Best Things to Do in Victoria: The Ultimate Wellness Getaway

Things to Do in Victoria: Tours and Activities

There are so many fun things to do in Victoria, BC that also happen to be eco-friendly and sustainable. As Victoria is such a sustainable destination, it's woven into the fabric of many activities.

You might not even realize that the tour or activity is eco-friendly or sustainable. But, you can feel good knowing that everything here falls into that category.

Off the Eaten Track Tours (Vegan Tour)

As someone who follows a vegan diet, I'm often excluded from food tours. Most food tours are not designed with vegans in mind. Sometimes there are modified samples that aren't true to what the restaurant usually serves, and sometimes I'm left out entirely.

Thankfully, Off the Eaten Track Tours has food tours that are designed for vegans! And even if you aren't taking a fully vegan tour, they'll ensure that there are plant-based dishes at every stop along the way.

Off the Eaten Track Tours began its operations in 2012, and it's the oldest and largest food tour company in Victoria. They partner with 40 local establishments and showcase the best food in the city.

On our vegan tour with Off the Eaten Track Tours, we stopped at six different establishments, sampling delicious vegan dishes on the way. We tried Mexican food, Asian dumplings, local craft beer, Indian food, pub grub, and a sampling from a longstanding vegetarian restaurant in Victoria.

At the same time, our tour guide, Erik, incorporated history and culture with stops in Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley and Market Square in between the restaurant stops. History, food and culture can be very intertwined. We also learned about the stories of the individual restaurants and what makes them special to the community.

Off the Eaten Track Tours is great at accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies. Be sure to mention these before you book your tour, and they'll try their best to make modifications as needed. Their vegan tour is suitable for most allergies, including a gluten-free diet.

Soap Making Class

Here's an activity that I've wanted to try for a while and finally had the opportunity in Victoria: making my own soap! Wychbury Ave Soap & Gifts offers a beginner's soap making class, no experience required.

Wychbury Ave creates vegan and palm-oil free bath and body products. They also put environmental and social justice at the forefront of what they do. Wychbury Ave donates a portion of their proceeds to Canadian organizations that support women in need.

This small business also uses fair trade and ethically sourced ingredients, as well as plastic free and reusable packaging. You can purchase their products at their downtown shop or from 12 other retailers on Vancouver Island.

With that said, I was eager to try my hand at soap making. They have a fabulous studio in the back of the store. The materials were all set out for us, and we had a helpful and encouraging instructor who guided us through every step of the way.

While the entire experience was really enjoyable, the fun part was choosing the scent and colours for our bars of soap. I got to smell every scent they had available (they have many!). It was a tough decision, but I finally settled on satsuma (a bright orange fragrance).

Keeping with the summery/tropical theme of my soap, I chose pink and orange with flecks of orange peel on top. It's fun to swirl the colours together!

After a few days, we went back to pick up our masterpieces. We cut the big slab of soap into bars. I came away with 10 bars of soap to share with friends and family. Ultimately, you'll need to let the soap rest for about 4 weeks before using it.

I loved how it turned out and it makes me want to make soap on a regular basis at home now (new hobby alert!). This is one of the best things to do in Victoria, BC that you need to try.

Volunteering at FED Urban Farm

It's wonderful to be able to give back to the places we visit. Why not spend the afternoon volunteering at FED Urban Farm?

FED is a registered charity that aims to increase food security in Greater Victoria. They create innovative and sustainable urban food system projects to connect communities with locally grown produce.

FED Urban Farm is located at the foot of the Bay Street Bridge. They transformed this underused plot of land into a thriving urban farm. They grow spray-free produce in containers.

FED also demonstrates how this can be replicated on rooftop gardens across the city. Imagine having a restaurant where the chef gathers freshly picked ingredients just steps from the restaurant itself?

FED Urban Farm has a farmers market every Thursday, and they also host a CSA program for those living in Victoria. They're also always looking for volunteers!

We spent the afternoon helping FED prepare for their growing season. We pulled some beets from containers that can be consumed, and cleaned up other containers so new seeds/seedlings can be planted.

Just having a few more helping hands can make all the difference! So, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty one day, I recommend volunteering at FED Urban Farm. I'd also love to return for their farmers market in the future.

Seaweed Workshop

Did you know that the Salish Sea is home to many varieties of seaweed? We joined marine biologist, Amanda Swinimer of Dakini Tidal Wilds for an enlightening seaweed tour down by the waterfront at Dallas Road.

Amanda started by sharing how to harvest seaweed sustainably. It's important to prune the seaweed properly to ensure it grows back.

We learned about the various kinds of seaweed and kelp. Amanda brought samples of what the seaweed/kelp looks like after it's harvested. Then, she brought small containers of dried seaweed so we could taste each one.

It's amazing how every type of seaweed or kelp tastes differently from one another. By contrast, Amanda also showed us some seaweeds that are toxic or harmful for human consumption.

At the end of the workshop, Amanda brought some of her dried wild-harvested seaweeds for purchase. I can't wait to try the winged kelp that I purchased!

Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour

Another amazing way to admire the waters surrounding Victoria is to do so by paddling. South Island SUP operates guided standup paddleboarding tours where you can gently glide along the coastlines while soaking up the scenery.

South Island SUP runs tours all year long and they'll equip you with drysuits, wetsuits, boots and gloves, depending on the weather and the season.

While the views are breathtaking enough, there's also the chance that you might be able to spot local wildlife, like seals, otters and eagles. Be on the lookout!

Wellness and Spa Experiences in Victoria, BC

I had the opportunity to try a few different wellness and spa activities in Victoria. If you decide to stay at The Parkside Hotel & Spa like I did, you can also book a spa appointment to try one of their treatments.

Aerth Saunas

You need to indulge in this wellness experience in Victoria. Aerth Saunas is a sauna village in the middle of downtown Victoria. It's located between two historic buildings in a once unused alleyway.

This space was repurposed and now allows you to rest, relax and unwind in a peaceful environment. There are several sauna pods, some of which are completely silent and others allow a quiet chat.

There's also a cold plunge pool and relaxation spaces by the fire pit. With greenery and a minimal Scandinavian-inspired design, you'll quickly forget that this is in the heart of the city. Drop-in passes and memberships are available.

Lymphatic Drainage Class

Have you heard of facial reflexology and lymphatic drainage? Another intriguing way to have a wellness day in Victoria is to book a workshop session with Ali Kay. She is a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist, Reiki Master, and Skincare Specialist.

In this workshop, we learned techniques on how to stimulate lymphatic flow, which supports the body's natural ability to calm the nervous system and cleanse toxins.

I really enjoyed learning practices that I can use in my daily life at home, too.

Floating Sound Meditation Experience

Here's one of the most unique things to do in Victoria, and it takes place right at the hotel where I stayed, The Parkside Hotel & Spa. Drift is a floating sound meditation that happens in the hotel's pool. I attended an early morning session.

Led by Pilar Munoz, this 75-minute sound bath is a soothing and tranquil way to start the day. We floated on large air mattresses as Pilar filled the air with the sounds of chimes, singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments.

The gentle combination of sounds ebbed and flowed throughout the space. It's such a relaxing and immersive journey where you can let your mind wander and truly let go. It allowed me to intentionally start my day right without any stress.

Things to Do in Victoria: Parks and Gardens

Taking a stroll around the world famous Butchart Gardens is one of the best things to do in Victoria. However, did you know that there's another public park in the heart of Victoria that's a must visit spot, too?

The Butchart Gardens

When I visited Victoria, The Butchart Gardens was at the top of my list. This is a world famous garden located just outside of Victoria in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia.

Created in 1904, The Gardens are designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. They span 55 acres in total across several gardens that feature different blooms throughout the seasons. I visited in the springtime where over 300,000 bulbs bloom in a rainbow of colours.

The most famous garden is the Sunken Garden, a carefully sculpted and curated collection of greenery and blossoms in an old limestone quarry. Another one of my favourite spaces is the Japanese Garden. Walk through the Torii gate to discover flowing streams, swaying Japanese maples and lush landscapes.

Don't miss the Rose Garden in the summertime and both the Italian Garden and Mediterranean Garden will surely leave you in awe. I'd love to return to The Butchart Gardens in the summer and the fall to witness the gardens in the changing seasons.

Beacon Hill Park

Before I visited Victoria, I had no idea that Beacon Hill Park existed. To call this park a "hidden gem" wouldn't really work because I'm sure it's a beloved public space to everyone who calls Victoria home.

A trip to Beacon Hill Park belongs on any Victoria itinerary or travel guide. It's a vast public park that's free to visit. Spanning 200 acres, there are intertwining pathways, turtle-filled ponds, manicured flower beds, wooded areas and a trail that follows the waterfront.

I admired numerous birds and peacocks that gently grazed the grassy lawns. There are intriguing sculptures throughout the park, like The Moss Lady and the Giant Watering Can.

Don't miss the Beacon Hill Totem Pole. When I gazed up towards the top of it, a bald eagle had rested at the top of it. It's easy to spend at least a couple of hours here as it's one of the best places to visit in Victoria.

Best Things to Do in Victoria: Local Bookshops Crawl

There's plenty of great shopping in downtown Victoria, featuring handmade gifts, paper and stationary, a one-of-a-kind puzzle store, and so much more.

I'm going to put a special focus on bookstores in Victoria because there are three amazing ones that are wonderful and unique in their own way. Between all three of these stores, you'll find just about any kind of book your heart desires.

Munro's Books

Since 1963, Munro's Books has been a local favourite for book lovers. Located inside a historic bank building, Munro's Books is an architectural marvel and one of the prettiest bookstores in Canada.

The stunning stained glass windows and artwork splashed across the walls creates a backdrop worthy of discovering literary masterpieces. There's something for every taste here: fiction, non-fiction, children's books, local history and culture, and so much more.

I also really loved the wide selection of gifts, puzzles, stationary, journals and more. This is such a fun bookstore to browse, and trust me, you could easily spend hours here.

Bastion Books

Bastion Books is a secondhand bookshop in historic Bastion Square. This bookstore invites you to browse at your own pace and stay a while.

There are cozy chairs positioned around the store that welcome you to get comfortable as you discover your next great read. There's also a nook with children's books.

Whether it's a vintage novel or a used book on the topic of your choosing, I'm sure you'll be surprised by all the great finds at Bastion Books.

Russell Books

Last but not least, Russell Books is Canada's largest independent bookstore with over 1 million books across two floors. There are new books, used books, and both vintage and rare titles.

Open since 1961 (in Montreal, and open since 1991 in Victoria), this family owned and operated bookshop is now in its third generation of owners. They are passionate about literacy and supporting authors, regularly hosting events and author readings.

They also take pride in fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. With so many books to browse, set aside plenty of time to fully experience Russell Books.

Afternoon Tea in Victoria, BC

What would a trip to Victoria be without taking part in an afternoon tea service? I had the chance to sample two different afternoon teas in Victoria, though there are even more traditional afternoon tea experiences beyond these two.

You can find a full listing at the Tourism Victoria website. I suggest going to afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress or the Pendray Tea House.

Vegan Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress is an institution in Victoria. Serving up fragrant cups of tea and bite-sized treats since 1908, Tea at the Empress has delighted celebrities, dignitaries, and even royalty.

The opulent Lobby Lounge is a sophisticated environment for England's beloved ritual. There's a vast menu of tea for every taste, curated specifically for the Fairmont Empress by the Metropolitan Tea Company.

It's also possible to request a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free menu. This was one of the most elaborate vegan afternoon tea services I've ever had the pleasure of trying. There were a variety of little sandwiches, vegan scones with strawberry jam, and an assortment of little sweet treats.

The service was top notch, too. My server checked to make sure everything was going well on multiple occasions. She also offered to take photos for me, which was such a nice touch!

Afternoon Tea at Pendray Tea House

One afternoon tea is simply not enough when you're visiting Victoria. Another fine choice is afternoon tea at the Pendray Tea House, a Victorian manor that dates back to 1896.

This historic inn feels like you're stepping back in time. Choose from a traditional afternoon tea, vegan afternoon tea or other seasonal menus. There's also a children's tea.

The vegan afternoon tea comes with your choice of tea, housemade pastries, savoury treats and little sandwiches.

Things to Do in Victoria: Plant-Based Dining

One of my favourite things to do in Victoria is sample all of the delicious vegan food. Victoria has so many wonderful vegan and vegetarian eateries.

I also love that plant-forward dining and vegan-friendly options are plentiful around the city. As I mentioned above, both the Fairmont Empress and Pendray Tea House offer a vegan afternoon tea.

Choosing a vegan meal over a non-vegan one is more sustainable for the environment. These dishes are tasty and kind to animals at the same time.

These restaurants make it easy to choose a delectable plant-based meal. I'm going to write a more thorough guide to vegan dining in Victoria, but here's a brief overview of some vegan-friendly places in town in the meantime.

Cafe Malabar

Cafe Malabar serves authentic cuisine from Kerala in Southern India. While they place a focus on seafood, there are numerous plant-based offerings on the menu. Everything is made completely from scratch, from the condiments to the bread, and you can tell that it's made with love.

Nourish Kitchen and Cafe

Nourish Kitchen and Cafe is a vegetable forward, farm to table restaurant that works closely with local farmers and producers. I dined here for breakfast and loved sampling the smoked tofu sandwich, cashew cheese plate and coffee.

Be Love

Be Love is a vegan restaurant in Victoria that mindfully sources its ingredients according to what's local and in season. They keep the health and sustainability of people and the planet at the forefront. I tried their popular mac and cheese bowl, which did not disappoint.

The Bengal at Fairmont Empress

The Bengal at the Fairmont Empress offers breakfast in a truly impressive space. This heritage space has been revitalized while retaining its original wooden beams and punkah fans. This breakfast is an elevated experience, though it's also warm and inviting. I enjoyed the avocado toast, especially as it came topped with chili crisp.

Kinu Bar and Restaurant

Kinu Bar and Restaurant is a modern establishment featuring Indian tapas and hand crafted cocktails. It's a unique dining experience that combines Indian dishes with globally inspired flavors. For instance, I tried the pakora gnocchi, which was such a delicious concept.

LURE Restaurant & Bar

LURE Restaurant & Bar features magnificent waterfront dining with some of the best views of Victoria's harbour. The menus are inspired by the fresh flavours of Vancouver Island. The watermelon tartare as a starter was a showstopper.

Tractor

Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods is a healthy restaurant with nutritious bowls, salads and soups. It's a convenient option where you can build your own bowl or salad, adding the vegetables, proteins, and dressings of your choice.

Where to Stay in Victoria, BC

I spent four nights at The Parkside Hotel & Spa in downtown Victoria. This is a Canadian owned and operated hotel that focuses on sustainability and wellness. The hotel is carbon neutral, Biosphere certified, and they have numerous sustainability certifications.

The location is just perfect. I found it easy to walk everywhere from the hotel, whether it was Beacon Hill Park, the harbour, or the downtown shops and restaurants.

The hotel rooms are one or two bedroom suites with private balconies. The rooms are very spacious and come with full kitchenettes, luxury bath products, fireplaces, Dyson tower fans, Bluetooth speakers and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Their Go Green Rate is available when you opt out of daily housekeeping. Not only will you save 12% off their best available rates, but you'll also help with marine restoration efforts. In partnership with Veritree, they'll plant 10 kelp to restore the kelp forest in the Sechelt First Nations territory.

I mentioned the floating sound bath experience at the hotel's pool earlier in this blog post. The Parkside Hotel & Spa also hosts special marshmallow toasting experiences on their rooftop (they'll source vegan marshmallows on request!).

Another perk that I love are the complimentary bicycle rentals at the hotel. I didn't get to take advantage of it, but I'd love to return to venture around Victoria by bike. Victoria has bike paths all over the city, and it's such a fantastic way to get around town.

Book your stay at The Parkside Hotel & Spa.

More Hotels in Victoria

Looking for other hotel options? Use the handy map below to compare accommodations. Enter your travel dates for more accurate details. Click on each property learn more and book your stay.

Getting There

Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, so you will need to travel there by ferry or by plane. On the way to Victoria, I flew from Toronto to Victoria International Airport.

When I departed Victoria, I traveled back to Vancouver (Richmond) to the Vancouver International Airport. For this flight, I took a slightly more scenic journey with Harbour Air Seaplanes.

I flew from the Victoria Harbour Airport (right in the middle of town!) by seaplane to Vancouver. This small plane takes off from the water for a super unique experience. There aren't many seats and you can enjoy the most epic views.

Here's where you can book any flights to/from Victoria at the best prices.

If you can swing the extra cost, the Harbour Air flight is totally worth it because it's an amazing experience.

Taking the ferry is less expensive. It will take you a bit longer to get from point A to point B, but it is a reliable option. Ferries run regularly between Vancouver and Victoria. You can book your journey on the BC Ferries website.

More Things to Do in Victoria

Looking for even more things to do in Victoria and the surrounding area? Here's what's on my list for next time:

• Malahat Skywalk
• Monkey C Interactive's Artcade
• Whale watching tour
• Cycling around Victoria

More Blog Posts About BC

Here are some more ideas for your British Columbia getaway:

• Day trip to Whistler from Vancouver in the Winter
• Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey from Vancouver to Banff
• Vegan Guide to the Rocky Mountaineer