Things to do in Gulf Islands

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Gulf Islands

Types of activities

Where to stay

Gulf Islands travel guide

Government Street showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Old Port Quebec City featuring a city as well as an individual male

British Columbia Parliament Building featuring a park, heritage architecture and a fountain

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Top places to visit

1. Victoria Harbour

Come to Victoria Harbour to experience the spirit of the city at its most dynamic. Get a sense of the area’s modern atmosphere and culture as well as its history. Watch street performers flaunt their skills, visit some of Victoria’s most significant buildings and browse the markets for the perfect souvenir. All this against the backdrop of the sparkling waves, topped with vessels of all kinds.

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Victoria Harbour showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

2. Butchart Gardens

The bright colors and glorious fountains of Butchart Gardens make it look like the set of an inventive fantasy film. Watch fireworks explode into colors as vivid as the flowers growing beneath them and enjoy concerts on the sloping, grassy lawn. Boat tours, carousels and magical nighttime illuminations add to the appeal of this popular Victoria attraction.

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Butchart Gardens featuring flowers and a garden

3. Royal BC Museum

At the Royal BC Museum you can see totem poles and dinosaur footprints, learn about British Columbia’s human and natural history, and visit two of the oldest buildings in the province. Founded in 1886, the museum joined forces with the BC Archives in 2003 to create one of Canada’s most revered cultural museums.

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Royal BC Museum which includes interior views as well as an individual female

4. Victoria Fisherman's Wharf

At Fisherman’s Wharf you can feed seals, explore a picturesque floating village, enjoy fresh seafood, join whale-watching tours and watch a unique water “ballet.”

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Victoria Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes a bay or harbor and a coastal town as well as a family

5. Government Street

Government Street is one of Victoria’s most popular commercial and entertainment streets. Come to this lively area to shop for fashion and handicrafts, visit museums and historical buildings and discover Canada’s oldest Chinatown. If you follow the street south from the city’s downtown district to Holland Point Park you are rewarded with views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

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Government Street showing a small town or village, street scenes and a house

What to do in Gulf Islands

Popular places to visit

Victoria Harbour

Old meets new as historic architecture, traditional fishing boats and contemporary performers crowd together at one of Victoria’s liveliest spots.

Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Victoria with a trip to Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Butchart Gardens

Inhale intoxicating fragrances and marvel at the dazzling colors of these gardens, which host engaging events and family-friendly activities.

University of Victoria

Explore the campus of University of Victoria during your visit to Victoria. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Royal BC Museum

Learn about the region’s human and natural history, visit some of the oldest buildings in the province and see a special collection of totem poles.

Royal Jubilee Hospital

If Royal Jubilee Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Victoria.

Victoria Fisherman's Wharf

Come to this working harbor to see its colorful floating houses, go on a kayaking trip or a wildlife-spotting cruise and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood on the docks.

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Catch an event at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre during your trip to Victoria. Wander the waterfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

Government Street

This central street attracts the crowds with its museums and galleries, historical architecture, shopping districts and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

Areas of Gulf Islands

Victoria featuring a house, street scenes and a city

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Victoria. Make a stop by Victoria Royal Theatre or Bay Centre while you're exploring the area.

Victoria Harbour showing heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Inner Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Inner Harbour. Make a stop by Victoria Harbour or Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.

Victoria showing a marina and a coastal town

James Bay

5/5(28 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of James Bay. Make a stop by Victoria Harbour or Legislative Assembly of British Columbia while you're exploring the area.

Saanich East

If you're spending some time in Saanich East, Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Fairfield

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Unique features of Fairfield include the historical sites and seaside views. Make a stop by Cook Street Village or Abkhazi Garden while you're exploring the area.