Hope you had a lovely long weekend—and that the kids (and you) have recovered from all the chocolate 🐰🤪.

A big welcome to the many new subscribers who’ve joined recently, and a thank you to those who’ve been here from the start.

You’ll notice a couple of new sections in today’s issue, along with the usual round-up of family-friendly events around town. If you’re enjoying the newsletter, hit reply and let me know what’s been helpful or fun to read. And if not—I’d love to hear that too. Your feedback helps make this newsletter better!

Cheers,
Sarah

The Cows of Cattle Point

Tucked along the shoreline in Oak Bay, right next to Uplands Park, is a peaceful spot, packed with fascinating history, natural beauty, and a starry sky worth staying up late for. And the story behind the cows at Cattle Point is one of those quirky bits of local history we love learning about and sharing with the family.

Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s—before Oak Bay had proper roads or infrastructure—ships brought cattle to Victoria by sea. Cattle Point was an informal unloading spot. With no dock, the cattle were literally pushed or led off boats and swam to shore through the shallow waters.

Once ashore, they were herded to nearby farms in the Uplands area, which was still mostly rural and undeveloped. It was a practical way to get livestock to land, and the name "Cattle Point" stuck.

But Cattle Point is more than just its name. It’s one of only two Urban Star Parks in Canada—officially recognized as a great place to stargaze, thanks to minimal light pollution. If your kids are into space (or you just love a starry sky), it’s a magical place after dark.

During the day, the shoreline is full of tide pools, seabirds, and stunning views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker. It's also home to native wildflowers, bees, and butterflies. It’s camas season right now, so keep an eye out for those striking blue-purple blooms.

If you haven’t been to Cattle Point in a while (or ever!), consider this a friendly nudge to visit. We love packing a picnic—especially as the evenings get longer and the weather warms up.

See you out there!

There are so many amazing parents here in Greater Victoria doing interesting things, and we’re excited to celebrate them in this newsletter. In this new section, you’ll get a peek into their crew, what they’re up to, their favourite spots around town, and even a parent hack or two ;)

Without further ado…

Name, Neighbourhood, Family Crew:
Adam. Vic West. Sara (wife), Oscar (9), and Frida (7)

What do you do (for work, passion, or both):
I own Wheely Clean Mobile Dental and Lightwell Photography. I also work part-time for Surfrider Canada, where we're launching a surfboard and wetsuit recycling program! I love mountain biking, surfing, and growing flowers.

What’s a typical day look like in your household?
Get up, drink coffee, convince the kids to get dressed and ready for school… fail… try again… get them to school (with some tears)… then start the day. Try to get some work done, then pick them up at 2:37pm.

Any recent parenting wins (or fails) you’d be willing to share?
Santa got both our kids Kobo e-readers that connect to the library. They've been great because they reduce the barrier to getting new reading material.

Favourite family-friendly spot in Victoria?
From our house, we walk along the water to Boom + Batten for the kids’ steamed milks.

Do you have a go-to park, trail, or rainy day activity?
Devonian Regional Park.

What’s one thing you’ve learned as a parent that you wish you knew sooner?
That the meltdown phase eventually ends 🙏🏻

Your favourite coffee shop:
Hey Happy.

Kid’s favourite meal you make at home:
Pasta (I refuse to make a plain kid version, so results vary widely on this one).

Kids' book on repeat:
Dog Man.

Favourite purchase under $100 with kids in mind:
A mountain bike tow rope to haul my kids to the top of the climb trail! You ride a shorter distance but burn the same calories. [Link]

Low tide’s early today, so tide pooling might be tricky—but with sunshine in the forecast, it’s still a perfect day to get outside. Time to dig out the sun hats and sunscreen!

Wheely Clean: This mobile dental hygiene service rolls up in their fully equipped van to bring top-notch cleanings (and now teeth whitening!) right to your door. Great with kids, covered by dental plans, and oh-so-convenient—they come to you! Tell them we sent you for $50 off their new whitening service 🦷 [Book Now]

Thistle & Wren: This beautifully curated lifestyle boutique in Fernwood offers a thoughtful mix of new and preloved pieces. Owned by the warm and welcoming Candace, it’s the perfect spot to find your little one’s next outfit—or a special gift just for you 💝 [Website]

Wildlife Photographer of the Year
📍 Royal BC Museum
📅 Now until Sunday, April 27

Just a few days left to see Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Royal BC Museum—and it’s well worth a visit. The images are absolutely stunning, and it’s one of those rare exhibits that’s just as engaging for kids as it is for adults. If it’s been on your list, go before it ends on Sunday! [More Info]

📅 Looking Ahead

🦁 Midway at Mayfair Mall: Thursday, April 24th – Sunday, April 27th
Head down to Mayfair Mall this weekend for a family-friendly carnival with rides, games, and classic fair food. [Info]

🎻 The Spirit Horse Returns Concert: Saturday, April 26 | 3pm
This powerful, all-ages Victoria Symphony concert at UVic blends Indigenous storytelling, orchestral music, and visual art to share the history and resilience of the Ojibwe horses, with a special pre-show Instrument Petting Zoo for kids at 2pm. [Info]

📷 Wildlife Photographer of the Year at RBCM (now until Sunday, April 27)
This spectacular exhibit ends on Sunday! Featuring stunning wildlife photography from around the world at the Royal BC Museum. [Info]

🏃🏽‍♀️ TC 10K: Sunday, April 27
It’s not too late to join the 36th annual run through downtown Victoria, happening this Sunday! There's a 1.5km family run that is open to all ages and abilities. Online registration closes on Saturday April 26 at 2pm. [Info]

🏰 FREE Family Sport and Recreation Festival at PISE: Saturday, May 3 | 11am–3pm Enjoy a free, family-friendly festival packed with exciting activities like sports, para-sports, obstacle courses, bouncy castles, and more for all ages to explore and enjoy together! [Info]

📚Times Colonist Book Sale | Sat, May 3 from 9-7pm & Sun, May 4 from 9-5pm 
Browse thousands of gently used books at great prices, stock up on reads for all ages, and support local literacy programs while you shop.  [Info]

🏴‍☠️ Esquimalt Buccaneer Days: May 9–12
Celebrate this swashbuckling community tradition with a weekend full of family fun, including a parade, midway rides, pancake breakfast, live music, and pirate-themed festivities for all ages! [Info]

🔬Science Rendezvous: Saturday, May 10 | 10am-3pm 
This free event at UVic and Camosun Interurban features hands-on STEAM activities, live demos, and interactive exhibits for all ages. [Info]

❄️ Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL: May 8 to 18, 2025 
A magical mix of stunning acrobatics and high-energy ice skating, bringing a dreamy, frozen world to life at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre—perfect for a fun family night out! [Tickets]

🎡 Luxton Spring Fair: May 15–18
A classic spring fair in Langford with midway rides, games, food vendors, and family entertainment. [Info]

🎵 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival: May 17–18
Held at Topaz Park, this lively cultural festival includes pipe bands, Highland dancing, caber toss, family zones, and more. [Info]

🎈 Victoria Day Parade: Monday, May 19 | Starts at 9am
The 123rd annual parade features floats, bands, and performers, starting at Mayfair Mall and heading down Douglas Street [Info]

🧸 Ultimate Toy Fair: May 24–25
Held at Pearkes Arena, this huge toy show features new and vintage toys, games, and collectibles for kids and collectors alike [Info]