Vancouver Island
Surrounded by ocean, and graced with ancient forests, mountains, lakes and beaches, Vancouver Island is a wealth of raw natural beauty with a rich cultural history. During your stay with us at The Sanctuary Vancouver Island you are encouraged to explore the beautiful surrounds and soak up all that the island has to offer.
Immerse yourself in nature
Vancouver Island is located on Canada’s Pacific Coast, and is known for having the warmest and most temperate weather in Canada. As a result, most coastal Vancouver Island communities experience warm, dry summers and mild winters with infrequent freezing temperatures.
It is home to a thriving arts community, rich with historic and contemporary culture. It also appeals to those with a love for outdoor sports and adventure, as the Island exhibits a wealth of majestic mountains, forests, waterways, beaches and wildlife.
During your stay with us, we encourage excursions such as nature walks, whale-watching, and other outdoor activities that help to rekindle your appreciation of being part of a living, sustaining environment.
Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is situated on the craggy southern tip of Vancouver Island. Reflecting the expectations of an exceptional world class capital, Victoria encompasses a harmonious blend of opulence, history and contemporary experiences. The city offers abundant parklands and a range of outdoor activities alongside historic architecture and a vibrant pedestrian-friendly downtown area with many restaurants, shops and markets.
The city’s colonial history is evident in the Victorian architecture surrounding the boat-lined Inner Harbour. Some to note are the neo-baroque Parliament Buildings, grand Fairmont Empress Hotel, the stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion and the English-style Butchart Gardens.
We invite you to explore Victoria’s Fisherman's Wharf, visit the city’s numerous art galleries and museums, and indulge in some leisurely shopping. You might like to tour the historic Parliament Buildings (and dine at the Legislative Dining room, a hidden delight) or visit Victoria's (and Canada’s first) Chinatown, home of Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada.
Recreational Activities
There is an exceptional range of outdoor activities available and adventures in nature to be had on Vancouver Island. Some things that you might enjoy include:
whale watching
bear watching
adventure cruises
Heritage tall ship sailing adventures
sea plane tours
The Malahat Skywalk and waterfall
The Cathedral Grove (with its 800-year-old trees which are are amongst the oldest and tallest in Canada)
The Pacific Rim National Park reserve
salmon fishing
mountain biking & cycling
boating, sailing & cruising, canoeing
trail hiking
river rafting & whitewater kayaking
skiing & snowboarding on Mount Washington
surfing & windsurfing
golf on one of the many splendid scenic golf courses
Please feel free to enquire about the extensive array of possibilities available to you during your stay with us at The Sanctuary Vancouver Island.
