Victoria may be mild, but there’s still plenty of rough weather keeping us inside. If you’re looking for something to do during the rainy season, we’ve got more than a few family-friendly suggestions. Check it out!
Victoria Public Market
We hope you’re hungry, because the Victoria Public Market features all kinds of fresh food just waiting to be eaten. Come down to the historic Hudson building and browse the artisan booths, showcasing everything from seafood to farm-fresh groceries, handmade pies to fresh flowers. The market also includes an art space and event gallery!
Bowling
Rainwater isn’t the only thing getting gobbled up by the gutter! Head on over to Langford Lanes for some classic 10-pin bowling. Food and drink is also available from the Grille. Show up on a Thursday night after nine PM for Cosmic bowling. Same goes on weekends from six PM until close.
Royal BC Museum
It’s hard to be unhappy when the weather leads you to places like the Royal BC Museum. Home to an impressive collection of First Nation art, as well as other rotating exhibits, you can easily kill an entire rainy weekend cooped up in here. Make sure to visit their website if you’re interested to see what’s currently on display.
Top Local Restaurants
There’s so much great food coming out of Victoria it can be hard to keep up with it all. We’ve highlighted just a few for your next rainy day.
The Tapa Bar
Offering up a diverse menu of Spanish inspired tapas, The Tapa Bar is perfect for the kind of eater who wants a bite of everything. Sit down with friends or family and order a ton to share.
Part and Parcel
Part and Parcel perfectly embodies what one would expect from an Island restaurant. Seasonal? Check. Local ingredients? Check. Changing menu? Check.
Bao
Warm up with some red-hot ramen, courtesy of Bao – located on Fisgard Street. Other menu items include buns, bibimbaps and caramelized pork belly.
Take a look at our list of best restaurants for more foodie fun!
Check out (inside) the Parliament Buildings
Take a trip to our province’s Parliament buildings for a FREE guided tour. The tour focuses primarily on the role of the Legislative Assembly and MLAs, as well as the the history of both the province and the Parliament Buildings. If you’d rather, feel free to take a self-guided tour!
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Add some art to your life by visiting the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Featuring many permanent collections, as well as some special exhibits, this is one of the Island’s creative hubs.
Victoria Bug Zoo
Located in downtown Victoria, just one block north of the Empress Hotel, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a two-room minizoo, housing all kinds of insects, arachnids and their many-legged relatives.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
If creepy crawlers aren’t your thing, maybe you’d prefer a garden of beautiful butterflies? The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, where you can easily spend an hour or two. Along with all the insects, guests can admire the lush tropical jungle all around you.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle features four floors of amazing wealth, with an exquisite collection of stained glass windows, interesting woodwork and turn of the 20th century furnishings. The castle was originally erected in 1890, built by Western Canada’s most important man, Robert Dunsmuir.
Don’t let this rainy weather get you down. Victoria is overflowing with fun things to do. See if you can cross off everything on this list!
