Victoria, the charming capital of British Columbia, Canada, sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, where mountain views, ocean adventures, and British heritage blend seamlessly.
Visitors arrive for the flowers, history and coastal beauty, but they often leave with memories of unexpected wildlife encounters and unforgettable views.
During a mother-daughter getaway, we discover Victoria from two very different perspectives. One day, we skim across the waters of the Salish Sea searching for whales. The next, we soar above the city in a classic floatplane. Together, these experiences offer a remarkable introduction to one of Canada’s most picturesque destinations.
Victoria From Above
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is often considered one of the most beautiful waterfronts in North America. From ground level, visitors can admire the elegant Parliament Buildings, the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and a steady parade of boats coming and going from the harbor.
From the air, however, the city reveals an entirely different personality.
Our adventure begins at Victoria’s bustling seaplane terminal, where a gleaming De Havilland Beaver awaits. The legendary aircraft has become synonymous with West Coast aviation and remains one of the most iconic bush planes ever built.
Within minutes of takeoff, we leave the harbor behind and rise above a scene that looks almost too perfect to be real.
Swanky yachts and historic schooners skim across sun-glinted waters below. Kayakers paddle along sheltered shorelines while dragon boats slice through the harbor with rhythmic precision. Beyond the city, the Olympic Mountains in neighboring Washington State rise dramatically on the southern horizon.
The view perfectly captures what makes this corner of Canada so special.
Our pilot, Mick, doubles as tour guide and storyteller. As we circle the city, he points out landmarks and shares local history.
“The harbor promenade is one of the best places to experience Victoria,” he explains as we pass overhead.
From our aerial vantage point, we can clearly trace the waterfront walkway that wraps around the Inner Harbour.
The bustling promenade is lined with flower baskets, street performers, outdoor patios, and visitors strolling along the seawall. Victoria’s famous horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through downtown streets while distinctive red double-decker sightseeing buses transport visitors between attractions.
The city’s British roots are impossible to miss.
Below us, the stately Parliament Buildings overlook the harbor, while the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress continues to reign as Victoria’s grand dame. Opened in 1908, the historic hotel remains one of Canada’s most photographed landmarks and is still renowned for its traditional afternoon tea service.
Harbour Views and Waterfront Living
From the air, we easily spot our temporary home away from home.
Nestled on a quiet point overlooking the harbor, the elegant Laurel Point Inn blends contemporary design with Victoria’s maritime setting. Its waterfront location provides easy access to many of the city’s attractions while offering spectacular views of passing vessels.
Nearby, colorful harbor ferries, affectionately known as pickle boats, shuttle passengers across the water. These tiny floating taxis have become a beloved Victoria tradition and provide a fun alternative to walking.
Our flight continues westward along the coastline.
Soon, Mick points out Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.
“Fisgard is the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s West Coast,” he says.
Built in 1860, the lighthouse once guided ships safely through these waters long before modern navigation systems existed. Today, visitors can tour both the lighthouse and the former coastal artillery fort that protected Victoria during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Gardens, Farms and Coastal Landscapes
Photo by Jane Cassie
As we leave the city behind, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of forests, lakes, farms and rolling countryside.
Clusters of towering evergreens surround shimmering inland lakes while winding highways thread through rural communities.
One of the most recognizable landmarks soon appears below us.
The world-famous Butchart Gardens spread across 55 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Originally created in a former limestone quarry, the gardens attract visitors from around the globe and feature spectacular displays throughout every season.
From the air, the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Italian Garden create a stunning mosaic of color and design.
For international visitors planning a Victoria itinerary, Butchart Gardens remains one of Vancouver Island’s signature attractions and is well worth dedicating several hours to exploring.
Nearby, golf courses unfold like emerald carpets while vineyards and farms dot the Saanich Peninsula.
Our route eventually takes us over the University of Victoria.
My daughter smiles as she looks down at her former campus.
“There aren’t many students who get to see their university from this angle,” Mick laughs.
He points toward nearby beaches where students often gather between classes. From above, the shoreline appears endless, its rocky coves washed continuously by gentle waves.
Wildlife Along the Salish Sea
As we descend closer to sea level, I find myself thinking back to the previous day’s adventure.
While the floatplane offers extraordinary views from above, our whale-watching excursion provided an entirely different perspective.
We had joined a marine wildlife tour departing directly from Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Unlike the open Zodiac boats that race across the water, our covered vessel offered protection from wind and spray while still providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The waters surrounding Victoria form part of the Salish Sea, one of North America’s richest marine ecosystems. These nutrient-rich waters support seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles and several species of whales.
It doesn’t take long for wildlife to begin to appear.
Porpoises leap through our wake as if performing for an audience. Harbour seals lounge lazily on rocky outcrops while cormorants spread their wings in the afternoon sun.
Our naturalist guide provides fascinating commentary throughout the journey.
The highlight arrives when a distinctive dorsal fin breaks the surface. A hush falls across the boat. Then another fin appears. And another.
Watching whales in the wild is one of those experiences that never quite loses its magic.
The animals surface gracefully before disappearing beneath the water, only to emerge moments later somewhere entirely unexpected. Cameras click furiously while passengers watch in awe.
For several unforgettable minutes, we share the whales’ world. The encounter feels both humbling and exhilarating.
If you want to whale watch during your visit in Victoria, this half-day whale watching tour is a great choice.
Dining With a View
Image by jovannig from Getty Images via Canva
Back on shore, Victoria’s culinary scene provides another excellent reason to visit.
The city has become one of Canada’s premier food destinations, with chefs embracing Vancouver Island’s abundance of fresh seafood, local produce, and artisanal ingredients.
For waterfront dining, visitors can enjoy spectacular harbor views at Boom + Batten, where contemporary West Coast cuisine is paired with panoramic scenery.
Seafood lovers should also consider Ferris’ Oyster Bar, a local favorite known for fresh oysters and sustainable seafood.
For brunch, Jam Café continues to attract enthusiastic crowds with generous portions and creative comfort food.
And for those seeking a true Victoria tradition, afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress remains a memorable indulgence.
One Last Journey
Before long, our floatplane gently returns to the harbor, touching down with barely a ripple.
Our Victoria adventure is nearly over. As we disembark, one of the city’s cheerful harbor ferries carries us across the water for one final outing.
Soon we will board a BC Ferries vessel for the scenic crossing back to the mainland. The route winds through the Gulf Islands, passing forested shorelines, rocky islets and occasional wildlife sightings.
It feels like a fitting finale.
Victoria is a city best appreciated from multiple perspectives. Wander its historic streets. Cruise its wildlife-rich waters. Explore its gardens and coastline. And if possible, take to the skies.
Only then do you fully appreciate how mountains, ocean, architecture, and wilderness come together to create one of Canada’s most captivating destinations.
For more, read Healing Body and Mind in the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia.
If You Go: Victoria, British Columbia
Getting There
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Visitors can arrive via BC Ferries from Vancouver, floatplane services from Vancouver Harbour, or direct flights to Victoria International Airport.
Stay
Inn at Laurel Point: This waterfront hotel offers harbor views, contemporary rooms, and easy walking access to downtown attractions.
Don’t Miss
- Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings
- Butchart Gardens
- Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
- Whale watching tours in the Salish Sea
- Harbour ferry rides
- Afternoon tea at Fairmont Empress
Where to Eat
- Boom + Batten for waterfront West Coast cuisine
- Ferris’ Oyster Bar for fresh local seafood
- Jam Café for a hearty brunch
Best Time to Visit
Victoria enjoys Canada’s mildest climate. Spring brings spectacular blooms, summer offers ideal sightseeing weather, and autumn often delivers sunny days with fewer crowds.
More Information
Tourism Victoria
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Author Bio: Since 1996, while freelancing, Jane Cassie has had thousands of articles published. Her stories have appeared CNN Magazine, Northwest Travel, New York Daily News, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Dreamscapes, Air Canada In-flight, Cottage Life, Epicure and Travel, just to name a few. She has been a regular contributor to Spa Life, INNspire, North American Inns Magazine, Cottage, and Inspire Magazines.
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