A lovely walk around Victoria's inner harbour, with native art, stalls and shops. If you are lucky you might see an eagle or two. A nice stop along the way is the Robert Bateman Center, showing 80 paintings by Canada's most popular wildlife artist (located in the Steamship Terminal).
At $27 entrance for adults, it isn't cheap but the museum has a wonderful array of BC exhibits, including a wide selection of First Nations art. If you don't fancy the museum, there is an IMAX attached and there are some amazing totem poles and a mural at the back of the museum, on Douglas Street.
We could be wrong, but in our experience, none of the decent restaurants are on the waterfront. Better options are slightly away from the water. We're still searching for somewhere to really knock our socks off but The Flying Pig has friendly staff and serves consistently good bistro dishes.
"Mnnnnaaaarrrr!" That's my whale impression. There are also other tour companies such as the pleasingly monikered 'Prince of Whales', so check out the competition to find a tour that suits you. There are also tours available elsewhere on the island and in Campbell River.
Walk around this beautiful park and be among the turtles, ducks and peacocks. There is also a petting zoo, playground and the world's largest totem pole! BHP is near some driftwood beaches and a great coastal path. Super for families and probably the best place in Victoria to relax with a book The petting zoo is really a must-see for kids. Admission is by donation (suggestion $2) and there is a running of the goats twice a day at 10am and 4pm!
Mile Zero is a monument to show the start of the Trans-Canada Highway (4860 miles, the world's longest). The unnamed beach opposite the monument is one of the best places to watch the setting sun, and relax among the small bays and rocks. Normally, you can see the mountains and lights of Washington State across the sound. The entrance to the beach is opposite the statue of Canadian legend Terry Fox. If you want somewhere to swim and chill during the day see the post about Thetis Lake.
Here are some brekkie ideas: Waffles: www.westcoastwaffles.ca www.johnsplace.ca (pictured) Eggs Benedict: www.willies.ca (loads of options) Pastries: https://the-french-oven-bakery.business.site/ General: http://www.thebluefoxcafe.com (there are often queues so don't leave it too late. Or grow a beard, pretend you own a scooter and chat to all the hipsters waiting in line) https://www.nourishkitchen.ca/ (pricey, but farm to table organicness for all you healthy types) Old Favourites: If you're new to Canada these are some chain places that are always options: Tim Hortons is a Canadian institution, with Tims EVERYWHERE in Canada- they sell donuts, paninis, burritos, egg n cheese muffins, soups and coffee. The food's a bit like McDonalds' breakfasts crossed with Starbucks. Cheap, convenient and tasty but their coffee (whisper it) has had mixed reviews. Cora (http://www.chezcora.com/en/breakfast-restaurants/british-columbia/Cora-Victoria) A diner that makes classic breakfasts.
The local hockey arena, also used for monster trucks, music concerts and other events. The listings aren't up for the time of the wedding yet, but maybe something good will be on... If you prefer drama or opera maybe check out Royal Theatre. We haven't been yet, but hear there is an eclectic schedule to suit most tastes. 805 Broughton Street, www.rmts.bc.ca/royal-theatre
Did you know that there are 250 vineyards in British Columbia, which produce over 80 grape varietals? 'Cos we sure didn't when we moved here. Van Isle has a decent proportion of these wineries and there really is some excellent plonk to be found. Further up island (especially in the Cowichan Valley) there is more choice, but if you don't fancy traveling far and want a bite to eat, Church and State could be a convenient stop-off.
If you like golf, Van Isle has a ton of great courses. Unfortunately I don't know my fore from my four iron, but this resort has two courses, one of which is a Nicklaus Designed course and the other hosted a PGA Champions event. Another highly rated course is Olympic View Golf Club near Victoria.
The coast along the Juan de Fuca strait has lots of good stops, hikes, sights and relaxing accommodation options. The end of the line before you get to the Juan de Fuca trail is the small community of Port Renfrew. Popular things to do and see are camping on the beach or staying in a cabin, and hiking to 'Canada's Gnarliest Tree' in the ancient old-growth forest of nearby Avatar Grove. Last time we went to PR, Ali saw a bear!
Canada's premier surf town is an unspoilt, beautiful place which offers hikes, relaxation and miles of sandy beaches. It gets pretty pricey in the summer, so book early if you plan to go here. Its a long drive from Victoria, but will be one of the most beautiful journeys of your life, passing lakes as you climb through the mountains. 'Tofino' is really the stretch of coast from Tofino town to Ucluelet.
Campbell River is the self-styled 'Salmon Capital of the World' (and the hometown of Barry Pepper from Saving Private Ryan...). It's quite 'frontier' and its charms are often found in outdoor pursuits. We haven't experienced any of these activities or companies, so please do your own research before booking. You can often get a good rate and a hassle free experience if you book through your resort/hotel etc. Whale Watching www.adventurewhalewatching.com www.campbellriverwhalewatching.com Salmon Snorkeling and Canyon Diving www.gocampbellriver.com Raft & Snorkel with the Salmon www.DestinyRiver.com Helicopter Tours https://49northhelicopters.com/tours/
In biking circles, Campbell River is famous for its world class mountain biking. From an easy, paved 6km Seawalk route to tracks in the Snowden Demonstration Forest that run for 100s of kilometres, there are options for all. www.swickedcycles.com is a good place to rent bikes in CR.
"An accessible caving introduction to explorers of all ages can be had at Little Huson Caves Regional Park, a 45 min drive from port McNeill. A self-guided tour here includes stops at a natural rock bridge and walk in, cathedral style caves." The north of the island has the highest concentration of caves anywhere in Canada so research Alice Lake Loop (waterfall, fountain and cenote) if you fancy more. Experienced cavers or those recrutiiting a guide are advised to check out the longest, deepest karst caves in Canada - the Quatsino and Parsons Bay formations.
One of the finest First Nations Museums anywhere in Canada and famous for its collection of potlatch regalia. It is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. Nearby, at the Nangis big house, you can view the traditional dances (July and August only).
There is a rich aboriginal history and First Nations culture here on Vancouver Island, with many works of art and cultural artifacts located all over Victoria and around the island. If your interest has been piqued there are a number of places of interest showing modern indigenous culture as well as the fascinating past. For instance, k'awat'si tours offers: "Experience the wild beauty of British Columbia’s coastal rainforests through the eyes of your First Nations guide as they share their culture, history and traditions. Get out on the water to view wildlife, roam remote beaches, or listen to stories and learn how to weave cedar or make drums. k’awat’si Tours is your connection to Indigenous culture in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island."
There are tons of fishing spots on the North of the island. If you want to go further north than Campbell River, there are charters and guides at various spots, including Port Hardy and Port Alice. Fancy going cheaper and on your own? The best spots, according to a recent guide are: Saltwater: Blackfish Sound Dillon, Daphne and Duval Points Gordon Group Masterman Island Telegraph Cove Cormorant Island Cluxewe River Mouth Wells Passage Haddington Island Quatsino Sound Freshwater: Nimpkish Lake Schoen Lake Roberts Lake Victoria Lake Woss Lake O'Connor Lake Quatse River Nahwitti River Keogh River Cluxewe River All tidal sport fishing licenses are delivered online through National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS)
There are some world class diving sites off Vancouver Island, especially in Campbell River, but I've included this one further north as I like the name! Useful diving resources: https://themarinedetective.com/ http://pacificprodive.com/
Helpful websites to plan your trip: www.tourismvictoria.com https://getlostfindyourself.ca/ https://vancouverisland.travel/ https://www.oakbaytourism.com/ http://winebc.com/ https://www.airbnb.ca/ https://gocampbellriver.com/ www.vancouverislandnorth.ca www.yelp.com www.tripadvisor.com www.skyscanner.com www.kayak.com Hiking Apps