South Vancouver Island Region
Unexpected discoveries are part of every explorer’s Vancouver Island experience, and they pile up in exciting clusters in particular in the South Island region.
Sometimes a simple jog or bike ride along the waterfront with the Olympic Peninsula as your backdrop is all the rejuvenation you need.
Radiating out from serenely cosmopolitan Victoria (aka “the City of Gardens”), the area includes the pastoral Saanich peninsula and a wild southwest coastline framed by postcard views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the craggy peaks of Washington state’s Olympic Mountain range. Such is the density of must-see attractions, in fact, that it’s tempting to settle into comfortable lodgings in B.C.’s famously genteel capital city for the duration and explore this end of the Island at leisurely length by car, on foot or two wheels.
FACT > Over half of all Vancouver Island residents live in the South Island region.
Linger in one of Canada’s favourite cities for sightseeing, historical attractions, festivals and all kinds of uplifting rejuvenation (farm-to-table cuisine, spas, yoga and big-time retail therapy). The double-decker buses and kilted pipers are delightful reminders of Victoria’s “tweed curtain” legacy as one of the last outposts of the British Empire. Yet in recent decades the city has evolved into a multi-cultural getaway that balances heritage charm with urban savvy. Dine in style and relaxed comfort on locally sourced food, wine, beer and cider. Shop for island-made fashion, arts and crafts.
Goldstream Provincial Park – A Fall favourite for viewing spawning salmon returning to their birth stream surrounded by massive trees.
Marvel at the Royal B.C. Museum’s exhibits. Stroll around the famed Inner Harbour, then rocket out to sea in a Zodiac for a chance to view Orcas and humpback whales.
Many visitors unpack once and wander this lively city at their leisure. Others balance the urban pleasures with daytrip excursions. Head north into Saanich for a roadtrip tour of farmgates and wineries, stopping for waterside lunch in Brentwood Bay, book shopping in Sidney and a visit to one of Canada’s most beloved public gardens. The road west leads to Metchosin’s rural utopia of sheep farms and home art studios, Sooke’s renowned slow-food restaurants, and onward to the wilderness beach accesses and oceanside hiking trails leading to Port Renfrew’s magical tidal pools.
The South Island invites the kind of easy spontaneity that can transform an around-the-next-corner surprise into a highlight of a day’s unplanned agenda. While the most populous area on Vancouver Island, it’s still pretty quiet by most standards and has attracted residents who treasure peace, serenity and all kinds of holistic opportunities to stay fit and healthy. It’s all possible thanks to numerous parks, easy-access beaches, scenic viewpoints galore and two of Canada’s best family biking routes in the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails.
Kids love a region dotted with corn mazes, ziplines, a bug zoo, butterfly garden, playgrounds and big-screen IMAX entertainment. For their part, adults can book ahead for concert and theatre tickets or allow their moods to dictate the next activity. That might include sampling award-winning craft beers on the brewpub circuit or enjoying a night at the casino. How about go karts, moto-cross dirt bikes, auto racing, batting cages, mini-golf, camping and other family fun, all at one location? Or gaze in mute wonder at the heavens through the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory’s powerful telescope. It’s all part of the South Island experience.
What the South Island Region offers you:
- Whale watching tours, bird and wildlife viewing
- Rugged beaches and forests with trails and parks in abundance – where one can drive, walk, hike, cycle and mountain bike – all with spectacular views.
- Marine activities and water sports – surfing, diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, boating (Safe Boaters Certification is mandatory) and kayaking
- Sports and featured activities – golf (over 20 courses), zip-lining and horse-back riding
- Salt and fresh water angling and fishing charters
- Shops galore – malls, tourist emporiums, specialty stores with everything from European fashions, to home décor and accessories to First Nations arts and crafts.
- Heritage sites both in and outside Victoria
- Feature attractions like The Butchart Gardens, museums and marine centres.
- Cullinary experiences from wharf-side fish and chips, fine West Coast cuisine and artisan foods to tea at The Empress, wine and beer tasting.
- Arts and culture – galleries, performing arts, music and festivals
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WildPlay Element Parks
Get outside your comfort zone with primal fun & games! In two awesome, natural locations, WildPlay Element Parks gives adults, teens, and kids a place to play and explore the outdoors – and their personal boundaries! Guests get to create an adventure from the most unique aerial Elements in BC. Each adventure is always exciting, often challenging, and sometimes life-changing. WildPlay’s adrenalin-pumping Elements on Vancouver Island include! Monkido® Aerial Adventure Climb nets, balance on wobbly bridges, soar across zip lines, and take a Tarzan swing! The suspended obstacle courses rise from six to sixty feet above ground, and are packed [...]
More InformationNanaimo, Victoria • Central Island, South Island
1-888-716-7374
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Prince of Whales Whale Watching
Come out whale watching with the resident experts by choosing Prince of Whales Whale Watching – locally owned and operated and the longest running whale watching company in Victoria. With both zodiac style boats and expedition cruisers on offer, we have an optimally flexible schedule with hourly departures. Our tours will take you out to search for Orcas, Humpbacks, and other marine wildlife while providing commentary on the natural history of our beautiful province along the way.
More Information812 Wharf Street, Lower Causeway Level • Victoria • South Island
250-383-4884
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Golf Vancouver Island
GOLF VANCOUVER ISLAND IS A CENTRAL RESERVATIONS SERVICE FOR GOLF PACKAGES, VACATIONS AND TEE TIMES on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Golf Vancouver Island is your “one-stop shop” for Island Golf Getaways and Vacations. From airfares and ferry reservations to tee times, accommodations and even après golf activities, they take care of it all! Owned and operated by the golf courses on Vancouver Island, consumers save time and money, while choosing from 10 golf courses and 5 accommodation options on the internationally renowned Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Golf Vancouver Island provides complimentary information, vacation planning assistance and reservations for Vancouver [...]
More InformationCourtenay, Duncan, Parksville, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, North Central Island, South Island
1-888-465.3239
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Harbour Air
Experience Vancouver Island from a new point of view with a breathtaking seaplane adventure. Enjoy a 20 minute Victoria panorama flight featuring unique views of the city & the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Day trip to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens or downtown Vancouver. A variety of exciting tours await. Discover British Columbia’s spectacular coastlines with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Harbour Air Seaplanes also offers frequent and convenient scheduled flights connecting downtown Victoria, downtown Vancouver, Richmond (YVR Aiport), Comox, Nanaimo, Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and Whistler (seasonally). Travel like a local and experience a true West Coast [...]
More InformationComox, Duncan, Ganges, Nanaimo, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, Gulf Islands, North Central Island, South Island
1-800-665-0212
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Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Experience Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa We’ve discovered that understated elegance and discerning service are essential. Simple, intimate, involving. It’s all about an appetite for new experiences. From every vantage point, the ocean views inspire us to respond to the elements. Victoria’s only five star oceanfront hotel resort and spa. Luxurious boutique hotel accommodations with thirty-three perfectly appointed OceanSuites. We invite you to join us at the #1 rated luxury resort in Victoria BC Canada. Location: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa is located only 20 minutes from downtown Victoria B.C. on Vancouver Island. We are strategically located for convenient access [...]
More Information849 Verdier Avenue • Victoria • South Island
1-888-544-2079
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BC Ferries Vacations
BC Ferries Vacations™ connects you with Vancouver Island’s world-class destinations and provides unique vacation experiences to the avid traveller. Offering several packages for one and two-nights or longer, BC Ferries Vacations™ travel experts have hand-picked the best accommodations and activities and packaged them with the ferry travel to bring you all-in-one convenience, quality and value.
More InformationMany Communities • Across Vancouver Island
1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) Ext 3
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Craigdarroch Castle
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, Craigdarroch Castle was completed in 1890, shortly after his death. His wife Joan lived in the Castle until 1908. Experience the lifestyles of the wealthy surrounded by exquisite stained glass, woodwork and Victorian era furnishings. Climb 87 stairs to the tower for fabulous views of Victoria. (no elevators) Open daily: 10:00am – 4:30pm Extended hours from June 15th to September 6: 9:00am – 7:00pm
More Information1050 Joan Crescent • Victoria • South Island
250-592-5323
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Pacific Coastal Airlines
We’re in the Business of British Columbia Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA) supports local business and the economy by providing efficient and competitively-priced travel and transportation options, creating local jobs, and servicing new and existing trade-and-travel routes throughout BC and western Canada. PCA With over 35 years experience serving British Columbia, and being family-owned and operated, Pacific Coastal Airlines is People Friendly, People first. PCA is made up of two divisions: wheeled-aircraft, based in Vancouver, and floatplane service, based in Port Hardy and Port McNeill. PCA serves 65+ communities in BC—check out our route map on our website. Reservations Please call [...]
More InformationNorth Island (Port Hardy and Port McNeill), Central Island (Campbell River and Comox), and South Island (Victoria Int'l) •
1-800-663-2872
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Executive House
The Executive House Hotel is located in the heart of Victoria, across the street from the Victoria Conference Centre and steps from the Inner Harbour; an unrivaled location that opens the door to restaurants, shops, museums, float plane tours, whale watching, and much more. Featuring spectacular views overlooking Victoria and the Olympic Mountains, Executive House Hotel offers 181 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Equipped with full kitchens and living rooms, our spacious suites provide the perfect (pet-friendly) home-away-from-home! Live life lavishly on our Penthouse Floor, featuring Executive Rooms with private terraces and atrium Jacuzzi tubs. Meeting Rooms and Hospitality Suites [...]
More Information777 Douglas Street • Victoria • South Island
1-800-663-7001
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BC Ferries
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, providing year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, with a fleet of 35 vessels. The company provides an essential transportation link that connects coastal communities and facilitates the movement of people, goods and services throughout coastal British Columbia. BC Ferries’ diverse service area includes connections between the Vancouver Mainland and Vancouver Island; from Vancouver Island or the Vancouver Mainland to many small island communities; from Prince Rupert on the province’s north coast to Haidai Gwaii and to Port Hardy. [...]
More InformationMany Communities • Across Vancouver Island
1-888-BC-FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Experience the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel, warm 5-star service in a seaside location unlike any other. Enjoy fine dining, dinner theatre in the David Foster Foundation Theatre, hot drinks and treats in Kate’s Cafe, the Snug (a local legend), or a relaxing soak in the seaside mineral pools admist spectacular ocean views. Re-connect with family and friends, for any occasion, amongst over 80 years of history at Victoria’s iconic luxury hotel.
Victoria • South Island
1-800-668-7758
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National Car & Truck Rental
Discounts on Golf, Mount Washington Winter Lift Tickets and Summer Scenic Chairlift Ride & Butchart Gardens Low daily, weekly & monthly rates Special weekend packages Entertainment & AAA rates One way drop off on Vancouver Island & Vancouver Cars, mini-vans & 4×4′s Free local pickup & drop off
Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, Port Hardy, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, North Central Island, North Island, South Island
1-800-CAR-RENT (227-7368)
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Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina
Stay with us at Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina and discover the best that Vancouver Island has to offer I Located just 35 minutes from Victoria, Sooke offers a little adventure for everyone. Just steps from your fully furnished, fully equipped vacation home you will find chartered fishing, whale watching, scenic hiking, golf and so much more. Not only are we located conveniently close to five star fishing, the resort also has a full service 85 slip marina that houses a number of fishing charters. You can literally walk out of your front door and into a fishing adventure!
Sooke • South Island
1-866-616-3236
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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.
Victoria • South Island
1-888-823-6472
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Econolodge Inn & Suites
A waterside retreat near the heart of town. Welcome to Victoria at its most comfortable. Tucked away on the most picturesque Gorge waterway, we’re just minutes from downtown and major attractions.
Victoria • South Island
1-800-661-4043
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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.
Sidney • South Island
1-866-659-9445
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Black Ball Ferry Line
Black Ball Ferry Line operates the M.V. Coho passenger and vehicle ferry linking Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island with Port Angeles, WA on the scenic Olympic Peninsula. During the 90 minute crossing enjoy the ship’s many amenities including the cafeteria, gift shop, duty free, comfortable interior lounges, solarium and pet-friendly areas. Year round daily service is provided. Take advantage of our convenient route and exclusive package deals with fantastic savings by making your ferry, hotel and attraction bookings online at www.CohoFerry.com. Our Captain and Crew look forward to welcoming you on board the ship!
Victoria • South Island
250-386-2202
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Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
From your balcony, only feet from Glass Beach, enjoy the breathtaking Oceanfront views & the best average waterfront rates near Victoria Airport! Enjoy Boutique shopping on-site in The Cannery Building, discover waterfront fine dining in our Beacon Landing Restaurant & Lounge, explore nearby Butchart Gardens. Take advantage of our Golfing & Whale Watching coupons. Close proximity to BC & Anacortes Ferries while only steps away from Shaw Ocean Discovery. Family owned & operated, free internet & parking.
Sidney • South Island
1-888-656-1131
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Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & 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!
Victoria • South Island
250-360-2999
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Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a place of discovery. Through unique galleries, the museum and archives showcase the human and natural history of British Columbia and bring in exciting temporary exhibitions from around the world. Experience all of British Columbia in an afternoon. Three-dimensional displays offer a feast of sights, sounds and smells of British Columbia and showcase some of the 7 million artifacts and specimens in the Royal BC Museum’s collections.
Victoria • South Island
1-888-447-7977
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Travelodge Victoria
Travelodge Victoria is a 73 room pet friendly hotel located just 2.5 kilometers from downtown Victoria. Overlooking Victoria’s scenic Upper Harbour, Travelodge Victoria’s guest rooms feature 43″ flat screen televisions, complimentary wireless internet, free parking, mini-fridges, personal safes, in-room movies, free local calls and daily newspaper. Kitchen suites are also available. The hotel features an indoor heated pool, saunas. fitness centre, and coin-operated laundry. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s on-site breakfast restaurant or un-wind in the licensed lounge at the end of the day. For guests travelling with pets, an off leash dog park is just across the street.
Victoria • South Island
1-800-565-3777
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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.
Saanichton • South Island
1-800-567-8466
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All Fun Karts, Cages, Clubs & Camping @ Western Speedway
All Fun offers an exciting blend of activities and action that makes it the perfect place for a day of family fun! All Fun features the only go-kart raceway and batting cages on the Island , along with 18 holes of adventure mini golf a motocross track, an ice cream parlour, an RV Park and Western Canada’s longest operating auto racing facility, Western Speedway. Visit the track on Sunday mornings for the All Fun Swap & Shop, a great open air family shopping experience. Ask about our group rates, birthday parties and special event packages.
2207 Millstream Rd • Victoria • South Island
250-474-3184
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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.
Brentwood Bay • South Island
250-652-5256
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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.
Victoria • South Island
1-800-SANDMAN
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Howard Johnson Hotel and Suites Victoria
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.
Victoria • South Island
1-866-300-4656
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Victoria Airport Travelodge/Sidney
89 Room Hotel with seasonal outdoor pool located in a private garden. We are located on the main street of Sidney only minutes from the Victoria International Airport and the BC Ferry Terminal at Swartz Bay. All Rooms have A/C and Fridge/Microwave with 43″ Flat Screen TV’s as well as free Wireless Internet and free Continental Breakfast. Some rooms are equipped with full kitchenettes for longer term stays. All of Sidney’s restaruants and shopping are only steps from our door.
Sidney • South Island
1-866-656-1176
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Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
We have room for you to relax! Make yourself at home at the Royal Scot Hotel & Suites. With spacious Guest Rooms and wonderfully appointed Suites with full kitchens, we have everything to fit your needs. Inner Harbour location – Flat Screen TVs & DVD players – Free Wi-Fi – Restaurant – Indoor Pool & Hot Tub – Courtesy Shuttle – Games & Billiards Room – 100% non smoking.
Victoria • South Island
1-800-663-7515
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Kenmore Air
Fly with Kenmore Air from Seattle, Washington over 45 spectacular Northwest destinations. Daily scheduled seaplane flights leave from Seattle’s downtown Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Nanaimo, the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound, Blind Channel and the Northern Inside Passage. Skip the ferry lines & and avoid long lines at the boarder. With Kenmore Air you’ll be in Victoria in about 45 minutes. It’s fast, convenient and stress-free! Charter flights are also available!
Nanaimo, Victoria • Central Island, Gulf Islands, North Central Island, South Island
1-866-435-9524
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The Westin Bear Mountain
The Westin Bear Mountain is a luxury hotel that welcomes you with a premium level of style, sophistication, and elegance. Canada’s only resort featuring 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf, offering Sante Spa, athletic club, outdoor pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, four unique dining options and private wind cellar.
Victoria • South Island
250-391-7160
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Cedarwood Inn & Suites
Come stay with us at the Cedarwood Inn and Suites. We’re located on the ocean just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. Weekly & Monthly rates available.
Sidney • South Island
1-877-656-5551
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IMAX Victoria
IMAX is the ultimate film experience! With crystal clear images and wraparound digital surround sound, the Victoria IMAX lets you feel like you’re really there. Six stories high and 85′ feet wide (18.6m x 25.9m), the screen pulls you in! Over 5 million people locally and almost a billion people around the world have been spellbound by the force and beauty of The IMAX film Experience. Technically advanced and visually stunning, it is the most powerful and immersive movie experience in the world.
Victoria • South Island
250-480-4887
