Victoria Bug Zoo
A mini-zoo in Victoria, BC
Welcome to the amazing world of insects, arachnids, and their many-legged relatives!
Hours
Booking not required
Weekday: 11am-4pm
Weekend: 10am-4pm
No changes for long weekends
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Animal handling is offered if you join up with our educators! The animals are in their own enclosure and are not roaming free. Not all of our animals can come out to say hi but many can. Catch the Educators wherever they are on their circular, continuous tours.
Arachnids are not always able to be handled. When they are feeling up to it, they are an adult only animal and you must be 18 years of age or older to hold them.
Accessibility Hours*
Weekdays: 11a-12p
Weekends: 10a-11a
Star
*Masks mandatory during this time for those 5 years old and older.
Masks are free with admission.
Click HERE for more info
What's happening at the Zoo?
Work at the Zoo!
Summer positions available!
Scroll a little lower for more information.
Groups
Want the bugs to come to you?
Or want to bring a group to the zoo?
Find out more info below.
Chinese Green Mantis
A new mailing list begins!
Chinese Green Praying Mantis Ootheca season has officially ended. If you would like the chance to purchase one in 2026, please sign up for out mailing list below.
Work at the Zoo
Summer 2025 Employment!
Please fill out the form linked below. If you have any questions about the position available or the application process, please feel free to email us!
Application closes April 26th EOD
You must be at least 18 years old to apply. We do not accept volunteers.
Our zoo is sure to thrill everyone; from children, adults, and bug lovers to even the more skeptical visitors!
The Victoria Bug Zoo opened its doors in 1997 and has been showing visitors of downtown Victoria our awe-inspiring bugs ever since. A visit to this must-see mini zoo offers an excellent opportunity to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world. All the animals are alive and in tanks.
Discover roughly 50 fascinating species including giant walking sticks, beautiful praying mantis, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and Canada’s largest ant colony. Knowledgeable tour guides will introduce you to the wonderful world of bugs, give a wealth of information about the animals on display… No need to be shy, none of our critters are going to hurt you! Don’t forget your camera to document this unique experience!
UNFORGETTABLE, HANDS-ON ADVENTURE
Amazed by the quality engaged educators, service, and family fun this place offers!
“Visited this hidden gem recently and was amazed by the quality engaged educators, service, and family fun this place offers! We were allowed to hold stick bugs, millipedes, horney devils, touch beetles and more. The content was age appropriate and entertaining. We witnessed a rare sight when a cockroach was seen giving live birth. Right next to another one that was freshly molted. The ant display was neatly organized along the walls. They had spiders and praying mantis. A good place to bring your children. It's a small (mini) zoo but they can spend time reading and learning.
Michelle Hillock
via Google Reviews
Everyone was so incredibly friendly it makes me want to go back on my next visit!
"Love the exhibit! I’m not really into bugs a huge amount but going here was really fun and everyone made me feel so comfortable even when our very kind tour guide was holding a few of the bigger ones! Everyone was so incredibly friendly it makes me want to go back on my next visit! The guy in the bug room was very obviously excited about his job and sharing all the cool information about the bugs in the exhibits and made the experience all the better! "
Ellie
via Google Reviews
Wonderful experience yesterday taking my 3 year old son here for the first time.
"Wonderful experience yesterday taking my 3 year old son here for the first time. The girls giving the tour were informative, enthusiastic and respectful of both the children and the insects. I highly recommend Bug Zoo and really can't say enough good things about the staff. Easily a 5 star experience. Well done ladies!"
Lorne Moore
via Google Reviews
