Sooke
Forty minutes west of Victoria, the water-recreation community and natural harbour of Sooke edges 1,422 hectares of coastal rainforest. Regardless of what your favourite family activity is, Sooke can deliver with whale-watching, salmon-fishing charters, hiking trails, horseback riding, saltwater beaches and kayaking.
Cowichan
"The Cowichan Valley, located 45 minutes north of Victoria, means the 'warm land' in its native language," says Heather McGillivray, travel media specialist for Tourism Victoria. "This area receives more sun and the best growing conditions of anywhere on Vancouver Island."
These growing conditions have produced outstanding wineries and a trip to this area wouldn't be complete with a tour of one. For ecotourists enthusiastic to experience the natural wonders of the Cowichan Valley, check out Rainforest Expeditions, Island Houseboats, Ocean Ecoventures and Sealegs Kayaking.
Cowichan also claims more artists per capita than anywhere in North America, with two first-class theatres, many smaller performance venues and thriving First Nations culture.
Duncan: The City of Totems
Twenty minutes north of Victoria is Duncan, the "City of Totems" and the civic centre of the Cowichan Valley. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of more than 41 hand-carved cedar poles on public display in downtown streets and parks.
Check out the totem beside city hall. It was carved by a Maori craftsman in exchange for a local carving Duncan presented to its sister city of Kaikohe, New Zealand.
Regardless of your family's interests and activity preferences, Victoria and its surrounding communities have much to offer vacationing (and local) families.
For more information, visit:
Tourism Victoria
Folkfest
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Image courtesy Tourism Victoria.
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