Things to do in Southern Gulf Islands

Join Victoria's longest running and 1st Certified Responsible Whale Watching Operator! Let our expert staff introduce you to the wonders of the Salish Sea. Have the chance to witness the area's diversity of whale species including humpback whales, Bigg's Killer Whale (orcas), minke whales, and gray whales. 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.

Get a new perspective on Vancouver Island and its surrounding landscape with a full-day entry ticket to the Malahat Skywalk. Ascend the striking 10-story spiral tower to 250 meters above sea level to take in 360-degree sightlines of islands, fjords, forests, and mountains. To get to the tower, head up the 600-meter elevated walkway among the soaring treetops of the Canadian west coast’s Arbutus and Douglas Firs. At the top of the Skywalk, indulge your inner thrillseeker by traversing the net and plunging down the “Insta-famous” spiral slide within the tower. Local hot and cold drinks and snacks from the café can be enjoyed in a number of picturesque seating spaces. Located just 35 minutes from Victoria, this classic Vancouver Island experience can be enjoyed by all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. You can either make your own way to the Malahat SkyWalk or opt to include a shuttle service from Downtown Victoria.

Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime on a captivating half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. Cruise through the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia on the lookout for marine life in its natural habitat. Enjoy a cruise on a custom vessel designed for marine life viewing. Be on the lookout for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. Experience a tour with a 98% success rate in whale sightings. Create memories of the ocean's wonders and gain a deep appreciation for its inhabitants in an immersive experience that brings you closer to the intricate web of marine life.

Enjoy a leisurely drive 45 minutes north of the city of Victoria to the picturesque Cowichan Valley. Home to a vast array of incredible wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries, the Cowichan Valley is sure to impress with a little bit of something for everyone! This 6 hour Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour is perfect for those looking for a mixed bag style of tour. Love wine but love beer and cider just as much? Look no further than this rocking tour experience! Leaving from downtown, the Victoria Grapes To Grains tour transports guests along one of the most scenic drives the region has to offer. A thoughtfully selected lineup of Cowichan Valley wineries and breweries await on this highly curated VIP tour , where you will have the chance to indulge in some of the tastiest wines, beers ciders and spirits that Vancouver Island has to offer. The Victoria Grapes To Grains tour includes tasting experiences at 2 wineries, a brewery and a cidery/distillery. Lunch reservations are also included at The Red Arrow Brewing Company halfway through the tour, allowing you the chance to relax and enjoy some delicious food with friends. The tour finishes off with your choice of cider or spirits before heading back to Victoria. At every stop, you will be blown away by breathtaking views of rolling vineyards, orchards, and lush country landscape, setting the perfect backdrop for photos to last a lifetime. Each visit allows ample time for tasting, asking questions, wandering the property, taking photos, and of course, purchasing your favourite selections! For those in search of a mixed bag option, this all inclusive tour includes 16-20 tastings throughout the day and behind the scenes access to vineyards and brewmasters. The Victoria Grapes To Grains Tour may just be the best way to visit the valley!

Enjoy a leisurely drive 45 minutes north of the city of Victoria to the Cowichan Valley wine region. This hidden gem on the Canadian wine scene is host to nine different wineries and vineyards, which serve as the picturesque backdrop to this incredible wine region. Throughout the day, discover interesting reds, crisp whites, elegant rosés and refreshing sparkling wines. Covering a wide array of both familiar and unique varietals, there’s truly something for everyone along our Victoria Wine Tour! Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Bacchus and a host of sparkling wine options will have your taste buds popping as you’re guided through an interpretive tasting experience along Cowichan Valley’s most sought after wineries. Our full day Victoria Wine Tour includes tastings at 4 award winning wineries, pick up and drop off from your accommodation in Victoria or the surrounding area, round trip transportation in our luxury touring vans and an upbeat, energetic, and knowledgeable tour guide. This tour also features lunch reservations at the mouth-watering Unsworth Restaurant at Unsowrth Vineyards for a leisurely break half way through the tour. At every stop, you will be swept away by breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and neighbouring orchards, setting the perfect backdrop for photos to last a lifetime. Each winery visit allows ample time for wine tasting, asking questions, wandering the property, taking photos, and of course, purchasing your favourite wines! If you haven't yet explored the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, now is your chance to see it for yourself! Our Victoria Full Day Wine Tour showcases an incredible array of wineries in an undeniably picturesque region, making it a a wine lover's destination you won't want to miss!

Once we pick you up at 8 am, it’s off to the West Coast for some invigorating hikes and coastal exploration. We will make a stop at the awe-inspiring Jurassic Grove. There, you can witness 1000-year-old Western Red Cedars, including 3.6m large trees! On our way back down, we will go to 2 more beautiful beaches that are suitable for your group's needs. We will stop at Mystic Beach, Sancut Beach or Muir Creek Beach. They all have beautiful sandstone features and you could also witness whales crossing the strait, sea lions, seals and otters cruising by the beach or basking in the sun, millions of year-old fossils and waterfalls! This tour can also be extended to an overnight trip with an amazing yurt stay and we will circle back through the complete Pacific Marine Circle through Duncan, stopping at the amazing Malahat Skywalk and more!

Embark on a journey through the best of Victoria on a small-group driving tour. See the most remarkable points of interest, including the Malahat Skywalk, Government House, Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, Breakwater Lighthouse, and Butchart Gardens. Start the tour with a convenient pickup from your designated location. Sit back and relax as you begin the drive, listening to interesting facts and stories along the way. Head to your first stop, the mesmerizing Malahat Skywalk, and be treated to breathtaking views from elevated walkways and a magnificent 10-story spiral tower. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area before continuing your journey. Next, board a ferry for a scenic crossing. Enjoy picturesque views as you make your way to Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned horticultural gem. Stroll through the gardens, taking in the vibrant colors, and experiencing the fragrant blooms – a true feast for the senses. After your visit to Butchart Gardens, drive back to Victoria, taking a route that showcases the city's highlights. Marvel at the historic Government House, the majestic Craigdarroch Castle, the picturesque Beacon Hill Park, the charming Fisherman's Wharf Park, and the iconic Breakwater Lighthouse. As the tour nears its end, enjoy a narrated city drive from the guide, pointing out more fascinating landmarks and providing local insights. Finally, get dropped off at your designated location, ensuring a convenient and comfortable end to your tour.

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation at 8 am to start the day and bring you back around 2 pm. Start the day with a visit to the Old Growth forest surrounding Goldstream Park. You will walk alongside one of the most important salmon creeks on Vancouver Island. In the right season, you can even witness the salmon in action! Goldstream also features an impressive Waterfall tucked in a small canyon. After this, we will continue up the gorgeous Malahat highway to the Skywalk. This tower 250m above sea level offers a gentle slope to gently take you up to the top where you will be soaring amongst birds, looking over the ocean and mountain tops. A net at the top offers a lounging area and some chairs and benches can make for a good snack break. From there you can hop on the slide, down to the bottom, or walk back the way you came. Our last stop will be a walk to the Historical Kinsol Trestle. This wooden Train Tresol, repurposed as a walkway, stands 44m in the air and offers beautiful views of the Koksilah River below and the hills surrounding the area.

Vancouver: Whale Watching Adventure with Private City Tour Experience the ultimate blend of marine wildlife and urban exploration with our Vancouver: Whale Watching Adventure with Private City Tour. This full-day journey combines the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s coastal waters with a personalized exploration of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions—all in one seamless and unforgettable experience. Your adventure begins with a private pickup from your hotel, cruise terminal, or airport in a luxury vehicle. You’ll start the day with a custom-guided tour of Vancouver, where your knowledgeable driver-guide will take you to the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including: Stanley Park and its world-famous Totem Poles The bustling waterfront at Canada Place Historic Gastown and the iconic Steam Clock Scenic views at English Bay and Queen Elizabeth Park Optional visits to Granville Island, Chinatown, or the Olympic Cauldron Following your urban exploration, you'll head to the waterfront for the whale watching portion of your tour. Board a high-speed, open-air Zodiac or covered vessel (based on preference and weather) for a 3 to 5-hour guided whale watching expedition led by certified marine naturalists. Venture into the Salish Sea in search of orca whales, humpbacks, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles, all while learning about the unique marine ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. With onboard commentary, spectacular scenery, and incredible photo opportunities, this marine safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. After the cruise, your private driver will be waiting to escort you back comfortably, wrapping up your day with more sightseeing or a convenient drop-off at your location. Tour Includes: Private luxury transportation throughout the day Professionally guided Vancouver city tour (2–3 hours) Hotel/cruise/airport pickup and drop-off Whale watching boat tour (3–5 hours) with marine naturalists Bottled water and photo stops Flexible start time Exclusions: Meals and personal expenses Gratuities (optional) Entrance fees to optional attractions are not included in the tour Tour Duration: 8–9 hours total Group Size: Suitable for individuals, couples, or private groups (up to 14 guests) See the best of land and sea in one extraordinary day—explore vibrant Vancouver and marvel at the wild beauty of whales and marine life with Globalduniya’s premier combo experience.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Salt Spring Island with Harbour Air, where the flight itself becomes an integral part of your travel experience. Flying from downtown Vancouver to Salt Spring Island by seaplane is not just a means of transportation, but a scenic adventure that promises breathtaking views and unmatched convenience. Your journey begins at Harbour Air's terminal, conveniently located in Coal Harbour, just steps from Canada Place, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and Jack Poole Plaza, home to the Olympic flame from the 2010 Winter Games. This prime location, part of the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre along Vancouver’s iconic seawall, offers easy access to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll feel the excitement as you board your flight with a front-row view of the Vancouver skyline and the surrounding mountains. As the seaplane lifts off, the cityscape quickly fades away, giving way to panoramic views of Vancouver’s harbor and the towering peaks of the North Shore mountains. The flight from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island takes you over the stunning waters of Burrard Inlet and the Salish Sea, offering views of lush islands and rugged coastlines that few get to experience from the air. The one-of-a-kind views are far beyond what you’d see from the ground or a ferry. Unlike the lengthy waits and crowded spaces at ferry terminals, the seaplane offers a quick, direct, and stress-free flight. In just 35 minutes, you'll find yourself soaring over the tranquil waters and green forests of Salt Spring Island, the jewel of the Southern Gulf Islands. Upon landing at the Ganges Seaplane Dock, you’re just steps away from the charming shops, galleries, and restaurants that Salt Spring is known for. The island’s natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community await you. The convenience of a seaplane flight over a ferry is undeniable. With no long boarding lines, no schedules to follow, and no delays, Harbour Air’s seaplane service makes traveling to Salt Spring effortless. Every seat offers spectacular views, so you’re always immersed in the breathtaking landscape, making your journey as memorable as your destination. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a special occasion, or an adventure to explore the island’s hiking trails and tranquil lakes, your trip starts with the unique thrill of flying by seaplane. And the journey is just as enjoyable in the opposite direction, from Salt Spring Island back to Vancouver, making every moment of your travel experience extraordinary. Choose Harbour Air and transform your trip to Salt Spring Island into a scenic adventure you'll cherish. With stunning aerial views, quick and easy service, and a seamless connection to the beauty of Salt Spring Island, flying by seaplane is the best way to begin your journey. This journey is also available in the opposite direction, from Salt Spring to Vancouver.