The Most Instagrammable Spots in Victoria

When visiting any city, I'm immediately on the hunt for the most Instagram worthy spots. It's the trend, what can I say.

That's not to say that that's my sole point for travelling - any traveller worth his or her salt knows you travel for the sake of traveling, not for the sake of the gram. But sometimes we just want a beautiful memory, and the beautiful shot to prove it. They say those of us obsessed with taking photographs are everything are really just afraid of losing those moments to time.



Personally, every trip I take is a delicate balance of taking in the beauty a new location has to offer, and of course, focusing on capturing a gorgeous memory of it. I try and scout where I want to go before the trip, and what shots I want to get at each location. I usually like to explore a bit and take everything in before I even grab my camera. It gives you a chance to really enjoy the spot for what it is, without needing to worry about everything else. Then I'll go and start shooting. Usually I shoot the scenery or landscape first, and then figure out where I want to take self-portraits. If I have someone around to help take photos of me, I just do everything at once. Of course, these little mindful rules are thrown out the window when I'm chasing light.

So, here are my top things to do and see while spending a weekend in Victoria, while still getting in that perfect Instagram shot. Oh, and the outfit details are below as well!

Tour Legislature




There's nothing more iconic in Victoria than the Legislature building. With its green dome and baroque details, it reminds me of Budapest Castle. Oh, and you may want to explore a bit if you're into chasing light.

Pretend You're Lady Crawley in Craigdarroch Castle




A fun little tour of a small castle, or a giant mansion. You decide. Definitely gives me some Downtown Abbey vibes.

Take a Hike and go to Hatley Castle




A short walk and 40 minute bus ride from Downtown, Hatley Castle is the true castle in Victoria. James Dunsmuir, who came up with he grand idea to build a castle on Vancouver Island back in 1908, was once quotes as saying, “Money doesn’t matter, just build what I want.” 




Come during the spring and summer for a beautiful garden perfect for a picnic. Or head a bit further to the Sooke Potholes if you happened to have rented a car (you won't need one if you're staying in the city though).

Eat and Shop in Canada's Oldest Chinatown




 Visit Fan Tan Alley for unique eats, including a ton of afternoon tea options, and quirky little gift shops. I completed all my Christmas shopping just browsing the area.

So when I was trying to take a picture of Fan Tan Alley, I got distracted by this gorgeous red door. And the fact that it's 549 1/2... reminds me of Platform 9 3/4 so I nerded out a bit and sat reminiscing of Harry Potter, before and went back and risk taking a photo with the tripod (it's a busy area and I wasn't sure if setting up my camera would be safe). I was in grade 3 when I first started to read the Harry Potter series, and I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, so I couldn't not take a photo!

Walk Around Waterfront




Walk around the harbour, visit Legislature and wander around the Fairmont Empress. There's a lot of cute little nooks to hide and read a book by the waterfront too.




Shoot the Colourful Buildings on Johnson Street




Another place to eat and shop, and get the perfect Instagram shot. If only every city had a rainbow road.




Pretend You're in Paris with the Old Buildings on Government Street




Character buildings galore. Want that streetstyle shot in Paris but stuck in Vancouver? Take the ferry down to downtown Victoria and rejoice!

Linked up with - A Pocket Full of Polka Dots - Michelle's Paige -