Words and photography by Claudia Laroye unless otherwise noted | Published June 4th, 2026

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Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour is a welcoming sight.

British Columbia’s beautiful and scenic capital city, Victoria, is having a well-deserved moment. It’s been named the #1 best small city in the world for several years running by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in their Reader’s Choice Awards. Modern travellers love the city for its friendly and diverse atmosphere, excellent climate, and for the wide variety of cultural, culinary and active adventures to be enjoyed here.

It’s safe to say that the city’s old reputation of being for the “newly bred and nearly dead” has been deep-sixed, despite what Hudson Williams might have to say, lol. I believe that Victoria has figured out what works for its residents and visitors, and it shows. Here are five ways you can activate your body and soul in Victoria, British Columbia.

Five ways to move in Victoria

Paddle board in Oak Bay

“There’s no bad days on the water,” says Bruce Raymer, owner and founder of South Island SUP. He’s been paddling the waters in and around Vancouver Island since 2012, and has more than 4,000 hours of ocean touring, instructing and training experience.

His Sunrise SUP and other paddleboarding tours at Willows Beach in Oak Bay bring small groups together on sturdy, inflatable paddleboards to enjoy a morning paddle in the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve with floating ‘fika’ breaks for tea, coffee and gluten-free pastries. It’s the perfect way to start the day, enjoy time on the water and see ocean wildlife like seals, sea lions and even whales, if you’re lucky.

Kayak the Inner Harbour or the Gorge

Paddling the Inner Harbour credit Destination Victoria.

As a harbour city, Victoria has no shortage of amazing coastal spots to launch your own or a rented kayak. Two of the most popular paddling spots are the Inner Harbour and the Gorge waterway. Kayaking the Inner Harbour amidst the whirlwind of water taxis, whale watching boats and float planes is a thrilling rush; keep an eye out for curious harbour seals and seabirds.

For a more sedate paddling experience, head to the Gorge Waterway. This park-lined ecological sanctuary streams up from the Upper Harbour and passes stately homes and underneath city bridges. Animal life is plentiful here too, particularly seals, river otters, eagles and herons.

Guided kayaking tours and rentals are available at Kelp Reef Adventures and Victoria Kayak Tours & Rentals.

Get your pedal on

The writer gets her pedal on along the Seaside Trail in Victoria.

Victoria’s cycling network is extensive and popular with locals and visitors alike. The Seaside cycling trail takes riders along a super scenic 39 km route, taking in the lovely views and scenery of the city’s south-facing shoreline. Pedal through neighbourhoods like James Bay and Fairfield and many city parks, including the largest, Beacon Hill Park with its peacocks, ponds and playgrounds.

For a full day’s ride, follow the Galloping Goose Regional Trail between Victoria to Sooke and back. It’s about 100 km roundtrip, and passes through an urban, rural and coastal landscape with spectacular views of the Salish Sea and mountains of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.

Don’t have your own two wheels? No problem. Rent a regular or e-bike at The Pedaler or borrow a free two-wheeled chariot from your hotel.

Walk Victoria’s Inner Harbour + Chinatown

Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Get your steps in exploring Victoria’s walkable Inner Harbour, home to the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the B.C. Legislature buildings. Government Street is the main shopping street, home to long-standing retail stalwarts like Munro’s Books, Roger’s Chocolates and Murchie’s Coffee and Tea.

To the north, stroll another 10 minutes towards Canada’s oldest Chinatown, established in 1858. Located along Fisgard Street, walk under the newly renovated Gates of Harmonious Interest to explore the compact district with its narrow alleyways, including Fan Tan Alley with its red brick architecture. Visit the Victoria Chinatown Museum before accepting an invitation from the neon-lighted signs to enjoy dim sum, dumplings and other culinary delights.

Explore inner wellness at Aerth Saunas

Aerth Saunas is the first open air sauna village in the city of Victoria.

All the activities in Victoria may leave you with a desire to slow down and catch your breath. Aerth Saunas is the city’s first open-air sauna village, tucked behind the Pendray Inn just off the Inner Harbour. Book a two hour free flow experience and shuttle between steamy stays in one of three red cedar saunas. Don’t forget to dip in the chilly plunge pool before thawing out by the fire pit with a cup of herbal tea. Aerth offers guided aufguss sessions where towels are used to waft heated steam infused with essential oils, an immersive traditional sauna practice with roots in Germany.

Pedalling along the coastal Seaside Trail is a must do in Victoria.

Disclosure: The writer thanks Destination Victoria for hosting her trip to Victoria.

Where to Paddle, Pedal & Pied in Victoria, British Columbia