»
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.
» Cycling
The Greater Victoria area 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 (See Galloping Goose
Regional Trail section), or a blast down an extreme
mountain bike trail at the Hartland Basin, Victoria
will have you coming back for more.
» Roller Blading
The Galloping Goose Trail must have been built by
a roller blade enthusiast because it doesn't get any
better than this. (See Galloping Goose Regional Trail
section) Float along atop flat smooth asphalt though
trees and over train trestles on one of Victoria's
newest treasures. Rental of roller blades can be arranged
through our guest services department.
» Horseback Riding
Not always what people think of first when they think
of Victoria, but there are some beautiful trails in
the Saanich Peninsula area. If you are interested
in going for a trail ride, mention it to our reservations
agent and we will take care of it for you.
» Hiking & Leisure
Walking
For many, the first encounter with Vancouver Island
is to come here for one of the world renowned hikes.
The West Coast trail will take you through ancient
old growth rain forest and along miles of sandy beaches.
Other trails are being opened all the time. Whether
it is for the grueling 5 day West Coast Trek or a
leisurely walk along the WestSong Walkway, Victoria
has an outing to suit every taste and ability.
• Westcoast Trail
• East Sooke Regional Park
• Goldstream Provincial Park
• Sooke Pot Holes Provincial Park
• Thetis Lake Regional Park
• Mount Douglas Park
• Mt. Tolmie Park
• Swan Lake & Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
• Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
• WestSong Walkway
• Dallas Rd. Cliff Walk
• Botanical Beach Provincial Park
• Sidney Spit Provincial Park
• Beacon Hill Park
• Beaver Lake / Elk LakeWildlife Viewing
» Whale Watching
This has become one of the most popular attractions
in Victoria. Come see our resident pods in action while
enjoying the views of the city and the Olympic Mountains
from your guided boat. This is a truly unique BC experience.
When you go out you will have your choice of a covered
boat, or a wide open rigid-hulled inflatable (Also known
as Zodiacs). Covered boats protect you from the weather
and give you room to move around if you wish. The inflatable
provides a much faster ride, so they get you to the
whales sooner. You will be equipped with a cozy cruiser
suit to wear for the ride. On the way out to the whales,
you may see California Sea Lions, otters, Bald Eagles
and Harbour Seals. During the Spring and Fall you may
also see Grey Whales migrating to Alaska or back to
California.
Most of the boats have washrooms on board and come equipped
with hydrophones so that you may listen to the whales
communicating with one another.
Many of the whale watching companies also have naturalists
on board to explain the habits of the whales and can
identify which pod is active on that particular outing.
There are many quality tour operators, all of which
provide excellent service. The boats will vary in size
and style between the companies, so be sure to ask what
boat they will be using, and choose to your liking.
» Bird Watching
Birders will want to make the trip over to the Esquimalt
Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary located adjacent to
the Fisgard Lighthouse and Ft. Rodd Hill. Cuthbert Holmes
Park is another spot which is frequented by a large
variety of our fine feathered friends including the
Great Blue Heron.
Swan Lake also provides bird watchers with some satisfying
moments. Check with us at the Guest Services Desk for
more information.
» Petting Zoo
Located in Beacon Hill Park, this has been a favorite
for adults and kids alike for generations. With a variety
of barnyard animals, the petting zoo gives urban children
a chance to interact with their farm friends. Seasonal.
Summer Hours 10 - 4 daily.
» Tennis
Public tennis courts are available near the hotel free
of charge. Our courtesy van can take you there if you
wish to play. They are on a first come, first served
basis. Indoor courts are available for bookings.
We can arrange transportation to the indoor courts if
needed.
Let our reservations agent know if you are interested
in booking a tennis court and we will take care of it
for you.
Indoor Courts
• Cedar Hill Rec Center
• Oak Bay Rec
Center
Outdoor Courts
•
James Bay - Montreal at Niagra
• Beacon Hill
Park
• Fairfield- Fairfield at Hollywood
• Stadacona Park- Four Corners
» Scuba Diving
Explore some of the world's best scuba diving, just
blocks from downtown. Marine life is abundant in the
lush kelp beds. Hundreds of species of fish, otters,
seals, octopi and sea floor dwellers are all just breaths
away as you enter another world in the wild Pacific
waters. This is one of the stops on every divers must
dive list.
The artificial reef society has been busy sinking former
navy vessels in the area to provide new areas of exploration.
If you wish to do some diving while you are here, let
our reservations agent know and we can get you the information
you need.
» Fishing
For thousands of years the waters off Vancouver Island
have been harvested for it's rich sea life. The commercial
fishery was one of the first industries in the area.
Today, sport fishing is the main activity on the water.
Sport fishing is available year round, but the summer
is the preferred time due to the abundance of salmon.
Halibut fishing is also very popular. Halibut of up
to 600 lbs have been taken in the local waters.
Charter operators are available to take you to some
of the best fishing on the coast, just minutes outside
of Victoria harbour. Some of them will drop a crab pot
on the way out so that in addition to a fresh salmon
or halibut, you can have a crab feed if your timing
is right.
If you prefer to go it alone, boat charters are also
available. There are tight restrictions on what you
can and can't keep, so using the skills of a charter
operator is recommended. Just let our reservations agent
know what you would like to do and we will take care
of the rest for you.
» 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.
» Waterslides
This is a great way for the whole family to beat the
summer heat. Located just out of town on Highway 1,
All-Fun Recreation Park boasts over 3/4 of a mile of
waterslides, Mini-golf, go-cart, batting cages and more.
Start your day early , bring your sunscreen, and get
ready to have a day filled with fun for everyone.
• All-Fun Waterslides
and Recreation Park
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!
» Outdoor Swimming
Victoria is surrounded by beaches
and lakes. Ocean swimming can be chilly but refreshing.
The many lakes in the area are popular in the summers,
and often are quite busy. A hike around the lake followed
by a dip in the fresh water is a favored summer pastime
of many.
• Beaver Lake / Elk Lake
Located along Hwy. 17, these two lakes are
ideal for swimming. Highlights of the lakes include
sandy beaches and forest trails.
• Thetis Lake Park - Thetis Lake
is a local favourite featuring deep clean
water and cliffs for jumping, this lake is about 1/2
hour from downtown. There are sandy beaches and spots
for picnics also.
• Sooke Pot Holes
The Sooke River has formed huge holes in
the rocks making for several little swimming holes.
There are hiking trails along the river bank with
many places to stop for a picnic.
» Ocean side Beaches
• Sooke Beaches French, China,
Mystic, Sombrio
Access to some usually includes a hike. Mystic is
a skimboarders mecca, not only because clothing is
optional, but it has a great shore break. Sombrio
is the BC version of Hawaii's north shore. Storms
out at sea can produce some huge waves. Area surfers
are well aware of this fact.
• Willows Beach Located in Oak Bay
This beach is one of the more popular of the local
beaches. It is home to the annual Oak Bay Tea Party
held each year in June.
• Gonzales Beach
Below Gonzales Hill this beach is often quiet
and a great spot for some beach combing. Gonzales
Hill has the observatory and weather station. It is
possible to climb to the top of the hill for a great
lookout.
• Gyro Park
This beach is located in Cadboro Bay. The
park has a replica of the legendary Cadborosaurus.
This creature is said to be a relative of the Loch
Ness Monster and lives in the waters of Cadboro Bay.
Caddy as he is known usually allows himself to be
seen once or twice a year. If you would like more
information about the local beaches, or would like
to visit one during your stay with us, just ask at
the Guest Services desk or at the Front Desk. If you
would like more information about the local beaches,
or would like to visit one during your stay with us,
just ask at the Guest Services desk or at the Front
Desk.
» 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.
» Beach Combing
French Beach Provincial Park. This 59 hectare park
is a great spot for walking along the beach and possibly
seeing some whales from shore. Other wildlife you
may see will be otters, seals and Bald Eagles.
There is plenty of parking and an adventure playground
for the children. The park is open from May to September.
» 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. The setting
for this jump is quite spectacular. It is about an
hour drive from the hotel to the Bungy Zone.
» 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.
» 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.
Ask our front desk or guest services agent for directions
to the course.
» Skateboard Parks
There are two public parks for skateboard enthusiasts.
One is located in Esquimalt about 5 minutes from the
hotel, and the other is located in lovely Sidney by
the Sea.
|
~ Hiking & Beachcombing ~
~ Whale Watching ~
~ Tennis ~
~ Water Slides ~
~ Outdoor Swimming ~
~ Kayaking & Boating ~ |
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