Top Vancouver Island Attractions & Museums

Marvel at the majesty of Canada’s marine wildlife on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat, a semi-covered vessel built specifically for whale-watching trips, and cruise through the Haro Strait with your guide. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to fascinating commentary from marine naturalists on board, and admire the beautiful orca, humpback whales, and minke whales you find.

Hit the waves with expert naturalists in search of Canadian sea-life on this whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Hop aboard your whale-watching boat and head out into the rolling seas with your guide. Gaze out over Victoria’s attractive coastline and watch the waves for sightings of graceful orcas. Listen as the two expert naturalists onboard explain the life cycles of the majestic creatures, and learn of their pivotal role near the top of the marine food chain. Enjoy fine views from the seating areas both inside and on-deck. 

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time to vintage Victoria with a 1-hour tour through the city’s most splendid neighborhoods aboard a horse-drawn carriage. Beginning at the illustrious Empress hotel, admire sailing ships in the Inner Harbor and trot through the leafy gardens and lawns of Beacon Hill Park. Pass stately Victorian mansions and other local landmarks like the Trans-Canada Highway Mile 0 marker, and take in fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca during the stylish ride. 

Go whale watching in Victoria on a 12-passenger boat that’s designed for seeking out whales and marine wildlife on Vancouver Island’s spectacular coast. With a heated cabin, onboard bathrooms, and outdoor viewing decks, this whale watching tour is a comfortable alternative to an open speedboat that still provides the maneuverability and personal experience of a small craft while searching for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, seals, and more.

Hot drinks, certified marine biologists, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas set this Victoria whale watching tour apart from its competitors. Travel in luxury and style as you look out for whales in their natural environment in the one of the world's best whale-watching habitats in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's animal residents!

One look at the Malahat SkyWalk’s sweeping views and visitors are instantly in awe. The striking 10-story spiral tower brings guests 250 m above sea level to take in 360-degree sightlines of islands, fjords, forests and mountains. Leading to the tower, the 600 m elevated walkway places guests among the soaring treetops of the west coast’s Arbutus and Douglas Firs. And thrillseekers can traverse the net at the top of the SkyWalk and fly down the “Insta-famous” spiral slide within the tower. Local hot and cold bevvies and snacks from the Café can be enjoyed in a number of picturesque seating spaces. Located just 35 minutes from Victoria, this classic Island experience can be enjoyed by all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

If you need to get from Victoria to Vancouver, enjoy a stress-free transfer that takes you from downtown Victoria to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. Relax aboard a comfortable coach during ferry terminal transfers, and enjoy the scenic BC Ferry ride across island-studded waterways and historic shipping channels. Multiple departure times are available to suit your schedule.

The Canadian city of Victoria has a rich British colonial history dating back to the Victorian era, evident in its striking architecture and historic landmarks. Explore the city in style by traditional horse-drawn carriage, and take in sites of interest such as James Bay— one of Vancouver Island's oldest neighborhoods. As your horse clops along, enjoy fine views over Victoria to the Olympic Mountain range beyond.

Soar through the air like an eagle in flight on this zipline adventure! Just a half hour from central Victoria, this Vancouver Island zipline park features eight different ziplines that span more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). Your small group will also go on a 10-minute ATV ride and you'll traverse two suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Two tour guides accompany you on this two-hour tour; they'll share insight about the environment and answer any questions to ensure a safe, fun and exhilarating experience in the British Columbia temperate rainforest.

Step into a tropical jungle just outside Victoria. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located close to Butchart Gardens and is a great way to extend your garden time. The Butterfly Garden houses approximately 70 species of butterfly, in addition to poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Don’t miss the creepy crawlies in the Insectarium.