Victoria is a gorgeous seaside retreat offering a wide variety of things to do onshore, on the water and even deep down in the sea. No matter what kind of activities you enjoy, there is likely a way to enjoy those in Victoria. It is clear why the city is routinely named a top destination in Canada.

Below are some of the best things to do in Victoria this year:

Pamper Yourself in Historic Luxury

The Fairmont Empress is the Inner Harbour’s most renowned luxury hotel. Long the choice of royalty, celebrities and the wealthy, this ivy-adorned hotel is as luxurious as she was in 1908, still featuring her turn-of-the-century regal appointments and traditions. One overnight will make you feel like royalty, any time of year.

Storm a Castle

Hatley Park National Historic Site features a 565 acre Edwardian estate worth exploring. These amazing grounds include a magnificent seaside castle with adjacent formal gardens, walking trails winding through an old growth forest and a seaside lagoon where many species of birds can be observed. Guides provide tours of Hatley Castle while relaying hidden secrets and folklore.

Enjoy a Tropical Retreat

Victoria Butterfly Gardens are home to flamingos, rare tropical birds, geckos, poison dart frogs, giant koi, chameleon, tortoises, ducks, turtles and, of course, thousands of butterflies. The butterflies are housed within a 12000 square foot enclosure where you enjoy the scenic richness of a tropical jungle while the softly winged creatures flutter around you. As interesting as the animals are the tropical plants, including carnivorous plants on display.

Take In Fragrant Beauty

At Butchart Gardens there are 22 hectares of gardens to explore year round. Each season offers its own bounty, ending the year with the magnificent Magic of Christmas light display, decorations and outdoor skating rink. Break out of winter with spring tulips, daffodils and hyacinths providing gorgeous colours and fragrances. Roses bloom in summer alongside evening entertainment, night light displays, fireworks on Saturdays and boat tours. Late summer brings Japanese maples with rich fall colours and perennial borders explode in rich hues.

Check Out the Stars

At the highest point on Vancouver Island, the Gonzales Hill Observatory provides sweeping views of Victoria, the Olympic Mountains, Sooke Hills and Juan de Fuca Strait. The protected landscape around the observatory features rocky knolls, rare wildflowers, Garry oak trees and California quail to gaze at until night falls and the stars reveal themselves high above. Gonzales Hill Observatory was a weather station for 75 years and is now a heritage building.

Dive Deep Into the Sea

Canada’s only professional diving charter company is in Victoria and the mild climate is perfect for taking a weekend dive charter, daily trip or scuba holiday. Ogden Point Dive Center’s dive instructors will show you the ropes and provide certification to get you out onto the sea and under the waves. A restaurant on site satisfies well-earned hunger, just as a warm shower washes the salt away.