Victoria has been known to have one of the mildest winter climates in entire Canada. With this in mind, a lot of people assume they need to drive up to Mount Washington and other ski resorts to go cross-country skiing. While it is true that Mount Washington boasts well-groomed trails, there are actually a lot of places that feature sufficient layers of snow for those adventurous enough to explore new trails.

Although adequate snow is never guaranteed in particular areas, a visit during winter season, you can enjoy a fine dusting of snow on the Sooke Hills from Victoria. Certain parts of these areas are only open during weekends so make sure to conduct necessary checks. To help you with your plans, here are some information of the wonderful ski trails you can try out:

Cooper Canyon

This particular trail can be found on the northern section of the Cowichan Valley. Please note that the access to this area is only available for skiers during weekends. The trail starts at the gate at its main entrance with a charge of $2 per vehicle fee. Following the road, it will lead you right to Mt. Brenton, Silver Lake Road as well as along the Rheinhart Lake as well as other equally wonderful potential skiing venues. Snow has been known to be exceptionally heavy on higher elevations during the early parts of December up until late March.

Deerholme/Glenora

You will find skiing area here along the Timber West logging roads. Similar with other ski venues, the access to this trail is only available during weekends. There is also a gate on the main entrance, with the same fee of $ 2 per vehicle.

Kludahk Trail

This is another active logging area, where access is through the Jordan River trailhead, which can only be used during the weekends. Check out San Juan Ridge, as it has been known to collect considerable layer of snow during the winter season. Another route to access the area is through the Jordan Ridge.

Accommodations

If you are planning for a fun-filled weekend of skiing around Victoria, be sure to book your accommodations ahead of time. There are a number of wonderful Vancouver Island hotels in this area, including our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour

412 Quebec Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1W5

Phone: 250/384-5122 | Fax: 250/384-5113

If you want to ensure a comfortable stay on a location that provides easy access to a number of famous Vancouver Island attractions, then consider booking at BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour. Whether you are traveling with your friends, family, or alone on a business trip, this hotel can provide you all the necessary amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Enjoy a well-appointed room with a wonderful balcony view. All rooms come with microwave ovens, in-room movies, fridge, as well as free Internet access. Along with the modern convenience, the hotel is also equipped with luxurious amenities such as an indoor whirlpool, heated pool, steam room and a sauna to ensure you can enjoy a relaxing stay. All hotel staff is also well trained to provide efficient 24-hour service. With reasonable rates and first-class accommodations, BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour offers you a safe haven in Victoria.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Did you know that the Victoria Harbour Ferry is actually on its 20^th year of performing the water ballet? This is one of those spectacular Vancouver Island tourist attractions that’s best witnessed up close and personal. The 20-minute ballet show started way back in the year 1993, designed to entertain locals and guests and showcase the dexterity of the little pickle boats as they maneuver their way above the waters of Inner Harbour with impressive synchronized precision. It later on became a famous icon of the city, which can be found alongside the Parliament buildings and Causeway – another two popular attractions.

Captivating Ballet Performance on Water

If you want to catch the show, it promptly starts at 10:45 AM every Sunday all throughout the months of May to September. Watching the performance up close is quite fascinating and definitely a unique experience for both the young and the old. The exceptional maneuverability of the boats are impressive to watch, all moving in harmony to the music of Blue Danube Waltz. The movements of the dancing Vancouver Island ferry boats are complex and certainly not something anyone have seen performed on the waters before. Under the capable direction of the Harbour Ferry captains, the nimble ‘water ballerinas’ has become such a huge hit among traveling guests since its debut and have been featured several times by foreign magazines and TV shows over the years.

There are usually 5 boats in a single performance, and the steps have certainly grown remarkably more complex through the years. What started out as a 10-minute performance is now stretched to 20 minutes, much to the delight of the onlookers who gather every Sunday just to witness the magnificent performance. It showcases a wonderful combination of military march movements and intricate ballet choreography that could only be under the guidance of a professional ballet instructor. By the way, this is a free performance designed to simply entertain and captivate the audience, which never fails to evoke such uplifting impact all around.

Whether, you are visiting Victoria for its stunning legislature buildings, whale watching adventures or for a simple weekend of sightseeing, make sure to drop by and enjoy the water ballet show every Sundays.  It’s a memorable addition to any cheap family vacations.
Contact Details
Victoria Harbour Ferry Tours

1234-N Wharf Street Victoria, BC V8W 3H9, Canada
Phone: 250-708-0201

Website: www.victoriaharbourferry.com 

Getting to Victoria

 You will be surprised to know that among the great highlights of Vancouver Island getaways actually includes the trip to getting there. If you are traveling by land, you will be regaled by the majestic views of the land, giving you an enthralling preview of what to expect.

By Ferry

 This is the popular mode of transportation for both tourists and locals. Enjoy a leisurely mini-cruise with a scenic view of its raw coastal beauty. 

• If you are traveling from Vancouver to Victoria, you can take the 2-hour boat ride via

By Air

• From Vancouver to Victoria, it’s a short 25-minute plane ride.

• From Seattle to Victoria, it’s a 45-munite ride.

 
Vancouver Island Accommodations

When planning best family vacations, there are a lot of options you can consider when it comes to the choice of premium quality Vancouver Island hotels, including our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour
412 Quebec Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1W5
Phone: 250/384-5122 | Fax: 250/384-5113

Whether is a short weekend stay with the whole family, or a week-long adventure with your loved one, Inner Harbour is the perfect haven for your vacation.

Stay at one of the strategically located hotels in the area, giving you easy access to the great tourist attractions of Inner Harbour and Downtown Victoria. In fact, BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour is just a short walk away from some of the major attractions are well as the string of finest restaurants, oceanside paths and shops. A night stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast as well as free use of safe and secured parking space.

All guest rooms of BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour are beautifully adorned, with careful thought and attention put in every interior detail to give guests the perfect combination of luxurious comfort and state of the art modern conveniences. Had a tiring day? Relax at the outdoor seasonal heated spa, or the indoor whirlpool, steam room and sauna. The hotel is committed to providing almost all the imaginable convenience at reasonable rates.

If you are traveling on a business trip, you will find BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour capable to catering to your requirements. It houses a conference centre and a meeting room so you can conduct your business while on a vacation.

All staff members are proficiently trained to attend to your every need and ready to provide you assistance 24 hours a day to ensure a pleasurable stay. Go ahead and make a reservation today.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Unleash It at WildPlay Element Parks in West Shore Victoria

A 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria will take you to one of Vancouver Island’s most popular adventure park and tourist attractions. People have explored the outdoors and put their courage to the test in order to break the barrier of self-perceived limits. What am I talking about? It’s the ultimate adventure destination for people ages seven and older – WildPlay Element Parks.

If you have grown tired of weekend getaways spent lazing by the beach, and are looking for some exhilarating action, WildPlay West Shore Victoria offers an exciting way to entertain yourself and guests with an outdoor challenge for the young and old. For fun family vacations, weekend getaways or birthday celebrations, their Monkido® Aerial Adventure is an ideal activity for real action and fun memories.

Climb from tree to tree, soar across zip lines, and conquer a series of suspended obstacles! The West Shore Victoria Park presents fun and progressively challenging suspended games that will test the mettle of adventure seekers. Playing on the ever-popular Monkido® Kids, Buddy or Classic courses ignites primal screams of laughter. Guests bring out the monkey at heart while push their limits by traversing increasingly-higher and more challenging zip lines and suspended games. Based on the concept of "monkey see, monkey do", guests move at their own pace to conquer tightropes, missing plank bridges, swinging logs; soar on ziplines; climb on cargo nets, ascend tree ladders, and more - six to 60 feet (2-18m) above ground! Spend a full day unleashing your primal self.

Note: Access requirements and waivers apply to WildPlay Elements. Full details and descriptions are available at www.WildPlay.com

To start planning that adventure family vacations, contact WildPlay Element Parks:

WildPlay Element Parks, West Shore Victoria

15-1767 Island Highway, Victoria, BC V9B 1J1

Phone: 250-590-7529

Fax: 250-590-7673

Toll-free: 1-888-856-7275

For even more thrilling adventures WildPlay’s Nanaimo Park also offers (in addition to unique Monkido® courses):

150′ Bungy Jump

Want to try something new and conquer your fear? This adventure definitely earns some bragging rights! Savor the adrenalin rush as you leap off from the bungy bridge and into the Nanaimo River Canyon, wearing an ankle safety harness of course. Make sure to ask your friends to capture every second of your big leap. If you prefer to have a peer support, tandem jumps are also available. Bungy Jumping is something every adrenalin junkie should try.

Canyon Zip

If flying is more your thing, zip above the Nanaimo River and enjoy the breathtaking view below. Spanning the canyon, and under the Bungy Bridge, the Canyon Zip Element offers a memorable ride. To start your adventure, all you need to do is to show up and complete the demo. You’ll be gliding through the air within an hour or less. Professional and experienced guides will assist you all the way.

King Swing

One is never too old to let loose and have fun. Lots of “big kids” experience a wonderful time in the “sling-shot”-esque swing. G-force speeds whip brave riders from the Bungy Bridge into a wide pendulum arc through the Nanaimo River Canyon. If you seek some real thrills, this is the perfect activity to find your kid at heart.

To start planning that adventure family vacations, below is the full contact details of WildPlay Element Parks:

WildPlay West Shore Victoria
15-1767 Island Highway, Victoria, BC   V9B 1J1
Phone: 250-590-7529
Fax: 250-590-7673
Toll-free: 1-888-856-7275

Getting to Victoria

Because Victoria is situated on an island, there are a number of transportation options you can consider getting there. Among the most common means can be either via a ferry of plane.

By Ferry 

• Coho Perry takes off from Port Angeles to Victoria. Enjoy a 45-minute mini-cruise.

• Victoria Clipper takes off from Seattle right for a 3-hour ride to the heart of downtown Victoria.

• You can also opt to take the 2-hour ride via the Washington State Ferry from Seattle to Victoria.

By Air

•  A plane ride from Vancouver to Victoria will take 25 minutes.

• If you are starting off from Seattle, it’s a 45-minute plane ride to Victoria.

Accommodations

If you are planning that weekend adventure, don’t forget to book your accommodations in advance. There are a number of world-class hotels available in the area, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour
412 Quebec Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1W5
Phone: 250/384-5122 | Fax: 250/384-5113

If you are looking forward to a comfortable stay, with a location that gives you easy access to all the popular Vancouver Island attractions, BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour presents an ideal choice. Whether you are traveling alone or with a large group, the hotel offers a safe refuge with all the modern convenience you can expect from a premium quality accommodation.

Enjoy spacious guest rooms with a nice view from your private balcony, complete with microwave, a fridge, in-room movies and Wi-Fi Internet access. The hotel also offers luxurious amenities such as heated pools, indoor whirlpool, steam room and a sauna so you can relax and unwind after a day of adventure. The hotel staff is ready to provide you 24-hour assistance to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Royal BC Museum Exhibits

Natural History Gallery

First Nations Gallery

Modern Era History Gallery

Travelling Exhibitions

History of The Royal BC Museum

Contact info: Royal BC Museum

The grounds and the British Columbia Parliament buildings in Victoria are a major attraction on Vancouver Island. The buildings overlook the scenic Victoria Harbour and are considered by some to be an architectural gem and one of most magnificent capitals in the world.

At night the Parliament Buildings have beautifully lighting using over 3,000 bulbs. A great time to photograph the buildings.

The lush front lawns of the Parliament Buildings have also been utilized for concerts, celebrations and political protests.

BC Parliament Buildings History

The BC Parliament Buildings were designed by Francis Rattenbury, a 25 year old immigrant from the United Kingdom. The construction was completed in 1898 with a cost of just under $1 million - considered at the time to be outrageously expensive.  The impressive buildings definitely reflect the ties to England.

As is today, the construction of the buildings was done utilizing as much as possible local resources and supporting local businesses.  The Douglas Fir and brick was from Vancouver Island and the granite rock foundations came from nearby Nelson Island. The facades are from Haddington Island in northern Vancouver Island.

Rattenbury also designed the very impressive Empress Hotel, across the street from the BC Capital Legislature Buildings (Parliament Buildings), the the Crystal Gardens indoor swimming pool, and the Vancouver Court House (now home to the Vancouver Art Gallery).

BC Parliament Buildings Location

The BC Parliament Buildings and grounds are in the heart of downtown Victoria on Belleville Street.
The buildings are right on beautiful Victoria Inner Harbour which seems is the hub of activity for Victoria. In front of the Parliament buildings is a beautiful and large lawn and garden.

Across the street is a two-level walkway along the waterfront where you can view and all the comings and goings of a busy harbour - buskers (street performers), yachts, sailboats, whale-watching boats and the ferry to Washington state.

BC Parliament Buildings Tours

You can tour the Parliament Buildings to learn about its construction, history and its current use as the capital of British Columbia.

Tours are available in several languages including: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Norwegian and Swedish. During the tour you will learn about its design, history and the current day operating government building as the heart of the democratic administration of the province of British Columbia.

The tours are daily during the summer months between the May long weekend and Labour Day long weekend in September.
Reservations are recommended as the tour is popular amongst the some 3 million visitors to Victoria each year.

Contact info Legislative Tour Office

Legislative Tour Office
Phone: 250-387-3046
Email: tours@leg.bc.ca
Website: www.leg.bc.ca/info/2-2.htm

Victoria Accommodations – Inner Harbour

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

A great hotel in Victoria, with the best location, right at the Inner Harbour/downtown Victoria and a short walk to major attractions, restaurants, shops, and oceanside paths.

Enjoy complimentary extended continental breakfast and free parking. Our beautiful rooms, spacious one-bedroom suites and luxurious penthouse apartments are 100% non-smoking and each include a private balcony, fridge, microwave, free Wi-Fi and in-room movies. Ideal for extended stays, we also have kitchen studios and suites available for weekly & monthly stays.

Popular nearby Victoria attractions include the Royal British Columbia Museum, Parliament Buildings, Undersea Gardens, the Empress Tea Room, Miniature World, the Bug Zoo, Horse-drawn carriage tours, Beacon Hill Park, departures for whale watching tours (seasonal) and all the entertainment the Inner Harbour has to offer.

Contact info: Best Western Plus Inner Harbour
412 Quebec Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1W5, CA
Toll Free: (888) 383-2378 Phone: (250) 384-5122 Fax: (250) 384-5113 Email: info@victoriabestwestern.com

Come and enjoy Victoria BC on Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.