One More Day in Greater Victoria

An enchanting city, home to sprawling gardens, rugged west coast landscapes, and world-class accommodations. There’s always something waiting to be discovered in Greater Victoria.

One More Splash

Connect with nature and the architectural charm of the inner harbour with Victoria Kayak. Protected by the towering mountains of the Olympic peninsula, the tranquil ocean waters of Greater Victoria attract marine life in droves. Tours come equipped with everything you will need for your voyage, as well as insights from a certified local guide, who will help you navigate the region and view our local marine life from a unique vantage point.

Image: Kayakers in the Gorge Waterway in Victoria - Destination Greater Victoria

One More Hike

Nestled between the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island, and home to Canada’s mildest climate, Greater Victoria offers some of the country’s best year-round hiking. The crown jewel of these hikes being the Juan De Fuca Marina Trail. Spanning 47km, the JDF Trail is one of the premiere backpacking destinations in Canada, typically taking hikers 4-5 days to complete. However, with its multiple access points, the hike can be broken down into short day trips. Breathtaking beaches and jagged coastlines combine for some unforgettable hiking. Make sure to check out the aptly named Mystic Beach, surfers paradise Sombrio Beach, or the surging tidal pools at Port Renfrew’s Botanical Beach.Insider Tip: Channel your inner explorer and find Sombrio’s hidden waterfall.

Image: Sitting on a Rock at Mystic Beach - Destination Greater Victoria

One More Round

With Canada’s mildest climate, Greater Victoria is Canada’s home for year-round golf. Boasting numerous award-winning courses, it’s easy to find a course near you. Rated as a Top 10 Best Public Golf Facility in British Columbia and having been ranked in the Top 50 Golf Courses in Canada, Olympic View Golf Course is bound to impress. With breathtaking views of the Washington State’s Olympic Mountains, and snugly nestled between arbutus trees and waterfalls, Olympic View Golf Course provides world class golf submersed in nature. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you roam this gorgeous forest course.

Insider Tip: A great way to explore the regions many courses is through Golf Vancouver Island. Connecting avid golfers with our unique courses, Golf Vancouver Island provides great insights, specials, trip planning, and amazing stay and play packages at local golf resorts.

One More Bite

Greater Victoria is an urban city accented by a rural countryside. This connection to local producers means farm to table dining in Victoria is unlike anywhere you’ve dined before. Away from the happening downtown core, tucked away in the charming community of Oak Bay, is the local favourite, Blighty’s Bistro. Blighty’s prides itself on using only the best local ingredients to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. The cozy atmosphere of the bistro is perfect whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, out for a date, or hosting a business dinner.

Image: Blighty's Bistro Salad and Flatbread - @hungrygallife (Instagram)

One More Sight

Truly a sight to behold, Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum is the definition of Victorian era elegance. Now a National Historic Site, the castle was originally built by coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir. Featuring stained glass windows, woodwork, and period antiques, its easy to spend a day studying this magnificent structure. Climb the 87 steps up the grand oak staircase to the Tower and enjoy some of the best views in Victoria. With self-guided tours offered in a variety of languages, guests from all over the world can uncover the intriguing story of the Dunsmuir family.

Image: Couple on the Steps of Craigdarroch Castle - Derek Ford

One More Shop

Home to a world of character boutiques Lower Johnson Street the place to shop till you drop. Historic architecture is brought to life by a vibrant shopping experience. Check out the funky Oscar & Libby’s Gifts for the Upbeat & Offbeat at the mouth of Market Square, find the freshest pair of kicks at Baggins Shoes, or discover premium organic locally made body care products at Nezza Naturals. On LoJo it’s easy to say “okay, just one more”.

Image: Oscar and Libby's Market Square Store Exterior - Bow Hewitt Photographic

One More Walk

The volunteer run Gardens at HCP offer visitors the chance to explore over nine acres of gardens just outside of Victoria. The gardens lie on a 103-acre site in Saanich that blends a conservation park with nature trails, wetlands, and bird watching sites. Making the most out of Victoria’s famously mild climate, gardeners continue maintaining the lush grounds year-round. Featuring a Winter Garden, Japanese style Takata Garden, Zen Garden, Rhododendron Garden, Heather Garden, and Trial Dahlia Garden, there’s a seemingly endless world of colour waiting to be explored.

Image: The Gardens at HCP - Matt Shannon Photography

One More Sip

Brewing since 1984, Vancouver Island Brewing are the pioneers of British Columbia’s craft brewing scene. Since its inception, VIB has rolled dozens of champion beers off their production lines, decorated with medals, certificates, steins, and trophies. Their beautiful state of the art facility located on Government Street features a wonderful tasting room and is easily connected by foot to many other great local Victoria breweries on the Ale Trail.

Insider Tip: Pick up a Pod Pack and help save our Wild B.C. Salmon stocks, a vital food source for our southern resident killer whales. The Pod Pack features beers from four island breweries, each named after a resident whale.

One More Discovery

Dino Lab Inc. opens the doors of their workshop to give you a hands-on fossil experience with real dinosaurs. Study the fossils, touch them with your bare hands, and assist the lab in unburying these great creatures from history. More than just a museum, this guided experience is a surreal way to uncover the past and is sure to impress children and adults alike. A working fossil restoration lab, Dino Lab Inc. provides you with insights into the fascinating world of paleontology. These guided tours are available by reservation only, so make sure you book your space in advance. Offering one of the coolest gift shops around, Dino Lab Inc. provides you with the opportunity to take a piece of history home with you.

Image: Dino Lab Inc. Dinosaur Fossil - @dino_lab.inc (Instagram)

One More Ride

Discover Victoria by bike with The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals. The Pedaler offers an array of cycle tours including trips that emphasize Victoria’s local food and drink culture. A Castles, Hoods, and Legends Tour focuses on the unique sights of the city and the colourful characters who influenced them. Looking to do something with the family? The Pedaler also offers Private Family Tours that allows more time to play around with your loved ones. As Victoria’s premiere bicycle tour guides, they also offer bicycle rentals for those looking to explore the city on their own time.

Image: The Pedaler Bike Tour - Stephanie Snelling

One More Night

The world is your oyster at the Hotel Grand Pacific. A full-service hotel featuring luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and a variety of guest services including afternoon tea, and an onsite athletic club, the Grand Pacific is the living expression of a west coast welcome. Centrally located on the inner harbour, the Grand Pacific is walking distance from many of Victoria’s iconic attractions. This award-winning hotel has built its reputation on delivering unique and personalized service for its guests. Enjoy one more night in style, at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

Image: The Hotel Grand Pacific from Outside in Daytime - Destination Greater Victoria