May is a beautiful time of year to explore Victoria, and what better spot to celebrate Mother’s Day this year! Enjoy fantastic activities, mouth-watering food and visit iconic hot spots with your mom (or mother figure) during the entire month of May. PLUS, save on Mother’s Day Packages from $111 USD pp/do. Packages include ferry, a stay at the Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, chocolates for mom, and 15% off brunch at Heron Rock Bistro. Book Now The Inner Harbour of Victoria. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.  1. Explore Victoria by Water Victoria Harbour Ferry offers guided tours of Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. Experience tales of Victoria’s rich history and learn how the city became the hub that it is today. Or, opt to hop on a harbour ferry as a unique ride to popular destinations in and around downtown such as Fisherman's Wharf, Red Fish Blue Fish, Chinatown and more!  For more information, please visit Victoria Harbour Ferry's website. Brunch at Heron Rock Bistro. Credit: Heron Rock Bistro. 2. Celebrate Mom with Brunch at Heron Rock Bistro Brunch is always a great Mother’s Day treat. Take your loved one to Heron Rock Bistro for delicious food and drinks. Our favorite brunch options include: Fried Chicken & Waffles Benny: Buttermilk fried chicken, topped with poached eggs, bacon, and maple syrup, all constructed on top of a housemade waffle.Corned Beef Hash: House-cured Angus beef, gruyere cheese, and golden potatoes, all covered with delicious hollandaise sauce.Tomato Pesto Brie Breakfast Sandwich: A house-baked bun served with local Comox Valley brie cheese and tasty aioli with an egg. Book a Mother’s Day package through Black Ball Ferry Line and receive 15% off at Heron Rock Bistro! Vouchers can be used all day for brunch, happy hour or dinner. Reservations are recommended. Alcoholic beverages excluded from discount. Heron Rock is a Canadian bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. With daily brunch and dinner features, there is always something new to try! Plus, enjoy daily happy hour from 3pm-5pm and 8pm-close, and live music on Monday evenings. Book your Mother's Day Package Mount Douglas Summit. 3. Hike to Some Incredible Views Work up a sweat and enjoy an incredible hike located in the Greater Victoria area: Mount Douglas: Hike 1.2 miles (2 kms) to the peak of Mount Douglas where you can find spectacular views of downtown Victoria and the Haro Strait. Mount Work: Located in the District of Highlands, roughly a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, this scenic hike will make you “work” for the incredible view! Thetis Lake: Enjoy popular hiking trails through a West Coast rainforest that surrounds the beautiful Thetis Lake. Afternoon Tea at The Pendray Tea House. Credit: The Pendray Tea House. 4. Enjoy a Classic Victorian Afternoon Tea Looking for an authentic Victoria experience? Enjoy an afternoon tea at one of our favorite spots: The Butchart Gardens: Enjoy picturesque views of The Butchart Gardens before diving into an unforgettable afternoon tea experience. Pick out your choice of tea to sip on, and enjoy sweets and savory sandwiches. Pendray Teahouse: Located in the Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria, the Pendray Tea House offers an antiquated experience with a tranquil setting. Try a unique spin on afternoon tea — West Coast Afternoon Tea — with sustainably sourced seafood. Book Afternoon Tea Tickets Lobby of the Willow Stream Spa. Credit: The Willow Stream Spa. 5. Relax at a Luxury Spa A perfect way to enhance your Mother’s Day getaway - Treat mom to a relaxing spa day at one of Victoria's spas: Sapphire Day Spa: The Sapphire Day Spa is known for its unique Ayurvedic treatments which strives to promote harmony between all aspects of the individual. Willow Stream Spa: Located in the Fairmont Empress, Willow Stream Spa is one of the most popular spas on Vancouver Island. Enjoy their luxury facilities as you are pampered by professional staff. The Parkside Spa: Stop by The Parkside Spa for a facial or pedicure before soaking in their hot tub for an all-around relaxing experience! Charcuterie Board with a selection of fine cheeses and local and house-cured meats. Credit: The Collective Wine Bar. 6. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Victoria is known for some amazing restaurants. Below are a few options that are certain to get your evening started right: Bodega: Well-known for delicious Spanish tapas and a great selection of wine and unique cocktails. L’apero: Enjoy an authentic French experience known as “Apero” by pairing their unique selection of cheeses and wine offerings. The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen: Check out their wine flights and enjoy some casually elegant share plates. The Victoria Public Market. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria. 7. Check out a Local Farmers Market Who doesn’t love doing a little shopping, especially at a discounted rate with the US dollar being so strong? Check out these local spots for some hidden delights: James Bay Farmers Market: Located just up the street from our Victoria terminal, enjoy music from local performers as you check out all the great vendors that gather weekly at the James Bay Market. Moss Street Market: Featuring a variety of local food and farm vendors with great eats, and other craft and artisan vendors. Victoria Public Market: Known for having some delicious snacks, the Victoria Public Market is the spot to go if you're looking for some local bites to power yourself through an afternoon shop. The Royal BC Museum. Credit: The Royal BC Museum, Destination Greater Victoria. 8. Enjoy a Spectacular Show at the IMAX While you're here in Victoria, why not check out the largest IMAX screen in British Columbia? Located inside the Royal British Columbia Museum, IMAX Victoria offers showings of the most popular movies and documentaries. You can also combine your visit to IMAX Victoria with a ticket to the museum for maximum entertainment! For current show times and more information, please visit the IMAX's website.  Book Royal BC Museum Tickets Cycling in Beacon Hill Park. Credit: The Magnolia Hotal and Spa, Destination Greater Victoria. 9. Take a Scenic Bike Ride Through the City Victoria is rated as the most cycle-friendly city in Canada! What better way to explore downtown Victoria than on a bicycle? The Pedaler is a perfect place to grab your bike rental before exploring the Greater Victoria area. Located next to the Huntingdon Manor (down the street from our ferry terminal). The Pedaler also offers guided bike tours, including their Castles, 'Hoods and Legends tour (hitting some of the most iconic landmarks in Victoria), and a Hoppy tour (stopping at popular breweries along the way).  For more information, please visit The Pedaler's website.  Shopping in downtown Victoria. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria. 10. Do Some Local Shopping Victoria is the perfect hybrid for those looking to check out local boutiques or wanting to wander a shopping district! Check out some great shopping options during your getaway to Victoria: Government Street: Connecting Victoria’s Inner Harbour to the downtown core, Government Street is filled with many local boutique shops that are sure to have something that will catch your eye! Here you'll find a variety of restaurants (Bard & Banker, Irish Times, and Garrick's Head, to name a few), and iconic shops, such as Rogers' Chocolates, Murchie's Tea & Coffee, and many other souvenir shops. Lower Johnson: Be sure to check out Low Jo too (Lower Johnson Street, off of Government Street); home to many local boutique shops including Rook and Rose (flower and lifestyle), Little Gold (jewelry), and ANIAN (durable, earth-friendly clothing). Market Square, located off of Johnson Street, also has tons of small shops and restaurants to explore. The Bay Centre: Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, The Bay Centre is a multi-story shopping mall that is filled with a variety of retail options. If you are hungry, check out their new heated outdoor patio that showcases Victoria’s skyline. Beacon Hill Park. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria. 11. Have a Picnic at Beacon Hill Park Grab your favorite snacks and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Immerse yourself in its ecosystem filled with rich biodiversity, including wandering peacocks, ducks, and turtles. Beacon Hill Park is also filled with amenities such as tennis courts, pickleball courts, a putting green, and an outdoor performance venue.

As the weather starts to warm up, Victoria comes to life with blooming flowers and outdoor activities. Known as the City of Gardens, and home to the mildest temperatures in Canada, spring is the perfect time to visit Victoria. The city offers a range of activities that make for a memorable trip for the adventurer, the artist, the culinary enthusiast, and the shopaholic alike! Take advantage of the budding spring and read below for the top things to do in Victoria, BC this spring season. Plus, Victoria's blooming month is on a SUPER SALE! Experience the Magic of Spring at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC from $174 USD pp/do. Packages include ferry, a stay in Victoria, BC, and admission and shuttle to The Butchart Gardens. Packages valid during the entire month of April. Book Now Spring tulip blooms at The Butchart Gardens. Credit: The Butchart Gardens. 1. Admire Victoria in Full Bloom Enjoy the world-famous flowers and gardens Victoria has to offer, including The Butchart Gardens, Government House and Abkhazi Gardens. The Butchart Gardens offers thousands of blooms during this time of year, including the Cherry and Plum blossoms, more than 28 varieties of Magnolia trees (some date back to Jennie Butchart's original plantings), over 160,000 blooming tulip bulbs, and other beautiful blooms including Hyacinthus (Hyacinth), Narcissus (Daffodil), and Myosotis (Forget-me-not)... Spring at The Butchart Gardens is not to be missed! Plus, from March to April, admire the stunning Cherry Blossoms as they bloom along View Street, right in the heart of downtown Victoria. Can’t get enough of the budding spring? Check out Rook & Rose flower shop on Johnson Street for beautiful bouquets (fresh and dried!), apothecary, and home goods. Book The Butchart Gardens Brunch at Floyd's Diner. Credit: Floyd's Diner. 2. Visit the City's Best Cafe and Brunch Spots If you love brunch, you’ve come to the right place. Victoria has countless iconic brunch spots that will fuel all of your adventures, including Jam Cafe, Floyd’s Diner, Heron Rock Bistro and Nourish Cafe (all within walking distance of our ferry terminal!). If you’re looking for something lighter like a coffee and a treat, we recommend Crust Bakery or Murchie's Tea & Coffee. Shops on Lower Johnson Street. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria. 3. Shop Local Victoria is home to many wonderful local shops that have a variety of goods. If you’re looking for something to remember your trip, check out Government Street for classic souvenirs. If you love looking for vintage treasures, Victoria is home to curated Vintage clothing shops including Vintage After Death, Victoria Vintage, Brica Brac Salvage, and many more. If you're into browsing, head to Lower Johnson Street (just off of Government Street) for some of Victoria’s most popular local stores. Lower Johnson has many local boutique shops including Little Gold (jewelry), and ANIAN (durable, earth-friendly clothing). Market Square, located off of Johnson Street, also has tons of small shops and restaurants to explore! Malahat Skywalk Spiral Tower. Credit: Malahat Skywalk. 4. Enjoy Some Breathtaking Views  Roughly a 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria, The Malahat Skywalk provides some incredible views of Southern Vancouver Island and the Saanich Inlet. Walk their Spiral Tower to get 250 meters above sea level. Enjoy the surrounding arbutus forest and the accompanying local wildlife that lives within it. Do not forget about the spiral slide that will take you from the top of the tower to the bottom in seconds! Book The Malahat Skywalk Lounging area at Willow Stream Spa. Credit: Willow Stream Spa. 5. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day No vacation is complete without some much needed relaxation. Victoria has some amazing spas that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for more adventures. For a unique experience, check out Ritual Nordic Spa home to Scandinavian spa and wellness treatments. For a classic spa experience, go to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress... You deserve it! View from Dallas Road. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria. 6. Spend Time Outdoors For some of the best hikes (and panorama views) in the city, check out Mount Doug or Mount Tolmie. If you’re looking for a day at the beach, we recommend Willows Beach, Gonzales, Mount Doug Beach, or stroll along the endless beaches along Dallas Road nearby our ferry terminal in downtown! Easily accessible from downtown, Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s largest parks. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, spot resident peacocks, check out Beacon Hill Petting Zoo, and don't forget to grab some ice cream from Beacon Hill Drive In (featuring some of city's best ice cream!). Exterior of Royal BC Museum. Credit: Royal BC Museum, Destination Greater Victoria. 7. Embrace your Curiosities Downtown Victoria offers an assortment of indoor activities for all ages, including a variety of museums that will feed your curiosities. This spring, the Royal BC Museum is showcasing the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” exhibit until April 16, 2023. Check out other unique year-round exhibits such as the Victoria Bug Zoo and Miniature World, exhibiting over 85 miniature dioramas from various artists. If you’re a lover of nautical history and ocean sciences, visit the Maritime Museum of BC, which offers exhibits and walking tours. Exterior of Greater Victoria Art Gallery. Credit: Greater Victoria Art Gallery. 8. Get Creative Feeling inspired by the colors of spring? If you’re in the mood to try your hand capturing the season’s beauty, it’s time to get creative. Drop in to one of many paint classes across the city, visit Four Cats for a spring-themed workshop, or Fired Up to paint your very own ceramic souvenirs. If you’re looking to admire other artist’s creations, check out the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria! Interior of the Board Game Café. Credit: Bob Hewitt Photographic, Destination Greater Victoria. 9. Fun and Games Quest Reality Games offers a variety of escape rooms and outdoor escape challenges that keep you entertained while exploring the city. Looking for a scary challenge? Horror Escape is the perfect place. If you’re craving a game of Pac Man, Frogger, Fix it Felix, pin-ball, or any other arcade classic (new and old!), you should definitely pay a visit to Quazar’s Arcade. Victoria is also home to Haunted Manor: mini golf, a fun and engaging combination of a haunted house and a miniature golf course. If you want to wind down around a board game with your friends and family, the Board Game Cafe offers tasty treats and a huge selection of games for all interests! There won’t be a dull moment here. Exterior of Red Fish Blue Fish. Credit: Red Fish Blue Fish. 10. Experience Victoria’s Local Food and Drinks Craving local food and beer? Victoria has it all, from fish tacos at Red Fish Blue Fish on Wharf Street to perogies at Sult on Yates Street, and pasta from Pagliaccis on Broad Street. If you’re looking for a drink, stop by Cenote or Citrus and Cane for a wide range of specialty cocktails. You’ll find local brews from one of Victoria’s microbreweries everywhere you stop, but you can also hunt them down by following Victoria’s Ale Trail.