Victoria, BC
Where Tea Parties, Whales, and Forest Trails Collide in the Most Canadian Way Possible
Victoria, BC – Canada’s Chill Garden Queen
Victoria (a.k.a. The Garden City, The Land of Endless Flowers, or “Thank God It’s Not
Houston in July”) is one of those places that just gets you. Tucked at the southern tip of
Vancouver Island, it’s where Mother Nature, British architecture, and a butterfly or two got
together and said, “Let’s make magic.”
You have ocean views, forests, castles, and fish & chips that might ruin you for all other fish
& chips. And yes, Monica and I have visited so many times we’ve started ranking gardens
like they’re Oscar nominees. Trust us—this city has serious repeat-vacation energy.
We’ve packed this little write-up with some of our favorite spots and snapshots (though
honestly, no photo can fully capture that clean, salty air or the omg-I-could-live-here vibes).
Natural Beauty That Doesn’t Quit
- Coastal views? ✔️
- Forests that smell like piney heaven? ✔️
- Beaches you can actually enjoy without sweating through your clothes? Double ✔️
- Trails from quick strolls (Inner Harbor, 3 miles) to “I forgot how long 36 miles is” (Galloping Goose Trail).
- Hot tip: John Dean Park trail is our all-time fave—it’s near Butchart Gardens and the airport, so hike it before your flight and fly home smug.
A Weather Unicorn
They call it the warmest city in Canada, which isn’t a high bar—but Victoria clears it
gracefully. Winters are gentle, summers are glorious, and your Houstonian sweat glands will
thank you.
Gardens Galore (No, Seriously, So Many Gardens)
If you don’t like gardens, look away now.
- Butchart Gardens – This place is garden royalty. Five different themed gardens, seasonal floral costume changes, and paths so pretty it makes you consider buying a sunhat.
- Victoria Butterfly Garden – Ten minutes from Butchart. Think rainforest with wings: butterflies, frogs, iguanas, and a flamingo who’s probably judging your outfit.
- The Gardens at HCP – Nine acres of “how is this all real?” Complete with rhododendrons, birdwatching, and Zen garden vibes.
- Abkhazi Garden – Small but mighty. Started by actual royalty (Prince + Princess = romance), this one's big on charm and afternoon tea that’s chef’s kiss.
- Government House Gardens – Fancy flowers for a fancy residence. Come for the oaks, stay for the photo ops.
- Hatley Castle Gardens – A personal fav. Castles, trails, old-growth forests, and a solid chance you’ll pretend you’re in a Jane Austen novel.
Old-World Vibes, Canadian Edition
Think “Little London,” but with more whales and fewer umbrellas. Victoria’s downtown is
walkable, safe, and filled with Victorian buildings decked out in hanging flower baskets.
- Marvel at the Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle, and BC Parliament.
- Meander the Inner Harbor, soak in the music, and breathe in that cool Pacific air. Then smugly text your friends back in Houston.
Food, Glorious Food
- Fish & Chips that slap – Find ‘em downtown, in Irish pubs, at Red Fish Blue Fish, Finn’s, or Fishhook.
- Fisherman’s Wharf – Floating homes + waterfront eats + a ride back on the ferry = A+ afternoon.
- Teatime Royalty – Try the Empress or Abkhazi Garden. Pinkies up. No shame.
Cool Stuff That’s Not a Garden
- Chinatown – Oldest in Canada. Tiny alleys, big dumplings. Don’t miss Fan Tan Alley.
- Ghost Tours – Victoria’s got hauntings. Like, a lot of hauntings. Spooky nighttime strolls are a must.
- Whale Watching – The boats keep their respectful distance, but the whales don’t care. They show off.
- Ferries & Seaplanes – Take a ferry from Vancouver or a sea plane from the harbor. Either way, the views are pure Instagram gold.
- Royal BC Museum – For your inner history nerd.
- Kayaking – Paddle through peaceful inlets like you’re in a Canada-themed screensaver.
Where to Stay
- Airbnb – Easy on the wallet, great for longer stays.
- The Empress – Classic, elegant, and dripping with history.
- The Latch Inn (in Sidney) – A hidden gem with antique charm and the kind of breakfast that makes you rethink your life. Sit on the patio at sunset with wine and you’ll get why we keep going back.
Final Word from Two People Who Won’t Shut Up About Victoria
Victoria is that rare place that checks all the boxes: breathtaking, peaceful, delicious, a little
quirky, and ridiculously welcoming.
Grab your hiking shoes, your stretchy pants (for tea AND fish & chips), and prepare to fall in
love with a city that feels like a cozy hug wrapped in ocean air and lavender.