The rocky shoreline near Gonzales Beach in Victoria, looking out over the strait — Photo: Tanya Goehring / Destination BC

Southern Vancouver Island

Gardens, Vineyards & Capital Charm

Victoria's Inner Harbour

Butchart Gardens

Gulf Islands

Wine Country

Cities

Venues

Events

Southern Vancouver Island enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, from the stunning views of the rugged Sooke coastline to the vibrant blooms of the iconic Butchart Gardens. Immerse yourself in whale watching adventures, explore charming towns like Victoria and Sidney, and discover the serene beauty of Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands. This region offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, making it an ideal getaway for every traveler.

Mild year-round climate with beautiful spring gardens and summer festivals

Regional Experiences

Historic attractions

Award-winning wineries

Island-hopping

Culinary excellence

Regional Map

Explore the geography of Southern Vancouver Island and plan your route between cities

Map Legend

Cities

Click markers to view city details and navigate

Explore Cities in Southern Vancouver Island

Each city offers unique attractions, events, and local character

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring is the largest of the Gulf Islands and it has three ferry terminals, so which one you use depends on where you start: Fulford from Swartz Bay, Vesuvius from Crofton, Long Harbour from Tsawwassen. The Saturday Market runs in Ganges through the warmer months.

Sidney

Population: 11,583

Sidney is the closest town to both Swartz Bay and Victoria International Airport, which makes it a practical first or last night on the island. Its main street runs down to the water and carries several bookshops; the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is at the end of it.

Sooke

Sooke is the last sizeable town on Highway 14 heading west out of Victoria, and the road past it carries on to Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and Port Renfrew. Sooke Potholes Regional Park is up the river behind town and East Sooke Regional Park is across the harbour.

Victoria

Population: 91,867

Victoria is the provincial capital and sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum and the legislature are within a few blocks of each other, and Butchart Gardens is about half an hour north of the city.

Featured Venues

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A Taste of Victoria Food Tours

Victoria

Two-hour walking tours of Victoria with six tastings at locally owned restaurants and shops: one through Chinatown, Old Town and the Inner Harbour, a craft-beer route called Alleyways & Ales, and a Vistas & Views tour. Groups cap at twelve and meet at the Phillips Brewery tasting room on Government Street. Tours run Tuesday to Saturday at 11:30am and 2:30pm, from $99.95 a person.

Tours & ActivitiesAttraction

Westcoast Bathhouse : Seaside Sauna

Victoria

Wellness & Spa

Kelp Reef Adventures

Victoria

Kayak tours from Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria: a three-hour, six-mile paddle at $120, a two-hour version at $80, and a 90-minute family trip in sheltered water using stable doubles, with children seven to twelve at half price. Gear, lifejackets, spray skirts, jackets, gloves, water and a dry bag all come with it. Harbour seals, river otters, herons and eagles are the regulars, and from July to September you may see seals with pups.

Tours & Activities

Cole's Bay Bed And Breakfast

Sidney

Three units on Ardmore Drive in North Saanich: a two-bedroom suite and a cottage, both over 1,100 square feet with full kitchens, plus a one-bedroom library room. Morning baking comes with the stay. The Ardmore golf course is across the street and Coles Bay beach a five-minute walk; the airport and the ferries are minutes away and Victoria about half an hour.

Hotel & Accommodation

Japanese Head Spa by Ana

Victoria

Wellness & Spa

Sukhothai Thai Spa

Victoria

Wellness & Spa