Stroll along the streets of Victoria, British Columbia, one of Canada's beautiful coastal cities — Photo courtesy of Deddeda Stemler
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is sometimes overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of Vancouver. But the Canadian city is a destination in its own right, especially for the environmentally conscious traveler.
Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, beautiful parks and gardens, a fantastic food scene, and one of Canada's oldest Chinatown neighborhoods, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Victoria.
When it comes to minimizing your ecological footprint while traveling, Victoria, British Columbia, has a lot to offer. Here's where to go, what to do, and where to stay for an eco-friendly vacation in the City of Gardens.
Where is Victoria, BC?
Watch seaplanes land in the Victoria, BC, harbor — Photo courtesy of Brett Ryan / Harbour Air
Located on the southern end of Vancouver Island, the city of Victoria is not accessible by car. Instead, travelers can reach it by seaplane on the world's first carbon-neutral airline, Harbour Air, which has frequent departures throughout the day.
You can also fly into Victoria International Airport, or take a ferry (including car ferries) from Vancouver, BC, and Port Angeles, Washington.
Once in Victoria, take part in one of the several low-impact ways to explore. The zero-emissions water taxi makes crossing the bay easy and scenic. If you'd rather get around on two wheels, the city is full of bike trails. Rentable Pedego Electric Bikes make it much easier to tour on uphill streets and trails.
What to do in Victoria, BC
Explore the beauty of Butchart Gardens — Photo courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria
All of Vancouver Island is known for its incredible scenery, but you don't have to go far from downtown Victoria to experience why it's called the City of Gardens. Even downtown, you'll find abundant plant life and pollinator gardens.
Make the journey to the famous Butchart Gardens, a sprawling former quarry site with colorful flowers and foliage. This National Historic Site of Canada has over 900 varieties of plants. The gardens are a popular day trip, paired with the Malahat Skywalk, an architectural wonder that provides unparalleled views of the island. There's a ramp to reach the top, where you can sit in a mesh net overlooking the ground below or make a quick getaway on the spiral slide.
Whale watching is another popular activity for visitors to Victoria, but kayaking has a lower impact. You can still see a variety of creatures, including otters, seals, and shore birds from the water. Join a tour with one of the many outfitters in town.
Eating and drinking in Victoria
Sample fresh ciders at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse — Photo courtesy of Matt Shannon Photography
What sets Victoria apart from other cities is the emphasis on farm-to-table and sustainable ingredients. Its waterfront location allows for an incredible bounty of seafood. Red Fish Blue Fish, a restaurant set in a converted shipping container, follows the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise standards for seafood.
Commons sources much of the ingredients on the menu from its sister farm, including heirloom vegetables, fruits from the orchard, and meat from the turkey and pigs raised ethically. The Courtney Room also features the best flavors of the Pacific Northwest from local purveyors.
Just outside the city, Sea Cider Farm creates certified organic craft cider from its orchard. But that's not all. Neighbors also bring apples to add to the bounty in exchange for cider. The farm also sells locally made cheeses, meats, and ice cream for visitors.
Who was voted the best?: Best City Park (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024)
Victoria's secondhand shopping
Shop along Johnson Street in downtown Victoria — Photo courtesy of Deddeda Stemler
It may not be the first thing you think of as eco-friendly, but secondhand shopping is a great way to give gently used items a new home and out of landfills. Victoria has some great secondhand and antiques stores, ranging from clothing to furniture to decor.
At Zeitgeist Vintage Store, you'll find funky antiques and decorative items. Vintage After Death focuses on retro clothing and accessories. As the name implies, Brica Brac Salvage offers a little of everything. And don't skip the thrift stores like Value Village.
Who was voted the best?: Best Small Town in the West (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024)
Spas and relaxation in Victoria
Soak in a mineral pool at The Willow Stream Spa in Fairmont Empress — Photo courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria
Vacations call for relaxation, and there's nowhere better to do it than at one of the city's many spas. Havn, in the Inner Harbour, lives in a converted World War II ship. Spagoers can watch the seaplanes land after their treatments.
The Willow Stream Spa in the Fairmont Empress hotel has rightfully earned its spot as one of the top in the city. With mineral baths, steam rooms, and treatments like massages, scrubs, and facials, you'll want to spend much of the day here. For something different, the Hot Tub Boat navigates around the waterways outfitted with a wood-fired hot tub.
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Eco-friendly hotels in Victoria, BC
Enjoy an eco-friendly stay at the Inn at Laurel Point — Photo courtesy of Inn at Laurel Point
Travelers don't have to sacrifice sustainability when it comes to accommodations. The Inn at Laurel Point is one of the area's first carbon-neutral hotels. Find plant-based and low-carbon menus, especially for catering and events. The views of the waterfront are another big part of the appeal.
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The legendary Fairmont Empress is Biosphere certified and adjusted its toiletries to have biodegradable packaging. The Oswego Hotel is also Biosphere certified, has EV parking and bike shares, and embraces composting programs.