Old Town
Old Town
4
About
This historic part of town, once the center of Victoria's shipping and fur trading businesses, is now filled with important landmarks and specialty shops offering British, Scottish and Irish imports.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
80 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
43
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia51,971 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Old Town Victoria is a charming old area around the harbour. It's an area full of life with beautiful buildings, many types of shops and a variety of sights worth stopping by and admiring.
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GulfIslandsExpert
Salt Spring Island, Canada54 contributions
Jun 2013
Lots of alley ways and small shops. Places to explore. Some are a bit touristy but most are fun and different. Sure beats a mall. The architecture has been saved in Victoria and it's great to have all the history around you. Could walk for hours although it is small. How could you not love a 'street' called Fan-Tan Alley?
Written 13 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,770 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
I think it’s kind of strange to write about “Old Town” within the context of a “thing to do” in Victoria, if only because it’s such a large area. It encompasses three distinct yet interrelated parts of the city: the old commercial district, Chinatown and the general waterfront area. Within these three areas, many important structures – and places – can be found, a good number of which have their own separate listings on TripAdvisor: The Empress; Bastion Square; Market Square; Government Street; Johnson Street and Johnson Street Bridge; Victoria’s Inner Harbour; the David Foster Harbour Pathway; Douglas Street; Chinatown; the Sticky Wicket; the Old Victoria Custom House . . . I can go on but you get the idea. In short, there’s so much to do and see in Victoria’s historic “old town” area that it’s practically impossible to do it justice in a short review such as this.
In any event, because “Old Town” basically encompasses pretty much all of downtown, it’s easy enough for one to spend several hours or even days exploring each nook and cranny and still having many more reasons to return. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a couple of nights in the historic Empress Hotel and take in at least one Afternoon Tea? Or how about the Magnolia Hotel with its award-winning restaurant, the Courtney Room, which offers classical fare with a slight modern twist? Come nightfall, you can immerse yourself in the ghosts and ghouls of Victoria’s past by taking in a “Ghostly” walking tour. Once the sun rises, you can take it easy and wander through the old commercial district with its unique collection of heritage buildings, all built during the Victorian period. Most of these shops are brightly painted and beckon you to their doors. Once inside, you can find fun touristy-type trinkets sure to make your friends back home a little envious; or, you can just take in the architecture and learn about Victoria’s history, which is something I’d argue is far more valuable than purchasing Victoria t-shirts or salmon jerky.
Assuming the weather permits, many a fine hour can be spent strolling along and through the Victoria waterfront. Here, structures like the Empress and BC’s Parliament buildings take center stage, sitting as they are – quite prominently – on Government Street just overlooking the harbour. A short walk from here is the Royal BC Museum which, because of its Vancouver Island bent, can supplement a lot of what you might read or hear as you amble through Old Town. There can be little doubt that the Victoria waterfront and Inner Harbour have played an integral role in the city’s overall development. Victoria’s Old Custom House is a clear example of this and why (you’ll notice its structure is remarkably similar to that of the current city hall). Once a major port of entry for goods, Victoria’s inner harbour is now a bastion for tourists.
Of course, a visit to “Old Town” would be woefully incomplete without a stop in Chinatown. The “Gate of Harmonious Interest” signifies the pivotal center and entrance to this part of the city. Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and is, most of all, a testament to the resiliency of a people. This part of the city finds its origins in the mid-nineteenth century, around 1858, at the same time the Fraser Valley gold rush had just taken off. Initially, Chinatown started off as nothing more than a crude collection of huts, but over time has evolved into the cultural leviathan it is today. Now, along with a plethora of authentic dining experiences, you can also shop (think Fan Tan Alley) or just enjoy the history. The colourful streets, narrow alleyways offer those who wish to experience a classic and integral part of “old” Victoria.
Indeed, many of us – locals and tourists alike – enjoy how “Old Town” conjures up images of the past. For us, this area of Victoria represents a simpler time – one before social media and smartphones. It makes the city unique and, hey, it has the added benefit of making the city money. There can be little doubt that “Old Town” carries with it a special character, one that should be preserved for future generations. Will it? In 2019 that appears to be up for debate. Many prominent persons in the city have blown the rams horn on city Council because the local politicians, it seems, are more interested in “facadism” rather than genuine preservation. Let’s hope they come to their senses and keep “Old” Victoria intact!
In any event, because “Old Town” basically encompasses pretty much all of downtown, it’s easy enough for one to spend several hours or even days exploring each nook and cranny and still having many more reasons to return. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a couple of nights in the historic Empress Hotel and take in at least one Afternoon Tea? Or how about the Magnolia Hotel with its award-winning restaurant, the Courtney Room, which offers classical fare with a slight modern twist? Come nightfall, you can immerse yourself in the ghosts and ghouls of Victoria’s past by taking in a “Ghostly” walking tour. Once the sun rises, you can take it easy and wander through the old commercial district with its unique collection of heritage buildings, all built during the Victorian period. Most of these shops are brightly painted and beckon you to their doors. Once inside, you can find fun touristy-type trinkets sure to make your friends back home a little envious; or, you can just take in the architecture and learn about Victoria’s history, which is something I’d argue is far more valuable than purchasing Victoria t-shirts or salmon jerky.
Assuming the weather permits, many a fine hour can be spent strolling along and through the Victoria waterfront. Here, structures like the Empress and BC’s Parliament buildings take center stage, sitting as they are – quite prominently – on Government Street just overlooking the harbour. A short walk from here is the Royal BC Museum which, because of its Vancouver Island bent, can supplement a lot of what you might read or hear as you amble through Old Town. There can be little doubt that the Victoria waterfront and Inner Harbour have played an integral role in the city’s overall development. Victoria’s Old Custom House is a clear example of this and why (you’ll notice its structure is remarkably similar to that of the current city hall). Once a major port of entry for goods, Victoria’s inner harbour is now a bastion for tourists.
Of course, a visit to “Old Town” would be woefully incomplete without a stop in Chinatown. The “Gate of Harmonious Interest” signifies the pivotal center and entrance to this part of the city. Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and is, most of all, a testament to the resiliency of a people. This part of the city finds its origins in the mid-nineteenth century, around 1858, at the same time the Fraser Valley gold rush had just taken off. Initially, Chinatown started off as nothing more than a crude collection of huts, but over time has evolved into the cultural leviathan it is today. Now, along with a plethora of authentic dining experiences, you can also shop (think Fan Tan Alley) or just enjoy the history. The colourful streets, narrow alleyways offer those who wish to experience a classic and integral part of “old” Victoria.
Indeed, many of us – locals and tourists alike – enjoy how “Old Town” conjures up images of the past. For us, this area of Victoria represents a simpler time – one before social media and smartphones. It makes the city unique and, hey, it has the added benefit of making the city money. There can be little doubt that “Old Town” carries with it a special character, one that should be preserved for future generations. Will it? In 2019 that appears to be up for debate. Many prominent persons in the city have blown the rams horn on city Council because the local politicians, it seems, are more interested in “facadism” rather than genuine preservation. Let’s hope they come to their senses and keep “Old” Victoria intact!
Written 13 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara B
Victoria, Canada6 contributions
Dec 2012
There are old buildings still in use, and is a place where in the Old Days Victoria was a busy shipping hub, with factories , and city and government offices. These old buildings remain as they will, having had there share of structural upgrading. Now still in use and thriving with shops, and offices.
and offices. .An interesting walk about for the architecture and Victoria`s beginnings
. An intersting walk for the architecture .
and offices. .An interesting walk about for the architecture and Victoria`s beginnings
. An intersting walk for the architecture .
Written 10 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJandTR
Portland, OR1,198 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Close to the Port Angeles ferry terminal. Old Town is not real big so it easy to walk. There is lots of new and re-construction, and people are living downtown. That means we felt safe and found good, non-touristy places to dine, have coffee, and shop.
Written 21 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gale P
Saskatoon5 contributions
May 2012 • Family
Find the smaller shops they will surprise you with how inexpensive all their souvenirs are
Written 20 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sigehaizi
Sooke, Canada207 contributions
Victoria has managed to maintain much of the old buildings. If things need upgrading it appears that the charm is being included. Thank goodness.
Written 9 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul O
Victoria, Canada256 contributions
Sept 2019
The old town of Victoria is right on the harbour and full of old buildings.
Many great views of the harbour and close to downtown, shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Many great views of the harbour and close to downtown, shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paperella68
Edmonton, Canada134 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
Lots of lovely stores, nice corner restaurants and overall sounds, smells and colours of locals. It can be explored in 2 hours at the most - so great diversion to fill an afternoon. I would certainly recommend it to get the feel of the city.
Written 17 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sashakeena
Vancouver, Canada11,946 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We always enjoy walking the streets of "Old Town" in Victoria. Just up from Wharf Street, you will find some nice cobbled stone streets that intertwine through small shops & restaurants. Enjoy the artistic work displayed on the walls of the buildings.
Written 2 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How to get to old town from the inner harbor? Planning a day trip from Vancouver to visit the harbor & old town. Thx.
Written 22 October 2017
Just start walking north. Old Town refers to the shopping area on the streets of Government, Wharf and Douglas.
Written 22 October 2017
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