Hello spring! If you’ve been counting the days until the sun finds its way back to the Pacific Northwest, the first glorious days of warm spring weather are like a breath of fresh air. With billions of blossoms covering the city like a floral blanket combined with blue skies and lush gardens, there is no better place to embrace the season than the vibrant city of Victoria.
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Only a short, 2 hours and 45 minutes ride away from Seattle on the sleek, high-speed Victoria Clipper fast ferry, the city is springing back to life with a fair share of hidden gems to explore. Come out of hibernation and plan a fun family adventure with these 9 things to do in Victoria, BC for spring break from Vancouver Island locals.
1. See Victoria, BC’s Gardens Blossom to Life
As Mother Earth awakens from her winter’s sleep, there is no better place to get your flower fix than at The Butchart Gardens! Duck into the tranquil Spring Prelude Garden (open till March 19) to transport yourself to a tropical paradise. Then, stroll through the grounds to soak in 55-acres of swoon-worthy flowers as The Gardens shift into overdrive for the season.
Natasha Mills of Momma Mills proclaims, “The thousands of blooms at The Butchart Gardens always delight kids in spring and The Gardens have exciting attractions and a restaurant for families to enjoy.”
Natasha Mills of Put your little one’s drawing and scavenger hunting skills to work completing the free Family Discovery Walk guide from the Visitor Center. Bonus points for stopping by the Rose Carousel (the only one on the island!) for a whirl on one of the 30 hand-carved wooden animals and chariots.
Want more amazing blooms? Vancouver Island boasts an incredible network of gardens, almost hidden in plain sight. The type of gardens that leave you awe-struck by their beauty and diversity of design.
Rebecca Wellman, EAT Magazine prior Editor-at-Large, explains, “One of my very favorites is the gardens at the Horticulture Center of the Pacific (HCP). They offer a beautiful walk through the plants and flowers, special days of education and instruction. As an added bonus the fantastic restaurant Charlotte and the Quail is right on the property!”
Rebecca Wellman, Wellman continues on to say the gardens at Hatley Castle are also spectacular. She states, “They boast a rose garden, an Italian garden and a Japanese garden with over 15km of trails throughout the oceanfront property. Book a tour of the historic Hatley Castle and then grab lunch at the nearby Mychosen Café.”
2. Stroll Along Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Now that the telltale signs of spring are starting to appear, there is something magical about wandering around town soaking in the vibe of the city. The beginnings of cherry blossom buds, the green leaves of crocuses and vibrant tulips pop out in stark contrast against roughly-hewn brick and stone buildings. It is simply spectacular.
Anna James, a local Victoria journalist, says, “I’ll go to Murchie’s on Government Street and grab a coffee or tea and stroll down to the Inner Harbour. As the weather warms up, Victoria starts to bloom, and it makes for good people-watching weather.”
Anna James, a local 3. Grab a Cup of Ethically Sourced Coffee
Need to perk yourself up mid-adventure? A tried-and-true FRS Clipper favorite, sustainability meets exceptional sips at the community centered coffee hub Habit Coffee. With two locations offering locally sourced coffee beans and pastries, grab and go in their Chinatown location as you explore, or sit down and relax as the sun peeks through the floor to ceiling windows at their sister location on Yates Street.
Bailey Nygreen, an FRS Clipper Employee says, “It’s equally fulfilling for early birds to enjoy some peace and quiet over a good espresso and for late risers to soak up the mid-day sun.”
4. Spend the Afternoon in Beacon Hill or Cadboro-Gyro Park
An oasis in the middle of the city, Beacon Hill Park is a must-visit if you want to immerse yourself in nature for an hour or two. Bursting to life with a sea of red and pink rhododendrons, purple crocuses, pale pink cherry blossoms and more, it is one of the most breathtaking spots in the city.
Laura Mitbrodt of Laura Jane Atelier recommends, “Check out the sprawling fields of Daffodils which makes for an amazing Instagram photo.”
Laura Mitbrodt of Combined with free-roaming peacocks that call the grounds home as well as a full-on petting zoo filled with fluffy critters, the park is an animal-loving kid’s paradise.
Ladena Racine of My Family Stuff adds, “My kids love visiting the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm during spring break. Petting the goats and checking out the pigs are hands-down their favorite part of the visit. After our visit at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, we usually head to the Beacon Drive-In for ice cream.”
Ladena Racine of My Family Stuff adds, “My kids love visiting the Want an off the beaten path locale where the kiddos can burn off some of their excess energy? Look no further than the beachy Cadboro-Gyro Park in Saanich.
Racine mentions, “Gyro Park is always our favorite park to visit in the spring. The park is located on the water and has several classic climbing structures. My son loves to challenge himself on the large Ogopogo sea serpent.”
5. Shop the City for Vintage Gems
While it’s easy to get caught up browsing the gift shops near the Inner Harbour, there is a collection of well-stocked thrift shops and independent consignment stores a few blocks away begging to be discovered.
Stop by LoJo’s Flavour Upstairs where you can find a curated selection of vintage and second-hand threads, shoes and accessories. Next, make your way to Duchess and Duke on Government Street for on-point fashion picks.
Looking for more vintage finds? Mitbrodt suggests, “Go to the annual Spring Vintage Fair at the Da Vinci Center. If you don’t make the one in the spring, there is also one in the summer, fall and Christmas.”
6. Kick Back on a Patio
Spring in Victoria means two things: the city coming back to life and the excuse to spend as much time outside as possible basking in the sun’s rays. Shake off your winter grogginess and soak in some much-need vitamin D at one of the city’s urban or oceanfront restaurants.
Wellman says, “It’s always a good day when patio season arrives in Victoria! Il Covo Trattoria in James Bay has the sweetest little garden patio where you can enjoy home-made Italian food and wine.”
Looking for more patio bliss? Make sure to check out Boom+Batton as the weather gets warmer, serving up incredible views of the Inner Harbour and refined PNW flavors to pair.
7. Take a Hike
Have adventurous kiddos? Take them on a quick trek along Victoria, BC’s scenic trails. With no shortage of dense old-growth forests and accessible paths, the region is a prime spot for outdoor exploration.
Sue Fast, Editor of Island Parent Magazine states, “One Island hike that’s not only scenic but also kid-friendly is the 2km trail to Mystic Beach, just west of Sooke.”
Sue Fast, Editor of Fast explains further, “Here, you’ll encounter small stream crossings, a suspension bridge and a descent down a felled and notched tree to the spectacular beach below. Once you’re there, cool off under a waterfall cascading from the sandstone cliffs or swing from a nearby rope swing.”
Want a hike closer to the city? Racine suggests heading to the nearby Goldstream Provincial Park. Within a quick 25-minute drive outside of Victoria and home to dozens of bald eagles, it is the Northwest at its best.
8. Picnic at Saxe Point in Esquimalt
Nothing screams “spring!” like spending a warm day camped on a patch of green lawn at Saxe Point in Esquimalt. Get a head start on your summer tan or kick back, wiggle your toes in the grass and think of absolutely nothing.
Fast suggests, “Pick up delicious wrapped-and-ready sandwiches from Fol Epi for a DIY picnic. With a vast expanse of oceanside gardens, green grass and forested trails, along with access to sheltered beaches and rocky outcrops, Saxe Point is the perfect place to let off some steam. Don’t forget to bring a Frisbee to run off your lunch!”
9. Soak in Beachy Vibes in Sidney
Ever wonder where the locals go when they want to discover new and unique places in their own backyard? Your search ends here. A 30-minute drive outside of Victoria’s downtown core will land you in the charming seaside town of Sidney. Here, you’ll find the popular and family-friendly BC Aviation Museum as well as plenty of opportunities for ocean-side fun.
Fast recommends dropping by “Glass Beach.” She says, “This strip of sand and rock—and brightly-colored glass!—is at the end of Beacon Avenue, to the south and down the second flight of stairs. Bring a bucket for your treasures and be prepared to spend an hour or two sifting through the sand. At home, display your beach glass in a jar on a window ledge and let the sunshine through!”
Fast adds, “While you’re in Sidney, stop by the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. You’ll find over 3,500 animals at the aquarium from over 150 species from the Salish Sea. If you happen to be there on the first Sunday of the month, stick around for Sea Shirt Sunday where you can create a one-of-a-kind fish printed shirt to take home. BYOT-shirt.”
The return of sunny weather in Victoria allows this picturesque city to shine. Whether you’re looking to frolic through spring blooms, stroll along the tranquil Inner Harbour or indulge in some beach-time, it’s time to grab your friends, family and adventure partners to start planning some springtime fun!
