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South Island
The fun and excitement of the city, peaceful pleasures of the country, and awe-inspiring natural beauty of the coastal wilderness — the South Island region has something for everyone and all of it is within easy reach.
Sophisticated Victoria, the provincial capital and Vancouver Island’s largest city, is the hub of the South Island region’s urban activity. The delightful communities of Sidney, Brentwood Bay, Sooke, and Port Renfrew are close enough to Victoria to be an easy commute, yet each is distinctly different and a destination in itself. Throughout the South Island region, the pastoral countryside, rugged coastline, pristine forests, and parks with lakes, rivers, and beaches provide ample opportunity to experience the great outdoors.
Things to Do
Golfing
Among golfers, the South Island region’s courses are as famous as its whales. From family-friendly community courses to championship courses, including one designed by Jack and Steve Nicklaus, this region has golf for every level of player all year long!
Kayaking
Loved by people of all ages, kayaking is an amazing way to explore the bays, shorelines, and waterways of the region. If you are an experienced kayaker with your own equipment, Visitor Centres can provide suggestions for where to go on your own. If you are a novice, equipment rentals, guided tours, and lessons are offered by several kayaking companies.
Boating
For visitors travelling by boat, the region boasts numerous marinas and the facilities are top-notch. Government docks are located in Victoria, Sidney, Brentwood Bay, and Sooke, and private marinas dot the coastline. Boat-launching ramps are located in most coastal areas. Boats can also be rented to visitors with experience and qualifications. Safe Boaters Certification is mandatory to drive a boat in B.C.; see www.safeboater.com.
Fishing
For decades, this region has been luring fishers from all over the world with outstanding year-round fishing. Salmon is the most sought-after prize, along with halibut and lingcod. Excellent saltwater charters are available. Freshwater anglers are well rewarded here, too, especially at the rivers and lakes west of Victoria and beyond to the Sooke Region.
Marine Tours
Guided marine sightseeing cruises, wildlife viewing excursions, sailing tours, and dinner cruises are wonderful ways to enjoy the ocean.
Surfing
The rugged coast west of Sooke is a mecca for experienced surfers and is drawing international attention. Jordan River and the beaches nearby look out over the Juan de Fuca Strait, which sends big waves crashing onto the shore, especially in the winter. Remember: this isn’t Hawaii — the water is cold, so suit-up accordingly.
Windsurfing
This is a big sport west of Sooke. In Victoria, windsurfers ply the waves off Dallas Road, as well as at Oak Bay and Cadboro Bay. Elk and Beaver Lake Park is ideal for a tamer experience.
Guided Eco-Tours
Private companies, as well as Capital Regional District Parks, conduct eco-tours for adventurers of all ages and ability levels.
Horseback Riding
An excellent family outing, horseback riding is offered at several stables.
Ziplining
Experience the thrill of soaring through the trees on a ziplining course in the Sooke region.
Hiking
Hiking trails abound in this region and include major hiking trails, such as 47-kilometre Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and 75-kilometre West Coast Trail. East Sooke Park and Goldstream Park are two more favourites. Visitor Centres have details and more trail suggestions.
Diving
Year-round diving is a regional specialty.
Cycling
Cycling is very popular here
People love the South Island region for its diversity. You can surround yourself with the liveliness of a vibrant downtown or immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment or pursue any of a long list of outdoor activities. And when it comes to sights and attractions, the South Island region has plenty for everyone.
The gardens in the South Island region are outstanding and range from charming neighbourhood rose gardens and floral displays in public parks to expansive demonstration and ornamental gardens of international acclaim. The region’s intriguing history is preserved in several museums that focus on everything from agricultural, maritime, military, and police history to pioneer, First Nations, and art history. Several heritage homes have also been preserved as museums.
If you are travelling with your family, you can choose from an array of great options: mini-golf, waterslides, wave pools, water parks, petting zoos, corn mazes, ziplines, laser tag, and more. You can see a zoo of insects, garden of butterflies, underwater garden and show, themed displays of perfect miniatures, amazing National Geographic films on the enormous screen at the IMAX theatre, and an ocean centre. You can even try your luck at a casino, experience the excitement of stock car racing, or gaze up at the stars through powerful telescopes. You’ll run out of vacation time before you run out of attractions to see!
For the thrill of a lifetime, sign up for a marine tour to see the South Island region’s most famous residents: the orcas. About 80 of these glossy, black-and-white marine mammals, also called killer whales, live in the waters off the coastline year-round and are most readily seen between May and October. The tours range from high-speed Zodiac adventures to relaxing cruises on yachts. Other marine mammals, such as grey whales, Minke whales, porpoises, seals, dolphins, sea lions, and a multitude of birds, are also often spotted on these guided tours.
Accommodation options abound in the South Island region: from campgrounds, cabins, and economical motels to bed and breakfasts, full-service hotels, and opulent resort spas. Adventure tours and vacation packages are widely available.
Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina
A captivating location on the inner harbour, a 42 slip marina, the award-winning Blue Crab Bar & Grill, and Victoria's only indoor/outdoor swimming pool make this one of Victoria's most popular hotels. Enjoy full services and amenities like our fitness facility, whirlpool and sauna, secure underground parking, business centre, complimentary high speed Internet throughout the hotel, complimentary in-town shuttle service and 24 hour room service.
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Victoria
South Island
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Harbour Air Seaplanes
Harbour Air offers frequent scheduled flights connecting Victoria, Vancouver, Richmond (YVR), Comox, Sechelt, and the Sunshine Coast. Experience a true West Coast tradition, scenic tours and flight seeing packages available. All flights are carbon neutral.
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Richmond, Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Sechelt
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Sandman Hotel Victoria
Minutes to downtown and the Inner Harbour, the Sandman Hotel Victoria offers an affordable stay for families and business travelers alike. Dine at the Shark Club Bar and Grill, enjoy room service or take a swim in the indoor pool.
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Victoria
South Island
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Quality Inn Waddling Dog
The Quality Inn Waddling Dog captures the heritage flavour of Victoria, while offering all the convenience, amenities and value you’re looking for. Make yourself at home in our cozy, English Tudor-style hotel, located near Butchart Gardens and Victoria International Airport. Amenities include complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, free wi-fi and parking.
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Saanichton
South Island
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CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
The Museum is part of a National Historic District, with heritage buildings dating from the 1890s. Features include life-like mannequins, children’s gallery/play area, and recreations of historic scenes.
The museum also houses an archive with thousands of photographs & documents.
Museum tours by arrangement - contact staff @ 250-363-4312
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Victoria
South Island
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel will re-open in Spring of 2012 as Victoria's first five-star seaside resort and spa with private residences. Enjoy fine dining, a dinner show in the David Foster Foundation Theatre, hot drinks and treats in Kate's Cafe, pub fare in The Snug (a local legend), or a relaxing soak in the seaside mineral pools, while watching whales breach offshore. Onsite adventure activities, a sommelier, in-room chefs, and event planning also available.
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Victoria
South Island
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Golf Vancouver Island
Golf Vancouver Island is a "one-stop-shop" for booking golf packages and vacations on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail – a 250 km of Pacific paradise from Victoria to Campbell River, awaiting golfers on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Owned and operated by the golf courses on Vancouver Island, consumers save time and money, while choosing from 11 golf courses and over 15 accommodation options on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. From airfares and ferry reservations to tee times, accommodations and even après golf activities, Golf Vancouver Island takes care of it all!
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Victoria (Head Office)
South, Central, North Central Island and Cowichan Region
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Best Western Plus Emerald Isle
The closest Best Western to Butchart Gardens, the Best Western PLUS Emerald Isle in Sidney-by-the-Sea is conveniently located 5 minutes from the Victoria International Airport, BC and Washington State Ferry Terminals. Air conditioned, newly renovated rooms feature fridge & microwave. Pet friendly. Earn Best Western rewards! Licensed restaurant on site. Just 7 blocks from the ocean and the Shaw Ocean Discovery Center. A perfect spot for winter snowbirds; we have kitchen units / long term rates.
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Sidney
South Island
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Butchart Gardens
Breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) show gardens near Victoria offers spectacular beauty in every season. Spring dazzles with more than 300,000 bulbs. Summer is magnificent with colour everywhere you look, plus there’s entertainment in July & August, Night Illuminations and Saturday Fireworks. Autumn delights, and Christmas becomes a magical wonderland.
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Brentwood Bay
South Island
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Travelodge Victoria Airport Sidney
Travelodge Victoria Airport Sidney is the closest hotel to the Victoria Airport and provides free airport shuttle service. With comfortable guestrooms, including some with a kitchenette, and all with microwave and mini refrigerator, this hotel also has an outdoor pool in a private garden courtyard. Adjacent to a conference centre and walking distance to great shopping and restaurants, the Travelodge Victoria Airport is an ideal place to stay for business or pleasure.
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Sidney
South Island
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Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa
The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort Hotel and Spa is ideally located directly on the breathtaking inner harbour of Victoria. Only a short 5 minute walk from downtown ensures you are close to many attractions, restaurants and fabulous shopping. Visit our fully equipped Health Club, Indoor Pool and Racquet/Squash Courts. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner created from some of the island’s finest local ingredients and be sure to save time for our award-winning Spa!
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Victoria
South Island
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The Admiral Inn
Ideally located on Victoria’s Downtown Harbour, the Admiral Inn offers the amenities of a small hotel, along with the warmth and friendliness of a cozy B&B. Steps away from the Clipper and Coho ferries, Royal BC Museum, Parliament Buildings and Downtown attractions, we are where you want to be! Awake refreshed and enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast. No hidden charges here; WiFi (or lobby computer), Breakfast, Parking, Kitchens, Bicycles all included in our modest rates.
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Victoria
South Island
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Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Located on pristine Brentwood Bay, in the heart of wine country, minutes from Butchart Gardens and with easy access to Victoria, this boutique hotel is a 5-star luxury resort with contemporary flair. Each elegant OceanSuite features spa-like bathrooms, romantic fireplaces and stunning ocean views. Simple, intimate and relaxing… indulge in a true state of bliss at Vancouver Island’s sexiest spa & culinary destination. We’re not a million miles away, it just feels like it!
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Victoria
South Island
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Comfort Inn & Suites
The Comfort Inn & Suites is perfectly located for exploring one of North America’s most popular destinations. Tucked away on Victoria’s picturesque Gorge Waterway, we’re just minutes from downtown and major attractions with easy access to Hwy’s No. 1 and 17. Amenities include complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor pool, free wi-fi and parking plus guest laundry.
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Victoria
South Island
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Howard Johnson Hotel and Suites
Victoria’s full service hotel features 100 luxuriously finished guest rooms and suites offering superb amenities such as queen beds, soaker tubs, microwaves, fridges and coffeemakers in all rooms. Other highlights include heated seasonal outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, on-site restaurant and lounge. Superbly located for maximum convenience, the hotel boasts close proximity to The Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Victoria International Airport, BC & WA State Ferries, Shopping, Dining, Golfing & Hiking.
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Victoria
South Island
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Western 66 Motel
Just five minutes to Butchart Gardens. 85 clean comfortable air conditioned rooms. 2 Bedroom Family units available. Free high speed wireless internet. 86 Cable TV channels. Fridges in all rooms, microwaves in most rooms. Whitespot Restaurant next door. Enjoy our spacious landscaped grounds. Economy rates all year long.
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Saanichton
South Island
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The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa
Discover the perfect blend of contemporary style and comfort at our oceanfront 55 room boutique hotel in the charming town of Sidney. Explore nearby Butchart Gardens, Shaw Ocean Discovery Aquarium, wineries and marine adventures. Located just 10 minutes from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Washington State Ferry and Victoria International Airport.
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Sidney
South Island
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Travelodge Victoria
The Travelodge Victoria is located only 25 km from the Victoria International Airport with easy access to Highway 1, Highway 17 and Victoria’s inner Harbour. Recently renovated with spacious and comfortable guestrooms, including standard rooms and suites with full kitchens, an onsite restaurant, lounge and a relaxing indoor pool, the Travelodge Victoria offers an ideal place to stay among hotels in Victoria. Nice Rooms. Great People. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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Victoria
South Island
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Cougar's Crag Extreme B&B
Cougar's Crag Extreme B&B offers the REAL British Columbia rainforest experience. We're situated on 15 forested acres overlooking the Olympic Peninsula, adjacent to Matheson Lake Regional Park on southern Vancouver Island. Every third night is free in 2012! And we're dog-friendly!
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Victoria
South Island
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Sidney Waterfront Inn & Spa
From your balcony, only feet from Glass Beach, enjoy the breathtaking Oceanfront views & the lowest average waterfront rates near Victoria Airport! Relax in our award-winning Ocean Palm Spa, enjoy Boutique shopping on-site in The Cannery Building and discover waterfront fine dining at our Beacon Landing Restaurant & Lounge. Take advantage of the $25 dollar (CAD) Spa voucher, two for one Golfing & Whale Watching voucher. Family owned & operated, free internet & parking.
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Sidney
South Island
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