South Vancouver Island stretches
from the rugged coastline of Port Renfrew in the West to the
Ferry
Terminal
of Swartz Bay in the East. In between these communities is
the provincial capital city of Victoria, the artisan town of
Sooke and the marinas of Sidney. Two highways lead out of Victoria,
Highway 14 heads west terminating at Port Renfrew while Highway
1 heads north over the Malahat. The Malahat is a mountain range
and the highway climbs from Goldstream Park to a summit of
356 metres (1,156 feet) with stopping points along the way
that grant spectacular views of the Saanich Peninsula, the
Gulf Islands, and Mount Baker in Washington State.
The West Coast Road (Highway 14) ends 104 km from Victoria
at the quaint village of Port Renfrew, known for fresh
and saltwater
fishing, canoeing in the San Juan River, and dense forests
of massive trees. Port Renfrew also marks the southern
end of the
West Coast Trail. The friendly local pubs and inns are havens
for hikers from all over the world embarking on or completing
their treks on the West Coast Trail or the Juan de Fuca Marine
Trail.
Highway 14 is an ocean-hugging stretch of road dotted with
provincial parks and panoramic views that extend across the
Juan de Fuca
Strait to the snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Mountains in
Washington State. Along the way visitors should stop at Sooke.
Once a thriving
Coast Salish settlement, Sooke is known as one of the best
locations on the Island for salmon fishing year-round. Annual
festivities
include the historical longboat races, Vancouver Island's
largest juried Fine Arts Show and All Sooke Day. The Juan
de Fuca Marine
trail is accessible from the scenic West Coast Road as well
as several stunning beaches including French Beach, China
Beach and Botanical Beach.
Victoria with a population of over 326,000, was originally
established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the
Hudson’s Bay
Company. Bastion Square marks the site where a portion
of the fort once stood, although all that remains now are
two iron rings
set into the rocks at the foot of Fort Street, next to
the old Customs House. Victoria’s historic Chinatown
is small but charismatic with great restaurants and authentic
Asian markets.
To gain a fresh appreciation for the talents and skills
of First Nations people visit the Royal British Columbia
Museum, a world-class
repository of native artifacts. Take a horse drawn carriage
ride around the old downtown, walk the sea wall and browse
the artisan’s
displays, or ride the water taxi around the harbour, or
walk through quaint gardens, relax in a pub or take high
tea. Victoria
has earned a reputation as a mecca for adventurers drawn
by the limitless outdoor activities available in the city
and throughout
Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Situated at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula near
Victoria Airport and the BC Ferry terminal at Swatz Bay
is Sidney.
Good things come in small packages and there’s
no better evidence of this than sunny Sidney-by-the-Sea — just
ask the boaters from all over the Pacific Northwest who
have been docking at
Sidney’s marinas year after year. Scenic seaside
walks, beautiful water views, enticing attractions and
activities, plenty
of great shops and restaurants, and friendly locals.
The beautiful rolling landscape of the Saanich Peninsula
is dotted with farms, communities, parks, forests,
lakes, and
ocean inlets.
Two main routes run between Sidney and Greater Victoria:
Highway 17, known as the Pat Bay Highway, and Highway
17A, also called
West Saanich Road. Highway 17 is the most direct route
to Victoria, while Highway 17A offers a more relaxed
drive through
the scenic
rural areas of the Saanich Peninsula. Both routes are
wonderfully scenic and lead to the Peninsula’s
many delightful sights and attractions. On the Saanich
Peninsula is the hundred year
old Buchart Gardens a 20-hectare garden delight and
a must see for many tourists. Close by is the Victoria
Butterfly Gardens
with over 300 butterflies and 30 species.
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring South
Vancouver Island?
Explore the Communities of South Vancouver Island
Discover Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands Sub
Regions Tourism Region Contact
Tourism Vancouver Island
Suite 203, 335 Wesley Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5
Telephone: (250) 754-3500
Fax: (250) 754-3599
E-mail: visitor@islands.bc.ca
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