Less than a two-hour boat and car trip from downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Island is a favourite getaway destination for Lower Mainland locals and visitors alike. The fresh sea air, slower pace of life (they don’t call it “Island Time” for nothing), and array of cultural attractions and outdoor activities are what draw travellers—and what keep them coming back.
Vancouver Island is home to British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, which boasts a rich cultural heritage, as well as a thriving restaurant, bar and arts and culture scene. Enjoy farm-to-table dining, lots of great craft beer, whale watching and exploring the many art galleries, historic monuments and museums, including the Royal BC Museum and Archives and the Maritime Museum of B.C., the city is famous for. Oh, and no trip to Victoria is complete without visiting The Butchart Gardens!
You can also visit the Parliament Building, take a stroll down Johnson Street and visit Miniature World. To learn about Victoria’s rich history, spend an afternoon meandering through historic Chinatown, visit Hatley Castle or head towards the water to spend some time at Ford Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse.
In the summertime, there are myriad outdoor activities to enjoy, including golf, fishing, sailing, kayaking, hiking and cycling.
But with all of the amazing accommodation options, restaurants, hotels, boutiques and tour operators in the Victoria area, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. This is why we’ve curated a directory of the top service-providers in the area.
The next time you’re planning a trip to Victoria, head on over to the site for great resources that will help you book your upcoming Vancouver Island adventure. Happy travelling!
