Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, rich history and culture, and thriving food and drink scene. But even if you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy all that Victoria has to offer.
In this blog post, we’ll share 8 cheap or budget travel ideas for Victoria. From hiking and biking through nearby trails to visiting local museums and markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re planning a trip to Victoria and want to save money, keep reading for some great ideas.
Here are 8 budget travel ideas for Victoria:
- Take a walk along the Inner Harbour, which features a number of restaurants, shops, and public art installations.
- Check out the Victoria Public Market, which offers a wide variety of local food, crafts, and other products.
- Visit the Craigdarroch Castle, a historic mansion that offers tours and exhibits on Victoria’s history and culture.
- Explore Victoria’s natural beauty by hiking or biking through nearby trails, such as the Galloping Goose Regional Trail or the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.
- Take a tour of the Victoria Bug Zoo, which features a variety of live insects and arachnids.
- Visit the Royal BC Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits on the history, culture, and natural history of British Columbia.
- Visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, a tropical garden that is home to a variety of butterflies and other insects.
- Explore the nearby Butchart Gardens, a world-famous botanical garden that features a variety of beautiful plants and flowers.
1. Take a walk along the Inner Harbour
The Inner Harbour is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria, Canada. Located in the heart of the city, the Inner Harbour is home to a number of restaurants, shops, and public art installations, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.
One of the main attractions of the Inner Harbour is the beautiful scenery. The harbor is surrounded by a number of parks and public spaces, offering plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the views. There are also a number of walking and cycling trails that wind their way along the water’s edge, providing even more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
In addition to the natural beauty of the Inner Harbour, there are also a number of cultural and entertainment options to enjoy. The harbor is home to a number of art galleries, museums, and performance spaces, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. There are also a number of boutiques and shops selling local crafts, gifts, and souvenirs.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a tasty meal, or some shopping, the Inner Harbour has something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re in Victoria, be sure to add the Inner Harbour to your list of must-see destinations.
Bonus Tip: Self-Guided Walking Tour
The Inner Harbour is the starting point for a self-guided smartphone walking tour. It is by far the best way to explore all the sights of Victoria. If you want to know more, click on the picture below:
2. Check out the Victoria Public Market
The Victoria Public Market is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Victoria. Located in the heart of the city, the market is home to a wide variety of local food, crafts, and other products, making it the perfect place to shop, eat, and explore.
One of the highlights of the Victoria Public Market is the wide variety of local food and drink on offer. The market is home to a number of food stalls, offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to artisanal cheeses and locally-raised meats. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants serving up a variety of dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
In addition to the food, the Victoria Public Market is also home to a number of crafts and other products made by local artisans. You’ll find a wide variety of handmade jewelry, clothing, and home decor items, as well as locally-made crafts and gifts. There are also a number of stalls selling locally-grown plants and flowers, making it the perfect place to pick up a gift for a green-thumbed friend.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal, a unique gift, or just a chance to explore and discover something new, the Victoria Public Market has something for everyone. So if you’re in Victoria, be sure to add the market to your list of must-see destinations.
3. Visit the Craigdarroch Castle
The Craigdarroch Castle is a historic mansion located in Victoria. Built in the late 19th century, the castle is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture, with ornate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and elaborate plaster ceilings.
The castle is open to the public for tours, which allow visitors to explore the castle’s many rooms and learn about its history. The castle was built by Robert Dunsmuir, a wealthy coal baron, and was originally intended as a family home. Today, the castle is home to a variety of exhibits on Victoria’s history and culture, including displays on the city’s early history, the lives of its founding families, and the evolution of Victorian-era architecture.
In addition to the tours and exhibits, the Craigdarroch Castle also offers a number of special events throughout the year. These can include concerts, lectures, and other cultural events, as well as special exhibits on a variety of topics.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the Craigdarroch Castle is a great destination. So if you’re in Victoria, be sure to add the castle to your list of must-see attractions.
4. Explore Victoria’s natural beauty
Victoria is home to a number of beautiful natural areas that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. One of the most popular trails in the area is the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which stretches for over 50 miles and is suitable for all skill levels. The trail is named after a type of railcar that once operated in the region, and it passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, such as birds, deer, and even beavers.
Another great option for hikers and bikers is the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, which is located about a half hour west of Victoria. The park is known for its series of deep, rock pools that were created by glacial activity. You can take a leisurely stroll along the park’s trails, or challenge yourself with a more strenuous hike to one of the park’s scenic viewpoints. There are also a number of swimming holes in the park, so be sure to bring your swimsuit on a hot day.
Both the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park offer a chance to escape the city and experience Victoria’s beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, these trails have something for everyone to enjoy.
5. Take a tour of the Victoria Bug Zoo
As the name suggests, the zoo is home to a variety of live insects and arachnids, including beetles, butterflies, and spiders.
The Victoria Bug Zoo is designed to be an interactive and hands-on experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. The zoo has a number of exhibits featuring different species of insects and arachnids, including some that are rare or endangered. Many of the exhibits also feature hands-on elements, such as touch tanks or interactive displays, which allow visitors to learn more about the animals and their behaviors.
In addition to the exhibits, the Victoria Bug Zoo also offers a number of educational programs and events. These can include guided tours, lectures, and workshops on topics such as entomology and arachnology. The zoo also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as family days or insect-themed festivals.
Whether you’re an insect enthusiast or just looking for a unique and educational outing, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a great destination. So if you’re in Victoria, be sure to add the zoo to your list of must-see attractions.
6. Visit the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is home to a variety of exhibits on the history, culture, and natural history of British Columbia.
One of the highlights of the museum is the First Peoples Gallery, which explores the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of British Columbia. The gallery features a variety of exhibits on the daily life, traditions, and art of these communities, as well as their relationships with the land.
Another popular exhibit at the Royal BC Museum is the Natural History Gallery, which showcases the diverse array of plants and animals that call British Columbia home. From the forests of the coast to the mountains of the interior, this exhibit offers a chance to learn about the province’s rich and varied natural heritage.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Royal BC Museum also hosts a number of special events and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. So whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun and educational activity, the Royal BC Museum is a great choice.
7. Visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is designed to be an interactive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. The gardens feature a number of exhibits featuring different species of butterflies and other insects, including some that are rare or endangered. Many of the exhibits also feature hands-on elements, such as touch tanks or interactive displays, which allow visitors to learn more about the animals and their behaviors.
In addition to the exhibits, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens also offers a number of educational programs and events. These can include guided tours, lectures, and workshops on topics such as entomology and butterfly conservation. The gardens also host a number of special events throughout the year, such as family days or insect-themed festivals.
Whether you’re an insect enthusiast or just looking for a unique and educational outing, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a great destination. So if you’re in Victoria, be sure to add the gardens to your list of must-see attractions.
8. Explore the nearby Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is a world-famous botanical garden located in Victoria, Canada. Founded in 1904, the gardens cover over 55 acres and feature a variety of beautiful plants and flowers, as well as a number of sculptures, fountains, and other works of art.
The Butchart Gardens is divided into a number of distinct areas, each with its own unique theme and plantings. Some of the highlights include the Italian Garden, which features a formal parterre and a series of pools and fountains; the Japanese Garden, which is home to a koi pond, a teahouse, and a number of traditional Japanese plants and trees; and the Rose Garden, which is home to over 700 varieties of roses.
In addition to the gardens themselves, the Butchart Gardens also offers a number of other attractions, such as a restaurant, a gift shop, and a children’s playground. The gardens also host a number of special events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and holiday light displays.
Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to relax, the Butchart Gardens is a must-see destination. So if you’re in Victoria, be sure to add the gardens to your list of things to do.
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