Outdoor Activities

Vancouver Island boasts a sub-Mediterranean climate providing for year-round enjoyment of an abundance of outdoor activities.

Our top picks…

1. Golf (of course)
2. Fishing
3. Wildlife Viewing
4. Go to the Beach

Cycling

Vancouver Island is a perfect place for the cycling enthusiast. Mild weather and breathtaking scenery make for a memorable day. Whether it’s a casual ride on the Galloping Goose Trail in Victoria, or a blast down an extreme mountain bike trail at the Hartland Basin or Mt. Washington, Vancouver Island will have you coming back for more.

Roller Blading

The Galloping Goose Trail in Victoria must have been built by a roller blade enthusiast because it doesn’t get any better than this.  Float along atop flat smooth asphalt though trees and over train trestles on one of Victoria’s newest treasures.

Hiking & Leisure Walking

For many, their first venture to Vancouver Island was for one of our world renowned hikes, such as the West Coast Trail or Juan de Fuca Trails, taking you through ancient old growth rain forest and along miles of sandy beaches.  Combine those with a week on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail and you’ve created a trip of a lifetime.  For those looking for a little apres golf fun one day, the following are local faves.

Victoria

• Thetis Lake Regional Park
• Mount Douglas Park
• Mt. Tolmie Park
• Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
• Westsong Walkway
• Dallas Rd. Cliff Walk
• Beacon Hill Park
• Beaver Lake / Elk Lake

South Island

• East Sooke Regional Park
• Goldstream Provincial Park
• Sooke Pot Holes Provincial Park
• Botanical Beach Provincial Park
• Sidney Spit Provincial Park

Parksville / Qualicum Beach

• Little Qualicum Falls
• Englishman River Falls
• Mt. Arrowsmith

Rowing

Some of Canada’s top Olympic rowers have trained on the glass-like waters of Elk Lake. Victoria’s warm climate and active high-school rowing programs combine to make this a hot spot for young athletes wishing to enjoy a sport that’s a little different from the rest. Fall regattas are a great way to spend an afternoon, and show your support for the local teams. Rental boats are available including kayaks, canoes and paddle boats.

Boat Charters

Spending time on the water is a key part of living or visiting Vancouver Island. Whether you arrive by ferry, or choose to get out on your own, there is no way to avoid the lure of the ocean. There are rentals of everything from one person kayaks to 100 passenger yachts.  If you are interested in chartering a boat, just let our reservations agent know and we will take care of the arrangements for you.

Tennis

Arbutus Ridge Golf Club boasts a tennis facility to complement the golf course, as does Bear Mountain Resort.  Additional indoor courts are available for advance reservation and complimentary public tennis courts are plentiful.

Bungy Jumping

This is not an activity for the faint of heart. If you do want to jump off of a bridge though, there is no better place than Vancouver Island. Two options are available on Vancouver Island including The Bungy Zone approximately half an hour from Bear Mountain Resort and Wild Play Element Park just south of Nanaimo.

Sky Diving

Seeing the Saanich Peninsula from the air is a beautiful sight. Jumping out of the plane while you are up there is not for everyone, but is makes for a great adventure. In one day you will be taught the proper procedures and actually jump out of the plane. We can take care of the arrangements for you if you like.

Paintball

Paintball is a sophisticated and challenging combination of hide n’ seek and tag. The object of the game is to capture the opposing teams flag without being shot by one of your opponents. It is a fast paced exciting time. There are several paintball locations on the Island.

Mini Golf

All Fun Waterslides and Recreation – The name says it all. The good times start right here at All Fun. Start with a gigantic 3/4 mile waterslide complex, add a mini golf course, driving range, 2 go-cart tracks, batting cages, arcade, concession, gift shop and you’ve got something for everyone! 2207 Millstream Road (off hwy 1)

Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf – offers two spacious 18-hole miniature golf (putting) courses located in a beautiful treed setting. After the game, enjoy a selection of refreshments, a hot dog with the works or some local, Island Farms ice cream on the patio overlooking the natural setting. 5325 Cordova Bay Rd.

Frisbee Golf

Just as the name sounds, this is a combination of Frisbee and golf. The object of the game is to throw the disc into a “hole” in as few tosses as possible. There is a course at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.

Horseback Riding

Not always what people think of first when they think of Vancouver Island, but there are some beautiful trails in the Saanich Peninsula area.