Vancouver Island

This is, hands down, one of the world’s best regional museums, and a terrific way to learn about the peoples of coastal British Columbia. — Frommer's

These world-renowned gardens have impressed Victoria visitors since 1904. — U.S. News & World Report

Miniature World is a collection of dozens of dioramas featuring teeny-tiny figures enacting scenes from famous battles, novels, fairy tales, outer space, and more. — Frommer's

Chronicle the province's seafaring history, from its early explorers to whale hunters to pirates. — Fodor's

This dramatically handsome confection of turrets, domes and stained glass is the province's working legislature and is also open to history-loving visitors. — Lonely Planet

Housed in a Victorian mansion (1889) to which several modern additions have been made, the gallery offers an eclectic blend of East and West, ancient and modern. — Michelin Guide

The world's best-preserved coastal artillery fort (it dates to 1895) and Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse occupy a parklike backdrop 13 km (8 miles) west of Victoria. — Fodor's

Eagles, bears, and three species of salmon thrive in this 477-hectare (1,180-acre) wilderness park 16 km (10 miles) north of downtown Victoria. — Fodor's

The biggest, most treasured green space in the city is a lovely place for the whole family to spend a day. — Frommer's

Local kids clamor to visit this offbeat minizoo, home to the largest collection in North America of live tropical insects. — Fodor's

A tropical paradise filled with butterflies—your kids will love it, sure, but so will you. — Frommer's

Be on the lookout not just for gorgeous trees, rock formations, and flowers, but also animals—there are usually cute turtles sunning themselves on nice days. — Condé Nast Traveler

The birthplace of BC's best-known painter, this bright-yellow gingerbread-style house has plenty of period rooms, plus displays on the artist's life and work. — Lonely Planet

About a 40-minute drive east of Victoria, you’ll come to this rugged wilderness area that at 1,422 hectares (3,512 acres) is the largest in the Capital Regional District. — Frommer's

Learn all about what’s going on under the waters off Vancouver Island’s shores at this remarkable, if small, aquarium and marine education center. — Frommer's

Opened in 2013 in a historic waterfront structure, this gallery displays more than 100 works—from etchings to paintings—spanning seven decades in the career of Canada's best-known wildlife artist. — Fodor's

The narrowest street in Canada was once a spot for dastardly doings, now a historic piece of Chinatown.  — Atlas Obscura

On Saturdays between mid-May and mid-October, check out the Farmer's Market outside the Miners Bay Agricultural Hall. — Fodor's

On the old Fort Victoria site between Government and Wharf Sts, Bastion Square once held a jail, gallows and a brothel. — Lonely Planet