Victoria Bug Zoo

When looking for fun ideas to do with the kids on our trip north of the border. One of the first things we found was the Victoria Bug Zoo.

Henry loves all things creepy and crawly. Claire has been dying to hold a tarantula so this was a definite stop on our journey.

The bug zoo was the first adventure of the day. It is probably best that we didn’t have a rigid itinerary as Claire could have spent the entire day at the Victoria Bug Zoo.

The area that houses the bugs is warm and humid to keep the insects happy and healthy. I would recommend buying a bottle of water or two from the gift shop before heading inside. Upon entering the exhibit area you are surrounded by tons of different aquariums full of bugs and insects of all varieties. The Victoria Bug Zoo has an ongoing tour that you can join or leave at any time or you can explore on your own.

The staff was very patient and knowledgeable. Kids and adults are encouraged to hold or touch all of the insects or bugs safe for handling. For some of the residents, such as the tarantula and scorpion, its adults only due to the arachnid’s delicate structure, and well, because they are tarantulas and scorpions. When the kiddos were not allowed to hold an individual bug or insect Claire was quick to volunteer mom or dad as the first one to hold the little critter.

Henry was fairly reserved and enjoyed looking at the insects. While Claire was practically knocking people over to get to the front of the line to hold the next specimen.

Victoria Bug Zoo has a gift shop full of toys, clothing, bug cages and nets, insect-infused treats, snacks, candy, and drinks. Henry has a soft spot for bugs and insects. So when we left the exhibit he took his time perusing the gift shop for just the right keepsake. Finally, after much debate, he chose a very special and lifelike looking cockroach. Claire decided that she would pick a strawberry sucker that contained a grasshopper on the inside as her souvenir. She kept asking if the grasshopper was real. She just couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that she just bought a real grasshopper in a sucker and could actually eat it.

We would highly recommend a visit to the Victoria Bug Zoo. The little ones will definitely enjoy it. The adults will learn a thing or two and may even gain a better appreciation for bugs and insects.

Looking for more fun family friendly activities in Victoria BC? Check out our other Victoria adventures here.