5-Day Seattle to Victoria Itinerary by Land, Sky, and Sea

This 5-day trip between Seattle, WA, and Victoria, BC leaves you rested and full of fresh, local eats. From cozy and charming hotels with waterfront views to true farm-to-table eating, this trip reminds you to slow down and soak up the experiences Seattle and Victoria offer. This journey isn’t about checking off a list, it’s about enjoying the present moment.

Day 1- A Slow Day in Seattle: Spending the First 24 Hours by the Water

Discover how I spent a relaxed first day in the Emerald City with waterfront views, fresh seafood, the Space Needle, and moments that invite you to slow down and enjoy instead of checking off a list.

Arrival in Seattle: A Calm Welcome to the Pacific Northwest

After a short drive from the airport into the city, I checked in at The Edgewater Hotel, a waterfront spot known for its rock ‘n’ roll history and cozy, lodge-style charm.

Inside, it feels instantly peaceful. There’s a stone fireplace in the lobby with floor to ceiling views of the water, and my room had its own fireplace and a view of Elliott Bay. Seagulls drifted past the window, and boats moved in and out of the harbor. I hadn’t even unpacked yet and felt like I’d already exhaled.

A Waterfront Walk and Exploring Pike Place Market

After settling in, I grabbed a cardamom rose latte from the hotel café and wandered along the Seattle waterfront. After a short walk, I climbed up the steps near the Seattle Aquarium to make my way to Pike Place Market.

There’s a buzzy energy to this market, stalls are packed with fresh flowers and freshly caught seafood, and local artisans sell everything from honey to handmade goods.

I took my time browsing, then stopped for lunch at Soundview Café, tucked inside the market. It’s a laid-back spot with a view of the Seattle Ferris Wheel and Elliott Bay. The food was great, and watching the water while waiting made the whole experience feel unrushed and easy.

Seattle Icons: The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass

Later in the afternoon, I walked through downtown to the Space Needle. It’s one of those spots you feel like you have to see, and it doesn’t disappoint. The elevator ride up offers a great perspective of the city.

The top deck gives you a full 360° view of the mountains (including Mount Rainier on a clear day), Puget Sound, and downtown Seattle. On the lower level, the rotating glass floor is a highlight, giving visitors a whole new look at the city from above. 

Right next door, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit is immersive and stunning. Blown-glass sculptures glow with color and light, and the indoor/outdoor layout makes the art feel alive and a reflection of nature. The greenhouse, with its sweeping views of the Space Needle framed by glass sculptures, was one of the most beautiful moments of the day.

Back at The Edgewater: Vinyls, Bathtubs, and a View

I walked back to The Edgewater, ready for a break. The hotel offers a complimentary record player and vintage vinyls to enjoy, so I put on a Jimi Hendrix album, appropriate for a city that shaped his sound. The clawfoot tub in my suite was pristine (rare for a hotel), so I ran a bubble bath, read a book, and let the day settle.

Dinner at Six Seven: Local Seafood, Legendary Flavors

Dinner at Six Seven, the hotel’s restaurant, was the perfect end to the day. I got to try bites of their fresh oysters, firecracker shrimp, burrata with smoked tomato jam, and cedar plank king salmon (a favorite of Anthony Bourdain). Dessert was next-level, with honey-lavender crème brûlée, key lime pie, chocolate pots de crème, lemon ricotta cheesecake, and more.

Day 2 – Slow Mornings and Soaring Views: A Dreamy Day Two in Victoria, BC

Discover a relaxing travel journey from Seattle to Victoria, BC, complete with a scenic seaplane flight, historic luxury at the Fairmont Empress, afternoon tea traditions, and a cozy Italian dinner at Zambri’s.

Waking In the Clouds

There’s something magical about starting your day wrapped in classic Seattle fog and quiet. I woke up to the mist over Elliott Bay, giving the room a feeling of being in the clouds. It was the kind of morning that invites stillness, a warm cup of coffee, and the luxury of no rush.

From Sea to Sky: Flying to Vancouver Island

The drive to the Kenmore Air terminal was short, and soon, I found myself boarding a seaplane. This experience felt both thrilling and serene. There’s something about lifting off from the water and watching Seattle shrink beneath you that feels uniquely exciting.

The flight itself was a brief 45 minutes but full of unforgettable views. We landed smoothly in sunny Victoria, BC with the marina conveniently located downtown and steps away from the Fairmont Empress.

Arrival at the Fairmont Empress

Walking through Victoria’s European-style streets, the city was peaceful, cheerful, and somehow slower. You cannot miss the iconic Fairmont Empress, framed by thousands of tulips. The hotel plants over 30,000 tulip bulbs each fall and the reward each spring is nothing short of beautiful.

Inside, the lobby is timeless elegance. A grand chandelier catches the light, and high ceilings give a sense of grounded grandeur. In the Fairmont Gold Lounge, original 1930s beams showcase the long history of this property.

It’s the kind of space that invites pause and is an exclusive space within the hotel for Fairmont Gold guests. With water views, soft lighting, and beautifully curated treats, I can imagine spending hours here with a good book and cup of tea.

Empress Afternoon Tea with Royal Ties

No stay at the Empress would be complete without indulging in Afternoon Tea. This isn’t just a hotel tradition, it’s a Victoria institution. Every detail is steeped in history, from the Buckingham Palace scone recipe to the delicate Royal Family-inspired porcelain designs.

The tea service featured a thoughtful mix of savory and sweet, such as Coronation chicken, cucumber sandwiches, and my favorite, scones with lemon curd, clotted cream, and berry preserves. I chose the watermelon mint tea, which was refreshing and unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed the hazelnut mousse and delicate macarons.

Settling In: Harbor Views and Handmade Touches

Back in my room, I was greeted with small delights that elevated the stay: a chocolate beehive, mochi strawberry desserts, and a peaceful view of the harbor. The space’s interior design felt luxurious and crafted for rest and relaxation.

An Italian Dinner to Remember at Zambri’s

Dinner took me through the sunset-lit downtown streets to Zambri’s Italian Restaurant, a beloved local favorite that grew from a storefront to one of Victoria’s most trusted kitchens. The ambiance was warm and familiar, cozy without trying too hard.

I started with the “Basil per favore” cocktail, featuring Sheringham Seaside gin, an award-winning local spirit that perfectly balanced the herbaceous with a touch of citrusy brightness. The meal itself showcased seasonal, local ingredients.

I began with braised vegetables and fiddleheads paired with a duck egg yolk. My main, orecchiette with house-made sausage, rapini, and broccoli purée, was fresh and authentic. Dessert was a simple pleasure: strawberry balsamic and mango gelatos, finished with a crisp biscotti.

Evening Lights and the Empress by Night

Walking back through Victoria’s downtown, lights twinkled along the building fronts, giving the streets a subtle holiday feel, even in spring. Returning to the Empress, I passed beneath that familiar chandelier again and headed up to wind down with a warm pot of mint tea in my hotel room.

Day 3 – Exploring Victoria, BC: Museums, Food Tours, and Dinner at the Fairmont Empress

On this third day in Victoria, BC, I explored the city through a more intentional lens, starting with a quiet breakfast, followed by a private behind-the-scenes tour at the Royal BC Museum, a guided food walk through downtown’s hyperlocal culinary scene, and a four-course dinner at Q at the Empress.

If you’re seeking a slower, more meaningful way to travel, this day hits every note: culture, conversation, community, and craft. From storytelling to food, it’s a city that rewards curiosity and invites you to pause.

Start the Day with Quiet Harbor Views

I woke up with a view of the sunny harbor, brewed an espresso in my room, then made my way to the Fairmont Gold Lounge for a light breakfast of fresh berries and herbal tea. On the lounge balcony, I enjoyed a few peaceful moments next to the fire pit overlooking the water. There was no rush, just a good start.

A Morning at the Royal BC Museum

A short walk from the hotel is the Royal BC Museum, a landmark cultural institution and one of the top-rated attractions in Victoria. But what made this visit extraordinary was the private behind-the-scenes tour I took with Sam Rich, Director of Marketing and Communications.

We explored the museum’s areas where exhibitions are actually built, including workshops filled with models, lighting tests, and scale mockups. Exhibits here aren’t just displayed, they’re designed with intention.

Every visual, olfactory, and structural choice supports the story being told. The museum is importantly dedicated to community-informed storytelling and evolving with input from the communities it represents.

One standout exhibit was entitled, “Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz.” It explores the long and complex history of Indian painted and printed cotton, that has shaped global art, science, and fashion over the past 1,000 years. It delves into colonial history and consumption, connecting past fashion booms to today’s fast fashion.

Another great exhibit to check out is entitled, “Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change.” This exhibition explores music’s impact on social and political movements throughout history.

Discover Local Flavor with a Victoria Food Tour

In the afternoon, I joined a guided walk with Off the Eaten Track, one of the top food tours in Victoria, BC. If you’re a food traveler or love supporting local, this is a must-do.

The tour took us to both under-the-radar and popular restaurants and cafés, many of which source nearly everything locally. Victoria, after all, has the longest growing season in Canada and the most restaurants per capita in the country. It is clear there is a flourishing food culture here, where you can taste the terroir in every bite.

The group behind the tour has been doing this for over 12 years. Their shop features artisan foods from across Vancouver Island, 95% local and 100% Canadian-made. You get more than just a snack, you get a story.

Whether you’re into seafood, fresh baking, or fine wine and cheeses, there’s something on this tour to love. It’s a great way to explore downtown Victoria while learning about the people and producers shaping the region’s culinary scene.

Dinner at Q at the Empress: A Historic Meal in a Heritage Setting

For dinner, I returned to the Fairmont Empress for a meal at Q at the Empress, one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Victoria. The room is stunning: it has original wood beams from 1908, the original fireplace, and views of the inner harbor. It strikes that rare balance between elegant and inviting.

Chef Tyler Paquette curated a four-course tasting menu that paid homage to British Columbia’s seasonal harvest. Here’s a look at the dishes and pairings:

• Pea & Ricotta Ravioli with house-made smoked ricotta and hazelnut crumb, paired with Quail’s Gate Chenin Blanc
• Pacific Halibut with asparagus tips and truffle sunchoke purée, paired with Martin’s Lane Riesling
• Smoked Beef Tenderloin with chanterelles and mustard seed, paired with Checkmate Merlot
• Elderflower & Rose Trifle with Empress 1908 gin, paired with Mission Hill Riesling Ice Wine

Each dish was prepared with fresh and local ingredients and was just as beautiful as it was delicious. The wine pairings were all British Columbia labels, a reminder of how world-class this region’s vineyards have become.

Day 4 – Victoria to Seattle: A Scenic Bike Ride, Ocean Voyage, and Sunset Dinner to End a Perfect Trip

Day four of my journey through Victoria and Seattle was about enjoying the present moment. From a harbor front morning and peaceful bike ride, to a scenic return trip to Seattle on the Clipper ferry and seafood and cocktails on Seattle’s waterfront, it was a day of simplicity, fresh air, and well-crafted experiences.

Morning Calm at the Empress & Exploring Victoria by Bike

The day began slowly again, and I enjoyed a cup of mint tea with fresh berries and orange slices in the Gold Lounge. After relaxing in the lounge for a bit, I decided to take advantage of the Fairmont’s complimentary bikes and explore Victoria’s sunny coastline. This is something I highly recommend if you’re looking to experience Victoria at a slower pace.

The bike route passed blooming wildflower meadows, coastal outlooks with views of distant mountains, and a charming petting zoo in a public garden. Peacocks wandered the garden lawns and goats angled for head scratches from visitors in the petting zoo.

A cool breeze from the water made the ride even more enjoyable, and the experience reminded me how a destination comes alive when you take time to soak up its natural beauty.

Behind the Scenes on the Clipper Ferry

After checking out, I headed to the FRS Clipper’s Victoria terminal for my trip back to Seattle. Before boarding, I was invited into the wheelhouse for a behind-the-scenes tour, where I met the Clipper crew and captain.

The thoughtful experience they offer passengers is unmistakable. We traveled in Comfort Class, which includes early boarding, complimentary drinks and snacks, and reserved comfy leather seating.

Their attendants make the experience memorable with table service, and the open-air back deck offered uninterrupted views of the Salish Sea. The ride was so peaceful that I nearly lost track of time watching the coastline go by.

Seattle Sunset Dining at AQUA by El Gaucho

Back in Seattle, we checked into The Edgewater Hotel for one final night. For dinner, we went to AQUA by El Gaucho, a seafood-forward restaurant with panoramic views of Elliott Bay. The atmosphere was elegant but relaxed, with golden hour light streaming through the windows.

The menu had something for everyone, from creamy Dungeness crab mac and cheese to a vibrant strawberry and beet salad, and tamari-glazed tofu with coconut green curry that was as flavorful as it was comforting.

I finished with a chocolate chip cookie sundae and a cocktail featuring smoked gin, and was treated to an unforgettable sunset view. This is definitely the place if you are in search of a panoramic sunset dinner.

Day 5 – Flying Back Home

Before heading out for my morning flight, I remembered to soak up the water views at the Edgewater with a warm tea in hand.

The flight home was also part of the experience, with truly stunning views of the Rocky Mountains that have stayed with me long after I got home.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Well-Balanced

Exploring Victoria and Seattle by soaking up their natural beauty, food culture, and local experiences creates an unforgettable getaway. If you’re planning a trip that explores both destinations, consider this kind of pace: quiet mornings, active exploration, meaningful transitions, and memorable meals. Travel, at its best, is not about doing more, it’s about doing things well.