37 Things to do in Victoria BC on a Rainy Day (By an Expert)
Looking for things to do in Victoria BC on a rainy day?
Don’t let the rain stop you from all that Victoria BC has to offer! From museums to castles there are so many things to do in Victoria BC when it’s wet outside.
Victoria BC is a charming city that has beautiful Victorian homes and buildings, fantastic historical attractions, impressive food scene, great craft breweries and cocktails and unique places to enjoy even on a dreary or drizzly day.
I love exploring Victoria, it has so much character. A rainy day is a perfect excuse for me to find a cute coffee shop to cozy up in and people watch. But besides that, Ashlea from Seek Out Travel has come up with creative ways to not let the weather hold you back from a great time in the city!
Here is the Ultimate Guide for all the best things to do in Victoria BC on a rainy day! ☔
1. Tea at the Empress Hotel
You must visit the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria. The Empress is over 100 years old and is simply stunning, fit for royalty.
At the Empress Hotel you can come for afternoon tea where you will be able to pick from a variety of teas and enjoy a variety of small bites. This includes tea sandwiches, cakes, tarts, macarons, and more to enjoy over tea.
They even offer a kids menu for all the princes and princesses in your life.
The Empress is one of the world renown places to have tea, so…when in Rome? It will have a higher price tag starting at $95 CAD per person, and more if you would like to add on. You are paying for a very unique Victoria BC experience and one that is perfect for a rainy day.
Be sure to make reservations in advance to guarantee a seat for afternoon tea.
Address: 721 Government St., Victoria BC
Hours: Everyday 11AM- 4 PM
2. Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located in the Greater Victoria region in Brentwood Bay, BC. It is a 25-30 minutes drive from downtown Victoria.
Victoria Butterfly Garden is like exploring a jungle up close with thousands of tropical butterflies, tropical birds, flamingos, iguanas, poisonous dart frogs and more. You will be able to walk through the lush wonderland of tropical plants, fruit plants, and even carnivorous plants!
There is even a waterfall, pond with tropical fish and a stream to admire. You may just forget you’re not in a jungle afterall.
Address: 1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
Hours: Everyday 10 AM- 6 PM
3. Butchart Gardens
Grab an umbrella and explore the world famous Butchart Gardens. The Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada and has been around for over 100 years.
The Gardens have over 900 varieties of roses and it is just stunning. You will be able to marvel at the beauty of the gardens and smell the sweet aroma of the roses.
It is a wonderland for the flower and nature lover not even a rainy day can spoil.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay, BC
Hours: Monday-Tuesday: 9 AM-10 PM; Wednesday-Sunday: 9 AM- 10 PM
Don’t Have a Car?
➡️ Book this Butchart Gardens Tour with Hotel Pickup!
4. Ghost Tour
Take a spooky ghost tour, the rain will just add to the ambiance of the scary ghost stories. This is also a great tour to take and learn more about Victoria’s history and the different areas of Victoria.
This ghost tour is one of the top ghost tours in Victoria; it’s sure to be a spooky good time!
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for a Victoria Ghost Tour Here!
5. History & Food Tour
Eat your heart’s content while learning about the history and food in Victoria. You will stop at several food spots (inside, out of the rain) to try local delicacies including a stop at the Victoria Public Market.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for a History Food Tour Here!
6. Craigdarroch Castle
Who doesn’t love visiting a castle? Well maybe it’s more of a Victorian era mansion, but it sure does look like it popped straight out of a fairy tale. The rain seems to just make it more enchanting.
The Craigdarroch Castle was home to a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune in coal during the Industrial Age. It is a home with stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and Victorian era furnishing.
What a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Victoria, wandering through an old Victorian house that overlooks Victoria’s charming downtown. You can even walk the 20 minutes up to the castle from downtown if you want to take a rainy day stroll.
Address: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM- 4 PM; Monday & Tuesday Closed
7. Miniature World
Miniature World may be one of the most unique activities in Victoria and is located inside the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Miniature World is just that, a miniature world full of tons of places to visit.
You will find miniature versions of almost anything you can imagine from the circus world, valley of castles, Swiss Family Robinson, Great Canadian Railway, Camelot, Space, Dollhouses, and so many more exhibits.
Known as the “Greatest Little Show on Earth” there is sure to be a miniature world to delight everybody.
Address: 649 Humboldt St, Victoria BC (inside the Empress Hotel)
Hours: Everyday 10 AM- 8 PM (last admission at 7:15 PM)
8. Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy day. Royal BC Museum is a natural and human history museum where you can immerse yourself in Canadian history from wooly mammoths to totem poles. The wooly mammoths exhibit is so lifelike that it makes you feel like you went back in time.
You can explore the Language Forest and hear 34 different languages spoken by Indigenous Peoples. Admire the totem poles and other fascinating cultural artifacts.
You could spend a whole day exploring the Royal BC Museum but at least 1-2 hours is recommended.
Address: 675 Belleville St., Victoria, BC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 AM- 6 PM; Friday- Saturday 10 AM- 10 PM
9. Victoria Bug Zoo
Victoria Bug Zoo is a mini zoo with over 50 bugs to see and learn about. You can even hold some of the bugs!
This is a great place to take your kids to foster an appreciation and love for bugs. This is not just a place for kids but for anyone wanting to learn more about bugs!
You can spend anywhere from 15 min to 2 hours exploring here.
Address: 631 Courtney Street, Victoria BC (Downtown Victoria)
Hours: Monday- Friday 11 AM- 4 PM; Saturday- Sunday 10 AM- 4 PM
10. Maritime Museum of BC
A small but mighty museum about British Columbia’s maritime culture and history. The museum has ship models to view, marine knot display, and lots of interesting information about the maritime in BC. Currently they have a very interesting exhibit, “Queer at Sea” at the museum and rotate new exhibits.
Address: 744 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM- 5 PM; Sunday & Monday Closed
11. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is the largest art gallery on Vancouver Island and is one of the best in Canada. It is located only 20 minutes from downtown in a beautiful park like setting with parts of the gallery being housed in a historic home.
Address: 1040 Moss St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 10 AM–5 PM; Thursday 10 AM–9 PM; Sunday 12–5 PM; Monday Closed
12. British Columbia Parliament Buildings
The BC Parliament Buildings is a great place to visit to learn more about British Columbia’s government system. You can go on a self guided or guided tour to see the beautiful parliament buildings.
It is worth the visit even if you are not interested in government or politics for the beauty of the buildings alone!
Address: 501 Belleville St., Victoria, BC
Hours: Everyday 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM
13. Royal Theatre
The Royal Theater is a theater and concert hall that is a jewel of Victoria. It is simply exquisite with the historic arch, red curtains, and the most ornate detailed woodwork on the ceilings.
This is a great place to come see a local show or a concert and marvel at the theater’s beauty.
Address: 805 Broughton St, Victoria, BC
14. Vancouver Island Brewery
Like Portland, Oregon, there are plenty of breweries in Victoria to grab a pint and escape the rain.
Vancouver Island Brewery is a great stop to enjoy some great craft beer from pale ales, hefeweizens to IPA’s.
You can even book a beer tour.
Address: 2330 Government St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 1–8 PM; Friday-Saturday 1-9PM; Sunday 1–7 PM; Monday Closed
15. Whistle Buoy Brewery
Whistle Buoy Brewery was my absolute favorite brewery in Victoria. It is such a cute nautical themed space which makes you feel like you are inside of a ship while tasting the best beer.
I would highly recommend trying the flight so you can try as many of their wonderfully crafted beers as possible.
Address: Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Sunday 12–9 PM; Friday & Saturday 12PM-12AM
16. Belfry Theater
The Belfry is a historic 19th century church converted into a theater and is so charming. This is a gem that is a lovely place to watch a play while in Victoria.
Address: 1291 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC
17. The Bay Centre
The Bay Centre is one of the main shopping districts in Vancouver where you will find shops- both local and chains as well as many restaurants to pick from. This is the perfect place to hide from the rain and visit a mall to shop til you drop.
Address: 1150 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, & Saturday 10 AM–6 PM; Thursday 10 AM–7 PM; Sunday 11 AM–5 PM
18. Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
Go on a self guided food tour in Victoria at the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson. Located in the beautiful historic Hudson building you will find local cheese, fresh flowers, local meats and produce, coffee, pasta, a French bakery, gourmet foods, and so many more delicious options to taste.
Address: #6 1701 Douglas Street Victoria, BC, V8W 0C1
Hours: Everyday 11 AM- 6 PM
19. Munro’s Books
Munro’s Books is a gorgeous bookstore that is located inside a Victorian house with high ceilings, intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, wood floors, and wall to wall with any book you can imagine!
What pairs better with a rainy day than a good book? Munro’s is the perfect place to find your next read or to wander through and admire the bookstore.
Address: 1108 Government St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Saturday-Wednesday 9:30AM-6PM; Thursday & Friday 9:30 AM–7:30 PM
20. Regional Assembly of Text
Regional Assembly of Text is such a cheery retro inspired stationery store that is a must while in Victoria. They are making the art of letter writing and mailing cards and postcards not a thing of the past but a delight in our every day lives.
They sell the most beautiful handmade cards, stationary, post cards, greeting cards, buttons, tote bags, and so many other lovely items.
They also have vintage typewriters that, for a fee, you can type your own letter, you can also make buttons, and even attend a monthly letter writing club.
When visiting this is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir to take home, like a locally made post card. Such dreamy little store to write a letter, make a button, or pick out a treasure for yourself.
Address: 560 Johnson St #116, Victoria, BC
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM- 6 PM; Sunday 12 PM- 5 PM
21. The Drake Eatery
The Drake Eatery is a craft beer eatery with great local beers and food to snack on as you are enjoying your beer. The Drake Eatery has such a cozy and welcoming pub vibes which make it so easy to settle in and enjoy some craft beer and food.
Address: 517 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC
Hours: Everyday 12 PM- 12 AM
22. Driftwood Brewery
Driftwood Brewery has great beer with a huge variety from witbier, pale ales, porters, IPA’s to lagers with about any type of beer you would be looking for!
They also have a great indoor space with a huge ocean mural that is so fun!
You will also find great food such as dumplings and bao buns. This is a great place to set up shop and enjoy all the flavorful beer and food and wash the rainy day blues away.
Address: 36 Viewfield Rd, Victoria, BC
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12–9:30 PM; Sunday & Monday 12-8:30PM
23. Swift Brewery & Good Times
Looking for a unique place to grab a drink and food? Head to Swift Brewery & Good Times which is set up like a 70’s basement with fun retro furniture, wall paper, lava lamps, all the decor to make you think you are at a house party in the 70’s.
Their beer cans even look retro and of course delicious too! Such funky vibes, this place looks amazing!
Address: 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Tuesday 12–10 PM; Wednesday-Sunday 12 PM–12 AM; Monday Closed
24. Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is the second largest in all of North America, right behind San Francisco. It is a great place to eat, eat, and then eat some more. There are tons of great places to eat in Chinatown with terrific Chinese Food.
This was one of my favorite things we did in Chinatown. We went to Fan Tan Cafe and the food was out of this world! Truly phenomenal. Be sure to come hungry.
Address: 500 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC
25. Craft Beer Market
The Craft Beer Market is located on the Victoria Harbor overlooking the weather.
They have a very impressive outdoor area with tons of seating and fire pits. They also have a huge indoor space with a great beer selection and about any food that you can imagine from a diverse choice of apps, burgers, sandwiches, bowls and salads, pizzas, and so much more!
This is a great place to hunker down and has something for everyone. The beer, food, and space are all stellar.
Address: 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM–12 AM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM–1 AM
26. Lighthouse Brewery
Lighthouse Brewery is a small adorable brewery with a charming little patio to enjoy some delicious craft beer and small bites too! They have queso, vegan empanadas and sausage rolls.
It also has a cozy indoor space if you need an escape from the weather. It is a great spot to venture back on a sunshiny day and escape to it’s small colorful patio with a lighthouse painting and flower pots.
Address: 836 Devonshire Rd Unit 2, Victoria, BC V9A 4T4
Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM; Saturday & Sunday Closed
27. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s wharf is just delightful, tackey in the best way, and colorful and fun. We went on a rainy day and still had a blast!
There are so many bright and unique house boats to stroll past, great fish and chips (Red Fish Blue Fish is ah-mazing!) , other delicious restaurants to choose from and local shops.
Thankfully, many of the eating areas are covered so you can still enjoy the awesome seafood and other cuisines floating on the harbor. This was such a great spot to eat some local food with a beer and enjoy the wharf.
Address: 12 Erie St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Everyday 11AM-6PM
28. Leopold’s Tavern
Leopold’s Tavern is recommended for a great spot for late night eats. The divey bar with Christmas lights strung across the ceilings and the walls covered with memorabilia is a fun place to get a glimpse into Canadian culture while trying a Canadian favorite – poutine!
Perfect for a dreary rainy day in Victoria.
Address: 570 Yates St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM–12 AM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM–1 AM
29. Market Square
Market Square is such an adorable area to go shopping at some local spots or grab a bite to eat (like a Belgian waffle from Wannawafel) or local beer.
Address: 560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM–5 PM; Sunday 11AM-5PM
30. Emily Carr House
The Emily Carr House is the birthplace and home of the famous writer and artist Emily Carr. It’s a historic Victorian home and gardens that is open to tours of the home and learn more about Emily Carr and her legacy.
Reserve in advance to save your spot.
Address: 207 Government Street Victoria, British Columbia V8V2K8
Hours: Friday- Saturday 10 AM- 3 PM
31. Old Town Victoria
Wander through the streets of Old Town, this is a great place to stroll rain or shine. You will see colorful Victorian buildings, Government street with lots of historic landmarks, and all the sights and smells of vibrant Chinatown.
You can even go on a carriage ride to explore Old Town in style.
32. St. Andrews Cathedral
St. Andrews Cathedral is a beautiful 1890’s church with stained glass and an organ. It is a peaceful place to go and appreciate the building of the historic architecture.
Address: 740 View St, Victoria, BC
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM- 4 PM
33. Explore Victoria’s Alleyways
Get mysterious vibes exploring Victoria’s alleyways on foggy or rainy days.
There is Fan Tan Alley, known as the narrowest alley way in Canada leading the Chinatown.
There is also Dragon Alley which is a historic alley way in Chinatown. This is a perfect place to wander into Chinatown and explore these vibrant area of town.
34. National Toy Museum
The National Toy Museum is exactly what is sounds like, a museum full of toys from every generation!
What a fun way to reminisce and see all your favorite toys from your childhood. Talk about a blast from the past.
This is a great stop for kids and adults alike!
Address: 719 Yates Street, Victoria BC
35. Totem Poles at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park was the home to the original totem poles from First Nations Peoples. The original totem poles have now been moved inside the Royal BC Museum and replaced with replicas carved by expert First Nations Carvers.
There are 11 totem poles and one long hose in Thunderbird Park that are just beautifully carved and painted.
Take a rainy day stroll and appreciate the serenity of the Thunderbird Park.
36. Escape Rooms
Escape rooms in Victoria, like Quest Reality Games or Victoria Escape Games, offer an exciting and immersive indoor adventure that’s perfect for a rainy day. Step into a world of mystery and puzzles, where you and your friends can work together to solve intricate challenges and unlock hidden secrets.
These escape rooms are not only a fun way to spend a rainy day but also a great opportunity to test your problem-solving skills and teamwork.
From historical-themed escapes to thrilling mysteries, there’s an escape room for everyone to enjoy.
37. Interactivity Board Game Cafe
Interactivity Board Game Cafe is an ideal rainy-day destination in Victoria offering the ultimate haven for board game enthusiasts.
For a small fee, you gain access to their impressive game library boasting over 800 games, ensuring there’s something for every taste and skill level. The cafe’s game experts are ready to assist you, helping you find the perfect game for your group and even providing guidance if you’re new to a particular game.
Address: 723 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L6
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-11PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-12AM
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Epilogue: Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Victoria BC
With so many things to do in Victoria BC on a rainy day, you are sure to have a jam packed day exploring the lively and lovely city of Victoria. Take the time to enjoy the food, drinks, and learn a little something about Victoria’s rich and diverse past on your rainy day. Lucky for you, there is tons to do and the rain just seems to make Victoria that much prettier and more peaceful.
Happy Travels!
