Victoria is not only a local favorite but an international favorite thanks to its charming walkable downtown, temperate climate, and plenty of things to do for families! It is the provincial capital of British Columbia and a perfect place to explore whether it be its history, its attractions, or its outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. This post will give you all of the best things to do in Victoria with kids so you can plan the perfect getaway!
Victoria Travel Tips for Families
How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver
Victoria lies on Vancouver Island and can be accessed by air or by ferry. There are flights from YVR Vancouver Airport to YJJ Victoria Airport and also Harbour Seaplanes that fly from Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Victoria. Helicopter service also exists with Helijet.
Ferry is the other option to get to Victoria from Vancouver. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is about 30 mins from downtown Vancouver and has several ferries per day (every hour at peak season). If you have a car you can drive on the ferry, you can take a bus from Vancouver that will continue into Victoria, or you can walk on and take public transit into the city.
Ferry reservations are currently recommended for vehicles. Otherwise, waits of up to a few hours are common.
Renting a Car in British Columbia
Rental Cars are very popular in British Columbia. There is just so much to see and there is not a train or bus network outside of Metro Vancouver or Victoria. If you plan on leaving Vancouver and want to see even the local ski hills, I suggest a rental car. You can get a rental car before you arrive.
Where to stay in Victoria with Kids:
LUXURY: Delta by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe or Fairmont Empress or Sheraton Victoria
MIDRANGE: Accent Inn or Best Western Inner Harbour or Hotel Zed
BUDGET: Island Travel Inn or Ocean Island Backpackers
You can also check out our list of the best hotels in Victoria.
How long should you stay in Victoria with kids?
Victoria is a perfect weekend getaway in BC and even better for a long weekend! Three days in Victoria is a very popular amount of time to spend in the city. Almost any Vancouver Island road trip includes a stop in Victoria because the city is so enjoyable!
Depending on when you plan on visiting also have a read of these seasonal posts. Things to do in Victoria in October, Things to do in Victoria in November, Christmas in Victoria.
Visit the Royal BC Museum
Marvel at the Woolly Mammoth and take a walk through history as you explore different exhibitions. The Royal BC Museum is great for kids because they can see everything in just one day! There are many interactive displays, so head on down if your little ones love exploring hands-on activities with science experiments or art projects too.
Beacon Hill Park Carriage Tours
Horse Drawn Tours in Victoria are one of the most popular things to do at any time of year in Victoria for families. Discover the beauty of downtown Victoria on this 45-minute Beacon Hill Park carriage tour. Hop into your horse-drawn carriage and travel in style along the winding roadways around Beacon Hill Park — Victoria’s oldest and, many would say, most attractive park. Discover top local attractions including St Anne’s Academy, the Empress Hotel, and the Church Of Our Lord, and listen as your driver shares tales and folklore from Victoria’s dim and distant past. Head along pretty pathways and enjoy fine views over the vibrant flowerbeds, peaceful ponds, and manicured lawns.
See and IMAX movie
Head on in to the IMAX theatre at the Royal BC Museum and gaze up at the 6 foot tall screen. Various show play hourly so check the schedule of what’s on here.
Book a Local Photoshoot
A super unique idea is to book a local photographer while your family is in Victoria! It is easy! If you believe that memories make the best souvenirs, then book a photo shoot before your trip! If you use the code LINDSAY you will get $25 off your booking as well! Click here to search and book a photoshoot while in Victoria (or many other locations in BC)
Go Whale Watching
If you are planning a family holiday in Victoria, whale watching is a must-do! Head out of the harbor on a boat in search of the majestic orcas. This is a truly unique way to learn about whales and marine life in one of the best places on the planet! Depending on when you plan your family trip to Victoria, check out the best time to go whale watching for seasonal info on the Orcas!
Book Online: here
Visit the Bug Zoo
The Bug Zoo in Victoria, BC is a must-see for any child! It features huge ant colonies and tropical bugs that will make your little one feel like they’ve been transported to another world.
Shop in Uptown or the Bay Centre
Shopping? Need I say more? If you are visiting Victoria with teens, this is sure to be a hit. And mom likes to browse too right? The Bay Center and downtown Victoria have plenty ot options. Oak Bay Village is also a nice place for shopping. Both places have plenty of Victoria souvenirs as well!
Location: 1150 Douglas St, Victoria BC
Feed the Seals at Fisherman’s Wharf
The Seas and the River Otter’s at Fisherman’s Wharf don’t mind the rain! Throw on a rain jacket and buy some herring from the Fish Store (6 for $5.25). It’s a great thrill for young and old!
Take a Food Tour
Do you have a foodie in the family? If your kids are as into food as you, book a food tour in Victoria and learn all about the diverse cuisine and restaurants in the city! The taste of Victoria tour is a 2 hour walking tour that begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes various stops including the Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Tournce Alley, Government Street, and the Inner Harbour Causeway. There are 6 to 8 tastings.
Booking: Online here
Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is a 119-year-old internationally-renowned 55-acre display garden located just outside of Victoria in Brentwood Bay. Created by Jennie Butchart, and still privately owned and operated by the family, Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, in 2004.
Booking: Online here
High Tea at the Empress
Enjoy a quintessential Victoria activity with kids when you book an afternoon tea in Victoria. There are several places to choose from with the Fairmont Empress being the most well-known. Afternoon tea in Victoria can be traced back to the late 19th century when Victoria served as a bustling hub for the British Empire in North America.
Visit the Shaw Ocean Discovery Center
Head out of downtown to marvel at the coastal sealife aquarium in Sidney at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre . If you check out their website they have some cute scavenger hunt printables to bring with you on your visit!
Butterfly Gardens Jungle Like Atrium
Walk through the 12 000 sqft atrium full of free-flying butterflies, koi, birds, tortoises and other animals at the Butterfly Gardens. The Butterfly gardens are located near Butchart Gardens. Expect to spend about an hour wandering slowly through the atrium.
Watch the Harbour Water Ballet
When the harbour ferries were originally brought to Victoria in 1990, the skippers were amazed at their maneuverability. Taking inspiration from the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride, they set out to test their abilities by creating a synchronized performance. With no passengers on board, the captains were able to push their little boats to the limit, making them twirl around the water in and out of beautifully choreographed sequences.
And so began the affectionately named Water Ballet. The Harbour Ferry captains who volunteered to become “ballerinas” had no idea just how popular their performances would become. This is a seasonal offering in Victoria on select dates between April and October. Watch from Steamship Terminal for the best view.
Dallas Road
Take the kids to Dallas Road. This scenic stretch is a great spot for all members of the families – including the furry ones. Lined with beaches, one of the most popular spots is located at the Bottom of Cook Street, between Clover Point and Beacon Hill Park. These beaches are perfect for flying kites, and enjoying a picnic and for your four-legged family member(s), Dallas Road is off-leash year round.
Hopefully, this list of things to do in Victoria with kids will give you some ideas when you visit the city. If you have a favorite family activity in Victoria, let me know in the comments!
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!