Victoria, British Columbia’s coastal gem, blends colonial elegance with Pacific Northwest beauty. With its cobblestone paths, blooming gardens, and grand 19th-century landmarks, the city offers the perfect mix of heritage and tranquility. At Star Sightseeing, we design immersive walking and driving tours that bring this storybook city to life—from the regal Empress Hotel to the world-famous Butchart Gardens.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper layers of Victoria’s past, here’s how to experience the city’s most iconic sites with us.
Butchart Gardens: A Century in Bloom
No trip to Victoria is complete without a stroll through the Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre masterpiece of horticultural design and one of Canada’s top attractions.
Why It’s Special:
- Originally a limestone quarry, the garden was transformed in 1904 by Jennie Butchart.
- Today, it’s home to themed areas like the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden, each exploding with seasonal color.
- Live music, fireworks in summer, and holiday lights in winter elevate the experience.
Star Tip: Join our guided Garden + City Combo Tour in spring or summer to experience the tulip blooms at their peak—ideal for photography lovers.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel: Where History Sleeps
A Victoria landmark since 1908, the Empress Hotel is more than a luxury stay—it’s a portal to Edwardian-era elegance.
Highlights:
- Hosts the famous Afternoon Tea in a grand setting overlooking the Inner Harbour.
- Once entertained royalty and celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth II and Shirley Temple.
- An architectural marvel with ivy-covered façades and grand interiors restored to reflect early 20th-century opulence.
Star Tip: On our Historic Downtown Walking Tour, we’ll guide you through the Empress’s facade and share stories of ghost legends and royal visits.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings: Power in Stone
Just steps from the Empress stands the BC Parliament Buildings, a stunning display of Neo-Baroque architecture built in 1897.
What to Expect:
- Guided tours (free and seasonal) offer insights into British Columbia’s political past and present.
- At night, over 3,000 lights illuminate the facade, making for a perfect photo stop.
- The statue of Queen Victoria and coastal views from the front lawn make it a must-see on any walking tour.
Star Tip: Combine your visit with our Evening Illuminated Tour to see Parliament lit against the harbor skies.
Walking Tours: Step Back in Time
Our curated walking tours through Victoria’s historic core reveal the city’s character block by block.
Walking Tour Highlights:
- Inner Harbour Loop: Includes the Empress, Parliament, Thunderbird Park, and the Royal BC Museum.
- Old Town & Chinatown: Explore Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street, and hear the tales of early Chinese immigrants.
- Victorian Ghost Stories Walk: Evening tours that reveal the city’s haunted history, complete with costumed guides and lanterns.
Star Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring your curiosity—our local historians are known for storytelling that brings stone and soil to life.
Planning Your Tour with Star Sightseeing
Whether you prefer a half-day garden visit or a full-day dive into downtown’s historic heart, Star Sightseeing offers customizable tours to suit every traveler’s pace and passion. All of our guides are locally based, deeply knowledgeable, and trained to enhance your experience with insider tips and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
Victoria Awaits
Cobblestone streets, royal gardens, and stories etched in sandstone—Victoria is a city that rewards every curious traveler. With Star Sightseeing, you’ll go beyond the brochure and into the heart of the city’s enduring charm.
Book your Victoria tour today and walk through history, one stunning landmark at a time.
