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Victoria Bug Zoo

4.6
·3k reviews·Victoria, Canada

A captivating, family-friendly zoo showcasing a diverse collection of live tropical insects from around the world.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Flower mantis

Victoria Bug Zoo

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A captivating, family-friendly zoo showcasing a diverse collection of live tropical insects from around the world.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"Fantastic for kids and adults alike, with friendly staff and memorable bug-handling experiences!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Join the Guided Tours!

Staff are super knowledgeable and make the experience fun. You might even get to hold some bugs!

🎟️ Student Discount Available

Great value for students, offering a full day pass for around $24 for two.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Insect Encounters

Live Insect Encounters

Throughout the zoo

Get up close with a diverse collection of tropical insects, from giant stick bugs to fascinating spiders.

Guided Tours & Handling

Guided Tours & Handling

Various stations

Engage with passionate guides and even hold some of the friendlier residents for a truly memorable experience.

Educational Exhibits

Educational Exhibits

Throughout the zoo

Learn fascinating facts about insect behavior, habitats, and unique adaptations from expert staff.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Creepy-Crawlies!

The Victoria Bug Zoo is a unique, family-friendly attraction packed with live tropical insects. It's a fantastic spot for curious minds of all ages, offering hands-on experiences and educational insights into the world of bugs. Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to fully explore and interact.

Interactive Learning is Key

Don't miss the guided tours! Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience engaging for both kids and adults. Holding some of the insects is a memorable highlight, but be prepared for a few 'scary' moments if bugs aren't your thing!

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the midday rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

I'm going to the bug zoo this weekend (first time)

🎯 Join the Guided Tours!

Staff are super knowledgeable and make the experience fun. You might even get to hold some bugs! Reddit

🎟️ Student Discount Available

Great value for students, offering a full day pass for around $24 for two. Reddit

reddit.com

Recently unionized Victoria Bug Zoo achieves better pay and work conditions

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture unique moments with fascinating insects; many are safe to hold for memorable photos. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes for your bug adventure. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Join the Guided Tours!

Staff are super knowledgeable and make the experience fun. You might even get to hold some bugs! Reddit

🎟️ Student Discount Available

Great value for students, offering a full day pass for around $24 for two. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture unique moments with fascinating insects; many are safe to hold for memorable photos. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes for your bug adventure. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Victoria Bug Zoo for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, who make learning about insects an engaging experience for all ages. The opportunity to hold bugs is a memorable highlight, though some find the zoo a bit small and potentially crowded during peak times. Overall, it's a unique and educational attraction.

"We had an excellent time! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable. We learned new things about some of our favorite insects, and even got to hold a few.
Great for kids, but a fun place to go if you're a curious adult."

Corey Skillman

"This was definitely a unique experience! Lots of bugs to check out, not for those who fear bugs (such as myself) but still very interesting to learn about them! The staff was very kind and the tour guide was very sweet! This is definitely an attraction for younger kids so there were lots of little kids in there making it a little crowded but not bad! The gift shop had lots of options! I also got to hold one of the bugs! So that was very memorable (scary😅). Definitely check this place out! They also have a student discount which is really nice (we paid around $24 for 2 students to get in and it was a whole day pass)"

Annie Isaak

"We came here on a weekday afternoon in the summer holiday. There was just a little wait at the ticket queue then we could go into the Bug Zoo right away.
The Zoo area is not very big so kids can walk around and explore by themselves quite freely.
There were 2 staff there in different corners showing and explaining to visitors about different bugs. They are so knowledgeable and delivered detailed and attractive insect information that both kids and adults could all enjoy and comprehend. We could even have chance to hold / pet / take photos with the bugs (depends on the species).
We stayed there for 1.5 hrs. Reserve more time in this zoo if you bring bug-loving kids with you."

Joyce Yuen

What People Like

Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Interactive bug handling
Educational and engaging for kids

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Victoria Bug Zoo is located at 631 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1B8. It's centrally located downtown, making it accessible by public transit or a short walk from many hotels. Parking is available nearby, though it can be busy. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking lots and street parking options near the Victoria Bug Zoo on Courtney Street. Be aware that downtown parking can be limited and may incur fees. Reddit

Absolutely! The zoo is in a central downtown location, so many BC Transit bus routes will get you close. Check the BC Transit website for the most convenient routes from your starting point. TikTok

If you're staying in downtown Victoria, walking is a great option! The zoo is centrally located and easy to find on Courtney Street. Reddit

For convenience and to avoid parking hassles, consider walking if you're downtown, or using public transit. It's a straightforward destination to reach. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Victoria Bug Zoo typically operates daily, but hours can vary. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date Victoria Bug Zoo hours before your visit. TikTok

Admission prices can vary, but expect to pay around $15-$20 for adults. They often have student discounts and family packages. Check their website for current Victoria Bug Zoo price information. Reddit

While you can often purchase tickets on-site, buying online in advance might be an option to save time, especially during peak seasons. Look for 'Victoria Bug Zoo tickets' on their official site. TikTok

Yes, they offer student discounts and sometimes have special promotions. Keep an eye on their social media or local deal sites for potential Victoria Bug Zoo promo code or Victoria Bug Zoo discount opportunities. Reddit

For most visits, booking in advance isn't strictly necessary, but it can be a good idea during busy periods or holidays to guarantee entry. Buying on-site is usually straightforward. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a fascinating collection of live tropical insects from around the world, including giant stick insects, tarantulas, scorpions, and many more. It's a true bug museum Victoria experience! Reddit

Absolutely! It's a highly recommended family-friendly attraction. Kids love the interactive elements and learning about different insects. It's a great bug zoo Victoria BC for families. Reddit

Yes, depending on the species and staff discretion, you often have the opportunity to hold some of the insects. It's a highlight for many visitors! Reddit

Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the zoo. If you have very enthusiastic bug lovers, you might stay a bit longer. Reddit

It can get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a great place to capture unique shots of fascinating creatures. TikTok

While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly on the insects, as it can startle or harm them. Always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Instagram

Look out for the larger insects like giant stick bugs, colorful beetles, and interesting spiders. The guides can often point out photogenic specimens. Reddit

Definitely! Many visitors enjoy taking photos while holding certain insects, creating fun and memorable family portraits. Reddit

A smartphone camera with a good macro mode or a dedicated camera with a macro lens will work best for capturing the intricate details of the insects. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Victoria Bug Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Kids are naturally drawn to the vibrant colors and unusual shapes of the insects. The interactive tours and the chance to hold bugs are huge hits, making learning fun and memorable. The zoo is small enough for little legs to navigate easily, and the staff are excellent at engaging young minds. It's a safe and educational environment where children can overcome any initial fears and develop a genuine appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures. TikTokReddit

🤓 Curious Adults & Bug Enthusiasts

Don't let the 'kid-friendly' label fool you; the Victoria Bug Zoo offers a rich experience for adults too. The depth of knowledge shared by the guides is impressive, covering everything from insect anatomy to ecological roles. It's a perfect opportunity to learn something new and see species you might never encounter otherwise. For photography enthusiasts, the close-up opportunities are unparalleled. It's a unique way to spend a few hours appreciating the intricate beauty of the insect world. InstagramReddit

🎒 Budget-Conscious Travelers

The Victoria Bug Zoo offers great value for money, especially with student discounts available. It's a relatively affordable attraction compared to larger museums or theme parks. The student discount can make it particularly accessible for younger travelers or families on a budget, with prices around $24 for two students for a full day pass. It provides a unique and engaging experience without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Fascinating World of Insects

The Victoria Bug Zoo is more than just a collection of creepy-crawlies; it's a vibrant showcase of biodiversity. You'll encounter a stunning array of tropical insects from across the globe, each with its own unique adaptations and life cycle. From the masters of camouflage, like the giant stick insects, to the intricate webs of various spiders, the zoo offers a close-up look at nature's wonders. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about entomology and eager to share their insights, making it an educational and engaging experience for all ages. TikTokReddit

Interactive Experiences and Learning

What sets the Victoria Bug Zoo apart is its emphasis on interactive learning. Unlike traditional zoos where viewing is often passive, here you're encouraged to engage. The guided tours are a must-do, with guides providing fascinating facts and answering questions with enthusiasm. A major highlight for many is the opportunity to hold certain insects, under the careful supervision of the staff. This hands-on approach creates lasting memories and helps demystify the world of bugs, even for those who might initially be hesitant. InstagramReddit

Planning Your Visit

The Victoria Bug Zoo is a compact attraction, perfect for a few hours of exploration. It's ideally suited for families with children, but curious adults will also find it captivating. Weekday afternoons are often the least crowded, allowing for more personal interaction with the exhibits and staff. While the zoo itself isn't vast, it's packed with detail, so allow ample time, especially if you plan to participate in the tours or hold insects. The gift shop also offers a variety of bug-themed souvenirs. TikTokReddit

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