Top Vancouver Island Nature Parks

Step into a tropical jungle just outside Victoria. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located close to Butchart Gardens and is a great way to extend your garden time. The Butterfly Garden houses approximately 70 species of butterfly, in addition to poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Don’t miss the creepy crawlies in the Insectarium.

The Canadian city of Victoria has a rich British colonial history dating back to the Victorian era, evident in its striking architecture and historic landmarks. Explore the city in style by traditional horse-drawn carriage, and take in sites of interest such as James Bay— one of Vancouver Island's oldest neighborhoods. As your horse clops along, enjoy fine views over Victoria to the Olympic Mountain range beyond.

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on this half-day whale-watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island between animal sightings.

Get a closer look at Canada’s marine wildlife on this whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat—a luxurious, spacious catamaran—and set sail. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to commentary from marine naturalists on board, and look out for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.

Spot native marine wildlife in British Columbia’s waters—and enjoy a more personalized travel experience—on a small-group whale-watching tour from Victoria. Grab an all-weather flotation suit, hop aboard your open-top Zodiac boat in Victoria Harbour, and set off. Your vessel is built for stability, and remains buoyant even in rough seas. As you go, watch for humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, and soak up the dramatic scenery.

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time to vintage Victoria with a private tour through the city’s most splendid neighborhoods aboard a horse-drawn carriage. Beginning at the illustrious Empress Hotel, admire sailing ships in the Inner Harbor and trot through the leafy gardens and lawns of Beacon Hill Park. Pass stately Victorian mansions and other local landmarks like the Trans-Canada Highway Mile 0 marker, and take in fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca during the stylish ride.

The waters around Vancouver Island teem with marine life—and on this small-group whale-watching tour, you'll have the best chance of discovering these giants of the deep. Head out into the Salish Sea with your guide, an experienced naturalist who will take the time to help you learn about the region's wildlife. On this tour, you can look out for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and more.

You might not guess from its pretty gardens and charming streets, but the city of Victoria is full of ghosts—or at the very least, spooky ghost stories. On this after-dark tour, see a new side of the city when you follow your guide through some of the most haunted spots in town, hearing the creepy and macabre tales from Victoria’s past as you go.

Indoor and outdoor viewing areas set this Victoria whale-watching tour apart from its competitors. Travel in luxury and style as you look out for whales in their natural environment in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits: some of the best whale-watching regions around. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's wealth of wildlife. Gratuities are not included.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales, bald eagles, and other wildlife along the dramatic coast of Vancouver Island on this half-day wildlife cruise from Cowichan Bay. In the company of just your private group of up to 12 and an expert guide, set out in a rigid inflatable boat that’s perfect for exploring the rugged coast and Gulf Islands.

Experience the majesty of Canada’s Sunshine Coast from the air with a round-trip seaplane flight from Nanaimo. Fly high over the Strait of Georgia with a pilot. Enjoy panoramic views over the tiny islands dotting the waterway, and stop for free time in the British Columbia town of Sechelt. Enjoy two take-offs and landings during your tour, and see the Sunshine Coast in a way many visitors miss.