Experience 15 ziplines, over 60 aerial adventure games, a 40ft freefall jump, axe throwing and more! The ultimate outdoor adventure for families, friends, birthday parties or teams! Open February to December. Locations in Victoria, Nanaimo and Maple Ridge. Book your adventure online or call +1-855-595-2251. wildplay.com | MAP 1: F4
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. 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat malahatskywalk.com | MAP 2: F8
Victoria Bug Zoo
The Victoria Bug Zoo is an incredible mini zoo that is dedicated to educating people about some of the world’s most misunderstood inhabitants. See giant walking sticks, praying mantises, glowing scorpions, hairy tarantulas and so much more. Our educators even facilitate hands-on experiences along with the tours! 250-384-2847 | victoriabugzoo.ca | MAP 1: D2
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle offers families a captivating journey through Victorian-era history with self-guided tours, interactive exhibits and panoramic views from its tower, making it an enriching experience for all ages. thecastle.ca | MAP 1: F6
Galey Farms
Galey Farms in Victoria provides year-round family fun with a giant corn maze, tractor and train rides, a pumpkin patch, seasonal events and fresh produce—offering kids and parents a playful, educational farm experience. galeyfarms.ca | MAP 1: E5
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Come and explore a living museum in Canada’s oldest Chinatown! Learn about the lives of Chinese-Canadian pioneers, with interactive family activities. 10 Fan Tan Alley Thursday–Sunday, 11–5 victoriachinatownmuseum.ca | MAP 1: B2
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park in Victoria offers families lush gardens, scenic trails, playgrounds and the beloved Children’s Farm— where kids can meet goats, peacocks and more. victoria.ca | MAP 1: F5
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. 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney BC @salishseacentre | salishseacentre.org | MAP 1: B5
Vancouver Island
Kinsol Trestle
Kinsol Trestle offers families an easy, scenic walk to one of the world’s tallest timber rail trestles, with picnic areas and strollerfriendly trails.
cvrd.ca | MAP 1: A1
Butterfly Gardens
Immerse yourself in a tropical jungle adventure with exotic birds, butterflies, dart frogs, a caiman, flamingo and more. Then explore our insectarium, showcasing impressive insects and invertebrates from around the world.
1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, 5 mins from Butchart Gardens 250-652-3822 | 877-722-0272
butterflygardens.com | MAP 1: C4 9 10
Royal BC Museum
Discover one of the most mysterious and unique stone monuments in the world and what it meant to the people who built it with Stonehenge. 675 Belleville St, Victoria royalbcmuseum.bc.ca | MAP 1: E2
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park is a family-friendly destination featuring crystal-clear swimming holes, scenic hiking trails and picnic spots along the Sooke River. The park’s unique geological formations, known as “potholes,” were carved into the bedrock by glacial action around 15,000 years ago, creating deep, polished pools perfect for summer swims.
bcparks.ca | MAP 1: F1
Old Country Market: Goats on the Roof
Just past Nanaimo, this market has great ice cream and baked foods, and carries international foods and gifts. It’s perfect for a lunch stop, and the kids will love the family of goats that graze on the grassy roof of the market.
oldcountrymarket.com | MAP 3: A1
Horne Lake Caves
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park near Campbell River offers families scenic hiking trails, a thrilling suspension bridge over a 25-meter waterfall and accessible picnic areas.
bcparks.ca | MAP 2: B5
Horne Lake Caves offers families an exciting underground adventure with guided tours through stunning limestone formations, educational insights and safe, hands-on exploration suitable for children aged 5 and up. hornelake.com | MAP 2: D6
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Family Sunday is every third Sunday of the month from October through June. It’s an afternoon of exploring hands-on art making for all ages. This program often features special guests—storytellers, artists, performers and musicians.
aggv.ca | MAP 1: F5
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 1: B4
Sidney Museum
Take a walk through time and discover the natural history of the area, followed by regularly updated permanent displays on local First Nations, industry, transportation, agriculture and social history.
sidneymuseum.ca | MAP 1: B5
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: F6
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Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park invites families to explore towering 800-yearold Douglas firs along accessible trails, offering a serene and educational old-growth forest experience. bcparks.ca | MAP 2: D6
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Parksville Beach Festival
Known to locals as Beachfest, this family-oriented festival runs from July 11 to August 17 and includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, an artisan market and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures. parksvillebeachfest.ca | MAP 3: A1
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Cultus Lake Waterpark
BC’s biggest and best waterpark! Offering Western Canada’s largest selection of slides, including everyone’s favourite The Colossal Canyon! We’ve got something for everyone! Online tickets available. Check us out online: cultus.com
and more !
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
COMPETITION ... Jul 10 13 | Open to public Jul 11, 2 pm
EXHIBITION ... Jul 14 − Aug 17
OPENING WEEKEND CONCERT
Jul 12, featuring Chilliwack ‘Farewell to Friends Tour’ 2025 sponsored by Van-Roc Interiors
CANADIAN TIRE LEARN TO SCULPT Jul 12 & 13
TIM HORTONS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ... Jul 18, 19, 25, 26, Aug 1, 2, 15, 16
ART IN THE PARK ... Jul 26 & 27
MID ISLAND CO-OP BEACHFEST ROCKS MUSIC FESTIVAL ... Aug 8 − 10
QUALITY FOODS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ... Aug 16 (dusk)
QUALITY FOODS KIDS SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION ... Aug 17
CLOSING CONCERT... Aug 17 featuring the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy sponsored by Carol Riera PREC*, RE/MAX Anchor Realty
10 Beaches on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island boasts an array of family-friendly beaches, perfect for everything from splashing in calm waters and exploring tide pools to enjoying picnics and playgrounds by the sea.
Chesterman Beach Tofino | MAP 5: A2
A vast sandy beach popular for tide pooling and beach walks. Families can enjoy the scenic views and explore marine life.
Departure Bay Beach Nanaimo | MAP 3: B4
A convenient urban beach with gentle waves, a playground and picnic tables—ideal for a quick and easy family outing.
Elk/Beaver Lake Saanich | MAP 1: D5
Located within Elk/Beaver Lake Park, these connected freshwater lakes feature grassy areas, roped-off swim zones, and nearby walking trails.
Kye Bay Comox | MAP 4: B3
Known for its warm, shallow waters and extensive tidal flats, it’s a haven for young children to explore safely.
Mystic Beach Juan De Fuca Provincial Park | MAP 2: F7
Accessible via a 2 km hike through lush forest, this beach features a waterfall cascading onto the sandy shore. A rewarding adventure for families with older children.
Spider Lake Provincial Park Qualicum Bay | MAP 2: D6
Though it’s a freshwater lake, the sandy beach and warm shallow water make it a safe, fun option for families with toddlers.
Transfer Beach Ladysmith | MAP 3: D5
With a sandy shoreline, calm water, playground and spray park, this beach is a perfect day trip for families with young kids.
Tribune Bay Provincial Park Hornby Island | MAP 2: D6
Often called “Little Hawaii,” this beach features soft white sand and warm, clear water, making it great for swimming and beach games.
Willows Beach Victoria | MAP 1: F6
A sandy ocean beach with calm waters that’s perfect for little ones to wade and play. Features include a playground and plenty of space for picnics.
Witty’s Lagoon Metchosin | MAP 2: F8
After a short forest walk, families are rewarded with a sandy ocean lagoon ideal for wading, wildlife spotting and gentle tide play.
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS and
Gulf Islands NPR
Parks Canada adventures near Victoria
Don’t miss two amazing Parks Canada attractions located just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria to enjoy daily or year-round.
At Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, explore both a century-old coast artillery fort and Canada’s oldest west coast lighthouse. Pretend to be a soldier or a lighthouse keeper: spy, march, signal your position or sound the foghorn, wave at passing ships, play on the shoreline. Download free digital guided tours from the Parks Canada App, including At the Ready: an accessible guided tour for interesting facts, site layout to see what is accessible with a stroller or mobility aid, and the best areas to play and rest.
Plan a paddling trip or hop on a ferry to Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, a multi-island paradise that’s meant to explore. Take a relaxing hike, taste heritage apples or make beach art while spotting tiny crabs, huge whales and listening to the sound of the waves. Reserve an overnight experience in a tent by the water or an RV in a temperate rainforest. Both locations are perfect family outings where you can learn about Indigenous culture and the region’s past through fun programs and activities, and with an Xplorer activity booklet.
Admission to the national historic sites is FREE for youth 17 and younger; $9.00 for adults; and $7.50 for seniors. No parks passes are required for daytime visits to the national park reserve. For camping fees, see the websites below.
Facebook: @FortRoddFisgardNHS and @GulfIslandsNPR YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=OB4Fdb6r4Lc and youtube.com/watch?v=lEPE3O7ShAI Parks.Canada.ca/FortRoddHill Parks.Canada.ca/Gulf | MAP 1: F4
Forged Axe Throwing
Our action-packed sessions have you nailing those bullseyes in no time! Our axe throwing sessions for ages 10+ and family-friendly competition will have the high fives flying! Book online.
forgedaxe.ca | MAP 1: C2 27
Ucluelet Aquarium
The Ucluelet Aquarium is Canada’s first collect-and-release aquarium treating visitors to a personal view of fish and invertebrates from the waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. uclueletaquarium.org | MAP 5: C5
Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens
The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens (formerly Tofino Botanical Gardens) provide a space to learn from nature in both natural and landscaped environments. An enchanting trail system helps visitors navigate coastal rainforest and waterfront. IISAAK—to observe, appreciate and act accordingly—the highest law of the Nuu’chah’nulth constitution, is the ethos of this place. clayoquotcampus.ca | MAP 5: A2
Crazy Cookie House
Discover the enchanting Crazy Cookie House in Metchosin! A delightful family-run spot offering deliciously crazy cookies in a fairy-tale setting, perfect for kids and parents alike.
crazycookie.ca | MAP 1: F3
Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is open daily 9am–4pm (with viewing until 5pm), welcoming guests to take solace from this beautiful garden. Health protocols are in place, allowing for physical distancing, capacity monitoring and sanitary precautions.
butchartgardens.com | MAP 1: C4
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
niwra.org | MAP 3: A1 11 12 13
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) in Coombs is a rehabilitation facility, especially for raptors and black bears. The goal: to care for these animals and reintroduce them into their natural environment. See eagles, bears, owls, falcons, hawks, swans and ravens. Activities and educational programs for the whole family. Open daily 9am–4:30pm.
Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
Located within beautiful Beacon Hill Park of Victoria, BC, welcomes you to enjoy the farm animal experience! From alpacas to miniature goats, tropical birds and miniature pigs, we have all kinds of fuzzy, furry, feathered creatures, including a goat petting area and the famous goat stampedes. The farm is open seasonally—call for dates and hours. Funded by your donations. Interac available.
