Tourists love Victoria, the picturesque capital of British Columbia -- especially shop-a-holic Anglophiles.
Many hikers book an extra day (in case of problems on the Trail). If all goes well on your hike, you could spend your extra day in Victoria after you finish the hike.
Every tourist enjoys wandering downtown Victoria. A highlight is the Royal British Columbia Museum -- a great place even for those who hate museums. Don’t miss it.
Stop in for tea at the famous Empress Hotel which serves over 3/4 of a million cups every year.
You’ll be sleeping in a tent plenty on the West Coast Trail. Before & after the hike you’ll want a good shower, laundry facilities, and a bed.
All accommodation is booked solid in Victoria during the summer high season. Be sure to reserve your bed as far in advance as possible. If the options listed below are full when you contact them, they will recommend you alternatives.
If you get really desperate to find accommodation, call the Victoria Info Centre’s reservation service:
- (800) 663-3883
- (250) 382-2127
Victoria Hostels
If you’re travelling solo, or if you like staying at a place with some character, try the HI Victoria hostel, C$20 / dorm bed. It’s great, but usually full. If you can’t get in, they will steer you to some other inexpensive hostels.
Ocean Island Backpacker’s Inn is also recommended. Downtown dorm beds.
Try West Coast Hostels at 735 Queens Ave.,Victoria
Victoria Hotels
During the tourist season all the hotels are full, and most fairly expensive.
The recommended best-value & largest hotel chain is Traveller’s Inn (3 Stars). They promise to match any lower price you can find.
We don't have a favourite Bed & Breakfast in Victoria, but there's no shortage of options!
Camping near Victoria
If you insist on sleeping in your tent, book in at Goldstream Campground about 20km NW of Victoria; $16.50 / 4 person tent.
Avoid Island View Campground near the Victoria airport. Last time we camped there we lowly tenters were assigned to an inland overflow storage area. The preferred RV campers get the island view.
E-mail us if you have any other recommendations for accommodation in Victoria.
Victoria Restaurants
Our favourite restaurant / pub is touristy but fun, The Sticky Wicket. It’s downtown near the harbour.
