Where to Stay in Victoria, British Columbia (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is located at the tip of Vancouver Island, on the South Coast of British Columbia. This provincial capital is named for Queen Victoria and oozes British charm. The city is small, historic, and insanely pretty. And it should be at the top of your list on any visit to BC! 

Victoria is compact and easily navigable on foot. So, wherever you choose to stay, you’re sure to be near all of the main attractions, great dining, and breathtaking views. Although the neighbourhoods are close together, each has its own unique character, and there is something here for everyone.

So, let’s dive in. 

Downtown Victoria

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Victoria Hotels: Magnolia Hotel & Spa • Fairmont Empress • Strathcona Hotel

Downtown Victoria’s historic buildings, cobbled streets, and spectacular waterfront views make this the perfect place to stay for a first-time visit to Victoria. Here, you’ll be near all the big sights like The Empress Hotel, the Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum, and the provincial Parliament buildings. Everything is within walking distance!

You’ll always be able to find a great hotel in Downtown Victoria. My favourite is The Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Its luxurious decor and exceptional service always make it my top choice in the city. But when my budget doesn’t quite allow it, I love the Strathcona Hotel. This historic hotel is comfy, affordable, and right in the heart of the action. And there’s a great pub attached!

Victoria has a lengthy and fascinating history. And my favourite place to explore the city’s beginnings is in Chinatown. It’s the oldest in Canada. You can learn about Victoria’s early residents at the Victoria Chinatown Museum. And Fan Tan Alley, North America’s narrowest commercial street, is a fun place to shop and explore. 

Downtown Victoria is also the best place in the city for shopping. It’s home to many unique, independent shops. I can’t resist Saltspring Soapworks and Fan Tan Home & Style. And it’s a Victoria tradition to grab a treat at historic Rogers’ Chocolates and Murchie’s Fine Tea & Coffee.  

Locals love to eat out in Victoria, and there are endless dining options in the city center. Il Terrazzo is a Victoria institution for fine Italian dining. Bodega is a cozy spot for Spanish Tapas. 10 Acres Commons is perfect for West Coast favourites. And Red Fish Blue Fish (open March to October) has tasty fish & chips on the wharf!

To fully immerse yourself in Victoria’s British vibes, have Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel. It’s a splurge, but a quintessential Victoria experience that you’ll never forget.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Victoria:

• The main attractions are within walking distance
• Good public transportation
• The best food, drink, and shopping 
• Historic with beautiful waterfront views

Cons of Staying in Downtown Victoria:

• Busy and touristy
• Hotels can be pricey on weekends and in high season
• Some homelessness and drug addiction on the streets

James Bay

👉 Best Area For History Buffs | ✨ Best James Bay Hotels: Pendray Inn & Tea House • Inn at Laurel Point • Oswego Hotel 

James Bay is a central neighbourhood on the opposite side of the Inner Harbour from Downtown. It’s home to the BC Parliament Buildings, one of the most photographed places in the province, and a Victoria highlight. It’s also the best area to stay for history buffs.

This neighbourhood is more residential, so it’s ideal for anyone looking for somewhere quiet, but still near the action. It’s a quick, easy walk into Downtown Victoria along the Inner Harbour. And Beacon Hill Park is not too far away. 

Museum lovers will enjoy this neighbourhood. Here, you will find the marvellous Royal BC Museum and the childhood home of famed BC artist Emily Carr. The BC Parliament Buildings are stunning from the outside, but just as gorgeous and interesting on the inside. Free tours are offered daily (when Parliament is not sitting) and are well worth taking. 

The Pendray Inn & Tea House is located in a former mansion and is a beautiful place to stay in James Bay. If you’re looking for a dose of history right across from the waterfront, this is the place to be. And if the Empress is out of your budget, Afternoon Tea here is a great alternative. 

James Bay sits along the Inner Harbour, and July through November is peak season for Orca and Humpback whales. So, if you’re visiting during these months, whale watching is an activity you won’t want to miss.

Pros of Staying in James Bay:

• Central and walkable
• Amazing views of the Parliament Buildings and the Inner Harbour
• Great museums and historical sights

Cons of Staying in James Bay:

• Further from the Downtown core
• Lots of tourists
• Main streets are busy with vehicle traffic

Fairfield

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Enthusiasts | ✨ Best Fairfield Hotels: Abigail’s Hotel • Beaconsfield Inn • Dashwood Manor Seaside Bed & Breakfast 

If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy staying in Fairfield. This waterfront neighbourhood is within walking distance of the Downtown core, but you’ll be a world away from Victoria’s tourist crowds. It’s the best of everything. 

Fairfield is home to Cook Street Village, a lovely strip of independent shops and eateries. You won’t get more local than here. Beacon Hill Park is nearby, and the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail is perfect for long walks with stunning views of the Salish Sea.

Abigail’s Hotel is an award-winning option in Fairfield. This Tudor mansion was built in the 1930s and is one of the city’s most unique places to stay. Its historic decor and gourmet breakfasts are a highlight. 

The bars and restaurants of Downtown Victoria are a short walk away, but Cook Street Village has lots of nice places to grab a bite. And there’s nowhere better to while away a sunny afternoon than on the patio at The Beagle Pub. 

Pros of Staying in Fairfield:

• Unique shopping and dining in Cook St. Village
• Breathtaking waterfront views
• Quiet and relaxed
• Fewer tourists

Cons of Staying in Fairfield:

• Further away from the Downtown core
• Short on major attractions 

Rockland

👉 Best Area For Old World Charm | ✨ Best Rockland Hotels: Abbeymoore Manor • The Craigmyle Inn • Amethyst Inn 

I love to channel my inner Countess in Rockland. This leafy neighbourhood is full of stunning heritage homes and my favourite attraction in Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle. The castle is about a half hour’s walk from Downtown Victoria. Getting there by transit is also easy if you don’t have a vehicle.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria also calls Rockland home. It’s a great place to see the art of Victoria’s favourite daughter, Emily Carr. Green thumbs will love the Victoria Rose Garden and the Abkhazi Garden. 

The Craigmyle Inn is an elegant choice in Rockland. You’ll feel like you stepped into another era with its antique decor and magical castle view. 

The one downside of staying in Rockland is that it’s residential, so you won’t find many bars and restaurants. But nearby Fort Street has options and will lead you to Downtown. The Blue Fox Cafe is a fantastic breakfast spot on the way! Or you can head to Cook Street Village in neighbouring Fairfield. 

Pros of Staying in Rockland:

• Beautiful heritage homes
• Leafy residential area
• Quiet and safe

Cons of Staying in Rockland:

• Further from the central core
• Few bars and restaurants in the immediate area

Oak Bay

👉 Best Area For a Romantic Getaway | ✨ Best Oak Bay Hotel: Oak Bay Beach Hotel 

Oak Bay is a wonderful option if you’re looking to get away from it all during your visit to Victoria. This picturesque neighbourhood may not have all the attractions, but it’s a tranquil place for a relaxing stay. 

This area is full of parks, beaches, and places to walk along the water. You’ll find charming shops and restaurants in Oak Bay Village. And you’ll always stumble upon something fun, whether it’s a gallery tour, street festival, or local market.

Golfers will love staying in Oak Bay. The area is home to three courses, one of which is the oldest in Canada: The Victoria Golf Club. Its stunning seaside location also makes it one of the most photographed golf courses in the world! 

This neighbourhood is short on hotels, but the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is sure to be a five-star treat. It’s famous for its luxurious spa, outdoor pool, and great dining. 

You may be outside the tourist core, but don’t worry about missing the sights Victoria is famous for. The city center is 15 minutes by car or the Line 11 bus. And if you prefer to walk, you can get Downtown in about an hour. 

Pros of Staying in Oak Bay:

• Picturesque waterfront views
• Quiet and relaxed
• Lots of parks and beaches
• Unique shopping and dining in Oak Bay Village

Cons of Staying in Oak Bay:

• 6 kilometers from Downtown Victoria
• Few hotel options

Tips for Staying in Victoria

Pack your walking shoes

Victoria is a small city, and the tourist core is compact and walkable. Other than Butchart Gardens, you’ll be able to visit all the city’s major attractions on foot. Victoria is also surrounded by water, with many beautiful spots to enjoy a long walk or run. 

Many of the city’s streets and alleys are pedestrianized, so driving can be a hassle. Parking can also be expensive. Take public transport or leave the car at your hotel when you’re exploring the city centre.

Bring layers and an umbrella

Although Victoria sees more sunshine than Vancouver, it’s still part of British Columbia’s South Coast. This means there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some rain during your visit here.

Spring and fall are cool and damp. Summer days are long and warm. But nights can be chilly, even in the summer months. For maximum comfort, wear layers and always walk with an umbrella. 

Victoria’s temperatures stay mild all year round, but there’s always a chance of some snow from late November through early March. Bring a winter coat if visiting at this time of year. 

📚 Related reading: Can’t decide when to visit Victoria? Check out our article about the best time to visit British Columbia!

Book tours and attractions in advance

Victoria explodes with tourists in the summer months. So, it’s wise to book any tours and attractions in advance, particularly if Afternoon Tea at the Empress, Butchart Gardens, or a whale watching tour are on your list. Always book the ferry as soon as you know your travel dates. 

When I visited in early April 2025, the ferry was packed, and my walking tour was full! So, grab tickets early so you don’t miss out! Here are a few highly-rated tours to consider:

• 🌷 City Tour and Butchart Gardens Experience – The gardens are a top Vancouver Island attraction, and this tour makes it easy to get there. Plus, you’ll learn about some of Victoria’s major landmarks.
• 🐋 Half-Day Whale Watching Tour – Visiting in July through November? It’s peak season for Orca and Humpback whale spotting. This is an experience you don’t want to miss!
• 🏰 Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour – This tour is a fun way to see this stately site and explore the whole neighbourhood with a local guide. 
• 👻 Ghost Tour of the Old Town and Bastion Square – Dig into Victoria’s past on this walking tour. I loved this tour on my most recent visit, and it was especially fun after dark!

Victoria is a top food destination, so try as much as you can

Victoria might be small, but its food scene is mighty. Unique, independent restaurants are everywhere here. Being on the water, seafood is a highlight in Victoria. But having a diverse population also means you can get any type of food you’re craving. 

Victoria is also the birthplace of one of my favourite shops, Rogers’ Chocolates. Sure, I can visit the stores in Vancouver, but there is something so special about picking up some of their classic Victoria Creams in the place where it all began. They are delicious and calorie-laden, but you’ll be walking lots!

I always find it hard to narrow down where to eat in Victoria. There are so many great choices! So, taking a food tour is a great way to try a little bit of everything, and you’ll get a city tour at the same time!

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Victoria for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Victoria for first-timers are Downtown Victoria and James Bay. These neighbourhoods are near the city’s top attractions, and nowhere is too far away on foot! You’ll be close to all of the city’s best dining and shopping. And the waterfront views can’t be beat!

What are safe areas to stay in Victoria?

Downtown Victoria, James Bay, and Fairfield are safe areas to stay in Victoria. Although the city is generally very safe, use common sense and mind your belongings in crowded, touristy areas. Like many places along the West Coast, Victoria has problems with homelessness and drug addiction. It’s best to avoid the area around Pandora and Cook Streets. 

What is the best way to get to Victoria from Vancouver? 

The best way to get to Victoria from Vancouver is by BC Ferries. Ferries run from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (36 km from Vancouver) to Victoria’s Swartz Bay. And it’s easy to get thereinto town by car or public transportation. 

BC Ferries accommodates vehicle, bicycle, and walk-on passengers. But they fill up fast, especially on weekends and during the summer. So, be sure to book a reservation in advance.

The fastest, but most expensive way to get from Vancouver to Victoria is by float plane. Harbour Air flights depart from Downtown Vancouver or YVR South Terminal. You can be in Victoria’s Inner Harbour in a quick 30 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Victoria? 

The best time to visit Victoria is late spring through early fall. The flowers are in full bloom, and the days are long and warm. 

Victoria has a mild climate and sees more sun than Vancouver. But it’s still British Columbia, so always anticipate a little bit of rain. Don’t worry about summer heat – Victoria never gets too hot. The average summer temperature is 19.6°C (67°F). 

Winters in Victoria are cool and damp. But Christmas is one of the best times to visit. The city is full of festive cheer, and over 300,000 lights twinkle at Butchart Gardens. It’s one of the most magical places in the province during the holiday season. 

Is it possible to visit Victoria as a day trip from Vancouver? 

Yes, it is possible to visit Victoria as a day trip from Vancouver. But prepare for a long day, especially if you also want to visit Butchart Gardens, which is outside of the city. 

If you have a vehicle, a day trip to Victoria is easier. There is public transportation available, but it can be slow. A great option to make the most of your time, especially if you don’t have a car, is taking a guided day trip. This is the perfect way to experience the very best of Victoria hassle-free!

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With its British charm, fascinating history, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s easy to see why Victoria should be at the top of any British Columbia destination list. I hope this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Victoria.

Planning a trip to British Columbia’s largest city, too? Take a look at my guide to where to stay in Vancouver next!