Little Local – May 15

Hello friends,

The long weekend is almost here, and if you’ve got the day off tomorrow for the Pro-D day, it’s a great chance to get in an extra adventure with the kids. We’ve rounded up some fun day trip ideas from Victoria, including a few that are short and sweet (perfect if you need to be home by naptime).

There are also some big events happening this weekend, like the Luxton Spring Fair, the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, and of course, the Victoria Day Parade on Monday. Read on to learn more!

Wishing you a fun-filled long weekend!

Family Day Trips from Victoria

Sometimes we need to switch it up from the usual playground circuit, especially over long weekends. Here are some family-friendly day trips close to Victoria that feel like a real adventure.

Sidney

Just 30 minutes outside of Victoria, Sidney makes for an easy day out. Visit the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea to explore touch tanks and local marine life, stroll along the waterfront, beachcomb at Glass Beach, and let the kids run around at the playground in Beacon Park. There are plenty of spots for lunch or a treat, including Scotty’s Dog Shack (hot dogs) or gelato right by the water. The ferry to Sidney Spit also opens this weekend if you’re up for a longer day!

Metchosin + Witty’s Lagoon

This combo is perfect for a mix of animals, food, and outdoor play. Start at My Chosen Café, where you’ll find tasty comfort food and resident goats and peacocks that kids love. Then drive 5 minutes to Witty’s Lagoon for a forest walk down to the beach and bring a change of clothes if your kids like to get wet or sandy! If you have time, enjoy a pizza picnic at Bilston Creek Farm.

Sooke

Sooke is the perfect adventure for nature-loving families. Hike the trails at East Sooke Park for stunning coastal views, explore the tide pools at Whiffin Spit, and stop for treats at Shirley Delicious. Come back in the summer to enjoy the natural rock pools and crystal-clear water at the Sooke Potholes.

Salt Spring Island

Hop on the ferry from Swartz Bay and spend the day exploring Salt Spring. Ganges village has plenty to see: browse the famous Saturday Market, pick up snacks or art, and wander the waterfront. Head to Ruckle Park for coastal hikes, and visit Salt Spring Island Cheese to see the goats and sample cheese.

Goldstream Provincial Park

Just a short drive from town, Goldstream offers easy hikes through lush forest, stroller-friendly trails, and views of a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great picnic spot—and if you look up, you might spot an eagle or two. Don’t miss the Nature House, which has fun hands-on exhibits for kids and is open for the season.

Cowichan Bay

An hour north of Victoria, this small seaside town has a walkable main street with cafés, shops, and ocean views. Stop at True Grain Bakery for fresh bread and pastries, check out the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre for interactive exhibits and wildlife viewing, or pair it with a visit to the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan just 15 minutes away.

It’s a perfect day for beachcombing and tide pool adventures! With a mid-day low tide, head down to the beach at PKOLS (Mt. Doug) and flip rocks in search of crabs, or go for a nice beach walk at Willows or Cadboro Bay.

Victoria’s Biggest Parade is on Monday!

📍 Heading Downtown from Douglas and Finlayson to Douglas and Courtney
📅 Monday, May 19th at 9am

The Victoria Day Parade is one of the city’s longest-running traditions and a highlight of the May long weekend. Starting at Mayfair Mall, the parade makes its way down Douglas Street. Expect colourful floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and plenty of community spirit. It’s a great event for families—just be sure to arrive early to snag a good viewing spot! If you have little ones, finding a spot near the start at Mayfair will save you from the downtown crowds.

Post-Parade:

• Walk over to Beacon Hill Park for a snack or picnic lunch, or stop by Frankie’s Modern Diner or Swans for a sit-down lunch.

• Grab ice cream at Better Acres, Kid Sister, or Jackson’s Ice Cream Float.

• Let the kids run around at the Beacon Hill Park playground and check out the Children’s Farm.

• Detour to Dallas Road for a beach walk or log scramble.

• Explore the Royal BC Museum.

• Ride the Victoria Harbour Ferry for a short water adventure.

Luxton Spring Fair

📍 Luxton Grounds (1040 Marwood Ave, Langford)
📅 Thursday, May 15 - Sunday, May 18

The Luxton Spring Fair kicks off today and runs all weekend long in Langford! This beloved local tradition is packed with fun for the whole family— classic carnival midway rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, and plenty of tasty food. There’s also a country market full of local vendors, plus blacksmith demos and heritage displays for a little old-timey charm. Whether you're going for the cotton candy, the midway, or just to soak up the community vibes, it's a must-do this May long weekend!

📅 More Events

🎵 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]

🎈 Ottavio & Turnabout Block Party: Saturday, May 17th | 11am-3pm
Celebrate Turnabout’s 6th birthday and the grand opening of the Ottavio Patio. Free mini gelato scoops, live DJ, cocktails, and more! [Info]

🎉 Selkirk Waterfront Festival: Saturday, May 24 | 11am-5pm
Enjoy live music, food trucks, local artisans, and kids activities (including bouncy castles and crafts) along the beautiful Gorge Waterway at this free community celebration. [Info]

⛵ Swiftsure International Yacht Race: May 25–26
This iconic Pacific Northwest sailing race kicks off in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, with dozens of yachts sailing along challenging coastal courses. Catch the action from the breakwater or Ogden Point as crews depart Saturday morning. [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]

🍓 Ichigo Strawberry Moon Market: Saturday, May 31 | 11am-4pm
A whimsical night market at Fernwood Community Center with Japanese treats, handmade goods, and lanterns to welcome strawberry season. [Info]

🎶 Songs for the Gorge: Saturday, May 31 | 10am–2pm
A free, family-friendly celebration of nature and music at Bamfield Park along the Gorge Waterway with live performances and eco-activities. [Info]

🫖 Oak Bay Tea Party: Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8
An annual summer fundraiser at Willows Beach featuring carnival rides and midway, an air show, festive parade, bathtub races, pancake breakfasts, live music, raffles, and family-friendly entertainment [Info]