Head to Vancouver Island for a great escape from life on the mainland while discovering the very best things to do in Victoria

Exploring the capital city of British Columbia is a great way to spend some time. This island’s urban juxtaposition is beautiful, charming and vibrant. You will be handsomely rewarded for your exploration. Let’s take a look at some of the key locations because you will want to discover them for yourself.

The Best Things To Do In Victoria, BC

The Inner Harbour

The Inner Harbour is the crown jewel of Victoria. Discover British Columbia’s legislature building, a must see. Constructed over a four year period the final price tag came in at almost twice its budget of $500,000. The legislature opened in 1897.

Free tours of the legislature are offered seven days a week. For more information tap here.

The other main building at the Inner Harbour is the Empress hotel. It is know for Hosting the King and other British royalty during official visits this hotel is spectacular. Currently it is managed as a Fairmont Hotel Group.

Additionally, it is the most popular place to go for high tea. Usually it is quite busy so reservations are recommended. Find out more details at the Empress website here.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is the most visited park in the Capital Region District. Unsurprisingly so, cause it has something for everyone. It is over 700,000 square meters, but also conveniently located right next to downtown.

There are numerous different sports fields including cricket, soccer, and baseball. Furthermore, there are tennis courts, putting green, and lawn bowling.

Footpaths lead through a variety of gardens, a petting zoo and multiple playgrounds including two water spray parks. On the south side of the park stands the world’s tallest totem pole. Incredibly, it is 200 feet tall.

Dallas Road 

Dallas Road is one of the best parts of Victoria. This 7km long park stretches from Clover Point to Ogden Point where a large breakwater guards the harbour. It has a walking and biking trail that guides you through the park which is quite flat for the most part.

There is a large dog off leash section of the park which is great for puppies learning to socialize. Every step you take filled with epic views. The beaches are accessed by taking one of the several staircases. These staircases are along the main path. It’s worth going down and walking along the beach for a while.

Chinatown

The Chinatown in Victoria is the second oldest Chinatown in North America, San Francisco being the oldest. Though it is not the largest it is in a ton of culture. It’s only a few blocks but there is a lot to see. 

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The Gate of Harmonious Interests is the unmistakable entrance to Chinatown. This beautiful piece of architecture has great cultural significance. Furthermore, there are trendy restaurants and cafes, and shopping that features specialty imported asian products. 

Also, the one place that you must check out is Fan Tan Alley. It’s a not so hidden gem.

Big Bad John’s and the Bard and Banker

Going to go out for a few drinks? Two places you should check out are Big Bad John’s and the Bard and Banker. These two watering holes are both awesome but in completely different ways.

Big Bad John’s is a hole in the wall and plays up its carefree vibe. It’s decorated like an abandoned cabin while peanut shells are strewn across the ground and bras are stapled to the ceiling. Big Bad John’s tables are wedged together. Many of the chairs are stumps of wood. It’s a scene.

The Bard and Bankers is an ornate Scottish pub. It is on Government Street and just a few minutes walk from the Inner Harbour. Everything in the Bard and Banker is clean, polished and speaks of respectability. However, don’t be fooled. It is a really good time. There is live music every night so you are sure to have a blast. 

Considering getting after it? Then check out their towers menu. They will get you heading in the right direction. Cheers!

Market Square

Market Square is a cool little cosmopolitan shopping and dining area. Located between Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, it is worth popping into while venturing between locations. Market Square has nearly 40 different shops, restaurants, and more.

Mount Douglas

Mount Doug, as the locals call it, is located in the Saanich, towards the University of Victoria. This park has many trails that climb this small mountain.

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With the peak only being roughly 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level it isn’t overly strenuous to get to the top. Although the summit isn’t very high, the views from the top are expansive.

You can see many of the Gulf islands in Canada and the San Juan islands and Olympic mountain range in the United States. The views of the Salish Sea are unparalleled.

Life hack, if you have a car there is a road that will take you there as well. However, the gate isn’t always open.

Thetis Lake

Thetis Lake is the most popular swimming local in Greater Victoria. Located in the suburb of Langford this 40 square km park has great hiking trails and beaches.

Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens are located in the suburb of Brentwood Bay and hosts over a million visitors a year. The symphony of floral delight will brighten even the most somber person’s day. They also hold the honour of being a National Historic Site of Canada.

During the Christmas season the Butchart Gardens go all out with their decorations.

In summer there are also fireworks shows at night. 

Mapped Out – Best Things To Do In Victoria

Victoria, BC – The Verdict

Enjoying Victoria is so easy and a fantastic place to go for a weekend or more.  Its peaceful strolls and desirable watering holes contrast and enhance the culture, history, and architecture. Go and explore British Columbia’s capital. It will keep you as occupied or tranquil as you desire. Most likely you’ll desire to return more than once.

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Knox Mountain is the quintessential hike in the Central Okanagan. Find out what the best things to do on Knox Mountain.

Located in Kelowna’s North End, this city park lets you see and experience why Kelowna is the fastest growing city in Canada. Adventure under clear skies and bask in the amazing lake and valley views the Okanagan is famous for.

What’s in Knox Mountain Park

Although Knox is known mostly for its hiking trails there are other things to do. That is, if hiking isn’t of interest to you. At the base of the mountain there are pickleball and tennis courts as well as a disk golf course, all of which are free to use. A fenced dog off leash park is located on the right side of the park where Knox Mountain road begins to climb. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park but must be kept on leash when not in the designated off leash area.

Knox Mountain road ascends  to two lookouts. However, the road is now closed to traffic after the first lookout. This is due to the economic and safety reasons that have arisen from the  daily use of the park doubling in recent years. Find out more info about the park on the city’s website.

Going to Vancouver Island? Check out this post on the Very Best Things To Do In Victoria.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking has gotten very popular in the Okanagan. So, it makes sense that as the sport has grown and Knox Mountain’s close proximity to downtown Kelowna, it is one of the most popular mountain biking spots.

There are seven biking trails on Knox. Three of the trails only permit mountain biking while the other four are shared with pedestrian traffic.

Paul’s Tomb

Paul’s Tomb is the most leisurely of the three main trails. To get to the trailhead there are two options. This first and more difficult is to take the Apex trail to the first lookout and then follow the signage that directs you to Paul’s Tomb. The first part of this trail will lead down the backside of Know Mountain to where it connects to the other main trailhead. During the right time of year the mountain is in bloom with wildflowers.

The trailhead starts behind Knox and is accessible by taking Poplar Point Road to its conclusion. There is street parking next to the trail access. From there you walk slightly uphill for a couple of minutes where the two trails become one.

The Trail takes a little over an hour to go there and back and is between 4-5km (2.5-3miles) and is a shared trail with mountain bikers. It is an easy trail that slowly descends towards the lake.  There are sections of the trail that drop off quite dramatically so if you have keep a close eye on them.

The trail concludes at a picnic area where there is swimming access and an area for dogs off leash. There is also a small  bluff that is a popular spot to jump off into the lake.

The trail is named after Paul. He built the tomb for his family near their summer cabin. Nowadays only a small section of the tomb is visible. If you want to hunt for the tomb it is located approximately 100 meters from the shoreline on the hillside. 

Gordon Trail to Pavillion

This trail is the most difficult of the three but is also the most all encompassing trail as well. To access Gordon Trail you have to take Paul’s Tomb Trail about half way where you will see a trail on the right hand side that viers upwards. There is a sign that points you in the right direction which is right after a cliffed section where it states you should be aware of falling rocks.

Gordon Trail is the steepest section of the route up the backside of Knox. It has 10-13 switchbacks. The steepest sections have stairs. There are a few resting spots with benches and viewpoints as you make your way up. Even if you don’t need a break its worth stopping to look back at the view out towards Vernon. It makes for a terrific photo.

Once you get ⅔ of the way up to the summit it’ll flatten out a bit and you’d see some different options for trails. The one you’ll want to take is the Pavillion Trail. This trail traverses the mountain while gradually working its way towards the summit. Once you hit the Pavillion you’re almost there! 

Take the Apex Trail the rest of the way until you get to the Upper Apex lookout.

Apex Trail

Apex Trail is the most popular trail. It begins just past the parking lot of the left hand side of Knox Mountain Drive. If you reach the dog off leash park then you’ve gone too far. 

The bottom section of the trail is the most difficult. There are five switchbacks on your way up to the first lookout. You’ll know you’re getting close when you reach the staired section of the trail. The first lookout is a beautiful spot to catch your breath  and take some photos. Keep in mind it is just an appetizer. The main course is at the summit.

The trail is just shy of 1,300 meters (4200 feet) with an elevation climb of 170 meters ( 555 feet).

This part of trail is well maintained. It criss crosses up the hillside and through the straw grass. It is not uncommon to come across wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled and remember to never approach the animals. 

When you concur the trail and reach the summit and  Upper Apex Trail lookout you will find satisfaction in the impressive views of Lake Okanagan, the City of Kelowna and the Valley as a whole. It’s worth the effort.

Knox Mountain – The Verdict

Knox Mountain Park is one of the best activities to take part in while in Kelowna. If you have any aspirations of taking on a physical activity this one’s for you. It is conveniently located close to downtown, it has a plethora of activities to take part in, and has fire views. It’s good for your body and good for your social.  It has to be one of the best places to take photos in the city.

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