Any recommendations for things to do, see, experience in Victoria (up to Tofino) in June, with young children.

We were in Victoria last summer with kids 4, 6 and 8. The big hit was the bug zoo (it’s small so not a lot of time there but they loved it) and miniature world was a hit too. There’s a zoo in the park that was ok, a great ice cream place is right across from it and there’s a big park nearby.

On your way to Tofino there is a market called “Goats on the Roof”. There are actual goats on the roof. Located in “Coombs”. “Long Beach” near Tofino to play and relax along the ocean.

Kim to add to this, if the Goats are not on the roof, walk back and keep going until you see the field. They are in there. We found it accidentally when we were there last and we were just wandering back past all the stores.

OTW to Tofino check out McMillan provincial park/ Cathedral Grove

In Victoria, check out Downtown harbour and Marina and walk to the new lighthouse in James Bay area, from there walk along Dallas Road to Beacon Hill Park and 0 Mills near (it’s free to access and really nice),there is Government Building as well you could visit (lovely garden), and also Hatley Castle (free access but paid parking) and drive on Esquimalt Lagoon (Ocean Blvd).

The Malahat Skywalk on your way to Coombs (Goats on the Roof) and Parksville to look for treasures on Rathtrevor Beach

Long beach is great for a walk too. You will likely see some people out Surfing in full wetsuits too!

Pacific rim. Long beach is a must

Just went and took the kiddos around on the red double decker bus
They loved that
It will take u to all the main stops u need to go
My kids are 4&5 so we did fishermans wharf, took the water taxi, did the free beacon hill petting zoo, there’s a playground there too and a great beach…all this can be done via red double decker bus.
It rained one day so we did miniature world too. Mehhh on that one.

Sonia is this Victoria was thinking going in 2 weeks were restaurants open how are restrictions thanks

Elaine restaurants were open. Pretty much same rules as ud find here…

Kids usually like the miniture museum as well

Beacon Hill Petting Zoo
Ucluelet Aquarium
Cathedral Grove
Rainforest Trail

Barb’s Fish and Chips and the houseboats on Fisherman’s Wharf.

Victoria area: Fort Rodd Hill is a MUST with also access to Fiscard Lighthouse. There is also a pretty great beach out there at Esquimalt lagoon so you could chill at the beach after the explore.
If you are looking for free and historical then MacAuley Point park in Esquimalt is REALLY cool to explore.
No one has mentioned the Royal BC Museum. It is expensive now and some of their best exhibits may be closed for Renos but defo worth looking in to. Fisherman's wharf is always kind of fun what with the seals and house boats but is a mecca in the summer.
Up Island:
Parksville and Qualicum= best beaches EVER
Depending on ages of your kids (and if open due to COV) there is a free 'mini town' that is open mornings. It is near the Quality foods. Qualicum falls is also pretty.
I second Cathedral grove if you've never seen giant old growth. Also a massive tourist draw though.

Bug Museum.

Just playing on long Beach, Uclulet has a great hands on aquarium, June is migration for the whales so whale watching, walking in the rainforest of the pacific rim. Keep your kids very close when you're out exploring the forest and forest lines along the beaches. Wolves, bear and cougar are very real in Tofino. It's such a magical place, I love it

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park - 3 km south of Parksville. It's really fun for the kids to explore 2 km sandy beach. Blurb from park website: Majestic old-growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees...
At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometre, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.
Rathtrevor Beach is ideal for a relaxed family outing. Simply sit back and soak up the seaside atmosphere or take a walk through the wooded upland area of the park. All campsites are within a 5-minute walk to the 2 km stretch of sandy beach. The park also features a large day-use area, perfect for an afternoon picnic.

What is Victoria like in January. Hoping to have a short getaway next weekend. Any recommendations and tips?

The water taxis around the inner harbor in Victoria was a hit with our girls!

Oh that is a great idea. Thanks!

Any of the hiking trails in the National Park. Check the tide schedules to see when the low tides will be for beachcombing.

The Wild Pacific Trail is also our go-to.

Botanical Beach Port Renfrew is really a great visit with kids

The Malahat Skywalk is geared for families! So much fun and the kids can burn off some energy on the trampoline!