Trade a rote walking tour for a puzzle-driven exploration of downtown Victoria. Solve clues via the Explorial app to discover Parliament Hill, the Fairmont Empress, Fan Tan Alley and hidden local stories at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Step off the ferry or the bus and feel the city’s cadence change—cobblestones underfoot, gulls cutting the harbor light, and the Parliament’s limestone face sizing you up. This self-guided scavenger hunt turns downtown Victoria into a puzzle: clues lead you from the Inner Harbour to narrow Fan Tan Alley and beneath the Awning of the Fairmont Empress, each solved riddle unlocking another slice of the city’s character.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking fitness; comfortable with city distances of 2–4 km and standing for short periods.
Wildlife
History
Victoria developed as a colonial port and later a centre for British administration and trade; downtown preserves many late 19th-century public and commercial buildings.
Conservation
Respect local heritage sites and public spaces—stay on sidewalks, avoid disturbing shoreline habitat, and pack out all trash to help protect urban coastal ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Victoria Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the app and redeem code before you go
Ensure the Explorial app is installed and your access code entered so you can start immediately at the meeting point.
Charge your phone and carry a small power bank
The experience relies on maps, photos and GPS—battery life matters for navigation and photo challenges.
Avoid midday cruise-ship windows
Start early or late afternoon to dodge crowds around the Inner Harbour and Parliament Building for clearer photos and easier clue-finding.
Wear supportive shoes with good traction
Expect paved streets, alley steps and occasional wet surfaces along the waterfront—comfortable shoes prevent fatigue.
Smartphone with the Explorial app
Primary tool for clues, maps and photo tasks.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive soles for mixed pavement, alleys and steps.
Light rain shell
Coastal showers can appear suddenly in spring and early summer.
spring
Portable battery pack
Keeps your phone charged for maps and photo challenges.