Green Your Trip
Curious about the ‘green’ options Victoria has to offer?
See the “greener” side of Victoria with these suggested activities assembled by Tourism Victoria staff. And, to be “truly” green, be sure to carry a reusable water bottle; a reusable shopping tote to carry all the items you will collect along the way; and if taking a taxi, choose a hybrid – the province of British Columbia now only approves hybrid and fuel efficient taxis with the goal of cutting emissions 30% by 2020. Victoria taxis are leading the way, nearly 100% of the Victoria taxi fleet is expected to be hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles by 2011.
Explore Victoria on Foot
Take a stroll and experience Victoria’s picturesque landmarks, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, The Fairmont Empress and the lower causeway, where you’ll find excitement and entertainment galore. Head north along Government Street, stopping in the local shops and cafes along the way, to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. When you’ve had your fill of the Gates of Harmonious Interest and Fan Tan Alley, head back towards town and visit the historic and renowned shopping areas LoJo and the Design District where you’ll find a variety of places to stop for an all local lunch.
Rent a Bike
Victoria has so much to see – a little pedal power can come in handy. Rent a bike at one of downtown’s many shops (electric bicycles available at some shops) and explore everything the surrounding area has to offer. Take the scenic drive along Dallas Road, through Beacon Hill Park and past the Breakwater at Ogden Point.
Take a pit stop for more local fare in one of Victoria’s many distinct neighbourhoods; we recommend Fernwood Village, Cook Street Village, James Bay and VicWest (home to one of Victoria’s latest developments, Dockside Green – on track to be the World’s First Platinum LEED Community).
Happy Trails to You
For a little more adventure, spend some time on Greater Victoria’s amazing trails, the Galloping Goose and the Lochside Trails, where you can cycle, stroll, run, or even ride a horse through the rural sections.
Galloping Goose Trail - This picturesque multi-use trail, formerly a railway line, moves through urban, rural and wilderness scenery on its 55 kilometre journey from Downtown Victoria to Sooke. On the trail travel past a quiet cove, a hidden lake, rocky outcrops, marshland, canyon land, skunk cabbage swampland, tall Douglas-fir forest, Garry oak and arbutus forest, rural farmland and waterways. “The Goose” was named for the gas-powered passenger car that carried mail and 30 passengers twice daily between Victoria and Sooke during the 1920s.
Lochside Trail - Lochside Trail is a 55 kilometre multi–use trail, formerly a railway line, stretching from Swartz Bay to Downtown Victoria, past beaches, farmland, and wetlands, down country lanes and beside suburban backyards. The trail has a more civilized personality than its more rural cousin, the Galloping Goose. While some parts of the Lochside Trail are off-road and others downright pastoral, in some places trail visitors must share paved or gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm vehicles.
Eat Local
Choose from Victoria’s many restaurants specializing in local fare. Fresh fish caught that morning, buffalo mozzarella, Cowichan Valley chicken, freshly harvested shellfish and Vancouver Island wine; you’re guaranteed to find something for even the most discriminating palette. if you are looking for the sustainable choice in seafood, watch for ‘Ocean Wise’ restaurants. Ocean Wise establishments are committed to serving sustainable, ocean-friendly seafood. By looking for the Ocean Wise symbol beside menu items, you can be assured that you are making the best choice for our oceans.
DON’T MISS! Victoria’s Local Farmer’s Markets. Farmer’s markets run across the region from June to September at a variety of locations and feature everything from table full of Vancouver Island produce, berries and flowers to local preserves and hand made breads. Some of our favourites:
The Island Chefs Collaborative Bastion Square Farm Market
Mayfair Market
Esquimalt Community Market
Also see BC Association of Farmers’ Markets for more information.
SHAW Ocean Discovery Centre
The SHAW Ocean Discovery Centre is an aquarium and marine education centre focused on the amazing ecosystem of the Salish Sea. The centre operates as a not-for-profit community facility that is self supporting through admission fees, grants and donations. Visiting the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre will not be a passive experience. Plan to become inspired – because the centre hopes you will learn to cherish the ocean. The ocean needs you and there are many things you can do.
Spend a Little Time in Sooke
Rent an eco-friendly hybrid car or hop in one of Victoria’s many hybrid taxi’s and head north to Sooke. When you arrive explore the many parks and hiking trails; not to be missed is the splendid Sooke Potholes Regional Park. While you’re in the area check out the Sooke Harbour House (great lunch spot on a day trip) and the ‘Seaweed lady’, Diane Bernard. From Outer Coast Seaweeds, Bernard provides area resorts, restaurants and spas with her hand-harvested seaweed and seaweed products, and from May to September, visitors can join Bernard at Whiffen Spit in Sooke, 45 minutes west of Victoria, to explore the ocean garden and experience first-hand the inner and outer benefits of seaweed.
For more information about green activities, accommodations and much more, please visit GREEN VICTORIA or contact one of our knowledgeable staff for more information.
