Victoria, British Columbia surprised us in the best way possible. While we had both lived nearby in Vancouver years ago, this time we experienced Victoria differently—through the eyes of travelers preparing for a rugged backpacking adventure. With stunning coastal scenery, charming neighborhoods, and an unbelievably walkable downtown, Victoria turned out to be the perfect place to begin and end our trek. This is a perfect plan for what to do in Victoria before the West Coast Trail.
Why Start Your West Coast Trail Trip in Victoria?
For many hikers, Victoria is simply a transit point on the way to the trailhead. But don’t make the mistake of breezing through this captivating city. It’s delightful and is well worth exploring. We stayed both before and after our West Coast Trail adventure and couldn’t have been happier with that decision.
Victoria is:
- Compact and walkable (we didn’t need a car!)
- Full of helpful outdoor stores for last-minute supplies
- Conveniently connected to the West Coast Trail Express bus
- Bustling with friendly locals, great food, and Pacific charm
Where to Stay in Victoria Before the Trail: Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
While the Fairmont Empress is Victoria’s most famous hotel, we opted to stay right around the corner at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour. This was a smart, central, and very comfortable choice. The rooms were spotless, the location unbeatable, and we were just a stone’s throw from everything. From here:
- We walked everywhere. Restaurants, shops, and attractions were right outside.
- We reached the West Coast Trail Express bus pickup point in under 5 minutes on foot. See my post Victoria to West Coast Trailhead to plan your transport.
- The Empress and Inner Harbour were practically in our backyard.
I have many more hotel suggestions in my post Where to Stay in Victoria, BC Without a Car.
Stocking Up on Gear: MEC and More
After checking in, we headed to Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) for last-minute trail gear: bear spray, stove fuel, and other items we couldn’t fly with. The store had everything we needed. It is organized, has helpful staff, and is an easy walk from our hotel.
A Scenic One-Day Walk Through Victoria
With blue skies overhead (yes, in Victoria!), we set off on what we jokingly called our “training walk.” It turned out to be a long, leisurely loop through downtown and the coastline that ended up being one of the highlights of our visit.
We strolled:
- Along the Inner Harbour, where boats bobbed, musicians played, and visitors snapped selfies in front of the Parliament Buildings.
- Through quiet neighborhoods to the cruise ship terminal, admiring manicured homes and the laid-back vibe.
- Along Dallas Road, a dramatic oceanfront route with sweeping views across the Salish Sea. We fell in love with every single home, from charming seaside cottages to sleek modern buildings, all just steps from the water.
- Up and over the coastal bluffs, where the scenery was truly postcard-perfect.
Beacon Hill Park: A Natural Gem in the City
As we climbed inland from the bluffs, we entered Beacon Hill Park—and it instantly stole our hearts.
This sprawling, meticulously maintained park was nothing short of magical:
- A bald eagle welcomed us from atop a massive totem pole.
- Peacocks roamed freely, their iridescent feathers catching the sun.
- We passed a free putting green, a petting zoo, and tranquil walking trails through forests, gardens, and meadows.
- Deer wandered quietly through shaded areas as we walked by streams, ponds, and blooming flower beds.
- Wide lawns invited picnics and pauses, and a mix of paved and dirt paths made it easy to explore every corner.
We took our time wandering through the park, soaking in the calm before the physical challenge of the West Coast Trail ahead. This wasn’t just a pretty city park. It felt like a full-blown destination in itself.
Evening at the Empress & Parliament Lights
After our long and lovely walk, we returned downtown for a relaxed evening, and Victoria still had one more surprise in store.
We stepped into the bar inside the Fairmont Empress, and it was just what we needed before our early trail departure the next morning. Warm and welcoming, the space oozed historic charm with a modern twist:
- Soft lighting, dark wood beams, and rich paneling gave it a classic, clubby feel.
- Comfortable seating made it easy to unwind after our walk.
- Huge, playful portraits of Queen Victoria added a dash of whimsy and flair.
- Our seats near the tall windows gave us a lovely view of the harbor.
After our drink, we wandered out to see the Parliament Buildings, which had looked stately earlier in the day. But at night, they were breathtaking. Every architectural line was outlined in twinkling white lights, casting a peaceful glow over the harbor. It was one of those simple but memorable moments of the trip: quiet, beautiful, and unexpected.
Getting to the West Coast Trailhead from Victoria
We had pre-arranged tickets on the West Coast Trail Express, which offers transport to either trailhead: Gordon River in the south or Pachena Bay in the north. For our hike, we started at Gordon River (about a 2-hour ride) and ended at Pachena Bay, which required a longer, 6-hour return journey to Victoria.
The bus pickup point in Victoria was incredibly convenient—just a 5-minute walk from our hotel. We had no trouble finding it in the early morning, and everything ran smoothly.
If you’re planning your WCT adventure, I highly recommend booking your bus tickets in advance. It gave us peace of mind, and the ride itself was scenic and stress-free.
Don’t Skip Victoria!
We came to Victoria thinking it would simply be a convenient place to spend the night before our West Coast Trail hike. It ended up being so much more! The walkable streets, scenic coastal paths, friendly locals, and surprise moments (like a bald eagle on a totem pole and a drink in the coziest bar at the Empress) made it one of the highlights of our trip.
Whether you’re prepping for an epic backpacking adventure or simply passing through, Victoria is absolutely worth a day or two. From picking up gear to stretching your legs on a stunning shoreline walk, it’s the perfect place to transition into trail mode (or recover after the trek is done).
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