Our trip to Victoria BC by Senior Canada Specialists - Brendan and Kevin

"After a trip through the Rockies from Calgary, we headed over to Victoria, BC to experience the journey just as our clients would. We travelled from Vancouver by coach, which takes around four hours in total, but it’s far more than a simple transfer from A to B. We boarded the ferry at Tsawwassen Terminal, and once the coach drives on, you’re free to hop off and explore the decks. The crossing takes about 95 minutes and cruises through the scenic passages of the Gulf Islands towards the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s a beautiful stretch of water – forested islands, distant mountains and the fresh Pacific air, setting the tone nicely for what’s to come.The ferry arrives into Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, and from there it’s just a 35-minute drive down to Victoria. It’s an easy, comfortable journey, and ideal for holidaymakers who prefer not to self-drive.

After checking into our hotel, we headed straight out to Fisherman’s Wharf, about a 10-minute walk from downtown. It’s a lovely spot for lunch, with colourful clapboard buildings, floating homes and a relaxed, coastal feel. There’s a great mix of casual eateries, bars and seafood shacks – the sort of place where you can happily lose an afternoon. It felt authentic and unpretentious.

At 4pm we checked in for our sunset whale-watching cruise. The cruise usually lasts around three hours, although they’ll often stay out longer to ensure everyone sees plenty of wildlife. We were fortunate: multiple orca pods, including mothers with calves, hunting for seals. An amazing sight to see.



Back on land, Victoria itself really impressed us. It’s a compact, walkable city with lovely areas to stroll through downtown and along the waterfront. The temperate climate means flowers and foliage are everywhere, even outside peak summer months, giving the city a vibrant, colourful feel.

There’s also a noticeable energy thanks to its student population, which brings a great mix of independent cafes, relaxed pubs and excellent restaurants. It manages to feel both refined and laid-back at the same time – ideal for couples, friends travelling together, or as part of a wider British Columbia itinerary. Victoria exceeded expectations for us. It’s not just a stopover from Vancouver, it’s a destination in its own right, and we’d strongly recommend at least a two-night stay to properly enjoy the city, the wildlife and that wonderfully easy-going West Coast atmosphere."