Even after five years of Island living, I'm never short of amazed by the things I still uncover in this beautiful place. One of my most recent favourite finds, mentioned below, is the Malaspina Galleries, a geological formation the likes of which I had never seen before. Have you found something unique on a day trip from Greater Victoria lately? We would love to hear from you. Send us your pictures and stories at sam.duerksen@blackpress.ca. In the meantime, below are five incredible spots, all just a car ride away.
MALASPINA GALLERIES ON GABRIOLA ISLAND
The Malaspina Galleries are a geological sight to behold: coastal weather and wave erosion over time have created a unique rip curl in the sandstone. Visitors can walk through this spectacular tunnel (the ceiling is nearly 4m tall), alongside the water during low tide, or jump off the galleries into the refreshing water from atop. The park itself is about 3 km from the ferry terminal and offers beautiful views with plenty of marine life to see. From Victoria, it's about a 3-hour one-way trip, including the ferry.
SAYSUTSHUN
Only accessible by a walk-on ferry, this pristine family-friendly park off of Nanaimo offers a unique oceanside camping experience with full amenities, including a restored 1930s dance pavilion concession stand. Enjoy nature with kayak and bike rentals, hiking trails and tidal pools with views of the Coastal Mountains. Dive into history with the Saysutshun Interpretive Walking Tour, which begins at the Totem Pole near the ferry dock and goes to sacred village sites. Or, hike or bike the forested coastal trail 8 km around the perimeter.
SOOKE POTHOLES
The journey from Victoria to Sooke offers a fantastic glimpse of the south Island's natural beauty. A worthy destination? The Sooke Potholes, a geological wonder with rocky pools to wade into for a refreshing dip. The potholes are not just a place for swimming and hiking – they're also near an important salmon spawning spot and offer a glimpse into geological history. They were created around 15,000 years ago as meltwater receded from glaciers, creating powerful currents that carried large boulders and rock downstream. Trapped in the riverbed, these boulders were swirled around by the current, grinding and eroding the bedrock to form the spectacular formations.
BILSTON CREEK LAVENDER FARM
This lavender farm nestled between forest and sea offers much more than a gorgeous sea of purple and a dreamy scent in the air. The farm blooms with attractions, like a bookable sauna/cold plunge experience, an outdoor wood-fired pizza station offering delicious bites that can be enjoyed at the outdoor cafe or on picnic blankets on the farm's serene lawn, and workshops throughout the year. The farm is located at 4185 Metchosin Road, a short drive from downtown Victoria.
THE FALLS AT GOLDSTREAM PROVINCIAL PARK
Located in Langford, 16 km northwest of Victoria on the Trans Canada Highway, Goldstream Park offers a variety of hiking trails, camping spots, wildlife viewing and waterfalls. Hikes vary from wheelchair-accessible trails and short walks along the river, to strenuous hikes at Mount Finlayson, one of the highest points in Greater Victoria. Popular trails include the Upper Goldstream Falls Trail and the Goldstream Falls and Arbutus Loop. Goldstream Falls is a breathtaking 47.5 meters high; the water cascades in a serene setting, nestled among old-growth Douglas firs – some over 600 years old.
