Things to do in Victoria this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Victoria this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Victoria
Inner Harbour
FamilyDowntown
Buskers, water taxis and the iconic Empress.
Butchart Gardens
CultureSaanich
55 acres of bloom; Saturday fireworks in summer.
Dallas Road
OutdoorsJames Bay
Cliffside walk with Olympic Mountain views.
Fisherman's Wharf
Food & DrinkHarbour
Floating-house pier with fish & chips and seals.
Mount Douglas
OutdoorsSaanich
20-min hike to a 360° view of island and ocean.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart
FamilySaanich
Twelve days of carols, ice rink, lights.
Cherry Blossom Count
OutdoorsCity-wide
Victoria literally counts blossoms every March.
Where to eat
Olo
$$$West Coast tasting · Chinatown
Island seafood + foraged everything.
Red Fish Blue Fish
$$Sustainable seafood · Harbour
Shipping-container takeaway, peerless fish tacos.
Pagliacci's
$$Italian / live music · Downtown
Since 1979 — jazz, garlic toast, lineup.
Brasserie L'École
$$$French · Chinatown
Old schoolhouse, frites that ruin you for others.
Live & on stage
Rifflandia
Royal Athletic Park · Sep 11–14 · Indie / Electronic
Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest
Ship Point · Jun 18–22 · Ska / Reggae
TD Victoria International JazzFest
Various · Jun 20–29 · Jazz
Symphony Splash
Inner Harbour · Aug 3 · Classical / Free
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens, Dallas Road. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.