Premier Listings for South Vancouver Island
A rare combination of rural charm and elegant sophistication, the South Island region of Vancouver Island is home to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia.
South Vancouver Island incorporates the Saanich Peninsula, which extends north of Victoria to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (route to Vancouver), and the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, which stretches from Victoria to Port Renfrew on the west coast.
The beautiful rolling landscape of the Saanich Peninsula is dotted with farms, communities, parks, forests, lakes, and ocean inlets. Two main routes run between Sidney and Greater Victoria: Highway 17, known as the Pat Bay Highway, and Highway 17A, also called West Saanich Road. Highway 17 is the most direct route to Victoria, while Highway 17A offers a more relaxed drive through the scenic rural areas of the Saanich Peninsula. Both routes are wonderfully scenic and lead to the Peninsula’s many delightful sights and attractions.
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At the northern end of Saanich Peninsula is Sidney, a book and boating town popular with boaters from all over the Pacific Northwest who have been docking at Sidney’s marinas year after year. Sunny Sidney offers scenic seaside walks, beautiful water views, enticing attractions and activities, plenty of great shops and restaurants, and friendly locals.
Travelling west out of Victoria on the Trans-Canada Highway and the West Coast Highway 14, visitors will pass through Sooke, a bustling town known for its community spirit and pride, and for exceptional outdoor adventure experiences. Those looking for relaxation will find plenty of beaches and parks to explore, while the more energetic can choose from golfing, cycling, fresh and saltwater fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and much more.
The West Coast Road ends at the quaint village of Port Renfrew, known for fresh and saltwater fishing, canoeing in the San Juan River, and dense forests of massive trees. Port Renfrew also marks the southern end of the West Coast Trail. The friendly local pubs and inns are havens for hikers from all over the world embarking on or completing their treks on the West Coast Trail or the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
North of Victoria on the Trans-Canada Highway travellers will cross the Malahat (summit 356 metres/1,156 feet) with splendid views of Saanich Inlet, the Saanich Peninsula and the BC Gulf Islands. Malahat Drive climbs through imposing mature forests and over rugged mountainside before dropping down into the Cowichan Valley.
The following communities are located in the South Island region. Click on a name for detailed information on that community or area.
Location: As the name suggests, the South Island region is located on the southern end of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, bordered to the south and west by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which separates Vancouver Island from the United States of America (Washington State). To the east of the South Island region lie the San Juan Islands of Washington (USA) and the BC Gulf Islands, which lie in the Strait of Georgia that separates Vancouver Island from the mainland of BC and Washington.
Southern Vancouver Island is served by air links through Victoria International Airport (YYJ), and by BC Ferries from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (Vancouver) on the mainland. These ferries are huge, with a capacity of approximately 450 vehicles and over 2,000 passengers – getting here is half the fun! Various other ferries connect with Anacortes, Bellingham, Port Angeles, and Seattle in Washington.
Premier South Island Business Directory – Local Businesses in South Vancouver Island
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BCJobs.ca enables job seekers and employers to connect with each other. Search for employment opportunities throughout BC or apply for and post BC jobs and resumes. Use the internet as a resource to find that dream job, including accounting jobs, administration jobs, construction, manufacturing, customer service, sales, marketing, financial, technical, technology, health care, tourism, retail and more… all in British Columbia.
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Waterfront West is the first and only marketplace dedicated exclusively to buyers and sellers of waterfront and water view real estate in British Columbia. Advertising Realtors’ listings, private sales and developments, we are pioneering the market for this prime real estate. Featuring private and brokered sales, waterfront developments and a complimentary Buyers’ Club.
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Landquest Realty Corporation is a unique real estate company specializing in marketing recreational real estate, development properties, ranches, guest ranches, oceanfront, islands, resorts, lakefront, timber, trophy properties, remote fishing and hunting properties and Big Game Outfitter Territories throughout BC. Landquest’s dedicated group of experienced real estate professionals provide the best possible service in every corner of British Columbia.
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It’s a Coastal Lifestyle … Live It!
Specializing in marketing and selling local residential, recreational, unique oceanfront and commercial real estate throughout Campbell River, northern Vancouver Island, Discovery Islands, the Outer Islands and the BC Mainland Coast. Our real estate listings include homes to small oceanfront and lakefront recreational lots, private islands, remote island acreages, fishing lodges, wilderness / adventure resorts and vacation homes, oceanfront / lakefront cabins, marinas, remote & timbered acreages, and development investment properties on the west coast of BC and Vancouver Island – BCO has the Coast covered!
The BC Oceanfront Real Estate Team loves to bring people to the coast and introduce people to the coastal lifestyle. All members of the team live an active coastal lifestyle, and they bring that passion for the coast to all that they do. All three agents have their own boats and are very familiar with the many different regions surrounding central and northern Vancouver Island. With a team behind you, you can be sure that someone is always at hand to answer questions and lend assistance.
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FarOut Wilderness is an outdoor adventure travel company specializing in overland vehicle rentals and tailor-made itineraries in British Columbia. We use our local knowledge and experience to transform your ideas into an authentic and unique adventure.
Our self-drive itineraries allow you to explore off the beaten track at your own pace. We provide you with the resources to re-connect with nature and most importantly each another. All of our vehicles are fully insured for driving on unpaved roads and are equipped with a rooftop tent, camping equipment and GPS Messenger service.
FarOut Wilderness operates in all seasons and has one pet friendly vehicle. We offer complimentary vehicle collection and drop off at the following locations: Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Victoria Airport, Victoria Downtown, Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Vancouver Downtown, and Vancouver Airport. If you have another collection or drop off location in mind, please contact us!
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Reel Obsession Sport Fishing Charters offers year-round, world-class, fully-guided BC salmon and halibut sportfishing charters on Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia, fishing Zeballos, Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet, and Victoria. We offer a variety of charter fishing packages and are quite flexible in customizing your charter fishing experience to suit your needs. Our west coast BC fishing lodge is uniquely located in the migration path of the Pacific salmon, featuring career guides steeped in the local fishery, consistent big catches, world-class service and accommodation, and great fishing all summer long.
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Set among award-winning gardens in a quiet, residential area of Sidney-By-The-Sea, The Cedarwood provides waterfront accommodation with a difference. We are close to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens and within walking distance to the San Juan Islands ferries. Enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker. Just five blocks away, there are restaurants, cafés, banks, shops and grocery stores.
Cedarwood also boasts the unique Lasqueti Island Cottages, located on the Sidney property. These four log cabins were the original units at The Cedarwood in Sidney in 1949! Guests will enjoy the patina of naturally aged wood interiors and the views across our raised gardens to the ocean. The cottages have two TVs, an updated bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and one bedroom featuring a king-sized bed, with a queen-sized sofa bed in the living room.
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Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park and Campground is located 26 kms north of Victoria near the summit of the Malahat Drive. Our quiet and natural resort offers private and scenic campsites, and 63 spacious, fully-serviced RV sites nestled amongst giant cedars and seasonal creeks – either warm and sunny or deeply shaded lots. Amenities include clean washrooms with hot showers, and much more.
Our goal is to make campers as comfortable as possible during their stay in the Greater Victoria area. Head south to Victoria or north to explore the beautiful Cowichan Valley and the rest of Vancouver Island beyond. Come visit Malahat Mountain Meadows RV park and campground today! Quiet and natural!
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Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites is an exclusive downtown waterfront property offering luxury condominium styled penthouses and spacious suites that provide spectacular views overlooking Victoria’s picturesque inner harbour and the adjacent marinas. The Victoria Regent is amongst the most beautiful hotels in Victoria BC. We are located directly on the water, overlooking the scenic inner harbour. Step onto your balcony, and a bustling harbour with its colourful boats lies before you. Our choice location allows easy exploration of downtown Victoria’s shops, restaurants, theatres, museums and galleries. You will find that we provide unmatched luxury and service in perhaps the perfect downtown location.
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Orca Spirit Adventures is Victoria’s premier whale watching company, offering carbon-neutral covered vessel and zodiac tours led by certified marine naturalists whose knowledge and passion for Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife is unequaled in the industry.
Tours are three hours in length, with April through October being the ideal whale watching months. In this peak season, Orca Spirit Adventures boasts a greater than 95% success rate of spotting whales, including humpback whales, Bigg’s and resident orcas (killer whales), and gray whales!
Other wildlife you may encounter include harbour seals and elephant seals, sea lions, Dall’s and harbour porpoises, otters and marine birds such as cormorants and bald eagles.
Unlucky tour? Join us again using our WHALE GUARANTEE for a complimentary whale watching tour!
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Nestled in the quaint seaside village of Sooke, just 35 minutes from Victoria, Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina is the perfect year-round oceanside getaway, surrounded by the rugged natural beauty for which Vancouver Island is known. Our resort vacation rental accommodation provides all of the comforts of home, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy your own space, under the same roof as your friends and family. Fully-furnished suites have fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, electric fireplaces, private balconies, and full or partial views overlooking our private 114-slip marina and the Strait of Juan de Fuca! Indulge in year-round sport fishing, world-class golf, kayaking, whale watching, winery tours, hiking and eco-tours.
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The Genoa Bay Cafe offers a fine selection of Pacific Rim cuisines, featuring fresh seafood from local waters, meats, produce and poultry from the farms of the Cowichan Valley, and the relaxed ambience of a waterfront setting at the Genoa Bay Marina. The Genoa Bay Cafe guarantees a unique and memorable experience. Open 7 days a week.
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This lovely hotel is perfectly situated in downtown Victoria’s best location, at the beautiful Inner Harbour, just a short stroll from the city’s best highlights, including the majestic Parliament Buildings, the award-winning Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Conference Center, and major attractions, shops and restaurants. The BEST WESTERN PLUS Inner Harbour offers great value, and room rates include a delicious and complimentary full breakfast buffet for our hotel guests. Elegant rooms each have a private balcony, a separate eating area with fridge and microwave, free wi-fi, DVD player and more. Amenities include an outdoor pool (in season), indoor whirlpool, sauna, steam room, fitness area and guest laundry. Gated and underground parking is available.
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Five Star Whale Watching helps you discover the picturesque southern Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands, home to the largest population of Killer Whales (Orcas) in the world. Come aboard one of our two 40-passenger Expedition Catamarans, each of which combines comfort, speed, safety, and your choice of 3 viewing platforms. With 20 years experience watching whales we offer more that just a “point and photograph” tour.
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The Quality Inn Waddling Dog captures the heritage flavour of Victoria, while offering all the convenience, amenities and value you’d expect from a trusted name like Quality Inn. Olde England comfort and charm at this quaint 30-room English Tudor-style hotel near Butchart Gardens, BC Ferries, Washington State Ferry and Victoria International Airport. Also enjoy our pub and restaurant at Waddling Dog Bar & Grill.
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Genoa Bay Marina offers lush tree-lined shores, towering vistas, and sheltered moorage. Our prices are affordable, and our services include Transient and Permanent Moorage, a General and Marine Store, Car and Video/DVD rental, Laundry, Showers and Washrooms, Fax service, Postal services, Internet and email access, and the Genoa Bay Cafe. Shipwright and Mechanical services are also available.
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EXPLORE. INSPIRE. CONSERVE. Rated Victoria’s #1 whale watching company on Trip Advisor since 2007, Eagle Wing Tours guarantees adventure and the most transformative marine experiences on the Salish Sea. With four vessels, multiple daily departures, and our knowledgeable and passionate staff we consistently provide our guests with the marine wildlife experience of a lifetime!
Environmental stewardship and sustainability are core values of our family-owned, award-winning company. We are Canada’s first 100% carbon-neutral whale-watching company. We are certified Platinum with Green Tourism Canada. And we are proud to support 1% for the Planet and many other conservation initiatives that directly benefit the Salish Sea and its inhabitants.
You will come as a tourist but return with a deeper understanding and passion for this incredible ecosystem.
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EMR is a fully licensed Travel Agency offering fully furnished vacation homes, condos, suites, and estates in Victoria, Vancouver, Tofino, Whistler, the Okanagan, and on Vancouver Island. We have a large inventory of unique properties to select from. This includes properties that feature oceanfront, beach front, breathtaking views, private hot tubs, luxurious settings and more.
