SIGN UP TO GET A FREE COPY OF MY ULTIMATE CAMPING CHECKLIST

What to do in Victoria BC: A Vacation Planner

Are you wondering what there is to do in Victoria BC? Our handy vacation planner will help you plan and book your ideal west coast adventure. Whether your entire vacation is in Victoria, or we’re just one stop on your itinerary, we’ve got a mountain of information organized by month, to help you make the best decisions for you and your travelling companions.

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

Each of these vacation planner pages answer questions like:

what’s the weather going to be like?
what to pack and what to wear while you are here?
what’s happening in Victoria in each month, including holidays and celebrations?
what are some things to do in Victoria BC?
what local food is in season?

January

If you’re lucky enough to be in Victoria in January, then you’ll want to get yourself to Goldstream Provincial Park to experience the Eagle Extravaganza. Following the annual salmon run where approximately 30,000 salmon return to the stream, hundreds of eagles return to the park to feast on the remains. If seeing bald eagles in the natural habitat is on your bucket list, January in Victoria is the time to cross that one off. Read more.

Morning mist at Goldstream Provincial Park

February

Many of our local businesses cater to romance in February with specials geared to couples. Tour our beautiful city in a horse-drawn carriage (with a cozy blanket of course!), experience or an oceanfront spa and mineral bath or create your own aromatherapy products at a blending bar. Victoria is a place for lovers and February is an ideal month to be here. Find the best deals on your favourite activities. Read more.

Things to do in Victoria BC in Spring

March

Known as the Garden City, we love our flowers. Visit Victoria in March and join the fun counting blooms and recording your count on the official Victoria flower count tracker. Read more.

April

In early April, Victoria welcomes the first of hundreds of cruise ships that will arrive in port with an estimated 770,000 passengers over the seven-month season that ends in late fall each year. Read more about Victoria in April.

Cruise ships heading to Port of Victoria BC

May

We celebrate our namesake Queen’s birthday every year with one of the largest parades in the Pacific Northwest. Join over 100,000 people who line the streets of Victoria to watch Canadian and American marching bands, community and commercial floats and numerous cultural performances. May is marvelous! Read more.

Things to do in Victoria BC in the Summer

June

Even though we’ve been experiencing beautiful blooms for months, June is the time the City of Victoria adorns its lamp posts with over 1,600 hanging flower baskets. The entire city explodes with bright and beautiful summer colour. Read more.

Hanging basket of flowers at Inner Harbour in Victoria BC

July

Oh Canada! We burst with pride celebrating Canada Day on July 1st and the festive atmosphere continues all month (all summer!) with numerous cultural events and activities filling every weekend. Visit in July and you’ll experience an endless variety of things to do. Compare prices of your favourite activities. Read more.

August

The summer long list of festivals and events continues through August including the conclusion of the world-renowned Symphony in the Summer festival. Formerly known as Symphony Splash which was a one-day event, the new festival is a 10-day festival that stretches from the last week of July until BC Day (first Monday of August).

The days are long and warm and the food is fresh and local – you won’t be disappointed with a lack of things to do in Victoria BC in August. Read more.

Things to do in Victoria BC in Fall

September

Enjoy all the beauty of the region with a few less people. In September we mark the beginning of another school year and hold our annual fall fair. Foliage colour is starting to change and we welcome the cooler days. But we’re not ready to hibernate! Locals and visitors alike continue to enjoy the trails and paths and parks. Rent a bike or get your walking shoes on and come join us! Read more.

October

October is an awesome time for live sports in the region with lacrosse, hockey, football, rugby and soccer to name a few. It’s also the beginning of the annual salmon run where approximately 30,000 salmon return to the stream at Goldstream Provincial Park to spawn and die. It’s a natural phenomenon not to be missed if you’re in the region. Read more.

November

You may have been too early for the salmon run if you visit in October, or too late if you wait until December but you won’t miss it if you visit in November!

Because our climate remains so temperate, people visiting the region can still find other outdoor activities to enjoy but admittedly, most of the events taking place at this time of year move indoors. If finding authentic west coast arts and crafts is on your list, you won’t be disappointed with the numerous shows, exhibits and sales taking place in the region. Read more.

December

If you’re visiting Victoria in December, you’ll experience a city bursting with festive decorations and holiday events. A favourite activity for locals and visitors alike is a trip to Butchart Gardens to enjoy the Magic of Christmas display. Butchart Gardens is open year-round and no matter which month you visit, it is worth the trip. Read more.