Amazing Things To Do In Victoria & Vancouver Island BC
Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia
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Background
The island was first discovered by Captain James Cook in 1778. In 1792 British Captain George Vancouver surveys the island for his expedition to chart the Pacific coastline. Initially named as Quadra and Vancouver Island after the friendly meetings between Captain Vancouver and Spanish Captain Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. Eventually, the Spanish withdrew from the area in 1795, and with that, Quadra's name was slowly diminished. The Hudson Bay Company leases the island, and by 1849 it was made a British colony.
Indigenous Peoples
Before the Europeans' arrival, Canada's original inhabitants were the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. Their cultures are connected directly to the natural resources found on the island. To better understand First Nations and their history, I highly recommend including a visit to the Royal British Columbia Museum (more on that later in this article).
Today
With a population of approximately 870,000, nearly half of that reside in or around the island's capital of Victoria. The island's economy is diverse and includes tourism, technology companies, agriculture, aquaculture, and education. Vancouver Island is a fabulous destination for families with kids of all ages. There are so many activities to choose from. It's hard to narrow it down, from beaches, wildlife, and museums.
Award Winner
The island is a terrific place to visit either solo, as a couple or with the family! The word is out, and Conde Nast readers' have taken notice by awarding the island as one of the World's Top Island Destinations. Victoria has been voted Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World and one of Canada's top five cities. Once you visit this Pacific Island, you will understand why it deserves these awards.
Ferry ride to Vancouver Island is a wonderful way to start your vacation.
We Love The Ferry!
The family fun starts with the ferry ride to reach the island. The island is accessible by ferry (walk-on and vehicle) in multiple locations from Washington and mainland British Columbia. Small ones will enjoy exploring the ferry or going on the deck to view the water and feel the wind.
Now that you've reached the island. Let's check out a few of my favorite things to do…
Amazing Things To Do
Beaches
Yup, that's right, don't forget this is an island, and you can find gorgeous beaches on the island. Below are just a few of the fabulous beaches you will find here-
Chesterman Beach is located on the west coast. A sandy beach and excellent for learning to surf. This beach is large enough with room for everyone to explore. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will love checking out the birds that live on the coast all year long.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, located on the east coast, is a wide sandy beach. At low tide, visitors can walk into the Strait of Georgia for about a half a mile. Bird watchers can enjoy watching a variety of species in the natural environment. Also, enjoy the easy walking trails within the park through the forest of mature trees.
Qualicum Beach is on the east coast. This beach offers soft sand with clear water. At low tide, the kids can spend all day playing in the sand looking for shells and sand dollars, and skimboarding.
Victoria Bug Zoo
Is in (you guessed it) Victoria. This mini zoo offers wonderful opportunities to check out creepy crawlies. Kids of all ages can touch and hold the animals on display. Make sure to take pictures to capture the fun.Victoria Bug Zoo
Located in Victoria, this world-class museum and IMAX theater explore the natural and human history of British Columbia. Explore The First People's Gallery with displays of totems and artifacts. In the interactive exhibition Our Living Languages, hear greetings in 34 Frist Nations languages and see what they are doing to keep their languages alive. Discover and be delighted in the Natural History area with exhibitions ranging from the ocean to the Ice Age. The IMAX theater is a treat to see a larger than life educational film (check out the website for what's playing).
Butchart Gardens was an unexpected hit with my kids when they were young. One woman's vision of transforming the quarry in her backyard has blossomed into a National Historic Site of Canada today. Impressive with themed gardens and over 900 varieties of plants, stroll through the grounds and marvel at the vibrant colors, fragrances, and sheer beauty of the flowers on display. Check the website to see what activities are available, they offer. Each season provides different scenery to experience; check the website for more information on scheduled events.
Ann’s Angle
Want to see goats on a roof? I do and I’m guessing you do too! Head over to the quaint family-owned The Old Country Market in Coombs. The building has a 'green roof" that is environmentally friendly and a perfect habitat for the goats. This local landmark has shops, yummy treats, a creamery, three restaurants, and a deli. Enjoy time out from a busy schedule with a stop at this local hangout.
Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum
Take a trip into Victorian architecture and time since passed. Built by the wealthy coal baron and his wife, Robert and Joan Dunsmuir. The interior offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship of stained glass windows, woodwork, and period antiques. Climb the 87 steps to the tower ff you want a fantastic view of Victoria,
BC Aviation Museum
Located in Sidney (north of Victoria), is one of the top attractions on the island and for a good reason. Discover the history of Canadian aviation through the preservation of aircraft and artifacts. This is an excellent stop for the family or aviation enthusiasts to enjoy over 20 aircraft on display.
Whale watching
Whale watching around Vancouver Island will leave you awestruck with the beauty of these magnificent mammals. Various tour operators are available throughout the island (east and west coast). You may get a peek at Killer whales, Gray whales, Humpback, and Minke whales in their natural environment on the boat tour.
Inner Harbour
Located on the waterfront in Victoria. The area is known for its charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Inner Harbour is known for its architecture and beautiful scenery. You can access fishing boats, ferries, and whale watching tours that operate out of the harbor. If you want to experience a bit of British tradition, partake in afternoon and high tea time in one of the stately tearooms or cafes.
The Parliament Buildings
Not far from Inner Harbour, lend to the beautiful atmosphere in Victoria. Construction on the buildings utilized local materials and officially opened in 1898. Enjoy many must-see things to do in and around the Parliament Buildings.
Ann’ Angle
Insider tip - make sure you explore the backside of the buildings. Take a self-guided stroll along the path and enjoy the sounds of the Centennial Fountain or peruse the statues of famous persons connected to British Columbia's history.
Take a look at day-to-day activities that happen within these buildings.
View more than 100 stained glass windows that are dispersed throughout.
Looking for a kid-friendly activity? Go to the tour desk and ask for a copy of their I-Spy activity sheet, which gives them items to look for as they explore.
Twinkle, twinkle little star…
Must see at night. The Parliament Buildings light up with more than 3,600 lights! This tradition goes back to 1897 for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. A magical setting to behold. Magical!
Accommodations
Looking for a place to stay on your next trip?
For hotels, and all-inclusive click here.
Random Ann Moment
I've been to the island twice, and both times I drove there from California with four kids (yes, you read that correctly!). The kid's godparents moved to Nanaimo, and being the travel addict that I am, I said, "Let's go!". Those trips were so memorable! We enjoyed everything from driving the car onto the ferry to the delight of finding sand dollars at the beach. The sunsets on the island are amazing, overlooking the Straits of Georgia. So happy that we were able to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island.
Going on holiday, eh? Vancouver Island is THE place to visit!
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