4 Days of Fun and Quirk in Victoria, Canada

Discover family fun in Victoria, Canada, where adventure awaits!

19 July 2023

A trip to Victoria, Canada makes for a perfect family-friendly getaway. Located on Vancouver Island, this beautiful city offers a delightful combination of stunning natural landscapes, charming gardens, and a rich history. Families can enjoy exploring the world-famous Butchart Gardens, experiencing marine wildlife on a whale watching tour, and immersing themselves in the colorful cultural scene at downtown's Inner Harbour.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Inner Harbor

  • Check into the family-friendly Abigail's Hotel, cozy and charming, nestled in Victoria's historic district.
  • Stroll along the vibrant Inner Harbor, where buskers keep you entertained with their quirky performances.
  • Visit the Royal BC Museum, a treasure trove of quirky exhibits including a replica of a Woolly Mammoth!
  • Indulge in a delectable lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish, a funky seafood shack offering fish tacos that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Take a scenic tour on a harbor ferry, hopping on and off at various stops to explore hidden gems like Fisherman's Wharf, where seals say hi!
Day 2

Butchart Blooms & Sea Breezes

  • Lace up your walking shoes and venture to Butchart Gardens, a floral fantasyland with patches of quirky sculptures that'll make your heart skip a beat.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst blooming roses and vibrant tulips.
  • Take the scenic drive along the coast to Beacon Hill Park, where peacocks roam freely and you can play a game of disc golf.
  • Grab a cone of mouthwatering ice cream at Cold Comfort, where you'll find quirky flavors like lavender lemonade or maple bacon.
  • Head to Dallas Road, where kites dance in the breeze, and watch the sunset over the stunning Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Day 3

Whale Tales & Fish Feasts

  • Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching tour, where orca encounters will leave you in awe and the quirky names of each whale will make you giggle.
  • Savor a delicious lunch at Finest at Sea, a local gem offering a quirky twist on classic fish and chips with unique dipping sauces.
  • Explore Market Square, a vibrant hub of art galleries, quirky boutiques, and tasty treats like homemade chocolates and freshly roasted coffee.
  • Discover the Miniature World, a quirky museum where you can immerse yourself in tiny fantastical worlds.
  • Enjoy dinner at il Terrazzo, a charming Italian restaurant hidden down a twinkling alleyway, serving up quirky twists on classic dishes.
Day 4

Castles & Carousels

  • Take a short ferry ride to Victoria's neighboring city, Sidney, where you can visit the unique and quirky Craigdarroch Castle, a Victorian masterpiece.
  • Wander through the enchanting Beacon Community Garden, with quirky sculptures and beautiful flowers.
  • Treat the family to a whimsical ride on the wooden horses of the whimsical Looff Carousel.
  • Savor a delightful lunch at The Surly Mermaid, a quirky seafood joint serving up tasty fish sandwiches and creamy seafood chowder.
  • End the trip with a quirky twist at the Miniature Golf Gardens, where you can putt your way through whimsical obstacles.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Victoria by plane is to fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ) from major airports in Canada or the United States. Direct flights are available from cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Seattle, and San Francisco.

Car

If you prefer to drive, you can take the ferry to Vancouver Island, then drive to Victoria. The ferry ride is about 1.5 hours from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, and then it takes about 30 minutes to drive from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. Alternatively, you can also drive from Seattle to Victoria, which takes about 3-4 hours.

Train

There is no direct train to Victoria, but you can take a train from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, which is a ferry terminal that connects to Victoria. The train ride from Vancouver to Swartz Bay takes about 3 hours, and then you can take a 35-minute ferry ride to Victoria.

Boat

One of the most scenic ways to get to Victoria is by taking a boat from Seattle or Vancouver. You can take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria, which is a high-speed catamaran that takes about 2.5 hours. You can also take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, which is a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the Strait of Georgia.

Bus

Taking a bus to Victoria is convenient and affordable. The best option is to take a coach bus from Vancouver or Seattle to Victoria. The bus ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 4-5 hours, while Seattle to Victoria takes longer at around 6-7 hours. You can take the bus from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, or from downtown Seattle.

Destination

Victoria

Nestled cozily on an island, Victoria boasts an impressive number of gardens, tea shops, and tourists taking awkward selfies with Butchart Gardens as their backdrop. But don't worry, the city is also home to some less-touristy spots - like the resident sea otters who just can't seem to stop holding hands.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Experience Victoria's Best in One Day!

A trip to Victoria, Canada promises an array of exciting experiences for tourists. Some of the must-do activities include visiting the iconic Parliament Buildings, exploring the stunning Butchart Gardens and discovering the rich cultural heritage of the city at the Royal BC Museum. With its natural beauty and lively atmosphere, Victoria offers an unforgettable vacation experience for all types of travelers.

Victoria on a Budget: A 2-Day Adventure

Victoria, Canada is a great choice for those on a limited budget looking to explore the beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and rich culture of the city. With a variety of low-priced accommodations, affordable dining options, and free or low-cost activities such as visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring the stunning Butchart Gardens, it's possible to have an enjoyable and budget-friendly trip to Victoria. Additionally, taking advantage of public transportation like buses or walking around the downtown area can help cut down on costs.

The Ultimate 5 Day Victoria Adventure

A trip to Victoria, Canada can be an affordable option for those on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's history and culture through free walking tours and museums, enjoy the scenic views of the harbor and beaches for little or no cost, and stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or Airbnb rentals. Local markets and food trucks offer a variety of affordable dining options, and taking public transportation or walking can save money on transportation costs.

A Flavorful Long Weekend in Victoria, Canada

Embark on a romantic getaway to Victoria, Canada where you'll find plenty of enchanting attractions punctuated with historic charm. Indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old city, take in the panoramic views from the top of the twinkling Victoria bluffs, and relax with a luxurious spa treatment before retiring to your cozy retreat. Savor intimate moments amidst this picturesque Canadian paradise while enjoying the city's delightful culinary scene and wonder-filled ambiance.