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South Island
Wine & Culinary Experiences
Fresh seafood, just-picked organic fruits and vegetables, handcrafted cheese, artisan bread, and local wines, ciders, and beer — the South Island is heaven for gourmands! And there are all kinds of delicious ways to sample the best the South Island has to offer.
Winery, cidery, distillery, and meadery tours are a fun and interesting way to see how these fine beverages are made and sample the unique results. The Saanich Peninsula boasts several wineries, as well as a cidery and a distillery. Most of these properties welcome visitors for tours and sampling, and some offer dining or have picnic facilities. The Sooke region is the location of B.C.’s first-ever meadery. Tours and sampling are available.
Brewery tours are another option. The first commercial brewery in Western Canada opened in Victoria in the 1850s. Since then, brewing fine, handcrafted ales has been a tradition. To sample the results of years of experience, visit any of several brewpubs or tour a brewery. Most restaurants also offer local brews.
Farm tours are growing in popularity and several farms on the Saanich Peninsula welcome visitors and offer direct-from-farm shopping; watch for signs along the highway. During the summer and fall, as many as 20 farms participate in farm-tour events.
If you want to see and taste some of everything, take a wander through a farm market. In addition to fresh produce and homemade treats, farm markets are a great place to shop for arts and crafts. An artisan market takes place daily in Bastion Square in the summer, and weekly public markets can be found in several Victoria neighbourhoods from spring through fall. The Sooke Country Market at Otter Point Road operates from May through September, and at the Saanich Fairgrounds, you can shop every Saturday morning from May through September. On Thursday evenings in the summer, Sidney’s main street turns into one big marketplace.
Several fall fairs take place annually in the South Island region. The Saanich Fall Fair on the Labour Day long weekend has been an annual highlight for more than 135 years. Metchosin and Sooke also have wonderfully old-fashioned fall fairs.
While many of the South Island’s best restaurants specialize in local cuisine prepared by very talented chefs, foodies will also want to try out the culinary tours that combine magnificent dining with visits to agricultural properties. And if you are here between mid-February and early March, check out Dine Around and Stay in Town, when a number of restaurants and hotels offer special menus and accommodation packages. Other annual South Island culinary events include the Taste Festival in July and the Beer Festival in September.
Beaches
Victoria offers several great beaches, including Willows Beach in Oak Bay and Gyro Beach in Saanich. On the Saanich Peninsula, you can play in the ocean at Island View Beach or picnic in Elk and Beaver Lake Park. The Esquimalt Lagoon has a lovely ocean beach and park, and Thetis Lake is a popular spot with families in the summer. Sooke Potholes Provincial/Regional Park is another summer favourite, where swimmers cool off on hot summer days in a series of rock pools in the Sooke River.
Beyond Sooke along Highway 14, you’ll find some spectacular ocean beaches. French Beach Provincial Park has beautiful walking trails, a picnic area, and a campground. A little farther west, Sandcut Beach is less developed and ruggedly beautiful, while China Beach is renowned for its crashing surf. To get to the sandstone cliffs and waterfall at Mystic Beach, hike for 45 minutes along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail from the China Beach parking lot. Back on the highway, an old logging road leads from Highway 14 to wave-swept Sombrio Beach. Botanical Beach Provincial Park near Port Renfrew is famous for hundreds of tidal pools, each a mini marine ecosystem carved out of the sandstone shelf.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
An avidly pursued activity in every season, cycling is both a means of year-round transportation and an enjoyable way to see the sights at a relaxed pace. In addition to the cycle-friendly communities in the region, there are three designated cycling routes.
The Galloping Goose Trail is a relatively flat, vehicle-free route used by cyclists and hikers. Built along a former rail bed, this 55-kilometre linear park is accessible at numerous points, giving trail users the flexibility to choose the area they want to explore and the distance they want to travel. The trail extends north from downtown through Saanich and west from downtown through the West Shore communities to Sooke.
The north leg of the Galloping Goose Trail connects with the Lochside Regional Trail, a 29-kilometre route that winds its way from Victoria through the Saanich Peninsula to Sidney and Swartz Bay, the location of a major ferry terminal.
The Seaside Touring Route follows roadways from the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria and leads along the coastline into Oak Bay and beyond where it meets the Lochside Trail and the Galloping Goose Trail.
The Saanich Peninsula has some wonderful routes with names that say it all: Strawberry Fields Forever, Lands End Loop, Best Beach Bike Route, Cole Bay Sun and Surf, and Flatlands Farm Route.
If you’re a mountain biker, check out the challenging trails in the Millstream Highlands, as well as at the Hartland section of Mount Work Park, an attraction for single-track riders and the National Mountain Biking Team.
Festivals & Events
Festivals, concerts, gallery openings, and celebrations — something is always going on in the South Island region. September until mid-May is entertainment season, featuring theatre, dance, symphony, opera, and big-name entertainers. If you love fine food and drink, don’t miss Dine Around and Stay in Town from mid-February to mid-March. This delicious 18-day event showcases the best of Victoria’s culinary scene, with three-course meals for $20, $30, or $40. Add an overnight stay and a theatre performance and you have an unbelievable experience in British Columbia’s capital city.
Festivals take place year-round and peak from May through October. Wine, beer, running, books, gardens, fringe theatre, cycling, and even ghosts are celebrated with festivals. Some of the biggest music events include Victoria Jazz Fest International, Symphony Splash, Philharmonic Fling in Sooke, and Blues Fest. If boats pique your interest, check out the Floating Boat Show in April, Swiftsure International Yacht Race in May, Dragon Boat Festival in August, and Classic Boat Festival in September. More the artsy type? How about the Artisans Show in Sidney, Moss Street Paint-In in Victoria, Stinking Fish Studio Tours in Metchosin and East Sooke, and the Sooke Fine Arts Show.
Last year, two new festivals were added to the roster, both in July: the Victoria International Buskers Festival and the Victoria International Cycling Festival.
Then there are community events: Sidney Days, Buccaneer Days, Luxton Fall Fair, Saanich Fall Fair, Sooke Fall Fair, Oak Bay Tea Party, hockey games — and you are invited to everything!
Your best source for event information is the Visitor Centre at the Inner Harbour, where you can also often pick up tickets for many of the events.
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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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