Victoria, Canada: A Whimsical 2-Day Family Adventure!

Discover family fun in Victoria, Canada's picturesque paradise!

19 July 2023

Victoria, Canada offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming blend of history, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities. Explore the iconic Butchart Gardens, where children can immerse themselves in colorful floral displays and enjoy the magical carousel ride. Make sure to take a stroll down the Inner Harbour, where you can spot seaplanes, play in the waterfront parks, and visit the interactive Royal BC Museum to learn about local indigenous culture and the vibrant history of the city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Historic Victoria

  • Start your day off with an indulgent breakfast at Willie's Bakery. Their pastries are so flaky, you'll start wondering if you've stepped into a cloud.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Beacon Hill Park and say hello to the local geese, who are basically the VIPs of the park. Don't worry, they won't ask for autographs.
  • Get your culture fix at the Royal BC Museum, where you can dive into the fascinating history of British Columbia. Time travel is not guaranteed, but you'll definitely feel like a knowledgeable time traveler afterwards.
  • Grab a midday bite at Red Fish Blue Fish, a waterfront eatery serving up delectable fish and chips. Their fish is so fresh, even Poseidon gets jelly.
  • Hop on a horse-drawn carriage and take a tour around downtown Victoria. It's like your own personal historical parade, but with less trombones and more picturesque buildings.
  • End the day with a sunset stroll along the Inner Harbour. The twinkling lights and majestic Fairmont Empress hotel will make you feel like you're in a fairytale. Just be careful, Prince Charming might be lurking around.
Day 2

Nature and Whimsy

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jam Café. Their towering pancakes and epic bacon will have you dreaming of flannel-clad lumberjacks and breakfast nirvana.
  • Head over to Butchart Gardens and prepare to be bewitched by a horticultural wonderland. Tip: The flowers love compliments, so don't be shy about admiring their petal perfection.
  • Embark on an adventure at Miniature World, where you can explore tiny worlds filled with intricate details and whimsical stories. Just be sure not to get too carried away and accidentally become a resident.
  • Lunch at The Pink Bicycle, a gourmet burger joint that will make your taste buds dance a samba. With options like brie-stuffed beef patties, you'll never look at burgers the same way again.
  • Take a stroll through the Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada. Rumor has it that the ghosts of long-departed gamblers still haunt the alley, so don't forget your lucky charm.
  • End the day with a picnic at Fisherman's Wharf where you can feast on fresh seafood while seals playfully photobomb your Instagram posts. It's like dining with real-life sea puppers.

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.

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Explore the natural beauty of Victoria, Canada by visiting its lush gardens, world-renowned parks, and scenic landscapes on a limited budget. Discover the unique culture of the city by exploring museums, galleries, and historical landmarks that showcase its rich history and heritage. Enjoy budget-friendly dining options by trying out local street food or dining in smaller cafes and restaurants to fully enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

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