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Tourism Vancouver Island
South IslandFrom
elegant Victoria to the tranquil Southern Gulf Islands, South Island
is a diverse region of urban sophistication, rural charm, and exhilarating
Coastal adventures.
Greater Victoria (Area Population: 311,902)
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, was originally established
in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Bastion
Square marks the site where a portion of the fort once stood, although
all that remains now are two iron rings set into the rocks at the foot
of Fort Street, next to the old Customs House.
Victoria has always had a history
as a stronghold of British traditions. Double-decker buses, horse-drawn
carriages, meticulously kept gardens, and the tradition of formal afternoon
tea has contributed to the city’s long-standing reputation. However,
over the past decade or so, Victoria has earned a reputation as a mecca
for adventurers drawn by the limitless outdoor activities available
in the city and throughout the Islands.
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Sidney (Population: 10,929)
Good things come in small packages and there's no better evidence of this than sunny Sidney-by-the-Sea — just ask the boaters from all over the Pacific Northwest who have been docking at Sidney's marinas year after year. Scenic seaside walks, beautiful water views, enticing attractions and activities, plenty of great shops and restaurants, and friendly locals — Sidney has it all and more!
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Saanich Peninsula (Area Population: 36,713)
The beautiful rolling landscape of the Saanich Peninsula is dotted with farms, communities, parks, forests, lakes, and ocean inlets. Two main routes run between Sidney and Greater Victoria: Highway 17, known as the Pat Bay Highway, and Highway 17A, also called West Saanich Road. Highway 17 is the most direct route to Victoria, while Highway 17A offers a more relaxed drive through the scenic rural areas of the Saanich Peninsula. Both routes are wonderfully scenic and lead to the Peninsula's many delightful sights and attractions.
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Saanich (Population: 109,639)
North of downtown, the District of Saanich offers all the charms of country life in its rural expanses and all the conveniences of urban life in its residential neighbourhoods. Saanich means "place of fertile soil" in the language of the local aboriginal people and the area abounds with lush green parks including Swan Lake, Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and Mt. Douglas Park. Pathways await explorers in search of ocean beaches, waterfront strolls, neighbourhood walks, scenic vistas and country rambles on horseback. Many countryside farms and cottages offer vegetables, fruit and flowers for sale on the honour system from roadside stands.
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Oak Bay (Population: 17,798)
Victoria's most British neighbourhood was established at the turn of the century by wealthy Victoria residents of British descent who wanted to keep their distance from the tidal mud flat that was then the Inner Harbour.
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Victoria (Area Population: 74,125)
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, was originally established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson's Bay Company. Bastion Square marks the site where a portion of the fort once stood, although all that remains now are two iron rings set into the rocks at the foot of Fort Street, next to the old Customs House.
Victoria has always had a history as a stronghold of British traditions. Double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, meticulously kept gardens, and the tradition of formal afternoon tea has contributed to the city's long-standing reputation. However, over the past decade or so, Victoria has earned a reputation as a mecca for adventurers drawn by the limitless outdoor activities available in the city and throughout the Islands.
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Esquimalt (Population: 16,127)
Esquimalt, named after a First Nations word for “place of shoaling waters,” was first established in 1865 as a British naval base. The Royal Canadian Navy took charge in 1910 and still operates the second largest naval base and dockyard in Canada after Halifax.
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West Shore
Colwood (Population: 13,745)
Established by the Hudson's Bay Company, Colwood was originally a farm that supplied the growing population of Fort Victoria. Today, Colwood is a wonderful place to golf, fish, cycle, and boasts a range of attractions and activities.
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Langford (Population: 18,840)
Right next door to Colwood is the community of Langford. Well worth a visit, Langford features pristine parks, crystal-clear lakes, and a wealth of recreational choices.
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Metchosin (Population: 4,857)
A predominantly rural area, Metchosin is criss-crossed by winding country roads leading past farms, acreages, and seaside homes, and to a number of lovely parks and attractions.
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Sooke (Population: 8,735)
Sooke is a bustling town known for its community spirit and pride and for top-notch outdoor adventure experiences. Those looking for easy-going relaxation will find plenty of beaches and parks to explore, while the more energetic can choose from golfing, cycling, fresh and saltwater fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, hiking, and much more.
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Port Renfrew (Population: 400)
The
West Coast Road ends at the quaint village of Port Renfrew, known
for fresh and saltwater fishing, canoeing in the San Juan River, and
dense forests of massive trees. Port Renfrew also marks the southern
end of the West Coast Trail (see page 96). The friendly local pubs
and inns are havens for hikers from all over the world embarking on
or completing their treks on the West Coast Trail or the Juan de Fuca
Marine Trail.
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Southern Gulf Islands:
Journey to the Gulf Islands to sit back and relax in the peaceful
tranquility, to breathe deeply the clean ocean air and to rejuvenate
your soul. Many of Canada's artists have been charmed by the
beauty and serenity of the peaceful Gulf Islands and you, too, may
find yourself visiting the local real estate office before the end
of your stay!
Salt Spring Island (Population: 10,000)
Salt Spring Island is famous for sunshine, scenery, and art. Lots
of art. A number of Canada’s most renowned artists, inspired by the
beauty and the tranquil lifestyle, have made their homes on Salt Spring
Island. Galleries and artisan studios in the villages and along the
country roads offer everything from paintings, sculptures, and prints,
to weaving, pottery, stained glass, basketry, and jewellery. ArtCraft,
a summer-long exhibition and sale, showcases works by more than 250
Gulf Island artisans.
The wellness movement is strong on Salt Spring Island and whether
you are looking for yoga retreats and mineral spas, gentle outdoor
activities, or simply absorbing the stunning scenery for a few days,
Salt Spring Island is the perfect place to restore your personal balance.
On
Salt Spring Island, BC Ferries operates out of three terminals: Fulford
Harbour ferries sail to Swartz Bay, near Sidney on Vancouver Island;
Long Harbour serves ferries to and from Tsawwassen Terminal, just
south of Vancouver on the mainland; and Vesuvius Bay ferries sail
to Crofton, near Duncan on Vancouver Island.
Salt Spring Island offers a full range of quality accommodations
and many excellent restaurants.
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Mayne
Island (Population:
900)
When gold was discovered in the Fraser River in 1858, Mayne Island
played a part in the fervour as a stopping point for marine traffic
en route to the mainland. Boatloads of miners with the sparkle of
Gold Rush fever in their eyes tied up along the docks and filled saloons
and hotels in Miners Bay. Now, the historic buildings are preserved
as landmarks and Mayne Island has taken its place as a quiet getaway
island with a rich, colourful history.
Boaters
can find docking facilities at the government dock and can walk into
the village of Miners Bay; there are also docking facilities at Horton
Bay. Choose from a unique selection of accommodations, including delightful
bed and breakfasts, country inns, cabins, campsites, and resorts,
as well as plenty of recreational opportunities.
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Galiano Island
(Population: 1,000)
Named
after a Spanish explorer who sailed these waters 200 years ago, charming
Galiano Island welcomes visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and natural
beauty. A haven for naturalists and bird watchers, peaceful Galiano
is home to more than 130 species of birds and many rare and protected
plants. Quiet country roads through the predominantly Douglas fir
forest lead to arts and crafts galleries, cafes and restaurants, cottages,
inns, and bed and breakfasts. Outdoor recreation ranges from a challenging
round of golf to a picnic at a scenic viewpoint, kayaking along the
shoreline to relaxing on the beaches at Montague Harbour or Coon Bay.
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Saturna Island
(Population: 326)
Saturna
Island’s moderate climate and quality accommodations make this an
ideal year-round destination for a special occasion or retreat. A
rural hideaway with abundant wildlife and tremendous natural beauty,
Saturna features scenic walks, awe-inspiring views, and easy access
to beaches. Rent a kayak and tour the coastline, play a game of tennis,
or shop for local arts and crafts at three local galleries. Amenities
include two general stores, a garden shop with plants and yard art,
a pub overlooking the water, a bakery, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant.
A local shuttle and tour van service is available on request; watch
for signs or ask locals for details. Saturna Vineyard offers tours
and tasting at their wineshop.
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Pender
Islands (Population:
2,200)
Known as the “friendly islands” and the “islands of hidden coves and
beaches,” the Penders are actually two islands joined together by
a bridge. The Penders are the perfect place for family vacations,
romantic escapes, seminars, and retreats and offer an intimate and
pastoral setting popular with nature lovers.
Accommodations
include campsites at Prior Centennial Provincial Park and Beaumont
Marine Park, cabins, bed and breakfast inns, and resorts. Boaters
can find marinas at Port Browning, Otter Bay, and Bedwell Harbour.
Bicycle, and boat rentals are offered, as well as a variety of other
enjoyable activities.
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Gabriola Island (Population: 4,500)
Beautiful Gabriola Island, known as the Queen of the Gulf Islands,
is located just offshore from Nanaimo and offers a wonderful variety
of activities in a lovely setting of forested parks and serene beaches.
The Malaspina Galleries are one of the island’s biggest natural attractions
and are an amazing series of sandstone formations carved by the surf
into unusual caves and caverns.
BC
Ferries operates a vehicle and passenger ferry between Gabriola Island
and Nanaimo; there are numerous trips each day with a sailing time
of approximately 20 minutes.
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