My Favorite Victoria Hotels
• On Harbour: Fairmont Empress
• For Couples: Magnolia Hotel
• For Families: Ocean Pointe
• Best Pool: Ocean Pointe
• Budget: James Bay Inn
• Near Airport: Sidney Pier
• Near Ferry Port: Sidney Pier
Victoria Harbor and the British Columbia Parliament Building.
The Best Area to Stay in Victoria
Victoria lies at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. This small urban city is surrounded by ocean and has a relatively small population (approx. 100,000, greater Victoria 400,000). Victoria is known as the Garden City, as its nice weather allows for flowers to bloom pretty much year-round and is also home to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
The city has a relaxed and laid-back vibe, and its downtown core offers numerous hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, and art galleries. The downtown area is compact in size, making it a walker’s paradise. The Inner Harbor is idyllic and from June to August the area is busy with recreational activities, street festivals, and pop-up concerts. The Clipper ferry from Seattle arrives on the south side of the Inner Harbor. A great way to get around and check out the area is on the Victoria Harbour Ferry (also known as the Pickle Boats) which have 15 docking stops in and around the harbor.
The Clipper arrives and departs from Victoria’s Inner Harbor. The Inn at Laurel Point, Grand Pacific, and Fairmont Empress hotels are all an easy walk from the dock.
The Victoria Harbor Ferry is a great way to get between some of the top tourist attractions of central Victoria.
Our afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Highly recommended.
The natural beauty of Vancouver Island is incredible with its miles of coastline and seemingly endless ocean vistas. As such, Victoria offers several public beaches. Whale-watching tours are popular, as are fishing charters for salmon, halibut, crab, clams, and oysters. Paddle boarding and kayaking are also favorite activities for both locals and tourists alike (and guided tours are available).
Victoria is also known for its numerous Afternoon Tea rooms and its annual flower count in the month of March. Additionally, this beautiful port city has the mildest winters in all of Canada.
Vancouver Island has moderate temperatures throughout the year which allows for numerous year-round outdoor activities liking cycling and golfing. Summers in Victoria are warm and surprisingly very dry, with little to no rain. With an almost constant offshore breeze, this helps keep summertime temperatures around 70°F, so extreme heat is rare. Winters can be rainy with about 3 inches of rain per month from November to January (half of the rainfall of Vancouver) and winter daytime temperatures average about 45°F.
The Best Places to Stay in Victoria
The majestic Fairmont Empress hotel facing the Inner Harbour.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Victoria
Fairmont Empress • Marriott Inner Harbour • Inn at Laurel Point- Best Boutique Hotels in Victoria
Magnolia Hotel & Spa • Rialto- Best Cheap Hotels in Victoria
Abigail’s Hotel • James Bay InnWhere to Stay in Victoria for…
- Best Area in Victoria for Sightseeing: Downtown
Downtown offers many of the top tourist attractions – Victoria’s Inner Harbor, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, Pickle Boat tours, whale watching tours, float plane tours, and Victoria’s Chinatown including Fan Tan Alley.- Best Area in Victoria for Nightlife: Downtown
Downtown offers a wide selection of bars, clubs, brewpubs, craft beer pubs, and a variety of live theater, opera, live music, and numerous cinemas.- Best Area in Victoria for Food & Restaurants: Downtown
Downtown is your best bet for exceptional food and drink.- Best Area in Victoria for Families: James Bay
Bordering James Bay and Fairfield neighborhoods lies Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park with 2 playgrounds, 2 spray parks, bandshell stage, golf putting green, tennis courts, picnic shelter, foot paths, flower gardens, and a seasonal Children’s Farm complete with an adorable petting zoo. Beacon Hill Park is also close to several beaches and the Clover Point Kite Park, the best kite-flying location in the area.
Tip: If you really want to get away from the city, check out Cadboro-Gyro Park. It’s a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria and is a favorite spot for many families. It offers a wonderful beach-themed waterfront playground with play equipment such as a giant octopus, salmon, and sea creature. The playground is next to a large sandy beach in the beautiful Cadboro Bay. There’s also a zip-line, shipwreck, swings, and picnic area.- Best Romantic Area in Victoria: Oak Bay
Away from the busyness and crowds of downtown and with its impressive ocean views, waterfront estates dotting the coastline, numerous beaches, relaxed dining, English pubs, bakeries, and numerous art galleries, there truly is something for every couple in Oak Bay. At the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, couples can take a very romantic dip in the hotel’s outdoor mineral pools under the stars and surrounded by ocean waves. And for an intimate night out, cuddle up at the Vis-à-Vis wine bar in Oak Bay Village.- Safest Areas of Victoria: Entire city
Victoria is a very safe city, with no significant amount of dangerous crime. The vast majority of the policing issues are related to homelessness and panhandling.The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Victoria for Tourists
The luxurious Magnolia Hotel & Spa in downtown Victoria is the city’s best boutique hotel.
1. Downtown Victoria
Downtown Victoria is one of the city’s most visited areas for its famed and picturesque Inner Harbor, double decker buses, and its village-like charm. It is compact in size, making it extremely walkable. There are a vast number of restaurants and bars (the most per capita of any Canadian city), and therefore an ideal spot for foodies as the downtown area is the region’s best bet for exceptional food and drink. There are top-notch restaurants on virtually every major downtown street. Shops are plentiful, ranging from local boutiques to The Bay Centre with its 80+ stores and services. The area has an array of historic buildings, public squares, and numerous art galleries. One must-see attraction is Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, adorned with red lanterns, brick walls, hidden boutiques, ice cream shops, art galleries, and several bakeries. In the summertime, outdoor markets, festivals, and pop-up live music concerts can be found on the streets and in nearby parks. Victoria’s Harbour is typically humming with activity as there are 2 ferry terminals serving Seattle and Port Angeles, a sea plane base, and the delightful Pickle Boats that look like mini tugboats and toot around the harbor providing tours. The Pickle Boats are also a water-taxi service in addition to offering a Pub Crawl tour (hop on-hop off at 4 designated pubs) in the Inner Harbor.
- Best Hotels: Fairmont Empress • Magnolia Hotel & Spa • Rialto • DoubleTree Hotel & Suites • Marriott Inner Harbour • Delta Ocean Pointe Resort
2. James Bay
James Bay is a quiet neighborhood adjacent to downtown Victoria and is home to BC’s Parliament Buildings with its dazzling display of lights every evening, and Fisherman’s Wharf – a colorful floating pier with a cool mix of eateries, float homes, and lots of seals & otters to see. James Bay is very walkable and features a waterfront pathway that meanders alongside the harbor and continues out to Dallas Road where there are several excellent beaches. Other attractions in the community are the world-class Royal British Columbia Museum and the Ogden Point Breakwater – a half-mile-long pier that leads out to the entrance of the harbor and provides a great spot to walk for both locals and tourists. James Bay and Beacon Hill Park are typically busy with horse-drawn carriages which provide rides and tours in and around the area. James Bay is also steeped in history with an assortment of Victorian-style homes and is also known for its colorful peacocks that roam the neighborhood.
- Best Hotels: Inn at Laurel Point • Grand Pacific • James Bay Inn
3. Oak Bay
This elite neighborhood with its array of affluent homes is one of the most opulent and grand areas in Victoria. The Oak Bay Village has a sumptuous assortment of coffee shops, eateries, boutiques, and a cluster of 7 art galleries with one of the largest collections of Canadian art on Vancouver Island. Be sure to take a jaunt along the scenic Beach Drive as it rambles through the waterfront estates of Oak Bay, offering spectacular landscape and views of the ocean (note: Oak Bay Beach Hotel is located on Beach Drive).
- Best Hotel: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
4. Fairfield
This residential neighborhood, which borders the downtown district, consists mainly of historic homes and low-rise apartments on beautiful tree-lined streets. It’s somewhat of an art community located only a few blocks from the ocean and residents are proud of their beloved Cook Street Village offering a pocket of trendy shops, cafes, restaurants, and grocery shops. Fairfield is also home to Beacon Hill Park with its extensive gardens and lagoons including a Children’s Farm, or you can stroll the Dallas Road Seawall as it weaves past the incredibly scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Best Hotel: Abigail’s Hotel
5. Brentwood Bay
Brentwood Bay is a rural community dotted with country homes and acreages, hobby farms, and wineries, located a short 20-minute drive north of Victoria. The calm and protected waters of Brentwood Bay provide a fantastic spot for kayakers, paddle boarders, and canoeists. During the summer months, many of the local farms in the area offer fresh-off-the-vine produce at their roadside honor boxes as well as opportunities to pick-your-own fruit. The area is also home to the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site, consisting of a pet-friendly 20-acre oasis of flowers, exquisite lawns, and walking paths. Just 5 minutes from Butchart Gardens is Vancouver Island’s largest winery, Church & State Wines.
- Best Hotel: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
6. Sidney
Sidney (also known as Sidney by the Sea) is a small seaside community, a 30-minute drive north of Victoria, which offers a slower pace than Victoria. It is very convenient to the Victoria International Airport and the Island’s main ferry terminal at Swartz Bay which serves Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. Sidney has a quiet and relaxed vibe with its 7-block long main street featuring coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, and art galleries showcasing local artists’ wares. In the town center is a fantastic not-for-profit Aquarium and Learning Centre (the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea). The area also offers whale-watching tours and is a favorite spot for scuba divers. In the summer months, there’s a small ferry to Sidney Spit (foot passengers only) which is located on Sidney Island, just 3 miles offshore with stretches of long sandy beaches that can be enjoyed in a relatively private setting. Perfect for a little day trip and an opportunity to do some beachcombing.
- Best Hotel: Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa
The 18 Best Hotels in Victoria, BC
1. Fairmont Empress
Hotel Phone: 250-384-8111
Iconic hotel in a prime downtown location facing the vibrant and colorful Inner Harbor. The 464 guest rooms are well appointed with contemporary décor and ritzy accents. Their award-winning spa, sophisticated restaurant and Q Bar, and afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge are all very impressive. The amenities are superb and include an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, gym, and several gift shops. Guests can upgrade to Fairmont Gold which provides complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks and beverages, evening appetizers, and an honesty bar in the exclusive and posh Gold Lounge. Pet-friendly rooms are available.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Fairmont Empress2. Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Hotel Phone: 250-598-4556
Award-winning waterfront hotel with spectacular views, an award-winning spa, and three heated outdoor mineral pools perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. There are three onsite eateries, and the posh guest rooms feature exquisite bathrooms with soaker tubs and heated tile floors. Great perks include access to the spa’s steam room, chauffeur service to Oak Bay Village, and nightly turn down service. The hotel is set in the affluent and picturesque neighborhood of Oak Bay, a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria. Note the outdoor mineral pools are adults-only.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Oak Bay Beach Hotel3. Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Hotel Phone: 250-381-0999
This luxurious award-winning boutique property close to the Inner Harbor offers a fantastic dining room, full-service spa, and upscale and elegant décor, and is easily walkable to the many downtown shops and restaurants. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, deluxe duvets, feather pillows, evening turn-down service, and some rooms have a cozy gas fireplace. Complimentary in-room offerings are glass-decanter filtered water, fruits, and chocolates. Bicycles are available year-round free of charge.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Magnolia Hotel & Spa4. Marriott Inner Harbour
Hotel Phone: 250-480-3800
This contemporary 4-star hotel is centrally located just two blocks from the Inner Harbor. The hotel has a restaurant that’s open for breakfast and dinner. The guest rooms are comfortable and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. All standard guest rooms feature modern laminate flooring. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, steam room, and fitness room. Pets are allowed.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Marriott Inner Harbour5. Delta Ocean Pointe Resort
Hotel Phone: 250-360-2999
This stylish waterfront hotel offers excellent accommodations with comfortable rooms and modern décor. There is also a large indoor heated pool and whirlpool, full-service spa, outdoor tennis courts, racquetball court, and a Starbucks. The hotel’s restaurant and bar offers great food and terrific views of the city. A paved seaside pathway twists along the harbor, just behind the hotel, and is a great spot for a stroll. Easily walkable to downtown attractions (10-minute walk) over the pedestrian-friendly “lifting” Johnson Street Bridge.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Delta Ocean Pointe Resort6. Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
Hotel Phone: 250-382-4221
Located in the heart of downtown, Chateau Victoria offers comfortable, contemporary rooms and spacious suites; some with two bedrooms, kitchens, and large furnished balconies. There’s an indoor pool, hot tub, and exercise room, and complimentary shuttle service to downtown attractions. In addition to an award-wining cocktail bar, Chateau Victoria also features a rooftop restaurant with excellent city, harbor, and mountain views.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites7. Rialto
Hotel Phone: 250-383-4157
This heritage-style boutique hotel with its sophisticated style and modern décor is walkable to all downtown attractions. The rooms are sleek and modern with heated bathroom floors, a stereo system, and espresso maker. The restaurant and bar is upscale and classy. There’s also a wine and beer store by the entrance, bicycles to rent, and free unlimited access to a top-notch offsite fitness center. Children 15 years and under stay free. Pet-friendly rooms available—note small dogs only.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Rialto8. Grand Pacific
Hotel Phone: 250-386-0450
This traditionally styled hotel, facing Victoria’s Inner Harbor and adjacent to the Parliament buildings, features a phenomenal indoor Olympic-size lap pool, children’s wading pool, whirlpool, sauna, and large gym + fitness classes. All guest rooms feature a private balcony, some with terrific harbor or city views. Signature category rooms & suites have a fresh updated look with soft greys and pale pastel accents. There is a restaurant with an outdoor patio, lounge, and sandwich/coffeeshop. Pets are allowed in select rooms.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Grand Pacific9. Brentwood Bay Resort
Hotel Phone: 250-544-2079
This remarkable adults-only hotel sits on the shores of picturesque Brentwood Bay and offers modern simplicity with its expansive windows, exposed Cedar beam design, and on-site marina with kayak and paddleboard rentals. There is a heated outdoor pool and hot tub open year-round (fully-licensed), two eateries, a spa, and all guest rooms feature ocean views. The Ocean Villas have two bedrooms, a massive bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. Live music in the Lobby Lounge every weekend. Pets are allowed in select rooms and downtown Victoria is a 20-minute drive away.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Brentwood Bay Resort10. DoubleTree Hotel & Suites
Hotel Phone: 250-940-3100
Modern hotel in a good downtown location with limited amenities but spacious and comfortable guest rooms. The hotel features a gourmet pizzas place, an English pub, a Starbucks coffeeshop and a small gym. Two blocks from Victoria’s Inner Harbor. It’s a pet-friendly hotel with no size restrictions.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for DoubleTree Hotel & Suites11. Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa
Hotel Phone: 250-940-3100
Modern all-glass waterfront hotel in the seaside town of Sidney-by-the-Sea, with some guest rooms offering ocean views and patios, a restaurant, spa and hair salon, and coffeeshop. Steps to a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and the local aquarium, which is great for kids. A minute’s walk to the oceanfront promenade. The hotel allows small dogs only.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa12. Abigail’s Hotel
Hotel Phone: 250-388-5363
This is a charming adults-only B&B offering loads of old-world charm, complimentary three-course gourmet breakfast and evening appetizers, a Library Room with beer and wine service, and is set in a quiet residential location three blocks to downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbor. Pets are not allowed.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Abigail’s Hotel13. Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Hotel Phone: 250-386-2211
High-rise waterfront hotel near the Johnson Street Bridge. Rooms and suites sleep up to six; many have private balconies or patios with excellent views over the Inner Harbour or old town. Parking and concierge services are complimentary, and though Victoria Regent does not have dining options on-site, many suites have full kitchens and there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites14. Auberge
Hotel Phone: 250-384-4003
This delightful and charming boutique property has four beautifully decorated apartment-like suites. The décor is tasteful and modern with a fully-equipped kitchen, gas fireplace, private balcony/patio, and complimentary onsite laundry. Beautiful location in a quiet neighborhood only 6 blocks to downtown Victoria. Adults only and no pets allowed.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Auberge15. Helm’s Inn
Hotel Phone: 250-385-5767
Comfortable budget hotel in a central location near the Inner Harbour. All rooms and suites feature kitchenettes with a cook top or stove, kitchen sink, microwave, and apartment-size refrigerator, and there’s a coin-operated laundry for guest use. Well located near Beacon Hill Park, within a 5-minute walk from the Royal BC Museum and the waterfront.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Helm’s Inn16. Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel
Hotel Phone: 250-361-3310
Historic boutique hotel with an on-site craft beer brewery and industrial warehouse pub. Located in a 1913 building one block from the waterfront, each of the 31 suites at Swans are cozy and charming, featuring original artwork and unique historic features like high ceilings, exposed beams, and lofts. The penthouse loft is split over three levels and has a giant rooftop patio with views over the Inner Harbour. All suites have full kitchens, and there are laundry facilities within the hotel. Located in the heart of old town Victoria, one block from the Johnson Street Bridge.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel17. Coast Victoria Hotel
Hotel Phone: 250-360-1211
Waterfront hotel with a unique indoor/outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Rooms are contemporary in style and relatively spacious; each has a coffee maker and mini-fridge, some have private balconies. There’s also a seafood restaurant and fitness center, and the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to several Victoria attractions. Located right on the marina near Fisherman’s Wharf Park and a 15-minute walk from downtown.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Coast Victoria Hotel18. Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Hotel Phone: 250-388-5463
Great, homey hotel within a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Accommodations are spacious, ranging from 400 sq. ft. guest rooms to 900 sq. ft. 2-bedroom suites with kitchens and dining areas. Great for families, the Royal Scot not only has an indoor pool and hot tub, but also a sauna, fitness center, billiard room, and game room. Their on-site restaurant and lounge features garden patio seating. Located one block from the harbor and ten minutes on foot from the center of town, with complimentary in-town shuttle service.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
