12 must-do activities in Victoria before summer ends
Fall may be on the horizon, but there’s still plenty of summer to enjoy.
Before the leaves turn and the days grow cooler, make the most of the season with one last hurrah.
Here are 12 must-do activities before summer slips away.
Hit the beach
View this post on Instagram
Vancouver Island is full of amazing beaches for you to get your tan, surf, or lounge on. Even within the city, Victoria has some awesome beaches.
See more: 12 spectacular beaches to visit around Vancouver Island this summer
Take a dip at Banfield Park
View this post on Instagram
The biggest hit of the summer has been the Banfield dock! Banfield Park has been bustling with residents looking to hang out, swim, or paddleboard in this revitalized area of Victoria — something the Gorge Waterway was not always known for. If you go for a swim at night, you may even see the phosphorescence in the water!
See more: Victoria has big plans as Banfield Park soars in popularity
Go paddleboarding or kayaking
View this post on Instagram
If you’re in for a challenge and a trip, the Broken Group Islands near Tofino are great for ocean kayaking, or if you want a chill paddleboard around Victoria, the Gorge Waterway is the ticket. In fact, you can head to Ocean River downtown to rent a paddleboard or kayak from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and get a pint from Swift Brewing, all for $25 plus tax. Reserve your spot here.
See more: Cheap date ideas in Victoria this summer for under $20
Go whale watching
View this post on Instagram
Peak season to see whales on Vancouver Island is from May through October. There’s a 95% chance of spotting whales in Victoria, particularly resident orcas, humpback whales, and transient orcas. It’s one of the (if not the most) touristy things you can do in Victoria. But that’s not a bad thing — it’s an absolute dream experience. So, book it now!
See more: This quiet BC village is famous for whale-watching
Watch the baby goat stampede
View this post on Instagram
Each summer, locals and tourists alike flock to the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm (yes, even adults) to watch the morning and evening baby goat stampede. It’s a must-see for anyone who enjoys the cutest things in life. Goat stampedes are scheduled for 10:10 am and 4:10 pm. Admission is a suggested $4 donation.
See more: 3 new baby goats join furry family at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
Visit a waterfall
View this post on Instagram
Whether they’re found along coastal cliffs or through rainforest trails, waterfalls on Vancouver Island are everywhere, both near and far and of different scales and sizes.
See more: 6 breathtaking waterfalls to check out on Vancouver Island
Hit up a patio
View this post on Instagram
It’s patio season, and the heat is on. Vancouver Island has a ton of awesome patios, but not all are created equal: there are dog-friendly patios, some with a view, and some that take a bit of travelling to get to.
See more: 5 patios in Victoria perfect for a scorching day
Go to a music festival
View this post on Instagram
There’s always a ton of fun going on in the Garden City — I mean, have you checked out our events listing page? From dad rap to acoustic acts, theatre, concerts, and DJs, there’s always something to get yourself into, such as Rifflandia this September.
See more: Rifflandia unveils its lineup for 2024
Go camping
View this post on Instagram
There are so many amazing camping spots around Vancouver Island: the Gulf Islands, Bamfield, San Josef Bay, and Port Renfrew all have amazing campgrounds you can book now. You could also check out a “first-come, first-served” campground, such as Pacheedaht Campground near Port Renfrew, or backcountry campgrounds on one of the Gulf Islands.
See more: 5 remote Gulf Islands near Victoria ideal for backcountry camping
Surf in Tofino
View this post on Instagram
The 40-kilometre stretch from Ucluelet to Tofino is full of white sand beaches, towering old-growth rainforests, fine dining, whale watching, microbreweries, and hiking, making it one of the most popular spots for a summer vacation in Canada (and the world). But we all know why people come to Tofino most of all: to surf!
See more: 7 must-see spots on your next trip to Tofino
See the flower blooms
View this post on Instagram
Victoria’s nickname as the “Garden City” is well-earned. From the renowned Butchart Gardens and Abkhazi Garden to the charming hanging baskets that adorn the Inner Harbour causeways and downtown streets, there’s no shortage of petals to peep.
See more: 6 amazing gardens you can visit in Victoria
Hit up a vintage shop
View this post on Instagram
Out with the old, in with the old! Victoria has a ton of awesomely curated vintage shops with styles for all seasons. If you need a wardrobe refresh, just hit up a local thrift store.
See more: “Pop some tags” at these freakin’ awesome Victoria vintage stores