Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Victoria?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Victoria?

Many travelers spend three to four days in Victoria during their visit. After all, the relaxing city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the restaurant scene.

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is filled with parks and flower gardens, making it a beautiful place to visit. The city has many striking buildings as well, and a friendly atmosphere that is very welcoming.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Victoria? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Victoria?

As a popular city, Victoria offers a large number of activities and attractions for visitors. So with three days, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions around the city. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the relaxing city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have three to four days to fully enjoy the city even though it's not huge. If you have three days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend 3 days in Victoria

Don't miss Butchart Gardens during your trip to Victoria, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria ($89)
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie ($132)
  • Victoria Street Art & Craft Beer 3 Hour Tasting Tour ($89)

Victoria is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Victoria City Highlights Bike Tour - Castles, Hoods & Legends ($61)
  • Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour ($177)
  • Royal BC Museum Admission Ticket ($17)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Known for it's hiking, Victoria sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Private Guided Rainforest Hike in Victoria ($81)
  • Victoria Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour ($120)
  • Craigflower Creek Scenic Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer ($111)

Is 4 days enough time in Victoria?

Four days is the perfect amount of time in Victoria, as many people prefer to spend three to four days here. You'll be able to wander through the museums, go hiking, dine out at amazing restaurants, and enjoy the evening activities. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.

Victoria, B.C., Canada Victoria, B.C., Canada

How to spend 4 days in Victoria

With 4 days in Victoria, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Shopping in Victoria is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is 5 days enough time in Victoria?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Victoria has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend three to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Victoria Island, Canada Victoria Island, Canada

How to spend 5 days in Victoria

If you have more than 5 days in Victoria, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Victoria, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Victoria, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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