The Ultimate 3 Day Adventure in Victoria BC With Kids

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Looking for the best things to do with only 3 days in Victoria, BC with kids? I have the itinerary for you.

Not only is the Vancouver Island one of my favourite places in the world, Victoria is also my hometown, and a place I return to again and again. I love sharing what I love most about the island with you.

Our 3 day Victoria itinerary with kids lets you in on our favourite hidden gems, as well as popular spots to help you make the most of your trip. 

There are so many fun things to do for the whole family, rain or shine. From beaches, and hiking trails, to  museums, whale watching and of course the world famous Butchart Gardens.

Plus check out our tips for where to stay, and the best ways to get to and from the island (hint hint, we LOVE the ferry).

🐳 This whale watching tour is our favorite one we’ve taken from Victoria, BC. And our top pick for kid friendly things to do.

3 DAYS IN VICTORIA, BC GUIDE: PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Victoria, BC Itinerary with Kids

I’ll start with a quick overview of what I think is the best 3 day family friendly itinerary in Victoria, BC. Then provide detailed info on what you need to know about how to get to Victoria, where to stay & all the best activities.

LOCAL TIP: As you’ll be touring around outside the city centre, we find the best & easiest way to get to around is to rent a car in Victoria at either the airport, or downtown. Downtown will be slightly cheaper. But do factor in the cost to get back & forth from the airport by shuttle or taxi before deciding to pick your car up downtown.

Best Time to Visit Victoria, BC

The best time to visit Victoria, BC, Canada, is during the late spring to early fall, from May through October. Weather is milder and there’s less rain, ideal for exploring the outdoors, and gardens Victoria is famous for.

The summer months, particularly July and August, are the warmest and busiest, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

However, if you prefer a quieter visit without all the crowds, I think the shoulder seasons in March to May and September are the best times, and are my favourites. The weather is usually great and there are generally fewer tourists.

Where to Stay in Victoria

If you are only planning a short trip to Victoria, then we think staying in or close to downtown is easiest. As you’ll be within walking distance of all the major attractions, sites and the ocean.

🏨 Check out this post on all our top picks for Victoria family friendly hotels we recommend to our own friends and family, to help your vacation planning.

How to get to Victoria, BC Canada

As Victoria is located on Vancouver Island you will need to arrive by boat, ferry or fly in. Typically most visitors arrive from Vancouver, BC in Canada or Seattle /  Port Angeles, WA in the USA. 

How to get to Victoria, BC from Vancouver

• By Ferry -Tswwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay (about 30 km north of Victoria). Then either drive, take a taxi or bus #70 downtown.

• First class Coach Transfer – Transport is by comfortable motorcoach and the BC Ferry that has multiple departure times, seven days a week.

• Love flying? Take a seaplane flight / tour which will have you soaring over  fantastic views of Burrard Inlet, Vancouver’s downtown and Stanley Park, the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands. Landing right in the Inner Harbour. 

• Day tour from Vancouver to Victoria – There are many options of day tours from Vancouver to Victoria. Most include the ferry ride, a trip to the Butchart Gardens, and touring the dowtown or local sites.

LOCAL FERRY TIP: Make a ferry reservation, as it can get very busy over the summer, weekends, and especially holidays. Arrive at least an hour before departure. If you miss the ferry, the next one will be in about 2 hours. Which is not ideal if you have kids in the car especially. Total time is about 4 hours from Vancouver to downtown Victoria, including the 90 minute sailing time.

How to get from Seattle to Victoria, BC

• Passenger only ferry – The Victoria Clipper is the fastest, and most direct route from dowtown Seattle to Victoria. This 2 hour and 45 minute ride leaves from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle before docking at the Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbor. Everything you need to know about the Seattle to Victoria ferry.

• Vehicle & passenger ferry – M.V. Coho (Black Ball Ferry Line) – A 90-minute vehicle and passenger ferry between Port Angeles, WA and the Inner Harbour Victoria, BC. You can drive on, or walk on so is a better option if you want to travel by car.

VICTORIA BC ITINERARY WITH KIDS

DAY ONE: Victoria Itinerary Downtown

• Iconic Breakfast Spot downtown
• Stroll The Inner Harbour 
• Parliament Building free tour
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Royal BC Museum
• Beacon Hill Park or Butchart Garden

Downtown Victoria is a great place to start to get a feel for the west coast of Canada. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite experiences for you and your family.

Feel free to adjust based on ages of your kids, weather and mood.

If you are on a stricter budget, check out our list of free and cheap things to do in Victoria with family. Kid friendly activities for both downtown and around the greater Victoria area.

These are the one’s I most often plan when visiting my family, which ended up being about 3 months last year, over the course of March, May and August /Sept.

Breakfast Downtown

We recommend starting your day with breakfast downtown. Our top three places to have breakfast (that are also Victoria icons) are: 

• Floyd’s Diner – check out the “ Mahoney” the cook’s choice. Sure to delight your belly and mind. I still miss their old location. Located at 332 Menzies St in James Bay.

• Blue Fox Cafe – Victoria’s first all-day breakfast. Get there early as it does attract line ups. Located at 919 Fort St, Victoria.

• Jam Cafe – a newer addition to my breakfast loves, but equally as delicious. Try the huevos rancheros. 542 Herald Street. 

LOCAL TIP: Go early! These places fill up incredibly fast and there’s often a line up out the door. If you leave it too late, our other favourite brunch spot is Spoons Diner, on Douglas, just outside the downtown area. Bonus – you skip having to find parking in the downtown core.

Stroll the Inner Harbour & Visit the Parliament Buildings

After breakfast is the perfect time to walk off some of your delicious food. Strolling the Inner Harbour is an experience.

During the summer months you won’t want to miss the buskers, music and festivals along the waterfront. 

The Harbour is the epicentre of tourist activity:

• Watch seaplanes take off and land or hop a seaplane ride to Vancouver and back again, for gorgeous views. We’ve got a post on all the best Victoria Seaplane tours for you.

• Grab a water taxi for a mini Inner Harbor “cruise” to stops along the waterway.

• Visit the Parliament Buildings – Enjoy a free guided tour of BC’s Parliament Buildings. They run each day (every 20 to 30 minutes in the summer months). Be prepared to laugh and learn the unique history of how the building came to be designed….hint, it was a competition.

Continue along to Fisherman’s Wharf to visit the resident seal and see colorful floating houseboats.  Explore the  unique shops and grab a bite at one of the floating restaurants.

Barb’s Fish and Chips is our favorite, and we’ll often take it to go, and head over to the park behind the wharf for a picnic.

LOCAL TIP: If you have time, hop the water taxi to Dockside Green and take a stroll along the Galloping Goose Trail. Stop in at our favorite coffee shop and bakery Cafe Fantastico & Fol Epiu. They have a lovely sunny patio for warm days. Our daughter recommends the croissants.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

The Royal British Columbia Museum is one of our  favorite things to do in Victoria with kids. It’s especially cool with their fun and interactive exhibits, interesting First Nations culture, and natural history. 

Check out the totem poles outside in Thunderbird Park, at the corner of Belleville and Douglas streets. It’s free to walk the small park there.

Imax is always a hit with the kids, and great for those rainy Victoria days or if you’re looking for things to do with kids in the winter time. 

Add the Royal BC Museum to your Vancouver Island Bucket List.

LOCAL TIP: Visit Red Fish Blue Fish for fresh local seafood, served outdoors in the pier. The chowder, fish tacos and halibut or the grilled salmon are our go-to yummy picks.

Count Flowers & Stroll Gardens

One can’t visit Victoria without taking in the vibrant colors of gardens in full bloom. 

If you are visiting in spring be sure to visit the cherry blossom lined streets. View Street, lower Blanshard Street and Belleville Street are popular places to see them downtown.

Butchart Gardens and Beacon Hill Park are two of the most amazing collections of gardens combined with fun activities for kids. If you only have one day, choose either Beacon Hill Park or Butchart Gardens. If you have more time we think you should make time to do both!

Butchart Gardens is just one of the many amazing things to do on Vancouver Island.

Butchart Gardens

The world-famous Butchart Gardens is known for its sprawling blossoms, meandering walkways amongst trees and stunning landscaped beds. A wonderful addition to your 3 days in Victoria.

Flowers bloom from about March to October, but they are open year round. It is a bit pricey at  $38/ adult in the summer, but way less for kids and cheaper in the off seasons.

Many people take a day tour to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.

Butchart Gardens is located in Brentwood Bay which is about a 30 – 45 minute drive from downtown Victoria.

LOCAL TIP: I recommend planning at least 1/2 day for your visit, as it took close to 3 hours for Miss S and I to wander around our last visit. As we stopped along the way for photos & riding the carousel, ate gelato, and spent time at the gift store. Plus factoring in at least an hour for driving time.

Families will love:

• Kid friendly trails (The Japanese Garden was our favourite)

• Saturday fireworks in July & August

• Gelato from the Gelateria in the Italian Garden (always our fav!)

• Rose Carousel – ride on wooden shaped animals (Super fun for kids)

• Family Discovery Walk Guide – draw pictures and answer questions as your kids climb over bridges, hop on stones, and view fountains.

• Seasonal activities
  • Ice Skating and Christmas Lights in winter
  • Concerts Friday & Saturday nights in July & August
  • Greenhouse tours in Fall

We have all the best ways to get from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens if that’s where you’re coming from.

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is the free option, and an easy 10 minute walk from the Royal BC Museum.

We think it’s a great choice, particularly if you have young kids (toddlers & preschoolers). Besides explosion of colorful  flowers, and garry oak groves you’ll find:

• Stroller friendly trails

• Petting Zoo ( by donation) – Open daily 9-5 seasonally

• Roaming peacocks

• Playgrounds & picnic spots

• Weekend outdoor concerts

• Free water parks & giant watering can

• Lots of space to run around, climb trees, and even do a little golf putting

Continue walking to Dallas Road to find expansive ocean views showcasing the west coast,  wild Pacific Ocean and one of the tallest totem poles.

LOCAL TIP: Climb the old Sequoia tree across from the Petting Zoo and take a fun family photo. We have generations of family photos at this iconic spot. Then grab an ice cream cone from the Beacon Drive-In (126 Douglas Street) nearby. Serving smiles and ice cream since 1958. 

DAY 2: Victoria’s Old Town, Whale Watching & Beach

Day two of our recommended 3 day Victoria itinerary includes:

• Stroll Victoria’s Old Town & Chinatown
• Whale Watching (here are our top 10 whale watching tour picks)
• Beach Time at Willows Beach or Gyro Park

🐳 This whale watching tour is our favorite from Victoria, BC

Stroll Victoria Old Town &  Chinatown

Day two here we come!

Head down to Victoria Old Town, a short walk from the Parliament Buildings and the Inner Harbour.

Here you will discover the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Wander the “the narrowest street in the country” Fan Tan Alley and see the Gates of Harmonious Interest.

LOCAL TIP: Pick up a map of the historic area at the Visitors Centre. To see where all the oldest and coolest buildings are located. 

See Orcas, Humpback Whales, Seal Lions on a Whale Watching Tour

Vancouver Island is home to some of the best whale watching in Canada, and we think it is one of those amazing at least once in a lifetime experiences not to miss.

Spotting orcas, humpbacks & sea lions in their natural habitat happens along the coast of the Salish Sea and Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is prime feeding ground, so you are 95% guaranteed a successful sightseeing trip. 

Grab your whale watching tour from the Inner Harbour area. They depart a few times daily. 

While it is possible to see whales any time of the year, the peak Victoria whale watching season is from May to October. 

Check out our list of our favorite top 10 whale watching tours on Vancouver Island.

Beach Time

No weekend in Victoria, BC is complete without a visit to the beach.

Our two favorite beaches for families are Willow’s Beach and Gyro Park & beach. Both are fantastic options for kids, close to downtown Victoria.

Gyro Park has the best playground in Victoria for kids. So if you have younger kids and are looking to run off some energy, it’s a great choice. Although we’ve brought toddlers to teens and adults who’ve got a kick out of climbing the structures.

Drive along the scenic Beach Drive to get to both beaches. A drive worthy in its own right. Many cute places to pull over and take in views looking over to the States, a lighthouse, and even small beaches to explore. 

They both make our list for the best parks in Victoria with kids.

If you only have a day or two in Victoria, then choose one beach. Willow’s is closer to downtown, so we will start here.

Willow’s Beach, Victoria BC Canada

Kids (and their adults) need some down time, so a beach visit any time of year is recommended.

Willow’s is one we visit often due to the two playgrounds, its long sandy shore, plus the shaded grassy area. 

Not to mention the annual Oak Bay Tea Party which takes place in the park over a weekend in June. Part carnival with rides, games & food, plus a parade and events like the floating teacup race and part fundraiser for community projects by the Kiwanis and Lions clubs.

The shallow protected waters are perfect for the littles to dip their toes or take a swim. It is the Pacific Ocean, so not overly warm. 

LOCAL TIP: Bring a blanket and have a picnic on the shady grassy area, or at one of the many picnic tables with oceanfront views. For food there is a concession stand &Tea House open seasonally right at the beach. Or walk up to Estevan Village only 10 minutes away and grab some tasty treats & coffee from the Sunday’s Child cafe.

Gyro Park

Gyro Park gets the vote for the most unique park in Victoria.

Kids will love exploring and climbing all over the giant sea creatures and pirate ship. The giant octopus is a fun place to take a family photo. 

The sandy beach is perfect for treasure hunting, with ample logs to rest against, or try to walk along. 

It’s also close to the University of Victoria, and Cadboro Bay Village, where you’ll find a pub, a small well stocked grocery store and a couple of restaurants. 

DAY 3: Hiking, High Tea & Sightseeing

Day three of our recommended 3 day itinerary in Victoria, BC involves:

• Hiking at Goldstream Provincial Park
• High Tea at the Empress
• Downtown Victoria Sightseeing
• Sunset over Victoria from Mt. Tolmie

Ready for some more fantastic family activities in Victoria, BC?

To top off your long weekend adventure you will be heading out of town a little for the first stop. We are big outdoor and family hike fans, so today we recommend the iconic Goldstream Park and then returning to downtown for some more kid friendly sightseeing. 

If you have a bit more time than 3 days there are many amazing day trips to take on Vancouver Island from Victoria.

Hike at Goldstream Park

Goldstream Provincial Park is only 16km north of Victoria, but it feels like a world away as you step into this old growth temperate rainforest. 

Here you will find a variety of trails, from easy wheelchair accessible one’s along the meandering river, to vigorous climbs to the top of Mount Finlayson.

This area is home to 600 year old Douglas Fir trees, cascading waterfalls, a train trestle and the Fall  spawning grounds of salmon.

Take a hike to Niagara Falls (no not THOSE Niagara Falls), which can be reached by hiking a short 1.3 km round-trip trail.

I also recommend popping into the Nature Centre if you have time. We’ve always enjoyed it as a family. It doesn’t take too long, but has some cool educational resources like wildlife cams, skeletons of local wildlife, giant microscope & interactive displays.

Downtown Victoria Sightseeing

In the afternoon you can head back downtown for more sightseeing. Here are a few fun ideas to choose from depending on your energy levels and ages of your children. Ideas include:

• High Tea at the Empress
• Cruise the Inner Harbour on a Harbour Ferry or Taxi
• Find the largest ant colony in Canada at the Bug Zoo
• Be the biggest kid in town at Miniature World
• Walk the Breakwater
• Sunset views from Mount Tolmie

Looking for more ideas? We have a complete list of things to do in Victoria on rainy days.

High Tea at the Empress

High Tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel  is an experience.

Choose from 21 types of tea and an assortment of  flaky scones, and pastries from locally sourced ingredients. Set in the airy and elegant Lobby Lounge. 

Seatings are at 11:00am | 1:00pm | 3:00pm and reservations are recommended. 

To be honest I find High Tea overrated and expensive, and would rather spend my time (and money) doing other family activities in Victoria. 

However, it is a famous experience, and one many visitors love.

Their Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea is aimed at the 5 to 12 crowd and is  $45 per person.

Get all dressed up for a fun family High Tea adventure. Pinkies up!

Cruise Around The Waterways on a Harbour Ferry 

A fun way to get around Victoria’s Inner Harbour is to take the small Harbour Ferry. 

Options include purchasing a Harbour Tour or a Gorge Cruise. Both start at $33 / adults, less for kids and Seniors. 

Or grab the water taxi and hop on and off various points (look for the Ferry Stop signs at major waterfront locations). 

Be The Big Kids In Town At The Bug Zoo or Miniature World

Bug Museum, Bug Hotel, Bug Zoo. Whatever you call it, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a stop not to miss with bug loving kids.

Experience over 50 species of live tropical bugs from walking sticks to tarantulas. It also has the biggest ant colony in Canada.

Then visit “The Greatest Little Show On Earth!” at Miniature World. Imagine rooms filled with teeny tiny towns, people and the smallest working sawmill. 

Looking for more ideas? We have a complete list of free and cheap things to do in Victoria, BC you’ll want to check out. 

Walk the Breakwater

Walking the Breakwater at Ogden Point is our favourite, and is an easy 30 min round trip stroll ends in a small lighthouse.

Watch out for the Na’Tsa’ Maht – The Unity Wall, painted on the side of the breakwater. Which depicts the history of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.

This is a prime spot to view cruise ships, seagulls, people fishing off the rocks and the sunset. I’ve even seen porpoises off in the distance on occassion.

LOCAL TIP: You can walk along the lower level, right at sea level on the left side, and there’s a few places you can get back up to the top along the way. Kids love this, but it’s not recommended on stormy or rainy days as the waves can come up to the walkway.

Sunset Views from Mt. Tolmie

Mt. Tolmie is a popular place to watch the sunset for both locals and visitors. It gets quite busy, so come early to grab a prime parking spot.

It’s known as the best place to view the city.

I like to head up here at least once every visit. There’s something about the 180° views of Victoria, plus the Olympic Mountains, San Juan Islands, and even Mount Baker in Washington State on a clear day.

3 Days in Victoria, BC: Best Victoria Activities for Kids & Adults

So there you have our complete guide to the best family activities in Victoria. Whether you are taking a day trip, a weekend, or spending 3 days in Victoria with kids. I hope you enjoy the west coast and my gorgeous hometown.