Tucked on the southern end of Vancouver Island is the quaint and charming city of Victoria. Don’t be fooled by its little harbour taxis and narrow cobblestone streets, Victoria has a worldly presence and is British Columbia’s capital city! Named after Queen Victoria herself, you’ll fall in love with this small city’s old English charm and nautical beauty as soon as you land in the Inner Harbour. Just a 35-minute flight from downtown Vancouver or 30 minutes from our Richmond (YVR South) Terminal; escaping to Victoria for just the day – or longer – couldn’t be easier! Need some travel inspiration? We’re here to help!
Looking for the ultimate day-trip activities? Relax and leave the planning to us. With our Spend the Day in Victoria Tour package you can choose between a relaxing and leisurely trip to the iconic Butchart Gardens or an exciting whale watching excursion with Orca Spirit Adventures! With quick and convenient round-trip airfare you can make the most of your day-trip in Victoria!
The Butchart Gardens is home to over 30,000 bulbs blooming in an array of vibrant colours during the spring and summer months and is a perfect day-trip for kids of all ages. Stroll down the smooth stroller-friendly pathways that wind through the 55-acre property located 23 km north of the city center. Or, want to spend the day at sea? Whale Watching Adventures begin right beside our Victoria Terminal with Orca Spirit Adventures! With daily excursions you will never miss a whale’s tail! Perfect for the entire family! Keep on the lookout because whales aren’t the only wildlife you might see! Watch for seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and maybe even a Harbour Air Single Otter!
Click to book our Spend the Day Tour!
Adorned with floral blooms and colonial architecture, BC’s provincial capital is a wanderer’s paradise. Go at your own pace and explore the streets of the quaint downtown core. Take advantage of the diverse historical, architectural, and multicultural makeup that come from being the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest! Our terminal is conveniently located right in Victoria’s Inner Harbour making it an easy transition from seaplane dock to downtown city adventures! Choose your own adventure with our Experience Victoria Tour! We’ve got your flights – you do the rest! Need some help? We’ve made some suggestions below!
Click to book our Experience Victoria Tour!
A big day of small town adventures always begins with coffee. Throughout the small city, you will find no shortage of locations to satisfy your craving for anything from a triple-shot no foam soy latte to a classic cup of joe. Our personal favourite is located in the heart of Fernwood and is appropriately named – Fernwood Coffee Company. The freshly roasted coffee aroma, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and locally sourced baked goods is a reason why it’s a local favourite! (A java so good we serve it at our Victoria terminal!) Swing by their shop for a java to go, or stay! Leave a bit of room in your carry-on for a bag of specialty in-house roasted beans!
Discover some of our other favourite spots to Stop & Sip in the Capital!
Whether it’s your most coveted weekly tradition with your best pals or merely something that gets you through the day after a few too many from the night before; brunch is a sacred and cherished ritual that has been pursued by many for years! And, no one takes brunch as serious as Victorians. From the fluffy pulled-pork pancakes at Jam Café, “The Mahoney” from Floyd’s Diner (When you know…you know), and the twelve different types of eggs benny (yes, TWELVE) at The Blue Fox Cafe, you’re bound to find the perfect fuel to start your day!
The sun is out which means its officially patio season! Looking for a waterfront patio with epic harbour views? You won’t want to skip Victoria’s only floating pub, The Flying Otter Grill. Enjoy the afternoon sun on the south-facing patio while sipping on one of their classic cocktails, lagers, or house wines. Just steps away from the Harbour Air dock, go from seaplane flight to a happy hour pint in just a few steps! A few of our other local favourites include: Red Fish Blue Fish, The Canoe Club, Ferris Oyster Bar, The Q at the Empress, and cocktails at Little Jumbo!
There’s no better way to experience this charming heritage city than on two wheels. Go green and self-propel yourself through the cobblestone avenues of the downtown core or venture out to the paved streets of Dallas Road to take in the seaside views. Experience the fresh breeze from the Pacific Ocean and cycle to the beat of the live music played by buskers throughout the city.
Experience Victoria at your own pace and shop and bop your way through town – explore Victoria’s iconic shopping district such as Lower Johnson Street (aka LoJo) lined with small boutique store fronts and discover locally handcrafted and brand-named goods. Treat yo-self and enjoy a tasty treat along the way at Perverted Ice Cream – it’s Ice Cream, but with a Twist! On the hunt for a souvenir? Check out Chinatown Trading Co for a perfectly unique gift to take home! Discover the secret hidden gems that make up the charming town!
Completing your day of adventures with another glorious flight between Victoria and Vancouver Harbour is the perfect way to cap off a day well spent in BC’s capital city. Don’t forget! Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your flight! So please, plan your day accordingly. Lucky enough to call Victoria home? Experience it like never before with a spectacular scenic aerial tour! – A perfect staycation activity or date night idea!
Click to book a stunning scenic tour of Victoria!
Private Tours are available by request.
Photos by: Tourism Victoria, Vancity Wild, Orca Spirit Adventures, Fernwood Coffee Company, Jam Cafe, The Flying Otter Grill, Field & Forest & Matthew Massa
By: Alannah Kennedy