Mackenzie & Steve
Mackenzie & Steve
Things To Do In Victoria, BC
1️⃣ Walk around the Inner Harbour
The Inner Harbour is Victoria's scenic focal point. It's lined with historic buildings, marinas, and walkways, and it's a great place to stroll and dine (e.g., at the Empress).
2️⃣ Visit Butchart Gardens
These world-renowned gardens spread over 55 acres. They showcase a variety of seasonal floral displays. The Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden are particularly notable.
3️⃣ Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman's Warf has floating homes, seafood vendors, and shops. It's a great spot to enjoy fresh fish and chips, watch harbour seals, and take in the maritime atmosphere.
4️⃣ Tour the British Columbia Parliament Buildings
These beautiful buildings are the seat of the British Columbia government. Visitors can view the striking architecture for free from the outside.
5️⃣ Visit Beacon Hill Park
This 200-acre park offers gardens, natural areas, and a petting zoo. It's perfect for picnics, walks, and enjoying the famous flower gardens.
6️⃣ Walk or Bike the Galloping Goose Trail
This 55-kilometre trail is great for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. It passes through urban, rural, and wilderness landscapes. The Galloping Goose Trail great way to explore the area's natural beauty.
7️⃣ Hike (or drive) Mt Tolmie
Hike or drive up Mt Tolmie to enjoy panoramic views of Vitorea. You can pack a picnic lunch to make the most of your time at the summit.
8️⃣ Have tea at The Empress
The Empress is famous in Victoria for its elegance and historic charm. Its afternoon tea offers a curated selection of tea and pastries. Their signature Empress 1908 gin makes a perfect souvenir.
Things To Do In Vancouver Island, BC
1️⃣ Visit Tofino
Tofino is a small district on Vancouver Island's west coast. It is known for its surfing and stunning beaches. Consider visiting Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay Beach, or the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
2️⃣ Go Whale Watching
The waters around Vancouver Island are one of the best places in the world to see whales, including orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales. Many tours depart from Victoria, Tofino, and Telegraph Cove. They offer the chance for you to see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine wildlife.
3️⃣ Explore Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring is the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands. It is known for its artisanal cheeses and arts community. The island has a relaxed vibe and is a great place to explore markets and natural landscapes.
4️⃣ See Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is on the west coast of the island. It offers a mix of rugged coastline, lush rainforest, and beaches. It is ideal for hiking, beachcombing, and exploring tidal pools. The famous West Coast Trail and the more accessible Long Beach are located here.
5️⃣ Explore Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park offers various hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine treks. It's known for its beautiful scenery, including Della Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
6️⃣ Walk the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet
Wild Pacific Trail offers stunning ocean views, rugged coastlines, and lighthouse vistas. It's an easier walk compared to the West Coast Trail, making it accessible for most visitors.
7️⃣ Visit Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park
Cathedral Grove is in MacMillan Provincial Park. It is home to enormous ancient Douglas fir and red cedar trees. Walking through the forest gives a sense of the area's history.
Optional Trip Extensions
Some guests, especially those traveling to Canada from overseas, might want to extend their stay. This allows you to explore after Steven and Mackenzie's wedding. If you're interested, we recommend that you do your own research and find activities and places that match your interests. To help you, Steven and Mackenzie have put together three sample trip extensions for you to consider.
Sample 8-Day Itinerary For Exploring BC and Alberta
Day 1: Vancouver, BC
⚫ Morning: Explore Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall.
⚫ Afternoon: Visit Granville Island and enjoy local food and art.
⚫ Evening: Walk through Gastown and dine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Vancouver to Whistler, BC
⚫ Morning: Drive to Whistler via the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
⚫ Afternoon: Explore Whistler Village and take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
⚫ Evening: Relax in Whistler and enjoy mountain views.
Day 3: Whistler to Kamloops, BC
⚫ Morning: Hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
⚫ Afternoon: Drive to Kamloops, scenic stops along the way.
⚫ Evening: Rest in Kamloops.
Day 4: Kamloops to Jasper, AB
⚫ Morning: Drive to Jasper via Yellowhead Highway.
⚫ Afternoon: Visit Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park.
⚫ Evening: Explore Jasper town and have dinner.
Day 5: Jasper National Park, AB
⚫ Full Day: Explore Jasper National Park. Visit Athabasca Falls, Medicine Lake, and take a boat tour on Maligne Lake.
Day 6: Jasper to Banff, AB
⚫ Morning: Drive the Icefields Parkway and stop at Athabasca Glacier.
⚫ Afternoon: Continue to Lake Louise and enjoy the lake view. Consider hiking to Lake Agnus Teahouse.
⚫ Evening: Arrive in Banff and relax in the town.
Day 7: Banff National Park, AB
⚫ Morning: Visit Moraine Lake and hike the Rockpile Trail.
⚫ Afternoon: Explore Banff town and visit Banff Upper Hot Springs.
⚫ Evening: Enjoy dinner and a night in Banff.
Day 8: Banff to Calgary, AB
⚫ Morning: Last walks in Banff.
⚫ Afternoon: Drive to Calgary.
⚫ Evening: Fly to your final destination.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary For Exploring Vancouver Island And Vancouver
Day 1: Victoria
⚫ Morning: Visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about the region's history. Alternatively, go whale watching.
⚫ Afternoon: Go for tea at the Empress. Then explore the Inner Harbour and the BC Parliament Buildings.
⚫ Evening: Dine in Victoria and walk in Beacon Hill Park.
Day 2: Victoria to Sooke
⚫ Morning: Drive to Sooke and enjoy breakfast at a café.
⚫ Afternoon: Hike in East Sooke Park for coastal views and explore the potholes.
⚫ Evening: Return to Victoria and relax at your accommodation.
Day 3: Cowichan Valley
⚫ Morning: Head to Cowichan Valley, known for wineries.
⚫ Afternoon: Visit wineries, have lunch, and see artisan shops.
⚫ Evening: Stay at a B&B in Cowichan Valley.
Day 4: Nanaimo and Parksville
⚫ Morning: Drive to Nanaimo and visit the Harbourfront Walkway.
⚫ Afternoon: Go to Parksville and see Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
⚫ Evening: Have dinner in Parksville.
Day 5: Tofino
⚫ Morning: Travel to Tofino, stop at Cathedral Grove.
⚫ Afternoon: Explore Tofino, visit beaches, maybe surf.
⚫ Evening: Sunset dinner in Tofino, then return to Victoria or stay overnight.
Day 6: Vancouver
⚫ Morning: Travel to Vancouver by ferry.
⚫ Afternoon: Visit Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium.
⚫ Evening: Explore Granville Island and have dinner there.
Day 7: Vancouver
⚫ Morning: Walk around Gastown and Chinatown.
⚫ Afternoon: Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain.
⚫ Evening: Enjoy a final dinner in Vancouver and explore the city's nightlife.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary For Exploring Vancouver Island
Day 1: Victoria
⚫ Morning: Visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about the region's history.
⚫ Afternoon: Explore the Inner Harbour. See the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and have tea at The Empress.
⚫ Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy a walk in Beacon Hill Park.
Day 2: Sooke and West Coast Road
⚫ Morning: Drive to Sooke, enjoy breakfast at a local café.
⚫ Afternoon: Hike in East Sooke Park, enjoy coastal views and potholes.
⚫ Evening: Return to Victoria, relax at your accommodation.
Day 3: Cowichan Valley
⚫ Morning: Head to Cowichan Valley, famous for wineries.
⚫ Afternoon: Visit wineries, enjoy lunch, explore local artisan shops.
⚫ Evening: Stay in a B&B in Cowichan Valley.
Day 4 and 5: Tofino and Victoria
⚫ Morning: Travel to Tofino, stop at Cathedral Grove to see ancient trees.
⚫ Afternoon: Explore Tofino, visit local beaches, maybe try surfing.
⚫ Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner in Tofino, then return to Victoria or stay overnight.