Family-Friendly Adventures in Victoria, BC!

Victoria Cruise Port

Why Visit?

Welcome to Victoria, a gem on Canada"s Pacific coast! Here"s a perfect family-friendly itinerary for your visit:

### Morning: Arrival at Victoria Cruise Port

Upon disembarking, begin your day at the nearby Fisherman"s Wharf Park. Just a 10-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute waterfront walk from the port, this colorful floating boardwalk is a delight. Here, you can watch seals play and enjoy some fresh seafood. Don’t miss the famous fish and chips from Barb’s Fish & Chips!

### Mid-Morning: Royal BC Museum

Next, head to the Royal BC Museum, about a 15-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. This museum is a treasure trove of British Columbia"s natural and human history. Be intrigued by the life-sized woolly mammoth in the natural history gallery, and take a step back in time walking through the Old Town exhibit. It’s educational and interactive for kids and adults alike.

### Lunch: Beacon Hill Park

After the museum, walk south for about 10 minutes to Beacon Hill Park for a picnic lunch. With 200 acres of lush gardens and playgrounds, it’s a beautiful spot to relax. Look out for the roaming peacocks and the impressive totem pole!

### Afternoon: Craigdarroch Castle

Cap off your day with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle, a short drive or a public bus ride from Beacon Hill Park. Built in the late 1800s for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this historic mansion tells the fascinating story of Victoria"s early affluent society. The kids will love exploring the ornate rooms and imagining life as a Victorian aristocrat.

### Evening: Return to Victoria Cruise Port

Conclude your day by heading back to your cruise ship, filled with memories and stories of Victoria’s rich culture and stunning sights.

This well-rounded day ensures you experience the best of Victoria’s heritage, nature, and local charm, creating unforgettable family memories!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fort Street

Why Visit?

Exploring Fort Street promises an exciting day for families! Here’s a comprehensive, fun-filled itinerary to ensure you make the most out of your visit:

### Morning

Start at the Fort Street Mall

- Location: Central Fort Street area

- Getting There: Easily accessible by public transport (bus or trolley), or you can park in nearby garages.

- Activity: Begin with a leisurely stroll through Fort Street Mall. This pedestrian mall is vibrant with local shops perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. Every Tuesday and Friday, the mall hosts a farmer’s market where you can taste local produce and snacks.

### Mid-Morning

Visit Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

- Location: A short walk from Fort Street Mall

- Interesting Fact: This site features three restored houses, the oldest dating back to the 1820s, showcasing early missionary life in Hawaii.

- Activity: Engage in a guided tour which typically lasts about an hour. The engaging stories and historical reenactments are perfect for kids to learn about Hawaii’s history.

### Lunch

Eat at a Local Spot

- Recommendation: Highway Inn Kaka"ako, just a short drive or bus ride from the Mission Houses.

- Specialty: Try traditional Hawaiian dishes like Poke or Loco Moco in a family-friendly atmosphere.

### Afternoon

Bishop Museum

- Location: About a 10-minute drive from Highway Inn

- Getting There: Take a bus or drive; parking is available on site.

- Interesting Fact: The Bishop Museum offers the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific culture artifacts in the world.

- Activity: Explore the Hawaiian Hall and the planetarium. The museum’s interactive exhibits and natural history displays are fascinating for children.

### Late Afternoon

Return to Fort Street for Dessert

- Spot: La Tour Café for some French macarons or ice cream.

- Getting There: Head back to Fort Street by bus or car.

End your day soaking in local flavors and learning about the rich cultural heritage, making your family trip to Fort Street both educational and delightful!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Craigdarroch Castle

Why Visit?

### Family Visit Itinerary to Craigdarroch Castle

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by heading to Craigdarroch Castle, located at 1050 Joan Crescent in Victoria, British Columbia. The castle is easily accessible by car or public transit. If you"re using public transportation, buses frequently run from downtown Victoria towards Fort Street, which is a short walk to the castle.

Exploring Craigdarroch Castle

Upon arrival, purchase tickets at the entrance. The castle opens at 10:00 AM. Begin your tour by marveling at the Victorian architecture, which was completed in 1890 for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. As you wander through the four floors, keep an eye out for the stained glass windows and intricate woodwork – perfect for sparking the imaginations of young princes and princesses.

Interactive Fun

Engage with history through a self-guided tour, allowing the family to explore at their own pace. Don"t miss the restored rooms like the Drawing Room and the Dance Hall which offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Dunsmuir family. For a fun twist, ask the kids to count the steps as they climb the 87 stairs to the tower for a panoramic view of Victoria.

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a picnic at the nearby Pioneer Square, just a 15-minute walk from the castle. It offers a peaceful setting with plenty of space for kids to play.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, participate in a scheduled Victorian-era games session on the castle grounds, great for family bonding and laughter.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by 2:00 PM to avoid the late afternoon crowd, ensuring a leisurely exit.

Additional Tips

- Check the castle"s website for any special events or activities that might coincide with your visit.

- Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful Victorian era architecture and the stunning views from the tower.

This concise itinerary ensures a memorable and educational day out for the whole family at Craigdarroch Castle, blending history with fun and exploration.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fairmont Empress Hotel

Why Visit?

Welcome to the majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC! This iconic hotel, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, is the perfect base for your family adventure.

Day 1: Exploring the Empress

Start your stay by exploring the Fairmont Empress itself. Built in 1908, this château-style hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada. Kids will be fascinated by the grandeur of the lobby and public areas. Don’t miss the traditional Afternoon Tea – a fun and fancy experience for all ages with delicious treats. Reserve your spot in advance to ensure availability.

Day 2: Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Park

Morning:

Take a 5-minute walk to the Royal BC Museum. Here, your family can dive into the natural and human history of British Columbia. The museum"s interactive displays, like the life-sized woolly mammoth in the Natural History galleries, are sure to captivate the imagination of the young ones.

Afternoon:

After the museum, head to Beacon Hill Park, just a 15-minute walk from the museum. This 200-acre park offers a petting zoo, playgrounds, and beautiful gardens. It"s a perfect spot for a family picnic and some downtime.

Day 3: Victoria Bug Zoo and Miniature World

Morning:

Start with a short 5-minute walk from your hotel to the Victoria Bug Zoo. This unique zoo offers an opportunity to learn about and even hold some exotic bugs – an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike!

Afternoon:

Next, stroll over to Miniature World, which is just a couple of minutes away from the Bug Zoo. This attraction features tiny, intricate dioramas and displays that depict historical scenes and fairy tales – it’s like stepping into a magical little universe.

Each evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, right next to the hotel, to unwind and watch the street performers. This itinerary offers a blend of education, adventure, and relaxation, all within walking distance from your luxurious home base at the Fairmont Empress.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Victoria Chinatown

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Victoria"s Chinatown

Start your day in colorful Victoria Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. Accessible by public transit, it"s easy to reach from anywhere in Victoria. If driving, nearby parking is available around Fisgard Street.

Morning: Gateway Arch and Discovery Walk

Begin at the ornate Gateway Arch, a vibrant symbol of the area"s rich cultural heritage. Snap some family photos here before strolling down Fisgard Street. Enjoy the historical plaques detailing the stories of early Chinese immigrants and their contributions to Victoria. Don"t miss Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, now lined with quaint shops perfect for souvenirs.

Lunch: Dumplings at Don Mee

For lunch, head to Don Mee Seafood Restaurant, a local favorite since 1920. Their dim sum is a hit with all ages. Try the juicy dumplings and shrimp rolls—sure to delight the kids!

Afternoon: Chinese Public School & Herbal Shops

Post-lunch, visit the nearby Chinese Public School, built in 1909 to teach Chinese language and culture. It now serves as a cultural museum with fascinating exhibits on Chinese art and history. Later, explore some traditional Chinese herbal shops; the friendly shopkeepers might share stories or explain the benefits of various herbs.

Evening: Bubble Tea and Mid-Autumn Festival

If your visit coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, join in the celebrations with moon cakes and colorful lanterns. Otherwise, wrap up your day with a refreshing bubble tea from one of the local cafes as you enjoy the street"s vibrant atmosphere.

Victoria"s Chinatown offers a unique blend of historical depth and lively cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable visit for any family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.