and sidewalk restaurants.

Just a short ride away, this whimsical floating neighborhood is full of colorful houseboats, fish-and-chips stands, and casual eateries. Locals say you might even spot seals! All of this might take you around an hour.

Inner Harbour & The Empress

Stroll along the harbor promenade and admire the Legislative Assembly of BC — you can even take a guided tour inside. Across the street, you’ll find The Fairmont Empress, Victoria’s crown jewel.

If you do just one “iconic” thing in Victoria, make it afternoon tea at the Empress. It’s not just a meal — it’s an experience full of fine china, scones, and a timeless elegance that captures the spirit of the city. Be sure to book in advance.

Exploring Victoria: Choose your own Adventure

🏙 Cook Street Village & Oak Bay Coastal Route

If you want to explore beyond downtown, I highly recommend a detour through Cook Street Village — a charming, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood perfect for grabbing a coffee, browsing local shops, or just soaking up the village vibe. From there, continue along the Oak Bay coastal route, a scenic drive that winds past breathtaking viewpoints and quiet beaches. Stop at the Oak Bay Marina for sweeping views of the San Juan Islands, enjoy a peaceful walk along Willows Beach. This stretch of the trip could take around 20 minutes to an hour depending on how much time you spend on the local shops or drinking a coffee.

🏰 Craigdarroch Castle & Government House Gardens

• Craigdarroch Castle: Step inside this beautifully restored Victorian mansion. The architecture, furnishings, and stained glass tell the story of a Scottish baron’s legacy. (~60–90 minutes)
• Government House Gardens: Free to enter and absolutely stunning. Explore the duck pond, herb garden, English country blooms, and peaceful walking paths. (~45 minutes)

🖼 Royal BC Museum

• A great rainy-day option or history fix — this museum showcases Indigenous culture, local history, and natural wonders. You’ll find original totem poles and immersive exhibits. (~2 hours)

Sunset Ferry Back to Vancouver

To end the day, I caught the 9:00 p.m. ferry back — and I highly recommend it. The sky lit up in shades of gold, peach, and violet as we sailed through the islands. It was the perfect, peaceful finale to a truly magical day.

Quick Tips:

• 🧥 Bring layers, even in summer — especially for ferry rides and coastal stops.
• 🍵 Book afternoon tea at The Empress in advance. It fills up quickly.
• 🚌 Budget-conscious? Use the Hop-On Hop-Off bus or local buses (download the Umo app).
• ✈️ Short on time? Fly into Victoria and ferry back at sunset.
• 🌊 Always take the scenic route — trust me on this one.

Victoria is elegance wrapped in nature — where seaside strolls meet manicured gardens and historic castles share space with beachy hideaways. Whether you’re chasing blooms, sipping tea, or watching the sky melt into the sea, this little city delivers big-time.

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