7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Vancouver Island

Day 1: Explore Victoria

Victoria, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Fox Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring their famous blueberry pancakes and hearty breakfast burritos.
Located in the heart of Victoria, Blue Fox Cafe is easily reachable by foot or car from your accommodation.
CAD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Dive into British Columbia’s history and culture with engaging exhibits, perfect for the whole family.
The museum is a short 10-minute walk from the cafe.
CAD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Victoria Public Market

Enjoy fresh, local dishes and snacks from various vendors at this bustling market.
Located a quick 10-minute walk from the museum.
CAD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Beacon Hill Park

Stroll through this expansive park with playgrounds, petting zoos, and beautiful gardens that will entertain the kids.
A 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the market.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Store

Dine on delicious seafood while enjoying the view of the harbour area.
A short 10-minute drive from Beacon Hill Park.
CAD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Victoria Adventures

Victoria, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jam Cafe

Savour delicious brunch items from their vast menu, including the famed French Toast with a twist.
Close by, approximately a 5-minute drive from your accommodation.
CAD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Craigdarroch Castle

Explore this historic castle filled with intriguing rooms that showcase Victorian architecture and history.
Just a 10-minute drive from Jam Cafe.
CAD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vern’s Pizza

Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with the best pizzas made fresh with local ingredients.
A short 13-minute drive from the castle.
CAD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Bike along the Galloping Goose Trail

Rent some bikes and enjoy the scenic views along this rail trail - a fun way to see nature with the family.
Biking rentals are available close to the trailhead, roughly 10 minutes from the restaurant.
CAD50, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Wrap up your day with a splendid family dinner featuring delicious steaks and a kids' menu.
Just a 15-minute drive back towards the downtown area.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature at Sooke

Sooke, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Daily Grind Cafe

Enjoy a local breakfast with delicious coffee and baked goods, perfect before heading out.
Located conveniently in Sooke, taking around 40 minutes from Victoria.
CAD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit East Sooke Regional Park

Spend time hiking the beautiful coastal trails, with options for all skill levels.
Drive 15 minutes from the cafe to reach the park.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sooke Harbour House

Indulge in a waterfront dining experience with local farm-to-table cuisine.
A quick 10-minute drive from the park.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a family-friendly whale watching excursion, searching for orcas and other marine wildlife.
Tours depart from various points in Sooke, easily accessible by car.
CAD100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at 17 Mile House

Enjoy hearty comfort food with a rustic charm, perfect for winding down after an adventurous day.
Take about 15 minutes drive back from the whale watching location.
CAD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relax in Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Cowichan Bay Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the waterfront, with tasty options for everyone.
A scenic 30-minute drive from Sooke to Cowichan Bay.
CAD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre

Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems through exhibits and educational programs suitable for kids.
Just a 10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Cowichan Valley wineries

Explore family-friendly wineries where you can taste local wines and discover organic farming.
A short 15-minute drive from the nature centre.
CAD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Old Fire Hall

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in this charming eatery with a menu featuring local ingredients and flavours.
A quick 10-minute drive from the wineries.
CAD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Buttercup Farms

Join a guided farm tour, where kids can learn about farm life and meet the animals.
Located just 15 minutes from the restaurant.
CAD20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Steakhouse 101

Feast on expertly cooked local meats and a delicious kids' menu tailored for the little ones.
About a 10-minute drive from the farm.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nanaimo & Fun

Nanaimo, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Nook

Delight in a family-oriented breakfast spot, serving mouthwatering omelettes and scrumptious pancakes.
A 45-minute drive from Cowichan Valley, heading north to Nanaimo.
CAD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Newcastle Island

Catch a ferry to Newcastle Island and explore the hiking trails and beaches, perfect for an outdoor adventure.
Ferry terminal is just 10 minutes from the café.
CAD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Nanaimo Bar Trail

Experience iconic Nanaimo bars - visit several locations known for their take on this classic dessert.
Easily walkable from the ferry terminal.
CAD30, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Nanaimo Museum

Learn more about the rich history of Nanaimo and the surrounding area through interactive exhibits.
A short 10-minute walk from the downtown area with bar shops.
CAD12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner atOld City Quarter

Explore a variety of eateries in this area where you can find something for everyone.
Just a 15-minute walk from the museum.
CAD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Parksville & Relaxation

Parksville, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morningstar Farm

Savour fresh, farm-to-table breakfast options in a scenic setting to start your day right.
A 30-minute drive from Nanaimo to Parksville.
CAD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Parksville Beach

Enjoy the soft sandy beach and shallow waters – perfect for a fun family day by the ocean.
Just a 5-minute drive from the café.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Beach Club Restaurant

Relish a fresh seafood lunch while taking in the stunning ocean views.
Adjacent to the beach for convenience.
CAD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Miniature World

Explore this captivating indoor miniature park with displays that kids will surely love.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
CAD25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Shady Rest

A family favourite spot with a diverse menu including pizzas and burgers that will please everyone.
About 15 minutes from Miniature World.
CAD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Adventures in Tofino

Tofino, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tofino Coffee Roasting Co.

Grab a caffeine fix and a pastry or breakfast sandwich before heading out to explore.
A 2-hour 30-minute drive from Parksville, you’ll arrive in Tofino ready for adventure.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Spend the morning walking the beautiful trails surrounded by lush forests, beaches, and wildlife.
Only a 15-minute drive from the café.
CAD10, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Whale Centre Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch with local ingredients while enjoying Tofino’s relaxed atmosphere.
Located in Tofino, just a 5-minute drive from the park.
CAD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Go on a surf lesson

Let the kids soak up the fun and adventure with a family-friendly surfing lesson being offered at the beach.
Many surf schools operate along the coastline, a 10-minute drive from the café.
CAD150, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Codfathers

Wrap up your adventure with a hearty seafood dinner as you reflect on your week of fun!
A 10-minute drive back into Tofino.
CAD70, 1.5 hours
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