Victoria & Vancouver Island Pictures

The Harbour Ferry connects Victoria to nearby communities on Vancouver Island (and it's cheaper than a whale watching tour). Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

Orcas are often spotted off the coast of Vancouver Island. Courtesy Tourism BC

The Cowichan Valley is renowned for its wine production. You're sure to get your fill at one of the many vineyards found in the region. Andrea Johnson Courtesy Tourism BC

Established in 1904, the dazzling Butchart Gardens were recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004. bernson74 Getty Images

British Columbia's regal Parliament Buildings anchor the Inner Harbour. Courtesy of HikeVictoria.com and Tourism Victoria

Since 1908, the Fairmont Empress has hosted one of the most decadent high tea services in the city. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

According to the Vicitoria tourism bureau, the Fairmont Empress serves 500,000 cups of tea annually. Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

The Inner Harbour is Victoria's primary tourist area. This neighborhood houses some of Victoria's top attractions. Deddeda Stemler Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Although the Cowichan Valley occupies the inland part of Vancouver Island, you'll find some spectacular waterfront views along Cowichan Lake. Andrea Johnson Courtesy Tourism BC

When the weather's nice, tour the Inner Harbour by boat.  Courtesy of Tourism Victoria

The quiet coastal town of Sooke is home to a variety of charming boutique hotels, like the Sooke Harbour House shown here. Mark Lee Courtesy Tourism BC

If you're traveling to Victoria with kids in tow (or even without), many recent visitors recommended a stop at the Victoria Bug Zoo.  Tjflex2 Flickr

Recent visitors called the Victoria Butterfly Gardens fun and family-friendly, with great staff.  Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Victoria and Vancouver Island experience mild winter weather, but nearby ski resorts, such as the Mount Washington Alpine Resort, get plenty of powder. Tony Radomi Courtesy Tourism BC

When you're in Victoria, don't forget to sample one of the city's favorite meals, fish and chips. Visitors and locals alike highly recommend Red Fish Blue Fish (seen here). Deddeda Stemler Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Goldstream Provincial Park is home to several cascading waterfalls, including Niagara Falls (no, not that Niagara Falls), and Goldstream Falls, a small waterfall situated in the southwest corner of the park near the campground. Emily Norton Getty Images

The world's tallest totem pole sits in Victoria's Beacon Hill Park. To see even more intricately carved totem poles (and to learn more about the First Nations people), head to the Royal BC Museum. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Built in the late 1800s, Craigdarroch Castle, which spans more than 20,000 square feet, is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. gregobagel Getty Images

To get a taste for local produce, head to the Victoria Public Market. Recent visitors especially loved the Victoria Pie Co. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and one of the oldest in North America (second to San Francisco). Courtesy Tourism Victoria

An old-fashioned carriage tour passes by the Parliament Buildings. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Learn about the unique architectural details of the Parliament Buildings during a guided tour. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Summer is the most popular time to visit Butchart Gardens, but fall is equally enchanting. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Recent visitors described the BC Aviation Museum as small, but worth the trip thanks to the knowledgeable volunteers and interesting artifacts. Tjflex2 Flickr

Learn about Victoria's burgeoning brewery scene on a West Coast Brewery Tour. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

A walk in Beacon Hill Park will yield spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Averill Creek Vineyard sits in the heart of Cowichan Valley. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Sooke's Roche Cove Regional Park offers a variety of scenic hiking trails. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

You'll find the Sooke boardwalk along the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Plan a fall visit to Goldstream Provincial Park for colorful leaf peeping. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Goldstream Provincial Park is home to 600-year-old Douglas fir trees. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

The Royal British Columbia Museum features a replica of the largest animal to ever walk on this continent. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Thunderbird Park can be found next to Royal British Columbia Museum. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Travelers described the Butchart Gardens as incredibly beautiful with awesome views and recommend that you bring a camera.  Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Even if you're not a guest at the Fairmont Empress, you'll want to pop in for afternoon tea or an evening drink to see the splendor of this grand hotel. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Even if you aren't a big history buff, many previous visitors recommend stopping by Craigdarroch Castle for a glimpse into how the wealthy once lived, not to mention stunning views of downtown Victoria. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Each of the rooms in the Craigdarroch Castle is decked out in furnishings from the turn of the 20th century.  Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Butterflies aren't the only critters at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens; there are also a variety of birds and fish, including flamingos and koi fish.  Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Keep an eye out for all kinds of colorful creatures at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Head to the Inner Harbour for photo-worthy scenes of the water and Parliament Buildings. Deddeda Stemler Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Though you may be able to spot whales from the ferry, you'll have the best chance of seeing them during an organized whale-watching tour.  Courtesy Tourism Victoria