1. Royal BC Museum
Want to see a life-sized Wooly Mammoth? Or how about a fully-preserved Humboldt Squid? The Royal BC Museum has it all, and then some, including an IMAX theatre and a concession stand that sells bags of popcorn. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your family. Unique galleries showcase the human and natural history of our province and temporary exhibitions explore other countries and cultures
2. Maritime Museum of BC
Located at the very heart of Victoria’s Old Town, the Maritime Museum of BC is home to a dugout canoe that once circumnavigated the world, a working antique elevator, and one floor devoted to model ships. It’s said that the building is haunted, but if you don’t encounter ghosts, there are plenty of pirate mementos to be discovered.
3. Craigdarroch Castle
If you want to find out more about opulence and luxury in Victorian England, your first stop in Victoria, BC should be Craigdarroch Castle. Built by Vancouver Island coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, Craigdarroch Castle is our floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian era furnishings, which combine to create a warm and expansive entertainment experience. It is located about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, after Fort Street’s Antique Row.
4. Fairmont Empress
Probably Victoria’s most famous landmark, the Fairmont Empress hotel lies just steps from Victoria’s Causeway and Inner Harbour. Built in 1908, the Empress hotel was designed in an Edwardian, chateau style by Francis Rattenbury. The hotel is open to the public, and features gift shops, photography displays, several restaurants, and High Tea, a favourite of visitors from Victoria.
5. CFB Esquimalt Navy and Military Museum
This little-known attraction is located in a Victorian-era building at CFB Esquimalt, the home base of Canada’s Pacific Fleet. The collection includes items dating back to the 1850s – the Royal Navy era. CFB Esquimalt Navy and Military Museum offers free parking and guided tours.
