Conveniently located on Southern Vancouver Island near Victoria, BC, Thetis Lake, and MORE!
An amazing getaway for Couples, Small families, or a Solo Retreat.
Victoria is a destination for culinary enthusiasts, wine touring, whale watching and outdoor adventures of all kinds. Forest Retreat at Thetis Lake is centrally located in the suburb of Thetis Heights, Langford and offers a convenient home base for touring southern Vancouver Island, including the Saanich Peninsula, the Cowichan Valley, and the Pacific Rim West Coast beaches.
Thetis Lake
Thetis Lake Regional Park has two freshwater lakes connected by a narrow culvert. It trails for hikers of all levels and is a local favourite spot for swimming, floating, paddle boarding, and kayaking
Visit the Capital
The Capital of BC, Victoria is known as the Garden City and is unlike any other. Nestled between the the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island, it is a unique blend of historical charm, vast parkland, and oceanside beauty.
Lake Fishing
Thetis Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Cutthroat Trout. Enjoy fishing from the shore, bring a kayak or canoe or there is a boat launch for small electric boats.
Beaches
Located on the southern most tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is surrounded by countless beautiful beaches. Vancouver's beaches are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and vibrant atmospheres that visitors flock to.
The West Coast
The Juan de Fuca coast of southern Vancouver Island offers scenic beauty, spectacular hiking, marine and wildlife viewing, old growth forests and roaring surf. East Sooke Park, China Beach, Sombrio Beach, French Beach, Port Renfrew and Botanical Beach are popular day trips from Victoria.
Golf
Playing the top golf courses in Victoria should be on every golfers bucket list. Victoria golf courses are as magnificent as the city itself. 5 minutes from Forest Retreat is the Bear Mountain Golf Club, Canada's only golf resort with 36 holes.
Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens stands as a horticultural masterpiece that enchants visitors with its breathtaking beauty. With lush greens and colourful blooms, Butchart Gardens has grown in Victoria for 100 Years. The gardens now span 55 acres and showcase a stunning array of floral landscapes.
Whale Watching
Victoria is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild. The Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to various types of whales such as killer whales, humpback, minke & grey whales - and what a show they put on! Whale watching tours leave the inner harbour of Victoria daily.
Hiking
Thetis Lake Regional Park is the #1 hiking destination in Victoria with a network of trails around the lakes and is just steps from us. Victoria's Westshore area hosts countless hiking opportunities within a short drive from Forest Retreat.
Fishing Charters
Victoria is great place for fall, winter, and spring fishing. Chinook salmon and halibut are what is mostly caught here. Good fishing can be found in just minutes at Victoria Harbour, Pedder Bay, or the Saanich Inlet.
Wine Touring
Take a delightful journey through the Cowichan and Saanich Peninsula vineyards, that offer a unique blend of coastal charm and exceptional wine craftsmanship. Savour exquisite Pinot Noirs while soaking in the stunning panoramic views of rolling vineyards.
SaltSpring Island
Day trip to Salt Spring Island for a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, visit wineries, cideries, or a goat cheese farm. Plenty of waterfront dining, scenic hiking, prisitne lake and ocean water sports awaits you.
Hatley Castle
Hatley Park National Historic Site is located in Colwood, a 10 minute drive from Forest Retreat. It is the site of Hatley Castle, a Classified Federal Heritage Building. Since 1995, the mansion and estate have been used for the public Royal Roads University. The museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the site from the days when the property was a Coastal Salish Indian burial site to the present time when it is home to the campus of Royal Roads University. The museum has many original artifacts from the days when Laura and James Dunsmuir lived an elegant life here on this estate.
Sooke Potholes
The "potholes" are unique geological formations - deep pools in the river rock - that offer some of the best freshwater swimming in the region. You can picnic or swim at the river, explore the short forest trails, camp under the stars, or enjoy the stunning vistas from one of several viewpoints.
Malahat Skywalk
Malahat SkyWalk offers the ultimate Island experience where explorers of all ages can enjoy breathtaking views and adventure, high among the trees and surrounded by the sea. Ascend the spiral ramp to peak adventure. At 250 m above sea level, the tower offers some of the best views on Vancouver Island. Immerse yourself in pristine nature: a steep, forested mountain, high above the Salish Sea. Previously, only agile explorers could enjoy such experiences of the wild. Now, our TreeWalk and Spiral Tower make this environment easily accessible, including strollers and wheelchairs.
Starlight Stadium
Starlight Stadium is a state-of-the-art sporting facility, home to Canadian professional soccer club Pacific FC, as well as Rugby Canada and the Westshore Rebels (CJFL) located at City Centre Park in the heart of Langford. Recently expanded in 2019, the outdoor stadium is now the largest in the region, with seating for upwards of 6,000.
