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Vancouver Island with Kids Itinerary

We've taken our kids to Vancouver Island on two occasions. Our first trip was to Tofino with a detour through Victoria, and our second trip was soley Victoria. I've included both itineraries below.

Itinerary #1 Tofino in August

Where we stayed:
Wickanninish Inn

Would I stay there again?
Yes, but I wouldn't eat here. There are much better options in town.

Favourite Restaurants in Tofino:
For being such a small town Tofino has some stellar food options. Check out "Shelter", "Sobo", the bakery and the chocolate shop. When we went there was an amazing smoothie/salad shop that has since closed down.

 Favourite things, in order:

  • The beach trail at Wickanninish Inn, small but well managed.
  • Chesterman Beach and the grounds of the Wickanninish Inn.
  • Ucluelet Aquarium
  • Shelter Restaurant
  • Cathedral Grove


    What we would do differently next time:
    • Skip whale watching! Puke inducing and dangerous (5 tourists died in the same area the following year when their boat capsized)
    • Skip the Butchart Gardens - way too crowded, expensive, and you aren't allowed on the grass.
    • Stay at the Ocean Village Resort.
    What surprised me:
    • How cold it is here even in the middle of summer (though I hear it can be warmer than the mainland, though stormy, in the winter)
    • How nauseated we got on the drive.


     Day 1: Take ferry to Nanaimo and drive to Tofino, stopping at Cathedral Grove on the way.
    Day 2: Chesterman Beach at Tofino,  Whale watching.
    Day 3: Ucluelet aquarium, Long Beach, Victoria Butchart Gardens and Jam Cafe, take ferry home





    Itinerary #2 Victoria in May

     Where we stayed:
    DoubleTree Hotel

     Would I stay here again?
    Yes! It exceeded my expectations!

     Favourite Restaurants in Victoria:
    Cactus Club and Jam Cafe

     Favourite Things, in order:

    • Beacon Hill Children's Farm and the surrounding park
    • Fisherman's Wharf and playground


     What we would do differently next time:
    Do not plan to come back here. Been there, done that.

    What surprised me:
    How much I enjoyed this trip. It was better than expected.


    Day 1: take ferry to Victoria, Royal BC Museum.
    Day 2: Fisherman's Wharf, Beacon Hill Children's Farm, Butterfly Gardens, ferry home.

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