Experience the BC Legislative Buildings (Parliamentary Buildings) 
The BC Parliamentary Buildings offer free guided tours. Getting a first-hand experience inside these buildings is a must when you are in town! View the Public tour schedule here. These magnificent buildings inspired our Parliamentary Suite at Waddington Flats.  

Tip from the locals: You can also have lunch at the BC Legislature - another neat experience with very affordable and tasty food. 

Best Shopping: Lower Johnson Neighbourhood  
Our favourite streets to roam for boutiques are Lower Johnson, Lower Pandora and Lower Yates. From larger chain shops like Lululemon (originated in BC) and MEC (Canada’s version of REI), to small one-of-a-kind shops, the colourful LoJo neighourhood as locals call it is one of the best places to shop in Victoria, BC. The area also has some fun vintage shops – check these out for a very-Victoria experience. Many shops are dog-friendly, but be sure to ask the shopkeeper before entering. 

Tip from the locals: For neat local artisan items, be sure to check-out Good Vibe Space Inc. on Johnson St and Migration Boutique on Government St. For clothing, our favourite two stores are: Amelia Lee (women's clothing) and Outlooks (men's clothing). If you’re looking for a special bouquet of flowers, Zingaro Floral Perfumery is our fave. 

Discover Canada’s First Chinatown! 
Victoria’s Chinatown was the first Chinatown in Canada, and is North America’s second oldest Chinatown (after San Fransisco). Our Chinatown Quarters at Waddington Flats is tribute to the deep and important history of Chinese people and culture in Victoria and Canada. If you get a chance to stay in this unit, you’ll experience firsthand our custom Chinese history wall. Discover the Past offers a very informative walking tour of the neighbourhood (tours are dog-friendly). 

Tip from the locals: Take your time strolling down Fan Tan alley, it offers a neat contrast to the busier streets that flank it. Once home to a popular gambling district and opium dens, today it’s home to cute boutiques and is an Instagram-worthy photo op.  

Stop and smell the flowers at Butchart Gardens 
Visiting the Butchart Gardens is one of the most touristy things to do while in Victoria, but it is definitely worth your while. Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the 55-acres display of breathtaking gardens is over 118-years old. This iconic place in Victoria is the inspiration behind our Garden Room at Waddington Flats. Located in Brentwood Bay, the Gardens are 20 km away from Waddington (about a half hour drive). Spending a half-day (4 hours) at the Gardens is a good amount of time, but if you have more time, one can easily spend the day there! The Gardens are also dog-friendly, so bring your furry guest along with you! 

Enjoy High Tea at the Empress  
This is one of those typical Victoria things you just have to do! It’s an activity even locals take the time to enjoy every now and again. Afternoon Tea has been served here for over 113 years! Tea is served with sandwiches and sweets, and makes for quite a filling late lunch. Note there is a dress code in effect. Be sure to make a reservation before you go. 

Tip from the locals: The Empress is also home to the Willow Spa. A lovely sanctuary in the middle of Downtown. Spa treatments get you access to the spa’s lounge, pool, hot tub and sauna. It’s a lovely way to relax! 

Visit the Royal BC Museum 
The Royal BC Museum is British Columbia’s provincial museum and archives, featuring extensive displays and replicas of BC’s natural and human history. The stunning Indigenous collection inspired our West Coast Loft at Waddington Flats. There is also always a touring exhibit on a rotational basis, and an IMAX theatre. In 2022, the museum showcased Orcas: Our Shared Future, which inspired the Orca Pad at Waddington Flats. Like any museum, you could spend a few days here, but we recommend setting aside a half day depending on which exhibits you plan to visit. 

Visit: Fisherman's Wharf 
Just around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure! This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures. Take a stroll and check-out the neat float homes in the neighbourhood. You may even get to see some seals! You can access this location by Water Taxi or by walking along the inner harbour from Waddington Flats. Take the pup along with you as this is a great dog-friendly activity (including the water taxis)! 

Tip from the locals: We recommend walking to Fisherman’s Wharf from Waddington Flats, there’s no better way to explore and see Victoria than on foot! On the way back, take the Water Taxi which stops close to Waddington Flats. 

Take a stroll through Cook Street Village to Clover Point Park 
Cook Street has some interesting shops and restaurants. Grab a coffee at Mocha House to go and follow Cook Street down to the ocean, you'll pass Beacon Hill Park (on your right) and hit Clover Point Park (a beautiful seaside scenic walk -- you can go left or right once you reach Dallas Road). If you turn right and walk towards Douglas Street, you will hit "Mile 0" marker -- this is the start of the over 8,000 km Trans-Canada Highway that spans the length of Canada. 

Tip from the locals: When you’re all done exploring on foot, you’ve definitely earned yourself a tasty meal. Head on back to Cook Street and enjoy a delicious thin crust pizza at Prima Strada – hands down our favourite pizza in all of BC! Plus, for our furry guests, our favourite pet store is also located on Cook St: Paws on Cook! 

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee 
For a small town, Victoria sure boasts a strong coffee scene. Our favourite coffee shops within a stones throw from Waddington Flats are Hey Happy (Johnson St.) and Habit Coffee (Pandora St). Both hops have ample seating. Hey Happy offers some small brunch and lunch dishes, while Habit Coffee offers pastries alongside their delicious coffee. Both shops have dog-friendly outdoor seating. 

Before you head out on your adventure in Victoria, be sure to check the opening and closing times, as well as, if any reservations are required.