When it comes to entertainment, Victoria is the most vibrant area on the Island. This charming coastal town may be small in size, but there’s so much to keep you busy. Many people love Victoria for the easy access to nature and opportunities for outdoor adventure, but there’s no shortage of high-quality entertainment here too.
A big reason Victoria has a wide range of entertainment options is the thriving tourism sector and lively university crowds that stay in Victoria every year, powered by the booming arts & culture scene fueled by residents.
In this article, were going to highlight some of the best entertainment options in Victoria, including venues, sports, annual events, and attractions.
Theatres for Performing Arts
Some of Victoria’s most iconic performing arts theatres include:
- Belfry Theatre
Located in the neighbourhood of Fernwood, the Belfry Theatre occupies a beautiful, converted 19th century church right in the middle of Fernwood Square. The Belfry focuses on contemporary theatre from the international repertoire. Over the past 40 years, the Belfry has put on over 330 plays and 50 premieres.
- McPherson Playhouse
Also known as ‘The Mac’, the McPherson Playhouse doubles as a theatre for live productions and a concert hall right downtown in Centennial Square. With 772 seats, the theatre opened in 1914 and was granted heritage status in 1995.
- Royal Theatre
The Royal is Victoria’s largest premier venue for the performing arts with 1,416 seats. The elegant 19th century design of theatre combined with cutting edge 21st century tech allows it to host a range of arts and entertainment events, from Broadway tours to standup comedy to drag shows.
Sports Teams
Here are some of Victoria’s best sports teams:
- Royals
The Victoria Royals are a Canadian men’s junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western Conference of the Wester Hockey League. A top feeder to the National Hockey League, the team got started when the Chilliwack Bruins relocated to Victoria for the 2011-12 season. They play out of the Save On Foods Memorial Centre downtown on Blanshard.
- HarbourCats
The Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club play in the West Coast League, one of the premiere collegiate summer leagues in North America. Watching some of the best major league prospects on a sunny day in Royal Athletic Park makes for excellent outdoor entertainment.
- Pacific F.C.
Pacific Football Club is a soccer team that competes in the Canadian Premier League, calling the new Starlight Stadium in Langford home. The most Canadian roster is a talented group, making for the best soccer on the Lower Island.
Museums
A few of the best places in the city to learn about history:
- Miniature World
With over 85 miniature dioramas and displays, Miniature World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in downtown Victoria. See the World’s smallest operational sawmill, the world’s largest doll houses from 1880, life on the Great Canadian Railway, and more.
- Royal BC Museum
Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is the best place to experience Canadian history when you’re in Victoria. Approved and bestowed by the Royal Family in 1987, the museum merged with the BC Provincial Archives in 2003 to offer the best exhibits on natural history and human history.
- Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia exhibits Victoria’s rich maritime culture, located right downtown on Douglas Street. Here you’ll find an extensive collection of books, photographs, objects, and culture artifacts.
Art Galleries
Some of Victoria’s most esteemed art galleries:
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is an art museum encompassing exhibition centres and the Spencer Mansion. Located in the Rockland neighbourhood, this gallery opened in 1951 and continues to host touring exhibitions and high calibre artwork.
- Legacy Art Gallery
The Legacy Art Gallery is the University of Victoria’s art gallery located right downtown on the corner of Yates and Broad. The art itself spans many disciplines both within and beyond the university, hosting regular events, programs, and teaching opportunities.
- Madrona Gallery
The Madrona Gallery is a contemporary and historic fine art gallery located in Trounce Alley near the Bay Centre. Here you’ll find art from Canadian icons like Emily Carr, J.W. Morrice, and E. J Hughes, plus a world-class collection of Inuit carvings and prints.
- Avenue Gallery
Located in the municipality of Oak Bay on Oak Bay Avenue, the Avenue Gallery has been showcasing contemporary Canadian art since 2002. Find world-class art in this boutique gallery, from paintings, sculpture, glass, and jewelry.
Music Venues
Some of Victoria’s favourite venues for live music:
- Save On Foods Memorial
The Save On Foods Memorial Centre is the largest indoor arena in the province outside of Vancouver with 7,000 seats. Aside from hosting the Victoria Royals hockey team, the venue hosts the largest musical acts that come to Victoria.
- Capital Ballroom
A former nightclub of many different names, the Capital Ballroom is a multi-purpose music and entertainment venue on Yates Street that hosts weekly events and travelling musical acts. It’s a great place to see up-and-coming and indie artists.
- Alix Goolden Hall
The Alix Goolden Hall is an elegant auditorium built originally as a church in 1890. Located in the heart of downtown, this award-winning venue is home to the Royal Conservatory of Music. The hall features 40-foot vaulted ceilings, stain glass windows, carved wooden pews, and excellent natural acoustics.
- Hermann’s Jazz Club
Hermann’s is an 80-seat bar and music venue that has been hosting live jazz since 1986. Located on the second floor on View Street, Hermann’s is Canada’s longest dunning jazz club, hosting a range of travelling jazz musicians, album release parties, and more.
Music Festivals
Here are a few of the music festivals that take place in Victoria every year:
- Rifflandia
Rifflandia is a 4-day music festival that’s been happening in Victoria since 2008. Hosted at Royal Athletic Park, the festival takes place every summer (no fixed date), and has featured artists like Iggy Pop, Diplo, Feist, Ja Rule, De La Soul, Daniel Caesar, Moby, and more.
- Phillip’s Backyard
Phillip’s Backyard is an open-air music festival hosted on the expansive property of Phillip’s Brewery in downtown Victoria. The festival has grown in popularity over the past few years, featuring some great artists and plenty of local craft beer, cider, and spirits.
- FernFest
FernFest is a small neighbourhood celebration in Fernwood that’s been running for 27 years now, highlighting local artists, musicians, and artists. There are also magic shows, a kid zone, silent auction, artisan market, and of course – Victoria craft beer on tap.
Movies Theatres
A handful of Victoria’s movie theatres:
- Capitol 6
Capitol 6 is an iconic movie theatre in Victoria thanks to the eye-catching glass-roofed foyer. They were also one of the first theatres to put in reclining seats. At Capitol 6, you’ll find new releases, blockbusters, and even smaller independent films.
- IMAX
The IMAX theatre in Victoria is located right downtown on Belleville Street and is part of the Royal BC Museum. Presenting 3D films on a massive screen, you can catch blockbuster movies and natural documentaries at the Victoria IMAX.
- SilverCity
SilverCity is a Cineplex theatre in Saanich near Tillicum Mall and Pearkes Rec Centre. One of the largest theatres in the city, SilverCity is the busiest destination for blockbusters and big time Hollywood movies.
- Roxy
Operated by the Blue Bridge Theatre Company, the Roxy Theatre plays films and hosts live music. Located in Quadra Village, the Roxy is the place for small-time and independent films that you won’t see on the big screens anywhere.
- Cinecenta
Cinecenta has been showing movies since 1971. Although it’s operated by UVic and located on campus, this theatre is open to the public. They play a wide variety of movies, from foreign films to documentaries and classic indies. The popcorn is great too!
To learn more about Victoria including its different neighbourhoods, things to do, tourist attractions, and real estate information, visit our website: Living in Victoria
