Family Adventure
Four day sample itinerary
Victoria is deemed one of Canada’s most walkable cities. With a plethora of transit and transport options, it doesn’t take long to get from place-to-place with your family. If your getaway is a few days long and you are looking to adventure outside of Greater Victoria, renting a car is worthwhile to explore all that the southern island has to offer. Here’s our guide to family travel in Victoria, BC.
Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four
10-minute read
Updated March 2nd, 2026
Suggested Accommodations
Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Parkside Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for a family-getaway. With so much to see and do on this property, it's the perfect homebase for exploring Victoria, offering an array of amazing amenities for families. Aside from the classic pool & hot tub, you can rent their private movie theatre with your choice of movie, popcorn, and soda - you can even add a Nintendo Switch for a gaming experience, tuck into finger licking s'mores that you roast yourself over the fire on their rooftops patio, stargaze from the rooftop with a high-quality telescope, and rent complimentary bicycles to explore the city. If family fun is at the forefront of your vacation plans, look no further than the Parkside.
Parkside Hotel & Spa
Hotel Zed
Bright, vibrant, and funky, that's the vibe at Hotel Zed, a family favourite stay in Victoria. This retro-inspired hotel, is a throwback to the carefree days of the 70s and 80s. Chic, stylish, and radical, this blast from the past is loaded with fun things to do, whether that's soaking in the pool, hot tub and sauna, ripping down the Zedenator waterslide, lounging around and shooting pool in Grandma's Basement, playing lawn games in the backyard, exploring the city on free to rent bikes, tandem bikes, roller skates, and longboards, or just chilling in the lobby, that's filled with hands-on fun like board games, retro knick knacks, and typewriters. Not only will your kids love this place, it'll bring out the kid in you too.
Hotel ZedDay one: History & harbourfront highlights
Historic journey
Walk or take public transportation down Fort Street, also known as Antique Row, to Craigdarroch Castle, a 1890’s mansion with exquisite stained glass windows, brilliant woodwork and period antiques. Built by wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning demonstration of the careful craftsmanship of the Victorian era. Climb 87 steps on their spectacular oak staircase up to the Tower, for some of the best views Victoria has to offer. Your kids will be blown away by the magnificent splendour of the castle. Craigdarroch Castle is about a 30-minute walk from downtown, or a quick 8-minutes on transit from the bus stop at Fort Street and Douglas Street.
Burger break
If you’re feeling hungry after the castle, dig into a juicy, sustainably-sourced burger at Big Wheel Burger. They have a kid-friendly menu boasting a “LittleWheel Meal Deal” for kids of all ages, and plenty of delicious quick-bite options for adults too! There are a few Big Wheel locations throughout Greater Victoria, but today, we recommend checking out the Cook Street Location, about a 5-minute drive from Craigdarroch Castle. It's nearby, fresh, delicious, and a great excuse to explore Cook Street Village.
Local tip: Nothing brings a family together like a milkshake! Big Wheel Burger's milkshakes can't be beat, choose from the classics or try their rotating special milkshake.
Photo credit: @gabbymathe (Instagram)
History hunt
After lunch, a great spot to spend the afternoon is the Royal BC Museum, where families can experience BC’s intriguing history. Unique rotating displays and galleries riddle the museum, some of its most popular exhibits being the Natural and Human History of British Columbia and its First Peoples. Realistic and inviting models provide visitors with the sense of having walked through authentic, historical settings. The Royal BC Museum is perfect for kids of all ages, with a mix of interactive displays that encourage hands-on learning, as well as opportunities for deep education. If you're on foot, it's just a 17-minute walk to the Royal BC Museum, or you can extend it by a few more minutes to burn off that burger and shake, and swing through nearby Beacon Hill Park.
Photo credit: @arrivals_travel (Instagram)
Harbour hopping
Greater Victoria is connected to water in a way unlike other cities. The ocean runs through our core and permeates everything we do. The Victoria Harbour Ferry Company LTD. connects Victorians and visitors alike to our beautiful harbour and the eclectic neighbourhoods of our thriving city. There are so many ways to enjoy this iconic Victoria attraction, hop aboard at the Empress dock and take a ride out to the floating neighbourhood of Fisherman’s Wharf, cruise the harbour taking in the stunning architecture of the historic downtown core, or watch the water ballet as the aptly named “pickle boats” dart across our tranquil waters, your kids will be blown away! Let the harbour ferry’s friendly skippers be your guide as you explore the harbour or gorge, or simply get you from A to B as you take advantage of their H20 Taxi Stops.
Dockside delight
Finish your day off by heading down to Fisherman’s Wharf, where the colourful floating houses and marine life are sure to charm the whole family! Stop at Barb's Fish & Chips for dinner to enjoy some of the tastiest fish & chips dishes on the dock. Barb's is a Victoria institution when it comes to fish n' chips, a family favourite that pleases even the pickiest of eaters. This casual dining experience at sundown is one you will boast about for years to come.
Local tip: Want to stretch your legs after dinner? It's just a 20-minute walk along the David Foster Walkway back into downtown Victoria.
Photo credit: @chanelle.mcarthur
Day two: Hands-on activities for all ages
Pedal play
Start your morning off cycling around the bike capital of Canada on an ‘Eat.Drink.Pedal’ tour with The Pedaler Cycling Tours. On this bike-ride around Victoria, you’ll discover memorable landmarks, quaint and quintessential streets, rich history, and, arguably the most important, its food culture. This bike tour fuels you along the way with local charcuteries and cheeses, craft ice cream, and other culinary surprises, making it a great way for families to uncover the culture and flavour of the city. Make sure you work up your appetite! You'll find The Pedaler opposite The Pendray Inn and Teahouse on the grounds of the Huntingdon Hotel and Suites.
Victoria Bug Zoo Inc.
Get hands-on with the world of creepy, crawly insects at the Victoria Bug Zoo, located at 631 Courtney Street next to the Magnolia Hotel & Spa. This family favourite, located in the heart of downtown Victoria, is a playground for curious minds where the whole gang can learn about our four, eight, and one-hundred legged friends. Home to over 50 different species of creatures ranging from arachnids to arthropods and a bug-loving team, the Victoria Bug Zoo helps visitors learn, overcome fears, and develop a lifelong passion for insects.
Victoria Bug Zoo Inc.
Movie magic
After your two-wheel tour of eating around Victoria, sit back and enjoy a showing at the IMAX Victoria. You won’t just see a movie at IMAX, you’ll experience it. Whether you are immersing yourself in the colour and culture of an ancient land, or swimming alongside the planet’s largest creatures in the ocean, the IMAX experience immerses you in places and timespans that you could never otherwise go. Home to the biggest screen in BC, it's sure to capture the imagination of everyone in your family. If you're travelling on foot, it's just a 6-minute walk from the Victoria Bug Zoo.
Bullseye bonding
After relaxing at the theatre, you may have built your energy up for active fun again. Make your way over to Axe and Grind to try out a quintessentially Canadian backyard sport, axe throwing. Trained coaches paired with a safe and fun environment cast the perfect setting for laughs and friendly competition with your family, even your little lumberjacks. From the Royal BC Museum, you can follow Government Street up passed the Fairmont Empress Hotel and hang a left on Broughton to find Axe & Grind, it's about an 8-minute walk away.
Family flavours
Time for dinner! Let's head back over to Douglas Street, where you'll find your new family favourite restaurant, The Old Spaghetti Factory Victoria, just another quick 8-minute walk from Axe & Grind. A beautiful building steps from the Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings, welcomes guests to one of Victoria’s best pasta joints. The Old Spaghetti Factory offers big portions of fresh food made daily with only quality ingredients at reasonable prices. All meals are served with crisp green salad, sourdough bread, coffee or tea, and spumoni ice cream at no extra cost! This delicious family restaurant serves up Victoria’s best dining value.
Day Three: A family tour of the Saanich Peninsula
Winged wonders
Open your senses and explore the jungle at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Located in Brentwood Bay, it's a quick 25-minute drive from downtown, or makes a great stop if you're working your way back the airport of BC Ferries Terminal. The 12,000 square footage enclosure was designed specifically to showcase the life cycle and free-flight of tropical butterflies and moths. The gardens erupt in a riot of tropical colour, aromas and personalities. Stars of the show include the butterflies themselves, 3,000 of them fluttering amongst the flora, but they are not the only ones. Other cast members include tropical ducks, poison dart frogs, flamingos, tortoises, rare tropical birds and koi fish, each co-existing harmoniously in the lush jungle space. Enjoy a voyage of discovery in this living, breathing feast for the senses.
Local tip: Bring your camera, the butterflies are friendly, and you're certain to get a couple great candid moments from your family.
Photo credit: @ashley_rabii (Instagram)
Blooming moments
Drive for 5 more minutes on Benvenuto Avenue to reach The Butchart Gardens. At this National Historic Site of Canada, you will find fifty-five acres of floral finery as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns of explosive colour. Built in 1904 by Robert and Jennie Butchart in an effort to beautify a worked-out quarry, their endeavour became a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality, spanning over 100 years and delighting visitors from around the world. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Italian Gardens, this horticultural wonder maintains the gracious traditions of the past in one of the loveliest corners of the world. Children will love riding the Rose Carousel adorned with hand-crafted animals and carriages and the tasty gelato offered seasonally in the Italian Garden.
Local tip: Here for the holidays? Don't miss Butchart's breathtaking holiday light display, "The Magic of Christmas", from December 1st through January 6th. This Twelve Days of Christmas spectacle brings the gardens to life in a whole new light, while the sounds of festive brass and holiday carollers fill the air.
Country Bee Honey Farm
Just another short 6-minute drive away is Country Bee Honey Farm, a family-favourite on the Saanich Peninsula. Explore the farm and meet the pollinators and animals that call this beautiful acreage on the Saanich Peninsula home. Country Bee offers more than just local, premium honey. Their onsite petting zoo allows your younglings to meet sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and more, better yet, you can feed them too! Take your time at Country Bee and savour the delicious snacks in their bakery, wander the pollinator garden, and follow the journey from field to table by visiting their observation hive, and filling up your own jar at their BYOJ (bring your own jar) honey tap.
Day Four: Family-friendly adventure activities
Soaring fun
Have you ever wanted to soar over a lush West Coast forest? At AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure Tours, experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as your family soars off the ground on eight unique zipline courses, ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettably scenic 1,000 feet. The professionally trained guides emphasize safety and comfort while ensuring a ride full of thrills, jaw-dropping beauty and a collection of fond memories with your family. As you descend over the beautiful Sooke Hills, your guides will also provide educational commentary on the local ecology and wildlife.
Photo credit: @adrenaline
Nature's playground
Don’t have time to leave the city? Wilplay Element Parks invites you into our island’s rugged woodlands for a highly tactile experience of exploration and discovery as you climb, twist, and balance your way through aerial obstacle courses, ziplines, and suspended games. Challenge your fears and grow your confidence to new heights as you conquer tree-top obstacles. The skilled and friendly guides will ensure your experience safely combines thrills, laughter, and a sense of awe for the magnificent beauty of Victoria’s forests. Located in the Westshore, it's just a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria and is even accessible by transit and a short walk.
Sea safari
After forest-bathing in the treetops, why not pair the experience with a visit to Victoria’s waters? The waterways surrounding the city are home to an abundance of marine wildlife, made perfect for whale watching. Humpback and orca are the primary whale species found in the area, but gray, and minke whales can also be seen in certain seasons. Sea lions, seals, porpoises and avariety of marine birds also call our waterways their home. Here in Victoria, you can join a local certified naturalist for a guided marine adventure tour to see and learn about these animals first-hand. Choose between a zodiac or covered boat to host your expedition – Victoria’s whale watching tour operators will provide you with a wildlife experience of a lifetime.
Photo credit: @brendonbissonnette (Instagram)
Eerie adventure
Finish off your evening with a spooky ghostly evening tour featuring tragic romance and intriguing hauntings around Victoria! These entertaining walking tours reveal all, weaving together Victoria’s haunted settings and dramatic storytelling to bring the dark history of our city to life. It’s guaranteed to be entertaining, memorable, and most of all spine-tingling!
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