The best wildlife and outdoor activities in Victoria BC

Looking for the best wildlife experiences and outdoor activities in Victoria, BC? Here’s a roundup of the best things to do in Victoria in 2026 (from a nature lover who’s been four times!)  

Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a city on the edge of nature. While it’s known for its historic charm and thriving cultural scene, Victoria is also an incredible destination for outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences – on both land and water.   

As someone who travels for nature, Victoria quickly became one of my favourite weekend getaways from Vancouver. I actually went four times during the six years I lived in Vancouver so I got to know the city and surrounding landscapes well! From hiking in Mount Wok to kayaking along the Gorge waterway to seeing whales in the Salish Sea, there’s no shortage of amazing outdoor activities in Victoria, BC.  

In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite outdoor things to do in Victoria, including parks and gardens, hiking trails, and wildlife experiences you can’t miss.  

Visiting Victoria for the first time? I’ve put together a 3-day Victoria itinerary to help you see the best of the city – with a focus on nature and wildlife experiences.  

Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries for my readers. I only ever recommend service providers that I personally use and trust. Thank you for your support!   

The best wildlife experiences and outdoor activities in Victoria, BC 

Victoria sits on the Salish Sea and is surrounded by regional and provincial parks which offer easy access to nature and wildlife. Below you’ll find the best outdoor activities in Victoria, BC. I have a LOT of recommendations from my trips, so I’ve grouped them into the following categories: 

• Unforgettable wildlife experiences 
• The best hikes to do in Victoria 
• Victoria’s prettiest parks and gardens 
• Cycling and walking in Victoria 
• Fun outdoor activities in Victoria for kids 
• Other outdoor activities in Victoria 

Click on any of the above to jump straight to that section or read the full guide for the best nature experiences in and around Victoria. 

Unforgettable wildlife experiences 

1. Look for local wildlife in the Inner Harbour 

What I love about Victoria is that you don’t have to venture far for nature. Just head to the Inner Harbour and you’ll see what I mean. With pretty flower beds and ocean views, you’re literally on the edge of nature.  

The harbour is home to a diverse range of marine life so take some to walk along the promenade. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, seas lions, otters and seabirds. And don’t forget your camera because it’s not unheard of to see orcas swimming through the Inner Harbour. When I last went in September 2025, we were incredibly lucky to see a pod hunting for seals in the harbour before heading back to the open water. Sadly, I’d left my telephoto lens in our hotel room because we were just going for dinner in the city – lesson learnt! 

My number one tip (besides always taking your camera)? Go early in the morning when wildlife is much more active. In the summer months, the promenade around the harbour gets quite busy which can deter the local birds and mammals.  

2. Go birding at Fisherman’s Wharf  

Known for its seafood restaurants and food stands, this small but charming floating village is teeming with diverse wildlife. The surrounding waters are home to river otters, jellyfish, and curious seals who will pop up out of nowhere to see what is happening! 

Fisherman’s Wharf is also a birding hotspot thanks to its proximity to the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary which covers 30km of Victoria’s coastline. Established in 1923, it was actually the first bird sanctuary in Pacific Canada. Today it supports over 270 bird species, including the Great Blue Heron, Black Oystercatcher, and Belted Kingfisher. The sanctuary’s estuaries and mudflats are critical nesting and feeding grounds for migratory bird species that visit throughout the year. 

Travel tip: You can find all the MBS hotspots on this map. Just click on a hotspot and it will take you to eBird.org where you can see what species are in the area and recent sightings. 

3. Go whale watching  

One of the reasons (okay the main reason) I went to Victoria the first time was to go whale watching. The Salish Sea is home to orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife, making it one of the best outdoor activities in Victoria, BC. If you’re thinking of doing a whale watching tour, there are a number of companies which offer both half and full day tours.  

If you’re unsure of who to go with, I’ve done two different tours with Prince of Whales and can’t recommend them enough! The crew are very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing lots of information about local wildlife and conservation initiatives. There are also a number of Indigenous companies that offer whale watching tours. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about Indigenous culture and heritage. Their guides are extremely knowledgeable and are incredible storytellers, so have a look at the tours they offer. 

If you only have time to do one wildlife experience in Victoria, make sure it’s this! Trust me, you won’t regret it. Not only will you encounter local wildlife, but you’ll also get to see beautiful and rugged scenery that makes this area so special.  

4. Hire a kayak or SUP and look for local wildlife 

I think the best way to spot Victoria’s local wildlife is to hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and get out on the water. A number of places, such as Victoria Kayak and Ocean River Adventures, offer half day and full day rentals. You can kayak and paddle around the Inner Harbour and along Gorge Waterway, but for safety reasons, you can’t take these rentals into the Outer Harbour. 

Alternatively, if you travel for wildlife like me, book a kayak tour with Ocean River Sports. This is one of my favourite outdoor activities to in Victoria, BC, whenever I visit. The team is fantastic and I learnt so much about the area’s biodiversity. On the tour, you’ll paddle through a ‘NatureHood’, an area teeming with marine life and birds, where you wildlife in their natural habitat responsibly. We saw herons, cormorants, and seals on our tour but some people have been lucky enough to spot river otters too! 

Travel tip: I always recommend booking your tickets through Get Your Guide in case your plans change. You can cancel up until 24 hours beforehand and get a full refund. The weather in British Columbia can be unpredictable so having this flexibility gives me a lot of peace of mind! Buy your tickets here > 

5. See the natural bioluminescence at Brentwood Bay 

If you’re visiting in late summer or early autumn, you might be lucky enough to witness one of nature’s most magical light shows – bioluminescence. If you’ve ever seen photos of the ocean glowing blue, this is what causes it! This natural phenomenon happens when living organisms such as plankton produce light through a chemical reaction in their bodies. When the water is disturbed, they emit a blue-green light. It’s a dazzling display, and while it is elusive, it is possible to experience it in Victoria! 

Brentwood Bay, just north of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula, is your best bet if you want to try and see bioluminescence on your trip. Its sheltered waters, minimal light pollution, and calm conditions make it ideal for spotting bioluminescence on dark nights. Your best option is to join a paddleboard tour with an experienced guide. There are a lot of factors that need to align in order to see bioluminescence but going with a local guide who knows the area will help maximise your chances! Full disclosure, I haven’t had the chance to do this yet but it’s top of my list for my next trip! I’ve done quite a lot of research and plan to book this bioluminescence tour with Brian which is top-rated. Brian will be running it from April to October 2026.  

6. Visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about natural history 

You’re probably wondering why there’s a museum on a list of ‘outdoor activities in Victoria, BC’! Well, the Royal British Columbia Museum isn’t your average museum. It’s all about the province’s natural history and is a wonderful place to visit if you want to learn more about the area’s wildlife and landscapes.  

They run a number of interesting interactive exhibitions and collections, including orcas and West Coast Indigenous culture. Make sure you check out the totem poles in the First Peoples’ Gallery which are fascinating to see up close. My favourite exhibition was the Natural History Gallery which explores the living landscapes of British Columbia. Here, you’ll find immersive scenes of coastal forests and rocky shorelines, along with local wildlife that inhabit these areas.  

From February 6 until April 19, 2026, you can also see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit. Travelling all the way from London’s Natural History Museum, the exhibition shows the natural world through the lens of photographers all around the world. As a photographer, I always love seeing the exhibit so if you’ve never been before and are in Victoria while it’s on, I highly recommend popping in.  

The best hikes to do in Victoria 

7. Jocelyn Hill Trailhead via Caleb Pike (Gowlland Tod Provincial Park) 

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park has some incredible hiking trails. As someone who loves doing outdoor activities in Victoria, I’ve managed to do quite a few over the years but Jocelyn Hill is my top pick. This hike takes you through the southern portion of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and offers beautiful views of Saanich Arm and west to the Malahat. 

The route climbs steeply in places and in total, you’ll gain 212 metres of elevation so having a good pair of walking boots is key. It’s a 10 km out-and-back trail takes around 5 hours to complete but factor in more time because the views really are amazing and you will definitely want to enjoy them. Pack a picnic for the top and make sure you have your camera!  

There are a few different routes that you can take to get to Jocelyn Hill. Some are longer with more elevation so if you fancy something more challenging, have a look at Jocelyn Hill Loop or Jocelyn Hil via McKenzie Bight.  

8. PKOLS (Mount Douglas) Lookout Point 

PKOLS, formerly known as Mount Douglas Park, is located in Saanich, just a short drive from downtown Victoria. The park spans 188-hectares of urban forest and has over 21 km of signed trails that range from easy to difficult. For the best views (especially at sunset) hike up to Mount Douglas.  

Like a lot of mountains near Victoria, it’s more of a tall hill but the views at the top are nothing short of spectacular. From the summit, you’ll get panoramic views over Victoria, Cordova Bay, the Saanich Peninsula, and Salt Spring Island.  

It’s a 4.8 km loop with 215 metres elevation gain. It is a bit steep in places so make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots with decent grip. I recommend starting the hike from Mount Douglas Beach Parking Lot. You can also start the hike from the parking lot on Churchill Drive but there is a lot more parking at the beach parking lot. Plus, you can then wander along the beach afterwards which is a birdwatcher’s haven by the way! 

9. Niagara Falls (Goldstream Provincial Park) 

Located just 30 minutes west of Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is a beautiful area to explore. It’s actually one my favourite stops on the drive from Victoria to Tofino! There are several lovely hiking trails throughout the park ranging from easy to challenging.  

For something easy going but still scenic, I recommend doing Niagara Falls. It’s a short and easy 1.3 km hike that will take you to a canyon where you’ll see the incredible waterfall. It might not be as impressive as its namesake in Toronto, but it does drop 47.5 metres so it’s a gorgeous sight to see! Don’t get too close to the waterfall as it’s quite powerful and can be dangerous with debris falling from above. 

Travel tip (for the birders!): Goldstream Provincial Park is an amazing place to spot bald eagles thanks to the annual Salmon Run. Every year from late October to early November, bald eagles gather in such large numbers that the event has been nicknamed the Eagle Extravaganza! The Goldstream Estuary is closed at this time to give the eagles uninterrupted access to the salmon. However, you can do a short hike to Killarney Lake where you’ll probably see bald eagles perched on logs floating in the lake.  

Victoria’s prettiest parks and gardens 

10. The Butchart Gardens 

Nicknamed ‘the Garden City’, Victoria has so many beautiful parks and gardens, but the Butchart Gardens is undoubtedly the most iconic. The Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada and is one of Victoria’s best outdoor activities.  

Located 20 km north of downtown Victoria, there are 5 different gardens to explore which span a total of 55 acres. The Sunken Garden was the first garden planted by Jennie Butchart and dates back to 1904. There is also a Rose Garden, Italian Garden, Mediterranean Garden and a Japanese Garden (my personal favourite).  

The gardens are open all year round and are especially stunning in spring. However, if you’re visiting Victoria in December and January, you’ll get to witness the festive lights and holiday decorations which are very magical.  

Ticket prices vary based on the season. Here are the updated price ranges for 2026:  

• Adults: $24.45 – $44.25  
• Youths: $12.23 – $22.13  
• Children (aged 5 – 12): $3.00 – $5.00   

If you’re considering booking a Victoria city tour, there are lots of great options that also include entry to Butchart Gardens. These are often more cost-effective than buying everything separately. 

Travel tip: If you’re travelling to Victoria without a car, the easiest way to get to the Butchart Gardens is on a bus tour. The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and the entrance fee to the gardens. Once you arrive at the gardens, you can explore on your own.  

11. Hatley Castle and Gardens 

A visit to Hatley Castle will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. This Edwardian estate is another National Historic Site and is also home to Royal Roads University. Over the years, it has appeared in a number of films, including X-Men and Deadpool.   

Built by James Dunsmuir, son of Robert Dunsmuir who built Craigdarroch Castle, Hatley Castle and Gardens offer spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While you can explore the Japanese, Italian and Rose gardens for free, access to Hatley Castle is only available via a guided tour. You can book a one-hour tour which will show you around the castle and the grounds. 

12. Beacon Hill 

One of the best outdoor activities in Victoria, BC, is just a short walk from downtown Victoria. Beacon Hill may be within walking distance to the city centre, but it spans 200 acres, so you’ll want to wear a comfortable pair of shoes! There is a lot to see and do so you could easily spend an afternoon exploring the park.  

Walk over the stone bridge at Goodacre Lake, find the Moss Lady, play some mini golf, and see one of the tallest totem poles in the world. Beacon Hill Park is a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without going too far. 

13. Abkhazi Garden  

If you spend a weekend in Victoria, you’ll quickly see why it’s nicknamed ‘the Garden City’. Abkhazi Garden is another lovely and relaxing place to explore. Created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi, the garden only spans one acre, but it is beautifully designed.  

The garden features majestic trees and blooms, including Japanese maples, rhododendrons and alpine flowers. Once you’ve finished exploring the gardens, pop into the Teahouse for afternoon tea which features Abkhazi Garden-grown produce.  

Cycling and walking in Victoria 

14. Ride bikes along Dallas Road 

One of the best outdoor activities in Victoria, BC, is to hire bikes and explore further afield. Victoria is a very bike-friendly city and has a number of lovely cycling paths. Hire a bike from one of the stores downtown and cycle through Beacon Hill Park until you reach Dallas Road. This road stretches approximately 4 miles along the southern end of Victoria and has gorgeous ocean views.  

Take a leisurely ride along the road, stopping at Finlayson Point, Point Zero, Gonzales Bay and Harling Point. This route is especially beautiful at sunset so pack some food and drinks and enjoy a front view seat!   

15. Bike along the Galloping Goose Trail 

Once a railway line, this multi-use trail is now a lovely place for walking, running and cycling. There is even a section for horse riding! The trail is 35 miles (55 km) long but there are quite a few access points, washrooms and parking lots dotted along the trail.  

Birding friends, focus on the eastern portion of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail which are part of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. There are a number of hot spots here including Selkirk waterfront, Colquitz Creek, and Portage Inlet.   

If you’re a keen cyclist, you can actually take the Galloping Goose Trail from Victoria all the way to Thetis Lake Regional Park (11 km one way). Another great option for a day trip is to cycle to Sooke. Located just 40 minutes away from downtown Victoria, Sooke is one of my favourite places on Vancouver Island for a weekend getaway.  

Home to rugged coastlines, ancient rainforests and unspoiled beaches, Sooke is a place where you can truly reconnect with nature. Explore the trails in East Sooke Regional Park (pictured above) which lead to crystal blue waters and rugged rock formations, then head to Sooke Potholes Regional Park to see the natural pools.  

Read next: The best things to do in Sooke for outdoor lovers > 

16. Wander along Songhees Walkway 

The Inner Harbour Causeway in front of the Fairmont Empress can get quite busy in the day. The Songhees Walkway is a great way to escape the crowds and get a different perspective of the city – and still see some local wildlife. Cross Johnson Street Bridge and you’ll find the waterfront path straight to your left. The 1.8 mile (3 km) trail is flat and paved so it’s ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.  

The trail winds around the Inner Harbour and offers a quieter experience. There are plenty of benches dotted along the trail so you can sit and watch the seaplanes take off and land. Keep an eye out for herons perched on the rocks and seals swimming in the water. Boom & Batten Restaurant and Café is a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat.   

Fun outdoor activities in Victoria for kids 

17. Butterfly Gardens  

Located just a short drive from the Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens is one of the best outdoor activities in Victoria to do with kids. This tropical paradise is home to beautiful butterflies but you’ll also find other exotic creatures such as tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos and tropical birds. Explore the gardens and let your kids have fun on a scavenger hunt.  

18. Beacon Hill Children’s Farm 

Located in beautiful Beacon Hill Park, the children’s farm is the perfect outing for families and animal lovers. The goat petting area is the most popular part of the farm and gives children a hands-on experience with the animals.    

19. Take a ride in a pickle boat 

If you walk along the Inner Harbour, you’ll see lots of little pickle-shaped boats ferrying people up and down the waterways. These ‘happy boats’ have been operating since 1990 and are run by Victoria Harbour Ferry. Hop on a pickle boat for a mini sightseeing cruise with your family and learn all about the historic landmarks and local wildlife.  

From May until September, these little boats put on the most amazing performance. The boats line up at 10:45am on Sunday mornings and perform a 10-minute water ballet where they show off their manoeuvrability by twirling around the water in beautifully choreographed sequences!   

20. WildPlay Element Park 

Need more active outdoor activities in Victoria, BC, for kids? Head to WildPlay Victoria! This aerial adventure course is perfect for all ages. They have three tree-top adventure courses; a classic course, an extreme course for the adrenalin junkies, and a kid’s course. Make your way through the island’s beautiful forest as you cross wobbly bridges, hanging nets, rope swings and tightropes. They also have a zipline course where you can soar through the forest treetops! 

Other outdoor activities in Victoria 

21. Relax at Willows Beach  

Located just off Beach Drive in Oak Bay, Willows Beach is one of Victoria’s most popular beaches. It’s only a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria so it’s a lovely place to go and relax after a busy day sightseeing. The beach has beautiful views of Discovery Island and Mount Baker, and its shallow and calm waters make it a popular place for swimming. Don’t be fooled though, the water is still quite chilly even in the peak of summer! The beach is usually very busy at weekends, so you often have to line up at the concession stand. If you can, try to visit on a weekday when it’s quieter.   

22. Visit Malahat Skywalk for incredible views 

If you’re not a hiker but still want to see some incredible views, add Malahat Skywalk to your list! Located along Highway 1, it’s about a 45-minute drive from downtown Victoria. It’s open year-round and admission is $43.95 for adults and $27.95 for children. It’s definitely a bit of a splurge, but I think it’s worth it as the views are absolutely stunning. You’ll stroll through a scenic arbutus forest before reaching a spiral tower that winds its way up to a panoramic lookout.  

From the top, you’ll get sweeping 360-degree views of Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker, and even the distant Coast Mountains. Bonus: there’s now a free shuttle from downtown Victoria, which makes getting there super easy and makes it a great half-day adventure. 

Travel tip: Buy your tickets from Get Your Guide so you can reserve and pay later. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund if your plans change. 

Final thoughts on the best wildlife and outdoor activities in Victoria, BC 

As you can see by now, there are so many amazing wildlife experiences and outdoor activities in Victoria, BC. From whale watching and birding, to hiking trails and cycling routes. I hope this guide gives you some ideas for what to do in Victoria. If you have any questions, just drop them in the comments below! 

Where to explore next? 

Victoria’s location makes it a great starting point for many Vancouver Island road trips. If you have time, my two favourites are the Pacific Marine Circle Route (Victoria to Sooke to Port Renfrew to Cowichan Valley and back to Victoria) and Victoria to Ucluelet and Tofino. Alternatively, if you have a week, drive up to North Vancouver Island where you’ll find an abundance of wildlife and unspoiled landscapes. 

Love from Steph

SAVE FOR LATER

More British Columbia Guides