Traveling Solo To Victoria B.C.

Since it was my first time hoping on a ferry to another country, I made sure I was there early, bought my tickets, then walked on, which was a breeze. I walked through customs on the American side, and again when I got into Canada, and it was easy. Have your passport out and fill out your paperwork on the ferry.

My First Impression of Victoria B.C.

Upon arriving in Victoria, my first impression was that Victoria B.C. was an adorable breathtaking. It felt like you stepped back in time with the historic buildings and loads of charm all over the town. I love, love, love old historic towns, and Victoria did not disappoint. I would say that these are some of the most beautiful historical buildings I have ever seen. Later during a tour, I found out that when buildings get facelifts or renovated, they have to keep the original look, so it is as if the town never changes. In my opinion, Victoria has done a great job preserving the original beauty. The streets are beautifully landscaped, and you can tell the city makes the upkeep of the town a priority.

Touring Around

Just after hopping off the ferry, readily available were tour buses, cabs, horse-drawn carriages, people pulling carts, so needless to say, transportation was easy! Currency is easy, too. I located a Starbucks next to the customs and used the ATM to pull out Canadian currency. I then discovered the American dollar is worth around 20% more than the Canadian dollar! Cha-Ching for me!

I grabbed a bite to eat and then took a cab to my Airbnb once it started getting dark. I met my host, settled in, and went to bed. Morning came, grabbed a taxi, and went to Floyd’s Diner (recommended by a client) and had a great breakfast. It was a cute diner with a fun and casual environment. The food was good, and it came in half sizes, which was more than enough food. ?

After breakfast, I walked to downtown and decided to take the “Hop on Hop off“ Tour Bus. 

I hopped back on the bus, went to Fishermans Wharf, and had some shrimp and chips. I loved Fisherman’s Wharf; it was a very artsy and fun environment. It has loads of bright and eccentric houseboats to look at and vendors. 

Victoria is great for a girls getaway, and I am going to tell you why!

The gal pals wanted to get away somewhere close for Seriny’s birthday, and we thought Victoria was an easy and fun choice. The bonus was it was our friends Emy’s first time there!

We booked a room in Port Angelas on Friday night and took the first Ferry over to Victoria in the am. It was easy to pack light, and after getting off the Ferry, it was easy peasy to walk to our next hotel. After we browsed a bit we dropped off our stuff and just roamed around all over town.

Victoria is a great girls weekend trip destination! As soon as you get off the Ferry, everything you need is right there. You grab your Starbucks and head to your accommodations, lol. If your hotel or Airbnb is further out, it is so easy to catch a cab. When we went in October, the weather was still lovely, so we walked the couple of blocks to our hotel.

Checking out all the beautiful historical buildings and amazing sights

It was easy to walk around the whole weekend. There was never any need to get a ride. There is so much to do from places to eat, to attractions (like Darth Fiddler singing “Happy Birthday” to Seriny on the street’s corer really loud) and shopping.

It was hard to come up with a whole list of places to eat because there are oh so many restaurants and bars! I could probably live in Victoria an entire summer and eat somewhere new daily.

The  girls and I headed on over to  Floyds located next to the parliament building, and had a delish lunch. I had eaten there on my solo trip a couple of months back, and I loved it. The prices are great, and so is the environment; it is casual and fun. I am going to make it my traditional place to eat at every time I go ?

We walked the waterfront and to China town, and had a blast there. Seriny did the climb the Fan Tan Wall challenge and killed it.

Next time I want to bring a vehicle to go check out Butchart Gardens. It is a 25-minute drive, and it is so big you can spend a good part of the day there. We will get over there next time!

 Things to know if your traveling from the United States to Canada

When I went, Darth Fiddler was on the corner of Langley/ Fort street. He was a fun guy to meet! He takes tips ? 

My Favorite place to eat, Floyds

Floyd’s Diner was highly recommended, so I headed over there and had a delicious breakfast. I bought the “half orders” because the proportions are enormous and the best part is within walking distance of the Port.

How to get around Victoria B.C.

This town is very walk friendly! Everything is close and it is so safe to just walk around everywhere. I walked from the Ferry to shops and restaurants when I went solo and to our and to our hotel with the girls.

Hop-On/ Hop-Off Tour bus starts in front of The Empress and it was a blast! It is located right in front of the Port, and it is a perfect 90-minute tour. You can use it as much as you want for 24-hours and I would highly recommend, it makes it easy to get around all over for cheap.

There are horse carriages if you prefer to tour that way.

At Fisherman’s wharf, there are loads of good food, and they have a kayak tour if you are interested in that. Sadly I missed that.

The Rolling Barrel Pub Tour was a blast. JUST DO IT! 

You want to up your Taxi game? In Victoria B.C you can grab a Water Taxis for touring also during the summer months, why not?

Victoria Water Taxi

Cabs are easy to come by around the Port. 

It is easy to just get around by walking as well  

How to get to Victoria B.C.

Ferry from Anacortes or Port Angeles

The Clipper from Seattle

Flying into Victoria International Airport

Black Ball Ferry Line – COHO – Port Angeles ferry