What to do and see in Victoria Capital Regional District, Vancouver Island: The Best Nature & Parks

West Coast Trail has the reputation of being on of the most excutiating treks in North America, rewarding you with stunning backdrops in a cultural and historical landscape. West Coast Trail is a hiking trail that follows along the southwestern shoreline of Vancouver Island. It has infamous weather, where thousands of people come to storm watch. In fact, the weather and tides have been the demise of many catastrophic shipwrecks up until the late 1800's, making the area known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific". Beached survivors often met their makers once they made it to the jagged shoreline, provoking the government to rough-in a trail that is to this day isolated, physically challenging and potentially hazardous. West Coast Trail is not for the faint of heart, but welcomes those ready to take on the 75km challenge, explore the environment and learn a great deal about themselves, both mentally and physically. Can you conquer it?!

We are one of the largest full-service marinas in British Columbia and are passionate about providing excellence and value in every marina experience. Our services are designed to enhance the relaxation and fun of your boating lifestyle and to leave you free to enjoy cruising the coast. Moorage is available annually, monthly and nightly for boats up to 200 feet plus in the marina’s 510 open and covered berths. Haul outs are available with 90 spaces for dryland storage and maintenance.

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.

A 55-kilometre rail trail between Victoria and Leechtown, which is great for hiking and biking.

Scenic running and hiking trail along the Pacific.

Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. The house is located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, in the heart of the Rockland neighbourhood in Victoria, British Columbia. While Government House is not open to the public and currently closed for tours, the expansive grounds are open from dawn to dusk.

This park holds a tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929.

A Vibrant Jungle Experience. A unique opportunity to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. Meet our family with surprises at every turn. You’ll encounter tortoises, large iguanas, poison dart frogs, free flying tropical birds and more. Enjoy tropical fish, ducks, flamingos and koi fish in our serene pond and stream circulated by a stunning waterfall. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through our large facilities the size of almost 3 basketball courts. Stroll through and marvel at our lush gardens including tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world. Wander in our newest Exhibit, the Insectarium, full of impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world. Your jungle adventure awaits.