Looking for the perfect Victoria souvenirs? You are in the right place. This post has the best things to buy in Victoria and more!
Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is the charming capital city of British Columbia, Canada. Known for its picturesque harbor, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Victoria offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban elegance. Whether you are visiting for the weekend, stopping on a cruise, or in the city for a vacation there are plenty of shopping opportunities to find the perfect Victoria souvenirs.
So if you’re wondering what to buy in Victoria, here is a comprehensive guide about the most popular and authentic Victoria gifts and souvenirs.
10 Best Things to Buy in Victoria
Indigenous Jewelry and Coastal Native Art
There are hundreds of incredibly talented Indigenous artists that live and work in the Victoria area. Small markets will have local art and so will gift shops. You can even find some beautiful pieces on places like the BC Ferries if you are going from Vancouver to Victoria. When looking for any First Nations art, ensure you are shopping for locally-made products, not imported goods that are made in a factory!
Cowichan Sweater
While an authentic Cowichan sweater is not one of the cheap things to buy in Victoria, it is a unique and authentic Canadian gift that originated in British Columbia. Made by the Coast Salish peoples, these bulky weight yarn sweaters are nationally and culturally significant in Canada and the Coast Salish people have been knitting them since the 19th century. While you can find knockoffs by many designers, there are plenty of authentic shops in the Victoria area to bring your own Victoria souvenir home!
Maple Syrup
Probably what most people think of as one of the things that represent Canada is maple syrup. Available in gift shops all over Victoria, as well as in the airport, ferry terminal, and grocery stores, grab some to take home as it is one of the best presents from Victoria. If you want the best bag for your buck, grab a bottle from Costco! (But make sure you put this souvenir in your checked luggage as it is too much liquid for carry-on luggage). If you are looking for small bottles, you can often find them while shopping at Winners or Home Sense, and of course, at gift shops, hotel shops, and the airport!
Roots Clothing
Roots clothing is known for its craftsmanship and functionality. Comfy sweats are also back in style and sweat pants and hoodies are all over retail store windows. I live in their sweatpants when I am at home and there is nothing comfier in my wardrobe. If you are shopping for the best souvenirs and gifts from Victoria that you can wear for years to come, grab yourself a pair of Roots sweatpants or a sweatshirt, or bring one home for someone who loves comfort.
BC Wines
British Columbia has dozens of wineries and wins plenty of awards. Whether you try some BC wine while you are in Victoria or you buy some to bring home, they are easily found in Liquor stores and grocery stores in Victoria.
Tea from Murchie’s
Murchie’s Tea and Coffee is one of the best places to get tea in Canada. Since 1894, Murchie’s has been importing and blending the finest quality teas. While not traditional high tea in Victoria, for those who want to bring some tea home, it is worth stopping into Murchie’s. If you want to enjoy quintessential high tea in Victoria, check out the top spots for afternoon tea in Victoria.
Murchie’s Location: 1110 Government St, Victoria
Nanaimo Bars
The Nanaimo Bar is a truly Canadian confectionary named after the city of Nanaimo. This no bake dessert consists of 3 layers: the base, the buttercream, and the chocolate ganache. The earliest recorded recipe for the Nanaimo bar appeared in the 1950’s. Since then, The Nanaimo Bar has become a Canadian Favourite. Grab them online or in the local souvenir shops such as Off the Eaten Track Gift Shop (470 Belleville St), The Makers Victoria (909 Government St)
Smoked Salmon
A staple in the diet of the Indigenous peoples, salmon is something you should enjoy while in Victoria. And with the portability of smoked salmon, it makes an excellent gift from Victoria to bring home to your friends. Try the candied one if you get a chance, its one of my favorites. You can buy smoked salmon in gift shops, grocery stores, Costco and the Duty Free shops!
Maple Fudge
Maple fudge makes a great Victoria souvenir and one of the best places to get it is from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. With locations all over the city and beyond, grab yourself a couple of slices as the first one you buy will likely be gone before your visit to Victoria is over!
Tim Hortons Mug
Coffee and Tim Hortons are synonyms in Canada. Asking someone if they want a “Timmys” is the same as asking if they want a coffee. If you want to know what to buy in Victoria and have a thing for coffee, skip the Starbucks cups and get yourself a Tim Horton’s Travel Mug from any Tim Horton’s coffee shop.
Photo Souvenirs from Victoria
Photos of your trip make amazing souvenirs. I have found that I almost always end up behind the camera. More and more when I travel I have looked for professional photographers who I can book a photo session and then not stress about getting great family memories! If you are like me and love photos, consider booking a photoshoot.
Some trips deserve more than selfies! Occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, family holidays, solo adventures and even surprise proposals are perfect moments to capture with a Flytographer shoot — or simply because you believe that memories are the best souvenir.
I have booked and used Flytographer on my travels. If you use the code LINDSAY you will save $25 off your booking!
Make the effort to print these memories or make a photo book. It might be one of the best souvenirs from Victoria and will last for years to come.
Christmas Ornaments from Victoria
Many travelers like to pick up a souvenir ornament from the places they visit. Victoria offers plenty of Canadian ones, as well as Victoria-specific ones as well. Just pop into any of the gift shops and you are sure to find something that suits your taste!
If you are in Victoria in November or spending Christmas in Victoria there are plenty of Christmas markets where you can find locally-made holiday offerings!
Visiting other parts of Canada? Looking for something “Canadian”? Check out What to Buy in Canada for Souvenirs for some more ideas! If you will be traveling to Alberta, check out Calgary souvenirs, Banff Souvenirs and Jasper souvenirs! I also have a post on things to buy in Vancouver.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.