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.
Looking for fun things to do with kids in Victoria? We’ve got you covered! Victoria, British Columbia, is a fantastic family-friendly destination with loads of activities for kids. Here are three must-do activities to entertain your kids.
1. Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a cool place to visit. Located just outside of Victoria in Brentwood Bay, this indoor tropical rainforest is perfect for families. You’ll be amazed by the thousands of free-flying butterflies that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Stick out your hand and one may land on you!
The climate-controlled environment also has large iguanas, tropical birds, turtles, frogs, a small bug display and even a flamingo. You feel like you are in a jungle. The cost is $8 for kids ages 5-12, $15 for youth ages 13-17 and $19.50 for adults. Kids under 5 are free.
Don’t forget your camera!
2. Mini Golf at Mattick’s Farm
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, Mattick’s Farm is more than just mini golf. It’s a family-friendly destination with shops, cafes, and more. Here are some highlights:
The Course: The mini golf course at Mattick’s Farm is beautifully designed. It features 18 holes with various obstacles and challenges.
Beautiful Scenery: The course is surrounded by lush gardens and there’s lots of shade.
Shops: Enjoy an ice cream after your game or grab some snacks from Red Barn Market. Who doesn’t love ice cream? The carrot cake at the café is to die for!
3. Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is a gem in the heart of Victoria. It’s the perfect place for a family day out. Spanning over 200 acres, the park offers a wide range of activities for kids and adults. Summer is stunning with all of the flowers.. Activities include:
Petting Zoo: The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is a highlight. Kids can interact with goats, pigs, and other farm animals. The daily goat stampede is a must-see!
Wildlife: Don’t miss the Peacocks roaming around at Beacon Hill Park. You’ll most likely hear their calls while walking around. There are a few ponds with ducks and if you look for logs, you’ll often see turtles perched there.
Playgrounds: The park has several playgrounds including one along Cook Street that has a mini zipline. Our kids loved the zip line!
Pickleball Courts: These are located near the park’s sports fields (more central). They are free to use and don’t require a reservation, although you may have to wait for a court to become available.
Other Recreational Activities: There are tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and cricket pitches. There’s even a small putting green (bring your own putter) to practice your skills.
Scenic Walks and Picnics: There are many walking paths throughout the park. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll or have a picnic by the duck ponds. The views of the ocean and the Olympic Mountains are stunning from the top of the park.
Water Park: During the summer, there’s a small splash park which is a big hit with small kids.
Beacon Hill Park is one of the top parks in our opinion, and we’ve been to many different parks around the world.
Fun fact: Mile Zero, the marker of the start the Trans-Canada Highway is located at the park along Dallas Road. It is home to a statue of Terry Fox, an 18 year-old with cancer who started a run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
Untitled design – 1
Victoria is a fantastic place for a family vacation. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Mattick’s Farm mini golf, and Beacon Hill Park are three activities you shouldn’t miss. Each offers unique experiences that will keep your kids entertained and engaged. 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.
These two stunning waterfalls just outside Victoria in Goldstream Provincial Park make for the perfect family-friendly adventure. They are short, easy to do, with a waterfall reward at the end. We recommend starting with Niagara Falls and then working your way back to Goldstream Falls.
Niagara Waterfalls
Niagara Falls, just outside Victoria, shares its name with the famous Ontario waterfalls but stands at 156 feet. Although much smaller than the Ontario falls, they are located in a beautiful and easily accessible spot.
Directions
To get there from downtown Victoria, first follow Douglas Street northbound. Next, park at the Goldstream Provincial Park day-use parking lot, just off Island Highway on the right-hand side. The trail begins at the far end of the lot, past the Visitor Centre. After parking, head north away from the picnic area, following the wide gravel trail. When you reach a junction, turn left, and you will come to a bridge with a tunnel on your left that goes underneath the highway. Take the tunnel and then follow the trail to the waterfall.
During summer, the tunnel is dry, making the falls easy to access. However, if you visit during spring or fall, the tunnel may be filled with water. In that case, you will need to park on the other side of the highway. To do this, drive an additional 5 km north until you reach a U-turn route marked by signs. Turn left into a small lot to turn around and drive back south. The walk to the falls from there is only about 5 minutes.
Niagra Falls, BC
Goldstream Waterfalls
Goldstream Falls is a fantastic family-friendly hike. The trail takes you through a peaceful rainforest filled with Cedars, Douglas firs, and ferns. You can hear the sound of the creek below. To begin, park at the Goldstream Provincial Park Campground near the gatehouse. From there, the trail starts just to the left of the gatehouse, leading into the forest. The trail is 5.5km (3.4mi) long and takes about 1-1.5 hours. Along the way, you’ll walk through beautiful scenery and come to a long set of stairs descending into the canyon to the waterfall. The falls pour into a natural pool, which is a popular swimming spot. So, bring your bathing suit and water shoes for a refreshing dip!
Directions
To get to the Goldstream Campground, first head south on Highway #1. Then, turn right at West Shore Parkway and right again at the roundabout onto Amy Road. At the 3-way intersection, veer left onto Sooke Lake Road. Finally, turn right at the signs for Goldstream Provincial Park and drive down the hill to the campsite. There’s day-use parking just beyond the gate, with additional parking outside. Follow the signs to the campground.
If you love rugged West Coast secluded beaches that very few people visit, check out these 3 hidden beaches located in Victoria . Amazingly, they are all within a short distance of each other and only a 25 minute drive from downtown Victoria. Shhhh….don’t tell anyone about these beaches!
Balmacarra Beach
This beautiful beach is located in a pretty neighborhood called Gordon Head, off a quiet remote street. Balcamarra beach is large, has lots of shade, calm waters and you might spot a seal or two. Park along the street on Leyns Rd. Beach access is at the corner of Balmacarra Rd. and Leyns Road. Walk the short forested path that leads to a steep staircase taking you down to the beach. After the beach, head to Vantreight Park, a green space along Leyns Rd. It has a nice playground for kids and a large area to play sports or let your dog run around.
The beach is located at 1890 Leyns Rd
Balmacarra beach.
Arbutus Cove
A short 5 minute drive from Balmacarra Beach lies another beautiful beach called Arbutus Cove. This small pretty beach is located below Arbutus Cove Park. Take the pathway leading down to the protected beach. The beach is sheltered with a mix of sand and mostly rocky sections. Plenty of shade and calm water makes it great for kids. The best time to enjoy the most sun is early in the day. Catch the scenic views of the mountains on a clear day.
This beach is located at the end of Arbutus Cove Ln.
Arbutus Beach
Hollydene Beach
Connected to Arbutus Cove beach by a outcrop of rocks, scale across at low tide but be careful as some sections are slippery. Alternatively, drive 3 minutes from Arbutus. Holleydene beach has more sand than Arbutus Cove beach so you might prefer this beach over Arbutus. Unfortunately, the parking is minimal but we have always managed to find a spot. Once you park, to get to the beach you follow a scenic forest path leading to a steep staircase that takes you down to the secluded beach. The view from the top of the stairs is very beautiful. This beach is surrounded by towering trees, high cliffs and has great swimming in the summer.
Park off Hollydene Place.
Hollydene beach
Despite these beaches being smaller than well-known beaches like Willow’s beach and Cordoba-Gyro beach, they are much less crowded. Suntan, relax and swim! You can paddleboard at these 3 hidden beaches but the steep stairs make it difficult. Note there are no washroom facilities at these beaches.
If you’re planning to visit Victoria with your family, we’ve written two travel guides to help you with your planning. They have everything you need to plan your perfect holiday in Victoria.
Don’t miss these 4 Awesome Beaches in Victoria, B.C.
When it comes to beaches, Victoria has it all! From sandy calm bays and wide-open pebbly beaches to warm wilderness lakes. You’ll love the variety here when it comes to beaches. Surrounded by beaches on all three sides, if it’s windy on one side, you’ll likely find calm water on the other side.
Here are 4 of our favourites:
Willows Beach
Located in the beautiful community of Oak Bay, this is an awesome beach for families. It has a giant grassy area with a park, picnic tables, benches and a concession stand that’s open during the summer. There are also changing rooms and washrooms. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown and there’s plenty of parking.
This beach is popular for swimming, although the water is quite cold. It is perfect for launching paddle boards and kayaks or walking along the beach and admiring the gorgeous houses. It’s a great spot to make forts for the kids as there’s lots of driftwood. Our kids loved this when they were little, giving us a chance to relax.
If you want to paddle board and don’t have your own, you can rent them from a company that will bring them to the beach for you at about $50 CDN ($40USD) per person. Check out South Island SUP at https://southislandsup.com/.
Cadboro-Gyro Park
This is an ideal beach for families because it has one of the largest beaches and play park areas in Victoria. It has lots of unique play equipment including a big sea creature called “Cadborosarus” named after a mythical sea creature that was said to have been spotted in the 1930s. Other unique play structures include an octopus, salmon, a ship and a shipwreck. Our kids loved the zip line. This park has even been listed among 11 unique playgrounds around the world by Fodor’s travel.
The beach itself has fairly calm waters, a pebbly shoreline and some sandy sections. Also, lots of driftwood to create forts!
There is a parking lot, washrooms, picnic tables and a boat launch at this beach. It’s worth spending a few hours here!
Spiral Beach
We love this beach because it is right along Dallas Road, the main coastal road on the south side of Victoria. With stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, it’s fun to take in the views. Watch the large tankers, cruise ships and sailboats pass by. It isn’t a swimming beach but the kids love skipping rocks and running around all the logs washed up on the beach.
A great access point to the beach is Clover Point, known as the best place to fly a kite. On a windy day, you’ll see kite flyers, hang gliders, kite surfers and wind surfers. Clover point used to be a rifle range during both world wars and even has an old bunker on the beach. It’s spray painted with cool graffiti art and fun to climb.
Another thing we love to do here is to grab lunch and eat it on the beach while taking in the views.
Thetis Lake
Thetis lake Provincial Park is located just outside Victoria in the Langford area, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria.
It’s a nice, warm freshwater lake with a sandy beach and it’s a great place to swim in the summer. The water near the shore is shallow making it good for smaller kids. It’s a popular spot to paddle board and use inflatable water toys. There’s a small island in the middle of the lake you can paddle to, or even swim to if you’re a strong swimmer.
There are public washrooms, picnic tables and even a bike rack.
If you love to hike, take the easy trail that goes all the way around the lake which you can do in about an hour. There are fantastic views of the lake from a few different vantage points.
Happy beach going! If you are looking for more information on Victoria, look no further than our travel guides which are chalked full of activities. Click here for more information.
