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Victoria is blessed with having the mildest
climate in Canada and is surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of
Vancouver Island. Such features make Victoria a Mecca for outdoor
enthusiasts at any time of the year. A huge variety of exciting options
await visitors.
A fun way to discover Victoria's great outdoors is to follow the many
bicycle paths that wind through the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The 70-kilometre long Galloping Goose Regional Trail can lead you
to a cool dip in a swimming hole on a summer's day, or take you for
a quiet ride through the countryside. Easily accessible at several
points, the Goose begins from downtown Victoria and finishes at the
site of an abandoned gold mining town near Sooke. Connecting Victoria
to Saanich and the Peninsula, this trail system forms part of the
Trans Canada Trail.
Hiking excursions in and around Victoria offer outdoor adventure in
a wonderful diversity of landscapes. From paved footpaths along the
shores to rugged hiking trails through old-growth forests, there is
something for any age and any level of fitness. Favourite trails include
the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, East Sooke Regional Park, Goldstream
Provincial Park, and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Victoria and southern Vancouver Island are situated along major migration
routes for whales, salmon, sea lions and many species of birds. Local
guides can lead you to prime viewing sites. Victoria is particularly
famous for the killer whales, also called Orcas, which inhabit the
offshore and surrounding waters. In fact, whale-watching and wildlife
expeditions are one of Victoria's most popular outdoor activities.
Victoria also has long been known for first-rate fishing, especially
saltwater fishing. The most sought-after fish is the Pacific salmon
- Chinook, Coho, sockeye, pink, and chum - but the catch of the day
can be halibut, cod, sole, crab, or shrimp. Guided and bareboat fishing
charters operate from the Inner Harbour and from many other surrounding
marinas.
Explore an undersea world full of marine plant life, colourful corals
and dense kelp forests. The Cousteau Society rates the waters off
Vancouver Island as second only to the Red Sea for clarity and variety
of marine life. Shipwrecks and artificial reefs become homes for octopi,
sea stars and other marine wildlife. Charter operators and outfitters
in and around Victoria provide equipment, lessons, and tours.
Experience the beauty of the coastline from the water and discover
Victoria from a different perspective. Chartered boat operators and
tour companies are available for sightseeing, sailing, nature tours
and dinner cruises. Kayak or canoe excursions are most popular around
the Inner Harbour and along the coastline to Sidney. A huge variety
of outdoor adventure companies offer rentals, tours, and lessons.
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