The City of Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada and, offers outdoor activities year round. Whether your ideal vacation calls for leisure travel, outdoor adventure or a romantic getaway,Greater Victoria and the Islands have things to do for all ages. Golfing and gardening are a way of life on Vancouver Island, as are walking, hiking, cycling and birding. World-class attractions, museums, arts and entertainment, shopping, gourmet food and spas also delight visitors.
The ocean is integral to life on Vancouver Island and, to truly experience Victoria, getting out on the water is recommended. Boating, sailing, fishing, canoeing, diving and whale-watching adventures abound. Exploring on the Island is a must and numerous tours and educational vacations are available. Whether exploring on foot, bicycle, horseback, scooter, motorcycle, bus, rail, plane, ferry or car, visitors to Victoria and the Islands experience scenic beauty and charm that are always in season. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria can be as much fun to get to as it is to explore once you are here. A little planning will make your journey more interesting.
Getting around is not just about transportation, but experiencing the Island way of life and the impressive scenery. Ferries and boats of all types cruise the waters. Not only is ferry service one of the most popular means of getting to Victoria and Vancouver Island, but once on the Island, it is also one of the best and, in some cases, only way of exploring the many Gulf Islands. BC Ferries run daily and frequent sailings between Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and mainland BC as well as providing ferry service across the Saanich Inlet on Vancouver Island. Commercial airlines, float planes and helicopters take to the skies. Public buses, motorcoaches, car and truck rentals command the roads. Rail travel is available up and down the Island and cycling allows exploration of both the city and the country.
If you arrive in Victoria and on Vancouver Island without a car and wish to rent one, numerous rental companies are available. Located at Victoria International Airport, downtown and throughout the city, Victoria's car and truck rentals offer visitors convenience and service. Rent a car for a few hours or a few days, pick up a map and hit the road to discover Victoria and Vancouver Island's natural beauty and charm.
What better way to absorb the atmosphere of days gone by and learn a bit of local history than in a horse-drawn tour through some of Victoria's most picturesque neighborhoods such as James Bay? Whether you choose a romantic carriage ride with your sweetheart or climb aboard a group wagon tour through downtown, the gentle pace of the horses and the clip-clopping of hooves on pavement are sure to lull you into a bygone era when this was the mode of transport for all Victorians.
