There’s more to Victoria than its well-known sights. Beyond the Fairmont Empress and Government Street, the city reveals itself through small discoveries—independent shops, coastal viewpoints, neighbourhood cafés, and places that invite you to spend a little more time.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Victoria BC, this guide brings together a few ways to experience the city at a more considered pace—while still taking in what makes it special.
Start Downtown: Shops, Side Streets, and Fan Tan Alley
Begin in the heart of downtown Victoria, where local shops and cafés are woven into the streets just off the inner harbour.
A walk through Fan Tan Alley—one of the narrowest streets in Canada—is a natural place to start. Lined with small storefronts, it offers a more intimate shopping experience, where each stop feels distinct.
Within the alley and surrounding Chinatown streets, you’ll find:
- Restaurants and coffee and tea shops
- Canadian-made gifts
- Natural skincare and soap
- Clothing, homewares, traditional Chinatown goods, accessories, and kitchenware
Our shop, Saltspring Soapworks, is located here as well, offering handmade soap and natural body care made in Canada since 1979.
From here, continue exploring nearby streets, like Johnson Street, where independent boutiques and cafés create an easy, walkable rhythm to the morning.
Lunch by the Water in Oak Bay
For a change of pace, make your way—via Beach Drive for some of the most scenic ocean views—to Oak Bay Beach Hotel, one of the few true waterfront dining locations in the area.
Set right on the ocean, it offers expansive views and a sense of openness that contrasts with the city centre. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or a drink, it’s a memorable place to pause and take in the surroundings.
Afterwards, a walk along Oak Bay Avenue offers a continuation of the experience, with local shops, cafés, and small storefronts that invite you to explore one of the most charming neighbourhoods in the area.
Explore Beacon Hill Park
Not far from downtown, Beacon Hill Park offers a mix of open green space, winding paths, and gardens.
It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon—whether you’re walking, resting, or simply taking in the scenery. The park is also home to a small petting zoo, where goats and peacocks have become favourites for visitors.
Discover Victoria by Bike
Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada, with protected lanes and well-connected multi-use trails.
From downtown, you can access routes like the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Lochside Trail, or simply enjoy the coastline along Dallas Road—all designed for comfortable, low-stress riding.
Whether you follow the ocean or head further out of the city, cycling offers a different perspective and a simple way to explore more of the landscape.
Relax at HAVN Saunas
For something truly distinctive, spend time at HAVN Saunas, located on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbour.
Built on a repurposed 1943 marine barge, HAVN offers saunas, hot mineral tubs, and cold plunge pools set directly on the water. The experience moves between heat, cold, and rest—creating a rhythm that feels both grounding and restorative.
A Different Way to Experience Victoria
What makes Victoria memorable isn’t just what you see—it’s how you experience it.
A morning exploring small shops and side streets.
An afternoon in the park or along the water.
A meal with a view.
An evening by the harbour.
Taken together, these moments offer a more personal way to experience the city—one that feels connected, unhurried, and lasting.
If you’re visiting, we hope you’ll take the time to explore it this way.
