Manuel’s guidebook
Hikes & Beaches
Great hike with an amazing view on the top. The hike is steap and requires a good fitness level and occasional climbing and takes about 45-60min per way.
The trailhead is at Goldstream Park, about 10min from the AirBnB.
16 locals recommend
Mt Finlayson
Great hike with an amazing view on the top. The hike is steap and requires a good fitness level and occasional climbing and takes about 45-60min per way.
The trailhead is at Goldstream Park, about 10min from the AirBnB.
Beatiful park with a mountain next to the ocean. Multiple trails with vareying difficulty. Great views from the top, nice for sun sets. There is also an option to drive to the top with a car, but unless you"re in a rush, I would recommend to hike up.
12 locals recommend
Mt. Douglas Park
4550 Cordova Bay RdBeatiful park with a mountain next to the ocean. Multiple trails with vareying difficulty. Great views from the top, nice for sun sets. There is also an option to drive to the top with a car, but unless you"re in a rush, I would recommend to hike up.
Great place in the summer to cool down in the water and also see the unique potholes and hike along the river. About 20minutes from the AirBnB.
222 locals recommend
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke River RoadGreat place in the summer to cool down in the water and also see the unique potholes and hike along the river. About 20minutes from the AirBnB.
Unique beach with tide pools and lots of sealife/wildlife to discover. Scenic drive to Port Renfrew along the coast, about 90min from the AirBnB. Great day trip to explore the West Coast. Note that there is limited/no cell reception past Sooke.
75 locals recommend
Botanical Beach
Unique beach with tide pools and lots of sealife/wildlife to discover. Scenic drive to Port Renfrew along the coast, about 90min from the AirBnB. Great day trip to explore the West Coast. Note that there is limited/no cell reception past Sooke.
Nice lake, great for swimming or to hike around. About 10-15min from AirBnB.
98 locals recommend
Thetis Lake Regional Park
Nice lake, great for swimming or to hike around. About 10-15min from AirBnB.
Many nice hiking trails lose to the ocean and up the mountain for some great views. About 20min from the AirBnB.
33 locals recommend
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Ross Durrance RoadMany nice hiking trails lose to the ocean and up the mountain for some great views. About 20min from the AirBnB.
Food scene
One of the best Italian restaurants in town. Great for a romantic dinner, not really recommended for smaller kids. Reservations are highly recommended one or two weeks in advance as this place typically books out quickly.
244 locals recommend
II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StOne of the best Italian restaurants in town. Great for a romantic dinner, not really recommended for smaller kids. Reservations are highly recommended one or two weeks in advance as this place typically books out quickly.
Cute and unique coffee shop and a must stop while exploring the West Coast, on the road to Jordan River/Port Renfrew. Note that the cafe closes already at 3pm.
111 locals recommend
Shirley Delicious
2794 Sheringham Point RdCute and unique coffee shop and a must stop while exploring the West Coast, on the road to Jordan River/Port Renfrew. Note that the cafe closes already at 3pm.
Sightseeing
A must see during your visit. Many colorful and unique house boats floating on the water. Multiple different eating options, e.g. Fish & Chips, Mexican, Pizza, Burgers, Ice Cream etc., ideal for lunch or an afternoon snack and stawl. Whale watching tours also start from there and you can rent kayaks to paddle the inner harbour. Walking distance from inner harbour or accessible via water taxi, which is also a fun experience.
255 locals recommend
Fisherman's Wharf Park
12 Erie StA must see during your visit. Many colorful and unique house boats floating on the water. Multiple different eating options, e.g. Fish & Chips, Mexican, Pizza, Burgers, Ice Cream etc., ideal for lunch or an afternoon snack and stawl. Whale watching tours also start from there and you can rent kayaks to paddle the inner harbour. Walking distance from inner harbour or accessible via water taxi, which is also a fun experience.
Beautiful city with a walkable downtown core along the inner harbour, Empress Hotel and Parlament building. Also check out China Town and Beacon Hill Park / Dallas Road and Cook Street Village. About 30-60min from the AirBnB, depending on traffic/rush hour.
230 locals recommend
Victoria
Beautiful city with a walkable downtown core along the inner harbour, Empress Hotel and Parlament building. Also check out China Town and Beacon Hill Park / Dallas Road and Cook Street Village. About 30-60min from the AirBnB, depending on traffic/rush hour.