Victoria, British Columbia, isn’t only a city — it’s a living storybook brimming with places to visit, and has countless stories of adventure, resilience, and heritage to share. This rich history can be viewed in more detail when one undertakes a sightseeing walking tour. If you are a history enthusiast or just want to know more about the city’s peculiar history, then these walks will help you engage with the heart of Victoria in a dynamic manner. Best step back in time because there is so much more to learn why Victoria’s historical walking tours are something you must not forget to check when you visit!
Victoria, BC
As one of the southernmost cities on Vancouver Island, located on the Pacific Northwest, Victoria is relatively an older city making it one of the top answers for a reason why it is popularly called as a “City of Gardens” and a cultural jewel. Beside the breathtaking natural scenery that enchants thousands of tourists each year, Victoria’s intriguing history is no less important.
The Lekwungen Peoples are the original owners of the area, also known as Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and they inhabited this area long before Victoria was colonized.
The rich culture and traditions of the people in Victoria contribute to its history and continue to influence modern day art, monuments, and societal standards.
In 1843, the Hudson’s Bay Company built Fort Victoria primarily serving as a trading post. Over time it became the provincial capital and due to its geographical advantages, it emerged as a center for maritime trade during the Gold Rush. If you stroll through the city today, you will still find remnants of this early time such as vibrant Victorian architecture, totem poles from First Nations, and the oldest Chinatown in Canada with its quaint lamp-lit alleyways.
Popular Historical Walking Tours in Victoria
In Victoria, whether you are interested in ghosts stories or famous Victorian buildings, there are historical walking tours designed to cater to anyone’s interests. Here are some of the best to consider.
1. The Old Town & Chinatown Tour
This tour takes you through the Old Town and Chinatown, the oldest districts in Canada, while narrating fascinating stories and history of the Gold Rush and all the amazing unique buildings around Victoria. Capture the moment at Fan Tan Alley, the skinniest road in Canada.
2. Ghostly Walks
Victoria is known as the “most haunted city in British Columbia” and Ghostly Walks are for those brave souls wanting to learn more about Victoria’s terrifying history, including chilling places like Pendray Inn.
Fascinating ghost stories are blended with a city’s history, ideal for wonderful entertainment for those who love history and deep dives into thrill.
3. The Royal Tour
Trace the steps of the royals and dignitaries as you visit the Fairmont Empress Hotel or the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This tour explains how much Victoria is attached to British Monarchy influences with British impeccable architecture and regal traditions.
4. Cultural First Nations Tours
This tour is usually led by Indigeneous people and goes deeper than colonial history. Beacon Hill Park and the Inner Harbor are important landmarks to learn the art and practice traditional stories.
5. Victoria’s Food & History Walk
This tour best combines history and local delicacies. Enjoy fresh seafood, learn of agriculture and trade history in Victoria, and experience the city’s modern liquor culture.
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Each structure comes with its own story, providing a strong reminiscence to indulge in.
• Active History
In Victoria, tours often give off the feel of a live action show. Several tour guides animate the past by embellishing it with jokes, costumes, and props, resulting in a captivating learning experience.
• Anecdotal Additions
From a ghost tale recounted beneath the stars at Bastion Square to a polite suggestion for the finest craft coffee, guides in Victoria share personal stories that enhance the experience.
• Time of Year
Victoria offers tours with different themes of celebration around issues such as Christmas or Halloween. Imagine walking through the Old Town covered in snow and hearing background info about Victorian Christmas traditions!
Choosing the Most Out of the Best Walking Tour
To make the most of your time in Victoria, remember the tips written here when organizing a walking tour.
1. Focus on Your Preferences
Whether you love ghost stories, captivating architecture, or revolutionary history – there’s something to every taste in these tours.
2. Make A Reservation Early
The majority of people buy tickets for walking tours in Victoria well in advance, especially in tourist seasons. You don’t want to get left without your tickets, so book them early.
3. Get Ready to Move It
While historic streets and alleys are beautiful, the cobblestones and the uneven walkways can be detrimental to your feet. Be ready to have comfy shoes on.
4. Consider The Weather
In Victoria, the average temperature is quite mild, so you might think that you wouldn’t have to check the weather, but knowing that it might rain at any time means that you will at least want to have a light jacket or umbrella on hand.
5. Interact
Be sure to speak with your local tour guides. Depending on how long they’ve lived in the area, they might be able to offer more interesting tips and suggestions on places to eat and visit than what has recently been published for tourists.
6. Take Time After The Tour
Use your tour to understand the places you want to visit after. Such as the little café your guide told you about, or looking through the many shops in Market Square.
Explore The History Of Victoria
There’s much more to Victoria’s sightseeing walking tours than simply sightseeing—they are an introduction to a city that is incredibly complex in terms of history, culture, and architecture. With so many stories, from the more traditional haunted houses to the uniquely Canadian roots of our lovely Chinatowns, there’s something for everybody and more!
If so, why not make your visit an adventure? Put on your walking shoes and take a stroll through Victoria to appreciate her beauty while stepping into her history – you will not regret it, we promise.
We can’t wait to hear your questions or what you’re most excited to do in the comments below!
