Said to be more English than the England itself, Victoria, British Columbia, is green, clean and charming. But the town's quaintness isn't what draws my family here each year. It’s the water. The town's centerpiece is its sparkling inner harbor, where float planes land every 15 minutes and water taxis ferry passengers from one side of the bay to the next. There are plenty of ways to explore Victoria’s waterways instead of merely strolling along the docks. If you’re looking for a unique and family friendly way to explore this capital city, skip the bus tour and go kayaking with kids in Victoria instead.
Victoria, British Columbia (Photo credit: Tourism BC)
Kayaking with kids in Victoria
When my husband and I set out to explore Victoria's waterways with our grade school daughter, our first order of business was meeting our Ocean River Sports guide, Bryce. He’s an affable sort and a father himself, so he understands all too well the need to turn back when offspring get hangry (that dreaded combination of hungry and angry). After suiting up with life jackets and attending a quick paddling orientation that included safety measures and strokes, we were on our way in no time.
Kayaking with kids in Victoria – a fun way to explore this waterfront city
Kayak tour highlights
During our tranquil tour (ideal for kids aged 5 years and up), we had a chance to get up close and personal with the best the city has to offer, from seals to seaplanes, bald eagles and the famed Fairmont Empress hotel.
One of our many animal finds, a purple sea star
Our tour began by paddling over to a delightful bathing hole at the Gorge Waterway in West Victoria. Here, our daughter, Eve, reveled in spotting plenty of purple star fish. We also happened upon a family of harbor seals, a flock of oystercatchers (which are like crows, but with a red beak and legs), and numerous red rock crabs.
Victoria's famous Fairmont Empress Hotel (Photo Credit: Tourism BC/Tom Ryan)
Bring food, money and a grain of salt
After making a mid-way pitstop to pick up water and snacks (bad, forgetful parents), we glided off to the inner harbor where we took in a waterfront view of the majestic Fairmont Empress. It was here we realized our second rookie error—not bringing any cash. If we had, we could’ve stopped at a paddle through fish and chippy floating in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Bryce was well versed in the history of each stop and gave lots of little tidbits about aquatic life, the city and Vancouver Island. Though I’d caution you to take his factoids unrelated to the sea with a grain of salt. The Fairmont Empress is not, in fact, sinking; nor does Nanaimo have anywhere near the population of Victoria (sorry, man—you gotta fact check this stuff).
My daughter enjoyed learning about sea life during our tour
Physical aspect of kayaking with kids
I was impressed that I could feel my abs after only an hour of paddling, which was excellent news, according to Bryce. “Newbies tend to use only their arms not their entire core,” he said.
Although tours last three hours, we were done after two. Bryce was sympathetic to our need to rise blood sugar levels (again), and had us back at Ocean River in no time.
He also had us wash our arms and faces, which was a great tip. While we were tired after our morning of paddling, we would’ve been more so if we hadn’t gotten the dried salt water off.
Kayaking with Ocean River Sports
Within a few hours we had ticked off more items from our holiday bucket list then we ever intended: A workout for mom, a tour of the city for the family, and an unobtrusive aquatic education for the kiddo. Next time you’re in Canada’s City of Gardens, be sure to take to the waters! Visit OceanRiverSports.com to learn more about kayaking with kids in Victoria.
What's your favorite way to explore a waterfront city…by foot, car, public transportation or on the water? Let us know in the comments below!
Thank you to Destination B.C., Tourism Victoria, and Ocean River Sports, who hosted this opportunity. As always, my opinions are my own.
All photos by Jody Robbins unless otherwise noted.
About Jody Robbins, The Saucy Travel Mama
Nice pics! Especially the first one….
Thanks, Phil. It really did look that pretty.
I saw your photos come through my FB feed, and all I could think was I WANT TO GO THERE!! Wow- looks lovely and I can’t wait to go kayaking with the boys. I think they’ll love it.
I think your boys would love it too. Prepare to get splashed!
Very alluring pics…made me enthusiast to visit Columbia. Thank you very much for the lovey post.
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I don’t anyone who doesn’t love British Columbia. Appreciate your kind words! Jody
We’ve been to Victoria and visited many sights, even some antique shops, but I never thought to get on the water in a kayak. This was a wonderful report and believe me I will look into two things – the Fairmont Hotel and kayaking.
I’m the same as you, Ellen. I’d visited Victoria in the past, but it never occurred to me to explore the city via its waterways. I’m trying to do more when I’m holiday with my family (instead of just lounging around the hotel pool), so this was a great way to please everyone.