‘We were so awe struck’: Viral world travellers describe Vancouver Island adventure

Have you ever taken a look at Vancouver Island through the eyes of a visitor?

A viral travelling couple from the UK, James and Josie Travel, have just made a visit to Victoria and will be continuing their travels throughout Vancouver Island in the coming days.

The couple, who have filmed visits to Australia and parts of the UK together, have taken their series to Vancouver Island as they begin a trip through Canada in their van.

The start of their travels through Canada took them immediately to the West Coast, where they say they were stunned by the rugged beauty and kindness of people living here.

“On our first night camping on the mainland, we met a lovely couple who lived on the Saanich Peninsula,” the couple told Victoria Buzz.

“They invited us to stay with them and told us all about Victoria and the rest of the Island. The following day, we caught the ferry over with them, and we haven’t seemed able to leave the island since!”

After a quick trip to Canadian Tire to fill up on supplies for the charming (if a bit dubious) new van they had purchased, their first stop was Victoria.

“We absolutely loved Victoria,” the couple said.

“It has such a relaxed, happy atmosphere, and the architecture is stunning. Some areas even felt quite European to us, which gave the city a lovely sense of familiarity while still feeling very Canadian.”

The couple makes a clear effort to research the areas that they are visiting, and appreciate the history behind them.

After a walk along Dallas Road and Beacon Hill Park, they made a visit to the famous Totem Pole and reveled at the history and stories of these structures in Western Canada.

They also made a visit to the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria.

From the Empress to the legislature buildings to Barb’s Fish and Chips down in Fisherman’s Wharf, the couple was immediately impressed by the atmosphere and beauty that Victoria had to offer.

“Seeing the snow-capped mountains at the end of the shopping street, with the water below, quite literally stopped us in our tracks, we were so awe struck ” they said.

“It was such a spectacular view and one of those moments when you stop and realise just how beautiful and incredible this world is.”

While they hit many of the major spots, James and Josie said there was plenty that they would want to come back and experience.

From trying out the local food scene to some of the attractions on the water like taking a float plane or a hot tub boat, there simply wasn’t enough time to do everything.

“One of our biggest dreams would be to return for an orca-watching tour when our travel budget allows. That would be a genuine bucket-list experience for us. There is certainly no shortage of things left to do!”

For now, the couple heads north.

After a quick trip to the Sooke Potholes and some classic Vancouver Island hikes, the couple is excited to see what the rest of the region has to offer.

“We are definitely excited to experience some great wilderness, more mountain views, wild swimming is also a massive thing for us, we love pretty swim spots,” the couple said.

This excitement, and some apprehension after seeing a bear for the first time near Port Renfrew, has the couple buzzing for their next step in the journey.

James and Josie have received outstanding support from the community here in Victoria and on Vancouver Island, and are seeing more and more locals pop up with travel recommendations in their comment sections.

“Firstly, we cannot thank everyone enough for the love and support we have received since arriving in Canada, and particularly here on Vancouver Island,” they explained.

“It has been incredible to read so many lovely comments and messages welcoming us, wishing us well and sharing recommendations for our journey. We have been completely blown away by the kindness people have shown us, and we are genuinely so grateful.”

If you’d like to check out their Vancouver Island adventures or leave your travel suggestions, make sure to head to their YouTube page here or their Instagram here.

James and Josie say they read every comment on their YouTube videos and Instagram posts, and are always happy to receive more recommendations. The only trouble is making time for all of them.

With so much beauty here on Vancouver Island ingrained in the day-to-day life of those who live here, it’s easy to forget what a wonderful place it is.

Every so often, watching someone experience it for the first time is something truly special.