If you’re planning a visit to Victoria, British Columbia, there’s one place you absolutely can’t miss—Chinatown. Not only is it the oldest Chinatown in Canada, but it’s also full of charm, history, and culture just waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re into history, love finding unique spots, or you just want to savor some amazing food, Chinatown has something special in store for you. Let me share with you Victoria’s Hidden Gems: 4 reasons to explore Chinatown now!
1. Wander through Fan Tan Alley: Canada’s Narrowest Street
First up, you’ve got to check out Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street. This little gem is like stepping into another world. Once upon a time, it was the place to be for some of Victoria’s more “secretive” activities, like gambling and opium dens. But today, it’s a lively and vibrant alley full of unique shops and boutiques. As you squeeze through the narrow passage, you’ll discover everything from handmade jewelry to vintage finds. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or just soak in the old-world charm. It is the perfect spot for taking photos!
2. Step Through the Gates of Harmonious Interest
Next, as you enter Chinatown, you’ll be greeted by the stunning Gates of Harmonious Interest. These beautiful gates aren’t just a photo-op (though they’re great for that too!). They symbolize the connection between Victoria and its Chinese heritage. The intricate designs and vibrant colors are a nod to traditional Chinese architecture, and walking through them feels like you’re stepping into a piece of living history. Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and the rich cultural stories that these gates represent. At the base of the gate, located in each outer red pillar, are two time capsules that will be opened in 2081 and 2096.
Harmonious Gates
3. Take in the History of Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown isn’t just about what you see—it’s about the stories behind it all. This area has been around since the mid-1800s, and it’s packed with history. Whether you’re reading the historical plaques, joining a guided tour, or just wandering the streets, you’ll get a real sense of the challenges and triumphs of the early Chinese settlers.
China Town
4. Indulge in Delicious Flavors
Finally, let’s talk about food—because what’s a trip to Chinatown without indulging in some amazing eats? From traditional dim sum to modern Asian fusion, the food scene here is simply delicious. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, you’re in for a treat. The flavors are bold, the dishes are diverse, and there’s something to satisfy every craving. Don’t miss The Bubble Tea Place, Don Mee’s for dim sum and one of our favourites, Maiiz. Although it is a Mexican restaurant, the taco shells are made in house, along with their taco chips and sauces. The food is so good! It sits right next door to Don Mees.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Victoria’s Chinatown is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its rich history, unique shopping, and mouthwatering food, it’s a place that welcomes you in and invites you to explore. So next time you’re in Victoria, make sure to set aside some time to discover the magic of Chinatown—you won’t regret it!
Check out our Shop link at https://adventurecampitelli.com/shop or click the link below to find our Victoria family travel guide which is chocked full of activities.
Do you love ice cream like our family does? Read further to get our recommendations of 4 of the best ice cream shops in Victoria, B.C. Leave a comment below letting us know which ones you’ve tried and what you think.
1. 49 Below Ice Cream
Nestled in the community of Cadboro Bay near Oak Bay, 49 Below is a hidden gem that focuses on small-batch, handcrafted ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on supporting local businesses and farmers, 49 Below creates ice cream that not only tastes good but does good too.
Must-Try Flavors:
Mint Chip (classic)
Root Beer Float (seasonal)
Unique Experience: 49 Below Ice Cream is known for creating new and interesting flavours like Brown Sugar Milk tea or Cheery Sorbet with flaked chocolate. They work with local businesses to create these flavors like using Spinnaker Soda for their Rootbeer float flavour. You can also find their ice cream in retailers around Victoria..
2. Parachute Ice Cream
Mini golf is a classic family activity, and Mattick’s Farm offers one of the best mini golf courses in Victoria. Located in Cordova Bay, Parachute Ice Cream is a must visit! A local favourite, they make their ice cream and waffle cones on-site with fresh local ingredients, the smell is to die for! They have two locations, one in Vic West and one in Langford. They make flavours for everyone like Nerds ice cream for kids and interesting flavours like Bourbon Almond Roca.
Must-Try Flavors:
Fire Roasted Smores
Peanut Butter Cup
They sell their ice cream in various retailers around Victoria.
3. Overboard Ice Cream
For a truly unique ice cream experience, head to Overboard ice cream, located at The Breakwater District at Ogden Point. This famous ice cream shop sits below the Breakwater Bistro and Café. This quirky shop operates out of a repurposed shipping container, offering a funky, industrial vibe that’s both fun and family-friendly.
They offer seasonal flavours as well as dairy-free and vegan options and ice cream sandwiches. They make their own small batch ice cream and waffle cones in house.
Must-Try Flavors:
Vegan Chocolate: This is one of the best vegan chocolate ice creams I’ve ever had! Tastes like chocolate pudding.
Cookies & Cream
Unique Experience: Overboard’s location near the breakwater provides stunning ocean views and a chance to stroll along the seawall. It’s a great place to enjoy a cone while watching the sunset over the water. You may just see a seal or two!
Overboard
4. Cold Comfort Ice Cream at the Can Canteen
Located just off Cook Street in the vibrant North Park neighborhood, Cold Comfort Ice Cream is a local favorite. We bring all our out-of-town visitors here at least once. This funky shop is dedicated to serving handmade ice cream with unique, bold flavors crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Cold Comfort is renowned for its ice cream sandwiches, which are made with homemade cookies and inventive ice cream flavors. Each sandwich is a masterpiece, offering a delicious mix of textures and tastes wrapped in simple recyclable packaging. They offer dairy free and gluten free options as well as ice cream scoops and pints. Their ice cream sandwiches are sold in other retailers such as The Root Cellar grocer.
Must-Try Flavors:
Mint Condition: This one is dairy and gluten free.
Plane Jane: Delicious vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two traditional chocolate chip cookies. This is mine and my daughter’s favourite!
Unique Experience The shop is nestled in a small space off the beaten track at the back of a beautiful brick building. Inside is cute, eclectic and super fun to visit. Seating is outside in the parking lot on wood benches.
Victoria’s ice cream scene is as awesome as the city itself. Our goal is to find quirky interesting shops unique to each city we visit. Let us know which one is your favourite!
Check out our Shop link at https://adventurecampitelli.com/shop or click the link below to find our Victoria family travel guide which is chocked full of activities.
Planning a week-long vacation in Victoria, B.C? We’ve crafted an ultimate 7-day Itinerary for families. Including are awesome activities and some of our favorite places to eat.
Day 1: Explore downtown Victoria, B.C.
Morning:
Arrival: Settle into your accommodation. Downtown Victoria offers plenty of family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals.
Brunch at Jam Cafe: Located on Herald St, this local spot is known for excellent breakfasts! The Cinnamon Bun Pancakes are outstanding!
Afternoon:
Royal BC Museum: Explore the history and culture of British Columbia. The museum has cool interactive exhibits. Prices are $29.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids. Kids under 5 are free.
IMAX Theatre: Right next door, enjoy a family-friendly film on the giant screen.
You can buy a combo Royal BC Museum and Imax tickets which costs $110 for adults and $90 for kids.
Alternate: Spend the day at Thetis lake! Relaxing lake with beach. The water is warm and perfect for swimming and paddle boarding. There is a paid parking lot a short stroll from the beach.
Evening:
Inner Harbour Stroll: Take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Inner Harbour. Watch the street performers and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf: Grab a casual bite at one of the food kiosks and enjoy the waterfront views. Kids will love the colorful houseboats and the chance to spot seals. Across the street from Fisherman’s Wharf is “Finest at Sea” which has excellent fish tacos!
Victoria Inner harbour
Day 2: Gardens and Animals
Morning:
Butchart Gardens: Spend the morning exploring this world-famous garden. The Children’s Pavilion and Rose Carousel are must-visits for families. The cost is $41.50 for adults, $20.75 for ages 13-17 and $5 for kids ages 5-12.
Afternoon:
Victoria Butterfly Gardens: A short drive from Butchart Gardens, this tropical paradise is home to thousands of butterflies, exotic birds including a flamingo, and reptiles. The cost is $19.50 for adults, $15.50 for ages 13-17 and $9 for kids ages 5-12.
Evening:
Beacon Hill Park: Head back to the city and visit this expansive park. The playground, petting zoo, and beautiful landscapes provide endless entertainment.
Picnic Dinner: Grab burgers from local favorite Beacon Hill Drive In restaurant. Enjoy dinner in the park while the kids run around.
Day 3: Maritime Adventures
Morning:
Victoria Bug Zoo: Start the day with an intriguing visit to this small zoo, located downtown, where kids can learn about and even hold various bugs. It takes about 30-60 minutes to see everything. The cost is $18 for adults, $8 for ages 5-17 and free for kids under 5.
Afternoon:
Whale Watching Tour: Book a family-friendly whale watching tour. These tours guarantee sightings of orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life and offer a rain check if whales are not spotted. Prince of Whales offers several tours including a sunset tour if you prefer to go in the evening. You can go in a Zodiac boat or a larger boat with outside and inside seating. Prices start around $180 per person.
Evening:
Dinner at Red Fish Blue Fish: End the day with some of the best fish and chips in town, served from a repurposed shipping container on the harbor. This is a carry out with outside seating on the docks. Lines are long but it’s fantastic!
Day 4: History and Culture
Morning:
Craigdarroch Castle: Explore this historic, opulent mansion and its beautiful grounds. The self-guided tour is a fascinating look into Victoria’s history.
Afternoon:
Take a stroll through Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Make sure you go through Fan Tan alley, the narrowest alley in Canada. It is located between Fisgard and Johnson street and there’s a sign outside showing the way. There are lots of shops throughout the alley and cool lanterns hanging above. Be sure to stop at The Bubble Tea Place known for all it’s unique flavors. My daughter loves the Cotton Candy milk tea.
Evening:
Dinner in Chinatown: Don Mee’s is a great spot for a family-friendly dim sum experience. Another great spot to eat is Maiiz, an authentic Mexican restaurant where they make their corn tortillas in house. It may not be Chinese food but it’s so good there!
Day 5: Adventure and Fun
Morning:
WildPlay Victoria: For the adventurous family, spend the morning at this outdoor adventure high ropes park. It has ziplines, obstacle courses, and bungee jumping. There are 3 obstacle courses including a kids’ course, classic course and extreme. They also have axe throwing there. Costs start at about $45 and you can bundle different activities together.
Afternoon:
Miniature World: Head back downtown to 649 Humbboldt St to explore this quirky attraction. The intricate miniatures will fascinate children and adults alike. It has two of the world’s largest doll houses all furnished perfectly. The circus and fair grounds as well as a working train are pretty cool to see!
Evening:
Pizza Dinner at Pizzeria Prima Strada: Enjoy a delicious, wood-fired pizza at this family-friendly restaurant. There are two locations and our favorite is on Cook Street (230 Cook Street) right in the heart of Cook Street Village.
Day 6: Outdoor Exploration
Morning:
Galloping Goose Trail: Rent bikes (check out Cycle BC Rentals and Tours) and explore a section of this scenic trail. The trail was an old railway line, 55km in length. It starts downtown and goes all the way to Sooke BC. The trail is wide and mostly flat.
Afternoon:
Esquimalt Lagoon: Located in Colwood, this long stretch of beach is perfect for walks, building sand castles and forts and swimming. There is often food trucks parked there and cool animal wood carvings along the beach. Keep an eye out for harbour seals and birds like Heron and eagles.
Evening:
Head to Oak Bay and relax at Willow’s Beach. Grab some fish & chips or soft serve ice cream nearby at Willows Galley located at 2559 Estevan Ave. The calm waters, kids’ playground and large grassy area make it perfect for families. If you want to spend more time in Oak Bay, click here to read about Oak Bay’s best spots.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning:
Shopping Downtown: Government Street and Johnson Street have lots of cool local shops. Don’t miss Rogers’ Chocolates on Government Street for a sweet treat. If you love coffee, Milano’s is excellent!
Afternoon:
Ogden Point: Head down to Ogden Point located on Dallas Road for a relaxing afternoon. It has a long walkable Pier where you can watch the cruise ships come in. Treat the family to some delicious small batch homemade ice cream at Overboard, located below The Breakwater Café.
Evening:
Farewell Dinner at Bin 4 Burger Lounge: There are 3 locations in Victoria including one on Yates Street in downtown Victoria. The burgers are fantastic! The kids will love the gourmet burgers and the casual atmosphere. My favorite is “The Heritage” with bacon and onion rings instead of fries.
Tips for Victoria, B.C.: An Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary
Transportation: Victoria is very walkable but consider renting a car for trips to Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Thetis Lake and other outlying areas.
Weather: Pack layers, as Victoria’s weather can be unpredictable. Don’t forget rain gear just in case.
Reservations: Some activities, like whale watching tours and certain restaurants, require advance booking, so plan accordingly.
With this itinerary, your family is sure to have a week filled with adventure and awesome memories in Victoria, B.C.
Ogden Point
Check out our Shop link at https://adventurecampitelli.com/shop or click the link below to find our Victoria family travel guide which is chocked full of activities.
If you are planning
a trip to Costa Rica, you must consider visiting the Arenal/La Fortuna region.
La Fortuna is a small city located close to Arenal Volcano and it is a
phenomenal hub for adventures and fun family filled activities, as well as
stunning natural beauty.
It is about a 2-3
drive from Liberia airport and approximately 3 hours from San Joes airport to
La Fortuna (depending on traffic). Welcome to our Arenal Travel Guide!
WHAT TO DO
We stayed only 4 days and
barely scratched the surface of activities to do. It’s such as an active place
that you can fill your time with so many different adventures.
Here’s what we
recommend:
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
It
is a powerful waterfall in the jungle, fed by the Tenorio River plummeting
75metres into an emerald green pool below where you can go for a swim. The
water is chilly but it’s worth the experience!
The
waterfall is located just a few kilometers outside of the town of La Fortuna and at the base of the Cerro Chato volcano. There is a visitor center at the
start of the falls and the cost is approximately $15 US per adult and $5US for
kids. It takes about 15 minutes to hike down a few hundred stairs to the
waterfall. There are handrails and benches along the way for you to stop and
take a break.
There are change
rooms, a restaurant and souvenir shop at the trail head and a nice viewing
platform to take photos before you head down. Wear
good shoes or hiking sandals
for the walk. We also brought water shoes for going in the waterfall which is
much better for the feet as it is quite rocky along.
La Fortuna is one
of the most visited waterfalls in Costa Rica so get there early to avoid big
crowds!
Hike Arenal 1968 Park
This
park got its name from the Arenal Volcano eruption of 1968, a huge eruption
that destroyed 3 towns changing the landscape by creating huge lava
fields down the volcano. These trails have it all
including close views of Arenal
Volcano, large areas of old lava flows plus a view of lake Arenal. It is a beautiful trail to hike with well-marked pathways.
There
are two trails to choose from: The red trail and the yellow trail. The red
trail is shorter at 2.5 km and the yellow trail is 4.5km and you could even do
both in a few hours. The cost is approx. $12US to get into this park and you can
do the hike with or without a guide. We decided against a guide so we could go
at our own pace.
Campitelli
tip: It rains a lot there so
be sure to bring a waterproof jacket!
White Water Rafting
White water rafting
is something fun and exciting the whole family can do. Just make sure you do
your research to ensure you find the best choice for your family. You can do
everything here from calm floats to up to class 5 rapids. If you’re looking for a little excitement but not crazy,
check out rafting on the Balsa River which offers Class II & III rapids
which is perfect for families. Make sure to check the recommended ages for kids. The cost is approximately $65US per person for a ½ day trip but there are
also many combined adventures like rafting and ziplining.
Zip Lining
Our family loves zip lining and Costa Rica is an amazing place to do it. There is something freeing and exhilarating about flying high over the canopies of trees at about 40-50km per hour! This activity isn’t as scary as it seems and is even doable for most people (including me who has a fear of heights). Our daughter was 7 at the time and she was even able to go on her own and she loved it! We saw both young kids and seniors take part. The system is safe, and the guides are friendly and train you before you go. They assist at every platform ensuring everyone is safely clipped in. The cost was approximately $85 US per adult and $58 US per child
Horse Back Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity in Costa Rica and the Arenal region is perfect with its epic beauty.
You can take trips to see things like the La Fortuna Waterfalls, Arenal volcano or just a nice trip in the countryside accessible only by horse. This is a good activity for all ages and abilities. The average cost is about $65 US per person depending on the length of your trip.
Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort located at the base of Arenal Volcano near the town of La Fortuna. While expensive and touristy, visiting is an absolute must! It is a resort that has spa services, accommodation and a fancy restaurant but this isn’t the main appeal. The appeal is the 5 natural thermal springs that are heated by volcanic magma from Arenal volcano. Thousands of gallons of highly mineralized water naturally flow every minute. These springs cascade down the volcano to form waterfalls, streams and little pools that you can sit in, all surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
It is said these Springs are healing from the natural minerals. One thing we know is that they are definitely relaxing! There is also a man-made pool in the resort (heated by the springs) with a swim-up bar and a fun waterslide for the kids (and dad!) but the best and most unique part of the experience is sitting in the natural springs and pools.
The
rocks are black, and the water looks cool as you imagine creeks and waterfalls
to be. However, they are very warm and the further you climb up the
hotter they are. The river-pool temperatures range from 72 to 105 degrees
Fahrenheit. You can choose to stay overnight at the resort, do a full
day pass or a morning 4 hour pass that includes lunch, which is what we did.
The cost was $77Us per adult and $28 per child. This was enough time to
thoroughly enjoy our experience.
These
springs do flow outside of the resort to form a river so if you want a free
experience you can park at the side of the road (locals will ask for a small
“fee” to park) and walk down to the river. We saw many people in the river to
get the experience of the heated water.
Mistico Park – Hanging Bridges
This is a beautiful nature reserve park approximately ½ hour drive from the main town of La Fortuna. In this park, there is a well-marked path that takes you through the lush thick vegetation rainforest and over 16 hanging bridges suspended overtop of gorges and tree canopies. There is so much incredible nature to experience here including different types of birds, monkeys, sloths, snakes and frogs. The trail is roughly 2.5km long and will take about 2-3 hours to do as you will likely stop to admire all the animals and beautiful vegetation.
The ticket price for an unguided tour is $26 per adult and free for kids under the age of 10. You can also do a guided tour that’s about $40Us per adult and $14Us per child. We chose an unguided walk but in hindsight, hiring a guide would be better as they know how to spot the sometimes-elusive animals. We did see a snake, a lizard and some howler monkeys on our hike which was super cool.
The park is open from 6 am to 3:50 pm (the last time they will let you in) and it is extremely popular so get there early to avoid waiting in line. We had to wait about an hour to get in and it was worth it for sure!
WHAT TO EAT
The food in Costa Rica is super delicious! It is generally very healthy, fresh and usually based on meats, fresh vegetables, herbs and rice. There are also many veggie dishes too and they are totally kid-friendly! Here are some Campitelli eating tips:
Eat at Sodas
When you visit Costa Rica, you must try a Soda (not the
pop) but little family-owned local Costa Rican restaurants that are usually
small and open air. They serve traditional Costa Rican dishes and are popular
with the locals as well. We did this a few times and the food is sooooo yummy.
Must Try Dishes
Gallo pinto –is usually served at breakfast but you can eat it all day. It is a dish of rice, beans, onions, red peppers and cilantro. It can be served with eggs, fried cheese and corn tortillas. We loved it so much that we now make it at home. Total comfort food.
Casado – It is usually rice &
beans, a salad, protein and sometimes fries and grilled veggies. There
are many variations of this.
Arroz con… This means “rice with….”. It can be meat or even just veggies. It’s a yellow rice made yellow by a spice like saffron, made with peas, carrots, red peppers and celery that is all cooked together for a filling and flavorful dish.
Tortilla Chips with freshly made guacamole. We ate this almost every day and quite often made it ourselves. There is an abundance of avocados in Costa Rica!
Costa Rican Chocolate
If you’re like me and love chocolate, you must visit a
chocolate factory in Costa Rica! Some even have tours. Cacao trees (where
chocolate comes from) grow in Costa Rica in many regions including Arenal so you
can’t get fresher than this. You can sample everything from nibs to all
different types of chocolates and chocolate bars.
Costa Rican Coffee
The hubs and I are also huge fans of coffee (well
lattes) and love trying different coffees as we travel. Coffee is grown and
produced in abundance in Costa Rica and is one of their major exports. They
take their coffee seriously and have won many international awards around the
world. Like chocolate, you can go to the various coffee plantations for a tour.
Well worth a visit!
Coconut Water & Fresh Fruit Drinks
We got addicted to these cold, healthy and very refreshing Coconuts. Called “Pipa Fria” translated to “cold coconut”, are sold at roadside stands and on the beach. They are cheap costing between $1 and $2. We drank a ton of these and were sad to go back home where they are not available. It tastes nothing like bottled coconut water, not even close!
Along with Pia Fria, there are plenty of blended smoothie-type fruit stands at the side of the road to get different types of tropical fruit blended up. This was one of the highlights for the kids. You can get alcoholic versions too!!
WHERE TO STAY
Like any country, there are plenty of types of accommodations in Costa Rica. There are hotels, fancy resorts, rental Condos and our favorite, AirBNBs. What you choose depends on what your needs are. Everywhere we travel, budget is always a consideration and we find AirBnb the best value for our family. We would also like to be in areas where the locals live, as well as being able to cook many of our own meals. There are some great Airbnb options in Arenal if this is your style.
More fun words than anything here are a few Costa Rican words to be familiar with:
Tico. Means a Costa Rican
Man.
Tica. Means a Costa
Rican Woman
Pura Vida. The literal translation is “pure life” and Costa Ricans are known for this expression. In simple terms, it’s a way of living…live life positive, happy and thankful!
Mae. Means “dude”. My
son would love this one!
Birra. Is for beer….the hub’s favorite word…well maybe “café” is
If you are looking for a place with stunning beauty and plenty of adventurous activities to do, then definitely put Arenal on the list as a destination. There is so much to do, amazing food to eat and awesome accommodations! We hope we’ve given you some good information to help you plan your visit to Arenal.
If you want help with planning your trip to Costa Rica, consider using our Costa Rica Travel Guide Planner, click here to purchase. We also created a YouTube video about our Arenal Travel Guide. Click below to watch:
