Free & Cheap Things to do in Victoria

Freebies (and inexpensive alternatives) In and Around Victoria

Inner Harbour Walk: start at the Tourist Info Centre and walk around past the Royal London Wax Museum and on to the Laurel Point Inn.
Breakwater Walk: Start at the Ogden Point Cafe and walk out to the lighthouse and back -- this can be quite brisk if it's windy!

Westsong Walkway: this long winding waterfront walk begins at the foot of the Johson St. Bridge (near the Delta Victoria Hotel) and ends at Head St. in Esquimalt, at the West Bay Marina. About midway is Spinnaker's brewpub where you can stop for dinner or a drink (they brew their own beer here).
UVic Gardens Walk: take a transit bus to the University of Victoria and take in the beautiful gardens here -- especially stunning in early April when most of the rhododendrons are in bloom in the Finnerty Gardens. Also worth checking out is the Native Plant Garden, on the other side of the Ring Road.
Gorge Waterway Walk: start at Tillicum Road and walk to Admirals Road (or the other way) and catch the bus back to the other end!
Beacon Hill Park: wandering through this park can fill an entire day -- especially if there is a cricket match on to watch!

Take a tour of the Legislative Buildings (often incorrectly referred to as the Parlaiment Buildings); they're FREE and they run throughout the year but may be cancelled without notice when the house is in session or if there are events planned.
Wander through "old town" (generally Johnson, Yates, Pandora and Fisgard between Wharf and Broad streets) and gaze up at some of the many heritage buildings still standing in the area.
Check out Victoria's Chinatown (centred around Fisgard st. between Government and Store streets): rich in history, this area still boasts a tiny alley (Fan Tan Alley) which is home to several funky shops. Don't miss the fabulous Gate of Harmonious Interest which spans Fisgard street or the Chinatown Trading Company which boasts a mini-museum display at its heart.
Feeling more active? Hike up Mt. Tolmie -- it's not a huge mountain, but it does give a great view of the city!
Hike up Mt. Douglas -- it's a little bigger, and it's actually a part of a park. More great views of the city and across Cordova Bay.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: on Moss Street (near Fort) is "admission by donation" on the first Tuesday of each month. They have a great collection of Asian art and many Emily Carr originals.
UVic's Maltwood Galleries have limited hours but no admission fee. While you are on campus, check out the extensive art collection on display in the McPherson Library.
Centennial Square (adjacent to City Hall, Douglas and Pandora): thanks to an effort to "clean up the square" by city council, you'll find lots of free & cheap entertainment here throughout the summer.

Market Square: throughout the year, events are staged at this downtown market place (Main entrance is on lower Johnson Street) -- even when there is nothing in particular happening, it is a nice place to hang out, shop, or put your feet up.
Munro's Books: I like to go in here just to look at the wonderful wall-hangings created by renowned local artist Carole Sabiston -- but it is also a great bookstore (with the BEST selection of remainders and overstock bargain books in town)!
Greater Victoria Public Libraries: the main branch is on Broughton Street -- a great place to go to check the day's news from the local paper or your hometown! There are also internet terminals for public use.
Year-round movies by donation on Mondays at the Eric Martin Pavillion.
Public Markets: Moss Street Market (Saturdays at Sir James Douglas School), the James Bay Market (Saturdays on Superior St., behind the Legislature), and the Government Street Market (Sundays between Pandora and Fisgard Streets) run throughout the summer and are a great place to browse or shop for unique home-grown or handmade goods.

Fridaymusic: admission is by donation for these lunchour concerts at the University of Victoria (Sept-April).
Seasonal Events: JazzFest (late June), FolkFest (June/July), the Moss Street Paint-In (July), Victoria Dragonboat Festival (August), the Victoria Fringe Festival (late August) and the New-Year's Day Levees all include free seasonal entertainment (more festivals are listed here).
Buskers have to get a license in Victoria -- that's how many there are -- and you'll find them in the tourist-dense area along Government and Wharf Streets and clustered along the causeway fighting for your coins.
Watch a television station at work: A-Channel is located across from City Hall on Pandora at Broad St. and windows allow passers-by to look in on the news set. There is also a small set for "studio audience" events and since it is a CHUM station you might see an interview for MuchMusic or SpaceTV.
TIP: If you are visiting in early March, be sure to ask a local pick up tickets for the "Be a Tourist in your Own Hometomwn" promotion -- the passes get you in free or cheap (often 2 for 1 admission) to several local attractions.