Walk Victoria’s downtown with a self-guided audio-visual tour that maps immigrant stories, Indigenous presence, and civic architecture. Download the On This Spot app, expect 1.5–2 hours on mostly flat pavement, and bring a charged phone.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the Inner Harbour seawall and the city opens like a set of layered stories — timber wharves, brick storefronts, and a skyline punctuated by Parliament’s sandstone dome. The walking route threads through downtown Victoria, where the sea and streets keep their own rhythms and the voices of past residents still shape place names and alleys.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; able to walk 2–3 km on flat urban sidewalks.
Wildlife
History
Victoria sits on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt peoples and grew through 19th–20th century immigration that shaped Chinatown, South Asian communities, and waterfront industry.
Conservation
Stick to sidewalks and designated public spaces to protect shoreline habitat; support local museums and Indigenous-led programs that fund preservation and education.
Reserve your spot on the Exploring The Multicultural History of Victoria in a Walking Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the app first
Install On This Spot and download the Victoria tour before you arrive so maps and photos load reliably.
Bring a power bank
Multimedia tours drain batteries—carry an external charger to keep audio and photos available for the full route.
Comfortable, flat-soled shoes
The route is paved but long enough that supportive shoes make the experience more enjoyable.
Give memorial sites extra attention
Pause and read plaques—many points on the route mark exclusionary laws and community responses that deserve reflection.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes reduce fatigue on paved sidewalks and cobblestone alleys.
Charged smartphone & headphones
Required to run the On This Spot app and listen to narrated content.
Small water bottle
Staying hydrated is key during sunny summer afternoons.
summer
Light rain shell
Coastal Victoria can shift to drizzle—carry a packable shell for comfort.
spring