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Youth Tourism Victoria spotlights the evolution of youth travel and what to expect in 2024

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20+ Awesome Things To Do in Victoria BC Kids Will Love

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: September 16, 2023  - Last updated: January 16, 2024

With the US / Canadian border open again, it’s time to start planning another trip up to Vancouver Island ! There are so many great things to do in Victoria with kids or just as adults. It’s one of our favorite Canadian cities and I know you’ll love it too!

Victoria BC is our go-to destination for fun and easy weekend trips around the holidays and in spring when the weather is getting nice. Yes, we go to Victoria often , but it’s because we love it so much! We’ve figured out our top favorite activities and tips for visiting Victoria with kids and get ready, because we’ve got 20+ things for you to do to have an unforgettable trip.

If you have any questions about getting to Vancouver Island, the many fun things to do in Victoria BC, exploring Canada with kids or anything else about the Pacific Northwest, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to share more and help plan fun trips and adventures!

Where is Victoria BC?

Victoria BC is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, just north of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and just west of Vancouver, BC . It’s a fairly large city and is situated on a harbor, the Inner Harbour, and then stretches out to its suburbs of Saanich, Sidney, and Sooke. Getting there is fairly easy and doable on nearly any budget.

Transportation to Victoria

We have written about Victoria many times and have a lot of details around transportation to the city here, in our article highlighting a great 3 Day V i ctoria itinerary . Here’s a recap though and top tips for getting to Victoria with kids. And we actually have a podcast episode all about the 7 different ways to get to Vancouver Island .

By ferry, you can depart for Vancouver Island from either Vancouver (Tsawwassen terminal) or Port Angeles. Both sailings are approximately 1.5 hours so which you choose depends on your starting point, travel schedule and budget. Check out the map to see which makes sense for you. You can also take the passenger-only Victoria Clipper from Seattle , which is a great option for those adding Victoria with kids to their family trip to Washington.

BOOK VICTORIA CLIPPER TICKETS HERE

Note : you can also do the auto ferry from Anacortes , WA but it takes a bit longer since it goes through the San Juan Islands and makes several stops along the way. PS: the rate examples provided below are subject to change and are only provided for comparison

You can also fly to Victoria from both Seattle and Vancouver via seaplane or regular aircraft. This is for sure not the budget option for a family to get to Vancouver Island, particularly if you want also have a car on the island, but it’s an option. Flying in via Seaplane is really cool and it’s one of the best things to do in Victoria!

Remember , Victoria is in Canada so a passport is required. DO NOT FORGET PASSPORTS.

Best Things to Do in Victoria with Kids

Since we aren’t digging into all of the hiking and kayaking destinations around Victoria, we’re going to keep our top activities in Victoria with kids to things in Victoria proper, Saanich, Brentwood Bay and Sidney. This part of the island is rather condensed, so getting between each spot is fairly easy by bus, super easy by car, and totally doable (with time) by bicycle if weather is permitting.

Note : please confirm hours of operation with each activity before adding to your plan. We’ve included posted hours, but they are subject to change without notice or in conjunction with events.

Victoria Bug Zoo – gross and fascinating

I’m starting here because if you need to keep one thing in mind to leverage when you do Victoria with kids, it’s the Victoria Bug Zoo. I know, this is not what you’d expect at the top of a list for such a beautiful, amazing city, but it’s a winner with kids (and adults). The Bug Zoo has a very impressive collection of tarantulas, stick bugs, exotic insects and butterfly specimens. This was an awesome stop for us and made Victoria with kids an easy addition to our world-schooling plans.   Tip :  take part in the “tour” and actually hold the bugs. So cool.

Location :  near the Fairmont Empress   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  11am – 4pm M-F, 11am – 5pm Sa/Su

Website :   Victoria Bug Zoo

Royal BC Museum – incredible history and indigenous art

We’re very selective about which museums we take our kids to. We want to be sure they’re interesting, educational, and that they’ll genuinely feel a connection to something there. The Royal BC Museum checked all those boxes. We went for the totem poles and incredible First Nations exhibits, and left excited about Egyptology and prehistoric creatures.

As adults we could’ve stayed for at least three hours, but with two kids we only explored the Royal BC Museum for just under two hours. The Royal BC is one of the best things to do in Victoria no matter what your interests are. It’s great for all ages and is a prime activity when the weather turns.

Tip : in the First Nations area, take time to explain to kids about western expansion and the obliteration of native tribes. It’ll make the whole exhibit must more understandable.

Hours :  10am – 5pm daily

Website :  Royal BC Museum

Victoria Butterfly Gardens – TOP PICK of Things to Do

If you follow our podcast and listen often you know that the Victoria Butterfly Gardens really impressed us and we think it’s one of the best things to do in Victoria. We’ve visited many butterfly pavilions in our travels, including famous ones in Key West and Denver , but the Victoria Butterfly Gardens impressed us for a few reasons:

• number of butterflies
• diversity of other exhibits and inclusion of birds (flamingos and parrots particularly)
• availability of staff to answer questions
• coat check – seriously, this is exceptionally important when you’re spending an hour in an 80 degree humid space.

When doing Victoria with kids, spending time at the Butterfly Gardens is a great addition to a day at Butchart Gardens or an afternoon lazing around Brentwood Bay. Allow 1.5 hours or more, depending on how much your kids enjoy insects and how much you need to escape to a tropical paradise. 🙂

Location :  near the Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay area   Google Maps link here . Hours :  10am – 4pm Sep-Mar, 10am – 5pm Apr-Jun, 9:30am – 6pm Jul-Aug Website :  Victoria Butterfly Gardens / tickets

Visit Craigdarroch Castle

Can you really explain the cool buildings and Victorian era lifestyle to kids without including a little history? Or a castle? You could, but why would you want to? Craigdarroch Castle  is a nice walk or short ride just outside of the downtown area. Victoria with kids is very doable on foot, including walking to the Castle, so plan to visit on a nicer day and enjoy the neighborhood along the way.

Once there, do a guided tour (not too long) of the really impressive rooms and grounds. Watch for ghosts, ask questions of the docents, and take lots of cool pictures!   Note : if you live on Vancouver Island and have a Greater Victoria Public Library  card, you can use the ePass system for free admission to Craigdarroch Castle.

Location :  east of downtown, Rockland neighborhood   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  10am – 4:30pm Sep-Jun, 9am-7pm Jun-Sep

Website :  Craigdarroch Castle – find a tour here!

Miniature World – way cooler than you think

Our kids’ favorite thing in any museum are always the dioramas; you know, the scenes that are setup like a snapshot in time of a town full of people or an event. Miniature World is nothing but dioramas and they are impressive! I know this sounds weird, but Miniature World is one of the best things to do in Victoria with kids.

From castles and villages to space exploration, Miniature World is full of the most impressively intricate models. If only the kids could play with them unsupervised…  Tip :  this is a great activity to add to a Victoria Bug Zoo visit, as it’s very close and will keeps the momentum of fun going.

Hours :  9am – 5pm Sep-May, 9am – 9pm May-Sep

Website :  Miniature World

Explore Chinatown’s Alleys and Shops – One of the Best Things To Do in Victoria

When doing Victoria with kids, you HAVE TO VISIT CHINATOWN. It’s such an easy walk from the downtown area that you don’t even realize you’re nearly there almost all the time. We actually spend a lot of time in Chinatown during each visit to Victoria due to the great restaurants (Chinese and not), the interesting stores (for more than standard Chinatown souvenirs) and the great photo ops.

The red Chinese lanterns are always hung and the vibe is always buzzing.  Must see : Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest street in North America. There are many businesses off the alley and if you’re there early or late enough, it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to 1800s Chinatown.

Location :  just north of downtown   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  always open!

Cost :  free to explore

Available tour : we haven’t done this one, but it came highly recommended by the locals – Chinatown Walking Tour (still operating during COVID-19)

Victoria Harbour Ferry Rides – the coolest water taxi around

While the main part of Victoria proper is situated directly around the Inner Harbour, going from Chinatown to the Wharf area will be quite the long walk. Getting a sea lion’s eye view of the city from the water is a fun, unexpected activity to add to your trip to Victoria with kids.

The Victoria Harbour Ferry   offers 45 minute tours of the Inner Harbour, tours us the Gorge Waterway, and private tours. It’s a unique experience unlike any other boat tour in any city we’ve visited.   Note : the Victoria Harbour Ferry stops running in the Winter, returning in Spring.

Location :  first stop is the Empress Dock, map link has all stops to catch boat   Google Maps link here .

Website :  Victoria Harbour Ferry

Enjoy the Harbour Water Ballet

Yes, you read that right. On a nice summer day, one of the best things to do in Victoria BC is to hang out on the waterfront, and bonus if you can catch one of the hilarious and cool Water Ballets. The small Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxi boats perform a synchronized ballet around the Inner Harbour while music plays on loud speakers.

For the best view, watch from the upper street level of either Government St or Belleville St. It can get crowded, so you might need to put kids on shoulders to watch the ferry water ballet. It’s only a few minutes though, so it’s not too bad. And the water taxis are the cutest boats you’ll ever see.

Location :  middle of the Inner Harbour

Hours :  10:45 am on Sundays, April through October

Cost :  totally free to watch

Go Wildlife and Whale Watching

Depending on the season and what you want to sea, you’ll have several great options for wildlife and whale watching out of Victoria. You could do the crazy open speed boat out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca leaving from the Inner Harbour, or you could do a more tame, longer tour ( kid friendly whale watching ). We’ve done these and enjoyed them, but really fell in love with the Salish Sea when doing an ecotour out of Sidney, BC.

Find a Wildlife / Whale Watching tour here!

Recommended Ecotour –  Ecocruising

Ecocruising is a small operator running out of Brentwood Bay and Sidney, both about a half hour from downtown Victoria. Meandering through small islands and rookeries, Ecocruising provides up close, respectful wildlife viewing ranging from orcas and porpoises to harbor seals and bald eagles. This is always a highlight when we do a trip to Victoria with kids. We love ecotourism and this company is passionate about sharing and protecting the environment of the Salish Sea.

Victoria Location :  Inner Harbour near tourist office   Google Maps link here .

Sidney Location :  Canoe Cove Marina   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  throughout the day, typically spring and summer – charters available

Cost :  prices range from $40 per person to over $100, depending on tour operator and length of trip

Recommended Whale Watching tour – ORCA SPIRIT ADVENTURES

Whale watching is one of the most special activities anywhere on the Salish Sea and Puget Sound. Grey and humpback whales frequently visit the waters around Victoria, but the resident and transient orca whales are what most guests are here to see. Focusing on eco-tourism, animal awareness and preservation, we cannot recommend Orca Spirit Adventures enough for a Victoria whale watching experience, especially with kids.  

Book THIS EXACT TOUR here !

See Totems at Thunderbird Park

Part of the Royal BC Museum, this collection of totem poles and a replica longhouse is worth visiting. You can pair a visit to Thunderbird Park with your trip to the museum or work it in wherever you have the time. The totem poles are best viewed/photographed early in the day when the sun is on them, but if you’re doing Victoria with kids, you’re probably not going to be up super early and out and about.

Because Thunderbird Park is located outside of the Royal BC Museu m, it’s free to check out the totems both outside in the park and in the glassed in pavilion. There are quite a few, so take your time enjoying them. Appreciating the indigenous culture is a must when in Canada, and seeing totem poles and structures is one of the best things to do in Victoria.

Location :  between Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Park   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  8am officially, but it’s outdoors so always on display

Cost :  free

Website :  Thunderbird Park Victoria

Enjoy the Butchart Gardens and Carousel

We have been to the Butchart Gardens four or five times and still love it . An ideal representation of Victorian gardens, it’s much more kid-friendly than you might expect. True, you can’t let the kids run free and pick flowers, but they’ll enjoy the Butchart Gardens just the same. There are fountains, sculptures, a Japanese garden, totem poles, and in the winter there’s even an ice rink. 

Tip : be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet from the visitors desk to give the kids a little something extra to keep them interested.

And for those who love getting dizzy, the carousel at the Butchart Gardens is one of the most beautiful ones we’ve seen. The cost to ride is an extra $2 per person (parents ride free for safety).

Location :  north of Victoria in Brentwood Bay   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  9am daily, closing time varies greatly by season and events  check hours here

Website :  the Butchart Gardens

Christmas at the Butchart Gardens

We can’t describe it well enough to do it justice, but the Butchart Gardens at Christmas are amazing. From the glowing forest to the Twelve Days of Christmas theme, it’s remarkable. Add to the ornate gardens an ice rink and live musical performers and you’ll have the most wonderful holiday experience in Victoria.  

Check out our complete article about Christmas in Victoria for more ideas .

Learn about Marine Life at Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Since we recommend getting a taste of what’s just beyond downtown Victoria, a day trip to Sidney is a great idea. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a small aquarium located just off the marina in quint little Sidney. The  Centre has touch tanks and exhibits showcasing the native marine life (except for mammals) of the surrounding bodies of water. With lots of hands-on activities, it’s a great morning activity in Sidney before walking around the waterfront and downtown.

FYI, Sidney is about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. It’s a nice little adventure and is great for seeing a different side of Vancouver Island but is still really close to Victoria.

Location :  Sidney marina area   Google Maps link here .

Website :  Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Do the Totem pole Scavenger Hunt

One of the things we love about living in the Pacific Northwest are all of the totem poles and native art everywhere. Victoria with kids is one big ongoing scavenger hunt to find totem poles ! They are all over the place, but there are many that you have to know where to look. We’ve created a map to guide you around Victoria (below) and beyond to find a wide variety of totem poles. The abundance of totems is incredible, and even if seeking them out isn’t on your list of things to do in Victoria, you’ll encounter them all around.

Tip :  If you’re looking to book a great hotel that’s full of art, the Inn at Laurel Point  has a very impressive collection of First Nations art and artifacts, but it’s for guests to enjoy while staying there only. It’s one of our favorite hotels in Victoria .

Location :  all around Victoria’s downtown and beyond   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  all day and night, but be respectful of local businesses and posted hours

Cost :  free except for admission to the Royal BC Museum

Tour the Parliament Building

We’re always fascinated by grand buildings and the parliament building in Victoria is no exception. You can actually add a tour of parliament to your Victoria with kids itinerary very easily, as they run tours daily. You can do short “express” tours of about 20 minutes or you can do the full architecture tour which lasts 90 minutes. 

Photography may be limited and tour schedules may be changed depending on when parliament is in session, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to get onto a tour during one of your days in Victoria.  Tip : if you have small kids, the express tour is recommended as the building is a functioning government space and longer tours may make for antsy children. We’ve done state house tours in Columbia SC , Madison WI and many more, and the doing the parliament building in Victoria with kids is one of the most small-kid-appropr

Hours :  tours begin at 9am, check website for times and cancellations

Tour website :  Victoria Parliament tours

Relax in a Public Square

This sounds odd, but the city of Victoria is full of small and large courtyards surrounded by shops and cafes. You’ll find the Public Market, Market Square, Bastion Square are all very easy to get to and each is full of good food and interesting shops and galleries. Perfect to add to a day in Victoria with kids. Our favorite is Market Square.

With each trip to Victoria, we like to visit Beadworld in Market Square for working with some veteran bead artisans, making souvenir bracelets. It is the perfect morning activity: a craft project and a great way to bring home a zero-waste souvenir. And then we get coffee and hot chocolate right after, so that is always a win too. Check out our favorite restaurants in Victoria BC !

Public square locations (with map links):  Market Square     Bastion Square     Public Market     Trounce Alley

Explore Beacon Hill Park: one of the best things to do in Victoria

Beacon Hill Park in Victoria has long been our favorite city park in North America. Spending an afternoon at Beacon Hill Park is a must for doing Victoria with kids. Between the peacocks running around, the Children’s Farm , the playgrounds, walking trails, views from the bluff, the tallest free-standing totem pole in the world, and ornate Victorian gardens, it’s an incredible place.

Confession: it’s cooler than Seattle’s Volunteer Park or SF’s Golden Gate Park (IMHO). Beacon Hill Park is really impressive and is great in any weather (except pouring rain). Visit in summer for the most amazing flowers and views, but then visit in winter for relaxing in the crisp sunshine and walking the trails.  Tip : another great park is Irving Park . You’ll find peacocks there too, as well as a labyrinth.

Location :  south of downtown to the bluffs   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  dawn to dusk

Website :  Beacon Hill Park – City of Victoria

Biking the Galloping Goose Trail of Victoria

Biking the Galloping Goose Trail out of Victoria is so much fun and great exercise! This is a great summer activity for Victoria with kids, especially if you have older children. Starting downtown or anywhere really, you head north out of the main core of Victoria to connect to the Galloping Goose trail , which will take you up to the Butchart Gardens and Brentwood Bay.

It’s a great way to experience the southern end of Vancouver Island. Heading east into the farming valleys of Saanichton and then south along the Lochside Trail , you’ll ride through neighborhoods, sunflower fields, marshes and more. It’s incredible.

If you’re enjoying yourself biking out of Victoria, you can also head west towards the town of Sooke. There are endless hiking trails around Sooke and it’ll give you a very different Vancouver Island experience.

Location :  Biking Route via G oogle Maps link here.

Hours :  daylight, not all bike paths are well lit

Cost :  bike rentals vary, from free through your hotel to $40/day – Find a guided bike tour here!

Eat a BeaverTail – the Fair Food of Canada

A Canadian delicacy, beaver tails are the great northern equivalent of an elephant ear. Usually dusted with cinnamon and sugar or topped with maple and whipped cream, or Nutella or apples or everything. One BeaverTail will suffice to share, but you know, when in Rome… There is a BeaverTail stand directly downtown, across from the Bug Zoo and then during festivals , like the street hockey festival in February or summer concerts.  Tip : napkins and wet wipes.

Location :  downtown and at festivals   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  12 pm – 9pm – for the BeaverTails stand

Have Afternoon Tea or High Tea Service

I’ll confess, we haven’t done this with the kids yet, but we’ve done it as adults. It’s fun and delicious. Afternoon tea in Victoria can be as costly or as budget-friendly as you want it to be.  There are several shops and restaurants that will do a tea service but our two recommendation are the Empress Hotel (high end) or Murchie’s (budget). The Empress’ tea service is very comprehensive with trays of finger sandwiches, scones and deserts, including tea. I’ve also enjoyed afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise , which is very similar, and it’s amazing.

Tip : the Empress does a children’s tea service also. It’s very nice and quite the touristy thing to do.

Murchie’s is much more relaxed and a better option for doing tea in Victoria with kids. Either doing a pre-set menu or going a la carte, you can do Murchie’s without reservations and you can linger as long as you like. This is our favorite place for tea.  Tip : leave with a box of Orange Pekoe  tea; it’s my favorite!

Location :  Fairmont Empress   Google Maps link here .  Murchie’s Tea downtown   Google Maps link here .

Hours :  late morning to mid-afternoon daily

Cost :  tea service can be as little as $15 for doing a la carte in smaller shops or up to $78 + tax & tip / person at the Empress

NOTE :  if you’re booking Tea at the Empress, know that there is a strict dress code and reservations require a credit card. Failure to show up will result in a 50% charge for the reserved tea services.

Find a great Canadian Souvenir

Souvenirs are a big part of travel for many families. When you do Victoria with kids, you’ll see a thousand things that you’ll want to buy. Here are our recommendations for bringing home a thoughtful souvenir from Victoria:

• seek out something useful that won’t be thrown out when you get home
• support tribal and local artisans by shopping for art and First Nations goods
• shirts and hats showing the destination are great for striking up conversation with others when you get home
• be zero-waste and avoid cheap toys and items made of plastic wrapped in plastic.

Keeping these points in mind you’ll for sure be able to find a thoughtful, memorable souvenir that you and your kids will enjoy long after your trip to Victoria is over.

Wow! I know that was a lot of information, but aren’t you excited to plan a trip to Victoria with kids?! We’re so ready to go back and hopefully will do so in late spring, as that’s our favorite time to visit.  Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your trip!

Also check out our 3 Day Victoria Itinerary for couples and our Family Travel Journal for more ideas.  And if you’re ready to book passage to Victoria from Seattle via the Victoria Clipper , check out Victoria Clipper tickets and packages here !

Want to pin this article for planning your own trip to Victoria with kids? Go for it!!!

Thursday 28th of December 2023

Thank you, this was a great list to give me some ideas with my kiddos…and I have lived in Victoria for 18 years! Haha I have never heard of the water ballet and will be putting this on our spring to-do list. Two more fun things are getting ice cream and walking the breakwater, and fish & chips at Fisherman’s Wharf with a possible seal sighting/feeding opportunity.

Monday 21st of August 2023

Prices seem quoted in US$ and are not up to date.

Yes, the prices were out of date. We always recommend validating costs before planning travel. And for Victoria that includes current rates for the Victoria Clipper, both for different sailing dates and passage class.

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

Come visit us at Haunted Manor Mini Golf next time :D

Friday 31st of March 2023

This is a great review, you have explained very well how a family can visit Victoria in the best way.

Thursday 23rd of March 2023

So well written. Thank you

Friday 24th of March 2023

Thank you so much! We have been to Victoria so many times and it continues to be one of our family's favorite cities. :)

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Young Change Agents Youth Design Challenge for tourism

The challenge: “How might we create innovative solutions to design the Future of Travel?”

The Future of Travel Youth Design Challenge is a free online design thinking challenge that empowers youth to consider how they can impact travel, tourism and cultural experiences. It empowers youth to identify problems, reframe them as opportunities, develop a solution and create a prototype. Youth will also be able to enter the challenge and be in the draw to win prizes to help them develop their ideas further.

Young Change Agents (YCA) empowers young people to identify problems in their community, reframing these as opportunities, and developing solutions with an entrepreneurial lens. Our aim is to make it easy for schools and teachers to introduce and embed entrepreneurial learning and design thinking. In this challenge they are teaming up with Flight Centre Travel Group as key sponsor to encourage young people to explore the five key challenge themes:

Sustainability: How might we make travel more sustainable in order to protect our world? Inclusion and Accessibility: How might we increase inclusivity, access and affordability of travel? Culture and Identity: How might we enable travel to express and advocate for culture? Regional and Rural Development: How might we increase tourism to regional and rural Australia to engage and support local communities? Technology: How might we help travellers make better choices or improve their experience? Bringing tech and tourism together to improve people’s journeys

What a great way for young people to engage in tourism  All challenge entries must be submitted by the challenge close date on Friday 4 November 2022.  

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Youth Tourism Trends in 2024

The landscape of youth travel is undergoing a transformation. Gone are the days when sun-soaked escapades, late-night parties, and casual flingers dominated the narrative. The modern youth traveller craves authentic experiences and is keenly aware of their environmental footprint.

Victoria’s Peak Body for Youth Tourism.

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Exploring Victoria with Teenagers: A Guide to Fun & Excitement on Vancouver Island

Victoria is not only a local favorite but an international favorite thanks to its charming walkable downtown, temperate climate, and plenty of things to do for families with teenagers! It is the provincial capital of British Columbia and a perfect place to explore whether it be its history, its attractions, or its outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. 

A trip to Victoria with teenagers requires a bit of different planning compared to a weekend in Victoria with kids. Teens have different interests and abilities (and often attitudes). This post will give you all of the best things to do in Victoria with teens so you can plan the perfect getaway!

Things to do in Victoria with Teenagers

Go Whale Watching

 If you are wanting to thrill your teens in Victoria, whale watching is a must-do! Head out of the harbor on a boat in search of the majestic orcas. This is a truly unique way to learn about whales and marine life in one of the best places on the planet! The best time is between April and October.

Book Online:   here

Shop in Uptown or the Bay Center

Shopping? Need I say more? Ok, maybe not all of the members of our family love shopping but some might! Hit up the Bay Centre shopping mall and browse downtown shops. Oak Bay Village is also a nice place for shopping. Both places have plenty of  Victoria souvenirs  as well!

Book a Local Photoshoot

A super unique idea is to book a local photographer while your family is in Victoria! It is easy! If you believe that memories make the best souvenirs, then  book a photo shoot  before your trip! If you use the code LINDSAY you will get $25 off your booking as well!  Click here to search and book a photoshoot  while in Victoria (or many other locations in BC)

Take a Food Tour

Do you have a foodie teen in the family? If your teenagers are as into food as you,  book a food tour  in Victoria and learn all about the diverse cuisine and restaurants in the city! The  taste of Victoria tour  is a 2 hour walking tour that begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes various stops including the Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Tournce Alley, Government Street, and the Inner Harbour Causeway. There are 6 to 8 tastings.

Booking:  Online here

Take a Bike Tour

Visit Craigdarroch Castle, a historic mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy elite in the late 19th century on a local castle bike tour! You will also see local neighborhoods including the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Chinatown. Enjoy fine views over the Dallas Road waterfront, Moss Rock Park and Beacon Hill Park, and Fernwood.

Booking: Online here

Tour the Parliament Buildings

If you have a teen who is into politics and government, take a tour of the Parliament Buildings. Your family will learn about the history of the province and its government. You may also run into a protest or two, but they are typically small and not obtrusive.

Enjoy High Tea

Enjoy a quintessential Victoria activity when you book an afternoon tea in Victoria. There are several places to choose from with the Fairmont Empress being the most well-known. Afternoon tea in Victoria can be traced back to the late 19th century when Victoria served as a bustling hub for the British Empire in North America.

Choose a Restaurant with a View

Teens tend to appreciate a good meal. Choose one of these Victoria waterfront restaurants for an evening out with stuning views!

Victoria Travel Tips for Families with Teenagers

How to get to victoria from vancouver.

Victoria lies on Vancouver Island and can be accessed by air or by ferry. There are flights from YVR Vancouver Airport to YYJ Victoria Airport and also Harbour Seaplanes that fly from Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Victoria. Helicopter service also exists with Helijet.

Ferry is the other option to get to Victoria from Vancouver. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is about 30 mins from downtown Vancouver and has several ferries per day (every hour at peak season). If you have a car you can drive on the ferry, you can take a bus from Vancouver that will continue into Victoria, or you can walk on and take public transit into the city.

Ferry reservations are currently recommended for vehicles. Otherwise, waits of up to a few hours are common. Read more info on getting from Vancouver to Victoria.

Renting a Car in British Columbia

Rental Cars are very popular in British Columbia. There is just so much to see and there is not a train or bus network outside of Metro Vancouver or Victoria. To get around on Vancouver Island with teens is is easiest to have a car! Check out these aggregators: Discover Cars that offer several rental companies to compare

Where to stay in Victoria with Teens:

LUXURY:   Delta by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe  or  Fairmont Empress  or  Sheraton Victoria

MIDRANGE:   Accent Inn  or  Best Western Inner Harbour  or  Hotel Zed

BUDGET:   Island Travel Inn  or  Ocean Island Backpackers

You can also check out our list of the  best hotels in Victoria.

How long should you stay in Victoria with teens?

Victoria is a perfect  weekend getaway in BC  and even better for a long weekend!  Three days in Victoria  is a very popular amount of time to spend in the city but even if you can just squeeze one day in Victoria it will be worth it. Almost any  Vancouver Island road trip  includes a stop in Victoria because the city is so enjoyable!

Depending on when you plan on visiting also have a read of these seasonal posts.  Things to do in Victoria in October ,  Things to do in Victoria in November ,  Christmas in Victoria.

Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com  which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!

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The youth market contributes 27 per cent of all visitor arrivals to Australia and 45 per cent of all visitor spend. There were 2.4 million youth visitors to Australia in 2019 who spent $20 billion.

The Working Holiday Maker program allows young adults from eligible partner countries to work in Australia while having an extended holiday. Working holiday makers tend to stay longer, spend more and disperse more widely throughout the country than most other target segments. They have a higher than average length of stay and propensity to combine work, visiting friends and family, and holiday/leisure experiences.

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