Weekend getaway from Seattle · #7 of 10
Victoria, BC
BC's compact, historic capital - Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour and afternoon tea - reached by the Victoria Clipper ferry or via Port Angeles. Passport required.
BC's garden-filled capital feels like a little slice of England just across the Salish Sea, and getting there by ferry is half the fun! Two days cover the scenic Inner Harbour, world-famous Butchart Gardens, afternoon tea, and floating fish-and-chips.
Getting there
Docks right at Belleville St in the Inner Harbour. You get up to three sailings a day in the summer (fewer off-season). Just make sure to bring your passport and book ahead for summer!
This scenic 90-minute crossing carries vehicles, so you can keep your car. You'll need a passport, and it's smart to reserve your vehicle space early, especially for summer weekends.
Day 1
Inner Harbour vibes, museum treasures, and historic afternoon tea- 18:00 AMDrive
Cross to Victoria
Cruise out of Seattle on the Clipper or road-trip to Port Angeles for the Coho. Either way, you'll sail right into the Inner Harbour, steps from all the top spots.
Tip · Show up at the terminal early to get through customs. You will clear Canadian immigration right when you dock.
- 211:30 AMSight
Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings
Wander the lively, busker-filled causeway past the majestic BC Parliament Buildings. This is the postcard heart of Victoria, where floatplanes buzz in and out.
📍 British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Victoria
Tip · They run free Parliament tours in the summer. Don't miss walking by at night, when the whole building glows with thousands of lights.
- 312:30 PMFood
Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf
Take a scenic 10-minute waterfront walk to this colorful float-home village. Grab fresh fish-and-chips from a dockside kiosk while cute harbor seals swim below.
📍 Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria
- 42:00 PMSight
Royal BC Museum
One of Canada's top museums sits right on the harbour. Explore the world-class First Nations and natural history galleries, then check out the IMAX theatre.
📍 Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria
- 54:00 PMFood
Afternoon tea at the Empress
Treat yourself to the ultimate Victoria tradition: a proper afternoon tea in the historic, ivy-draped Fairmont Empress overlooking the gorgeous Inner Harbour.
📍 Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Tip · Empress tea sells out fast, so book your spot way in advance. If it is full, there are plenty of other charming local tearooms to try.
- 66:00 PMActivity
Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road
Walk off those scones with a stroll through beautiful Beacon Hill Park to the Dallas Road waterfront path, where the Olympic Mountains frame the horizon.
📍 Beacon Hill Park, Victoria
- 7Stay
Overnight near the Inner Harbour
Find a spot to stay near the Inner Harbour. Victoria's downtown is so incredibly compact and walkable that you won't need a car to get around.
Day 2
Stunning quarry gardens and boutique shopping- 89:00 AMSight
Butchart Gardens
Spend the morning at this legendary garden estate built in an old quarry. The Sunken, Rose, and Japanese Gardens are absolute showstoppers.
📍 Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay
Tip · No car? Just catch Bus 75 from downtown (about 50 minutes). If you visit on a summer Saturday, stay late for the epic evening fireworks show.
- 91:30 PMFood
Lunch and Government Street
Head back downtown for lunch near Government Street, then explore local boutiques and the summer artisan stalls in Bastion Square on your way to Chinatown.
📍 Government Street, Victoria
- 103:30 PMActivity
Harbour ferry or whale watching
Hop a cute little harbour ferry for one last look at the city skyline, or head out on a pre-booked, 3.5-hour whale-watching adventure from Fisherman's Wharf.
📍 Victoria Inner Harbour
Tip · Outfitters like Eagle Wing Tours set sail right from Fisherman's Wharf. Summer is peak season if you want to spot resident orcas!
- 116:00 PMDrive
Ferry home
Catch the evening Clipper back to Pier 69, or hop the Coho to Port Angeles and drive home. Just keep your passport handy for US customs on the return journey.
Where to eat
The legendary Fairmont Empress afternoon tea is pure Victoria magic. Definitely book your table well in advance.
Charming dockside food stands nestled right among the floating homes, where cute harbour seals swim right under the docks.
This historic, bustling main street hides fantastic local spots and sweet shops tucked between the classic souvenir stands.
When to go
Victoria gets an early start on spring! It is the perfect time to see the gardens blooming without the big summer crowds.
The best of summer! You will find extra ferry sailings, prime whale-watching tours, and spectacular Saturday night fireworks at Butchart.
The gardens light up for the holidays, transforming into a sparkling winter wonderland of festive displays.
Good to know
- Passports are an absolute must both ways. Make sure you build plenty of customs buffer time into your ferry connections!
- The Clipper is strictly walk-on. Since downtown Victoria is super compact, you really won't miss having a car at all.
- Road-tripping? Be sure to reserve your Coho ferry space early, since car spots sell out fast on summer weekends.
- Keep in mind that prices are in Canadian dollars, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted just about everywhere.
