Getaway: Up Close and Personal with Dinosaurs in Victoria

Weekend Getaway

The Victoria Day long weekend is upon us. It’s the official kick-off to summer, and many of us are heading out of town for the weekend to celebrate. Whether you’re packing up your car at this very minute for a getaway, or you’re planning some summer escapes, we have a suggestion that might work for you. In fact, it feels especially fitting, since it’s Victoria Day: take a trip to Victoria.

Last weekend we had the chance to preview Dinosaurs: Anicent Fossils, New Discoveries at the Royal BC Museum. The exhibit, which is on loan from the American Museum of Natural History, explores how our understanding of these prehistoric creatures is changing as science advances. It opened on Thursday and runs all summer long, finishing up on September 16, 2012. You have lots of time to take it in – and it’s a great choice for a quick getaway if you have some budding paleontologists in your family.

Exhibit Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of Dinosaurs:

Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia in IMAX Victoria
Life-size cast skeletons of T. rex (their arms really were super-small) and Stegosaurus

A miniature robotic T. rex skeleton, showing how the animal walked
A 60 foot long metallic model of an Apatosaurus skeleton
A wall of ornate mounted dinosaur skulls, including Triceratops and Pachycephalosaurus

Interactive displays and computer simulations
The chance to touch actual fossils
A re-creation of the Liaoning forest in northeastern China, as it was 130 million years ago, including dinosaurs, reptiles, early birds, insects, mammals and plants

The Dinostore, a gift shop dedicated to all things prehistoric

Nothing Scary Here

There is only one animatronic element in the display – the miniature T. rex walking in place. If your child couldn’t handle the dinosaurs at Science World, they’ll find this exhibit far more manageable. It manages to be both fun and informative, while still appealing to all ages. Plus, the American Museum of Natural History has granted special permission for visitors to take photos inside the exhibit. So feel free to snap away while your kids get up close and personal with some prehistoric artifacts.

BC Ferries

If you plan a getaway to Victoria, you’re going to be riding BC Ferries. If you’re lucky enough to travel on a sunny day, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the BC coast. If the weather’s not so good, you’ll still feel like you’re getting away. The ferry is fun, but it can be expensive. The good news is that from May 25 to June 25, 2012, you’ll be able to ride more affordably, as they roll out their Coast Saver Fares between Friday and Monday each week. A family of four plus their car will cost $59.90 one way before taxes, instead of $93.85. So plan your weekend getaway before it runs out!

Hanging out in Victoria

The Royal BC Museum has some partnerships with Victoria-area hotels to help you plan your vacation. The Best Western Inner Harbour is offering its “Familyasauraus” package while the exhibition is on that offers you a whole lot of perks. As well, the Inn at Laurel Point is offering a “Dino-mite” package that includes free chocolate. Yum! And if you’re looking for ideas on where to eat or what else to do while you’re in Victoria, be sure to stop by our sister site, Victoria Mom Now.

Have a great long weekend!