Top Ways to Enjoy Your Victoria Summer
Even though Victoria is a vibrant, lovely city at all times of the year, it truly comes alive in the summer. With warmer weather and longer days, there’s simply no end of amazing things to do. Looking for an enjoyable day out? Here are our top suggestions for ways to enjoy your Victoria summer.
Take a City Tour
In addition to being British Columbia’s capital, Victoria is filled with stunning park spaces, countless museums, a wealth of history and breathtaking vistas. Several local tour companies have developed relaxed and affordable outings that bring visitors to the city’s most intriguing areas. From carriage rides to water taxis, bus tours to self-guided walking audio tours from That Girl in Victoria, you’ll enjoy exploring our fascinating city.
Beach Food Days
Beach Food Days happens summer weekends on Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood. A laid-back celebration of the city’s local food and music cultures, this festival features food trucks representing some of Victoria’s most popular eateries, plus bands on hand to offer live entertainment. A collection of food trucks also makes its home year-round near the Royal BC Museum, and is worth a visit.
Summer Festivals
Victoria’s summer festival schedule is packed with excitement for 2022. Oak Bay Tea Party is back for its 60th year, bringing fair fun to Wilows Beach. The Victoria Pride Festival offers a full calendar of events celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The life and work of Chinese poet Yu Quan is honoured at the Dragon Boat Festival. And fans of theatre, comedy, music, spoken word and performance art will want to add the Victoria Fringe Festival to their calendars.
Music, Music and More Music
Thanks to our status as a cultural hub, Victoria’s music scene is one of the best in the world — and summer is certainly a reflection of that. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy tunes of every genre at get-togethers like Carnavic, The Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival, Victoria International Jazz Festival, Rifflandia, Vancouver Island Musicfest, Rockin’ River Fest, Sunfest Country Music Festival, and many more.
Whale Watching Tours
Victoria is lucky to be seaside near the annual migration path of several majestic whale species (including grey whales, orcas, humpbacks and others). Because of this, the city offers many excellent whale-watching tours that can bring you up close to these massive marvels of nature. So hop on board a local touring watercraft with an experienced captain, bring your camera and get ready to be inspired by the gentle giants of the ocean.
High Tea
In many ways, Victoria still embraces the traditions that were prevalent during the time of our royal namesake. As such, there are many spots in the city where visitors and residents are welcome to experience a British-style high tea with all the trimmings. Some of our favourite spots to enjoy this elegant affair include The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden, Pendray Tea House, and the Cary Castle Mews & Tea Room at the Government House.
Garden Tours
Victoria’s green spaces are at their best during the summer months. Many offer official, and/or self-guided walking tours through their fragrant, verdant splendour. We recommend enjoying a relaxing stroll through the breathtaking grounds of parks such as The Butchart Gardens, Abkhazi Garden, Beacon Hill Park, The Gardens at Horticulture Centre Of the Pacific, and the spectacular Victoria Butterfly Gardens for a start.
Enjoy Some Ice Cream
There’s no denying it: there’s nothing better than ice cream on a warm, sunny summer day. Thankfully, Victoria offers some deliciously satisfying stops where everyone can grab a cone or sundae of their favourite flavours and feel like a kid again. Beacon Drive-In, Chocolats Favoris, Roger’s Chocolates, Mosi Gelato and Kid Sister Ice Cream all offer frozen treats that are more than worth a visit.
Your Summer Stay
The Parkside Hotel & Spa is the ideal base camp for exploring Victoria during your summer stay. Our centrally located, all-suite hotel offers a full-service spa, on-site cafe, plus a deep range of comforts and amenities certain to make your stay comfortable. Take a look at our Special Offers page to select the Victoria travel deal that’s right for you, and plan your visit today!