If you’re looking for an international destination that you can experience in a single weekend, Victoria, B.C. is just the ticket. With everything from whale watching to charming gardens, this Canadian getaway offers something for every family. Read on for tips to create your own memorable family vacation in Victoria.
Getting there
Before you go, make sure you have proper documentation. U.S. citizens traveling to Canada need a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card to enter the country (children under the age of 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate).
Located on the southern tip of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, Victoria is easily accessible to visitors with several transportation options from Seattle.
- Victoria Clipper fast ferry: Roughly three hours from Seattle to Victoria. Tickets start at $140 per person roundtrip, with discounts for children. Iinfants under one travel for free on the Clipper.
- Black Ball Coho Ferry: Ninety minutes from Port Angeles to Victoria. Roundtrip fares for adults are $45, and children (ages 5-11) are $22.50. Children four and younger travel free. For an additional $22, roundtrip travelers can bring a standard-length vehicle on the ferry.
- Drive: Roughly five hours driving north through British Columbia, and connecting with the Tsawwassen, B.C. ferry just north of the Canadian border.
- Kenmore Air: Direct 45 minute flights between several Seattle-area locations and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Flights start at $169 per person, one way.
The Clipper is a popular option, and takes under three hours from Seattle. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Where to stay
With everything from hotels, to resorts and camping — there is lodging to suit every taste and budget in Victoria.
The Huntingdon Manor Hotel is directly across the street from the ferry terminal and offers several family-friendly amenities, like family suites and a free hot breakfast. Guests can rent bicycles or take bike tours from the hotel’s onsite bike shop, The Pedaler.
For a luxury stay, consider splurging on a night in the Fairmont Empress Hotel, one of the most iconic landmarks in Victoria. In addition to being a National Historic Site with stunning waterfront views, this hotel also has kid-friendly features like an indoor pool and scrumptious breakfast and canapes (better known as “snack time”). Whether you’re a guest or just visiting for the day, make a reservation for Tea at the Empress, consistently rated the best afternoon tea in Victoria.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Several campgrounds and RV parks are available in the Victoria area. For more information on camping, visit the Canada Parks website or the Victoria Tourism website.
Family-friendly activities
Victoria offers a multitude of activities for every age and interest.
Victoria’s Inner Harbour | Get yourself acquainted with all that Victoria has to offer by exploring the main hub of the inner harbour. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, ride a horse-drawn carriage past the Parliament building, or stop for a bite at one of the many seaside cafes. Walk over the Johnson Street Bridge and take in the views from Songhees Park, then catch a water taxi back across the harbour. If you time it right on a summer weekend, you can even watch the free water ballet performed by a talented fleet of water taxi captains.
Giddy up! (Image: Allison Peterson)
Butchart Gardens | At the top of many Victoria visitors must-see lists is one of North America’s most famous public gardens, Butchart Gardens. Open year-round, Butchart Gardens offers guests unique experiences in every season. With everything from manicured palatial gardens to hidden waterfalls, the gardens have endless opportunities for exploration. Stop by the Rose Carousel for a ride on a vintage hand-carved wooden animal, then head to one of the garden’s cafes or ice cream shops for a pick-me-up. Butchart Gardens puts on a world-class fireworks show every Saturday evening in July and August, so bring along a blanket and enjoy the show!
Butchart Gardens. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Beacon Hill Park and Children’s Farm | Covering over 180 acres, Beacon Hill Park is the crowning jewel in the B.C. Park system. Explore miles of walking paths and bike trails, observe Blue Heron nesting perches, and visit the ducks and turtles in the park’s many ponds. Kids will enjoy the park’s playgrounds and splash pad, but nothing compares to the Children’s Farm in the center of the park. Part petting-zoo, part farm animal education center, the seasonal Children’s Farm is sure to delight “kids” of all ages.
Beacon Hill Childrens Farm. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Clover Point Park | If you’re looking for the perfect beach day, head over to Clover Point Park . This pebbly beach has ample space to go rock collecting, dip toes in the sea, and build driftwood forts. Bring sturdy sandals or beach shoes for the quick but somewhat steep walk down to the beach from the clifftop parking area — this stunning beach is well worth the effort!
Clover Point. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Fisherman’s Wharf | Fisherman’s Wharf is a charming and eclectic over-water village just a 15-minute walk from Victoria’s inner harbour. Explore quaint shops while dining on fish tacos and ice cream and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. Kids will enjoy playing at the adjacent waterfront park before strolling back to town.
Fisherman’s Wharf. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Biking | With hundreds of miles of dedicated bike paths, riding bikes is a great way to explore Victoria and the surrounding area. Several bike shops offer daily rentals and guided tours like Victoria Bike Rentals and Cycle B.C.
Kayaking | Since Victoria is located on a harbour, exploring by sea can be a great way to tour the area. Several local companies offer kayak rentals and tours like Ocean River Sports and Kelp Reef Adventures.
(Image: Allison Peterson)
Whale watching | Victoria offers ample opportunities to observe and learn about marine life via seasonal whale watching tours. Several companies offer guided whale watching and zodiac boat tours directly out of Victoria Harbour such as Prince of Whales and Springtide.
Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site | Visit Canada’s oldest and most intact Chinatown right in the heart of Victoria. Take in the beauty of historic buildings, sample traditional Chinese foods, and shop in a variety of stores and marketplaces. Squeeze your way down Fan Tan Alley – with an entrance only three feet wide, it is the narrowest commercial street in North America.
(Image: Allison Peterson)
Dino Lab | Budding archaeologists will love discovering real dinosaur fossils at Victoria’s Dino Lab . Offering guided tours and private dig times, Dino Lab visitors are able to learn from dinosaur experts while getting up close and hands-on with fossils. Reservations required.
Dining
Whether you fancy a quick bite or a unique treat, Victoria has dining options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- The Local: Burgers, bowls, wraps, and kid fare with patio seating available
- Red Fish Blue Fish: Seaside fish taco bar, fish ‘n chips, and sustainable seafood
- The Blue Fox Cafe: Voted Victoria’s best breakfast for the last three decades…need I say more?!
- Crust Bakery: Handmade pastries, sandwiches, and bakery goods
- Discovery Coffee: Handcrafted coffee and doughnuts
- Murchie’s Fine Tea: Canada’s oldest tea company, serving specialty tea, coffee, sandwiches, and bakery goods
- Chocolats Favoris : Delectable chocolates and fancy dipped ice cream cones
- Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe: Candy for every craving
(Image: Allison Peterson)
As you can see — Victoria has something special for every traveler, no matter your interests or budget. Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to cross the Salish Sea and create unforgettable memories with your family in this charming city!
Read more
Olympic National Park: Your guide to a family trip | See beaches, mountains and a rainforest, all in one journey!
6 kid-friendly bookstores in the Seattle area | Plus: They all either have an adjoining cafe, or are close to one!
Seattle area museums offer free admission First Thursdays | What are you waiting for?
