Things to Do in Victoria When it’s Raining Outside

If you’re in Victoria in the summer, there’s very little chance of it raining outside. In fact, in June, July and August we receive an average of just 6mm of rain in total!

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Things are a little different in November, December and January though as that’s when we get the bulk of our precipitation. 

If you ask a local what kind of things you can do in Victoria when it is raining outside, they’ll tell you “anything!”.

Weather doesn’t stop a lot of people from doing what they want. Almost everybody in this part of the country owns a good waterproof jacket (Helly Hansen is very popular around here) and out they go!

If you don't bring a waterproof jacket with you, we’ve got several fantastic  shops that will help you out including Robinson Outdoor Store on Broad Street and MEC on Government Street. 

But if being outside in the rain isn’t your thing, and you still want to experience Victoria, we’ve got some ideas for you:

34 awesome activities even when it's raining outside

  • Enjoy an informative, free 45-minute tour of the BC Parliament Buildings. As a special treat, experience breakfast or lunch in the Legislative Dining Room (the hours of operation change based on the schedule of the Legislative Assembly).
  • Explore the history and culture of British Columbia at one of the best museums in Canada – the Royal BC Museum
  • Step back in time with a tour of Craigdarroch Castle - an historic Victorian mansion
  • Enjoy the magic of exotic butterflies at the Butterfly Gardens - get tickets here
  • Hire a driver and enjoy a fully narrated, scenic coastal tour
  • See the best of little tiny things at Miniature World
  • Learn the secrets of west coast cuisine at a cooking class
  • Find the perfect reading materials at Munro Books, located in a magnificent heritage building on Government Street. Discover why National Geographic recognized Munro's as the third best bookstore in the world! 
  • Get your mind racing and heart beating at an escape room 
  • Enjoy one of the newest crazes with axe throwing at Axe & Grind
  • Take in the movies. In fact, after you visit the Royal BC Museum, head next door to the IMAX theatre. Entrance fee is reduced if you purchase both tickets at the same time. Or enjoy a film at the historic Vic Theatre
  • Visit some of our incredible churches – Christ Church Cathedral on Burdett Ave and St. Andrews on View Street are two breathtaking options
  • Get creeped out at The Bug Zoo
  • Take a scenic tour down the Gorge Waterway on a covered, electric boat
  • Visit historic Emily Carr House
  • Enjoy the best of local libations on a winerybrewery or cidery tour
  • Take in a live performance at the Belfry Theatre, Royal Theatre or McPherson Playhouse
  • For the ultimate dinosaur lover, book a private tour of the fossil gallery at Dino Lab 
  • Appreciate local and international art at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
  • Enjoy an elegant afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress
  • Explore the history of aviation in the region at the BC Aviation Museum
  • Enjoy an immersive and interactive twist on the game of mini golf at the Haunted Manor Mini-Golf and Ping Pong Lounge
  • Tee off at over 800 golf courses around the world, from St. Andrew’s to Pebble Beach at one of the golf simulators at Golf & Grind
  • Get active and try indoor rock climbing at Crag X Climbing Centre or Boulder House
  • Relax with a spa treatment. Find spas in Victoria here. 
  • Sample local foods and shop for unique items at the Victoria Public Market
  • Jump and play on trampolines at the Flying Squirrel indoor trampoline park in Esquimalt
  • Have a friendly bowling competition at Langford Lanes 
  • Try indoor archery at Victoria Bowmen Archery Club's open drop-In archery nights at Saanich Commonwealth Centre
  • Have so much fun at the Saanich Commonwealth Centre pool. With amenities such as a huge waterslide, wave pool, large inflatables to play on, diving boards, a tot pool, hot tub and sauna there is something for everyone.
  • Participate in a Victoria distillers tour to learn about the craft of distilling spirits
  • Learn a new craft or skill by attending a workshop at The Makehouse 
  • Attend an art class at McTavish Academy of Art
  • Get an in-depth look at the objects that tell the story of the province’s rich maritime heritage and culture at The Maritime Museum of BC 
  • Experience our proud naval and military history at the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum. Note that the museum is situated within a Canadian Forces Base, at Naden in Esquimalt. You will be required to stop and present your photo identification to security at the main gate to Naden before getting permission to enter.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a rainy day to enjoy any of these entertaining activities. We hope you enjoy your stay in Victoria whether it is raining outside or not!

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