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.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart
FamilySaanich
Twelve days of carols, ice rink, lights.
Cherry Blossom Count
OutdoorsCity-wide
Victoria literally counts blossoms every March.
Dallas Road
OutdoorsJames Bay
Cliffside walk with Olympic Mountain views.
Mount Douglas
OutdoorsSaanich
20-min hike to a 360° view of island and ocean.
Butchart Gardens
CultureSaanich
55 acres of bloom; Saturday fireworks in summer.
Fisherman's Wharf
Food & DrinkHarbour
Floating-house pier with fish & chips and seals.
Where to eat
Brasserie L'École
$$$French · Chinatown
Old schoolhouse, frites that ruin you for others.
Olo
$$$West Coast tasting · Chinatown
Island seafood + foraged everything.
Pagliacci's
$$Italian / live music · Downtown
Since 1979 — jazz, garlic toast, lineup.
Red Fish Blue Fish
$$Sustainable seafood · Harbour
Shipping-container takeaway, peerless fish tacos.
Live & on stage
Rifflandia
Royal Athletic Park · Sep 11–14 · Indie / Electronic
Symphony Splash
Inner Harbour · Aug 3 · Classical / Free
TD Victoria International JazzFest
Various · Jun 20–29 · Jazz
Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest
Ship Point · Jun 18–22 · Ska / Reggae
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.