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Top 8 Must-See Spots in Victoria

Photography by Tineke Ziemer

By Tineke Ziemer

March 10^th, 2017

6 days in victoria

I'm celebrating the one year anniversary of my photography trip to Victoria by sharing My Top 8 Must-See Spots in Victoria. Last February, four of us photo fanatics jumped in Maria's fancy-dancy SUV and headed for Vancouver Island, to photograph what is hands-down British Columbia's most beautiful city: our capital. We only had 6 days (including 2 days of driving) so we made the most of every moment and I've condensed our favourite stops into this post.

From our little hometown of Quesnel, it takes about 12-14 hours to drive to Victoria, depending on how long the ferry wait is. Of course, getting there took us even longer, because when you have four photographers in the car, you stop a lot!

"What Are You Lookin' At?!?" (The famous Spences Bridge sheep)

#1 - MACAULAY POINT PARK

My absolute favourite hidden treasure in Victoria is Macaulay Point Park, also known as Fleming Beach. I've been returning there for years, and every time it's like discovering the magic of this place all over again. Amidst fairy tale forests of ivy wrapped trees are remnants of Navy turrets overlooking a gorgeous pebbly beach and stunning ocean views. I can't get enough of this place!

"Where My Spirit Leads" (my beautiful friend in her happy place by the sea)

#2 - walking the streets

My favourite thing to do in any city I visit is to walk the streets with no real destination in mind, following alleys and finding gorgeous photograph opps in ordinary places that unsuspecting people walk past every day. Victoria has an abundance of little passageways, hidden courtyards and stunning architecture.

#3 - Victoria at dusk

The city is splendid during the day, but it's even more spectacular at dusk! Our little group was out every evening exploring Victoria's evening views. We are quite partial to the magnificence of the Parliament Building, but the view of the harbour across the street doesn't hurt either, not to mention the splendour of Craigdarroch Castle and the beauty of watching the sunset over the ocean at Macaulay Point.

#4 - Fort Rodd hill & fisgard lighthouse

I'm a total sucker for anything historical, but seriously - an old Navy base with dark buildings to explore and massive guns still pointing out to sea? Pure heaven! Even in the rain we all agreed this was our favourite afternoon of the trip. Fisgard Lighthouse is beautiful to see from the outside, but don't miss the interior, which is full of interactive displays and incredible stories of the lighthouse keepers.

http://www.fortroddhill.com/

"Rain Drops Falling on my 90mm Anti-Aircraft Gun"

"Little Hut by the Sea" (false front fisherman's hut to confuse enemy attacks)

#5 - fisherman's wharf

What delightful hysterics we had at Fisherman's Wharf, feeding the sea lions and exploring the brightly coloured float homes. It's an absolute must-see if you love eccentricity and artful surroundings.

http://fishermanswharfvictoria.com/

#6 - beacon hill park

One of my first stops in Victoria is always Beacon Hill Park. No matter what season, it's beautiful, but Spring certainly brings its own magic.

#7 - chinatown & fan tan alley

Colourful, cultural and captivating. Chinatown in Victoria will capture your imagination and charm you with its delightful lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Walk through the grand entrance and step into a whole new world!

#8 - the butterfly gardens

If it's a bit of a chilly, rainy day, there is no place better to warm up than the enchanting butterfly gardens. We spent an entire afternoon delighting in the antics of the wonderful creatures who live there.

http://www.butterflygardens.com/

one last thing

I have one more suggestion if you are thinking of travelling to Victoria: You absolutely MUST bring with you the most fabulous group of friends, the ones with whom you can laugh hysterically over silly things, share a bathroom, sip Empress Hotel tea with your pinky finger extended, survive crazy seagull attacks, stand in the dark at the parliament buildings for not one but two evenings in the cold and most importantly, the ones who will encourage you to do whatever it takes to GET THE BEST SHOT. I love these girls, my travel photo buddies, my forever friends. Thank you for sharing the memories!