Activities for Children of All Ages in and Around Victoria
Beacon Hill Park & Children’s Farm
With over 200 acres of park land, Beacon Hill Park is the crowning jewel in Victoria's park system. The park has an abundance of natural features, including the native Garry Oak ecosystem with spectacular spring shows of blue flowering camas and native wildflowers, large grasslands and Douglas-fir woods.
A must-see for children is The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, The hands-on experience, particularly with the most popular feature that is the goat petting area, encourages children be compassionate toward living creatures. Our goal is to help children develop a respect for animals that will remain with them for life.
After you’ve explored the park, head over to the Douglas Street side for ice cream at Beacon Drive-In, one of the city’s best-rated treats!
The Pedaler Bicycle Tours
Discover Victoria the eco friendly way!
The Pedaler guided bicycle tours showcase the local food and beverage culture, the regional galloping goose and lochside trails, favourite scenic vistas, and the distinctive neighbourhoods that make cycling in Victoria so enjoyable.
We maintain a large feet of the coolest rental bikes in town: urban cruisers, single speeds, hybrids, road bikes and electric-assist bicycles. All bike rentals include a helmet, lock, map, handle bar bag or basket and friendly advice on the best cycling routes.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Harbour Ferries
Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour you’ll find the iconic Fisherman's Wharf. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in the heart of the working harbour. Wander down the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, see moored pleasure vessels and float homes, and watch as fishing vessels unload their wares and harbour seals play by the wharfside.
Get to Fisherman’s Wharf the fun way by taking the Harbour Ferry. Hop on at any Harbour Ferry/Taxi stop and take the scenic route, or even go on a tour of the inner harbour.
Enjoy a filling fish and chips lunch while you’re there The Fish Store. For dessert, head over to Jackson’s for a delicious cold treat.
Victoria Bug Zoo
The Victoria Bug Zoo opened its doors in 1997 and has been showing visitors of downtown Victoria our awe-inspiring bugs ever since. A visit to this must- see mini zoo offers an excellent opportunity to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world. Discover roughly 50 fascinating species including giant walking sticks, beautiful praying mantis, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and Canada’s largest ant colony.
Don’t miss this unforgettable, hands-on adventure while in Victoria, BC!
Miniature World
Miniature World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in downtown Victoria, BC, Canada.
Experience the Great Canadian Railway, Canada's National Wonder of the 1880s and one of the World's Largest Model Railways.
Wander through the Enchanted Valley of Castles and experience the many great Castles of Europe, then travel on to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and much, much more!
Royal BC Museum & IMAX Theatre
The Royal BC Museum Corporation is one of Canada’s greatest cultural treasures.
Founded in 1886, the museum is British Columbia’s provincial museum and archives, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of British Columbia’s natural and human history, safeguarding them for the future and sharing them with the world.
BC’s premiere museum is a must for travelers of all ages, but there is particular emphasis on things to do with kids at this Victoria landmark. There’s the Old Town, the Ocean Station, the First Peoples Gallery and tons of special activities planned throughout the year.
Make the most of your visit by combining the Royal BC Museum with an IMAX movie. The Royal BC Museum and IMAX Victoria work in tandem to deliver an educational and entertaining experience sure to inspire. The movies programmed at the IMAX Theatre often support the feature exhibition.
You’ll work up a hunger with all this entertainment – behind the museum, all summer, is a selection of amazing local food trucks providing fantastic and filling meals including Mexican food and perogies!
Chinatown & Fan Tan Alley
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada, and was once the largest. It was the main port of entry for all of British Columbia before Vancouver became bigger in the late 1890s. Chinese called Victoria ‘Dai Fao’, literally meaning “big port”. Still with all of its historical charm and intrigue, Chinatown now has some of the finest eateries and most interesting places to visit in the city.
Fan Tan Alley is Canada’s narrowest street and home to more than a dozen locally owned shops, offering a diverse and exciting shopping experience. Here you can find organic treats, homemade ice cream, matcha teas and gifts, vintage records, specialty umbrellas and canes, and stylish clothing.
Victoria’s tea culture is also central in Chinatown. Visit Silk Road Tea where every option is made with premium quality, fresh, organic. Or if you have a little more time, enjoy a gourmet afternoon tea, made with love, at Venus Sophia.
Government Street
Government Street is one of Victoria’s busiest streets with everything from holiday gift stores to high-end clothing and gourmet ice cream stores. There are also a few essential places to visit while you’re in the area. When you’re in town with children, Munro’s Books is a must-see. As well as the magnificent, coffered ceiling in a 1909 heritage building, originally designed for the Bank of Canada, you’ll find an extensive children’s section with books for readers of all ages that keeps them occupied for hours.
A little further down the street you’ll find Emily Carr House, a National and Provincial Historic Site. A Post- Impressionist and Modernist painter, writer and thinker; a champion of First Peoples; an advocate for social justice; and an environmentalist- Emily Carr was a true visionary. Step into Emily Carr’s family home and discover for yourself how she emerged from this traditional colonial upbringing to become the internationally renowned painter and writer whose legacy of inspiration grows stronger with the passage of time.
Dallas Road Waterfront Trail
One of Victoria’s beauty spots, Dallas Road affords stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is a popular and frequent destination for paragliders, kite surfers and hikers. Located between Douglas Street and Clover Point, the green space offers a flat walking path and access to the stretch of beaches and shoreline.
The full child-friendly trail stretches 4.4 miles from James Bay to Ross Bay and passes the Mile Zero Monument, Cover Point and the historic Ross Bay Cemetery, now the permanent home of many of Victoria’s most recognizable figures.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Big Bus Victoria and Sightseeing Victoria are just two options for these great multi-stop tours of the city.
Victoria is highly accessible and in no time you’ll reach the next exciting landmark on your tour. Hold on to your pass and you can spend the day ticking off many of the sights on your Victoria, BC bucket list – all on one of Victoria’s trademark red double-decker buses!
Drivers will be along at regular intervals to make sure you can get to all of your must-see locations, and maybe discover some more you didn’t think of yet.
Parliament Buildings
A spectacular building dominating Victoria’s skyline, this 12 ½ acre property has served as a site of government in British Columbia since 1864. The current Parliament Buildings, designed by the architect Francis Rattenbury, were officially opened on February 10, 1898. The Parliament Buildings and surrounding areas are located in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people.
Free guided tours are available throughout the year. Come to discover the history of the province, the architectural splendor of our cherished heritage building and learn about British Columbia's parliamentary process.
Whale Watching
Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding Victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales.
Other aquatic neighbours include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds. There are three orca pods totaling over 80 whales in Victoria’s waters alone.
Cruise with local certified naturalists and experts for a guided marine adventure to discover, observe and learn about these enchanting creatures up-close.
Butchart Gardens
The world-renowned Butchart Gardens occupies 55 acres with stunning floral displays. Enjoy the Rose Carousel & Children's Pavilion! Great dining with casual & more formal dining using many local ingredients & an extensive BC wine list. Enjoy afternoon tea year-round, complete with lovely views. The Seed & Gift Shop carries many local artists' creations.
Summer offers evening entertainment, Saturday night fireworks & eco-friendly electrically-operated boat tours of surrounding waters including historic landmarks of cement manufacturing days. Christmas - phenomenal lighting, entertainment & an outdoor ice rink. National Historic Site of Canada & Destination Canada Signature Experiences Collection.
Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. As you wander through, we want you to meet our family. You’ll encounter poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. We house a large variety of tropical fish swimming in our serene pond and stream circulated by a stunning waterfall. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through our large facilities the size of almost 3 basketball courts. Stroll through and marvel at our lush gardens including tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world. And now enjoy our newest exhibit, the Insectarium!
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Canada's public aquarium and learning centre for the Salish Sea. Come and experience 160 species of marine life, a marine mammal artifact exhibit, and a unique Coast Salish art collection and learn about, explore and conserve the Salish Sea Bioregion – its wildlife, waters, land, culture, and people.
This one-of-a-kind aquarium and learning centre offers an interactive, informative and hands-on experience with the Salish Sea through self-guided visits, daily programs, group and school bookings, and special events and lectures.
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
Fort Rodd Hill - a National Historic Site - is a coast artillery fort built in the late 1890s to defend Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base.
Visitors can explore gun batteries and underground magazines built a century ago, as well as searchlight emplacements, command posts...and much more. Signs, audio and video stations, and friendly, knowledgeable staff tell the stories of this national historic site.
Families often bring a picnic lunch and stay for a half a day. While the kids investigate our tide pools, parents can enjoy the spectacular sea and mountain views. Come visit soon! Wildplay Element Parks (Ziplining)
Way, way up above your head, there’s an obstacle course where we throw everything at you: log ladders, ziplines, cargo nets, rope swings, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges. Dozens of suspended surprises are up there, becoming more challenging the higher you get. But stick with it, you’ll learn as you go.
Our Adventure Course games are “a-ok” for humans who are aren’t always gung-ho about heights, because everyone needs somewhere to let their fear out to play.
Western Speedway
Western Speedway is one of the biggest entertainment attractions on Vancouver Island. With grandstand seating for 3000, Western Speedway promises loud, four-wheeled fun from March to October. Race categories range from the serious Stock cars and Sprint cars to the ridiculous Demolition Cars and Trucks, and the need-to-see-to-believe Boat Demolition competition.
Western Speedway is attached to the All Fun Recreation Park which means there is something fun to do for each member of the family. As well, Western Speedway contains the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame, showcasing over 75 years of Vancouver Island auto racing heritage.
Guided Nature Events
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the regional government for southern Vancouver Island and the nearby Gulf Islands. Guided nature programmes are offered throughout the year.
Outings, such as guided walks and hikes, are free and do not require registration, unless otherwise noted. They usually run 1.5 – 2 hours. Outings with fees or registration are noted in the listing; please book early as they fill up quickly. All programs run rain or shine. Events are drop-in style and free. Come by anytime between the hours that the event is offered. En Route to Tofino
The stunningly beautiful 317.3km drive between Victoria and Tofino will take around 4.5 hours. On the way, it’s a great idea to stretch your legs and enjoy a stop-off at some of the many towns and beautiful natural settings you’ll come across. We’ve listed a few below:
Chemainus
Chemainus is a charming Cowichan Valley town located in the Vancouver Island region. Chemainus is noted for its creative community, but its artistic flair is most evident in the 40 plus vivid murals scattered around town that depict its culture and history.
In fact, the aptly nicknamed "Muraltown" has been internationally renowned since the early 1980s thanks to these widescreen depictions of colourful chapters from the town's past: First Nations, forestry, mining, and maritime culture. While in town, you can also enjoy boutique shopping experiences, nights at the theatre, amazing outdoor adventures and take in the sights of Old Town.
Parksville & Rathtrevor Beach
A growing, progressive community located on the sheltered eastern shores of Vancouver Island, just 22 miles north of Nanaimo and BC Ferry Terminals to the mainland.
At nearby Rathtrevor Beach, at low tide the ocean recedes over half a mile, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.
A spectacular natural setting, surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes and rivers. The community annually hosts a wide range of recreational and cultural events and is central to a variety of golf courses. An excellent combination of business and recreational opportunities make Parksville a great to live, work and visit!
Coombs
Located on Highway 4, 5.5 miles west of Parksville, Coombs hosts more galleries, studios and artists per capita than anywhere else in BC. During your visit, don’t miss Coombs Old Country Market, famous for its family of goats grazing on the grass rooftop; Coombs General Store, established in 1912; Butterfly World, tropical gardens filled with trees, plants, flowers, and butterflies from around the world; World Parrot Refuge, a home for 600+ previously owned pet parrots and much more.
Amazing nature adventures are all around, including scenic hikes at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Englishman River Falls and the majestic Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park.
Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
Trails on either side of the highway lead visitors through the mighty stands of this coastal forest. On the south side you will find the largest Douglas firs – one measuring more than 9 metres in circumference. On the northern side of the road you’ll find groves of ancient Western red cedar standing sentry over nearby Cameron Lake.
Tofino and Ucluelet
Thanks to Mother Nature and one of the most spectacular coastal settings in the world, Tofino is a year round destination for adventurers and explorers.
Majestically perched on the edge of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park – near the infamous Clayoquot Sound, Tofino offers a bounty of year-round adventures, including surfing, whale watching, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and winter storm watching.
Besides the natural attraction to Tofino’s majestic old- growth rainforests, and long sandy beaches, it’s also a hotbed of festivals and events for generations of returning visitors. From the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival and Saturday Public Market, to world-class food & wine festivals, Tofino’s events line-up is non-stop fun.
Ucluelet is a Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation word meaning ‘safe harbour’ or ‘safe landing place.’ The Ucluth peninsula has a significant First Nations history; having been inhabited by the Yuu-tluth-aht people for thousands of years.
The flourishing community of Ucluelet (pronounced “yew-kloo-let”) has about 1600+ full time residents and thrives on outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. Ucluelet is surrounded by the 150,000 acres Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with the Broken Group Islands to the South and Long Beach to the North. Ucluelet is a year-round travel destination, only 40 minutes from Tofino, that will have you basking in its picturesque beauty, ancient cedars and spectacular tree-lined horizons along the Wild Pacific Trail.
Hotel Properties in Tofino
Wickaninnish Inn
The Wickaninnish Inn offers direct access to Chesterman Beach, and panoramic ocean or beach views from every guest room.
We also have 75 deluxe guest rooms and suites (with fireplace, soaker tub and individual balcony), and a 720 sq. ft. meeting/banquet room (accommodating up to 60 people).
The Pointe Restaurant seats 75 and our full-service Ancient Cedars Spa is a destination spa offering extensive body and esthetic treatments.
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Long Beach Lodge Resort opened in the Spring of 2002. The resort, with 41 Lodge rooms and 20 Cottages, is located on 8 acres of oceanfront property on the beautiful beach of Cox Bay, just 4 miles south of Tofino.
The Lodge was designed and built to resemble a grand West Coast style home. Cedar board and batten, and a shingle exterior, a metal roof and stone chimney are all traditional elements of West Coast design. You will begin to relax as soon as you enter the Great Room with its massive granite fireplace and Douglas Fir post and beam construction. It is a gathering place where guests can sink into an overstuffed chair, put their feet up, and gaze out at the sandy beach with the crashing surf and lighthouse beyond.
Hotel Properties in Ucluelet
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Escape to the natural tranquility, beauty, and comfort of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – an extraordinary retreat on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. Our magnificent oceanfront resort in Ucluelet, British Columbia, combines contemporary comfort and quality service with the organic energy of the Canada’s western frontier for an enchanting vacation experience. Only 25 miles from Tofino!
Designed with a deep respect for the land and sea, Black Rock’s innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – enhances and contrasts the Wild Pacific landscape.
Expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas create a passionate connection to the freedom and serenity of the Vancouver Island’s magical coast and experience true excellence with spectacular accommodations and awe-inspiring views. Black Rock Resort is one of the most stunning new outposts on Canada’s wild Pacific coast.