Lower Johnson Street Tours and Activities

Victoria which includes heritage architecture
Lower Johnson Street
Victoria which includes signage and food
Victoria which includes signage
Victoria which includes markets, signage and fashion


Shop at independent boutique stores, enjoy free live music and dance performances and see historical buildings at this popular downtown Victoria street.

At Lower Johnson you can shop until you drop at fashion and cosmetic shops. Those who are into historical architecture will love looking at the facades of the heritage buildings. Free cultural events are great for everyone looking for some entertainment.

Known locally as LoJo, Lower Johnson is one of Victoria’s darlings when it comes to shopping. The area was originally the home of hotels and illegal opium factories that supported immigrant life during British Columbia’s gold rush in the 1850s.

Take a walk along the street to admire the Victorian-era buildings painted different colors. Photographers will enjoy taking photos of the blue-and-yellow W.C. Cameron building, which dates to 1888. Also look for the Victoria Box and Paper Building, which remains part of Oriental Alley. The alley was one of Victoria’s historic secret passageways. Don’t miss Willie’s Bakery: Established in 1887, it is the oldest bakery in British Columbia.

A major feature of Lower Johnson is Market Square. Come here to find trendy clothing and home decor stores, cafés and restaurants. Set around a courtyard, the businesses occupy the buildings of 19th-century shipping offices, depositories and saloons. Enjoy free cultural events at the square, such as live music, dance performances and art exhibitions. Children will appreciate the handicraft and painting activities of the Fringe Kids Festival, which takes place each August. Find more event details on the Market Square official website.

Combine a visit to Lower Johnson with a visit to Bastion Square with its street performers. You’ll find more fashion and accessory stores on nearby Trounce Alley. Also explore Chinatown Victoria, north of Market Square. This is one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America and is home to old teahouses, cosy shops, Asian restaurants and fortune tellers in near-hidden alleyways.

Lower Johnson runs between Wharf Street and Government Street in downtown Victoria and is just a short walk from the Inner Harbour. Pay-and-display street parking is available along Johnson Street and public buses stop nearby.

Plan a trip to see Lower Johnson Street

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Best Lodging Options Near Lower Johnson 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
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
Ocean Island Inn Backpackers Suites - Hostel

Ocean Island Inn Backpackers Suites - Hostel

2 out of 5
791 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC
Ocean Island Inn Backpackers Suites - Hostel
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

3.5 out of 5
653 Pandora Ave., Victoria, BC
Hotel Rialto
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
Island Travel Inn

Island Travel Inn

2 out of 5
1850 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
Island Travel Inn
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
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 Lower Johnson Street

Lower Johnson Street in Victoria, British Columbia, offers a delightful mix of activities for tourists. Visitors can enjoy short strolls through vibrant shops while exploring the area on foot or by bike. Engaging in guided tours along Johnson Street provides deeper insights into the local culture and attractions, making it a must-visit destination for an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, explore the Bay Centre, Market Square, and Victoria Public Market, all located within 1.6km from Lower Johnson Street. These spots offer a mix of family-friendly and local business vibes, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Royal Athletic Park offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for enjoying local games. Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre provides a tranquil space for relaxation and wellness activities. For golf lovers, Uplands Golf Club presents a scenic outdoor retreat, ideal for a leisurely day on the greens.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking West Coast Trail, a scenic hike located 644m from Lower Johnson Street, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a thrilling adventure, visit WildPlay West Shore Victoria for bungee jumping, located 9.7km away, or explore the beautiful Scenic Marine Route, 1.6km from your base.

Nightlife

The nightlife on Lower Johnson Street offers a mix of culture and excitement. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Victoria Royal Theatre or dive into fun at Miniature World, an arcade adventure zone perfect for families. For a unique experience, visit the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory for stargazing.

Find the best attractions near Lower Johnson Street

Lower Johnson Street in Victoria, British Columbia, offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and bustling streets, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the Victoria Public Market for local flavours, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. With its inviting atmosphere, Lower Johnson Street is a delightful destination for travellers seeking unique experiences in this charming coastal city.

  • Government Street: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Government Street, located 1.6km from Lower Johnson Street. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with shops, cafés, and local artisans, offering a taste of Victoria's urban charm and culture.
  • Royal BC Museum: A short 1.6km stroll will take you to the Royal BC Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural history of British Columbia. This family-friendly attraction features engaging exhibits that are perfect for visitors of all ages.
  • Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre: Just 1.4km away, the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is a hub of entertainment and excitement. Catch a thrilling sporting event or concert in this lively arena, making it a fantastic destination for family fun.

Best time to go to Lower Johnson Street

The best time to visit Lower Johnson Street is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately 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)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August63.5°F (17.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lower Johnson Street

To save money on your trip to Lower Johnson Street in Victoria, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and November. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially for stays on Tuesdays, which are typically less expensive. Explore free attractions like Government Street and Victoria Fisherman's Wharf. When booking, use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Booking about a month in advance can help secure the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lower Johnson 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: Book your hotel around Lower Johnson Street about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lower Johnson Street is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lower Johnson Street is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Lower Johnson Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.