Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Victoria, Canada
Being the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is known as the Garden City making it a desirable place for tourists. Although a relatively small city, it has a good bunch of places worth a visit, and it doesn't get any better than the mild climate almost all year round. Ranging from (of course) gardens, parks, museums, and the historical buildings from its British colonial history (the parliament), these are some of the must-go places in this city.Situated in a depleted limestone quarry, it's a vast collection display of flowers and other greenery ranging from Italian gardens to Japanese gardens which makes it one of the best garden places to visit; the statues, fountains, and other features which add to the vibrant detail of the garden are also another thing to admire, but the Sunken Garden is the heart of the place. The most fascinating fact about the place is the history behind. There's not enough words to describe this place, but if you plan to go to Victoria, I definitely recommend going here especially if you're a nature lover.
If you want to learn about the history of British Columbia, then you've came into the right place. Overall, the Royal BC Museum is one of the best places for learning diverse facts of history - mostly surrounding Victoria and its cultural history behind it. The exhibitions range from the first nations, the ice ages, to histories regarding the Japanese during the World War II, which all are very informative. Obviously while this is scratching the surface of what the experience looks like, it's definitely worth a visit if you want to know more.
While it's not really a castle, it's by far one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture you can visit. With a lot of history behind it, this place is home for a coal baron named Robert Dunsmuir - the richest man in British Columbia before his death. Constructed in 1890, this half-million mansion remains a fine example of what Victorian architecture looks like. Overall, it's a must visit if you want to experience a medieval-ish atmosphere.
One of the most popular attractions in Victoria is of course, the Fisherman's Wharf. Whether it's enjoying a wholesome meal at one of the kiosks, taking adventure marine trips, and sightseeing whales, it's overall a very family friendly place to hang out. The scenery peppered with boats, docks, and friendly seagulls tops the place at a solid ranking nearing the top 3. Then there's those floating houses filled with vibrant colors which really adds the overall marine vibe of the place.
Well, the name speaks for itself. Miniature World is a collection of artifacts that are created in a miniature version. What makes the concept very intriguing is that it features diverse themes and dioramas - many of which are imaginative and historical packed in one place. Most of the exhibits are not only of artistic merit, but they can also provide an educational experience. The most impressive is that while these artifacts are of small size, but the attention to detail in most if not all artifacts is just exceptional.
One of the most popular beaches in British Columbia resides in here. Sometimes it's better enjoying a simple meal or reading a book than exploring most of the city, and this beach is the perfect fit for Victoria. What makes the place desirable is that the weather is mild in general, making it a good place for taking a walk near the shore; the overall scenery complements the weather and the place itself very well.
Yet another lively place you can take a pleasant stroll in. Although it's one of the main tourist places, it's surrounded with shops, refreshing scenery, recreational activities, flora, and beautiful buildings to immerse yourself in. You can spend some good hours enjoying yourself with a cup of tea or coffee, or visit one of the most popular places such as the BC Royal Museum or stay at the Fairmont Express.
There are a lot of good parks in Victoria, but what stands out from most places is the Mount Douglas Park. This is a park which really gives a natural feel. You can start from the main trail at the parking lot, which takes approximately an hour or shorter uphill, then you'll reach the peak which opens you to the overview of the city in all sides surrounded by the greenery. Alternatively you can take another route which heads to the beach if you want another breathtaking scenery. Other than that, the main trail is an easy hike which leads to a very rewarding experience. If you want to witness beautiful sunsets, then this place is very desirable to visit.
The name speaks for itself. This place is a perfect opportunity to see whales and other sea life in a boat ride, while also having an educational experience about the sea life around it too.
This place is slightly underrated unlike the rest, but if you're a lover of bugs, you're 100% are going to enjoy this one. This isn't really considered a zoo, but it's a mini zoo which contains a diverse collection of bugs - including spiders, grasshoppers, beetles, etc. Yes, most of these bugs can be touched for your curiosity. Overall it's a fantastic place to learn about bugs and insects even for a layperson of all ages.