WHERE TO... Find Adventure in Greater Victoria
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OFFICIAL 2017 VACATION GUIDE British Columbia | Full of Life WHERE TO... Find adventure in Greater Victoria SECRETS OF VICTORIA BEHIND THE SCENES AT NOTABLE ATTRACTIONS PLUS HISTORY THE OUTDOORS ARTS & CULTURE SHOPPING MAPS & MORE tourismvictoria.com Amazing Vacation Rentals!! Fifty million years ago, molten lava Choose from an exclusive collection fl owed south into the Salish Sea, form- of thoughtfully designed Ocean Cottag- ing a solid rock peninsula we call Sooke- es & Yacht Suites, from 700 to 3,000+ Point. This is the extreme SW Tip of square feet. This is full title ownership, Canada, surrounded by a rich undersea and includes your waterfront land and garden that attracts so many salmon home, tastefully furnished and acces- and magnifi cent marine mammals, it’s sorized, complete with cozy duvets and the new home of the Centre for Whale celebratory champagne glasses. Research. SookePoint’s unique cloverleaf penin- For a lifetime of amazing front row ex- sula has dramatic wrap-around ocean- periences, SookePoint Ocean Cottages front, like nowhere else. With exciting have special approval to build three to locations beside ‘Orca Alley’, ‘Surfside’ six times closer to the water, so you can and ‘Sea Lion Central’ you may live be anchored in solid rock just 5 metres here full time or benefi t from dual re- (16’) from the sea. You’ll feel like you’re sort zoning to earn premium overnight on a luxury yacht, with a huge glass wall resort rental income (and even add an opening onto a prow-shaped deck. extra ‘Bonus Suite’ or two for revenue purposes.) If you want the fi nest ringside seats for exciting nature shows, romantic sunsets Visit SookePoint at 1000 Silver Spray and adrenaline storm watching on the Drive, Sooke, in Greater Victoria, just leading edge of Canada’s South Pacifi c, 43 km (26 miles) from downtown. It’s nothing can compare with a SookePoint Ocean Cottage or Yacht Suite. under an hour from the airport and fer- ries, and half that to theatres and su- Secure an unobstructed view forever, perstores - yet you’ll feel like you’re an across to the U.S. snow-capped Olympic entire world away. Mountains. Relax to soothing surf and romantic sunsets. Breathe the freshest SookePoint Show Cottages are open of ocean air. Enjoy the lowest rainfall on the Wild West 11 AM to 4 PM (or more) every day, and anytime by Coast and the warmest winters in Canada. appointment: Text 604.329.4297, email sales@Sooke- Point.com or CALL 250.642.0350. Join the Orcas trophy fi shing. Kayak among the humpbacks, eagles, seals and sea lions. Experience in- See videos of the whales swimming right below (pho- credible underwater diving just below your deck. Hike to above) at SookePoint.com the 6-hour (one-way) Coast Trail and explore 50 km (30 miles) of enchanting forest pathways in our adjoin- Sales only made by Disclosure Statement. ing 3,600-acre Wilderness Park. Prices subject to change without notice. E&OE SookePoint_BCVVG17.indd 1 12/16/16 4:05 PM “BEST WHALE WATCHING” TOP RATED ON TRIPADVISOR GET ON BOARD THE ULTIMATE 24 WHALE WATCHING EXPERIENCE “Amazing boat, fabulous staff, and stunning wildlife” “Highlight of our trip to BC” “Professional engaged crew made this a trip to remember” FROM VISITORS ON TRIPADVISOR 1.800.470.3474 • 250.384.4444 DOWNTOWN VICTORIA 1119 WHARF STREET www.VictoriaWhaleWatching.com BETWEEN FORT ST & HISTORIC BASTION SQUARE SpringTide_BCVVG17.indd 1 1/31/17 10:19 AM 100 95 75 25 5 0 PrinceofWhales2_BCVVG17.indd 1 12/15/16 5:06 PM TVIC 2017 2 ADS Thursday, December 01, 2016 2:17:28 PM Tourism Victoria Greater Victoria Visitors and Convention Bureau 812 Wharf St. Victoria, B.C. V8W 1T3 800-663-3883, 250-953-2033 tourismvictoria.com Connect with us #ExploreVictoria facebook.com/tourismvictoriafan @victoriavisitor pinterest.com/tourismvictoria instagram.com/tourismvictoriabc youtube.com/tourismvictoriabc DOUG CLEMENT snapchat.com/add/tourismvictoria Contents tourismvictoria.com/blog FEATURES RESOURCES 22 Restaurants plus.google.com/+victoriabctourism 8 WHERE TO... Explore Greater Victoria’s 31 Accommodation distinct regions to discover 40 Things to Do what to eat, where to play 51 Plan Your Trip PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT EMPRESS OF FAIRMONT COURTESY PHOTO and how to spend a day. 53 Conference Services Maps 16 SECRETS OF 57 VICTORIA 8 Hidden treasures, mysterious pasts and more. MORE ON THE GO Go behind the scenes at TourismVictoria.com Produced and published by some of the city’s most o ers key features, Madden Media, LLC interesting attractions. such as activity ideas 800-444-8768 LEANNA RATHKELLY and services, a calendar [email protected] 20 WHAT’S YOUR of events and special maddenmedia.com ADVENTURE promotions. It’s also compatible with mobile The Official 2017 Vacation Guide is provided as a service by PERSONALITY? Tourism Victoria. All members listed in this edition were devices. Perfect for the Thrilling activities make the visitor on the go. members as of November 18, 2016. Every effort has been most of Victoria’s temperate made to make this publication as accurate as possible. climate – and get your Tourism Victoria will assume no responsibility for errors, adrenaline pumping. changes or omissions. 16 Enjoy the Victoria Official 2017 Vacation Guide © 2017. All rights reserved. 54 TRAVEL SAVVY Vacation Printed in the U.S.A. Reproduction without permission is Information and resources Guide on strictly prohibited. to make getting here and your iPad! getting around a breeze. Tap for BCVVG17 videos, swipe for maps and 60 BY THE get access to live links. NUMBERS Download the iPad app: See what makes Greater tourismvictoria.com/ Victoria Number 1. guide Printed on ELEMENT PARKS OF WILDPLAY COURTESY PHOTO Recycled Paper 20 ON THE COVER: Ogden Point Breakwater Pier. Ink contains a minimum of 6% bio/renewable and soy oils. Photo courtesy of Vadym Graifer. tourismvictoria.com | 3 Beautiful, relaxing, charming, exciting and VADYM GRAIFER VADYM Greater consistently named one of the top destinations Victoria in the world. Your adventure awaits. Take in the view – and snap a few photos – at Sidney Fishing Pier. Victoria. In the heart of the West Coast of North America. Life is good on Vancouver Island, snuggled into southern British Columbia and a short hop across the Salish Sea VICTORIA VISITOR CENTRE from Vancouver and Seattle. Step away from your everyday life. Cross an ocean. Leave your worries and stress Stop by the visitor centre for all of your behind. Nourish your soul with an extensive menu of Greater Victoria experiences. Victoria vacation needs. The knowledge- We use #ExploreVictoria because there is so much to do. From our compact but able and friendly sta can answer any cosmopolitan downtown to the edges of untamed wilderness in Sooke. From the questions you have, help you purchase blossoming WestShore to the ripening vineyards of the Saanich Peninsula. From the tickets, make reservations, arrange tony enclave of Oak Bay to the transcendent Gulf Islands. Greater Victoria o ers a transportation and book accommodation. collection of communities, each with its own identity for you to experience. The sta can also give you great insight on how to get around, where to go, what You will want to keep coming back if you hope to experience all we o er. Explore to see, where to dine and more. In addi- iconic locations, such as the Inner Harbour, The Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC tion, event schedules, tickets, maps and Museum, or discover local wonders such as Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Your days in brochures are available. Victoria can be as busy as you want. Victoria is also a true playground for people who like outdoor adventures. On land or at sea, amazing activities are possible year-round in Located at the INNER HARBOUR our temperate climate. 812 Wharf St., Victoria 800-663-3883, 250-953-2033 We hope this guide inspires you to make the most of your trip to Victoria. For more [email protected] great ideas, please visit our website, TourismVictoria.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest and Google+. And, when you arrive in Victoria, make sure to stop by our visitor centre in the Inner Harbour. Our trained counsellors are happy to suggest ideas that fi t you and your family’s idea of your next great adventure. I can promise your trip to Victoria will deliver many unforgettable moments and we look forward to welcoming you back again and again. Sincerely, OTHER VISITOR CENTRES SAANICH PENINSULA VISITOR CENTRE 2281 Beacon Ave., Sidney, 250-665-7362 SOOKE REGION MUSEUM & VISITOR Paul Nursey CENTRE 2070 Phillips Rd., Sooke President & CEO (P.O. Box 774, Sooke), 250-642-6351 Tourism Victoria 4 | Tourism Victoria 2017 | 800-663-3883 Discover the Best Views on Vancouver Island Breathtaking Mountainside Accommodations NORTH OF VICTORIA - BOOK YOUR ESCAPE TODAY 600 Ebadora Lane • Malahat • BC • 1.250.856.0188 • villaeyrie.com VER-Victoria-Vacation-Guide-7.8755x10.5-2016.indd 1 2016-12-08 3:33 PM VillaEyrie_BCVVG17.indd 1 12/16/16 3:41 PM Studio 2546 Government Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4P7 • T 250.385.6737 Revisions REV.# 0 AD #: VER-Victoria-Vacation-Guide-7.875x10.5-12062016.pdf Client: Villa Eyrie Resort Insert Date: December 08, 2016 Publication: 2017 Victoria, BC, Vacation Guide File Name: VER-Victoria-Vacation-Guide-7.875x10.5-2016.indd Trim: 7.875” x 10.5” Live : 6.875” x 9.5” Bleed: 8.125” x 10.75” Colours: 4C Graphic Artist: TL Summer at Night Illuminations Outdoor Evening Entertainment Saturday Fireworks June 15th - September 15th July and August July and August Open daily at 9am Victoria British Columbia Canada butchartgardens.com ButchartGardens.indd 1 12/15/16 4:56 PM The Butchart Gardens & New Tours for 2017 Butterfly Gardens Shuttle Ÿ Daily departures Ÿ Hourly service from May to September Ÿ Departs from the Fairmont Empress 100 Ÿ Live Driver Narration Ÿ Stay as long as you like at 95 both Gardens 75 Ÿ Admissions to both Gardens included 25 5 0 CVSTours_BCVVG17.indd 1 1/4/17 4:29 PM TVIC VACATION GUIDE Wednesday, January 04, 2017 11:39:54 AM WHERE T … A REGIONAL SIP LOCAL WINES: Cowichan Valley PLUS OVERVIEW ON This region has an abundance of wineries situated within 30 minutes The Cowichan Valley is also a WHERE (AND HOW) of each other.