Article content
24 June 2026 by Andy Austen
From Victoria’s historic harbour and deep Indigenous heritage to forest‑lined highways, panoramic skywalks and wildlife‑rich bays, Vancouver Island is where nature and culture meet in the most captivating way. Join Product Manager Andy Austen as he uncovers the highlights, hidden corners and sensory moments that shaped his journey – a first‑hand look at one of Canada’s most enchanting coastal landscapes.
Flying west with Air Canada, the ten‑hour hop to Vancouver feels surprisingly effortless, and before long, you’re touching down in one of the world’s most liveable cities. Vancouver is the gateway to Western Canada in every sense: north to Whistler, east to the Rockies, west to Vancouver Island, or simply into the city itself, where dramatic mountains meet the ocean. After a smooth arrival at Vancouver International Airport, I made my way through customs and on to the domestic terminal for the short 30‑minute flight across the Strait of Georgia. It’s a blink‑and‑you’re‑there journey, and soon I was descending into Victoria, the charming capital of British Columbia.
Victoria
Victoria is a city built around water; a meandering harbour lined with sailboats, seaplanes, and the iconic Fairmont Empress standing proudly on the waterfront. It’s a place where history feels close at hand, from the strong cultural presence of the Songhees Nation to the museums, markets, and wildlife excursions that depart daily for the surrounding waters. Food lovers are spoilt for choice here. Victoria’s culinary scene punches well above its weight, with microbreweries, seafood restaurants, and guided tasting tours. I joined Off The Beaten Track Food Tours, a brilliant way to sample the city’s flavours in one relaxed, sociable evening. My base was the Inn at Laurel Point, a short stroll from downtown but perfectly positioned on the waterfront. From my room, I watched small harbour ferries buzz across the water – a wonderfully gentle way to move between neighbourhoods.
The Butchart Gardens
No visit to Victoria is complete without time at the Butchart Gardens. Just outside the city, this 55‑acre floral wonderland has been delighting visitors for 122 years and is now a designated National Historic Site of Canada. Wandering through themed gardens, waterfalls, and quiet forested corners feels like stepping into a living painting. Between April and September, afternoon tea is a highlight; a refined spread of cakes, scones, and sandwiches featuring local ingredients such as Cowichan Valley coronation chicken and wild BC salmon.
Back in Victoria, I joined a guided walk led by members of the Songhees Nation, offering a powerful perspective on the region’s indigenous history. Hearing the stories of the land while standing on the harbour’s edge added a depth to the city that you simply don’t get from guidebooks.
Heading north
Leaving Victoria the next morning, I travelled northeast with a first stop at Goldstream Provincial Park – a lush, moss‑draped forest where salmon‑filled rivers attract black bears in season. A short detour leads to Vancouver Island’s own version of Niagara Falls, a narrow cascade tucked into the forest. Further along the route, the Malahat Skywalk rises above the treetops. Reached via a gentle 30‑minute boardwalk, the 10‑storey spiral tower offers sweeping 360‑degree views over the Saanich Inlet, Finlayson Arm, and, on clear days, even Mount Baker across the border. The drive continued through farmland dotted with wineries, orchards, and cideries. I stopped at Merridale in the Cowichan Valley for a guided tasting; a warm, rustic experience that showcases the region’s craft‑driven spirit.
Cowichan Bay & Nanaimo
My next stop was the quaint village of Cowichan Bay, where colourful houses line the waterfront and fishing boats share moorings with a semi‑resident population of male Steller sea lions. From my hotel room overlooking the marina, their deep, rumbling calls became the soundtrack to my stay. They gather here each year for two to three months, feasting on coho salmon preparing to spawn in the local rivers. Every so often, the chorus falls silent – a sign, I was told, that orcas may be passing through.
The next morning, I continued north to Nanaimo, a key gateway for travellers heading to Tofino, Ucluelet, Campbell River, or Port Hardy. I spent time exploring the Nanaimo Museum before sampling the city’s most famous creation: the Nanaimo Bar. This three‑layered treat (biscuit base, custard centre, chocolate ganache top) is so beloved that you can follow a dedicated Nanaimo Bar Trail around town.
