Category: activities

Best Victoria BC Fall Activities

Posted on September 1, 2017 by - activities

best-fall-activities-victoria-bc

Did you miss summer festival season, or just can’t get enough of it? If yes, there is good news for you: Victoria has some fantastic fall events too! Although many people don’t consider autumn as an event season, there is actually plenty to do for residents and visitors alike. These events offer some of the best ways to beat the cooler temperatures while also enjoying the spectacular colours of fall. Take a look at the list below for some of the must-see Victoria fall events:

Rifflandia

if you love music and arts festivals, Rifflandia is the place for you. As Victoria’s largest music and arts fest, it offers a wide range of musicians and vendors to suit almost every taste. Another plus is this great festival happens right across downtown Victoria over 4 days in September, so it is easily accessible. The organizers also put an emphasis on diversity when selecting their lineup, but don’t worry if you aren’t enjoying an artist as there are multiple active venues during the festival!  

Brewery and the Beast

This isn’t your average meat and beer festival, Brewery and the Beast is a well known culinary fest that brings premium local meats and dishes to a brewery setting at Phillips Brewing Company. The festival features local chefs who teach the importance of consuming meats and other foods conscientiously. There is certainly lots to learn at a festival like this – but there is even more to eat and drink!

Art of the Cocktail

It’s easy to see why guests love this annual event as it features some of Victoria’s best bartenders and chefs. Enjoy watching intense bartending competitions and then relax at the Grand Tasting, where you can sip on a variety of cocktails and enjoy specially designed appetizers to match. This festival is great for a night out with friends, or a parents’ night out away from the kids!  

Salt Spring Island Apple Festival

If you haven’t heard of Salt Spring Island, it is well known for its 450 different organic varieties of apples! With a history in apples since 1860, you can trust that the Apple Festival coordinators know their stuff. This event has something for both adults and kids as you can tour the farm and learn about apple growing, enjoy the scenic orchards, or taste the apples and apple themed dishes prepared by chefs on site.

Vancouver Island corn maze

Everyone enjoys a classic autumn corn maze, and this particular one will not disappoint. Pendray Farms in North Saanich hosts this fun event that features over 10km of trails and 14 acres of corn!  Visitors can choose to visit by day to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or by night to light up a flashlight and create a spooky feel. Other activities on site include treasure hunts, a smaller kid’s maze and a corn sandbox.

If you are feeling the end of summer blues, these are some great ways to get out and enjoy fall instead! Whether you choose to enjoy with friends, family, or alone, Victoria’s fall events will not disappoint. If you are interested in other things to do in Victoria during the fall, contact us today or learn more about our sightseeing tours.   

Best Victoria BC Free Activities

Posted on July 21, 2017 by - activities

best free activities in Victoria BC

Everyone loves visiting new places, and Victoria, BC is one of the most popular new cities for tourists to come and see. Like most destinations, once you factor in hotels, food, travel costs, and souvenirs, visiting Victoria can get expensive and there may not be much left in order to see attractions in the area. A great way to get the most out of the city you are visiting while also staying on budget is looking for free activities to do with your family or travel partners. For those looking to visit Victoria soon, below we have listed some of the top free activities in Victoria that both you and your wallet will enjoy:

Stroll the causeway

One of the most appealing places in Victoria is the inner harbour. The harbour is a hub of activity when the weather is warm, and it offers plenty of places to stop when the weather is cold. The causeway is a walkway circling the inner harbour that is lined with shops and restaurants, and one that offers beautiful ocean and city views. Go for a stroll, enjoy the city views and snap some pictures of the British Columbian parliament buildings.

Beacon Hill Park

Set in the heart of downtown, Beacon Hill Park is 183 acres of sprawling natural paths. Beacon Hill Park brings to life the natural beauty of British Columbia that many people travel far to see. Not only can visitors enjoy the gardens and duck ponds year round, there is also a playground, putting green, and water park right on site. If you don’t mind spending a small amount of cash, a petting zoo is also open to the public in the summer months.

Take in the docks at Fishermans Wharf

For those visitors looking for an aesthetic photo, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to be. Take in the fishing boats, floating houses, and recently built playground, or just enjoy the sea breeze on the docks. Local stands also offer fish and chips or ice cream.

Breakwater

If you are visiting the inner harbour, take a few minutes to walk to the breakwater in order to experience the city from a different view. The breakwater is also a great place to be at sunset. Visitors can walk or sit by the water as well as view the Unity Wall, a piece of art depicting the history of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations peoples.

See the view from the mountain top

Victoria is a city full of fabulous views! For those that love a challenge, parks such as Lone Tree Hill Regional Park offer tougher hiking trails, while Mill Hill Regional Park offers an easy 200m climb to the peak that is close to the city and great for families. Whichever path you take, all end at a gorgeous panoramic view that is absolutely free.

We all know vacations can be expensive, especially when there are a few children in tow. But luckily now your next Victoria vacation doesn’t have to break the bank- and you can still have a great time! Happy travels and be sure to learn more about our Victoria BC sightseeing tours.