There is lots to see on the Island. A few years ago we decided to take all of September and see the island. We were gone for the month but only made it halfway up the island. So the next year we headed up to Port Hardy and worked our way down.
All the above advice is good. There are at least a dozen Hotel/Motels within 4 blocks of the ferry terminal.
We have had friends and family stay at the Royal Scot and they have enjoyed it.
Today in Victoria it is 40 and cloudy and will probably rain, as it has a want to do in the winter.