Victoria in a Day: A Compact Guide to Canada's Coastal Gem

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by Elizabeth

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Victoria 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind adventure through Victoria with our expertly planned one-day itinerary. Begin your journey at the grand Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, where you'll spend two hours marveling at the intricate architecture of this small-town treasure. Next, stroll along the scenic Inner-Harbour Pathway for 1.5 hours, soaking in the bustling harbor atmosphere. Continue to immerse yourself in cultural richness with a visit to Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site, the oldest Chinatown in Canada, where you'll spend an hour exploring its vibrant streets and unique shops. Conclude your day with a trip to the majestic Craigdarroch Castle, a Victorian-era mansion that promises to transport you back in time during your one-hour visit. This itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Victoria, from its historic landmarks to its picturesque waterfront, ensuring a memorable experience in Canada's coastal jewel.

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Top 6 Hotels in Victoria
TOP 1
The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria
The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria
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TOP 2
Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
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4/5
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TOP 3
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
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Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown
Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown
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Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel
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Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Victoria's Heritage and Scenic Beauty

1

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

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Kickstart your Victoria adventure at the grand Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, a beacon of history nestled in the small-town charm of the city. Spend a couple of hours wandering through the majestic halls where the province's past and present converge, located at 501 Belleville St. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with its impressive facade and intricate details that tell tales of British Columbia's governance and culture.

Attraction Info

  • 501 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 2L8, Canada
  • Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,8:30am-4:30pm

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2

Inner-Harbour Pathway

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Next, let the sea breeze guide you along the Inner-Harbour Pathway, a scenic stroll that promises picturesque views and a serene escape from the bustle of city life. Allotted 1.5 hours should be ample to soak in the harbor's ambiance and capture the essence of Victoria's maritime heritage. The pathway is a perfect spot to reflect on the city's connection to the waters that surround it, and it's conveniently located within the heart of Victoria.

Attraction Info

  • Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada
  • Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
13 min,0.92 km
3

Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site

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Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site, the oldest Chinatown in Canada. With an hour to explore, you can meander through the colorful streets, discover hidden alleys, and experience the unique character of this neighborhood. The rich cultural tapestry and historical significance of the area, centered around 500 Fisgard St, make it an unmissable stop on your journey through Victoria.

Attraction Info

  • 500 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R4, Canada
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
9 min,2.52 km
4

Craigdarroch Castle

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Conclude your day with a visit to the enchanting Craigdarroch Castle, a testament to Victoria's opulent past. Set aside an hour to marvel at the Victorian-era elegance, with its lavish furnishings and stunning stained-glass windows. Perched at 1050 Joan Crescent, this castle not only offers a glimpse into the lives of coal barons who once lived there but also provides panoramic views of the city and the harbor, wrapping up your day with a touch of historical luxury.

Attraction Info

  • 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5, Canada
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Wed-Sun,10:00am-4:00pm
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Top Things to Do in Victoria-2024

TOP 1
Inner-Harbour Pathway
Inner-Harbour Pathway
4.5/5 · 68 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 5,355 review
Highlights:
This beautiful port, enjoy the lazy British life, or go to the British Columbia Museum at your own expense, which displays the history of British Columbia, Indian culture, and restores a variety of wildlife from the Canadian coast and mountains. Two of the more well-known buildings are the Provincial Parliament Building and the Empress Hotel.
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TOP 2
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
4.5/5 · 87 review
Highlights:
The Victorian Parliament Building, facing the port, is a Victorian building designed by Francis Naton Bailey of the United Kingdom. Construction started in 1893 and completed in October 1897, when Naton Bailey was only 25 years old. . There is a bronze statue of Queen Victoria in the park, and the central dome is a bronze statue of George Vancouver. The interior of the parliament is divided into the first floor, the first floor and the second floor. On the first and second floors, there is a huge painting depicting the history of British Columbia. The stained glass in the hall is also a major feature, and the inner side of the parliament is the library. The fountain was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the colonization of B.C. Province. The Union Square on the west side records the totem emblems of 10 provinces and 2 places in Canada. The Parliament Building at night has another style. More than 3,000 light bulbs decorate the surrounding of the building, which is the famous night view of the Victoria Harbour area.
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TOP 3
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
4.3/5 · 36 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,343 review
Highlights:
The Scottish entrepreneur Robert Dunsmuir, who got rich from coal mines, is the owner of Quedaloo Castle. The mansion he built with huge sums of money took 3 years to build and was completed in 1890. The internal structure was transported by train from the United States. More than 2,000 pieces of very good oak materials are carefully crafted with luxurious stained glass to create a magnificent room. The castle is well-equipped with 39 rooms, including a dance room for children to learn dance. Climb up the stairs and climb to the top tower, and you will come to the place where you can see the city of Victoria. The Juan Feca Strait in the distance has a beautiful scenery, and Victoria is full of vitality against the backdrop of the sea and flowers.
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TOP 4
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
3.9/5 · 25 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 7,178 review
Highlights:
At the Royal British Columbia Museum, you can learn about the mysteries of history and nature. The three-story museum houses more than one million exhibits that showcase British Columbia's natural beauty and rich history. The pavilion on the 3rd floor mainly introduces the culture and living conditions of the local Indian people. They are the early residents of this land. They have lived and developed here since 1700. The museum vividly reproduces the representative buildings at that time. and life scenes for people to follow the footprints of the past. The second floor is the favorite of children. There are many prehistoric animals and animal models living in Canada, from the Ice Age to modern civilization, from woolly mammoths to cute beavers. world. In addition, there is an IMAX cinema on the first floor of the museum, where people can watch the wonderful films brought by National Geographic.
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TOP 5
Fisherman's Wharf Park
Fisherman's Wharf Park
4.4/5 · 41 review
Highlights:
Victoria's Fisherman's Wharf, westbound along Belleville St in front of the Parliament Buildings. There are different styles of houseboats around Fisherman's Wharf. You can taste fine wine and seafood, and you can also take a boat to watch whales and go fishing at sea. There are many people selling gadgets and citizens performing performance art on the pier. The life here is very leisurely and freehand.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Victoria 1 Day Itinerary