Fun Activities on Vancouver Island for All Age Groups
In doing some research for my own family and friend group, I discovered some really fun activities. Whether it's a group of friends or family, if you want to keep your circle connected, try one of these fun group activities on Vancouver Island. Not only will your bond grow stronger, but you will also create fantastic, lasting memories!
Insider Tip: Many of these group activities also give you some excellent ideas on places to host birthday parties for groups of all ages.
This article is fully updated as of September 2023.
Escape Rooms
You are locked in a room (or rooms) together and trying to beat the clock to escape the scenario put in front of you. This task requires tremendous teamwork and the ability to think outside the box. Do you have what it takes to escape?
Where: Several Vancouver Island locations
- Horror Escape – 523 Broughton Street, Victoria
- Victoria Escape Games – 531 Yates Street, Victoria
- Quest Reality Games – 1211 Wharf Street, Victoria
- Breakout Nanaimo – 101-321 Wallace Street, Nanaimo
- Escapism Nanaimo – 1870 East Wellington Road Nanaimo
- EXIT Nanaimo – 2-4890 Rutherford Road, Nanaimo
- Crypt-Tic – 472 5th Street, Courtney
If you enjoy board games, Victoria also has the Board Game Cafe. They have over 900 games to choose from and you can stay and play as many as you like!
Food and Drink Tours
Whether self-guided or with a tour company, a food and drink tour is a sure bet in creating lasting memories with friends.
Where: Several locations throughout Vancouver Island
Nanaimo Bar Trail
This self-guided tour leads you through the streets and areas of Nanaimo. While on route, you will experience the delicious and creative interpretations of the famous Nanaimo Bar. Pick up a map at one of the Visitor Centres in Nanaimo (or download a digital version from their website) and discover more than 35 participating locations.
A Taste of Nanaimo
Offered through Vancouver Island Expeditions, this four-hour tour helps you discover the best of Nanaimo's local food, craft beverages, and estate wineries. You will taste, nibble, sip and sample your way through local vineyards, breweries, distilleries, and local food producers.
Street Art & Craft Beer Walking Tour
Follow your guide around Victoria to discover vibrant street art and colourful murals on this walking tour. Stop at three local breweries to sample craft beers and glimpse their brewing process.
Fine Dining Culinary Tour
Release your inner gourmand on this sophisticated progressive dinner tour that visits four exceptional restaurants in downtown Victoria. Indulge in local farm-to-table cuisine with BC wine pairings.
A Taste of Victoria
Not only do you sample delicious food and drinks, but you also get to see places in Victoria you may not even know existed and learn about the history of each area along the way. After taking this tour, you'll be full of good eats and tons of knowledge!
Race a NASkart
Where: Fast Time Amusements – Parksville
Head out on the 1/2 km race track with a European-designed kart. While sitting only inches from the track surface, you will race your friends around a 35-turn course, giving you the feeling of driving like a Formula One Racer. The race track is open Thursday – Sunday. They also have archery tag, laser tag and axe throwing.
Go Rock Climbing
Whether indoor or outdoor, rock climbing is a great way to bond as a group, and get yourself in shape, too!
Where: Several Vancouver Island locations.
- Crag X Climbing Centre – Downtown Victoria (769 Pandora Avenue)
- The Boulders Climbing Gym – Central Saanich (1627 Stelly's Crossroad Road)
- Romper Room – located in Nanaimo (4385-B Boban Drive)
- RavenWood Boulders – 1870 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo
- Wip Climbing – 780 30th St, Courtenay
- On the Rocks Climbing Gym – located in Campbell River (1980 North Island Hwy)
To gain experience on natural rock, Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre offers a 2-hour rappel training to help you learn how to descend vertical rock faces on a rope. If you want to take your rappelling experience even further, I highly suggest doing their ‘5-hour Extreme Rappel Expedition‘. (If I can do it, so can you!).
Tube Down the River
Where: Cowichan River
Floating down the lazy Cowichan River with a drink is the perfect way to spend a hot summer afternoon with friends or family. If you think this is an activity you wish to try, make sure to read these frequently asked questions first: Cowichan River Tubing.
If you are ready for your tubing adventure, then book here!
Axe Throwing
Where: Axe & Grind – both Nanaimo and Victoria
Axe & Grind brings this quintessentially Canadian backyard sport indoors so you can experience something new with friends. The staff will teach you how to throw an axe in a safe and fun environment, paving the way for a bit of competition amongst your group. They also have knife throwing, too!
Bike Tours
Bike tours are such a fun way to spend time with your favourite group. Victoria has several guided bike tours available.
- History and Highlights Bike Tour
- Castles, Hoods & Legends Bike Tour
- 2-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria and the Coastal Shoreside
Whale Watching Tours
Yes, whale-watching tours are expensive. However, if your group wants to see whales in their natural habitat, these tours are more than worth it! Vancouver Island offers many fantastic whale-watching tours from several locations. Here are a few of my favourites.
- Half-Day Whale Watching from Victoria
- Ultimate Wild Life Tour (Victoria)
- Campbell River Wildlife Tour
- Coastal Adventures (Campbell River)
Tree Top Adventure
Take to the trees and test your fear of heights on a tree-top adventure at WildPlay. You can find them in Nanaimo and Victoria. If you are really feeling brave, opt for either the Primal Swing or bungee jumping.
What are your favourite activities to do with a group of friends? Whether it's outdoor or indoor group activities, for a friend group or family, please let us know if you have any other suggestions.
Do you have any other fun group activities to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.
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