Victoria, BC for kids

Market Square, Victoria

British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, lies on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. Downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of child-friendly attractions. Kids will love pottering around the harbour, peeking into shops in Chinatown's narrow Fan Tan Alley or munching snacks in historic Market Square. Here are a few highlights:

Royal BC Museum
This outstanding museum offers an intriguing insight into British Columbia's people, history and nature. You can step inside a First Nations house, wander along a turn-of-the-century street, or find yourself face-to-face with a grizzly bear. There's a fun kids' zone with magnifying glasses, books and dressing-up outfits. Outside, gaze up at a collection of intricately carved totem poles in Thunderbird Park. The museum boasts an IMAX cinema too.

Cost: C$16 for adults; C$10.15 for children aged 6 to 18; free for children under 6.
More info: www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Victoria Bug Zoo
Encounter the world of insects and spiders in probably the smallest zoo you've ever visited. Specialist and genuinely passionate bug guides divulge the secrets of the zoo's residents, introducing you to millipedes, scorpions and cockroaches as well as Canada's largest ant farm. If you're feeling brave, you can allow a stick insect to saunter up your arm or a tarantula to tickle your palm.

Cost: C$9 for adults; C$7 for children aged 12 to 18; C$6 for children aged 3 to 11; free for children under 3.
More info: www.bugzoo.bc.ca

Beacon Hill Children's Farm

Beacon Hill Children's Farm
The wonderful Beacon Hill Park is a short walk from Victoria's harbour and a great spot for little travellers to run off steam. The park's petting zoo is a toddler's dream, with goats, pigs, miniature horses, alpacas and hens among its inhabitants. The baby animals in particular are a big hit - on our visit, our kids could barely contain their excitement when they spotted 11-day-old piglets.

Cost: By donation.
More info: www.beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca

Whale watching
Float on the ocean with resident orcas J-pod, K-pod and L-pod. The Prince of Whales Ocean Magic Cruiser boat travels as fast as a zodiac, but offers a nice heated indoor cabin to keep your kids toasty (and safe). On-board naturalists fill you in on who's who, including a 100-year-old granny whale. We spotted J-pod and L-pod splashing along the shore of San Juan Island, across the water in the USA.

Cost: C$100 for adults; C$90 for children aged 13 to 17; C$80 for children aged 5 to 12; free for children under 5.
More info: www.princeofwhales.com

Victoria International Buskers Festival

Victoria International Buskers Festival
Over 10 days in July, Victoria welcomes a quirky selection of the world's best busking acts, including contortionists, comedians, acrobats and jugglers. Performers rotate across multiple stages dotted around the harbour and Downtown. Our kids were entranced and especially loved it when Daddy was roped in as an assistant during one show. The next festival takes place from 20-29 July 2012.

Cost: Free, but buskers welcome tips.
More info: www.victoriabuskers.com

Where to stay: The Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa has modern, stylish suites with full kitchens, plus indoor pool, spa, rooftop gardens and its own cinema showing kids' films.