Five Weird Things to do in Victoria this Summer

Jun 11, 2018 at 04:18 pm

Get the Victoria BC photos no one else has by exploring the quirky side of Victoria typically reserved for the locals. When you stay at Hotel Zed we can give you all the inside information so you can roll downtown on one of our awesome long boards, or hitch a ride in our vintage VW shuttle bus to check out these Instagrammable, under-the-radar activities.

1. Bug out

Walking past this downtown treasure, you may think it’s a kids-only kinda place. Not true! While kids DO love the, er, “hands-on” learning you can get at the Victoria Bug Zoo, adults love it too. Learn all the things you never knew you never knew about scorpions, stick insects, spiders and more. The guides are knowledgable, friendly and fun. You won’t regret this visit.

 

You know, just trying to put on a brave face and embrace my fears by holding a ginormous hairy tarantula to score points with my kids as a "cool mom." 🕷 (This totally doesn't qualify you to be a cool mom, ps. And I have no idea what does.) Also, the Bug Zoo in Victoria was impressive. 🐛🐝🐞🐜🦂 And also that tarantula was actually so soft and light and fun to hold. I still can't believe it.

A post shared by Naomi Davis // Love Taza (@taza) on Aug 25, 2016 at 6:09pm PDT

2. Embrace your inner lumberjack.

Ever wanted to see if you’re any good at throwing axes at a target? OF COURSE you have! Now is your chance! Axe & Grind is Victoria’s brand new axe-throwing range. Maybe this is your new favourite hobby, but you’ll never know if you don’t try!

 

@kgoodreallife is proof that you can be fashionable while axe throwing. #morethanjustplaid #axethrowing #watl #worldaxethrowingleague #tourismvictoria #thingstodoinvictoria

A post shared by Axe & Grind (@axeandgrind) on Jun 8, 2018 at 6:34pm PDT

3. Toy with nostalgia

Let’s get real: can you think of anything more fun than a toy museum? Let your inner child geek out at the National Toy Museum of Canada with their impressive collection of retro toys from your childhood and beyond. The museum is in the upstairs of Cherry Bomb Toys, a locally-owned gem with owners so passionate about toys they literally made their own museum! If you get excited thinking about Transformers, the Muppets, Lego or Star Wars toys, you are going to LOVE this place.

 

In #Victoria with my folks for Mother's day but managed to sneak to the #NationalToyMuseumOfCanada at @cherrybombtoys for the magic. #beard #toys #ghostbusters #godzilla #dapper #batman #muppets #mypetmonster #heman #tmnt

A post shared by Mister Nickel (@dorkzombie) on May 12, 2018 at 4:49pm PDT

4. Run with the goats 

The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, or as locals call it, “the petting zoo” is located in the middle of gorgeous Beacon Hill Park. It’s also within walking distance of the ocean, downtown AND the city’s best soft serve ice cream (hello Beacon Drive In!) But why just go visit the goats at any ol’ time when you can WATCH THEM RUN TO THEIR PEN IN ONE MASSIVE STAMPEDE OF CUTENESS!? The running of the goats happens every single day at 10:10 and 4:10 pm, and it’s so worth planning your day around! Trust us.

 

Just in case you have gone your whole life without seeing a stampede of goats.. here you go! #goatstampede #victoriabc #baa #beaconhillpark #goat #nogoatleftbehind

A post shared by Isla McCullough (@mccsizzle) on May 27, 2018 at 7:05pm PDT

5. Roll with the cool kids

If you’ve never had a chance to check out the world of roller derby before, there’s no better place to start than with our local league Eves of Destruction. You can catch them jamming at their home arena once a month this summer and it’s guaranteed to be an awesome time. Derby is a fast-paced, contact sport and you can enjoy it with a fun crowd and local beer, cider and snacks. The Eves have been in Victoria for over a decade, and it’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else!

 

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Double Header! A big thanks to our friends from @the_tempest_ssijrd and #aftershocksrollerrebels for coming down to play. Thank you to our officials and volunteers, the medics, security, sponsors & partners. We love skating and we truly couldn't do it without you! 😍 Apples MVP Jammer is Slam Duncan Apples MVP Blocker is Drew Burymore Hard Cores MVP is Violet Criminal Remember to keep your ticket stub and bring it into @spinnakerswestside to save 10% off @hearthstonebeer products. Hearthstone is the official beer sponsor of the Eves! 🍻👍 Our next double header featuring The Belles of the Brawl and Margarita Villains is in 2 weeks! June 2 - Save the date! . . . #evesofdestruction #playeroftheweek #rollerderby #derbylove #wftda #yyjfitness #strongwomen #victoriabc #womensfitness #womenssports #derbycrush #rollerskate #derby #derbyfit #derbylife #skate #alternativefitness #blocker #jammer #viccity #yyj #yyjfit #freshmeat #rawmeat

A post shared by Eves of Destruction (@eves_of_destruction) on May 20, 2018 at 1:46pm PDT

So when you're ready for a walk on the weirder side of life, Hotel Zed Victoria is your perfect starting point. Rooms in June start as low as $169! Book yours before we sell out!