Vancouver + Victoria, BC
Discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm in Vancouver and Victoria, BC. From cityscapes to serene coastal views, each city offers a unique adventure that leaves a lasting impression, and some are less positive than others.
From USA to Canada
Crossing the border from the USA to Canada is like stepping into a new world of vibrant landscapes and diverse experiences. As you drive through the border checkpoint, you'll be greeted by a shift in scenery, from the familiar sights of the States to the picturesque beauty of Canada. The transition is marked not just by the change in geography, but also by the warm welcome that reflects Canada's renowned hospitality. It's the beginning of an exciting journey, full of new adventures and discoveries.
I was quite anxious about the border checkpoint, but both Drew in the motorhome and I in the Bronco had no issues. We were pleasantly surprised by the short lines and quick processing. The border agent asked only a few brief questions, and we were on our way in just five minutes.
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC, is a bustling, multicultural city renowned for its stunning natural beauty and dynamic urban life. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Coastal Mountains, Vancouver offers breathtaking views and a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to kayaking in its scenic harbor. The city is known for its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and culinary delights, with a wide range of dining options reflecting its rich multicultural heritage. While Vancouver, BC, boasts stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scenes, it also faces significant challenges. The city struggles with visible signs of drug addiction and homelessness, particularly in certain areas of downtown. The presence of addiction and related issues contributes to cleanliness concerns, with some neighborhoods grappling with litter and neglect. These challenges highlight the complex social issues that Vancouver contends with, reminding visitors and residents alike of the ongoing need for support and solutions to address these pressing problems.
Victoria, BC
Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is the capital of British Columbia and a gem of the Pacific Northwest. Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant gardens, and abundant outdoor activities, this city offers adventure-loving travelers a captivating mix of history and natural beauty. As one of the oldest cities in the region, Victoria's charm lies in its seamless blend of historic allure and outdoor adventure. With only five hours to explore the island, we faced the tough task of choosing activities that would give us the best glimpse of this enchanting city.
If we had more time, we would have indulged in more of what Victoria has to offer—great food, beautiful green spaces, monumental buildings, hikes, and ocean views. Ideally, three days would have allowed us to fully appreciate the area, but we made the most of our limited time and packed in as much as possible.
First Things First – The Ferry to Vancouver Island
We caught the 8 a.m. ferry from Tsawwassen in Vancouver to the Swartz Bay Terminal in Victoria. Before boarding, we dropped off Addison, our 14-year-old dog, with a sitter we found through Rover. This was our first experience using Rover, and our anxiety was quickly eased by the sitter's excellent communication and 'action shots' of Addison—mostly of her sleeping peacefully. Michael, the sitter, was incredibly flexible with our early morning drop-off at 6:45 a.m.
We arrived in time for the 7:30 a.m. ferry but recommend making a reservation to guarantee a car space and ferry ticket. Unfortunately, we had to leave our Bronco at the terminal as tickets were sold out, leaving us with the option of being ‘walk-on’ passengers.
The BC Ferry is enormous, with several decks, a retail store, and food options. While the food wasn't particularly memorable, it sufficed as we were hungry. The early morning crossing offered beautiful golden hour photo opportunities, with the island views epitomizing the scenic beauty of British Columbia. The journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, making a day trip to Victoria from Vancouver entirely feasible.
Having a vehicle is by far the best way to explore the area, whether you have five hours or five days. We rented a car at the airport, which presented its own challenges. All the taxis could only accommodate four passengers, but with some persuasion and a generous tip, we managed to secure a ride for our family of five to the car rental location. The ferry terminal is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria.
Walk the Victoria Inner Harbour
One of the best free activities in Victoria is simply walking around the Inner Harbour. This is one of the most picturesque harbors in the world, with its scenic views and bustling atmosphere.
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This vibrant spot is filled with colorful floating homes, charming shops, and delightful eateries. A stroll along the wharf offers intriguing sights and great photo opportunities. The local restaurants and food kiosks are perfect for sampling fresh seafood. Keep an eye out for the harbour seals that often visit the area, though we weren’t lucky enough to spot any during our visit.
If we had more time or were exploring on foot, we would have hopped on one of Victoria's "pickle boats." These pickle-shaped boats, operated by Victoria Harbour Ferry, can carry up to 12 passengers and navigate the inner waterways, providing a fun and convenient way to reach popular destinations.
Stroll Around Downtown
Downtown Victoria is full of shops, restaurants, and character. We could have easily spent an entire afternoon exploring the lively streets, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the local seafood and pubs. The buildings are stunning, especially the Fairmont Empress Hotel, with its Edwardian Châteauesque style, and the Baroque revival-style Legislature.
Parliament Building
Overlooking Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are a must-see. Designed by architect Francis Rattenbury and completed in 1897, the buildings boast a Baroque façade mixed with Romanesque details. The statue of Queen Victoria on the front lawn and the gold-covered statue of Captain George Vancouver atop the central dome add to the grandeur. While weekend tours of the interior weren't available, the exterior alone was worth the visit.
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum offers a fascinating journey through British Columbia's 9,000 years of human history. We spent a significant amount of time in the Stonehenge exhibit, which was particularly impressive. The museum features reconstructions of a turn-of-the-century town, First Nations artifacts, and more, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Top 10 Facts About Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle located in Wiltshire, England.
It was constructed around 5,000 years ago.
The entire construction process took about 1,000 years.
Scientists believe Stonehenge functioned as a way to track time, particularly the seasons. Each year, on June 21, the summer solstice, the sun rises directly over the Heel Stone, and on the winter solstice, the sun sets behind it, indicating the change of seasons.
The exact method of moving the massive stones to the site remains a mystery. Some of the stones originated from Wales, meaning they were transported over a great distance. Theories suggest they were dragged on sledges and floated on rafts, but this has never been definitively proven.
Some of the stones at Stonehenge weigh more than four elephants each.
Stonehenge is thought to have been used as a calendar by ancient civilizations, with the alignment of the stones corresponding to different times of the year.
The placement of the stones likely had significant meaning related to the months, seasons, and years.
Despite extensive research, the purpose of Stonehenge continues to intrigue and puzzle historians and archaeologists alike.
Evidence suggests that Stonehenge was also used as a burial ground or cemetery at various points in its history.
Butchart Gardens
Though we didn't have time to visit, the world-famous Butchart Gardens are a must-see if you have more than five hours to explore the island. Located about a 35-minute drive north of downtown Victoria, these gardens, established in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, are a testament to the island’s natural beauty and horticultural excellence.
Where We Stayed:
Capilano River RV Park
As Vancouver's only centrally located RV park, this site is ideally positioned just minutes from key attractions such as Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and easy access to Squamish. We appreciated the convenience of the full hookup sites, though they were quite cramped, with some neighboring outdoor tables nearly under our slide-out. The playground didn’t feel entirely safe for our kids, and we would not let them roam outside the motorhome without an adult. The park’s amenities fell short of expectations as well; the pool was perpetually crowded, and the bathrooms were not well-maintained. The Wi-Fi hotspots barely managed to provide more than three bars.
My sweet youngest thinks that standing still and quiet makes him invisible—it's quite amusing! I almost missed him because I wouldn’t have thought to check if he climbed onto my Bronco (and yes, he knows he's not supposed to, lol).
Final Thoughts on Victoria, BC & Vancouver
Vancouver's downtown area also presented challenges, with visible signs of the city’s struggles, including issues related to cleanliness and the opiate crisis. Walking through downtown, we saw many people grappling with addiction, which prompted important conversations with our kids about drugs and mental health. Given these issues, we chose to focus our time on exploring the island rather than spending more time in Vancouver.
On the contrary, we adored Victoria, BC. The city effortlessly blends rich history with natural beauty, offering visitors a unique experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. Whether you're strolling through charming streets lined with heritage buildings, exploring lush gardens, or taking in stunning coastal views, Victoria captivates with its timeless elegance and vibrant spirit. It's a place where every visit feels like a new discovery, making it a destination you'll want to return to again and again.
Our family in front of Parliament Building.