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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 , 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 , 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 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 . 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 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 — 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 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

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.

From sweeping birds-eye views to skimming past the rocky shorelines, the Sea & Sky package offered the perfect mix of thrilling adventure and relaxing scenery.

Traveling often begins with cramped quarters and stale air. It’s normally survived by sitting glued to a device watching the latest reality tv show. Such is not the case aboard the Victoria Clipper, where guests are free to roam the spacious ship. The Victoria Clipper V, the newest member of the fleet, even has an outdoor viewing deck.

I began my journey in the elegant Comfort Class Cabin, staring out the floor to ceiling windows that run the entire length of the ship’s bow. As Seattle faded into the distance, the boat disappeared into a thick fog. Grey clouds hung to the windows like a cozy blanket.

And seemingly as soon as the covers had been pulled into place, they dissipated. Sunshine cut through the last of their hazy wisps, falling like a late sunrise upon the water and surrounding islands.

Enjoy Stunning Water Views

We sailed past lighthouses, the white beacons standing proudly near the water. The captain expertly maneuvered around driftwood. Passengers were on the lookout for whales and dolphins. Though there were sadly no sightings (whales are predominantly seen during the late spring and early summer months), the chance to see the islands from the water was incredible.

The shores varied from rocky bluffs to steep, red dirt cliffs. The occasional home or small community was nestled in the dense tree line. Seals lazily sunbathed on rocks. I even spotted a bald eagle perched overhead.

In addition to the spacious seats, Comfort Class also treats you to complimentary snacks, tea, and espresso drinks. You can also purchase a selection of locally sourced and freshly prepared meals directly from the Clipper’s trademark in-seat concierge service. (Hello convenience and service!) And, did I mention they serve cocktails aboard. The family sitting next to me was celebrating a recent union, so they toasted with a morning Baileys and coffee. It was such a special moment to witness.

Arrive Refreshed

Because you aren’t confined to your seat, the almost three-hour boat ride seems to sail by all too fast. I loved the opportunity to get up and walk around. It meant when we landed my muscles weren’t stiff. I was refreshed and ready to explore!

This was perfect because I’d planned to begin my trip with Victoria’s best car-free day hike through Beacon Hill Park.

Take a Thrilling Flight Home

Like the Victoria Clipper, 51�鶹 operates out of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Flights depart from the Victoria Seaplane Terminal — a somewhat new addition to the Inner Habour, the floating terminal is a stunning place to relax before your 45-minute flight home.

Unlike traditional airports, here check-in is a breeze and the loading terminal is a dock with a view of the Fairmont Empress and BC Parliament Buildings.

Generally flying at 500 feet, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Pacific Northwest’s islands and mountains. Flying much of the same path the Clipper follows from the water, you’ll be able to complete your perspective of the coast, lighthouses and quaint communities. Discover the lush farmland that lies inland. Fly face-to-face with the snow-capped mountains. And, wave to the boats!

Just be sure to bring your camera. This is one trip you’ll want to capture!

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Discover fun things to do in Victoria

Tulips Upon Tulips at The Butchart Gardens

While The Butchart Gardens offer floral displays year-round, the spring is an exceptionally special time to visit. This is thanks in large part to the over 300,000 bulbs coming into bloom featuring daffodils, peonies, irises, and, most prominently, tulips.

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.