Victoria is one of the most kid-friendly cities in the world. There are countless outdoor activities in and around the city that offer adventure and fun in the same breath. Lots of wildlife and nature exist in the parks and along the sea where you can boat, swim, hike or bike until you’ve had your fill. There is also plenty of urban entertainment in Victoria’s museums, shops and cultural centres.

All Fun Recreation Park
This is the place to go during the hot summer days to cool off and have some fun. Dozens of waterslides provide excitement for all ages, but there are also go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf, and beach volleyball to keep things interesting. The park is only open in the summer, offering a great way to spend a day with the kids. Phone: +1 250 474 3184.

Beaches
There are some lovely beaches around Victoria that are just about perfect during the warm summer months. The city’s most popular sandy hangout is Willows Beach at Oak Bay. Its park, playground and snack vendors make it an ideal spot to spend the day. The Ross Bay beaches and Gyro Beach Park are also excellent choices right in town.

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
Victoria’s oldest petting zoo is still the best place in town to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Right in the heart of Victoria, you and the kids can ride ponies, pet barnyard animals and take a dip in the wading pool. It’s a lot of old-fashioned fun. Phone: +1 250 381 2532; website: www.beaconhillpark.ca.

Biking
One of the best ways to experience Victoria is on a bike. Right in the city you can cruise the 13-kilometre Scenic Marine Drive bike path or tour the length of the seawall along the inner harbour pedestrian path. As you pedal out of town, the options get even more interesting. The Galloping Goose Trail runs from Victoria all the way north to Leechtown, and most provincial parks have exciting mountain biking trails.

Boating
Water is a major component of outdoor life in Victoria. Whether you prefer to hire a guide or go exploring by yourself, there are dozens of waterways around the city ideal for boating. Kayaks and canoes can easily be rented from one of the many outfitters in town, and the tour options include highlights like whale-watching and island hikes.

Hiking
Some incredible hiking trails can be found minutes from the city. They range from easy walks through towering cedar trees in Goldstream Provincial Park to multiday backpacking adventures on the West Coast Trail. Making the hour-long hike up Mount Work rewards you with stunning views over the Saanich Peninsula, while the popular Sooke Potholes trail follows a rushing river to an abandoned lodge. The oceanside trails of East Sooke Regional Park provide a feel for the wild West Coast.

Whale Watching
The waters right off Victoria are one of the best places on earth to view killer whales. The southern tip of Vancouver Island is teeming with them, along with sea lions, seals, porpoises and bald eagles. It may sound too good to be true, but it’s wonderfully wild around Victoria. Several companies offer whale-watching tours, especially during the high season from June to September.

Victoria is one of the most culturally rich destinations in North America, offering visitors a taste of the pioneering spirit of this part of Canada. From afternoon tea to hours of exploration in the old town district, it takes a long time to get bored here. Several excellent museums present the history of Victoria, and the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre offers a fascinating look at the aboriginals of Vancouver Island.

Maritime Museum of British Columbia
The province’s maritime heritage is one of the most significant aspects of Victoria’s development as a city. Everything from the earliest explorers to the grand oceanliners that first cruised into port is presented in excellent detail. The museum’s collection of maritime memorabilia and ship models is comprehensive and adds a lot of colour to the experience. Phone: +1 250 385 4222; www.mmbc.bc.ca  

Miniature World
If this kind of place seems silly at first glance, you just need to wander deeper into the building. Hundreds of scenes from battles, fairytales, and just about anything else you can think of has been meticulously recreated in miniature. Best of all, most exhibits do something interactive. This place only needs an hour or two to absorb the exhibits, but the kids will absolutely love it. Phone: +1 250 385 9731; www.miniatureworld.com

Old Town Tours
Victoria’s old town district is a wonderfully preserved area of 19th-century warehouses that have been converted into various businesses. The best way to see all the highlights of this charming area is on the city’s self-guided walking tour. The history of each building is told on outdoor plaques, and follows a logical path through the old shipping offices and warehouses.

Point Ellice House
Harking back to its British colonial roots, Victoria has a long-cherished tradition of serving afternoon tea. There are dozens of venues specialising in authentic high tea, but the restored Point Ellice House is undoubtedly the finest. This was the meeting hub for Victoria’s elite during the summer retreats. The views from its promontory location above the Gorge Waterway make an hour of sipping tea all the better. Phone: +1 250 380 6506.

Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre
Just outside of Victoria in the town of Duncan is this fascinating cultural centre showcasing the traditions of the Cowichan native people. You can either explore the 2.4-hectare site on your own, or join a tour led by one of the native guides. Traditional longhouses have been constructed along the river and totem poles stand throughout the settlement. Visitors can watch craftsmen carve wood, knit sweaters and make jewellery then buy their favourite work at the impressive gift shop. Phone: +1 250 746 8119; www.quwutsun.ca  

Despite its British roots, the settlers of Victoria brought their own distinct ethnic cuisine with them when they immigrated to Canada. The result is a veritable cornucopia of global food represented by the 700 restaurants that feed the local population.

Forego the tourist restaurants along Wharf Street, as they are reliably mediocre. Instead, head inland a block or two and look for where the locals are eating. Every restaurant takes full advantage of Vancouver Island’s wealth of fresh produce and seafood. Highlights such as cheese from Salt Spring Island or wine produced in the Cowichan Valley are well worth trying.

There are more than enough excellent restaurants in the old town to keep you happy, but exploring the outer neighbourhoods can also reveal some treasures. Table reservations should be made for dinner during the busy summer, particularly at weekends. The one aspect of dining that Victoria did import from England was the custom of afternoon tea. Numerous places serve tea with all its ritual and formality, making for a fun experience. If you can afford it, check out the exquisite Tea Lobby in the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Shopping is also a wonderful activity in Victoria. The city is filled with interesting and unusual boutiques, and nearly everything is within easy walking distance. The old town district and Market Square are the city’s premier shopping centres, hosting retailers of all kinds it the restored historic buildings. Tiny Chinatown is another fantastic place to shop. All the charms of the neighbourhood have been preserved, and a number of upscale art galleries and funky boutiques sell to intrepid buyers.

If you enjoy antique hunting, head to the eastern fringe of downtown to Antique Row, which has a deserved reputation for high-quality collectables. Art and crafts made by indigenous First Nations people are also readily available in Victoria. Government Street promenade also has a few gems, but you’ll have to search hard among the cheap souvenir shops to find anything of cultural worth along this touristy stretch.