Family Fun Guide - Vancouver Island & Lower Mainland 2026
Step into the future of wildlife through our immersive worlds at Hologram Zoo Vancouver. Travel the world from Africa to Australia and beyond, brought to life through our award-winning technology.
This cruelty-free, sustainable zoo experience, both educates and entertains, sparking curiosity about wildlife and conservation. Perfect for visitors of all ages. Hologram Zoo Vancouver is a truly one-of-a-kind journey. 50 Smithe St, Vancouver hologramzoovancouver.com
The Victoria Bug Zoo is a mini zoo where you can see, touch and learn about over 50 different species of arthropods from around the world! victoriabugzoo.ca | MAP 2: C1
Malahat SkyWalk
Walk among the treetops and take in epic views from an amazing 10-story spiral tower. It’s fun for all ages, complete with a giant slide and net walk. NEW for 2026 “The Overhang.” malahatskywalk.com | MAP 2: C2
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Come and explore a living museum in Canada’s oldest Chinatown! Rotating exhibits and family activities. Thursday–Sunday 11–5. victoriachinatownmuseum.com MAP 2: B1
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Dive into the biodiversity of the Salish Sea! Explore more than 30 aquarium habitats showcasing jellies, sea stars, fish, a giant Pacific octopus and more. @salishseacentre salishseacentre.org | MAP 2: B4
Dino Lab
Dinosaurs capture curiosity like nothing else; sparking a scientific curiosity in everyone! Dino Lab Inc. aims to encourage that wonder through immersive experiences with real dinosaurs. dinolabinc.ca | MAP 2: E4 1 2 4
BC Aviation Museum
Learn about the rich history of aviation in British Columbia, from the first powered aircraft, the essential bush planes, modern aerial fire fighting aircraft and everything in between. 1910 Norseman Rd North Saanich bcam.net | MAP 2: B4
Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
National Historic Sites
Explore historic coastal landmarks with daily summer programs, oTENTik overnight stays, scenic picnic areas, ice cream treats and a lively annual Canada Day celebration. parks.canada.ca/fortroddhill | MAP 2: E3
Butterfly Gardens
Wander amongst free flying butterflies, exotic birds, reptiles and more. Immerse yourself in the warmth of our 12,000 sq ft tropical rainforest, where lush plants, flowing water and vibrant wildlife surround you at every turn!. butterflygardens.com | MAP 2: C3
Sidney Museum
Discover the history of Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula. See our featured exhibit A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia. Open Daily 10:00am-4:00pm. sidneymuseum.ca | MAP 2: A4
Centre of the Universe
Uncover the science of the Universe. Explore telescopes, planets, and cosmic discoveries through interactive exhibits that inspire curiosity for all ages. Learn more at centreoftheuniverse.org | MAP 2: D4
Discover the inc arachnids an friends! With o of arthropods, including; fuzzy tarantulas, glowing scorpions, giant walking sticks and more! The Victoria Bug Zoo is a must see for locals and tourists, alike!
Fe stival Schedule
Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition
Jul 9 − 12 (Thurs − Sun)
Gates Open to Public Jul 10 (Fri) 2 pm
Opening Concert featuring April Wine Jul 11 (Sat) sponsored by Van-Roc Interiors
Canadian Tire Learn to Sculpt Like a Pro
Jul 11 & 12 (Sat & Sun)
Canadian Tire Buskers Jul 13 − Aug 14
Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Exhibition
Jul 13 − Aug 16
Tim Hortons FREE Summer Concert Series
Jul 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, Aug 1, 14, 15
Little Island Parties Sand and Sounds Weekend
Jul 25 & 26
Mid Island Co-op Beachfest ROCKS!
Aug 7 − 9 (Fri − Sun)
Coastal Community Credit Union Sculpture Light Up! Aug 14 &15 (Fri & Sat)
MAP 3 – Nanaimo & Cowichan Valley
Parksville
Beach Festival
Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long family-oriented festival runs from mid July to the third week in August and includes: the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, a family event and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures. parksvillebeachfest.ca | MAP 3: A1
WildPlay
Element Parks
Zip through the trees, conquer aerial courses and take the plunge. Adventure for all ages, including Kids Camps. Book now at wildplay.com | MAP 1: C7
MAP 2: E3 | MAP 3: C4
The Raptors
Get up close with some of nature’s most powerful predators at The Raptors. Located in the Cowichan Valley, we offer unforgettable experiences for all ages—from hands-on flying encounters to in-depth educational programs. Learn about hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures, and discover how we work to protect these incredible birds through conservation and education. the-raptors.com | MAP 3: E5 8
Miniature World
Explore incredible miniature castles, historical scenes, dollhouses and magical displays full of details. With over 85 exciting miniature dioramas and displays, Miniature World is a fun, fascinating attraction for families and curious minds of all ages! 250-385-9731 | miniatureworld.com
MAP 2: C1
Prince of Whales
Whale & Marine
Wildlife Adventures
Set off on an ocean adventure the whole family will love. Prince of Whales offers exciting whale watching tours where kids and adults can search for orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles in the beautiful Salish Sea. Friendly guides share fun facts about the wildlife and the area, making every trip both thrilling and educational. princeofwhales.com | MAP 1: C2, MAP 2: C1
Mine Museum
Discover adventure at Britannia Mine Museum, an award-winning National Historic Site. Rumble aboard an underground train, pan for gold and immerse yourself in the multi-sensory BOOM! experience. Located along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99) between Vancouver and Squamish. britanniaminemuseum.ca | MAP 1: A1
Extreme Air Park
Extreme Air Park offers wall-to-wall trampolines, trampoline basketball, dodgeball, knockerball, halfpipe, wall trampolines, a massive foam pit and rock wall climbing. Check out Planet Lazer offering serious hi-tech laser tag. extremeairpark.com
MAP 1: C4/D2/D6
Gulf of Georgia Cannery
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is located in the historic fishing village of Steveston, the largest commercial small-craft fishing port in Canada. Built in 1894, the Cannery was once the largest of its kind, and was known as the “Monster Cannery.” Now a National Historic Site, our exhibits showcase the history of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry. gulfofgeorgiacannery.org | MAP 1: D1
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Become a Rainforest Explorer!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a kid’s paradise, filled with amazing attractions and fun activities. Cross the wobbly suspension bridge, get a squirrel’s eye view on Treetops Adventure and go to the edge of nature on Cliffwalk. capbridge.com | MAP 1: B2
Science World
Science World, located in Vancouver’s iconic geodesic dome, is a non-profit science centre that engages visitors of all ages with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and immersive experiences in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Since opening in 1989, it has been a cornerstone for science education and exploration in British Columbia. scienceworld.ca | MAP 1: C2
Royal BC Museum
Celebrate British Columbia’s diverse stories through immersive galleries showcasing the people, plants and animals that shape and define this province’s vibrant natural and cultural heritage. rbcm.ca | MAP 2: C1
Bard on the Beach
Western Canada’s largest Shakespeare Festival runs from June 9 to September 19 in Sen´ákw/Vanier Park. See The Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth and more! Tickets start at $30. 604-739-0559 | bardonthebeach.org
MAP 1: C1
Flyover in Vancouver
Discover absolute awe at Flyover in Vancouver, located at Canada Place. Our immersive journeys connect you with our planet from a whole new perspective. experienceflyover.com/vancouver | MAP 1: C2
Railway Museum of BC
History is alive at the Railway Museum! Here at the museum, you can see, hear, touch and experience the actual trains, locomotives and equipment that are part of British Columbia’s railway history and heritage. This is railway equipment that helped build BC and Canada. wcra.org | MAP 1: A1
Hologram Zoo Vancouver
Step into the future of wildlife at Hologram Zoo Vancouver, an immersive experience where holographic animals surround you, inspiring curiosity, conservation and unforgettable family fun. hologramzoovancouver.com | MAP 1: C2
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Did you know there’s a real fort in Fort Langley? Bring your family to this Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and uncover stories of Indigenous peoples and fur traders. With fun hands-on activities and many cultural events, it’s a learning adventure for all ages. Kids under 17 get in free! parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley | MAP 1: D7
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
Step aboard one of our old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicles organically powered by hay and oats and meander in comfort and to the sound of the clip-clop through the natural beauty of Stanley Park. A professional guide fully narrates the one-hour tour through Vancouver’s thousand acre wonderland. 604-681-5115 | stanleypark.com | MAP 4: C4
IMAX® Victoria
Experience the power of IMAX® Victoria with stunning giant-screen films, immersive sound and breathtaking visuals that bring nature, science and adventure vividly to life. imaxvictoria.com | MAP 2: C1
GET CLOSER
Horses have been featured in Stanley Park for well over a century.
At first, the miners and loggers used them for hauling and clearing trails. In fact, some of the park’s existing trails were cleared by logging companies. (Oxen were used, too). Not long after the park was dedicated in 1889, a gentler use for horses began.
A century later, the clip-clop of horses still echoes in the park. Some of these gentle giants stand 2.4 m tall, have feet the size of frying pans, and consume 27 kg of food and 100 L of water a day.
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours has been transporting people around the park in these colourful trams since the early 1980s. The trams today are designed with the comfort of the horses in mind, using a freestanding tongue and aluminum frame. They have some features the old Tally-Ho drivers would find astonishing, including signal lights and hydraulic brakes.
But one thing hasn’t changes, these are still ‘organically powered’ vehicles, running on hay and oats: a fun, environmentally friendly way to see the jewel of Vancouver.
