30 Fun Things To Do In Victoria On A Rainy Day

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So if you’re visiting in the rainy months, or living there year round, then this guide on the best things to do in Victoria, BC in the rain will help you have a fun time. No matter the weather.

Self guided tours will take about 60 minutes, and there are helpful staff to answer any questions you may have.  

Kids will love being able to climb the tower of an actual castle. 

The castle is open Wednesday through Sunday, and is located off Fort Street. 

LOCAL TIP: Grab the Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from downtown and have it take you around town and to the Craigdarroch Castle. That way you get to see the highlights of the city, without having to walk everywhere in the rain.

You will be wandering in the drizzle outside so wear a rain jacket and waterproof shoes / boots.

Wandering the contemplative Japanese Garden and then a quick side jaunt to the boat dock is our top recommendation in the rain. Besides of course riding the Rose Carousel at least 3 times. 

Indoor spaces include the gift shop, carousel ride and cafe.

LOCAL TIP: If you don’t have a car, take the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from downtown Victoria. It usually leaves hourly from Downtown and from the gardens.

For the adults there’s the Gorge Waterway Tour featuring historic neighbourhoods, shipyards, as well as  maritime history and First Nations history of the Lekwungen speaking peoples of this area.

Or try a Pickle Pub Crawl Tour, stopping in at four different pubs located on or near Victoria’s waterfront. You chose your starting time and 4 out of their 13 participating establishments. 

For families, the 45 minute Harbour Tour leaving from the “empress Dock”  is recommended. Ocean views, marine life and history.

The Royal BC Museum is my all time top choice. I’ve been hundreds of times, and still try to take myself and the kids here at least once or twice a year. 

With 3 floors of exhibits from permanent natural & First Nations history to changing and traveling exhibits. Walking through Old Town is a perennial favourite in our family. 

Other museums downtown to visit include:

• Miniature World – Over 80 exciting miniature dioramas and displays. Personally I find this one a little creepy, but found it fascinating as a kid. 

• Maritime Museum of BC – Open Tues to Sat. You can explore this small museum dedicated to the nautical history of BC and ocean sciences.

• Visit the National Toy Museum – A blast from the past. See if you can find your cherished childhood toy in their displays. Moving to a new location on Yates St.

You have a few movie theatre options downtown or around town:  

• Imax Movies – At the Royal BC Museum, so make it a twofer and do both

• Cineplex Odeon & Capitol 6 – Long time downtown movie theatres playing all the latest movies.

• Cinecenta – Uvic’s movie theatre that runs the gamut of artsy and international films, to modern classics, and the occasional recently released film.

• The Roxy on Quadra Street – For unique & fun movies & theatre performances. The all time best place to watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Check their schedule for events as they aren’t open all the time. 

• Silver City at Tillicum Mall – Large complex, arcade games, latest movies & DBox seats.

🐳 You may also like the Best Whale Watching from Victoria.

Explore art works that span historical Asian artifacts to contemporary Canadian works, with more focus on Pacific Rim artists. 

Open Tuesday to Saturday.

LOCAL TIP: Thursdays evenings The AGGV is open 5 to 9pm by donation.

It’s the very place where the iconic writer and artist, Emily Carr, was born.

 Delve into her world, uncovering Carr’s legacy with passionate, knowledgeable guides. Don’t miss the guided tours held 3 times daily; it’s a journey into artistry and inspiration.

LOCAL TIP: If you are looking for Emily Carr’s artwork, there is a collection of paintings, sketches and journals you can see online through the Royal BC Museum. However, there aren’t currently any exhibits of her work in Victoria, BC.

• Interactivity Board Game Cafe –  Over 800 games to try and Victoria’s first board game cafe. You can sit in their 19+ section (bring on the drinks), or their family friendly section too. 

• Board with Friends Cafe – Rent a board game, or play in their cafe for $5. Open 7 days a week.

There are three options for Escape Rooms in Victoria,  Quest Reality Games, Victoria Escape Games and Horror Escape. 

Quest Reality also offers Cluetivity, an outdoor treasure hunt with GPS-Geocaching and live escape game elements. For when the weather improves. 

For little kids I much prefer the Nellie McClung Library away from downtown. This is where I took my daughter weekly when she was little. 

It’s also one of many free activities in Victoria you can try.

If you visit this small Zoo outside the summer time, they’ll even let the kids (and brave adults) handle some special bugs with the Educators. 

It is quite small, so don’t expect to spend hours here. 

It’s also a Victoria winter activity you can do in downtown, as it’s open year round.

When the weather’s all drizzly, pop in for a warm cuppa (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), and maybe a pastry or a sandwich. And don’t skip their gift shop; it’s got cool souvenirs and some specialty teas. 

Our other downtown family favourites are Bean Around the World in Chinatown for the ambiance and local pastries, and Cafe Fantastico, though our preference is for the one across the harbour near Foi Epi, also a must-do bakery destination.

Pop in for a self guided or guided tour and learn all about Canada’s parliamentary system, the history of the building and some interesting stories. 

Bring home a souvenir from their gift shop. 

This is the way I most often choose to drive to get from downtown Victoria to the Uvic area. I just love the salty ocean air, homes, and views.

Be sure to set aside time for some of  the following if you want to get out of the car: 

• Watch the hang gliders and kite fliers at Clover Point
• Stop at the pull outs and take scenic ocean pics
• Walk the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point or the Ross Bay Cemetery
• Dip your toes in the ocean at Gonzales Beach
• Have lunch at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Marvel at the mansions in Uplands
• Let the kids climb the Cadborosaurus at Gyro Park

LOCAL TIP: Watch out for bicyclists (narrow road in spots), as well as deer (lots of deer!),  kids, dogs, and walkers / runners crossing the roads.

⭐️ Check out our favorite Day trips from Victoria, another fun idea for rainy days.

Our top pick for pools in Victoria would be the Commonwealth Pool for their wave pool, waterslide, and large inflatables to play on. 

Not to mention the tot pool for the littlest and hot tub, steam and sauna rooms.

We always pick up a Boba Tea from Orange or our newest addiction Chewgurt. It’s weirdly satisfying with the chewy rice & ice texture mixed with yogurt and fruit.

Plus some Purdy’s chocolate to take home. One of our famous Victoria chocolatiers. 

If you’re a parent who doesn’t want to jump, relax with a beverage in the lounge area. But why wouldn’t you want to jump in on the fun if you can?!?

Go for some extra dance party vibes at their Neon Lights event on Friday and Saturdays. 

Kids age 6 and under have their own Kiddie Court as a safe place to bounce away from the bigger kids if needed.

With a rotating cast of classic arcade games and pinball machines, you can lose a few hours here easily.

Or spend a gazillion dollars to win a toy from China that costs 50 cents with the claw game, which is my daughter’s long-time must play game at the arcade. 

Mr. Tubbs is another long standing Victoria family owned business. An ice cream parlor combined with a family fun zone = a fun rainy day afternoon. 

In warm weather they have a large patio in the back and seating outside in the front. On rainy days you may have trouble finding a table as their inside seating is more limited, depending on when you go.

Our regular orders include hot chocolate & seasonal decorated sugar cookies for my youngest, and an americano and cheese and garlic bun for myself.

You can’t go wrong with anything though (unless you are gluten free – then this is not the spot for you). 

23. See a Live Performance At A Local Theatre

Rain pelting on the roof? Victoria, BC offers the perfect silver lining. Dive into the world of performing arts at the likes of the Royal Theatre, McPherson Theatre, or the ever-unique Belfry Theatre. 

We also like taking a day trip to the Chemainus Theatre and having brunch and a performance there too!

Whether you’re jazzed for a Broadway tour, ready to applaud drag shows, or groove to everything from opera to jazz, these stages got you. 

The Belfry even raises the bar, being set in a chic, renovated 19th-century church in Fernwood. With a focus on contemporary plays, and an emphasis on Canadian work.

Curtain’s up!

Take a walk in the rain along Sidney’s 2.5 km waterfront walkway; it’s a delightful dance of droplets and views.

Next, dive deeper at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Get connected to the Salish Sea Bioregion and its fascinating ecosystems, located on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) people. 

Take a pic in the bubble, where it looks like you are swimming in the sea too. 

And remember, no drizzle can dampen Sidney’s Thursday Night Market throughout the summer – it’s a go, rain or shine! Enjoy local food, artisans, crafts, music and seasonal fresh fruit and produce. 

25. Take A Class

As Victoria is a city, there are oodles of classes you can try out for an hour or three.

If you’re living in the city there are even more options for longer term weekly classes.  

• Yoga – With everything from hot, Iyengar and Ashtanga to Hatha Yoga and more. Lots of class options and times to choose from.

• Swing Dance  – Drop in beginner class & dance Saturday Nights

• Cooking Classes – The London Chef offers a variety of lunch hour, evening & weekend online classes, and the occasional in-person class. Check out their in person schedule here

• Grab a Gym Day pass –  The Victoria Athletic Club in the Hotel Grand Pacific is popular for visitors and locals.

• Circus Classes at the Island Circus Space 

• Parent & Tot Drop Ins – Many local churches, libraries and community centres offer drop in times for families like the Fairfield Gonzales Community Centre, Quadra Village Community Centre and through Oak Bay Rec.

26. Enjoy a Public Skate

Ice skating, and skate rentals are available year round at the Oak Bay Rec Centre.

Offering different skate times throughout the week for adults only, everyone welcome skates, as well as Stick and Puck (must bring your own stick and gear) practice for ice hockey.

Ah yes, I remember those Friday night skate nights of my youth so well.

LOCAL TIP: The “Everyone Welcome” skates on Tuesday evenings are only $3 and rentals $2 making for a cheap & fun night out.

Friday Night Roller Skating

Friday Night Roller Skating is back!

If the 70’s disco pants, and skate dance moves weren’t a clue, roller skating is making a comeback. I just wish the 70’s p*rn-stache would go the way of bad shoulder pads of the 80’s…extinct.

Victoria is also home to some epic Roller Derby events at Archie Browning Centre in Esquimalt.

Often this is seasonal, so check the schedule beforehand.

RAINY DAY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA

27. Cruise Around In A Hot Tub Boat 

I mean if you’re already wet anyway, why not cruise around in the hot tub boat in the rain?

Relax in the hot tub with your friends or family as you explore the Upper Harbor and Gorge Waterway. A unique thing to do in Victoria in the rain.

Put your young kids in Muddy Buddy rain gear, put on the rain boots and get ready for puddle wave jumping (at the shore edge).

Look for special rocks and beach treasures while keeping an eye out for eagles, and Great Blue Herons and other sea birds. 

LOCAL TIP: Stop in for a hot chocolate or coffee at Sunday’s Child cafe in Estevan Village to warm up. Or the Pure Vanilla Cafe we mentioned earlier, just up the road from Estevan Village.

Or hike to the top for epic 360 degree views of Victoria, the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker in the distance.

With over 21 kms of trails, a playground, “Cougar Cave” (if you can find it), and a beach to explore, you won’t be bored, even on a rainy day.

I’ve been coming to this park since I was little, and I always see something new and interesting every time I go. 

30. Wander The Gardens at Government House

A walk along the Woodland Trail and through the gardens at Government House in Rockland is a delightful way to spend a rainy afternoon. 

Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, and the grounds and gardens are open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk.

Go on a scavenger hunt with the kidlets.

31. Walk Cattle Point to Oak Bay Marina

This easy walk from Cattle Point to the Oak Bay Marina is a scenic stroll along the ocean. 

Start at Cattle Point, where you’ll find Garry Oak groves, benches and rocks to scramble. 

Follow the trail to Willow’s Beach and keep to the Esplanade walkway which follows the beach and ends at the Bowker Beach Access.

Willow’s Beach is our family’s all time favourite Victoria Beach. Perfect for beach combing year round. Or to read a good book on the beach or under the shaded trees  in warmer weather. 

Head up Bowker to Beach Drive, then stroll along Beach Drive, until you reach the Oak Bay Marina. 

Keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons as I’ve often found them at the crescent beach near the marina.

There’s ample parking in either spot, so you could do the 4 km (2.5 mile)  round trip walk in reverse as well. 

LOCAL TIP: Come to Cattle Point at night for a little star gazing, as it has a  “Dark Sky” designation, so no lights.