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I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T Bring the Kids Victoria has long-since outgrown the joke that it’s the land of the “newlywed and nearly dead.” The quaint British Columbia capital has a bubbling food scene, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a plethora of historic hangouts. Tucked beside the ocean, its Inner Harbour bustles with activity, offering the ideal hub for those ready to explore – especially families. WHETHER YOU’RE ESCAPING SEATTLE FOR the day or visiting this northern gem for an extended holiday, Victoria’s kid-friendly activities are so fun even the adults will feel inspired. Get Hands-On From day one, we are tactile learners. Though our world and attention span grows with age, the passion for hands- on activities never goes away complete- ly. At Miniature World, you’ll feel like a giant (649 Humboldt St.). While ex- ploring the more than 85 dioramas and displays, you’ll find several push-button actions which do everything from turn on lights to activate trainsets. Wander back in time at Royal BC Museum, where immersive exhibits make you feel like you’ve stepped into snippets of Victoria’s history (675 Belleville St.). Try your hand at mining for gold. Step into the shoes of a submarine captain. Say “Hi” to Wolly, the museum’s unofficial mascot — a life-size mammoth. Get out all the wiggles at Beacon Hill Park, where the large playground is a year-round favorite (100 Cook St.). The seasonal petting zoo features goats, alpacas, and more. And for those kids who love creepy crawlers, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a must-visit (631 Courtney St.). In addition to seeing giant walking- sticks, praying mantis, tarantulas, and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, you and your littles will be able to safely handle some of the critters under the supervi- sion of the zoo’s knowledgeable staff. Indulge in Tasty Treats In recent years Victoria’s food scene has undergone an impressive revival, with a farm-to-table movement that’s earned the city a well-deserved reputation. Indulge in a sampling at the Victoria Public Market — the city’s only year- round market (1701 Douglas St #6.). The indoor food-hub features a diverse range of local food artisans, including loaded waffles and scratch-made pies. But the city’s old staples should also not be overlooked — especially Roger’s Chocolates (913 Government St.). Founded in 1885, Roger’s hand- made chocolates have been delighting Victorians with classic flavors and local favorites, like Victoria Creams, for more than 130 years. Continuing the tasty historic train, be sure to have a spot of afternoon tea. Since the early 1900s, the Fairmont Empress has been serving tea worthy of royalty (721 Government St.). And, following its recent renovations, the Empress introduced a special prince and princess tea for children 12-and-under. The Queen Mary Tea Room also of- fers a fun children’s menu (2912 NE 55th St.). So too does the Pendray Inn and Tea House (309 Belleville St.). Meet Some New Friends Saddle up your little one for an awe-in- spiring adventure with the ocean’s gen- tle giants — killer whales. Also known as orcas, the Salish Sea is frequented by both resident and transient pods. Tours, like the ones offered by Prince of Whales, allow you and your little one the chance to see these graceful creatures first hand (812 Wharf St.). You may also see shorebirds, sea otters, seals, dolphins, grey whales, and more! For a more delicate introduction to H O P S nature, head to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens (1461 Benvenuto Ave.). Home to over 3,000 butterflies, along with tropical ducks, flamingos, and other rare tropical birds, the 12,000-square-foot enclosure is downright magical. Explore the City Introduce your young traveler to some of the city’s quirkiest of rides and funkiest of destinations. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf, where a lively community of floating homes and walk-up food ven- dors feel like something that may have been plucked from a children’s book (12 Erie St.). Catch a Victoria Harbour Ferry — the city’s water taxi service. It offers 14 conveniently located stops throughout the Inner Harbour, includ- ing at Fisherman’s Wharf. Excite your young traveling com- panion with an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride. Carriage rides can generally be found at the corner of Mackenzie St. & Melville St., on the west side of the BC Parliament Buildings. Tours typically last 30 minutes, taking you through some of Victoria’s oldest neighborhoods. Add Some Dazzle (and Competition) A National Historical Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens features 55 acres of finely manicured gardens and public trails (800 Benvenuto Ave.). Kids will love the endless paths and the children’s carou- sel. For a heart-pumping alternative, take your kid ziplining with Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours (5128C Sooke Rd.). Special youth tours are available, starting for children as young as five-years-old. And if you’re looking to get off your feet while spending some quality un- plugged time, head to Interactivity Board Game Cafe (723 Yates St.). This fun café serves a selection of sandwich- es and snacks. But the real star is the 800-plus game collection that’s available to play in-house or buy. kenmoreair.com 21