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Vancouver Island Canada Day Trip Ideas
If you are planning a trip to Vancouver Island Canada and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. There are many things to do, see and eat during a day trip to Vancouver Island, including the famous Butchart Gardens, the city of Victoria, Hatley Castle, Chinatown, floating homes, whale watching, and gorgeous harbors. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Vancouver Island bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Vancouver Island trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Vancouver Island is a 1.5-hour ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay. While it is possible to take a DIY day trip to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, the easier option is to book a day trip to include Butchart Gardens and free time in the city of Victoria. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Canada Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
READ 72 Hours in Vancouver Canada, A Three Day Itinerary
Butchart Garden, The World’s Most Beautiful Garden
Jennie Butchart transformed an old limestone quarry into what is now called the world’s most beautiful garden. The 55-acre garden was once the Butchart’s home and many of the plants found here were purchased during their world travels. The family still owns and operates the property. Visitors to the property have grown from 50,000 in 1920 to over 1 million. Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004.
The Sunken Garden is the most photographed of the 5 gardens. Descend the stairs to the bottom of the quarry-turned-garden. The Sunken Garden took 9 years to create. It is 5 acres with 151 flower beds. 65,000 bulbs are planted in the garden for spring. Be sure to climb the lookout mound and see the Ross Fountain.
From the Sunken Garden walk under the pergola to the Rose Garden. Pass under the Torii Gate to the Japanese Garden full of rhododendrons, azalea, Japanese Maples, streams, and stepping stones. You will also find an Italian Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. The Italian Garden was once the Butchart’s tennis courts. The Mediterranean Garden is home to drought-resistant plants. Be sure to rub the nose of the Butchart Boar for good luck before leaving.
Things to Do in and Around Victoria Canada
Tour the Parliament Building
Go for a swim in Thetis Lake
Eat fish ‘n chips at Red Fish Blue Fish (be prepared to wait in line)
Go wine tasting in Cowichan Valley
Photograph the totem poles at Thunderbird Park
Go ziplining at Wild Play
Take a bike ride along the Scenic Marine Route
Go skimboarding at Witty’s Lagoon
People watch on the Causeway
Check out Miniature World
Taste Canada’s craft beer on the Ale Trail
Check out St Ann’s Academy
Souvenir shop n Bastion Square or Government Street
Shop the boutiques along Johnson Street
Feed the seals in the Inner Harbor
Watch the sunset from Ogden Point Breakwater
Tour the haunted Craigdarroch Castle
Shop for souvenirs at the Market Square
Check out the city view from Mount Tolmie Park
Have lunch at the Victoria Public Market
Take a walk in Oak Bay Marina
Tour Emily Carr’s childhood home
Fish for salmon and halibut
Check out the floating homes at Fisherman’s Wharf by water taxi
Kayak in Cadboro Bay
Wander through the moss-covered Ross Bay Cemetery
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress
Stroll the Sidney Sculpture Walk
Take a self-guided ghost tour
Photograph the Parliament Building from the visitor center platform
Take a coffee break at Cook Street Village
Have a cup of tea at Government House and explore the gardens
Walk the narrow Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown
Stop in Market Square for a Belgian waffle
Go for a ride in a seaplane
Check out the Hatley Castle, the site of the X-Men series
Check out the Fisgard Lighthouse and museum
Go gin tasting at Victoria Spirits
Check out the Douglas Firs and waterfalls at Goldstream Provincial Park
Stop in Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Be sure to check the Vancouver Island Canada Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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Vancouver Island Canada Attractions and Day Tours
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