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Victoria Itineraries and tours - suggestions from a Victoria B & B
Victoria itineraries and tours - there are so many things to pack into your visit that we offer this photographic guide for visitors to our Victoria B & B on Vancouver Island, BC.
Again and again our guests say something like "We never realised that there was so much to do in Victoria. We should have stayed longer".
Planning your visit to Victoria
Do plan to stay in Victoria for several days:
- there's so much more to experience here than a visit to the Butchart Gardens - attractions and activities abound in great variety.
- there's more to do here than in Vancouver,
- there's no need to drive 4.5 hours each way to Tofino to see a rugged natural West coast beach,
So we have compiled the following suggested Victoria itineraries in pictures which you can adapt to your travel plans. You'll find further information on the places mentioned elsewhere on our website, mostly in the Victoria Attractions and Victoria Recreation sections. See these themed lists of places to visit. Some of the day trips below are expanded on the Victoria Tours page. When you are here we can give you lots more information to help you make the most of your visit to Vancouver Island BC.
When here we can lend you our Victoria Travel Guide to take with you on day trips - a binder with detailed maps of southern Vancouver Island, directional maps to attractions, restaurants, gardens and wineries and information about just about everything you might wish to do here.
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Arrival in Victoria
Your arrival may be late in the dark but, after dining at a local restaurant, you'll be glad of a good relaxing night's rest.
If your arrival is in the afternoon you might like to have an introductory wander in downtown Victoria (an easy 20 minute drive from here), strolling around the Inner Harbour and dining at one of the many downtown Victoria restaurants.
Day One
After a satisfying breakfast wander in our lovely gardens; sip a last coffee on the terrace before exploring the Saanich Peninsula.
It is a short pretty drive to the Butterfly Gardens - ask us to arrange a free private introduction for you. Five minutes further is the Butchart Gardens where you will enjoy 55 acres of floral displays. Their picnic lunches and afternoon teas are both highly recommended. Bear in mind that you can return the following day for just $3.50 - great since there is so much to see there.
Then return to the B & B via wineries and relax for a while here, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant or at the Butchart Gardens where you can spend an evening which may include the seasonal illuminations.
Day Two
Take the short drive downtown to enjoy the life of Victoria's Inner Harbour and shop (Antiques Row, Chinatown, Government Street). Take a circular tour around the Harbour on one of the charming Harbour Ferries. Spend the afternoon in the superb Royal BC Museum, followed perhaps by an Imax feature film.
Dine downtown or near the bed and breakfast. An evening horse-drawn carriage tour can complete your day.
Day Three
An exploration of the East coast of Vancouver Island BC is today's suggestion. It's a 20 minute minute drive to Goldstream Park with its old-growth cedar trees and primeval atmosphere which lightens as you reach a flood plain where eagles soar. Then drive up the Malahat Drive (Highway #1) with great views, to Whippletree Junction, Duncan ("the city of totems") and to Chemainus ("The little town that did") to see its murals and theatre.
Visit South Cowichan wineries and then drive back to Victoria or take BC ferries from Crofton to Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island, explore the island then take a ferry from Fulford Harbour back to our Saanich Peninsula.
Day Four
This is a day of great variety, taking a scenic tour into Victoria. Perhaps start by clambering up nearby Bear Hill for its view then buy punnets of fruit from the fruit stands below. East are the charming shops of Matticks Farm and you drive South down the coastline of Cordova Bay, perhaps strolling on a beach. Drive up Mount Douglas for a great 360 degree view over the city and the gulf islands.
After following the scenic route through Cadboro Bay (nice village) drive West through Oak Bay to Craigdarroch Castle for an hour's tour of the mansion and take lunch at the nearby White Heather Tea Room. The afternoon is spent on a memorable whale-watching trip from Fisherman's Wharf. Afterwards have fish and chips or tasty ribs followed by local ice cream as you stroll around the houseboats at the Wharf.
Day Five
A relaxing tour of the rugged West coast begins beyond the gardens of Hatley Castle via the Fisgard Lighthouse and Fort Rodd Hill. Then drive through rural Metchosin to East Sooke Provincial Park or Sooke Potholes to walk by the river. Just beyond Sooke is Whiffin Spit Beach. After that the road is quiet, meandering through parks and along the coastline. Stop at French Beach or China Beach and turn around when you feel like it. You could return to the Gazebo via a visit to nearby Glendale Gardens.
Day Six
This may be the time to leave us or you may have time to squeeze in more: kayaking ... an evening visit to the Centre of the Universe ... tour the Parliament Buildings ... take an afternoon sailing trip ... go to the Wax Museum ... see more gardens or parks ... have a guided walking tour ... experience exhilarating ziplining ... spend a morning in Sidney ... play golf ... or do practically nothing.
Victoria's Country Retreat ... serenity near the Butchart Gardens
A Canada Select 5 Star Victoria B & B at 4 Star rates.
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