AboutRob Janus Expertise I'm a resident of Victoria, and have been for 25 years. I'm happy to answer questions about
tourism, housing, local government, or similar things.
Experience Resident of the area for a quarter century. Writing a book about tourism in Victoria.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Expert: Rob Janus Date: 6/13/2008 Subject: Affordable South Vancouver Island, BC activites
Question QUESTION: What are affordable, interesting things (under $50, preferably under $10) to do (both within, and outside of, Victoria) on a visit to "South Island" region of Vancouver Island?
I'm going with a lover in June.
ANSWER: Thank you for your question. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of inexpensive things to do on the South Island. Maybe if you gave me an idea of your interests, I could narrow down a few recommendations?
Thanks,
Rob
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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply. Here are some guides for your response:
* When I travel I like to getting to know the culture there. What do the locals like to do? And where are their hangouts?
* I love experiencing anything unique. Especially if it makes me look at the world a different way.
* I have interests in the arts and humanities.
* I like taking in the beauty of nature. Where are the top places for nature? Where are some good places to make love outdoors?
* I like events and festivals.
ANSWER: Okay, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Get a copy of "Victoria: The Unknown City" by Ross Crockford.
I could give you a long list of possible activities that might match your interests, but it wouldn't come close to the detail you'll find in this book.
Visit the websites for CRD Parks, BC Parks and Canadian Parks Services http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ http://www.pc.gc.ca/index_e.asp
These websites will give you all the information you need about exploring local nature through the parks in and around Victoria. Most are very nice and some are truly world-class locations.
For a possible idea of places to make love outside, check out the 'Clothing Optional BC' website: http://members.shaw.ca/co-bc/
And for a great listing of events and festivals around Victoria, check out the Tourism Victoria and City of Victoria events calendars: http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/693.asp
http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/events.shtml
Hope that helps.
Rob
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QUESTION: Thanks, I haven't checked it out just yet, but so far that looks incredible! I'm arriving in Victoria and will be taking public transportation to tour Vancouver Island. What neighboring areas (within 1 hour public transportation) would you recommend I go to? And why?
Answer There's not a lot of places you can get to within and hour using public transportation, but here are some possibilities:
1. Sooke
This is a municipality (one of 13) that's part of Greater Victoria, and it's the farthest north-west of Victoria. The real nice parts of Sooke, however, are spread out and not easily reached from the "town centre" where the bus will drop you. Still, if you can find a way to get mobile out here, it will be worth it by visiting places like the Sooke potholes, or Whiffen Spit.
2. Harbor Ferry
You can take a round trip, getting on and off these cute, little miniature tug boats that travel all around the harbour in Victoria, including up the Gorge waterway. Don't miss a stop at the wharf where Barb's Fish & Chips is if the weather is good. Halibut and French Fries...mmmmmm!!!!
3. E&N Railway
This is a day-liner that runs between Victoria and Courtney, some 3.5 hours north. You could take it in the morning to Duncan (about 1 hour) or Nanaimo (1.5-2 hours), spend a few hours shopping and looking around, and take the evening train back. A beautiful way travel, except for the part at the beginning of the trip in Victoria which, sadly, takes you through some ugly industrial areas before getting out into the backwoods. Check viarail.ca
4.The Butchart Gardens
The most visited site in the Greater Victoria area, Butchart's is sometimes maligned by locals as too touristy, but others like myself think it's everything it's cracked up to be and more. Even if you only marginally like flowers and plants, you'll be blown away by the 54 acres. You could take a tour bus (they leave from in front of the Empress Hotel), but I'd save some money and take the public bus (they're even modern double-deckers). You'll have to walk about 10 minutes from the bus stop to the garden's entrance, but you can take the money you save and buy dinner at one of several restaurants on site.
5. Sidney
About 30 km north of downtown Victoria, Sidney is a bedroom community of mostly young families and old retirees. But the main road, Beacon Avenue, is fun to wander down and check out all the little shops. Great italian gelatto at the cafe by the hardware store! The fish market is kind of cool, as is the Sidney museum and the old hotel.
6. Mattick's Farm
This little group of shops and restaurants is kind of hidden away, but is easy to get to by bus (stops right there) and is about 30 minutes out of town in Cordova Bay. Good icecream and a minigolf course too.
