Downtown Victoria Travel Guide
Victoria
Visit Downtown Victoria
Popular places to visit
Government Street
This central street attracts the crowds with its museums and galleries, historical architecture, shopping districts and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.
Chinatown
Discover the passageways, temples, murals, shops and traditional Asian restaurants in this historic district established by Canada’s first Chinese immigrants.
Victoria Conference Centre
After visiting Victoria Conference Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Victoria. Wander the waterfront and picturesque gardens in the area.
Bay Centre
During your visit to Victoria, you can do some window-shopping at Bay Centre. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Lower Johnson Street
Shop at independent boutique stores, enjoy free live music and dance performances and see historical buildings at this popular downtown Victoria street.
Bastion Square
Learn about the local history of Victoria when you take a trip to Bastion Square. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Things to do
Victoria Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos
Royal BC Museum Admission Ticket
Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria
Roundtrip/Daytrip from Seattle to Victoria BC on the Victoria Clipper
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
Top hotels in Downtown Victoria
Fairmont Empress
"Everything was good except breakfast all hot food was refrigerator cold except sausage other than that stay was as expected The cold food would not effect us staying there again which we will return"
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
"Initial check in was a little disappointing due to not receiving the King Room we had reserved and not offering any real fix since I had made the reservation through Expedia and not the hotel directly. I went back down to front desk to see if anything could be done, even a room change mid stay if ..."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
"Our favourite hotel in Victoria. Clean, spacious, and relaxing. We made the most of the amenities such as the soaker tub, bikes, and swimming pool. Perfect for families and we love how its only a 5 minute walk to the major attractions while being tucked away from the crowded/busy areas."
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa
"Front desk staff were warm and helpful. Property is top notch"
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Bedford Regency Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
"Great location, clean room, friendly and helpful staff."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Strathcona Hotel
"The hotel was ok nothing too great. The pub entrance is right by the hotel front doors so there were a lot of people smoking. The parking lot is not on site which I didn’t realize till I got there."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown Victoria
Inner Harbour
The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Inner Harbour. Make a stop by Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal or Victoria Harbour while you're exploring the area.
James Bay
The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of James Bay. Make a stop by Victoria Harbour or Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.
Saanich East
If you're spending some time in Saanich East, Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.
Esquimalt
Travellers come to Esquimalt for its colourful gardens, and you can see top attractions like Gorge Vale Golf Course and Sooke Salmon Charters while you're in town.
Fairfield
Unique features of Fairfield include the historical sites and seaside views. Make a stop by Cook Street Village or Ross Bay Cemetery while you're exploring the area.
