In addition to scenery, shopping, gourmet food and spas, Victoria has many
attractions: Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Queen Elizabeth Park,
and the Royal British Columbia Museum are all popular, as are cultural
attractions like the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, The Pacific Opera Society, and
an eclectic concert schedule. In summer, The Inner Harbor hosts open-air musical
stage shows.
Victoria has distinct tourist seasons. Summer is lively,
crowded, festive and, of course, subject to peak season rates, though the
glorious weather and overall beauty of the surroundings offers considerable
recompense. During the winter, the atmosphere on Vancouver Island slows to
a more stately pace, making this a perfect time for a visit to Victoria and the
Island. Activities, tours and entertainment continue, but the crowds are less
and off-season prices prevail. The exception is water based activities like sea
kayaking and whale watching; many suspend operations in December and January due
to the choppiness of the water and chill in the air. However, one activity lost
is another gained: winter surfers brave chilling waters to ride the best waves
of the year, which can rise to twenty feet during a winter storm. The proximity
of the Mount Washington and other ski resorts means that on Vancouver Island you
can golf in the morning, ski in the afternoon and enjoy a stroll in the evening
taking in the crisp, clean air. The winter season also heralds oh-so-English
Victoria's traditional Victorian Christmas of lights, trees, and holiday music
(though the snow is invariably missing).
In many ways there are (at least) two Victorias. United States
visitors may be reminded a bit of Miami. As Canada's most popular retirement
spot, Victoria has it share of those who live for golf, gardening, puttering on
their boats and afternoon tea at the Empress. This contributes to the Island's
relaxed atmosphere. However, the Island and especially the interior rain forest,
is also a paradise for mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and other activities that attract a much younger demographic. Sooke
Hills is world famous as an Xtreme biking venue and it an other locations draw
Xtreme sports activists from B.C. and around the world. Yet another Island
subset can be found mingled through the Gulf Islands where the spirit of the
'60's is alive and well and if you head North, you'll find traditional First
Nations territory and some of the best wildlife viewing and cultuural tourism
anywhere.
Whether your dream vacation calls for family travel, outdoor adventure or a
romantic getaway, Victoria and the Islands have something for you
RECOMMENDED ADVENTURE TOUR OPERATORS
The following operators are personally known to catdirect and highly recommended.
Vancouver Island
Aboriginal Journeys
Locally owned and operated First Nations wildlife viewing and adventure tour
company located in Campbell River, British Columbia within the
traditional territory of the Laichwiltach peoples. For real wilderness
wildlife viewing and a glimpse into the history and present of the First nations
peoples of Northern Vancouver Island, Aboriginal Journeys is the best there is.
Great Pacific
Adventures
Operating from Victoria's spectacular Inner Harbour, Great Pacific
Adventures provides whale watching, and eco-tours to visitors year-round. You
can count on great service - including friendly pick-up service from your hotel
- and a fabulous time.
Island Adventure
Tours
Headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia and offers adventure tours,
corporate adventure programs, eco-tours on Vancouver Island, whale & bear
watching, aboriginal culture tours, rainforest nature walks, wildlife hikes,
sea-kayaking, Alpine Hiking, winter sports and Victoria sightseeing tours. One
of our personal favourites.
Jamies Whaling Station
The pioneer Whale Watching, Bear Watching and Hot Springs Adventure Company
operating in Tofino and Ucluelet and the most experienced Whale
Watchers on the West Coast. You simply can't beat Jamie for wildlife viewing out
of the South Western shore of Vancouver Island. Great people!
Rainforest
Expeditions
Offers paddling and eco adventures as well as reasonably priced rentals of
equipment to explore Cowichan Lake and surrounding area.
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