Victoria is home to a range of historic and cultural landmarks. The Royal British Columbia Museum is widely regarded as the province’s best museum, featuring natural history exhibits, a recreated early colonial Victoria street scene, and an excellent in-depth exhibit on the culture of the First Nations peoples of Vancouver Island. The Legislature Building and Government House are worth a visit for those interested in the city’s political history, while the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria showcases an impressive collection of both local and international artwork.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a wildlife-watching or sightseeing trip is highly recommended. Take a boat or seaplane from the Inner Harbour to explore sweeping ocean vistas and, with luck, spot iconic marine mammals such as whales or seals. The Inner Harbour itself is a vibrant hub, dominated by the grand and historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a picturesque walkway along the waterfront. Just around the corner, Fisherman’s Wharf is a colourful and lively spot with floating homes, bustling docks, and kiosks where you can grab an ice cream or coffee while watching the fishing boats unload their catch.

A short journey from downtown, Butchart Gardens is a must-visit, especially in the spring and summer when thousands of flowers are in bloom. These vibrant gardens attract a variety of butterflies, bees, and birds, offering a peaceful and colourful escape into nature.

Victoria is also home to ‘Mile 0,’ the starting point of the 7,821-kilometre Trans-Canada Highway, which stretches all the way to Newfoundland on Canada’s east coast. While tackling the entire highway may be a dream for another day, getting your photo taken at Mile 0 is a fun way to mark the beginning of this iconic route.