Garden
Abkhazi Garden
Intimate heritage garden with a small tea house, created by a Georgian prince and his wife.
1964 Fairfield Road
Free Things to Do in Victoria
Much of what visitors love about Victoria costs nothing: the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, the waterfront walks, Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf are all free to explore.
Inner Harbour
Walk the causeway, watch the float planes and boats, and see the Fairmont Empress and the BC Parliament Buildings from the water's edge. It is free and open at all hours.
Beacon Hill Park
A large park with gardens, ponds, lookouts and sea views. The Mile 0 marker for the Trans-Canada Highway is at the corner of Douglas Street and Dallas Road.
Ogden Point breakwater and the Dallas Road waterfront
Free waterfront walks with some of the best open views in the city. See things to do near Ogden Point.
Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
Browse one of Canada's oldest Chinatowns for free, including the Gate of Harmonious Interest and Fan Tan Alley. Entry to the streets costs nothing; shops and cafes are optional.
BC Parliament Buildings
The exterior and grounds are free to walk around. Guided tours of the interior have been offered in the past; check the legislature's website for current tour availability and how to book.
Government House gardens
The public gardens at Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, are open to visitors. They are a short trip from downtown and a quiet change from the busy harbour.
Fisherman's Wharf
A working dock with colourful floating homes and small waterfront eateries. Walking around is free, and the harbour views are good for photos.
Free does not always mean fully open. Check hours and access for places such as the Parliament Buildings and Government House gardens before you go.
Questions people ask
What are the best free things to do in Victoria?
The Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, the Ogden Point breakwater, Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf are free and cover most of what first-time visitors want to see.
Is it free to see the Parliament Buildings?
You can walk around the exterior and grounds for free. Check the legislature's website for interior tour availability.
Is Victoria walkable for free sightseeing?
Yes. The Inner Harbour, downtown, Chinatown and Beacon Hill Park are all within walking distance of each other.
Open the interactive map to see these places and plan your own route.
Hours, prices and closures change. Check each place's website before you go.
More free places to explore
Historic site
Bastion Square
Historic square on the site of Fort Victoria, steps from the Maritime Museum.
Garden
Butchart Gardens
World-famous display gardens in Brentwood Bay.
800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8
Historic site
Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point National Historic Site
Oceanside historic cemetery reflecting Chinese burial traditions.
2144 Crescent Road
Lookout
Clover Point
Windswept oceanfront point popular for kite flying and whale spotting.
Historic site
Craigflower Manor Farmhouse National Historic Site
Restored 1850s farmhouse from the Hudson's Bay Company era.
110 Island Highway
Neighbourhood
Market Square
Restored heritage courtyard with shops, cafés and events in Old Town.
560 Johnson Street
Good to know
- Parks, beaches, public art and heritage streets cost nothing to enjoy, but check each place for any event or parking charges.
- Walk downtown for free with our self guided walking tour.
- Free does not have to mean unplanned: pick a neighbourhood, then add one paid stop if you want it.
Ready to go beyond free?
- 2 Hour (Quick Spin) E-Bike Rental (Pedego Electric Bikes Victoria): A short e-bike rental from Pedego, ideal for a quick spin along the waterfront.
- Eat, Drink, Pedal Guided E-Bike Tour (The Pedaler Victoria): A guided e-bike tour that mixes food, drinks and sightseeing around Victoria.
- Chinatown, Old Town and Inner Harbor Guided Food and History Tour (A Taste of Victoria Food Tours): A guided walking food tour with local history through Chinatown, Old Town and the Inner Harbour.
See all bookable tours · Open the interactive map · Browse all places · Self guided tours
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.