Best Family-Friendly Adventures in Victoria, BC: A Guide for Visitors
Victoria, BC, is a fantastic destination for families who want to explore the great outdoors, discover fascinating wildlife, and enjoy engaging attractions. From scenic parks and beaches to interactive museums and thrilling whale-watching excursions, there’s something for every age to enjoy.
If you’re planning a stay at The Oswego Hotel, here are some of the top family-friendly activities in and around Victoria!
Go Whale Watching for an Unforgettable Adventure
A whale-watching tour is one of the most exciting experiences for families visiting Victoria. Victoria’s coastal waters are home to orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales, as well as sea lions, seals, and porpoises.
Several local tour operators, such as Prince of Whales, Eagle Wing Tours, and SpringTide Whale Watching, offer family-friendly excursions with knowledgeable guides who share insights into marine life and conservation.
Biggs Orca Whale (T065A2), Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
A whale-watching tour is a must-do activity for families. It offers breathtaking ocean views and the chance to see these majestic creatures up close!
Explore the Magic of Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is a world-famous attraction that delights visitors of all ages. With over 55 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, and Japanese Garden, there’s plenty to explore.
Kids will love the Children’s Pavilion & Carousel, featuring hand-carved animals. At the same time, the whole family can enjoy seasonal events, such as the dazzling summer fireworks or the festive holiday light displays in winter.
Butchart Gardens is a stunning historical retreat just north of Victoria, BC.
Butchart Gardens is an excellent place to stroll, enjoy natural beauty, and capture unforgettable family photos.
Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo
The Victoria Bug Zoo is a fascinating and interactive experience for families with curious young explorers. Located in downtown Victoria, this unique attraction allows kids (and brave parents!) to get up close with various live insects, including giant stick bugs, tarantulas, and leafcutter ants.
The Bug Zoo is an unforgettable adventure for kids of all ages!
Knowledgeable guides offer engaging presentations, teaching visitors about the importance of insects in our ecosystems. It’s an exciting and educational stop that will leave kids buzzing with excitement.
Enjoy a Day at Cadboro Bay Beach and Gyro-Park Playground
For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, Cadboro Bay Beach and Gyro-Park Playground are the perfect spots for a family picnic and playtime. Just a short drive from downtown Victoria, this beautiful sandy beach offers stunning ocean views, gentle waves, and plenty of space for kids to run around. The Cadborosaurus-themed playground, inspired by local sea serpent legends, is a big hit with children.
Kids love to play, climb and explore at Cadboro Bay!
Parents can relax while the little ones climb, swing, and slide. It’s an excellent location for beachcombing, building sandcastles, or spotting local wildlife, such as seals and seabirds.
Soak up the sun, or go for a swim at Cadboro Beach.
Discover History and Magic at Miniature World
Located near the Inner Harbour, Miniature World is a hidden gem that captivates visitors of all ages. This attraction features intricately detailed miniature displays that showcase historical events, fairy tales, and famous landmarks.
Photo credit @miniatureworldofficial on Instagram
Kids will love the tiny trains, castles, and knights, while parents can appreciate the craftsmanship and historical accuracy. It’s an enchanting experience that makes you feel like you’ve entered a tiny, magical universe.
Visit the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
For an immersive marine experience without heading out to sea, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, located in nearby Sidney, is a fantastic destination for families. This interactive aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of the Salish Sea, featuring touch tanks with sea stars, anemones, and urchins, as well as exhibits on octopuses, jellyfish, and other ocean creatures.
Photo credit @salishseacentre on Instagram
Children will love the hands-on learning opportunities and engaging displays that highlight the importance of ocean conservation.
Take a Ride on the Victoria Harbour Ferries
A fun and scenic way to explore the city is by hopping on a Victoria Harbour Ferry. These charming little boats operate as water taxis, offering a unique way to travel between key locations, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Inner Harbour.
Photo credit @vicharbourferry on Instagram
Families can enjoy a guided harbour tour, which includes entertaining stories and history about Victoria’s waterfront. Kids will love the cute little boats, and parents will appreciate the stunning views of the city from the water.
Experience Hands-On Learning at the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a must-visit for an educational yet entertaining experience. This renowned museum offers immersive exhibits on British Columbia’s natural and human history, including life-sized dioramas of Indigenous longhouses, a woolly mammoth exhibit, and a walk-through of old-time Victoria Street.
Photo credit @royalbcmuseum on Instagram
The IMAX theatre inside the museum frequently features nature documentaries and family-friendly films, making it an excellent spot for an afternoon of learning and fun – and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Oswego Hotel!
Explore Beacon Hill Park and the Children’s Farm
Just a short walk from The Oswego Hotel, Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s most beloved green spaces. Families can stroll through lush gardens, admire peacocks roaming freely, and enjoy the Children’s Farm, where kids can interact with goats, donkeys, and other farm animals.
Kids will adore the friendly animals at the Children’s Farm petting zoo.
The farm also features the famous goat stampede, a lively daily event that kids will love. The park is a fantastic place for a picnic, offering numerous walking trails and playgrounds to explore.
Plan Your Family Getaway at The Oswego Hotel
After a day of exploring Victoria’s best family-friendly attractions, unwind at The Oswego Hotel, where spacious suites and a welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect home base for your adventures. Whether you’re watching whales, visiting interactive museums, or relaxing by the beach, Victoria offers endless opportunities for family fun.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay at The Oswego Hotel and experience the best of Victoria with your family!