Archive for category: Things to do in Victoria

Victoria has long-since outgrown the joke that it’s the land of the “newlywed and nearly dead.” The quaint British Columbia capital has a bubbling food scene, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a plethora of historic hangouts. Tucked beside the ocean, its Inner Harbour bustles with activity, offering the ideal hub for those ready to explore — especially families.

Whether you’re escaping Seattle for the day or visiting this northern gem for an extended holiday, Victoria’s kid-friendly activities are so fun even the adults will feel inspired.

Get Hands-On

From day one, we are tactile learners. Though our world and attention span grows with age, the passion for hands-on activities never goes away completely. At Miniature World, you’ll feel like a giant. While exploring the more than 85 dioramas and displays, you’ll find several push-button actions which do everything from turn on lights to activate trainsets. Wander back in time at Royal BC Museum, where immersive exhibits make you feel like you’ve stepped into snippets of Victoria’s history. Try your hand at mining for gold. Step into the shoes of a submarine captain. Say “Hi” to Wolly, the museum’s unofficial mascot — a life-size mammoth.

Get out all the wiggles at Beacon Hill Park, where the large playground is a year-round favorite. The seasonal petting zoo features goats, alpacas, and more. And for those kids who love creepy crawlers, the Victoria Zoo is a must-visit. In addition to seeing giant walkingsticks, praying mantis, tarantulas, and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, you and your littles will be able to safely handle some of the critters under the supervision of the zoo’s knowledgeable staff.

Indulge in Tasty Treats

In recent years Victoria’s food scene has undergone an impressive revival, with a farm-to-table movement that’s earned the city a well-deserved reputation. Indulge in a sampling at the Victoria Public Market — the city’s only year-round market. The indoor food-hub features a diverse range of local food artisans, including loaded waffles and scratch-made pies.

But the city’s old staples should also not be overlooked — especially Roger’s Chocolates. Founded in 1885, Roger’s handmade chocolates have been delighting Victorians with classic flavors and local favorites, like Victoria Creams, for more than 130 years.

Continuing the tasty historic train, be sure to have a spot of afternoon tea. Since the early 1900s, the Fairmont Empress has been serving tea worthy of royalty. And, following its recent renovations, the Empress introduced a special prince and princess tea for children 12-and-under. The Queen Mary Tea Room also offers a fun children’s menu. So too does the Pendray Inn and Tea House.

Meet Some New Friends

Saddle up your little one for an awe-inspiring adventure with the ocean’s gentle giants — killer whales. Also known as orcas, the Salish Sea is frequented by both resident and transient pods. Tours, like the ones offered by Prince of Whales, allow you and your little one the chance to see these graceful creatures first hand. You may also see shorebirds, sea otters, seals, dolphins, grey whales, and more!

For a more delicate introduction to nature, head to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Home to over 3,000 butterflies, along with tropical ducks, flamingos, and other rare tropical birds, the 12,000-square-foot enclosure is downright magical.

Explore the City

Introduce your young traveler to some of the city’s quirkiest of rides and funkiest of destinations. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf, where a lively community of floating homes and walk-up food vendors feel like something that may have been plucked from a children’s book. Catch a Victoria Harbour Ferry — the city’s water taxi service. It offers 14 conveniently located stops throughout the Inner Harbour, including at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Excite your young traveling companion with an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride. Carriage rides can generally be found at the corner of Mackenzie St. & Melville St., on the west side of the BC Parliament Buildings. Tours typically last 30 minutes, taking you through some of Victoria’s oldest neighborhoods.

Add Some Dazzle (and Competition)

A National Historical Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens features 55 acres of finely manicured gardens and public trails. Kids will love the endless paths and the children’s carousel. For a heart-pumping alternative, take your kid ziplining with Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours. Special youth tours are available, starting for children as young as five-years-old.

Photo by Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

And if you’re looking to get off your feet while spending some quality un-plugged time, head to Interactivity Board Game Cafe. This fun café serves a selection of sandwiches and snacks. But the real star is the 800-plus game collection that’s available to play in-house or buy.

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MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA

7 EPIC VICTORIA SUNSET LOCATIONS

Seven years and counting, Amazon Canada ranked Victoria the most romantic city in the country. And while it’s pedestrian-friendly streets, epic food scene and historic buildings are swoon-worthy in their own regard — there’s nothing quite like a sunset to encourage a little canoodling.

VICTORIA’S BEST TOAST-WORTHY POURS

Victoria may be best known for its afternoon tea and historical charm, but it’s also ground central for British Columbia’s craft beer revolution. The quaint BC capital is home to a variety of craft breweries, where you’ll find full-bodied pours loaded with complex flavors worthy of raising a glass…or two.

VICTORIA’S BEST CAR-FREE DAY HIKE

Fondly nicknamed the “Garden City,” Victoria’s lush landscape is home to a wide variety of breathtaking outdoor spaces, including the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park.

Photo Courtesy of the Royal BC Museum

Explore the science and belief that shaped the Maya identity at the Royal BC Museum’s world premiere of Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises.

In the tropical rainforest of Central America, the powerful Maya culture rose for thousands of years. Now through December 31, 2019, you can explore the rich civilization like never before at the Royal BC Museum.

The world premiere of Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises boasts the largest and most impressive display of Mayan objects from Guatemala. It includes nearly 300 precious jade, ceramic, gold, stone, and textile artifacts.

Photo Courtesy of the Royal BC Museum

Many of the items have never been seen in North America before, including elaborate incense burners, magnificent jade and gold jewelry, and the exhibition’s namesake, a remarkable three-meter-long lime-and-stucco sculpture of a man with the attributes of a jaguar, dating from between 250 and 600 BCE.

The exhibit’s entrance is surrounded by the sound of bird calls, animals’ squeaks, and insects buzzing — authentic recordings captured in the tropical forest of Guatemala’s lowlands.

You’ll have the chance to wander through a replica of a Tikal temple, where you’ll be introduced to the Mayan’s gods. Don’t miss the murals of San Bartolo — one of the most unique features of the exhibit. The murals are a relatively new discovery — found roughly 50 years ago.

Photo Courtesy of the Royal BC Museum

Original hieroglyphic panels feature 160 glyphs. They are designed to be read left-to-right, top-to-bottom in double columns. While the knowledge of this ancient written language was destroyed during the Spanish conquest, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the Mayan hieroglyphs have been deciphered.

One of the cornerstone pieces on display—the exhibit’s namesake—is a jaguar sculpture. It was discovered by a construction crew while they demolished a cattle ranch in Guatemala. Near the center of the sculpture you’ll see a visible crack.

The crack was caused by trying to lift the sculpture from the ground using ropes. The attempt would have been successful, if the sculpture had indeed been made of stone. Unfortunately, it’s made of stucco. Luckily, the beauty and significance of this piece remains.

Photo Courtesy of the Royal BC Museum

It depicts a man dressed as a jaguar creeping across the floor. The jaguar is one of the most important animals in Maya mythology. It’s seen as the ruler of the Underworld. Jaguar deities were also believed to protect individual communities against external threats. As such a revered deity, the jaguar became a symbol of political and military power.

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More Fun Things to do in Victoria

19 MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN VICTORIA

There’s more to Victoria than the Fairmont Empress and Parliament Buildings. While both of these iconic landmarks are certainly deserving of a visit, B.C.’s quaint capitol is loaded with Instagram-worthy destinations.

THE ULTIMATE VICTORIA, B.C. PHOTO WALK

When you have just a day to soak up the majestic beauty of Victoria, B.C., don’t let a second go to waste. Hit the streets. Immerse yourself in the culture. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want it on this photo walk.

VICTORIA BIRTHDAY FLY AWAY

This 24-hour birthday fly away will give you, your friends and your family a taste of Victoria’s rich history, cutting-edge technology and rocking good time vibe.

7 EPIC VICTORIA SUNSET LOCATIONS

Seven years and counting, Amazon Canada ranked Victoria the most romantic city in the country. And while it’s pedestrian-friendly streets, epic food scene and historic buildings are swoon-worthy in their own regard — there’s nothing quite like a sunset to encourage a little canoodling.

Photo by Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe

Seven years and counting, Amazon Canada ranked Victoria the most romantic city in the country. And while it’s pedestrian-friendly streets, epic food scene and historic buildings are swoon-worthy in their own regard — there’s nothing quite like a sunset to encourage a little canoodling.

The following dreamy locations are the perfect place to watch the sun go down.

Where to Watch the Sunset in Victoria

Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Ringed by historic buildings, like the Fairmont Empress and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the ideal location to watch the sky turn pink and purple.

Ogden Point Breakwater

This easy walk is just 1.6KM round trip, stretching on a cement walkway from Dallas Road out towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca. At its furthest end rests a lighthouse, but all along the way you can stop to enjoy picturesque views.

Dallas Road

Stretching from Ogden Point Breakwater to Clover Point Park, there are countless magical places to stop and watch the day end. One of the best parts about this road is you can often find a relatively isolated spot, giving you two some privacy.

Clover Point Park

This windswept oceanfront park is known for its striking views, kite flying enthusiasts, and windsurfing crowd. At sunset, walk to the park’s southern-most tip at the far end of the peninsula to enjoy uninterrupted views.

Macaulay Point Park

Despite being nearly 19 acres, Macaulay Point Park remains a hidden gem. Squirreled away in Esquimalt on the southern side of West Bay, its shores face the Strait of Juan de Fuca. And for those who don’t want to wander downhill, the historic gun emplacements built to protect the fort offer equally as beautiful of an outlook.

Mount Douglas

Whether you drive or hike to the top of Mount Douglas, be sure to get there in time to catch the sun as it sinks over the city. With a 205-meter elevation, it offers one of the region’s best panoramic views.

Saxe Point

The easily navigable trails at this Esquimalt park make it a beloved spot for wedding photos. With a mix of grassy lawns and manicured flowerbeds, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic prior to watching the sun slip beneath the horizon.

Book Your Victoria Trip

More Fun Things to do in Victoria

19 MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN VICTORIA

There’s more to Victoria than the Fairmont Empress and Parliament Buildings. While both of these iconic landmarks are certainly deserving of a visit, B.C.’s quaint capitol is loaded with Instagram-worthy destinations.

THE ULTIMATE VICTORIA, B.C. PHOTO WALK

When you have just a day to soak up the majestic beauty of Victoria, B.C., don’t let a second go to waste. Hit the streets. Immerse yourself in the culture. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want it on this photo walk.

VICTORIA BIRTHDAY FLY AWAY

This 24-hour birthday fly away will give you, your friends and your family a taste of Victoria’s rich history, cutting-edge technology and rocking good time vibe.

With intimate dinners and view-filled excursions, the BC Capital delivers the perfect kid-free getaway.

As our seaplane bounced along the waters of Lake Union past the colorful houseboats and the billowing sails of sailboats my heart skipped a beat. There is nothing more invigorating than an opportunity to examine a place you call home from a different vantage point. Doing so always allows you to come home with different eyes. The sun was glistening off the water, the skies were a brilliant blue and my husband and I were off on a much-needed romantic getaway weekend sans children.

As we passed over islands and skirted our way along shores, my eyes were keenly enthralled with our journey. As cliché as it sounds, when you are traveling with Kenmore Air, getting there really is half the fun. When you are up in a plane embarking on an adventure the possibilities seem boundless. After a short flight we started to serpentine our way back down into Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Staying by the Sea at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Upon disembarking we were swept away by our shuttle and driven the short fifteen minutes to our highly anticipated destination – Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Although Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a short distance from the city, it feels like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our spacious and sumptuous room opened to sweeping views of Chatham and Discovery Island in the foreground, with the San Juan Islands in the background.

Our room’s water view enticed us to take a dip in the heated mineral pools which are situated on the shores of the Haro Strait. Throughout Oak Bay Beach Hotel there are moments of pleasure to be had at every turn from watching a pair of bald eagles laze in the midday sunshine from your balcony and partaking in a cup of hot tea by the fire to savoring a treatment at the spa and curling up with a good book in your sunken tub. There are so many reasons to never set foot off the property, but also a wealth of fascinating places to explore just a stones throw away.

From kayaking at Oak Bay Island Ecological Reserve, golfing, the breathtaking gardens of Butchart, miles upon miles of trails and inlets to explore and a variety of islands like Salt Spring there is no end to the places to explore near Oak Bay Hotel. The options for activities are diverse as the seasons on Vancouver Island.

Exploring The Butchart Gardens

After settling into our room, we took a quick taxi ride downtown and boarded a bus to The Butchart Gardens. We weren’t certain what awaited us at the gardens since a mere two weeks prior we had a legendary snowstorm. Much to our astonishment, we were greeted by the gardens, covered in a thick blanket of snow.

Undeterred by our snowy surprise we enjoyed a few activities unique to the garden this time of year. From the months of January to mid-March guests can enjoy the Spring Prelude Indoor Garden and historical displays in the family’s original home, neither of which I had ever seen.

After gathering a plethora of gardening inspiration from the Spring Prelude we enjoyed a leisurely and restful afternoon partaking in Winter High tea. Shockingly, this was our first high tea experience and we enjoyed pots of steaming tea, miniature sandwiches and delectable bites of dessert. After stocking up on tea and flower seeds from the amazing gift shop, we headed back to our hotel.

Taking Time to Relax

Upon returning, we enjoyed a quick dip in the mineral pools before an unhurried dinner at the hotel. A candle lit, floral patterned room was the stage for our romantic dinner and over the next several hours we enjoyed course after course of distinctive local food like sea scallops, crab cakes, and seafood bouillabaisse culminating in very contented stomachs. That evening I fell asleep in one of the comfiest beds I have ever slept in while eagerly anticipating our hiking excursion planned for the next day.

The next morning we reveled in uninterrupted conversation and a hearty breakfast of vegetable frittatas and thick slabs of brioche French toast at the hotel. As parents of young children, we know there is nothing superior in life than a good night’s rest, hot food and being able to complete your meal and sentences without interruption.

Exploring with Hike Victoria

Fueled for the day we met up with Mark from Hike Victoria and spent the day hiking at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park. The peaks of the Gowlland Range (from which the park derives its name) loom high above Saanich Inlet. Mark picked us up from the hotel and in less than thirty minutes we were at the trailhead. As we hiked along the snow-covered trail Mark taught us about the local flora and fauna of the region and generously offered to snap our photo at each overlook. We were astonished with the short amount of time it took to reach the top.

Once there, we were able to take in the breathtaking fjord and panoramic views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. As Seattle residents, we are accustomed to invariably hiking along trails brimming with people. We thoroughly relished our day of having both an informative local guide with us and the trail to ourselves. Feeling as though we had hired our own personal photographer for the day felt especially novel. Along with guided hikes, Hike Victoria also offers a natural beauty walking tour for those feeling a little less adventurous.

Dinner Out and a Ghostly Walk

After a quick pit stop at our hotel we popped back into Victoria for dinner at 10 Acres Kitchen. 10 Acres is known for its inventive use of local products and they grow a majority of their menu items at their farm in North Saanich a short distance from their downtown restaurant. After a full day of hiking, we were ravenous and devoured everything from carrots and squid to gnocchi, trout, and striploin.

With full stomachs, we met up with Discover the Past for a Ghostly Walk through downtown Victoria. Guided by a remarkable storyteller we embarked on a memorable night walking through haunted alleyways and learning about Victoria’s gruesome past. In all my travels, I have found it is only through learning about a place’s history where you can truly appreciate its present day. Before our tour I had not thought much about where Victoria got its start. Afterwards, I walked away feeling more informed and had a greater understanding about the place we were visiting.

Scenic Flight Home

After another dreamy night’s rest we headed back into the city for a quick shopping excursion and a good perusal of Munro’s book. Whenever we travel I like to find locally made items to take home to remind us of our trip later. Time and time again Salt Spring Island Cheese and Roger’s Chocolates are at the top of our list. Our flight back home, although a bit more cloudy, did not detract from the natural beauty of our journey.

As we flew past the Space Needle and made our quick descent back to Lake Union thinking back on our trip felt more like a dream than reality. Being swept away for a few days as a couple was just what we needed to feel refreshed and be reminded why, after all these years, we are still each other’s favorite people on the planet. And that feeling alone is reason enough to book another trip very soon.

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More Fun Things to do in Victoria

Can’t-Miss Bites at the Victoria Public Market

The food-hub showcases a diverse range of farm fresh and locally sourced artisan foods. While wares from local artisans are sure to catch your fancy, it’s the grassroots food vendors that are the real draw.

Victoria’s Best Car-Free Day Hike

Fondly nicknamed the Garden City, Victoria’s lush landscape is home to a wide variety of breathtaking outdoor spaces, including the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park.

Where to Drink Tea in Victoria

Victoria is a city rich with historical architectural and beloved rituals – not the least of which is tea. From afternoon tea to high tea, Victorians and visitors celebrate the indulgent reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life.

Photo provided by The Butchart Gardens

While The Butchart Gardens offer floral displays year-round, the spring is an exceptionally special time to visit.

As the days grow longer, the sweet scent of hyacinths perfumes the meticulously manicured 55-acre grounds. Stone pathways and streams awaken with brilliant pops of color. This is thanks in large part to the over 300,000 bulbs coming into bloom — featuring daffodils, peonies, irises, and, most prominently, tulips.

The Garden is tended by 50 full-time gardeners and 20 seasonal gardeners. During the early spring, the crew breaks up the soil to ease the path of air, water, and nutrients to the bulbs below.

Generally speaking, the most sensational blooms happen from mid-April through the first week of May. But Mother Nature can be a fickle mistress. She sometimes brings spring earlier or later than expected.

Approximately 1.5 miles of walking paths wind through five distinct gardens, the most famous of which is the Sunken Garden. Once a large rocky hole, the quarry has been transformed into a green-cloaked wonderland of flowers, trees, and shrubs. At its center, a lookout known as “The Mound” rises above the immaculately pruned Japanese maples and 151 unique flowerbeds. The accent to The Mounds top is almost otherworldly. It follows a narrow circular path that clings to the steep sides, as though it’s drawing you into the garden itself.

Though the small lookout can often be crowded, benches are tucked in quiet corners throughout the rest of The Butchart Gardens. Be sure to take a moment, sit down, and relish the celebration of spring.

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Discover More Fun Things to do in Victoria

Victoria’s Best Car-Free Day Hike

Fondly nicknamed the ‘Garden City,’ Victoria’s lush landscape is home to a wide variety of breathtaking outdoor spaces, including the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park.

19 MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN VICTORIA

There’s more to Victoria than the Fairmont Empress and Parliament Buildings. While both of these iconic landmarks are certainly deserving of a visit, B.C.’s quaint capitol is loaded with Instagram-worthy destinations.

THE ULTIMATE VICTORIA, B.C. PHOTO WALK

When you have just a day to soak up the majestic beauty of Victoria, B.C., don’t let a second go to waste. Hit the streets. Immerse yourself in the culture. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want it on this photo walk.

VICTORIA BIRTHDAY FLY AWAY

This 24-hour birthday fly away will give you, your friends and your family a taste of Victoria’s rich history, cutting-edge technology and rocking good time vibe.