Family Friendly 3-Day Vancouver Island Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Victoria

Victoria, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jam Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jam Cafe, known for its hearty and creative dishes.
Jam Cafe is located in downtown Victoria, easily accessible by walking or a short drive from most hotels.
30 CAD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Royal BC Museum

Visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about the natural and human history of British Columbia through engaging exhibits.
The museum is a short walk from Jam Cafe.
25 CAD, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish

Enjoy sustainable seafood with a view at Red Fish Blue Fish, a popular waterfront eatery.
Red Fish Blue Fish is a 15-minute walk from the museum.
20 CAD, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Beacon Hill Park

Spend the afternoon exploring Beacon Hill Park, home to beautiful gardens, ponds, and peacocks.
A short drive or a 20-minute walk from Red Fish Blue Fish.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Il Terrazzo

Indulge in a fine Italian dinner at Il Terrazzo, located in a charming courtyard setting.
Il Terrazzo is a 10-minute walk or a quick drive from Beacon Hill Park.
40 CAD, 2 hours
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Day 2: Discovering Tofino

Tofino, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rhino Coffee House

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Rhino Coffee House, known for its artisanal coffee and baked goods.
Rhino Coffee House is located in Tofino's town center.
20 CAD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Surfing at Chesterman Beach

Learn to surf or enjoy a beach day at the picturesque Chesterman Beach, perfect for families.
Chesterman Beach is a short drive from the town center.
50 CAD for surf lesson, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tacofino

Savor delicious tacos and burritos at Tacofino, a local favorite food truck.
Tacofino has multiple locations in Tofino, easily accessible from the beach.
15 CAD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Explore the Tofino Botanical Gardens, featuring a diverse collection of plants and scenic walking trails.
A short drive or a 20-minute walk from Tacofino.
15 CAD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a thrilling whale watching tour to spot majestic marine wildlife in the waters around Tofino.
Tour departures are usually from Tofino's harbor.
80 CAD per person, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shelter Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood feast at Shelter Restaurant, known for its fresh and sustainably sourced dishes.
Shelter Restaurant is located in Tofino's town center.
50 CAD, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Nanaimo

Nanaimo, Canada

9:00AM

Breakfast at Gabriel's Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Gabriel's Cafe, a cozy spot with a variety of menu options.
Gabriel's Cafe is located in Nanaimo's downtown area.
25 CAD, 1 hour

10:30AM

Newcastle Island Marine Park

Take a short ferry ride to Newcastle Island Marine Park for a day of hiking, picnicking, and beachcombing.
Ferries to Newcastle Island depart from Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo.
10 CAD for ferry, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Penny's Palapa

Enjoy a casual lunch at Penny's Palapa, a beachfront eatery offering tasty Mexican-inspired dishes.
Penny's Palapa is located near the ferry terminal in Nanaimo.
20 CAD, 1 hour

4:30PM

Nanaimo Museum

Visit the Nanaimo Museum to learn about the history and culture of the city, including its famous dessert, the Nanaimo bar.
The museum is a short walk from Penny's Palapa.
15 CAD, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Asteras Greek Taverna

End your day with a flavorful dinner at Asteras Greek Taverna, known for its authentic Greek cuisine.
Asteras Greek Taverna is located in Nanaimo's downtown area.
30 CAD, 2 hours
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