• Bears roam the waterside
  • Kayaking Johnstone Strait
  • Go whale-watching

Vancouver Island holidays

See whales offshore and explore Victoria on your Kuoni holidays

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Stray from the quaint streets of Victoria and the wilds of Vancouver Island awaits. One of Canada's most accesible wildernesses, Vancouver Island offers magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged hinterland, endless outdoor pursuits including some sublime fishing and spectacular wildlife spotting opportunities.

Victoria situated at the southern tip of Vancouver Island is rich in culture and heritage and is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Reached from Vancouver by ferry or by flight, a visit to Victoria is not to be missed! Victoria is a great city with superb attractions and activities.

Discover our complete range of Vancouver Island hotels.

Vancouver Island Holiday Highlights

•   The Vancouver coastline in the ideal place to spot a variety of marine life, however, it is the whale watching that really sets it apart. See Orcas, Gray whales and Humpback whales all along this stretch of coast.

•   The Butchart Gardens, tucked into a serene 50-acre country estate on the southeast corner of Vancouver Island, is a garden of earthly delights in every season. From summer splendour to autumn's golden glory and sparkling holiday magic - there's always something to see, learn and experience.

•   For something a little different, visit one of the many llama farms around the island and enjoy the gentle, inquisitive nature of these animals.

Vancouver Island Honeymoons

Explore this beautiful island on your honeymoon accompanied by a stay in one of our romantic Vancouver Island hotels. Enjoy a spot of whale watching, walk hand in hand through the streets of Victoria and enjoy this remarkable location with your significant other.

Canada Weddings

As a weddings abroad specialist we at Kuoni are the ideal choice to help you plan your perfect wedding in Canada. Our selection of Canada wedding packages includes romantic settings such as magical Lake Louise and even an exciting ceremony atop a mountain only accessible by helicopter. For further information please see our dedicated Canada weddings pages or request a copy of our Weddings Brochure.

Canada Tailor Made

Tailor make your ideal Canada holiday from our vast array of product by combining destinations, hotels, tours and excursions to create your perfect bespoke holiday.

To tailor make your own Kuoni Canada holiday simply:

•   View our online portfolio or download our America & Canada brochure.

•   Then, call our Canada sales team on 01306 747002 who will guide you through all of your options and prepare a detailed customised holiday quotation especially for you.

•   Request a quote

Canada Facts

For further information, inspiration and holiday ideas:

•   Our comprehensive list of Canada facts and information.

•   Our i-travel articles for Canada Holidays

Capital city

Ottawa
Population

Vancouver Island has a population of 367,572, Victoria 75,390.

Time difference / local time

Canada is divided into six time zones: Eastern Standard Time: GMT – 5 Central Standard Time: GMT – 6 Mountain Standard Time: GMT – 7 Pacific Standard Time: GMT – 8 Atlantic Standard Time: GMT – 4 New Fountain Standard Time: GMT – 31⁄2 When calculat
Language

English is widely spoken all over Canada except Québec, which is bilingual (French-English).

Currency

Canadian Dollars (Can$). Rate of Exchange CAN$1.60= UK£1 (Feb 2011).The Canadian dollar is divided into 100 cents.

Passports and Visas

British subjects require a full 10 year passport which must be valid for six months after return to the UK.

Shopping

Most goods are available slightly cheaper than the cost at home. Canadian arts and crafts fashioned from pewter, wood, silver and pottery (as well as Native Canadian art like soapstone-carvings, totem poles and weavings) are best found in the regions where they are produced.

Tipping

Many Canadians in the service industry rely on tips to supplement their income. Tips or tax are not usually automatically added to a bill in Canada, but you should always check. Taxi drivers, hairdressers and waiters are generally given 10-15%. Bellhops, porters and doormen are generally paid Can$1 per item of luggage. It may be advisable to carry small change for this purpose. These figures are for guidance only and assume that service has been good.

Climate data for this region

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