From telling funny dad jokes, being a superstar at every barbecue, and flying us around like an airplane when we were little, dads take a vital role in our lives, and deserve to be treated — now it’s time to do that! With Father’s Day around the corner, you have the perfect opportunity to bring different experiences to your dad.
How’s this for a dad joke: It’s lucky that Dad’s Day is on the weekend as the other days are weak-days (weekdays).
One of the best options to create a memorable experience is walking with dads and learning more about the city with the guide of walking tour maps on our website. For gift selections, we highly recommend you to read our last year’s blog post about some amazing present ideas for various kinds of dads. Besides, this year we are partnering with The Bay Centre to give away $350 worth of great stuff for the father figure in your life! Click here and enter to win gifts Dad will love like training gear, ice cream, and a fresh haircut!
Last but not least, if you are looking for something a bit different from the usual celebration this year, here are a few ideas on how to make our superheroes feel special on Father’s Day with the help of the local businesses in downtown Victoria!
A Brewery Tour
What do you and your dad bond over? If the answer is beer, the following breweries should be included in your plan!
Whistle Buoy Brewing Company – Market Square, Lower Courtyard
Whistle Buoy Brewing can be a bit tricky to find in the Market Square, but a fresh local beer is always worth the trip! They have an ever-changing list of fresh beers to make your visit special!
Herald St. Brew Works – 506 Herald St
Born from a special collaborative project, Herald St. Brew Works is here to offer a unique tasting room experience that is both enjoyable and educational!
Vancouver Island Brewery – 2330 Government St
With a long history from 1984, Vancouver Island Brewery integrated passion into the brewing and its culture. The company prides itself on brewing a selection of beers that can accompany you on all your adventures and never compromising on quality.
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. – 2010 Government St
Who doesn’t love a visit to Philips Tasting Room? Enjoy their craft beer with your best drinking partners in the family on Dad’s Day!
Special Meal for Dads
This is a classic idea, but every good Father’s Day plan should include a special meal.
The Courtney Room – 619 Courtney St
Grab the last chance to book a seat for their Father’s Day Special Dinner! The culinary experience will wow your dad and maybe offer them new ideas on cooking. The restaurant offers a 45oz 50-day dry-aged Bistecca Fiorentina to share! Check out the full, mouthwatering menu.
Steamship Grill – 470 Belleville St
Looking for a fulfilling meal for fathers? Steamship Grill offers a special menu on Dad’s Day including 7oz Grilled Sirloin, paired with Creamy Garlic Mash, a choice of house beer or wine, and topped off with Steamship’s famous Drunken Donuts, for only $35!
Downtown Day with Dad
Give dad an experience he won’t forget! Quality time together and making memories are the best gifts.
Quest Reality Games – 1211 Wharf St
As a premium interactive real-life escape room facility in downtown Victoria, Quest Reality Games is the must-try place on Father’s Day! Working together with dads and testing your power of observation, logic, and deductive reasoning in the escape games will leave you with a sense of achievement.
The Pedaler – 321 Belleville St
This is bike month and it’s a great time to bike around the city with your outdoor fathers! The Pedaler provides multiple guided cycling tours that can help you learn more about the neighbourhood on two wheels. Check out their tours on the website and book one that your dad and you will like!
Harbour Ferry Tours – Inner Harbour
Let a ferry captain from Victoria Harbour Ferry be your designated driver as you experience downtown Victoria on a pub crawl! Hop on the boat with fathers and let their experienced captains show their love of the ocean, tell stories, and lead you to appreciate the view of the ocean.
Victoria Kayak Tours & Rentals – 1006 Wharf St
Regardless if this is your family’s first kayaking adventure or if your dad and you are the masters of kayaking, their kayak tours and rentals are a great way to see Victoria and the local marine wildlife from a unique vantage point. Spending an afternoon paddling with your family and enjoy time on the ocean together!
DIY Tasting Tour
Customize your own food tour! Walk around downtown trying the eats at various restaurants. Make it even more memorable by creating score cards so you can discuss your findings.
Breakfast/Brunch
Start dad’s morning with a breakfast/brunch tour! Hope from one spot to the next sharing the specialties at each.
Taco Tour
Who doesn’t love tacos? Share a taco at each stop and choose your all-time favourite taco spot with Dad!
Asian
Test out the many options for amazing Asian cuisine downtown!
European
Consider including an authentic European meal on Father’s Day!
Dessert
Ice Cream / Gelato
If the weather is nice, try out some ice cream or gelato spots that you have not visited before!
