Arts, Culture & History Tours

Victoria Art Tours

Victoria is home to a burgeoning arts community, and art crawls and open studios provide an opportunity for self-guided art tours. Grab a map of participants at the annual and very popular Paint-In on Moss Street and meet local painters, photographers and artisans. Head to nearby Metchosin and Sooke for the Stinking Fish Studio Tour and browse blown glass, jewelry, paintings and pottery in an oceanside rural setting.

Find other art crawls in the Fairfield and Fernwood neighbourhoods; both are walking distance from downtown Victoria. Take a day to discover new artists and then dine at nearby restaurants.

Heritage Tours

Many Victoria tour operators feature culture though heritage excursions. Sip afternoon tea at the lavish Fairmont Empress Hotel in honour of the city’s British heritage, stroll in gardens at Hatley Castle (a National Historic Site), hear historic tales in narrow Chinatown alleys, or visit the home of artist Emily Carr. Interested in local political culture? During summer, there are free tours of the Parliament Buildings in the Inner Harbour.

Take a tour of Ross Bay Cemetery from the Old Cemeteries Society to learn about past residents and important figures from British Columbia’s history, An ever-changing roster of themed tours focus on subjects such as Gold Rush pioneers (including Billy Barker, namesake of Barkerville), epidemics and even the family behind local institution Rogers’ Chocolate.

Self-Guided Heritage Tours

The Victoria Heritage Foundation offers self-guided walking tours of some of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. Pass elegant heritage homes and streets lined with creaking Garry oak trees, or grab one of four “Secrets of the City” walking tour brochures from the Visitor Centre to learn about Chinatown history, haunted areas and more.

Neighbourhood Tours

Drop in on a tour with Discover the Past and stand in the glow of Chinatown’s neon lights or hear spooky stories on a Ghostly Walk of haunted locales in Victoria.

In summer months, join the Architectural Institute of BC for a comprehensive look at Victoria’s architecture. Learn the city’s start as Fort Victoria, hear the story of the young architect who designed the Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings, and discover the modern and Art Deco structures that helped bring Victoria into the present.

Other popular areas for cultural tour operators include the Inner Harbour, James Bay, gardens and parks.

Aboriginal Tours

Join a guided tour at the Royal BC Museum for insight into the First Peoples gallery and Aboriginal artifacts. Afterwards, head to neighbouring Thunderbird Park, home to totem poles, a traditional First Nations house and carving studio.

On the self-guided Signs of Lekwungen walk, over-sized spindle whorls (representing those used by Coast Salish women to spin wool) mark areas of cultural significance on a route stretching from the Inner Harbour to Beacon Hill Park. Many cruise tour operators feature Aboriginal culture as part of tour itineraries.

Practical Points

• High season for most attractions is usually May to September and tours often run daily. During low season, tours can run infrequently. Most self-guided tours can be done year-round.
• Some tours may require a minimum number of participants or advance booking. It’s best to call ahead to check for schedules and availability.
• Visit local Visitor Centres or museums for walking tour brochures, maps and information on tour operators and help with trip planning.

Read Less