Family-Friendly Itinerary for Victoria, BC in 7 Days

  • Day 1: Start the day off with a visit to the Royal BC Museum to learn about the history of British Columbia. Stop for lunch at Jackson's Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Spend the afternoon at the Butchart Gardens exploring the beautiful gardens and enjoying the entertainment. End the day with a seafood dinner at Red Fish Blue Fish overlooking the harbor.
  • Day 2: Take a morning hike through the Goldstream Provincial Park before heading to the Victoria Bug Zoo where the whole family can hold and learn about exotic insects. Enjoy lunch at The Blue Fox Cafe with a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring Beacon Hill Park where the kids can enjoy a petting zoo and playground. Catch a ferry from the Inner Harbour to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner at the famous Barb's Fish & Chips.
  • Day 3: Visit one of the world's oldest Chinatown in North America, Vancouver Island's Chinatown. Have a dim sum lunch at Pagliacci's. Stop by the Craigdarroch Castle for an educational tour of history and architecture. Spend the afternoon at the Miniature World enjoying the miniature displays of history, fantasy and adventure
  • Day 4: Drive along scenic Route 14 to the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. Take a dip in the refreshing water of the Sooke River. Stop for lunch at Shirley Delicious Cafe for unique twists on comfort food. Afternoon at the Chesterman Beach, where you can walk miles of sandy beaches and be enchanted by the ever-changing marine life.
  • Day 5: Take a 2 hour whale watching tour while taking in the coastal scenery and marine animal sightings. Refuel at Tapas Bar and Restaurant for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Spend the afternoon at The Victoria Bug Zoo allowing the kids to get up close and personal with insects from around the world. Enjoy the sunset at the Dallas Road Walkway
  • Day 6: Spend the morning exploring the Ocean Science Centre where the family can learn about marine science and conservation. Have a seafood lunch at The Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf. The whole afternoon at Pier B Waterfront Restaurant Bar, where the kids can play arcade games while parents enjoy the picturesque harbor view.
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy a scenic drive on Vancouver Island Circle Route where you can find unique, secluded beaches and a diverse range of wildlife. Have lunch at The Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf before heading to the airport.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Royal BC Museum: 2 hours, $30
  • Jackson's Ice Cream: 1 hour, $15
  • Butchart Gardens: 4 hours, $40
  • Red Fish Blue Fish: 2 hours, $50
  • Goldstream Provincial Park: 3 hours, free
  • Victoria Bug Zoo: 2 hours, $50
  • The Blue Fox Cafe: 1 hour, $30
  • Beacon Hill Park: 3 hours, free
  • Barb's Fish & Chips: 2 hours, $30
  • Vancouver Island's Chinatown: 2 hours, free
  • Pagliacci's: 1 hour, $25
  • Craigdarroch Castle: 2 hours, $20
  • Miniature World: 2 hours, $25
  • Sooke Potholes Provincial Park: 4 hours, free
  • Shirley Delicious Cafe: 1 hour, $20
  • Chesterman Beach: 3 hours, free
  • Whale watching tour: 2 hours, $100
  • Tapas Bar and Restaurant: 1 hour, $40
  • Dallas Road Walkway: 1 hour, free
  • Ocean Science Centre: 3 hours, $70
  • The Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf: 1 hour, $25
  • Pier B Waterfront Restaurant Bar: 3 hours, $50
  • Vancouver Island Circle Route: 6 hours, free
  • Total Costs: $695

Transportation

To get around Victoria, the best way is by car. Alternatively, biking is a popular and eco-friendly option. For longer distances, ferries and buses are available. Be sure to check schedules and prices before deciding on modes of transportation. Parking in downtown can be pricey, so it's recommended to park outside the city centre and walk or take public transport.

Links to key attractions, restaurants, and points of interest

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, add an extra day to include a visit to the Royal London Wax Museum. For a shorter version of the trip, consider skipping the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and the Vancouver Island Circle Route.

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