Disclosure: This content is brought to you in partnership with Viator. All opinions are my own. It’s also important to note that we started this trip to Victoria, BC before social distancing. Please stay home and avoid unnecessary non-essential travel until it is once again safe to do so. Be safe. Be healthy.

I’ve always said it’s rather funny how we’re drawn to so many “touristy” things when we’re visiting somewhere new, and yet we aren’t as interested in practically the same things in our own backyard. Whenever we go anywhere, I always look up the local zoos, museums and galleries. At the same time, I can hardly remember the last time I visited the Vancouver Art Gallery or the Greater Vancouver Zoo. With Victoria, BC just a short ferry ride away, we decided to play local tourist. And that started with a horse-drawn carriage tour.

As a Vancouverite born and raised, I’ve been to Victoria several times. We’ve taken school field trips. I hopped over for the GottaCon Gaming Convention when that was still a thing too. But, this was not only Addie’s first time in Victoria, BC; it was also her first time riding with BC Ferries! What an adventure (for her).

In all my years and visits to our province’s capital, though, I’ve never partaken in a horse-drawn carriage ride until now. I’ve seen them around and dismissed them as such a touristy thing to do… but we were being tourists. That’s a big reason why we decided to partner with Viator for this trip, as we gained some insight into fun things to do in Victoria. The horse-drawn carriage tour took us through the 200 acre Beacon Hill Park and the picturesquely quirky James Bay neighborhood. We even spotted the Mile Zero Marker of the Trans-Canada Highway!

And, in case you missed it, I also shared a video tour of our room at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina. It’s a great spot conveniently located between Fisherman’s Wharf and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. For something more historic and even more centrally-located, there’s the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. I’ve stayed there too.

What’s your favorite thing to do or place to see in Victoria, BC? What should I add to our list for when we can visit it again?