Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC: Attractions
As British Columbia’s Capital City, Victoria has a sophisticated, charming flair. Victoria is a small city with a pedestrian-friendly downtown featuring beautifully restored heritage buildings. Only minutes from downtown you can be in a lush old growth rainforest or feeling the ocean spray from a wave-swept beach.
With the most temperate climate in Canada, Vancouver Island is a four season destination offering year round activities like golf, marine adventures, hiking, cycling, and an abundance of indoor attractions. A new adventure each and every day.
Castles, Museums, Galleries and Historic Sites
Discover tales of marine exploration, First Nations, pioneer hardship and National Historic Site Treasures
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Victoria’s public art gallery. Engaging, challenging, inspiring…
www.aggv.bc.ca
Butchart Gardens Fifty-five acres of stunning floral show gardens and a national historic site of Canada. Afternoon tea, fireworks every Saturday night in the summer www.butchartgardens.com
Carr House Emily Carr is one of Canada’s most beloved artist and author. The British Columbia wilderness and the First Nations culture formed the two great themes of Emily Carr’s work. Her childhood home is preserved as a museum.
www.emilycarr.com
Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum Coal baron Robert Dunsmuir was the wealthiest man in British Columbia. The castle, completed in 1889 reflects his immense fortune. Four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and ornate Victorian era furnishings.
www.thecastle.ca
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites of Canada
Commemorates the national significance of the Victoria Esquimalt coast artillery fortress in defence of Victoria and the Navel base at Esquimalt harbour www.pc.gc.ca/fortroddhill
Hatley Park/Royal Roads National Historic Site Ancient forests, Edwardian gardens, and a magnificent 100 year old castle overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait.
www.hatleypark.ca
Maritime Museum Discover the shipwrecks of Vancouver Island, Explorers, Pirates, Ship Builiding, Whaling and Fishing and so much more www.mmbc.bc.ca
Royal BC Museum Learning made fun! Through research and education this is one of the best museums in North America. New exhibits come to town often so check their web site www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Royal London Wax Museum A skillful blend of sound, colour and lighting help to experience moments in history. Over 200 life size wax figures
www.waxmuseum.bc.ca
Great Canadian Casino One of Canada’s leading entertainment providers. Located in the Westshore it is a full service facility offering a wide variety of slot machines and table games. www.greatcanadiancasinos.com
All Fun Recreation Park Go Carts, Mini Golf and Western Speedway. Open seasonally. www.allfun.bc.ca
Beacon Hill Children’s Farm The farm is located within beautiful Beacon Hill Park in Victoria. They take pride in being able to bring the farm animal experience into the city where some children may never see such animals up close in real life. www.beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca
Butterfly Gardens 3,000 free flying butterflies in a humid, tropical environment. Wear bright colours and you may get a butterfly to land on you. www.butterflygardens.com
Centre of the Universe - Public Observatory and Astronomy Centre An out of this world experience. Starlab, Centre of the Universe Observatory tours, Telescope Viewing, Star Parties, and Gift Shop www.hia.nrc.ca
Galey Farms Supporting local agriculture, Galey’s is a working family farm with a fun and challenging Corn Maze, Farmers market and Train rides. www.galeyfarms.net
National Geographic Imax Theatre 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 81 feet wide, the screen pulls you in. www.imaxvictoria.com
Pacific Undersea Gardens Live Dive Show in an undersea theatre. Descend into a world where you will come face to face with all manner of fish, an eel and the largest species of Octopus in the world. www.pacificunderseagardens.com
Victoria Bug Zoo An amazing world of insects and spiders. The knowledgeable “bug guides” will reveal the exotic secrets of this hidden kingdom and provide a safe animal handling experience www.bugzoo.bc.ca
Golfing The Vancouver Island region boasts some amazing golf courses. Designed by masters like Jack Nicklaus. Courses have challenged the likes of Tiger Woods. The scenery is phenomenal. www.golfvancouverisland.ca
Marine Adventures Naturally, with the Pacific Ocean right here, many of the most popular activities are marine-based. Wildlife viewing is world famous for Orca Whales, Sea lions, seals, dolphins, and porpoises. From high speed zodiac tours to yachts.
Cuda Marine Whale Watching Adventures www.whalewatchingadventure.com
Walking, Cycling, Swimming, Parks
Cycle Treks Tours and Rentals Single Day, Multi Day. Check out the other activities that are available from whale watching to kayaking and hiking.
www.cycletreks.com
Goldstream Provincial Park Hiking trails that wind through old-growth forest along a salmon river and to a waterfall. The park is especially popular in the fall and winter when thousands of salmon swim up stream to their birthplace to spawn. Eagles are drawn to the park from late fall through the winter to feast on spent salmon. www.crd.bc.ca/parks/goldstream/
Mill Hill Park Walk through cool woodlands along the banks of Millstream Creek or climb to the summit (203m) for spectacular views. Only a short stroll from the Millstream Creek Vacation Home in Victoria www.crd.bc.ca/parks/millhill
Thetis Lake Consisting of two joined lakes Thetis Lake offer the best summer swimming and year round hiking and fishing. Only 5 minutes from the Millstream Creek Vacation Home in Victoria.
www.crd.bc.ca/parks/thetis/
E&N Dayliner Re-discover a magical journey. This little rail line travels from Victoria to Courtenay each day. Leaving Langford Station at shortly after 8 am, the train makes a great day trip to places like Duncan, Chemainus or Nanaimo. On March 29, 1888 the first E & N train reached Shawnigan Lake. The Station is only five minutes from the Millstream Creek Vacation Home.
www.viarail.ca
Wine Islands One of the fastest growing wine regions in Canada.
Over 32 wineries to choose from. www.wineislands.ca See www.tourismvictoria.com/events for complete attractions and events.
Bear Mt. Arena at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Home of the Grizzlies and Jr. Shamrocks. The Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre offers swimming, skating, and facilities for every age. The arena is only five minutes from the Millstream Creek Vacation Home. www.jdfrecreation.com
Esquimalt Lagoon A beautiful ocean vista. Walk along the beach and enjoy the tranquility and birds, surf and driftwood. Only five minutes from the Millstream Creek Vacation Home. www.esquimaltlagoon.com
Galloping Goose Hiking and Biking Trail The trail starts at Johnson Street in Downtown Victoria and winds its way 60 KM North West to Leechtown just North of Sooke Pot Holes. Only a five minute walk from the Millstream Vacation Home you can get on to the trail.
