From Old Town to Old-Growth Forests!

This heritage, arts & culture itinerary offers a variety of interesting facts and experiences from Victoria and Vancouver Island's roots of First Nations, British influence, the Gold Rush and an eclectic art scene.

Day 1:

Start your day with a beautiful breakfast in the Rose Garden of The Fairmont Empress hotel. A local historian will tell you the fascinating history of the hotel and the early days of Victoria.

After breakfast enjoy a guided historical walking tour of Old Town. Your journey could begin in Thunderbird Park, which was built in 1940. To the First People, the thunderbird is a symbol of power and is commonly carved into totem poles. Learn all about the watery foundation of The Fairmont Empress hotel and other tales about famous architect, Francis Rattenbury. Wander through Victoria’s first courthouse and visit the site of executions, which is the most haunted spot in Victoria. The history of the gold rush will expose the narrowest street in Canada, which once housed opium dens and gambling houses. Visit the Gate of Harmonious Interest, built 20 years ago as a gift from Suzhou, Victoria's sister city in China. At the end of your morning journey, a delicious dim sum experience awaits you in North America’s second oldest Chinatown.

This afternoon you will experience why Victoria is Canada’s Garden City as you explore a hand picked selection of private and public gardens. Experience Abkhazi Garden, a heritage garden created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in the mid to late 1940’s. Learn about West Coast gardening at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific and gaze in amazement at the ambition of Jennie Butchart at the world famous Butchart Gardens.

Victoria has several exceptional museums, rated among the very best in North America, including the Royal British Columbia Museum. Its special exhibitions greatly contribute to its international acclaim and have included Empires Beyond the Great Wall: The Heritage of Genghis Khan, Leonardo da Vinci: Scientist, Inventor, Artist, Circus Magicus, Emily Carr: Eccentric, Author, Artist, Genius, Celebrating Royalty, Dragon Bones: When Dinosaurs Ruled China and Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art.Tonight you will follow a spiritual journey through the First Peoples Gallery during an evening reception at the museum. Experience the First Nations people's heritage and legacies as they live on in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Enjoy a First Nations Feast Night seated amongst the totems and masks while listening to legends and witnessing samples of ceremonies. Your First Nations experience will add a special cultural flavour to your island visit.

Day 2:

Time to sleep in before enjoying a hearty West Coast style breakfast, which is sure to fuel your appetite for the active day ahead.

This magical day is spent on the shores of Sooke Harbour in the traditional territories of T’Sooke First nation. You will visit the T’Sooke community, local artisans and enjoy a cedar-stick salmon BBQ on the beach. This educational and cultural excursion has you participating in unique activities and will enhance your appreciation for an amazing culture. Cultural presentations on carving, food preparation and legends, make this an interesting experience for all ages.

Upon returning to Victoria enjoy an afternoon of free time for shopping on Antique Row, exploring the Royal British Columbia Museum at your leisure or journey through a sea of time at the Maritime Museum in historic Bastion Square.

Built by BC’s first millionaire, Craigdarroch Castle was not yet finished when the coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir died. His wife Joan and their 10 children did live there though, and it was the site of many society functions. Your evening will include a grand reception in the castle followed by an evening of suspect and intrigue as a local theatre group performs an interactive murder mystery.

Day 3:

From beautiful Victoria to the rugged West Coast scenery of the Pacific Rim National Park, this morning you will travel by chartered floatplane from Victoria to Tofino.

Embark on a full day Cluptl-Chas adventure from Tofino as you paddle canoes over fishing grounds and clambeds with guides telling you the history of the Tla-o-qui-aht people and their environment. The outgoing tide will aid the canoe on its way to Echachist Island, the site of an old summer village where fishermen and whalers would base themselves for their summer hunts. Once on the island, you will continue your discoveries as you walk through the forest and learn about the plants and places that make the island unique. Your journey will come to an end on the beach where you will enjoy a seafood feast of wild salmon, crab, or tsu-up (Sea Urchin), along with Bannock, seasonal fruit and salads. This daylong experience is unlike anything else you can experience on the West Coast.

After a full day of activity and culture its time to relax at a world renowned Hotel. Sit back, enjoy the magnificent view of the rugged Pacific West Coast of Vancouver Island and savor the extraordinary cuisine.

Please visit our First Nations section and Business Directory for more great ideas and information on Culture, Tours and Attractions!