When you think of Victoria, its iconic Inner Harbour often comes to mind – the Causeway, bustling with activity, beneath the stately buildings of the B.C. Legislature, the Royal BC Museum and of course, the Empress Hotel. You might think, too, of the busy streets of Old Town, filled with local restaurants, shops and attractions.
But beyond that harbour are a series of neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered, communities that together create Greater Victoria, one of the world’s most celebrated destinations.
So, how best to explore these communities? Destination Greater Victoria considers that question in its 2024 Vacation Guide, available now online, at the Visitor Centre along the Causeway, and at many other key locations.
“If you think of the city like a bike wheel, at the hub is the Inner Harbour, bustling with activity and for many the jumping-off point for adventure,” notes the Guide’s City Sights feature. “Radiating from the harbour are spokes, each guiding you to neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered – James Bay to the southwest, Cook Street Village, Fairfield and Rockland to the east, Saanich to the north, and Vic West and Esquimalt to the west. Follow these spokes a little farther and you’ll discover unique communities like Oak Bay, the Saanich Peninsula, the West Shore and Sooke.”
Whether visiting from B.C., across Canada or around the globe, your explorations will of course be determined by your interests and length of stay, but Destination Greater Victoria’s 2024 guide – 64 pages of must-visit attractions, award-winning restaurants, recommended local experiences and more – is a great place to start planning.
Produced in partnership with Black Press Media, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your visit – the what, the where and the how-to. In addition, you’ll also find a series of in-depth features like City Sights that offer insight and perspective to the region’s rich visitor experience.
“Whether it’s your first time here or you come often, we hope you enjoy the variety of experiences available,” says Paul Nursey, CEO, Destination Greater Victoria. “As you peruse this guide, one key message resonates: every visitor counts.”
Other features to tempt you to this Canadian West Coast favourite include a look at the city’s celebrated local food scene – Conde Naste’s Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Victoria No. 8 for “Best Cities for Food in the World” – and a look at the region’s extensive cycling network that makes two-wheel touring a popular way to explore.
Beyond the stories, inspiring photos and essential map, you’ll find comprehensive listings of Destination Greater Victoria’s 1,000+ members – everyone from transportation providers to craft breweries and wineries – along wth all the need-to-know details about visiting.
More to explore – and win!
And because there’s so much to explore and experience while you’re here, be sure to enter to win the Victoria Gift Card contest – your chance to WIN a $1,200 gift card pack to enjoy while visiting! Enter by June 30, 2024.
To view the guide online, view the e-edition here. You can also look for it on BC Ferries’ vessels or stop by the Visitor Centre located on downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 812 Wharf St., where you’ll also find detailed assistance from the friendly, professionally trained staff and volunteers.
Learn more at tourismvictoria.com