Victoria, Canada: 12+ Beautiful Experiences with Your Family
Victoria, BC, offers a wide range of activities for families, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, dive into history, or simply relax, Victoria has something for every family member. Here are the top 12 family-friendly experiences you can’t miss, plus a couple of extras I couldn’t resist sneaking in from my hometown.
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Visit a Castle: Hatley Castle or Craigdarroch Castle
Step back in time by visiting one of Victoria’s iconic castles. Hatley Castle offers beautiful gardens and historic architecture, while Craigdarroch Castle boasts a fascinating look into Victoria’s Victorian past. Both sites are perfect for history buffs and families looking for a unique day out.
Explore Butchart Gardens
The world-renowned Butchart Gardens is a family favourite year-round; located about 30 minutes by car from downtown Victoria in Brentwood Bay. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy seasonal events like live music and fireworks in the summer and the holiday lights in the winter. Hop on the carousel with the kids and stop for a gelato afterwards. It’s a perfect spot for family photos and a peaceful escape into nature. Hours and rates vary depending on the time of year so be sure to check out their website ahead. Plan for a couple of hours at the gardens.
Visit the Inner Harbour
Check out the Parliament Buildings, stroll through the historic Empress Hotel, and take in the waterfront complete with artisans and buskers. Hop on a Victoria Harbour Ferry and explore the scenic Inner Harbour by water. One of our favourite spots to take the ferry is to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can enjoy fish and chips, spot seals, and explore the colorful floating homes. Kids will love the novelty of a water taxi ride!
Discover the Royal BC Museum and IMAX
The Royal BC Museum is an engaging and educational stop for the whole family. Kids will be amazed by the exhibits on natural history, Indigenous cultures, and local history. Don’t forget to catch a movie at the IMAX Theatre, which often features educational films and exciting documentaries. Plan for a few hours if you want to see it all.
Go Whale Watching
A trip to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the local marine life. Book a family-friendly whale-watching tour to spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. Tours often depart from the Inner Harbour, making it an exciting adventure for kids and adults alike.
Visit Beacon Hill Park and Petting Zoo
A must-visit for families, Beacon Hill Park offers plenty of open space, playgrounds, a historic totem pole, and the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm (admission by donation) where kids can meet goats, pigs, and other farm animals. It’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic and take in the natural beauty of Victoria. It’s also walkable from downtown. If you are planning a visit don’t forget to stop at the Beacon Drive-In for some ice cream on the way.
Walk the Breakwater at Ogden Point
For a breathtaking ocean walk, head to Ogden Point Breakwater. The paved walkway takes you out into the sea, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the busy Inner Harbour. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife and maybe even a whale!
Visit Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
Explore Victoria’s vibrant Chinatown, the oldest in Canada. Wander through Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in North America, filled with quirky shops and unique finds. This area offers a cultural experience the whole family will love and lots of fantastic spots to shop and dine. One of my favourite stops is Silk Road Tea for a hot drink and some treats to bring home.
Have Elevenses at Abkhazi Garden
For a special treat, take the family to Abkhazi Garden for high tea. This beautiful garden is a peaceful oasis in the city, and the elegant tea service, featuring scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries, will be a memorable experience for both adults and children. Reservations are recommended. After tea have a wander through the gardens and learn about their unique history. Entrance to the gardens is by donation. I highly recommend the Elevenses for tea, no matter the time you visit.
Hang Out at the Board Game Café
On a rainy day, or just for some indoor fun, head to the Interactivity Board Game Café. With hundreds of games to choose from, this café is a great way to spend a cozy afternoon together. They have games suitable for all ages, making it the perfect stop for some family bonding. Don’t forget to try one of their homemade milkshakes, they are delicious.
Hike at Goldstream Provincial Park
Nature-loving families should head to Goldstream Provincial Park located about 25 minutes from Downtown. Hike along trails surrounded by lush forest, take in the waterfall, explore the Goldstream River, and if you’re lucky, catch the annual salmon run in the fall. The park also offers picnic spots for a family lunch surrounded by nature. Just a few more minutes further and you can combine your park visit with a stop at the Malahat SkyWalk.
Walk Among the Trees at the Malahat SkyWalk
Take a short 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria and experience the awe-inspiring Malahat SkyWalk. This accessible treetop walk provides panoramic views of the surrounding forests and ocean. The kids will love that they can slide down from the top, and the entire family will enjoy the 600-meter walk with driftwood art along the elevated pathway. Plan for a couple of hours to see it all. Open 7 days a week, with family tickets available.
Book a Family Photo Shoot with Flytographer
Capture your family’s adventure with a professional photoshoot through the Victoria-based Flytographer. Choose a scenic backdrop like the Inner Harbour or Butchart Gardens, and let Flytographer’s local photographers snap beautiful, candid shots of your family. It’s a fun way to preserve memories and have professional photos to share or frame at home. For more on our experience with Flytographer, check out this post.
Relax at a Spa (Adults Only)
While the kids enjoy some downtime, treat yourself to a relaxing escape at one of Victoria’s renowned spas. Havn offers an adults-only experience in the heart of the waterfront on a floating barge. Indulge in their hot and cold therapy circuit as you watch the seaplanes land and recharge for more family adventures. For more Victoria and Vancouver Island spa favourites check out this post.
Conclusion
Victoria is full of family-friendly experiences that range from outdoor exploration to cultural and relaxing getaways. Which activity will your family try first on your next trip to our beautiful city? Let us know in the comments!
