Things to do in Southern Gulf Islands, Canada

Have the chance to witness the area's diversity of whale species including humpback whales, Bigg's orcas, minke whales, and gray whales. The spotting network and years of experience in locating the whales ensure a high success rate for tours. The area of operations in the water surrounding Southern Vancouver Island, Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and Juan de Fuca Strait is a critical area for multiple species of whales, including other marine animals like seals, sea lions, sea otters, and marine birds. You may even spot more rare species such as elephant seals and dolphins. Listen as your crew introduces you to these magnificent animals and share with you the myriad of other natural wonders abundant in this pristine marine environment. The Salish Sea, the water off Victoria, is home to an abundance of marine wildlife. During the tour, explore various feeding areas that attract whales to local waters. Have the opportunity to see orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat.  Other possible encounters include minke and gray whales. The Salish Sea is also home to seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and many more sea animals. Let five-star whale watching introduce you to the wonders of the Salish Sea.

Explore the wineries and landscapes of Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley in a Tesla on this private wine tasting tour from Victoria with a local guide. Enjoy unforgettable views, local wine flavors, and a charcuterie lunch. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you through the valley, where you'll get to travel at your own pace, visiting 3 different vineyards of your choice and learning about and tasting local wines, with time to stop for lunch along the way. The Cowichan Valley (meaning “land warmed by the sun”) offers one-of-a-kind vineyards situated in lush surroundings. Averill Creek Vineyard, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Cherry Point Estate Wines, Unsworth Vineyards, and Vigneti Zanatta are a few wineries you can choose to visit.

Today’s adventure begins with a 90-minute sailing aboard BC Ferries. Be sure to visit the outside decks as it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of sea life, including porpoises and whales. Worth noting, food service is available onboard. Arrive on Vancouver Island, and travel past old growth forest and amazing vistas along the Malahat Highway. Experience Malahat SkyWalk. The newest outdoor experience on Vancouver Island provides the ultimate natural high just 35 minutes north of Victoria. Accessible by all ages and wheelchair-friendly, it will immerse you in nature as you embark on a 600 metre-long elevated walkway through an expansive Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest, leading to a 10-storey, architecturally-inspiring spiral tower lookout – the first of its kind in B.C. Rising 250 metres above sea level, you will enjoy 360-degree views of islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains in two countries. Visit Cowichan Bay with free time for lunch. This charming seaside village is home to boating enthusiasts, artisans and an eclectic community of locals, some dwelling in floating residences. “The Bay,” as it’s known locally has a relaxed vibe and waterfront charm of main street that is magnified by a selection of favourite foodie haunts, including a cheese shop, ice cream parlour, organic bakery and fish-and-chips restaurant. Enjoy the food, walk the pier, visit the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, and view the paintings of internationally known artists. Enjoy a tour and cidery tasting at Merridale Cidery & Distillery. Set in a picturesque orchard in rural Cobble Hill, Merridale has become a Cowichan institution, known primarily for its wide selection of artisanal, made-on-the-premises, craft ciders and spirits. Explore Duncan, the City of Totems. The streets of Duncan’s revitalized, architecturally striking downtown are lined with shops, galleries, bookstores, restaurants, cafes, and a popular brewpub and wine bar. Option to join your guide on a walking tour of First Nations’ totems that line downtown streets. Today’s adventure winds down with another scenic ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. Return to downtown Vancouver at approximately 8:30pm.