Ah, if you are looking for amazing photo opportunities, you’ll have plenty of options on the Island, I still get stunned by the sheer beauty of this place even after living here for over a decade.
Just a couple of cautions, though, if you are planning solo excursions. As Suz mentioned there is a very real threat of wildfires on the Island although this May has been much cooler and damper than usual. Casual visitors are often surprised by how dry our summers are—think golden instead of green—because large areas of the southern part are considered to be in a Mediterranean climate. The other surprise is how much of the island is rugged wilderness where it’s possible to get into serious trouble if you are not adequately prepared—even though you left “civilization” just a few minutes ago. Cougars, wolves, and bears are regular visitors in our suburbs and even in the midst of downtown. If you set out alone on a trail, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. And check frequently as you hike for cellphone coverage because those mountains can play havoc with reception.
One of the best parts of living in Victoria is that you can get to amazing photo spots without leaving the city. Some of my photographer friends hang out in Chinatown, OakBay Marina, Cattle Point, Dallas Road, Fisherman’s Wharf, James Bay, and Beacon Hill Park. They also like Government House Gardens and Abkhazi Gardens for those floral shots. Butchart Gardens is lovely, but expensive and crowded once the cruise ships and tour buses start coming into town. If you want a quieter alternative, head over to the West Shore to Royal Roads/Hatley Castle. Gorgeous grounds with a Japanese garden, an Italian garden and formal rose garden; an old growth forest trail (Charlie’s Trail), sea views, a bird estuary lagoon, and several kilometers of trails winding through huge primordial trees—plus a castle—and it’s free.
If you want beaches, tidal pools, and seriously huge trees head west to Sooke and Port Renfrew—Botanical Beach, Avatar Grove and some of the oldest trees in existence. Stop for coffee and treats at Shirley Delicious and plan to get back to Sooke by 5pm to have dinner at Wild Mountain—a slow food, locavore restaurant that is one of the best on the Island. Take in the views from Sooke Spit before heading home.
https://www.ancientforestallia.....Grove-Map-
Rent a e-bike on the and head out towards Metchosin on the Galloping Goose Trail. If you start by the Inner Harbour, grab a coffee and sandwich at Foi Epi. Ride for 40 minutes or so, then stop at the Nest to rest and restore with a coffee. Ride for another 90 minutes, then stop at the Broken Paddle in Metchosin for another bite. If you are really ambitious, you can ride to Roche Cove which is close to Sooke. Lots of photo opportunities along the trail.
Other ideas:
A trip over the Malahat for jaw-dropping vistas, then over to Cowichan Lake for lunch and wineries around Duncan and Cowichan Valley. Or head down to the ferry at Croften to get over to SaltSpring Island (counterculture heaven) and then down to Fulford Harbour to catch another ferry back to Schwartz Bay and back to Victoria.
Or head towards Tofino and Ucluelet, but stop for a couple of nights in Port Alberni to take the Frances Barkley mail ship for a day trip to Bamfield. Maybe spend a night in Bamfield so you can set foot at the end of the West Coast Trail which starts back in Port Renfew.
Or walk through the trails on Tod Inlet (next to Butchart Gardens) ,or Gowlland Tod Provincial Park near Brentwood Bay. Or head over towards Sydney By The Sea and capture photos of Mount Baker rising out of the ocean towards the east.
If you want more information, just PM me.
