Top 10 free things to do in Victoria BC

#1 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Stroll the Causeway
The Causeway is the bustling pedestrian walkway circling the Inner Harbour. It’s repeatedly voted the best people-watching spot in Victoria and offers beautiful views of the water, the Parliament Buildings and the skyline. Here, you can grab the Harbour Ferry for a 45-minute tour of the Gorge Waterway.
• The Inner Harbour and Causeway, near the intersection of Belleville St. and Government St., map

#2 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Take in the docks
The docks at Fisherman’s Wharf are home to charming fishing boats, float homes and a wonderful new children’s playground. If you are willing to spare a bit of cash, there are other things to do at this Victoria landmark, such as sample yummy ice cream and fish and chips.
• Fisherman’s Wharf, near the intersection of Erie St. and Dallas Rd., fishermanswharfvictoria.com, map

#3 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Tour the natural parks
The Capital Region—that is, the Greater Victoria area and the Gulf Islands—is home to an excellent collection of natural parks, from the beach-front Island View Regional Park on the Saanich Peninsula to the wild and rugged East Sooke Park on the West Coast. A variety of free, drop-in programs are scheduled throughout the year (see the events calendar here).
• Victoria’s parks, various locations, 250-478-3344, crd.bc.ca/parks

#4 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Tour Chinatown
The colourful shops and sidewalks of Canada’s oldest Chinatown are sure to brighten your visit no matter what the time of year. Admire the historical murals, walk Canada’s narrowest street and browse the eclectic shops for hints of the community’s fascinating past.
• Victoria’s Chinatown, around Herald St. and Government St., map

Free Things to Do in Victoria
Free Things to Do in Victoria: see Canada’s oldest Chinatown (Photo: Alex R. Proimos)

#5 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Beacon Hill Park
This 183-acre park in downtown Victoria offers plenty of things to do, including a playground, year-round gardens and duck ponds, plus a seasonal water park and 18-hole putting green. A petting zoo welcomes guests from spring through fall for a small admission fee.
• Beacon Hill Park, south shore along Dallas Rd., beaconhillpark.com
• Map and reviews

#6 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Jump in the lakes
Come summer, visitors can cool off at one of the region’s many fine lakes. Local favourites include Elk and Beaver Lake Regional Park on the Saanich Peninsula, Thetis Lake Regional Park in the community of View Royal (15 minutes from downtown) and, a little further afield, Matheson Lake in Metchosin.

[RELATED: 20 Things to Do With Kids in Victoria]

#7 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Window shopping
The ideal window shopping destination in the city is historic Government Street. It’s an excellent place to pick through souvenirs, peruse top-notch retail stores and to see the remnants of the city’s 19th century start as Fort Victoria.
• Government Street, between Herald St. and Humboldt St., map

#8 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Snap a picture with totem poles
Head to the Royal BC Museum grounds and explore the many totem poles at Thunderbird Park. Mostly carved by Gitxsan, Haida and Kwakwaka’wakw artists, these striking artefacts are deeply associated with native culture of the region. Of all thing things to do in Victoria, this is one of the most memorable—and quintessential.
• Thunderbird Park, Royal BC Museum, 250-356-7226, website
• Map and reviews

#9 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Walking the breakwater
Located just a few minutes from the Inner Harbour on the James Bay waterfront, the breakwater offers a different view of the city and gives visitors a chance to take in Na’Tsa’ Maht – The Unity Wall, which depicts the history of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
• James Bay Breakwater, access from Dock St. and Dallas Rd., map

Free Things to Do in Victoria
Free Things to Do in Victoria: walk the breakwater (Photo: daveoratox)

#10 FREE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA: Watch bald eagles and the salmon run
The best place to watch the autumn salmon run is Goldstream Provincial Park, in Victoria’s West Shore neighbourhood. The park offers walking and hiking trails past waterfalls, and the river where the fish return upstream to spawn. Winter brings majestic bald eagles to the park, visible on and above the treetops. You can learn about all these species at the Nature House, located on-site.
• Goldstream Provincial Park, Trans-Canada Hwy, just north of the village of Goldstream, 250-478-9414, goldstreampark.com
• Map and reviews