Family-Friendly Victoria Getaway
Victoria, B.C. is well known for its friendliness, history, charming streets and afternoon tea. It’s also the ultimate place for your next family getaway. With activities to satisfy the diverse personalities in your family, the biggest struggle will be finding time to fit everything in. Make memories your kids will cherish: read on to build your dram family-friendly Victoria getaway.
Approximate 6-minute read.
Updated September 15, 2026
Adventures
Every family getaway needs a bit of excitement, we’ve assembled a few of our favourite ways to get your daily dose of adventure.
Extreme exploration for thrill seeking families
For the young adrenaline junkie whose bravery rivals your own, try Adrena LINE Zipline Adventures. You’ll get to hang out at cool heights and zip line from platform to platform in a canopy of trees. If that doesn’t satisfy your appetite, try the Boulders Climbing Gym to experience a world-class climbing facility or a summer drop-in at CragX in downtown Victoria (CragX visits require top rope belay testing).
Hike the Pacific coast
Put your endurance to the test and hike up Mount Finlayson. It’s both technical and challenging, but rewards with an incredible view. Alternatively, hike in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park for unparalleled views of the inlet below. Itching for some coastline? Head out to the Juan De Fuca Trail and take your pick between French, Sandcut, Mystic or Sombrio Beach. You’ll navigate through beautiful forest, scramble over roots and cross bridges to get there but you’ll get the full coastal experience. Victoria's rich diversity in trail networks let's you truly feel like you're, well, getting away, during your family getaway.
Take a day trip across Greater Victoria
Ready to get your heart pounding out at sea? Hit the water with Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre and take a sunset or full moon tour for a unique island experience. Ready for more, pop over to Hand of Man Museum of Natural History, Cultural Arts and Conservation and explore thousands of years of human history. Or take a 10-minute scenic drive to enjoy a stone fired pizza at Merridale Cidery. Then curl up for the night in one of the three Yurts on Merridale’s property for a ‘camping’ experience you can get behind.
Wildlife lovers
Nestled between the wild Pacific and mighty ancient rainforests, Greater Victoria’s ecosystem is rich in biodiversity. Our unique climate creates the perfect condition for a host of critters you won’t find anywhere else in Canada.
Whale watching on the Salish Sea
To win over the animal lover in your family, take them whale watching for memories they’ll cherish forever. Opt for a larger catamaran if you want comfort, or suit up and head out on a zodiac for a more adventurous experience. With over a 95% chance of seeing whales on your tour, you'll quickly see why whale watching is one of the top family attractions in Victoria, BC.
Adventures on the water
Ocean River Sports offers an unforgettable way to explore Greater Victoria by kayak or paddleboard. Paddle through the calm waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour or along the scenic Oak Bay shoreline, where coastal views and marine life create a true West Coast experience. Getting out for a paddle is a staple of every Victoria family vacation.
Bugs, butterflies, and beyond
Insect lovers will bug out for a trip to the Butterfly Gardens where you can discover exotic insects and will discover a lush tropical forest filled with birds, reptiles, and of course, butterflies! Discover a tiny universe of larger‑than‑life bugs at the Victoria Bug Zoo, where curious families can meet everything from multi‑legged crawlers to calm, quirky climbers. With upbeat bug enthusiasts leading the way, even the most hesitant visitors often leave with a brand‑new appreciation for the incredible world of insects.
Farmyard fun in the heart of the city
For an experience with more cuddle-worthy critters, head to Beacon Hill Children’s Farm and hang out with baby goats at the barn. Visit with peacocks, cows, pigs and more. Make sure you stick around for the iconic running of the goats which takes place twice daily. The gentle atmosphere and hands-on engagement makes this one of the top things to do with kids in Victoria.
Sightings galore for nature lovers
On Vancouver Island, we’re spoiled with wildlife sightings, and you’ll often spot seals, otters, eagles and more on coastal walks. Check out East Sooke Park-Aylard Farm trail for a low impact coastal walk. Don’t forget your binoculars to catch wildlife in action.
Comic book & game enthusiasts
Small but mighty, just like a superhero. Explore Victoria’s pop culture hot spots.
Play a game at the board game cafe
If you have a child who begs you to play Monopoly or Settlers of Catan after dinner, make sure you stop by Interactivity Board Game Café. It’s a great space for kids and adults alike. Make an evening out of it and indulge in treats, milkshakes and, for the parents, some brews. If you're looking for true family time together, this is a great addition to any kid-friendly itinerary in Victoria.
Play the hero at Hatley Castle
You’ll be the hero if you take your child to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters aka. Hatley Castle and tour the castle that was used in the X-Men movie series and more recently, Deadpool. And those aren't the only times Hatley Castle has stolen the spotlight, you might remember it from such films and TV shows as The Boy, Disney's Descendants, Arrow, The Killing, In the Land of Women, Smallville, The Changeling, and 2026's hit Netflix show Crew Girl - where the school plays the role of Easton Prep.
Retro experiences for throwback fun
Treat your kids to a visit to Cherry Bomb Toys in the heart of downtown - also home to the National Toy Museum of Canada. Play vintage arcade games, walk through the toy museum and peruse the huge selection of toys from mint to pre-loved. Let’s be honest, you’ll probably have a blast browsing through the vintage games of your childhood too! Stay on theme and book your stay at Hotel Zed, an insanely fun, retro-styled hotel. With cruiser rentals, a VW bus to shuttle you around, record players in the lobby and comic books gifted upon check-in, you’ll score some major parent points. Did we mention they have a waterslide called the Zedinator?
Dreamers & schemers
Treat your family like royalty at these historic sites throughout Victoria, BC.
Living like royalty at these historic sites
For the young one with their head in the clouds and their feet on the ground, take them to Craigdarroch Castle and let their imagination run wild. Then dress up for a Prince or Princess Tea at the Fairmont Empress to complete the fairytale memory. Alternatively, check out the charming Abkhazi Gardens, where you can take in the stunning horticultural work, and globe spanning love story, of an exiled prince and his wife, discover their history and enjoy tea.
In the spotlight at western Canada's oldest lighthouse
Only 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, discover Fisgard Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses on the west coast. Imagine life as a lighthouse keeper and climb the spiral staircase to the beacon that prevented many a shipwreck. Cap off your day of exploration and spend the night in your very own oTENTik tent, complete with bunk beds! A truly unique accommodation experience for those looking to plan a family vacation that's a little different than the last one.
History lovers
People have inhabited the shores of Greater Victoria for over 10,000 years. Do we have some stories to tell.
Our story. Dive into BC's history.
For the family’s history lover, check out the Royal BC Museum and learn about preserving culture in the Living Languages exhibit and be awed by the natural history exhibit. The Royal BC Museum also hosts a collection of rotating exhibits that bring in culture, nature, and science from around the globe.
Walk this way to Canada's oldest Chinatown
Walk to Chinatown and wander down narrow alleyways and hidden passageways. Learn about the history of the area on a walking tour so you don’t miss out on any secrets! Home to an array of restaurants and bakeries from around the world, Chinatown is a must-see for any foodie-family.
Must-see moments at the Maritime Museum
Take your kids to the Maritime Museum and discover stories of B.C.’s coastal culture. As you explore, your family will discover the rich maritime history of the province through stories, dioramas, and hands-on activities. Sign up for one of their extremely popular workshops and make your own Victoria souvenir with driftwood and sea glass.
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