Government Street Tours and Activities

Government Street featuring a house, a small town or village and street scenes
Government Street featuring heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza
Government Street featuring street scenes, a city and a house
Government Street featuring a city, street scenes and signage
Government Street


This central street attracts the crowds with its museums and galleries, historical architecture, shopping districts and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

Government Street is one of Victoria’s most popular commercial and entertainment streets. Come to this lively area to shop for fashion and handicrafts, visit museums and historical buildings and discover Canada’s oldest Chinatown. If you follow the street south from the city’s downtown district to Holland Point Park you are rewarded with views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  

Make use of the wide sidewalks and explore Government Street on foot. Start at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, a neo-baroque palace overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Walk north past The Fairmont Empress, an Edwardian hotel built in the early 1900s. For sweet nostalgia, stop in at Roger’s Chocolates, a local favorite since it first opened in 1885. Collectors will find precious old objects and furniture at the auction houses on Antique Row.

Sign up for a Ghostly Walks tour at the visitor information center at the harbor. The 90-minute walk with a knowledgeable local is a fun way to learn more about the street’s intriguing history.

Government Street also has book stores, a mall with international department stores and coffee shops, so allow yourself ample time to take it all in.

Also take some time to explore the pedestrian-only alleys off Government Street. Fashion lovers will enjoy browsing the boutique stores on Trounce Alley. At Bastion Square you can see street performers at work and browse the market during weekends and the warmer seasons. While here, don’t miss the Maritime Museum of British Columbia in the Old Courthouse building. 

Where Government Street crosses Fisgard Street, walk under the colorful Gate of Harmonious Interest to enter Chinatown Victoria. The well-preserved historic district is home to fortune tellers and souvenir shops, restaurants and teahouses. Try a “tea flight,” consisting of three blends that complement each other perfectly.

Government Street is within walking distance of major Victoria attractions, including the Inner Harbour and Thunderbird Park. Pay-and-display parking is available in designated areas of the street. Alternatively, public buses stop close to most of the places that you’ll want to visit.

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Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
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Embassy Inn

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Best Lodging Options Near Government Street

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Fairmont Empress

Fairmont Empress

4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
Fairmont Empress
Hotel Grand Pacific

Hotel Grand Pacific

4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Hotel Grand Pacific
Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour

Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour

3 out of 5
427 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel

Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
642 Johnson St, Victoria, BC
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites

Huntingdon Hotel and Suites

3 out of 5
330 Quebec Street, Victoria, BC
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
425 Quebec St, Victoria, BC
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA

Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA

4 out of 5
146 Kingston St, Victoria, BC
Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

4 out of 5
777 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Government Street

Government Street in Victoria, British Columbia, offers a delightful mix of activities, including shopping at various centres and exploring souvenir shops filled with unique Canadian treasures. Enjoy leisurely walks along the vibrant street and take advantage of free tours that showcase the rich history and culture of the area. Whether you're looking for local crafts or trendy boutiques, Government Street promises a memorable experience for every tourist.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience on Government Street, visit Bay Centre, a vibrant mall just 1.3km away, or explore Market Square, located 1.4km away, offering a unique public market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, the Victoria Public Market, 1.6km away, features local goods and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Royal Athletic Park offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for active tourists looking to engage in various athletic events. Nearby, the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre provides a calming space for relaxation and rejuvenation, making it an ideal stop for wellness seekers.

Adventure

Embark on the West Coast Trail for a scenic hike filled with breathtaking views and outdoor adventure, located 3.2km from Government Street. Explore the Scenic Marine Route for picturesque landscapes only 1.6km away, and feel the thrill of bungee jumping at WildPlay West Shore, 8.0km from your base.

Nightlife

The nightlife along Government Street offers a mix of adventure and culture. Enjoy family fun at Miniature World, only 966m away, or catch a romantic show at the Victoria Royal Theatre, 1.1km from the heart of the action. Don't miss the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory for a stellar experience, though it's a little further at 12.9km.

Find the best attractions near Government Street

Government Street in Victoria, British Columbia, offers a delightful blend of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the scenic urban parks, admire the historic civic government buildings, and stroll along the vibrant streets. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Government House for a taste of local history and stunning gardens. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this area promises memorable experiences for every traveller.

  • Royal BC Museum: Located 644m from Government Street, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into British Columbia's natural and cultural history. With engaging exhibits for families, it’s a fantastic place to explore the province’s diverse ecosystems and rich heritage.
  • Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre: Situated 1.6km away, this vibrant arena is the go-to spot for family entertainment, hosting concerts, sports events, and community gatherings. The lively atmosphere makes it a perfect venue to enjoy a fun-filled evening.
  • British Columbia Parliament Building: Also 644m from Government Street, this stunning architectural marvel serves as the seat of the provincial government. Visitors can admire its impressive design and take guided tours to learn about its historical significance and role in BC’s governance.

Best time to go to Government Street

Visitor numbers around Government Street is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Government Street can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Government Street falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Government Street falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.6°F (14.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.5°F (17.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Government Street

When visiting Government Street in Victoria, BC, save money by taking advantage of free attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, the University of Victoria, and Chinatown. Consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February and November, and aim to book your hotel one month in advance for better rates, especially on Tuesdays. Utilize Expedia for last-minute deals and filter options to find eco-certified hotels or the best prices. Combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings, ensuring a budget-friendly trip to this vibrant destination.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Government Street are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Government Street is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Government Street is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Government Street is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your results according to your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Government Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.