The best Victoria nightlife includes relaxing pubs, intimate jazz clubs and packed nightclubs with pumping music. The city lies on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and its proximity to the water also offers fantastic choices for harbour tours or sunset cruises to photograph whales and eagles.
Victoria is known for having one of the mildest climates in Canada, so it’s no surprise that locals love to make the most of the outdoors in the evening. You’ll see them enjoying a delicious meal on a restaurant terrace, sitting outside a pub chatting with friends or enjoying a romantic stroll along the waterfront. Discover more great ideas for a night out in this amazing city below.
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Hermann's Jazz Club
Soulful music and a laidback vibe
- Couples
- Food
- Nightlife
Hermann’s Jazz Club is one of the oldest jazz clubs in Canada and a highlight of Victoria nightlife. It’s a fantastic choice for a relaxing evening of mellow tunes in an intimate venue. You’ll love sitting close to the world-class musicians and soaking up the amazing atmosphere, whilst indulging in heavenly cocktails and delicious food. Be sure to book online for the shows in advance as they sell out quickly.
Just next door, you’ll find the entrance for Hermann’s Upstairs. This sister club showcases a variety of live music, as well as open mic sessions. It’s a licensed premises with a much bigger capacity and a huge dancefloor.
Location: 753 View Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1J9, Canada
Open: Hours vary by show (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 250-388-9166
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Victoria Harbour
Stunning scenery by the water
- Adventure
- Food
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Victoria Harbour is a great spot for a lovely evening stroll. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf, towards the western end of the harbour, to check out the amazing food kiosks, delightful boutiques and brightly coloured float homes. You can sit and enjoy tasty fish and chips or a fresh seafood platter whilst watching the ferries head off to Seattle or the boats depart on an eco-tour adventure.
For spectacular scenery, head to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. With the Fairmont Empress Hotel and British Columbia Parliament Buildings as an illuminated backdrop, you can watch the sun set from a restaurant patio or head out on the water for an unforgettable night-time kayak tour.
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Wicket Hall
A popular spot for live music
- Couples
- Nightlife
Wicket Hall is in The Strathcona Hotel in downtown Victoria. Known locally as The Strath, this hotel is home to 8 different venues in 1 block. Wicket Hall is a huge events venue with sleek, modern decor. On weekends, it’s popular with students who love the lively club nights. The DJs start at 10 pm and the dancefloor fills quickly.
You can also see live bands and cabaret nights in this large venue but be sure to book well in advance as tickets sell fast for these events. If sports are more your thing, why not try the fantastic golf simulator? You can practice your swing on over 80 courses from all over the world without stepping outside.
Location: 919 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2C2, Canada
Open: Hours vary by show
Phone: +1 250-383-7137
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Garrick’s Head Pub
Great food and drinks in downtown
- Food
- Nightlife
Tucked away in Bastion Square, Garrick’s Head Pub dates to the 19th century and oozes history and charm. In summer, you’ll love sitting out on the patio, sipping on a cool cocktail or cold beer and watching the world go by as the sun sets on this beautiful city. In winter, you’ll see people relaxing around the fireplace whilst watching a game on one of the flat screens.
There’s a huge selection of craft and imported beers in this friendly spot and you can choose from around 60 in total. The traditional English-style pub food is highly recommended too. Plan on arriving early to grab a table as you can’t reserve.
Location: 69 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2, Canada
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 1 am, Sunday from 11 am to midnight
Phone: +1 250-384-6835
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Friends of Dorothy
A lively bar and restaurant
- Food
- Nightlife
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Friends of Dorothy is a fantastic spot to unleash any dazzling divas. This LGBT2Q+ lounge is popular for its amazing, brightly coloured decor, eclectic mix of artwork and lively ambience. You’ll delight in the technicolour cocktails, or ‘liquid courage’ as it’s called here.
The lounge is located opposite the Market Square Centre in downtown Victoria, making it a great choice for a night out after a day’s shopping. There’s a wide range of food on offer and plenty of delicious vegan choices too. Check out the events calendar online as the karaoke and ‘Dinner & Drag’ nights are high-spirited fun and not to be missed.
Location: 537 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2, Canada
Open: Monday–Wednesday from 4 pm to midnight, Thursday–Friday from 3 pm to 12 am, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm
Phone: +1 778-432-4565
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Royal Theatre
A great choice of shows
- Couples
- Nightlife
Victoria’s Royal Theatre is a great option for a night out. Located downtown, it’s a beautiful building dating back to 1913, with over 1,400 seats. The opulent décor is in a Rocco/Renaissance Revival style, and the gilt and luxurious design make this a wonderful spot to enjoy a show.
You can enjoy a wide range of productions, including rock, opera and symphony concerts, and comedy shows. Sing along to an Eagles tribute band or dance in the aisles as you watch Grease. The street parking around the theatre is limited, but there’s a large car park behind the theatre on the corner of Blanshard Street and Courtney Street.
Location: 805 Broughton St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E5, Canada
Open: Hours vary by show
Phone: +1 888-717-6121
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Sunset whale-watching
Beautiful views and incredible wildlife
- Adventure
- Photo
Sunset whale-watching tours are a great way to relax and escape the bustle of British Columbia’s capital city. Head out on the water for breathtaking, panoramic views of the city skyline and the amazing wildlife. You’ll be awestruck at the sight of bald eagles flying overhead as orcas and humpback whales dive in and out of the water around you. Take stunning photos of sea lions basking on the rocks and the orange glow as the sun goes down over the water.
You can choose from different tours but most last between 3 to 4 hours. Wrap up warm and don’t forget your woolly hat as the cool ocean air can make it feel rather chilly at sunset.
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Hecklers Bar & Grill
Live comedy and great food at The Vic Hotel
- Food
- Nightlife
Hecklers Bar & Grill is attached to The Vic, a chic boutique hotel in northern Victoria. This lively bar and comedy club is popular for its weekly shows. Head here on a Saturday night for hilarious stand-up routines and animated banter from local comedians. You don’t need to reserve but arrive early to secure a table, as it can get very busy.
The food is tasty and the servings are generous. You’ll love the variety of burgers, tacos and salads on the menu and there are plenty of veggie options. If you’re a fan of chicken wings, try Hecklers on its Wings Wednesday nights. Choose from around 40 different sauces and a whole host of dry rubs on the menu.
Location: 123 Gorge Road East, Victoria, BC V9A 1L1, Canada
Open: Monday–Tuesday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday–Saturday from 3 pm to 1 am, Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 250-381-1312
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Lucky Bar
An eclectic mix of entertainment
- Couples
- Nightlife
Lucky Bar is in downtown Victoria, just a couple of blocks from the modern Johnson Street Bridge. This unassuming club is nestled in a row of red-brick buildings and it’s an intimate venue which is always busy. Locals love to come here for the Saturday dance nights and the throwback tunes from the ‘90s on Mondays. But you’ll find a diverse mix of events to tempt all music lovers.
As well as regular weekly events, you’ll find one-off specials too. Check the online calendar and choose from hip-hop karaoke nights or live bands with a set of folk music or jazz. If burlesque is your thing or if you fancy a variety show, you’ll find it in this unique club.
Location: 517 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K7, Canada
Open: Thursday–Sunday from 9 pm to 2 am, Monday from 9.30 pm to 2 am (closed on Tuesday–Wednesday)
Phone: +1 250-382-5825
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Paparazzi Nightclub
Cocktails and karaoke in the heart of the city
- Couples
- Nightlife
- Photo
Paparazzi Nightclub prides itself on being an all-inclusive, LGBT2Q+ venue. You’ll see a mostly younger crowd and it’s a popular place with students who come for the resident DJs, live bands and pool tables. The music tends to be mainstream pop and dance mixes and the dancefloor is always packed.
Located next to Victoria Event Centre, in the heart of downtown, this vibrant nightclub also puts on regular and varied events, including drag shows and salsa nights. The karaoke contests are a firm favourite with the crowd, so down a shot and get ready to wow the public with your tunes.
Location: 642 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1M6, Canada
Open: Daily from 9 pm to 2 am
Phone: +1 250-388-0505
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