When families enter the three-story atrium of the Parkside, it will feel more like entering a garden oasis or a tropical rainforest with greenery completely engulfing the area, rather than a hotel. A walkway divides a large koi pond in the center of the glass atrium, which connects the two towers of the hotel. Kids are welcome to feed the fish, and the surrounding cozy chairs invite everyone to hang out in this tropical oasis in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia.

This all-suite, green hotel was built in 2009 to be environmentally friendly. It features recycled materials throughout, and the living roof provides heating and cooling to the building below. (The hotel does not have air conditioning, but the windows open to keep everything cool inside.) The spacious suites can accommodate up to six people and each one offers a fully equipped kitchenette, making small meals convenient for families.

Families will love to spend time during the day at the indoor pool or exploring Victoria by bicycle, and then relax and unwind watching one of the hotel’s nightly movie screenings in the onsite movie theater. The Parkside is ideal for families seeking a modern hotel with large suites and kitchenettes within walking distance to everything that Victoria has to offer.

There are 126 one- and two-bedroom suites at the Parkside. The one-bedroom suites can accommodate two to four people and the two-bedrooms can accommodate four to six people but you can also connect the two rooms to accommodate up to six people comfortably. All of the suites feature complimentary Wi-Fi, a balcony, and washer and dryer unit. Cribs are available upon request.

One-Bedroom Suites
These suites, best for two to four people, feature a queen or king bed and a sleeper sofa in a separate living room area. The separate living room features an electric fireplace and each room features a flat-screen television. The fully equipped kitchenette features a small refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, sink and small dining table. The bathroom offers a shower/tub combination. Some one-bedroom suites also feature an oven and full-size refrigerator in a larger kitchenette space.

Two-Bedroom Suites
These suites, best for four to six people, feature two bedrooms (one with a king or queen and the second with two kings) and two bathrooms with a shower/tub combination. The separate living room area features a sleeper sofa and electric fireplace, and each room features a flat-screen television. The fully equipped kitchenette features a full-size refrigerator, stovetop and oven, microwave, dishwasher, sink and small dining table.

Indoor Pool
The indoor pool is the second largest hotel pool in Victoria. Lounge chairs surround the pool deck and pool towels are provided. There is no lifeguard on duty. The pool is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Movie Theater
A unique offering at Parkside is the 29-seat movie theater located on the hotel’s mezzanine level. The oversized luxe seats make for a casual and comfortable place to watch a movie as a family. Two movie screenings are shown nightly, one at 6 p.m. that is family-friendly and one at 9 p.m. that is more geared for adults. The movies are always rotating. And the best part is there is no need to buy tickets to these movie screenings--just show up and enjoy!  This space can also be rented for private events.

Bicycles
Families can use the hotel’s bicycles and pedal around Victoria to see all that it has to offer.

Rooftop Garden
Families will love to spend some time on the rooftop garden. There are BBQ grills guests can use, fire pits (S’mores makings are available for purchase at the front desk), tons of cozy seating and tables and awesome city views of Victoria. A living roof can also be found up there. Greenery has been placed on the hotel roof, below the terrace gardens and creates a natural heating and cooling system for the hotel’s lobby below. The rooftop garden is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

While the hotel does not feature its own restaurant, a small cafe is located just off the hotel’s lobby and the hotel offers in-room dining for breakfast. Plus, all of the suites feature a fully equipped kitchenette.

In-Room Breakfast
The hotel offers in-room dining for breakfast only. You can place an ordering card on their door at night and breakfast will be delivered and billed to your room in the morning. The in-house breakfast menu offers things like waffles, yogurt, bagels and fruit.

Tre Fantastico Café
This small coffee and wine cafe can be accessed through the hotel lobby. It offers delicious baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, coffee drinks and nightly happy hours. The kids’ menu features yogurt and granola, eggs, and kids chicken tacos. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.

All About the Extras

• Wi-Fi
  Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
• Parking
  Underground self-parking is available for an additional daily fee.
• Fitness Center
  An onsite fitness center, overlooking the indoor pool, offers cardio and weight machines. The fitness center is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Gym towels are provided.
• Pet-Friendly
  Pet are welcome to stay in the designated pet-friendly rooms for a fee.

The Best Time to Visit
Victoria has the mildest of temperatures in all of Canada. It never gets too hot or cold here, making it a great year-round destination. The summer months are the hotel’s busiest season. January and February tend to be the slower months here.

Getting There
Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria International Airport and the ferry port are both less than 30 minutes away from this hotel. Seaplanes and water taxis at Inner Harbor are a five minute walk from the hotel.

Getting Around
Victoria is a very walkable city. Families can easily walk to most of the things to do in Victoria. Taxis are also readily available in front of the hotel.

For Parents

• Spa
  A full-service spa, with massage and facial treatments, is available in the hotel.