The best way to explore the island - Ocean Island Tours!
We do trips to all the coolest parts of the island all the time! We'll take you (and some other backpackers) on a sweet trip for the best prices on the island.
Ocean Island Tours Mini-site
Fun Natural Destinations
Juan de Fuca Trail/Provincial Park
Approximately 47km from Victoria, this park extends from China Beach in Jordan River to Port Renfrew. There are multi-day trails if you are especially keen. With waterfalls, old growth forests, and a chance to view gray whales migrating, this park is exceptional, and is ideal for both novice and experienced trail enthusiasts.
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Strathcona National Park
Its one of the oldest (created in 1911) and biggest parks in B.C. area and it has some of the longest hiking trails possible in rugged and glaciated mountains. This remote wilderness can be reached in three hours drive from Victoria and if you would like to stay for more then a day there are camping possibilities and even nice lodges. The trail levels vary from easy to challenging and be sure to bring enough food and equipment, because you will want to explore more of this amazing park!
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 China Beach
A fine sandy beach with campsites available on the Eastern end and a beautiful waterfall on the western end- it is great for day trips and overnighters alike. In the summer it can be crowded and if you are planning on camping there, reserve in advance.
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Botanical Beach
Located in the Southwest of the Island, this beach has reasonably easy hiking trails. It has a unique ecosystem with tide pools and a shoreline made of shale and quartz. It is best to visit at low tide, when you can walk out to view the tide pools filled with multi coloured marine life.
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 Westcoast Trail
This trail is famed for its stunning scenery and its relative peacefulness. 77km from Victoria the Westcoast trail is part of the Pacific Rim National Park.Used as a trail for shipwrecked maritimers, the Westcoast Trail is a minimum 5-day journey. Warning: This is not for the novice nor the merely curious. This is serious tramping for those who are experienced with steep slopes, ladders, cable cars, unpredictable weather and have knowledge of tides. You are on your own and there is no Sherpa to carry your pack!
If you remain undaunted, there is a quota system (to maintain the trail's wild beauty), with only 60 persons per day allowed to hike @ approximately $70 per person.
The trail is open in May and for reservations call in March @ 1-800-HELLO BC / 1-800-435-5622.
 Mt Doug Park
This park goes from sea to sky, on your way up you get to see beaches, Douglas Fir forests and Garry Oak meadows and you're rewarded for your efforts by a panoramic view of Victoria from the top.
Bus Directions*
Take the #14 to UVic (catch it on the corner of Douglas and Fort St) then at UVic catch the #39 to the park.
For bus times check out Victoria Transit ↑ or ask someone at the front desk for a peek at the Rider’s Guide or call BusLine at 382-6161
Bike/Car Directions*
Take Johnson uptown until it turns to Shelbourne, and follow it until it goes through the park. It will take about 30 minutes. You can also catch the #27 or #28 on Johnson, mount your bike on the front, then tell the bus driver to get off before they turn off of Shelbourne, and bike to the park. You’ll only have to bike about ten minutes from there!
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 French Beach
Off hwy 14, northwest of Sooke, this particularly grand beach offers campgrounds, picnic area, and hiking as well as whale watching in the spring.
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Miracle Beach
One of our provincial parks south of Campbell River, with sandy beaches, campgrounds and a picnic area if you decide to just make a day of it.
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Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, tucked into a serene 130 acre country estate is a garden of earthly delights in every season - from summer splendour to autumn’s golden glory and the sparkling magic of the holiday season - this is a place not to miss.
Admission ranges between $10-25.00
In the high season (June 15 - September 5) there’s live entertainment nightly and fireworks on Saturday nights
Check out our Butchart Gardens information sheet!
More Info:
Tel: 652-5256
Bus Directions*
Take the #75 Brentwood/ Sidney, it takes about an hour and drops you right at the gardens. Catch this bus on Douglas St. near Pandora, in front of Gala Fabrics.
For bus times check out Victoria Transit ↑ or ask someone at the front desk for a peek at the Rider’s Guide or call BusLine at 382-6161
OR
Take the Shuttle Express direct for $6 one way (return $12.00.) It takes about 35 minutes and departs from the Victoria Bus Depot.
Phone: 388 6539.
Government House
With 15 acres of beautiful gardens to its credit, Government House also offers gorgeous views of the surrounding areas.
1401 Rockland Ave.
Willows Beach
(Jump to the Willows Beach listing on our nearby nature page)
Off Beach Drive and Oak Bay
Discovery Island Provincial Marine Park
Discovery Island Provincial Marine Park is located on the southeast tip of Vancouver Island, just 3 miles east of Oak Bay and is a favourite for kayakers. Paddlers can launch their kayaks at Cattle point, just north of Oak Bay Marina at the sign marked Cattle Point Scenic Loop, the Oak bay ramp off Beach Drive and Smugglers cove (Maynard Bay) on Ten Mile point.It’s a beautiful paddle and is good for a day trip and an over night stay is also possible in the camping ground on the island (12 spaces and picnic tables sheltered by trees). There can be strong currents (3-6 knots) and frequent winds. Crossing should be made at low tide.
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