Friday, March 29, 2024

13 things to do in and around Victoria this Spring Break without breaking the bank

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The March break students have been looking forward to and parents have been dreading is finally here. 

Spring Break is here and as many parents of little ones to pre-teens can agree, it’s not easy filling up two weeks of free time for the kiddos. 

To help you with your search, we’ve compiled a list of 13 ways students and families can enjoy the two weeks in and around Victoria: 

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

Since 1985 by the Koenders family and the Beacon Hill Farm Society, the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm takes pride in providing both an educational and economical form of entertainment for the whole family. 

The farm’s goal is to help children develop respect for animals that will remain with them for life.

  • Where: Beacon Hill Park, 815 Circle Drive
  • When: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LaserCity Fun Centre 

Offering fun for all ages, LaserCity has shared countless memories with families, friends and co-workers for 

Their industrial techno laser tag arena can accommodate up to two teams of 8 players – 16 total. Match scores are tracked to compare your rank against players on both teams.

  • Where: 749 View Street
  • When: Tuesday to Sunday, by reservation

Victoria Bug Zoo

If you’re a fan of the creepy crawlies then the Victoria bug zoo is a great way to explore the world of insects, arachnids and their many-legged relatives.

  • Where: Downtown Victoria, 631 Courtney Street
  • When: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cherry Blossom Adventures!

As the weather warms up, Victoria’s most beautiful floral phenomenon is in bloom: pink cherry and plum blossoms flourish the streets with a vibrant wave of colour.

For those in search of their own special spot, the City of Victoria currently features an interactive map showcasing where all these trees and their dates of blossom.

For now, we’ve chosen some of our favourite spots around town to see the blooms.

From February through March, the trees are in full bloom, so don’t wait, get out there and take in this glorious sight.

Typically, you’ll find the darker blossoms blooming throughout February and March, and light pink usually bloom from April to May.

Without further ado, here’s a list compiled of our favourite cherry blossom-viewing spots in and around Victoria:

Related: Your guide to the best cherry blossom spots in and around Victoria (PHOTOS)

Hike Mount Doug

The largest park in the Saanich area, Mount Douglas offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the area around Victoria, including east to Haro Strait, north and west through Saanich, and south towards downtown Victoria.

  • Where: Mount Douglas Park, 4550 Cordova Bay Road

Quazar’s Arcade

Quazar’s is an all-ages classic video game arcade in downtown Victoria.

The retro-inspired room is located downstairs at the base of the historic Trounce Alley across from Bastion Square. 

The arcade is open daily with a rotating selection of 50 arcades and 16 pinball machines which operate on tokens. We serve a selection of cold non-alcoholic beverages.

  • Where: 1215 Government Street
  • When: 
    • Monday to Thursday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saanich Commonwealth Place

If you’re looking for a way to cool off and unwind, the Commonwealth Pool offers plenty of fun featuring a waterslide and fitness opportunities.

  • Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive
  • When: 
    • Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tour Fan Tan Alley

Wind your way down the narrowest street in Canada at Fan Tan Alley.

  • Where: Fisgard at Government street

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Come share how photos in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit make you feel and curate your own gallery walk. You can also play a round of photography BINGO!

  • Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
  • When: Wednesday, March 23rd, 11:30 a.m.

Malahat Skywalk

Looking for the perfect Spring Break weekend activity for you and your family?

With a purchase of an adult/senior ticket, guests will get one free child/youth ticket for free!

  • Where: 901 Trans-Canada Highway
  • When: Saturday, March 11th to Friday, March 31st

Wander the Totem Poles at Thunderbird Park

  • Where: Thunderbird Park, 638 Doulas Street

For those interested in discovering the local shop, travellers can find the Crazy Cookie House across the street from the Metchosin Golf Course between the St. Mary Church and Montessori School.

Happy Pro-D Day SD62! Looking for something fun to do? Take a trip out to Witty's Lagoon and try out one of the awesome…

Posted by The Crazy Cookie House on Monday, February 6, 2023

  • Where: Metchosin, BC
  • When:
  • Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Goats on a Roof!

Meet Minyon, Nibbles and Pip! 

If you live on Vancouver Island, you’ve most likely heard of or been to Coombs’ Goats on the Roof. 

The famous market draws in Vancouver Island locals and tourists from all over to see the spectacle of goats grazing on top of a sod rooftop. 

In fact, it isn’t just a popular stop for tourists on their way up the island, it’s a destination all on its own!

Coombs Old Country Market

While visiting the goats on the roof, make sure to swing by and check out the Coombs Old Country Market!

  • Where: 2326 Alberni Highway, Coombs
  • When: Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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