Local activities range from whale watching, golfing, farmers' markets, local artisans, hiking, fishing, swimming in lakes or the ocean, and touring historic sites or gardens. Historic Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse along with Hatley Castle and its Italian, Rose and Japanese Gardens are the center-pieces of this area.

The west shore of Victoria is also an excellent central base for daytrips in every direction. Locally a quick trip into downtown Victoria to see the world-renowned Royal BC Museum. Up-island to see the fishing village of Cowichan Bay, the eagles of Goldstream Park, the Chemainus murals or the Duncan Native Heritage Centre with cottage wineries along the way. West to Sooke and beyond to Port Renfrew and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, China Beach and French Beach Provincial Park.

For hiking, biking and horse back riding enthusiasts the Galloping Goose Regional Trail extends 60 kilometres along a former rail line past some of BC's finest scenery as it passes right through the west shore of Victoria connecting downtown Victoria to Sooke.

The history of Vancouver Island, both First Nations and immigrant, is chronicled in a variety of museums and cultural centers. The natural history is highlighted in forest tours, and whale watching and marine wildlife cruises. At the beaches, you can find crashing surf or sheltered waters and marine tidal pools. Magnificent marine adventures include scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and cruising.