Top 10 Things to Do with Your Family in Victoria
Whether you’re travelling with your kids, your partner, your parents or your friends, a visit to Victoria is a chance to enjoy some quality time with the people you care about most. We’ve put together some of our favourite family-friendly activities to get you inspired.
Be a coastal naturalist
From sea stars and snails to chitons and barnacles, Victoria's shoreline is home to many interesting sea creatures that can be observed right from the beach. Drive along the Pacific Marine Circle Route to Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew (about 2 hours north of Victoria). Bring a notebook and write down your observations, or sketch a picture of your favourite fish.
Take part in Sidney adventures
Just a short drive up the Saanich Peninsula (about 25 minutes north of downtown Victoria) lies the beautiful ocean-side community of Sidney. A wonderful place to explore with kids, start with a visit to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, where your little ones will be enamoured by undersea creatures and even get some hands-on experience in the touch tank.
Make sure to leave time for a fun family walk through Sidney's charming downtown, taking time to explore the many bookstores or grab a snack at one of the locally-owned cafes. Don’t forget to check out the gorgeous new piece of public art along the waterfront. The 10ft sculpture by Tsartlip Nation artist Chris Paul features the Thunderbird in the Salish sky standing on the orca whale with salmon herring below.
Meet the locals
No visit to Victoria is complete without seeing the resident harbour seals at Oak Bay Marina or Fisherman's Wharf. These chubby cuties are called "dogs of the sea" for a reason, and will do just about anything to get your attention!
To see more wildlife in person, join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on a guided walk through East Sooke Regional Park, or pack a picnic and choose from any of Victoria's other great walking and hiking trails. We love Goldstream Provincial Park for its wildlife spotting opportunities and gorgeous west coast boreal forest.
To meet our largest residents, book a family whale watching trip where you'll be treated to unprecedented coastal views and the best seats in the house for wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life like humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions.
Experience modern history
Canada's Oldest Chinatown is super kid-friendly, but a truly fun experience for families of all ages. Shop local in Fan Tan Alley, Canada's Narrowest Commercial Street, snap a photo under the Gates of Harmonious Interest and enjoy lunch at Don Mee Seafood Restaurant or Virtuous Pie, which is just two blocks away. While you're downtown, stop in at Cherry Bomb Toys, a unique toy shop that specializes in collectable and vintage toys. They're also home to the National Toy Museum of Canada!
For history buffs, a visit to Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites is a must when in Victoria. Wander through the coastal artillery fort and see the beautifully preserved Fisgard Lighthouse, which was built in 1860 as a beacon for the British Royal Navy's Pacific Squadron.
Get in some playtime
For a relaxing afternoon with family, head to Beacon Hill Park where you will see totem poles, roaming peacocks, beautiful early spring blooms and stunning fountains. There's also a playground with a kid zone for climbing and playing.
Stop in for lunch at Big Wheel Burger on Cook Street. If the weather is nice, take your meal to go and enjoy a picnic at Willows Beach or Cadboro-Gyro Park. Both parks have large playgrounds and sandy beach access, perfect for playtime or a relaxing family stroll. There's even a mini zip-line at Gyro Park.
Explore the Victoria Public Market
Feel like a local as you join in the hustle and bustle of the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson. The market is always buzzing with shoppers, and there is often live music and cooking demonstrations to enjoy. There are always lots of awesome local food vendors to choose from, too!
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
Visit local museums
Explore the province's history at the Royal BC Museum. While you’re there, marvel at a movie in the IMAX theatre attached to the museum. There is usually a selection of feature films and documentaries to choose from.
Located on the Saanich Peninsula (right next to the Victoria International Airport), the BC Aviation Museum is a great place to visit with family. Here, you'll see lots of cool aviation artifacts and over 20 restored aircraft displays. Ask one of their many knowledgeable tour guides to share stories of their own experiences or answer any questions that you have about items on display.
Splash, skate, scale and cycle
For indoor family fun, hit up one of Greater Victoria's many recreation centres. From swimming to ice skating, you're sure to find an activity that everybody can agree on. You can also try one of Victoria's escape rooms like Horror Escape Victoria and work as a team to escape from a locked room before the clock runs out, or try indoor rock climbing at Crag X Climbing Gym or The Boulders Climbing Gym. For gaming lovers, head to Infusion VR Arcade for a fun, virtual reality experience.
If the weather cooperates, a family bike ride in Victoria is always a wonderful way to see the city and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Rent bikes or sign up for a guided tour with The Pedaler Cycling Tours & Rentals.
Tip: Check to see if your hotel offers free bike rentals! The Parkside Hotel & Spa has a fleet of bikes, helmets, and locks available for complimentary use by hotel guests.
Get hands on
Gain a sense of place through your sense of touch. Victoria isn't roped off or behind glass, it's a tactile experience brought to life the feeling of sand between your toes and the grain of cedar in your hands. In the city that puts play first, there are plenty of ways to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty in all the things that make Victoria great!
Flick switches, press buttons, and explore a world of flashing lights that's bursting with sound at Canada's first artcade, an interactive-art-playground, Monkey C's Artcade. Climb into the canopy and glide through the treetops at WildPlay Elements Park. Or channel your Inner Islander, and become the woodsman or woodswoman you were meant to be at Forged Axe Throwing.
Bugs and boos
If your kids are a fan of the creepy crawlies, there's no better stop than the Victoria Bug Zoo Inc., where they can explore the educational world insects, arachnids, and their many-legged relatives - including hands-on sessions! If spiders and centipedes aren't your thing, be sure to checkout the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, a vibrant jungle experience home to thousands of butterflies, reptiles, flamingos, and tropical birds. For those really looking to make their skin crawl, putt a round at Haunted Manor Victoria, for an immersive and spooky twist on the classic game of mini golf.
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