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 find the ultimate kid-friendly Victoria itinerary you’ll be equally as giddy about.

Adventurers

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, for more information click here) .

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.

Ready to get your heart pounding out at sea? Hit the water with Blue Dog Kayaking and take a sunset or full moon tour for a unique island experience. When you’re ready to refuel, pop next door for a bite at Bridgeman’s Bistro. 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.

Image by AdrenaLINE

Wildlife Lovers

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.

Your future marine biologist will fall in love with the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, where they can discover all the creatures native to the waters in and around Vancouver Island. Or explore Botanical Beach at low tide to discover hidden tidal pools.

Insect lovers will bug out for a true hands-on at the Bug Zoo, but if the idea of holding a tarantula doesn’t appeal to mom or dad, head to the Butterfly Gardens where you can discover exotic insects—at a distance.

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.

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.

Image by @Kelly_E_Greaves Via Instagram

Comic Book & Game Enthusiasts

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.

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.

Treat your kids to a visit to Cherry Bomb Toys in the heart of downtown. 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?

Image by @hotelzed

Dreamers & Schemers

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 of an exiled prince and his wife, discover their history and enjoy tea.

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!

Image by @taylorpeople via Instagram

History Lovers

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.

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!

Take your kids to the Maritime Museum and discover stories of B.C.’s coastal culture. Sign up for one of their extremely popular workshops and make your own Victoria souvenir with driftwood and sea glass.

Image by @JasonPettyJohn via Instagram

Victoria offers plenty of opportunities for families to make memories they can hold dear for years to come. We can’t wait to be a part of your next family getaway so make sure you take us along by tagging #ExploreVictoria.