Photo: Gary Quinn via Victoria Tourism
Pretty Victoria is way past the joke that only the ?newlywed and nearly dead? live there. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, it has a bubbling foodie scene, a super-charming historical downtown core and is right on the ocean. Also, guess what newlywed means" It means KIDS. Victoria is laid back and full of hippies and hipsters, which means fun stuff for young families. It?s also small enough that you?re never too far away from anything. We loved it.
Photo: BC Ferries
Go

The first thrill about Victoria is the ferry ride itself. (Be sure to arrive at least a half-hour before your ferry departs or you?ll be out of luck, even if you have a reservation.) Pick up an official B.C Ferries toy ferry?complete with cars and cargo?or cute kids? raingear at the gift shop, pass some time in the arcade or toddler/baby play zone, or kick back on the open-air deck and listen to a free presentation (complete with stuffed animal props) about the area?s wildlife and ecosystem. Photo: Valerie Shore, Eagle Wing Tours
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You can?t go to Victoria and not go on a whale watching excursion. There are lots of tour companies operating out of the harbour, but Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours? 4 Ever Wild boat is great for families. The boat is bigger and more stable?a must for my little Punky Pukester?than many of the usual vessels you?ll get, with lots of indoor seating and two washrooms. The enthusiastic?one could say whale-obsessed?sta...