Recreation in Victoria BC
Recreation in Victoria isn’t something you do just once in a while – it’s a whole way of life!
Thanks to our temperate climate and low rainfall, and our abundance of natural beauty and resources, Victorians and visitors to our fair city have the entire spectrum of recreational activities at their fingertips.
Float plane and boats at Birds of a Feather private dock
Until you’ve gotten close to some of these magnificent creatures, you have no idea of their awesome size and sleek beauty. Orcas are the most commonly seen whales in Victoria’s coastal waters, mostly "resident" whales, which belong to three different pods: J pod, K pod, and L pod. Other, transient or offshore Orcas sometimes find their way into our waters from time to time. There are also sightings of Gray Whales, Humpback whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales, not to mention porpoises, dolphins, harbour and elephant seals, and sea lions. Other wildlife like Bald Eagles and a wide range of sea birds also abound, and a good whale watching tour will also show its passengers the varied and bountiful plant and sea life that adorns our shores. These eco-tours can range from small group private and personal tours, such as Dieter offers from his Birds of a Feather waterfront B&B, to the public boats which can also be booked by Dieter at no extra charge to you to ensure you will be onboard a reputable tour in Victoria.
Thanks to our climate and location, Victoria is a year-round golfer’s paradise, with world-class courses, both public and semi-private, offering maginficent views and lush, forested settings. One of the finest courses in Victoria, and consistently rated in the top 50 courses in Canada, is the Royal Colwood Golf Club, located just a few minutes away from the Birds of a Feather B & B. Another nearby course is Olympic View, reknown for its spectacular views of the Olympic Range in Washington State. For a full listing of local golf clubs, go to our golfing listings page.
Victoria and Vancouver Island are famous for their salmon and halibut fishing. Dozens of charter companies offer every level of fishing adventure, from simple day trips to exotic outings operating from floating fish camps. And of course, being surrounded by the ocean, Victoria’s restaurants can offer you the finest and freshest seafoods. Go here to get a complete overview of fishing opportunities, or visit Fisheries Canada’s site or the Discover Fishing BC website.
A hearty breakfast and then you’re off on a day trip before returning to the comfort of your private suite. Where do you start? If you like to walk and explore, there are dozens of interesting areas that await your footprints! Forested parks and spectacular beaches abound, most within a short drive from Birds of a Feather. The Galloping Goose Trail links Victoria with the outer communities, while Goldstream Park is famous for its salmon spawning run. For a list of parks and trails, please click here.
As mild and temperate as our climate is, we still experience the full force of the mighty Pacific Ocean, especially in the winter months. Driving along Dallas Road during a winter storm is a favorite passtime of Victorians, as long as the road is not closed at Ross Bay by massive breakers hurling logs onto the street like matchsticks! But you don’t have to drive downtown to experience these magnificent weather events – just step out the door at Birds of a Feather and experience the full force of a winter south-easterly a few steps away.
Victoria is prime birding country, because it is located on the Pacific flyway, one of the three principal migratory routes in North America. For avid bird watching of shorebirds and water birds, Esquimalt Lagoon - and nearby Witty’s Lagoon - offer some of the best birding opportunities on southern Vancouver Island.
Swimming, tennis, cycling, scuba diving, workouts and more:
The Juan de Fuca Recreation centre , located only a five minute drive from Birds of a Feather, offers a complete range of recreational activities, from swimming and tennis to curling and golf. For a complete list of public swimming pools in the greater Victoria, as well as information on cycling, scuba diving, and many other recreational activities in Greater Victoria, go here.
Small farmers markets, known as “Pocket Markets”, are bringing fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a wide array of other processed food products to neighborhoods, communities, and events throughout Greater Victoria. For the market lists and dates, go here
There is so much to do in Victoria, you will not know what to do first. This is Victoria recreation at its finest. You need to experience life in Victoria!
Horseback Riding VictoriaYou can enjoy picturesque guided trail rides with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands, riding over farmland and woodland trails. You may choose a family and kids ride, or regular ride, or day/overnight tours with a choice of Western or English equipment.
Some popular riding spots:
- Galloping Goose Trail especially in Metchosin and Sooke
- Francis King Park
- Thetis Lake Park
- Beaver & Elk Lake Park
- Ocean Beaches by Esquimalt Lagoon | Island View Beach | Witty’s Lagoon
Victoria Yoga ClassesLearn hundreds of positions and techniques while strengthening your mind, body and soul. There are Yoga classes taught by experienced teachers all over Victoria. All styles of Yoga for adults and children, including pregnancy and pre-natal Yoga. Yoga Teacher Training Certification is also available including professional training in Hatha (asanas), Pranayama, Meditation, Kriyas, bhandas, the Chakra system and includes a practicum.
Zipline Adventure ToursHave you ever wanted to fly or overcome your fear of heights while soaring over a majestic West coast forest? At Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours, experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic zipline courses ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettable 1000 feet.
