12 Things to Do in Victoria BC You’ll Regret Skipping

If you’re planning a visit to Vancouver Island and including a stop to BC’s capital city, this list of things to do in Victoria BC with kids includes more than just the usual stops. We’ve added some lesser-known (but just as fun) places we discovered during our time there. Some are free, some cost a small fee, but all are family-tested and worth the time.

Beacon Hill, Miniature World, Butchart Gardens, Malahat Skywalk, Craigdarroch Castle… those are probably all on your Victoria itinerary. But did you know that there is SO much more to do (and a lot of activities are FREE!)

We still remember our first time in Victoria. It was the early days of our cross-Canada road trip, and we ended up staying two whole weeks. We thought we’d just see the main highlights, but the more we explored, the more we found. Hidden beaches, hands-on museums, family-run food spots. Victoria quickly became one of our favourite places in Canada.

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Family Activities in Victoria Downtown

1. Take a Family Photo at the Canada Sign

📍Location: Inner Harbour

Start your visit with a photo in front of the Canada sign. It’s one of those fun, iconic stops the whole family will enjoy. The sign is right by the inner harbour, with views of the Parliament buildings on one side and the marina on the other.

You’ll often see street performers nearby, and if the tide’s low, kids can look for little crabs by the docks. It’s a quick stop, but a great place to mark the beginning of your Victoria adventure.

2. Walk Through Canada’s Narrowest Street in Chinatown

📍 Location: Between Fisgard St and Pandora Ave

A visit to Victoria’s Chinatown isn’t complete without walking through Fan Tan Alley. It’s the narrowest street in Canada. It’s a short but fun stop, especially for kids who love squeezing through tight spaces and discovering hidden corners.

Chinatown itself is the oldest in Canada and full of character, with bright lanterns, heritage buildings, and small shops selling everything from candy to souvenirs. Fan Tan Alley is tucked between buildings and leads to a few quirky stores, perfect for a quick browse.

3. Grab Fish & Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf

This colourful floating village is one of our kids’ favourite spots in Victoria. The docks are lined with funky houseboats, local food stalls, and even the occasional seal hanging out near the water. It’s a great place to wander, eat, and just take in the laid-back West Coast vibe.

There’s also a small playground near the parking lot, which is perfect if the kids need to run around after lunch.

There are a few casual dining spots at Fisherman’s Wharf, all set up along the floating docks. It’s a great place to grab lunch or dinner while enjoying the marina views.

Barb’s Fish & Chips is one of the most popular choices. They serve generous (and delicious) portions of crispy, fresh fish. Another great option is Puerto Vallarta Amigos, where you can order tasty fish tacos and other Mexican dishes. Since all the food stands share the same outdoor picnic area, it’s easy for everyone to pick what they like and still eat together. It’s exactly what we did when we visited. My husband and I grabbed some fish & chips while the kids ordered some tacos.

4. See Giant Insects Up Close at the Victoria Bug Zoo

The Victoria Bug Zoo is a small but fascinating spot right in downtown. Inside, you’ll find over 50 species of insects and arachnids from around the world. You’ll find everything from stick bugs and tarantulas to glow-in-the-dark scorpions and a massive ant colony.

The best part of our visit was listening to the guides about the ant colony. It was so interesting and really cool to see. The staff are great at explaining things in a way kids understand, and they’ll even let you hold certain bugs (if you’re brave enough!).

It’s an easy indoor stop that’s both educational and entertaining.

5. Spend an Afternoon at Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is one of the best places to spend a relaxed afternoon in Victoria with kids. It’s a huge green space right by the ocean, and there’s something for everyone: two playgrounds, splash pads, walking trails, and even a petting zoo (called the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm).

You’ll also find picnic tables, shaded areas, and a beautiful rose garden if you feel like wandering. 

6. Visit Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway

📍 Location: Dallas Road & Douglas Street

Right next to Beacon Hill Park, you’ll find Mile 0. It’s the official starting (or ending) point of the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s a fun and symbolic stop, especially if your family is on a road trip across Canada.

There’s a small monument and a great photo spot with views of the ocean. For us, reaching Mile 0 after driving more than 5,000 km from the East Coast felt like a big moment. It was definitely worth a family photo.

Kid-friendly things to do around Victoria BC

7. Chase Butterflies at Victoria Butterfly Gardens

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are a hit with kids and it’s only 5 minutes away from the popular Butchart Gardens. You’ll walk through a tropical greenhouse where thousands of butterflies fly freely around you. There are also flamingos, frogs, tortoises, iguanas, and even tropical birds to spot along the way.

It’s warm and humid inside (just like the rainforest), so bring light clothes and be ready for your camera to fog up. We had to use the dryer at the exit to clear the lens of my camera! But honestly, the up-close encounters are worth it.

It’s a great indoor activity, especially on a rainy day.

 ➡️ Check for tour times and availability here

8. Explore the Castle from the X-Men Movies at Hatley Castle

Hatley Castle is a real-life castle set on a beautiful estate just outside Victoria. And if it looks familiar, that’s because it’s appeared in movies like X-Men and Deadpool. It’s a fun stop for families who enjoy history, gardens, or spotting filming locations. 

It’s also an excellent, less-visited alternative to Craigdarroch Castle. During our visit, we decided to visit Hatley Castle instead of the more popular Craigdarroch Castle.

While the castle interior is accessible only through a guided tour (seasonally offered), the grounds and gardens are open year-round and free to explore. Kids can roam the paths, cross little bridges, and check out the Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens.

9. Take in the Views from Mount Douglas

If you’re looking for a short hike with a big payoff, head to the top of Mount Douglas (PKOLS is the traditional, Indigenous name for Mount Douglas Park in Saanich, BC, and it means white rock.)

It offers one of the best 360° views in Greater Victoria. On a clear day, you can see the ocean, the city, and even Mount Baker in the distance.

There are a few trail options, but the easiest for families is to walk up Churchill Drive. When the road is closed to vehicles, it becomes a wide, paved path. It’s perfect for kids. It’s about 3.1 km round trip and not too steep. This is what we did and it was great. Otherwise the climb via Irvine Trail is a good option.

But, if you’re short on time or energy, you can also drive to the top when the road is open.

🌬️ Heads up: It can get windy at the summit, so bring a jacket, even on warm days.

10. Play by the Ocean at Willows Beach or Cadboro-Gyro Park

Willows Beach is one of the best family beaches in Victoria. The shoreline is long and sandy, and the water stays shallow for quite a way out. It’s perfect for young kids to splash around safely.

On a calm day, it’s great for wading or watching sailboats pass by. On a windy one, bring a kite!

There’s a playground just across the road and a concession stand open on weekends during the warmer months. 

If you’re looking for another great beach spot, Cadboro-Gyro Park is just a short drive away. It has a fun playground shaped like a sea monster!

You can easily spend a full afternoon at Willows Beach or Cadboro-Gyro Park. 

11. Visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse

Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site where kids can explore real military bunkers, climb old lookout towers, and roam freely through open green space. Right next to it, you’ll find Fisgard Lighthouse. It’s the first lighthouse ever built on Canada’s west coast.

This is a fun spot for kids to run around, play pretend, and learn a little history without it feeling like a lesson. You can go inside the lighthouse, walk along the water, and spot deer, crabs, and geese along the way. My kids LOVED this place, so much that we visited twice! Yes, we came back a second time in the same trip.

🎫 Admission is Included with the Parks Canada Discovery Pass (same pass you’ll need if you continue your trip through Pacific Rim National Reserve Park or if you’re planning to visit Banff an the Canaian Rockies (or you can pay admission at the gate.)

12. Walk Along the Water at Whiffin Spit Park

Whiffin Spit Park is a peaceful and scenic trail that feels like you’re walking right out into the ocean. Sooke Harbour borders this long, narrow stretch of land on one side and the Juan de Fuca Strait on the other. There is water in every direction.

The flat 2.4 km out-and-back trail is easy for kids and strollers (though it’s gravel), and there are plenty of spots to stop, toss rocks, or watch the waves. On the way, you might see seals, seabirds, or even scuba divers heading into the cold water nearby.

The walk is gentle, but the ocean breeze can be strong, so bring a jacket!

If you arrive from the airport or ferry

If you land in Victoria from the airport or arrive from the Swartz Bay terminal, you might want to make a quick stop to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.

To be perfectly honest, we did to the drive specifically for a visit, and we didn’t feel like it was worth it. But if you have an hour to kill before your ferry – flight, or when you just arrive, then it can be worth it.

13. Get Hands-On at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Located in the town of Sidney, just north of Victoria, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a small, family-friendly aquarium focused on local marine life. It’s a great spot for younger kids, especially if they like to touch and explore.

You’ll see jellyfish, sea stars, sea urchins, and even an octopus. The highlight for our kids was the touch pools, where they could gently interact with live marine creatures while learning about the local ecosystem.

The aquarium is compact, so it’s easy to explore in under one or two hours.
💡 Family Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at Sidney’s waterfront walkway or grab lunch at one of the nearby cafés.

Other Popular Things to Do in Victoria with Kids (But We Didn’t Get to Try Them).

14. Go on a Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat

Whale watching is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Victoria BC with kids, especially during the summer months. We sadly didn’t get to do a tour in Victoria (we did a bear watching tour in Tofino instead.) 

Tours run from April to October and often have a 95% success rate for spotting whales.

On a zodiac boat, you’ll ride along the coast with just 12 passengers, giving you a close and exciting view of the wildlife. Guides explain everything you see, from orca pods and humpback whales to seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. It’s a three-hour tour, and the fast boat ride is often just as fun for kids as the animals.

💡 Important: Zodiac tours are not suitable for children under 6 or for pregnant women. Families with younger kids should book a covered boat tour instead.

➡️ Check rates and availability for Victoria

15. Tour the Historic Craigdarroch Castle

Step back into the 1890s with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle, a beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion. With its grand staircase, stained-glass windows, and detailed woodwork, it’s a fun way for kids to get a glimpse of how wealthy families lived over a century ago.

You’ll explore the castle on a self-guided tour, moving through over 30 rooms across four floors. It usually takes about an hour, though it may be a bit longer with younger kids. 

While there’s no hands-on activity, the scale and design of the castle often spark curiosity, especially the view from the tower at the top.

🛗 Note: The castle is not stroller or wheelchair accessible, and there are lots of stairs.

16. Explore the Tide Pools at Witty’s Lagoon

📍 Location: Metchosin, about 35 minutes from downtown Victoria

When the tide is out at Witty’s Lagoon, the beach turns into a giant playground filled with warm shallow pools, driftwood, and birdlife.

There’s a short walk from the parking lot to the beach (about 15–20 minutes). Along the way, you’ll pass Sitting Lady Falls, a small but pretty waterfall that makes the walk more fun for kids.

You’ll want to  bring a bucket or container so kids can gently observe small crabs, sea snails, and other tide pool creatures before letting them go.

💡 Family Tip: Check tide times before you go—low tide is best for exploring

17. Walk Above the Trees at Malahat SkyWalk

📍 Location: Malahat, about 35 minutes from Victoria

Just a short drive north of Victoria, the Malahat SkyWalk is one of the most impressive and family-friendly attractions on Vancouver Island. The experience starts with a gentle 800-meter forest walk that leads to a stunning spiral tower that rises 10 stories above the treetops.

At the top, you’ll get 360° views over the forest, Saanich Inlet, and even across to Mount Baker on a clear day. And the best part for kids? The 40-foot spiral slide that takes you back down (you can also walk if you’d prefer).

Everything is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and the entire experience feels adventurous but manageable—even with young kids.

18. Ride the Only Carousel on Vancouver Island at Butchart Gardens

📍 Location: Brentwood Bay, about 30 minutes from Victoria

Butchart Gardens is one of Victoria’s most famous attractions, and while it might sound like more of an adult outing, it’s actually great for families, especially with the addition of the Rose Carousel. 

It’s in fact the only carousel on Vancouver Island, and kids will love choosing from hand-carved animals like zebras, horses, and even a cat or dragon.

The gardens themselves are also more kid-friendly than you might expect. With winding paths, fountains, and space to explore, there’s plenty to keep little ones engaged. When visiting, make sure to ask for the free Family Discovery Walk at the entrance. It’s filled with fun facts, games, and little prompts to keep kids interested as you walk through.

🎠 Carousel tickets are extra but affordable.

19. Try a Scavenger Hunt Around the City

Scavenger hunts are always a big win with kis. And there is a good one across the city of Victoria. This self-guided scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to explore downtown Victoria with kids.

The hunt takes you to major landmarks like the Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and some hidden gems you might otherwise miss. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged while still sightseeing.

All you need is a smartphone to play, no guide required. You can pause and take breaks anytime, which makes it easy to fit around naps, snacks, or sudden rain showers. Note that it’s best for kids at least 6 years old and up.

➡️ Check rates and availability for the Victoria Scavenger Hunt & City Highlights Tour

20. Discover Tiny Worlds at Miniature World

Located right next to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Miniature World is a great rainy-day activity for families. Inside, you’ll find over 85 miniature displays featuring everything from fairy tales and historical battles to circus scenes, castles, and a detailed model of the Great Canadian Railway.

There’s even a dollhouse with over 50 rooms. The displays are full of buttons to press, trains that move, and lights that flicker, so kids stay interested while exploring.

It’s a self-guided visit, and while it’s not a large museum, there’s a lot packed into the space.

➡️ Check rates and availability for Miniature World tickets here

21. Bike a Section of the Galloping Goose Trail

The Galloping Goose Trail is a scenic, family-friendly trail that runs for over 60 km through Greater Victoria. Once a railway line, it’s now a multi-use path that’s mostly flat, paved or packed gravel, so it’s perfect for biking with kids.

You don’t have to ride the whole thing. From downtown Victoria, you can join the trail near Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue and pedal just a short section. It passes parks, bridges, and nature spots, with plenty of places to stop and rest.

🚲 Don’t have bikes? Several local shops offer rentals, including child seats and trailers.

Getting to Victoria, BC

✈️ By Plane

Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, which means you’ll either need to fly in or take a ferry. The Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the closest airport, about 30 minutes from downtown. It’s a small, family-friendly airport with rental cars available on-site. You can compare flights on platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia.

⛴️ By Ferry
Most families visiting Victoria with a car take the BC Ferry from Vancouver. You’ll board at the Tsawwassen terminal and arrive at Swartz Bay, just north of Victoria. The ferry ride takes 1.5 hours and offers beautiful views. And yes, it’s part of the adventure!

Another option is to take the ferry from Nanaimo, which is a great way to explore more of Vancouver Island.

🚗 Tip: If you can, arrive through one terminal and depart from the other. Each route offers a different scenic experience.

🛻 Do You Need a Car in Victoria?

If you’re staying mostly downtown, you can get by without a car. But if you want to explore beaches, parks, or nearby hikes, renting a car is a good idea, especially with kids in tow.

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Victoria BC with Kids

Victoria truly surprised us. We first came for a short visit during our cross-Canada road trip, and ended up staying for two full weeks. Between the ocean views, walkable neighborhoods, and endless family-friendly activities, it quickly became one of our favorite stops.

You’ll find a great mix of indoor and outdoor fun, from tide pools and gardens to bug zoos and castles. Some activities are free and spontaneous, while others are worth planning ahead for.

We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here, and maybe even discover a few hidden gems along the way.