Family-Friendly Adventures in Brentwood Bay, British Colombia!

Butchart Gardens

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Butchart Gardens

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by driving to Butchart Gardens, located about 21 kilometers north of Victoria, BC. There"s ample parking, and the drive offers scenic views that can be enjoyed right from your car window. Arrive by 9 AM to beat the crowds and fully enjoy the serene beauty.

Sunken Garden - First Stop

Kick off the tour at the breathtaking Sunken Garden, one of the first gardens created by Jennie Butchart over a century ago. This spot delights children with its magical descent through a lush, old quarry. Keep an eye out for the enchanting Ross Fountain!

Rose Carousel

Next, head to the Children’s Pavilion and the Rose Carousel. Costing only $2, this enchanting ride features 30 hand-carved animals and chariots. It’s a hit among kids and a great spot for family photos!

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy lunch at the Coffee Shop. They offer kid-friendly meals and delightful treats that can be enjoyed outdoor surrounded by floral splendor.

Japanese Garden

Post-lunch, explore the tranquil Japanese Garden. Teach your kids about different plants and the importance of Zen principles. The winding paths and beautiful bridges make for a fun exploration adventure.

Boat Tour

In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat tour from the Butchart’s wharf. It’s a guided 45-minute tour that provides a unique view of the gardens and showcases marine wildlife, which is always exciting for children.

Gift Shop

Conclude your visit at the Gift Shop. It’s perfect for picking up souveniles like seed kits or garden-themed puzzles for the kids.

Departure

Plan to head back by late afternoon, ensuring you have absorbed the full floral array and tranquil vibes of Butchart Gardens, leaving your family with beautiful memories and lots of fun facts about this historic site.

Enjoy your day at the enchanting Butchart Gardens, where beauty and family fun bloom together!

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

Sidney (Sidney-by-the-Sea)

Why Visit?

Welcome to Sidney-by-the-Sea, a charming coastal town in British Columbia, perfect for a family getaway! Here"s a tailored itinerary to ensure your family enjoys the best of Sidney:

Day 1: Explore the Ocean

- Morning: Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

- Location: 9811 Seaport Place

- Getting There: Located right on the waterfront, easily accessible by walking from anywhere downtown.

- Activity: Start your adventure at this interactive aquarium and cultural center. Kids will love the touch tanks and the fascinating displays of local marine life.

- Interesting Fact: The center is named after the Salish Sea, which surrounds Sidney and is rich in biodiversity.

- Lunch: Fish on Fifth

- Location: A short walk from the Shaw Centre.

- Activity: Enjoy some of the best fish and chips in town, in a casual family-friendly setting.

- Afternoon: Glass Beach

- Location: Near the Sidney waterfront, easily accessible by a short bike ride or a scenic walk.

- Activity: Hunt for sea glass and explore the tide pools. It’s a perfect way to let the kids burn off some energy while enjoying nature.

- Interesting Fact: The beach is a hidden gem, known for the smooth glass pieces washed ashore from decades-old garbage dumps.

Day 2: Cultural Discoveries and Nature

- Morning: Sidney Museum

- Location: 2423 Beacon Avenue

- Getting There: Centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from most places in downtown Sidney.

- Activity: Dive into local history with exhibits that are fun and educational for all ages.

- Lunch: 3rd Street Café

- Location: Close to the museum.

- Activity: Enjoy a cozy lunch with options for every family member.

- Afternoon: Sidney Spit Ferry and Marine Park

- Location: Ferry terminal at the foot of Beacon Avenue.

- Getting There: Take a short ferry ride to Sidney Spit, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

- Activity: Explore the sandy beaches, hike the trails, or simply relax and have a family picnic.

- Interesting Fact: The area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during migration seasons.

This two-day itinerary offers a blend of education, nature, and relaxation, perfect for a family trip to Sidney-by-the-Sea. Enjoy your visit!

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

Church & State Wines

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful family outing at Church & State Wines, a premier winery renowned for its exquisite wines and stunning vineyard vistas. Located on the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria, BC, it’s easily accessible by car from downtown Victoria in about 20 minutes.

Morning Arrival & Vineyard Exploration

Start your day by arriving at the winery around 10 AM. Kick off with a leisurely self-guided stroll through the vineyards. The kids will love the open spaces and the chance to learn about grape varieties. Be sure to capture the breathtaking scenery with a family photo among the vines!

Winery Tour & Tasting

At 11 AM, join a guided tour of the winery. This engaging tour will take you through the wine-making process from grape to glass. The staff at Church & State are fantastic at explaining things in an easy-to-understand manner, making it enjoyable for both adults and children. After the tour, adults can indulge in a wine tasting session featuring the winery’s best vintages, while kids enjoy grape juice and a small snack.

Lunch at the Bistro

Post-tasting, head to the on-site Bistro around 12:30 PM for a delicious lunch. The Bistro offers a menu that catifies both adults and children, with dishes prepared using local ingredients that perfectly complement the estate’s wines.

Relax & Play

After lunch, relax on the outdoor patio while the kids play in the designated play area, which is visible from the dining area, allowing you to unwind amidst the serene landscape.

Departure

As the visit wraps up around 2 PM, make your way to the gift shop where you can purchase some of the wines you tasted or other locally made goods as a souvenir of your memorable family day out at Church & State Wines.

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

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical journey to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, located near Victoria, BC, just a 5-minute drive from the world-famous Butchart Gardens. This heated tropical paradise, sprawling over 12,000 square feet, can be reached easily by car or by taking bus 75 from downtown Victoria, dropping you right at the entrance.

Morning Exploration (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Begin your adventure as soon as you step into the lush, vibrant world of the gardens. The facility is home to thousands of exotic butterflies (up to 70 different species!), fluttering freely among the carefully maintained tropical flora. Watch your kids’ eyes light up as they spot the stunning Blue Morpho or the giant Atlas Moth. Don’t miss the emergence windows where you might see butterflies emerging from their chrysalises!

Interactive Learning (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

Head next to the Learning Centre within the gardens. Engaging exhibits and friendly staff will provide insights into the lifecycle of butterflies, offering fascinating facts like how the Atlas Moth doesn’t have a mouth and lives only for a couple of weeks. This is a great spot for an educational break and to ask questions directly to experts.

Lunch Break (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

Enjoy a picnic outside in the designated eating area or visit a nearby café to relish some local delicacies.

Afternoon Activities (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

After lunch, explore the other sections such as the Insectarium, which boasts an impressive collection of tropical insects, arachnids, and more. Learn about the roles these creatures play in their ecosystems.

Souvenir Shopping (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

Conclude your visit at the gift shop, where you can pick up unique souvenirs like butterfly-themed crafts and educational toys to remember your day.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family.

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

Gulf Islands

Why Visit?

Day 1: Salt Spring Island Exploration

- Morning: Catch a BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to Salt Spring Island. Begin your adventure with a stroll through Ganges, the island"s charming hub. Visit the local artisan shops and cafés.

- Afternoon: Head to Ruckle Provincial Park. Here, you can enjoy a family picnic and a gentle hike while spotting local wildlife. The park is a sanctuary for birds and sea animals, offering opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems.

- Evening: Wind down at one of the island’s family-friendly restaurants before heading to your accommodation. Consider a cozy cabin or a guesthouse for a homey feel.

Day 2: Active Day on Pender Island

- Morning: Take a short ferry ride from Salt Spring to Pender Island. Start with a visit to the Pender Islands Museum to learn about the island"s history and culture.

- Afternoon: Explore the Magic Lake or hike up to the Mount Norman viewpoint for spectacular views. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for children.

- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, and don’t miss trying the island’s famous seafood.

Day 3: Cultural Delights on Gabriola Island

- Morning: Depart from Pender and head to Gabriola Island. Begin with a visit to the Malaspina Galleries, a natural rock formation that resembles a wave frozen in time.

- Afternoon: Take part in a creative workshop at the Gabriola Arts Council, which often hosts family-friendly events, including pottery and painting classes.

- Evening: Explore the local cuisine at a beachside restaurant before catching the ferry back.

Interesting Fact: The Gulf Islands are known for their vibrant artist communities, and many artists offer workshops and studio tours, making for an educational and inspiring family trip.

This itinerary provides a blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable family trip to the Gulf Islands.

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