by Turo
posted on March 24, 2025
Winter in Victoria is anything but ordinary. While much of Canada is blanketed in snow, the British Columbia capital city gets a much milder winter with crisp ocean air and lush greenery. Whether you’re up for whale watching, scenic hikes, or a relaxing soak with ocean views, Victoria has plenty to offer in the colder months.
Winter is the perfect time to explore this vibrant city, and there are fewer crowds to deal with in the off-season. Let’s explore the top five things to do in Victoria during the winter and start planning your trip!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Whale watching tours
- Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas
- Relaxing at Oak Bay Beach Hotel
- Winter hiking at Goldstream Provincial Park
- Fisherman’s Wharf and Inner Harbour
- FAQs about visiting Victoria in winter
- Hit the road and see the top attractions in Victoria
What to do in Victoria: winter activities you won’t want to miss
Get ready for festive lights and unforgettable wildlife tours or scenic hikes. There are so many amazing winter activities to choose from if you’re wondering what to do in Victoria.
Whale watching tours
Victoria is one of the best places to see orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions in their natural habitat. You might assume whale watching is a summer activity, but the colder months bring calm waters, crisp visibility, and fewer boats on the water.
Why it’s great
The Salish Sea is home to resident and transient orcas, as well as humpbacks and gray whales. With snow-capped mountains in the distance and fresh ocean air, this is one of the city’s most unique winter activities.
Practical tips
Most tours run year-round, but winter conditions can be chilly – dress in warm layers and bring gloves. Tours usually last 3–4 hours, and early morning departures are the best for wildlife sightings.
How to get there
Most whale watching tours depart from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, just a short drive from downtown. A compact or midsize rental car like a Nissan, Toyota or Mercedes-Benz makes city driving easy while giving you the flexibility to explore more of Victoria after your tour.
Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas
Every holiday season, Butchart Gardens transforms into a festive wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, frozen fountains, and beautifully decorated pathways. If you miss it, The Gardens are beautiful all winter long.
Why it’s great
From December 1 to early January, The Magic of Christmas brings seasonal displays, live music, and warm treats to this National Historic Site of Canada. Being there feels like something straight out of a storybook!
Practical tips
Arrive at dusk for the best experience, when the lights shine at their brightest. Tickets start at $25 per person, with on-site dining available at The Dining Room and Blue Poppy Restaurant.
How to get there
Butchart Gardens is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, making it an easy winter road trip. Make your Victoria rental car a roomy SUV or minivan for a comfortable ride for the whole family, especially if you’re planning to explore more of the Saanich Peninsula.
Relaxing at Oak Bay Beach Hotel
With heated oceanfront mineral pools, a full-service spa, and breathtaking coastal views, the famous Oak Bay Beach Hotel is the ultimate winter retreat. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Why it’s great
There’s nothing like soaking in a steaming mineral pool while looking out over the Pacific Ocean. The spa’s heated outdoor pools offer a front-row view of the Salish Sea, where you might even spot seals, otters, or bald eagles!
Practical tips
Pool access is reserved for hotel guests, so consider booking an overnight stay for the full experience. Spa treatments require advance reservations, especially on weekends.
How to get there
The hotel is 15 minutes from downtown Victoria along the scenic Beach Drive waterfront route. If you’re flying in, book with Turo for convenient vehicle delivery straight to Victoria International Airport, so you can hop off your flight and head straight to your retreat.
Winter hiking at Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park is a must-visit if you love the great outdoors. Its lush rainforest and towering waterfalls make visiting the park feel like you’ve escaped into nature without venturing too far from the Greater Victoria.
Why it’s great
Goldstream Provincial Park is home to Niagara Falls (not that one), which flows at its strongest in the winter. If you visit between November and early January, you’ll catch the annual salmon run!
Practical tips
The hike to Niagara Falls is short and easy. The Mount Finlayson Trail is more challenging, but the reward is an unbeatable view. Parking is free, but the area gets busy on weekends – try to get there early to find a spot.
How to get there
Goldstream Provincial Park is a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria along Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway). Choose an all-wheel drive vehicle like a Jeep or Subaru as your Victoria airport car rental, and you’ll be able to handle wet or uneven terrain without breaking a sweat!
Fisherman’s Wharf and Inner Harbour
With colorful floating homes, the freshest seafood, and sweeping waterfront views, Victoria’s Inner Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf are perfect for a peaceful, quiet stroll during the colder months.
Why it’s great
You can watch seaplanes take off, see boats bobbing along the docks, and visit the floating shops and restaurants. It’s also the best place in the city if you want to taste the catch of the day!
Practical tips
Dress warm – the breeze coming off the ocean can be chilly in the winter. Afterward, stop by the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel on Government Street to see its stunning holiday decorations or grab a coffee at a waterfront café.
How to get there
The Inner Harbour is centrally located in downtown Victoria, making it easy to reach by car. Electric vehicle and Tesla drivers can take advantage of multiple EV charging stations throughout the downtown area and charge up while exploring.
FAQs about visiting Victoria in winter
Where is Victoria?
Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is easily accessible by air, with Victoria Airport offering direct flights from major Canadian and international cities. Visitors can also take a ferry from Vancouver for a scenic journey across the Strait of Georgia.
Book a car rental with Turo for the flexibility to explore Victoria’s scenic coastline, nearby parks, and surrounding regions at your own pace. With convenient pick-up, drop-off, and delivery options, you can find the perfect winter-ready vehicle for your trip.
How cold does Victoria get in winter?
Victoria has one of the mildest winters in Canada, with daytime highs averaging 6–10°C (43–50°F). While snow is rare in the city, winter often brings rain and cool ocean breezes, so pack some waterproof layers.
What to do in Victoria, BC, in winter time?
Victoria offers a ton of outdoor adventures in the winter, like wildlife tours and beautiful hikes. The city’s festive lights, waterfront trails, and relaxed pace make the colder months a great time to visit.
How are winter road conditions in Victoria?
Victoria’s roads are well-maintained, and snow is rare in the city itself. However, rain is common, making roads wet and sometimes slippery. If you’re driving outside the city – especially to higher elevations like the Malahat Summit or Goldstream Provincial Park – be prepared for occasional icy patches.
What’s the best type of car for a Victoria road trip in the winter?
If you’re staying in the city, a compact or midsize car is perfect for easy navigation and parking. For road trips to parks, hiking areas, or coastal drives on Dallas Road, an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle provides extra comfort and stability in wet conditions.
Hit the road and see the top attractions in Victoria
Victoria’s mild winters, scenic coastline, and festive holiday season make it a perfect winter getaway. Whether you’re spotting orcas off the coast, wandering through Butchart Gardens or soaking in an oceanfront mineral pool, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to be had.
Skip the rental counter and book your rental car in Victoria with Turo. With flexible pick-up, drop-off, and delivery options, it’s never been easier to get behind the wheel of the perfect vehicle to bring your winter road trip in British Columbia’s capital to life!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this Montreal day trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
