Butchart Gardens is the world-renowned attraction of the peninsula. Open year-round, it’s a beautiful place to wonder and wander for a few hours. Check their website for seasonal hours and special events.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens is the tropical jungle oasis of the island. Open year-round, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm September through June, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm July and August.

Shaw Centre for the Saalish Sea is a fabulous aquarium and learning space for the younger set. Located in downtown Sidney, it’s closed on Wednesdays, but generally open throughout the year. Check their website for seasonal hours.

Sidney Whale Watching is the place to go on the peninsula for your whale-watching fix. Visit their website for details.

Golf:

Looking for somewhere local to play a round of golf? Head over to Ardmore – 7 km from The 201 – for an engaging nine hole course that’s open to the public. Book a tee time online or call 250-656-4621. Visit their website for more information and a map.

If you like golf but want something a bit less challenging try Island View Mini Golf, just 3 km south of The 201 on East Saanich Rd. It’s a beautifully landscaped mini-golf course right in the heart of farm country.

Active Living:

• If you are a fitness buff or need to work off the effects of a hearty meal at the Prairie Inn, stop in at the Panorama Recreation Centre, located just 3km from The 201. It offers pools, a gym, tennis and racquetball courts plus many drop-in programs like yoga and TRX. Open to the public 6am-9:30pm (7am-8:30pm on weekends).
• You can play a round of disc golf at the Bayside Middle School in Brentwood Bay. We don’t play ourselves but a recent guest reported: “It is a fun course, and actually pretty good, especially considering it is located on school grounds! We spoke with some locals who play there almost daily. They love the course as well.”