VICTORIA, BC
DISCOVER THE BEST OF VICTORIA, BC
Things To Do in Victoria
Perfectly located in the heart of Victoria, BC, Abigail’s Hotel is the perfect gateway to experiencing the diverse range of attractions, events and things to do throughout the city.
The Royal BC Museum
One of the foremost cultural institutions in the world. Founded in 1886 the museum has collected artifacts, documents and specimens of BC's natural and human history and sharing them with the world. Located approximately 3 blocks from Abigail's Hotel, this attraction is wonderful for people and children of all ages and has a fantastic blend of interactive and informative exhibits. Estimated duration: 3 hours. Estimated admission fee: $30/person.
The Provincial Legislature
Constructed in 1893 by a 25 year old creative architect, Francis Rattenbury, in honour of celebrating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Completed in 1915, this historic and architectural masterpiece runs visitor tours daily during the summer months. Estimated duration: 30 to 60 mins. Admission is free.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful historic Victorian-era mansion, built in the 1890s by wealthy BC coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. It is now owned by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society and is almost totally funded by its 150,000 annual visitors. Estimated duration:1h. Admission fee $13.95 per adult.
Beacon Hill Park
Victoria's largest park is just three blocks south of Abigail's Hotel at the foot of Quadra Street. Wander around the beautiful flower gardens, duck ponds and wild daffodil fields. Cross Dallas Road for wonderful oceanfront walkways.
Chinatown
Old Town was built up between the 1860s and the 1890s. This is the oldest section of Victoria. It encompasses a number of popular shopping districts, including Market Square, lower Johnson Street, lower Yates Street, Chinatown and Bastion Square. Market Square is a block of particularly charming heritage shop fronts surrounding an open public square where festivals and other events are held throughout the year.
Butchart Gardens
Since 1904, the world famous Butchart Gardens is fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, offering spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. Estimated duration: 3h.
Abkhazi Garden
The Abkhazi Garden is an exquisite heritage home and garden. Prince and Princess Abkhazi began creating their garden in 1946. This was the year they married and settled in Victoria, after living separate lives touched by both privilege and tragedy. They immediately began to develop their one-acre property, and continued to maintain and improve the garden throughout their lives together.
Emily Carr House
The Emily Carr House, located at 207 Government Street (approximately a 15 minute walk from Abigail's) is a National and Provincial Historic Site dedicated to the art, writings and life of renowned Canadian icon, Emily Carr. Seasonally opened to visitors.
The Bay Centre
For a shopping extravaganza or a quick snack on the top floor food court. This mail covers 2 city blocks filled with 4 floors with over 90 shops and services.
Market Square
Discover some of the most original, one of a kind shopping in Victoria. Fashion, Shoes, Accessories, Home and Garden Décor, Specialty Boutiques, Restaurants and more.
Lower Johnson Street
If you're looking for some retail therapy, Johnson St has some of the best boutique shops in the city! You can find everything from handmade soap and eco-friendly products, vintage to high end clothing stores, Mountain Equipment Coop, LuLu Lemon, Baggins shoes for the latest and best styles and candy shops.
Munro’s
Located on Government Street in the heart of old town it is one of Victoria's best and most loved bookstore.
Save On Foods Memorial Arena
A 7,000 seat arena which hosts numerous concerts, sporting events and trade shows.
Hatley Castle
Built in 1908 by former BC Premier and Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir, the Castle has been a dormitory for cadets, military college and training facility for the RCMP. It is now home to Royal Roads University and has beautiful Italian and English gardens. Estimated Duration: 1.5h. Admission fee: free.
Roger’s Chocolates
A Victoria based company, Roger's Chocolates have been producing some of the best chocolate since 1885. Located on Government Street.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Opened in 1951, the gallery possesses notable works by artists such as Emily Carr, and has Canada's most significant collection of Asian art. It is also home to the only authentic Japanese Shinto Shrine in North America. Estimated Duration 1.5h. Admission Fee $13 per adult.
Royal Theatre
Live theatre offering a variety of professional, community and amateur events including the Pacific Opera, National Ballet of Canada and many other great performers.
Mount Douglas Park
20 minutes from downtown Victoria, drive or hike to the top of this park, known for native wildflowers, and enjoy 360 degree views of Victoria, Saanich Peninsula and Sooke Hills.
Victoria Conservatory of Music
Offers a variety of performances ranging from classical to popular, early music to opera and solo performances.
Whale Watching Tours
Conveniently board a whale watching tour boat in the Harbour. There are many companies to choose from, whether you wish to take a Zodiac, covered boat or Scarab boat. Estimated duration: 3h. Estimated cost: $90-$120.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Take a tour through the streets of Victoria in a traditional and decorative carriage. Estimated duration: 30 min to 1.5h. Estimated Cost: $90-$210.
Adrena-Line Zipline Adventure Tours
Experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km.hr as you soar up to 150ft off the ground on 8 scenic ziplines ranging from 150ft to 1000ft. Estimated duration: 2h. Estimated cost $75.
Cycle BC Rentals
Cycle BC offers a wide variety of rental motorcycles, scooters and bicycles.
Cordova Bay Golf Course
Victoria boasts year round golf and is home to some of Canada's top courses. From 9 hole, par 3 courses to world class championship courses, there is something for every skill level.