If you’re looking for outdoor activities, there are plenty of options in Seattle, but a short and scenic ferry ride can bring you to the ultimate outdoor adventurer’s getaway: Victoria, B.C. It’s an opportunity to go international, immerse yourself in rich British heritage, and enjoy a wealth of activities among spectacular scenery. Plus, when you’ve been to a place a few times, it’s always good to try something different!
From easy and gentle to thrilling, In Victoria you can sail, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, hike, bike, whale watch, and much more. In fact, the odds are even better for sighting whales in the waters that surround the shores of the British Columbia capital. But more about that later. There are so many ways to get outdoors and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery in and around this city. Get your gear together for an epic day trip, or even better, pack those suitcases and spend the night. Either way, it’s sure to be unforgettable.
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Seattle to Victoria Day Trip
Seattle to Victoria Overnight
Experience the Thrills & the Views at Malahat Skywalk
Take in the west coast from a whole new perspective with an easy spiral walk that leads to an awe-inspiring 360-degree view. From the 10-story Malahat Skywalk, you’ll be gazing out at the Salish Sea, multiple islands, fjords, and the craggy peaks of the Olympic Mountains in Washington. You can simply stroll back down the ramp when you’re done, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can whiz down the over 65-foot-long spiral slide. And, you can do it as often as you’d like, it’s just as amazing as that view from the top!
INSIDER TIP: The Malahat Skywalk is just over a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria but if you book through Clipper Vacations, the Malahat Shuttle is included so there’s no need to get behind the wheel. Even better, book a package as part of a day trip or overnight stay for the best possible value.
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Seattle to Victoria Day Trip with Malahat Skywalk Tour
Malahat Skywalk Overnight Package from Seattle to Victoria, BC
Paddle Through the Epic Scenery
With Ocean River Adventures, you can get a stunning perspective of the city from the water. Experienced paddlers can rent single and tandem kayaks, or paddleboards. But we recommend a guided tour for the best experience with great local insight. You might explore the beautiful Inner Harbour right downtown. Or, head out from the Oak Bay Area into the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve to paddle through the Chain Islands. Watch for river otters, hang out with the local seals, and spot the many bald eagles and herons as you discover the islets and paddle along the intertidal coastline.
INSIDER TIP: Add this tour when booking your Seattle to Victoria Ferry through Clipper Vacations for convenience and savings.
Add this tour to your reservation during booking:
Clipper Vacations | Seattle to Victoria Ferry – Hotels, Tours & More
Get an AdrenaLINE Rush While Zipping Through Epic Scenery
Enjoy a heart-pounding thrill while taking in panoramic views of the Sooke Basin and the lush temperature rainforest on an AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure tour. You’ll soar over the treetops immersed in the beauty that awaits just minutes from the B.C. capital. The fully-guided zipline tour includes a short ATV ride, eight ziplines, and a suspension bridge.
INSIDER TIP: You can add this tour when you book you Clipper Vacations package. You’ll not only get a free second ride, but round-trip shuttle service from downtown Victoria.
Add this tour to your reservation during booking:
Clipper Vacations | Seattle to Victoria Ferry – Hotels, Tours & More
Take a Stroll Through Butchart Gardens
If you’re in the mood for some nice and easy active exploring, you can’t beat Butchart Gardens. Yes, there are some lush gardens in Seattle, but Butchart is consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful, including by publications like CNN Travel, USA Today, and National Geographic. A National Historic Site of Canada, there are 55 acres and over 300,000 blooms with winding paths that will bring you to marvel at the kaleidoscope of color. Plus, you can stop to enjoy Jennie Butchart’s award-winning afternoon tea experience too. It’s the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and flower lovers.
INSIDER TIP: Of course, the best way to experience Butchart Gardens is to book the tour as part of your trip to Victoria. Upon arrival you can hop on the double-decker motorcoach at our terminal and enjoy the scenery, passing Victoria’s landmarks during the 25-minute journey.
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Butchart Gardens Tour and Ferry | Day Trip Packages | Clipper Vacations
Butchart Gardens Tour & Ferry | Hotel Package | Clipper Vacations
Go Whale Watching
Victoria is one of the best places on the planet to see whales. The Salish Sea is teeming with humpback whales and Bigg’s killer whales, or transient orcas. The humpback population has boomed over the past decade, something that researchers have called the “humpback comeback.”
If you’re lucky, you might spot whales from the shore, but your best bet is to take a whale watching excursion. Eagle Wing Tours offers trips in semi-covered catamarans and high-performance speed boats for a fun adventure that also showcases magnificent ocean, island, and mountain views.
INSIDER TIP: This is another great excursion to book as part of your Clipper Vacations package. The best time to enjoy it is when the whales are more active, from May through September, and the weather is the most pleasant too. While the whales take center stage, be sure to keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, dolphins, and porpoises, which often swim alongside them.
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Seattle To Victoria Day Trip With Whale Watching | Clipper Vacations
Victoria Whale Watching Package from Seattle | Clipper Vacations
Pedaler
If you like to pedal, the Pedaler offers bicycle tours that will bring you to some of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks, from the world’s tallest freestanding totem pole to North America’s narrowest streets, and some of the locals favorite spots. Or take a food and drink tour on two wheels where you can sample some of the city’s tastiest eats and enjoy spectacular views. You might dig into everything from pizza in historic Fernwood to decadent cookies in a popular bakery.
INSIDER TIP: Yes, you guessed it. You can add this tour during your Clipper Vacations booking too! If you aren’t looking to put in too much effort, you can upgrade the experience to an e-bike, which will give you the power you need without the hard work.