October 17, 2026 5 min read
Victoria's Castles: Craigdarroch & Hatley Explored
Yes, Victoria has actual castles. Here's the story behind two of the most dramatic ones — and how to reach them from downtown.
The Ocean Island Blog
Explore our curated blog filled with travel tips, hidden gems, and road trip inspiration across Victoria, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands.
October 16, 2026 4 min read
Getting to YYJ & the Ferry Terminals from Downtown Victoria
No rental car? No problem. Here's how to reach the airport and both ferry terminals using Victoria's public transit and other easy options.
October 15, 2026 2 min read
Victoria's Eccentric Halloween Experience Is Downtown This October
A wild, one-of-a-kind Halloween event has landed in downtown Victoria — with a brand-new 'mad' costume contest you won't want to miss.
October 14, 2026 5 min read
Best Hikes & Bike Rides Around Victoria for Budget Travellers
Victoria's best trails are free, gorgeous, and mostly walkable from the hostel. Here's your local guide to getting outside without spending much.
October 13, 2026 3 min read
What's On in Victoria This Week: Oct 7–17, 2026
From a Thanksgiving long weekend packed with things to do, to film festivals, burlesque nights and a brand-new Indigenous mural — Victoria's delivering. Here's what to catch this week.
October 11, 2026 4 min read
Whale Watching & the Inner Harbour: A Local's Guide
Victoria's Inner Harbour is one of the best places on the coast to base a whale-watching trip. Here's what to expect — and how to make the most of it.
October 10, 2026 5 min read
Free & Outdoor Victoria: A Local's Guide to the Good Stuff
Victoria is wildly generous to budget travellers. Here's where to spend a full, beautiful day outside without spending a cent.
October 9, 2026 6 min read
Eating Well in Victoria on a Budget: A Neighbourhood Guide
From Chinatown dumplings to Cook Street coffee, here's where locals actually eat — and how to do it without wrecking your travel budget.
October 8, 2026 5 min read
Victoria's Castles: Craigdarroch & Hatley Explored
Victoria has not one but two genuine castles worth exploring. Here's the history, what to see, and how to get there from Ocean Island.
October 7, 2026 5 min read
How to Get from Downtown Victoria to the Airport & Ferries
No rental car? No problem. Here's how to reach YYJ, Swartz Bay, and the Coho ferry dock using transit and public options.
October 5, 2026 7 min read
Best Hikes & Bike Rides Around Victoria for Budget Travellers
Victoria's trails and coastal paths are free, gorgeous, and easy to reach from the hostel. Here's your local cheat sheet.
October 4, 2026 4 min read
What's On in Victoria This Week (Oct 2–8, 2026)
From a Scottish folk sensation at McPherson Playhouse to free drive-in movies and a week-long literary festival — Victoria is absolutely delivering this October.