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Victoria Rail Vacations

Victoria, located on the south-eastern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia is a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. 

As an island destination, Victoria offers visitors an escape from the hurried world and beams with ambience whilst boasting the mildest climate in Canada, the city is green and beautiful year-round. 

In Victoria, heritage architecture, colourful gardens and traditions like afternoon tea mix with a plethora of outdoor adventure, world-class culinary experiences and a vibrant arts and culture scene. 

This combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth rainforests set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains makes Victoria the perfect getaway. 

Victoria INTRODUCTION

In Victoria there is never a shortage of things to do.

From international icons like The Butchart Gardens to hidden gems like Canada's oldest Chinatown, your days in Victoria can be as busy as you want them to be.

Teas & Gardens Victoria has long been known as the "City of Gardens." With our mild climate, gardening is a year round passion which has resulted in an abundant array of gardens world renowned for their beauty and individual charm. The Butchart Gardens offers breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. No visit to Victoria is complete without world renowned Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress. Enjoyed by kings, queens, celebrities and dignitaries, the hotel has been serving tea since opening in 1908.

Arts & Culture Victoria, the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, has a rich and fascinating history. Explore our past and celebrate our rich culture through a variety of galleries, museums, heritage sites such the Royal BC Musuem, Craigdarroch Castle & Hatley Park National Historic Site.

Wildlife Viewing & Activities The waters surrounding Victoria are home to an abundance of marine wildlife. The orca, or killer whale, is the main whale found in the area, but gray, humpback and minke whales are also sighted. Sea lions, seals, porpoise and a number of marine birds are also residents. Three pods of resident orcas totaling over 80 whales live in Victoria's waters. Victoria and its surrounding area is considered to have some of the best kayaking and canoeing in the world. Vancouver Island has approximately 3,500 kilometres of ocean coastline, 700 lakes, 160 rivers and 890 streams for paddling. These waterways are located amid spectacular West Coast scenery and are shared by an abundance of marine creatures and wildlife.

Adventure Parks At Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours located in Victoria, experience a fully guided tour that provides an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic zip lines ranging from 130 feet to an unforgettable 1000 feet. Professionally trained guides emphasize safety and comfort, ensuring a ride full of thrills, awesome beauty, and fond memories.

Golfing Victoria is a golfer's dream. With a climate that encourages golfing year-round, Victoria and Vancouver Island are home to many of Canada's most beautiful and challenging courses. Victoria is also the gateway to the Vancouver Island Golf Trail, 250 kilometres of Pacific golfing paradise from Victoria to Campbell River with 11 gorgeous golf courses to choose from.

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Canada Rail Vacations REVIEWS

"We had a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place."

Anne New Jersey, United States

"We had a wonderful trip and everything was arranged very well!"

Jacqueline - Netherlands

"We would recommend trips organized by Canada by Design to anyone who is interested in actively exploring parts of the country."

Astrid Ottawa, Canada

"There isn't anyone I would rather use for travel to Canada."

Emily - Tennessee, United States

"We came back with many happy memories and beautiful photos of your breathtaking country."

Johanna Oswald - Little Rock, AR, United States

"I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs."

Mel New Zealand

"Excellent trip. Well planned out!"

Paul Williams Canada

"Every part of our trip was well thought out and there were no hitches."

Di New Zealand

"We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with you & it was wonderful. A Bucket List dream come true!"

Rita Illinois, United States

" I couldn't be more pleased with the trip! "

Marlene Schillinger - Virginia, United States

"Paulina organized an awesome trip for us which included Vancouver Island and the Rockies."

Peter - Australia

"I would definitely recommend this to anyone - but especially to young parents with families. "

Annabelle - Delaware, United States

"Thanks Canada by Design for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package."

Lutfu - Istanbul

"From day one we felt comfortable that everything was going to be special."

Mark Australia

"We found our experience with Canada by Design to be most wonderful for our Trans-Canada Rail Trip."

Marjorie Stock California, United States

"My clients and myself most definitely benefited from working with Canada By Design! "

Amanda Central Travel

"Thanks very much to Jasmine for helping to organise our wonderful holiday from Vancouver across the Rockies to Calgary."

Graham Perth, Australia

"From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds. "

Kim - Pennsylvania, United States

"Thanks again for a well planned and hassle free vacation. We will look forward to future vacations with Discover Holidays. "

Ross - Ontario, Canada

"It was such a relief to know that we could trust Canada by Design before and during our trip."

Vered Mei-Tal - Lutherville, United States

"From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality. "

Manuel - United States

"Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic."

Mark Sydney, Australia

"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada."

Kathleen Texas, United States

"We had the most fabulous trip to our Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies."

Mary - California, United States

" The whales very kindly decided to perform when I was whale watching. "

Janet New Eltham, United Kingdom

"One of our best vacations. Perfectly planned and all went off without a hitch. "

Joel Yellin - Rochester, United States

"It was a very memorable trip and I highly recommend to all."

Cherie Arizona, United States

"I would highly recommend Canada by Design and would certainly use them again when going to another area they service."

Joyce - New Jersey, United States

"I don't know how I will ever thank you all at Canada by Design for making our trip of a lifetime!"

Ann - Australia

"We will be recommending you to others and will use you again when we return for more adventure."

Kay - New Zealand

"It was like a Christmas tree fairyland. It was snowing pretty good. So coming from Texas in the summer it was really special, almost magical. "

Anita Texas, United States

"Destinations, itinerary and accommodation was all well thought out and we had a very memorable time. I'd happily use Canada by Design again."

Christopher - Zurich, Switzerland

"The way we were able to customize our trip drive/train and explore on our own was awesome! "

Melinda - Nevada, United States

"Thanks again, we would certainly recommend you to our friends in Florida!"

Thomas Florida, United States

"We could not have been more pleased with the trip that was planned by Canada by Design."

Carol Cevolani - Petaluma, United States

"Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. "

Hazel Scotland

"Our trip through western Canada planned by Canada by Design was fabulous."

Jeffrey - California, United States

"They not only tailored my itinerary to include activities I liked, but also made my car and hotel reservations, making it no-fuss for me. "

Annette California, United States

" We would highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design for all of your travel needs. We count ourselves very lucky that we found this 5-star team of travel experts!"

Julie Cass - Brisbane, Australia

"We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way. "

Nick Florida, United States

"Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation that created memories for our lifetime! You did a great job!"

Pam Illinois, United States

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