15 Local Father's Day Ideas in Victoria, BC
Father’s Day is coming up. Great dads come in many shapes, sizes and spirits: from the adventure-seeking to the sofa-surfing. For the Victoria, BC dad or “dad-energy” man in your life, read on for inspiration to make his big day one to remember!
Whale watching
Thar be whales! Take dad on the adventure of a lifetime with a whale watching tour from one of Greater Victoria's many whale watching providers. From heart-pounding zodiac tours bouncing across the waves to covered catamaran tours where you can sit back and relax, a whale watching tour across the Salish Sea is a great way to create lasting memories with dad. With many whale watchers offering guaranteed sightings, you're bound to have
Kayaking tours
Is your dad the type of dad that can't sit still? Then a paddling tour is the perfect thing for him. Join a kayaking tour through Ocean River Sports or Kelp Reef Adventures and explore Victoria's iconic Inner Harbour, or venture out onto the waters of the Salish Sea and soak in the breathtaking scenery of our natural landscape. Aside from mountain views and arbutus trees, you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the local marine life that calls our waters home, such as otters, seals, sealions, or maybe even an orca.
Cycling tours
Pedal your heart out! Take a tour with The Pedaler to discover Victoria by bike. Their guided tours are designed to showcase the city’s top attractions, food and drink culture, and the vibrant neighbourhoods that make Victoria so enjoyable and unique – depending on which tour you select. We recommend their signature Castles, ‘Hoods and Legends tour – an 11km tour that guides you through Victoria’s top landmarks and hidden gems. An iconic castle, the tallest totem pole in the world, funky neighbourhoods, imposing mansions – this ride has it all!
Axe throwing
For the lumberjack dad in your life – or even if he is just cool, competitive, or quintessentially Canadian – take him to Axe & Grind or Forged Axe Throwing. With axe throwing, knife throwing, various leagues he can sign up for, and expert guides to show him the way, Axe & Grind and Forged provide the opportunity to treat dad to a new experience. If your dad is a fan of darts, he will appreciate the upgrade!
Interactive games
A quest is the best. Quest Reality Games is a premium interactive real-life escape room facility in Victoria, offering escape games, or take the escape room outside with Cluesolvers: an outdoor app based adventure throughout Victoria and the one-of-a-kind live Case-Solving Investigators game. Find a new way to explore Victoria, and give an opportunity for dad to show off his clever clue-solving skills!
Board games
Game on! With more than 700 board games to play or buy, Victoria’s Interactivity Board Game Cafe is a favourite with locals and a great way to spend quality time with your dad. Challenge one another to a game of wits or battle it out Risk-style; this place has got pretty much any board game you could hope to play.
Brunch
If your father’s eyes light up each time brunch is mentioned, take him to the haven of all things brunch: Fireside Grill. They are offering their award-winning Sunday Brunch. Browse their extensive farm-to-table brunch menu, all offered in an elegant setting surrounded by numerous fireplaces, gardens, and age-old garry oak trees. Book your reservation as soon as you can, as their event tends to sell out!
Burgers
It’s burger time! Sustainable as it is delicious, Big Wheel Burger is quintessentially Victorian and unanimously tasty for all. Their restaurant is Canada’s first carbon-neutral fast food restaurant, with their 100% compostable packaging and ingredients that are sourced within 100 miles of their restaurant locations. It’s fast food without the guilt trip! Another great dad-approved burger option is Bin 4 Burger Lounge. Celebrate dad with their all-day Happy Hour on June 19th, with their fries, some of their appetizers, and Bin 4 cocktails on at a great discount. Savings sure pair well with a delicious burger!
Photo credit: Big Wheel Burger
Beers
Suds Crawl! Your beer-loving dad will love an afternoon exploring Victoria’s craft breweries and pubs. Here’s some inspiration for Craft Beer, Cider, Wine & Spirits and Bars & Pubs. Why not make a day of it, and cycle out to a local brewery for drinks? A perfect dad-approved brewery is Driftwood Brewery, with a vibrant west-coast themed tasting room located just a short 10 minute bike ride along the E&N Trail from downtown Victoria. Cheers to dad!
Photo credit: Driftwood Brewery
Surf & turf
Is your dad just not feeling the three B’s? Have no fear, and let surf and turf come to the rescue. No dad can refuse being treated to a great steak and seafood dinner! Our top picks in Victoria are Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House overlooking the inner harbour, and the ever-popular Keg Steak House + Bar. Bon appetit!
BC Aviation Museum
Prepare for take-off! Take your dad over to the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney, where he is sure to get absorbed in the incredible collection of civilian and military plane models. Browse through artefacts, models, artwork, air crash relics, and war memorabilia. Dads get in for FREE on June 16th with a paying adult. How is that for a great on-the-fly gift?
Baseball
Does your dad love sports? Take him to a Victoria Harbourcats game! This Father’s Day weekend, the Victoria Harbourcats are playing a number of home games against the Coquitlam Angels. Buy dad some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, he won’t care if he never gets back!
Soccer
If your dad prefers a different type of ball game, consider buying him a Pacific Football Club flex pack of tickets as his gift! Offering a 6-ticket or a 10-ticket bundle on their website, this is a great way to treat the soccer-fanatic in your family.
Golf
For dads who love to golf, Victoria is the perfect place to enjoy a Father’s Day round. Treat him to brunch and golf this weekend at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, where you’ll get unbelievable views over the Satellite Channel and Salt Spring Island. A close-to-home local favourite is Cedar Hill Golf Course – a full facility 18-hole course featuring scenic views of Victoria and the Olympic Mountains.
Fishing
Is your dad simply not a fan of ball games? Maybe nothing makes him boast quite as much as his seaside catch-of-the-day. Book a tour with fishing charters. Victoria's fishing crews have been operating their business for decades, and have logging more than tens of thousand of hours out at sea . From salmon and halibut fishing, to crab, clam, and oyster tours, theses crews will take you two to the best fishing spots between Sooke and Oak Bay. With so much time on the water, you can bet that they know where all the good fish are!
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