Visiting Victoria, BC in July

If you haven't yet gotten out of your wintry cocoon to visit the outdoors or take a sunbathed vacation, July is the perfect time to do so! Victoria, BC, especially is great for a July vacation since the weather here is just perfect—you can get out and do whatever you want as much as you want without getting uncomfortable and sweaty. If you wanna visit Victoria in July, or if I've successfully convinced you to do so, here's a guide for you to have the best summer trip ever. I hope you enjoy it! 

First of All…What's the Weather Like in Victoria in July? 

Sure July wraps Victoria in the thick of the dog days. But if you ask the locals or anyone who'd call themselves a Victoria travel connoisseur, they'd tell you it's not too bad—it’s actually pleasant. How can it not be with the average high temperature of 24 degrees? But you might need to worry about the lows (12-13 degrees) if you're packing for a quintessential summer trip. Throw in a jacket for those chilly evenings. 

Things to do in Victoria, BC in July - The Classics

Food Tours

Victoria in July is a treat, exploding with bounty from the sugary-sweet fruits like cherries, nectarines, rhubarb, saskatoon berries, currants, apples, and so much more to the fresh veggies like kale, leeks, salad greens, zucchini, and the classics like beans, broccoli, beets, carrots, and cauliflower. There's abundant seafood to be had featuring a variety of salmon, crab, shrimp, lingcod, mussels, oysters, halibut, cod, and flounder/sole. And the cheeses, meats, wines, breads, and beers are to die for! What better way to relish all this than embarking on a classic food tour? 

Butchart Gardens

This one is pretty obvious. The Butchart Gardens see a huge variety of summer flowers in full bloom in July. You'll see florals with saccharine names like Sweet Alyssum & Sweet Pea, and the ones that sound straight out of fantasy such as Snapdragon, Spiderwort, Purple Threadleaf, Scarlet Sage, Black-Eyed Susan, and Bearded Tongue. 

Then there are varieties that sound hilarious but are actually breathtakingly beautiful like Obedient Plant, Stock, and Floss Flower. Among the themed botanical greenspaces, the Sunken Garden stands out with its resplendent displays of perennials and annuals. A visit to see all this and more is a must-do bucket list item if you're coming to Victoria. After all, these gardens are to Victoria what the Colosseum is to Rome.

(Credit: Cee / Unsplash)

Beacon Hill Park

July in Victoria is all about picnics, outdoor parties, and serene strolls that will leave your soul replenished for a whole year. Just like the Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, lying two blocks from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, offers a gorgeous slice of nature in the Pacific Northwest. If you, like me, love to see the scenic sights of tranquil ponds, there's plenty here in this park. Walk on its sprawling lawns and absorb nature, soak up the sun amidst the scent of summer blooms, or catch the free movie screenings against the backdrop of lush loveliness. The park is also family-friendly with a kids petting zoo featuring goat stampedes at 10:10 am and 5:10 pm.

Royal BC Museum

In the heart of Victoria lies a museum that spans millennia and weaves a rich tapestry of British Columbia's past and present—the Royal BC Museum. Spend hours here listening to the stories of indigenous peoples, and looking at their art & artifacts. The Natural History Gallery is a tourists favorite. Picture this: giant dioramas showcasing the intricacies of diverse ecosystems of BC from the canopy of the lush rainforests to the depths of the ocean. 

Study stratigraphy by observing the beautiful rock layers and patterns of geological formations. There’s more—the museum goes above and beyond to dynamize your visit with VR experiences and hands-on displays. All in all, your trip to the Royal BC Museum will not just be a textbook educational journey but also a dynamic cultural odyssey. 

Whale Watching Adventure

This is another must-do bucket list adventure in Victoria. Although the peak whale sighting season is late spring or early fall, there's still plenty to see in July from giant humpbacks to magnificent orcas. As you wait to see these marine wonders breaching the surface of the aquamarine, bask in the stunning views of the mountains and the Salish Sea. Tours usually depart from Inner Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf.

(Credit: Georg Wolf / Unsplash)

More Things to Do in Victoria, BC in July: Beyond the Classics

July is such a perfect time of year to visit Victoria, BC. There's so much more beyond the classics: whale-watching escapades, dining experiences, and visits to Victoria's most famous tourist attractions such as the Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, and Beacon Hill Park. From the bike rides through the Galloping Goose Trail to the sunbathing retreats at Willows Beach in Oak Bay (or Gonzales Beach if you like it quieter), Victoria keeps on charming its visitors with both the touristy and hidden delights.

(Credit: Vlad D / Unsplash)

If you're into solitary havens, the West Coast of Vancouver Island promises an escape into the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Take a refreshing dive into the Sooke Potholes, hike up the Juan de Fuca Trail, observe the rugged beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park, and explore the small town of Tofino. If you're in Victoria on July 1st, Canada Day, you'll be bedazzled by the colorful celebrations from the majestic fireworks displays to vibrant performances and music festivals.

Other fun and culturally rich events in July include the Moss Street Paint-In, Eats and Beats at the Beach, The Phillips Backyard Weekender, Victoria Pride Parade, and Harbour Ferry Ballet. If you want more, visit Centennial Square to see some beautiful totem poles and sculptures of whales. Make sure to grab a bite to eat later as you stroll through the square.

Wrapping It Up!

There you go—your guide to see the top touristy and non-touristy places in Victoria, BC in July. On your trip, I want you to be bold, and adventurous but also someone who wouldn't feel guilty after a day of eating and sunbathing. I hope you have a perfect visit!