Do creepy crawlies make you squirm?

We wanted to find out what our limitations are and found that bugs really are more fascinating than we give them credit for. Sure, you wouldn’t want to find a Cockroach in your home, but when you can observe them and even hold one, they are pretty darn cool!

The Victoria Bug Zoo is a two-room mini-zoo that is located in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, just one block north of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Showcasing many different types of insects and arachnids, you’re given the chance to get up close and even hold some of them. For such a small space, there was an impressive amount to learn. The staff really knew their stuff; their wealth of information on insects and arachnids was outstanding. They were like fountains of cool facts and information. There were two guides walking around talking about each species, but if you didn’t want to join in the tour, you were also welcome to wander around yourself and read about each of the bugs. Even when it seemed to get super busy, the guides made sure everyone had the chance to handle each insect. You also don’t have to wait for a tour time, you can pick up the tour at any point.

We all loved getting our hands on some of these little creatures, except for Sadie. The girls had such a jam packed day and had just woken up from a nap when we arrived at the Bug Zoo. Had our two-year-old, Sadie, not have been grumpy, I think she would have been all over holding some bugs. Our four-year-old, Madison, was totally into it. There wasn’t a bug she was offered that she wouldn’t hold and she smiled away as they crawled over her tiny hands.

Take a look for yourself: 

Small space, but so much to see!

Rhinoceros Beetle

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches’ cozy home

Giant Brazilian Cockroaches

Learning about Tarantulas

Learning about Tarantulas

The Tarantulas unfortunately were not coming out when we were there

Thorny Devil

Giant Walkingstick

Giant Walkingstick

Leaf Insect – I found this most impressive. Didn’t seem like a bug!

Leaf insect

Art station to keep wandering minds busy

Thorny Devil

Canada’s largest ant colony

If you’re daring enough to try eating some bugs, or want some bug souvenirs, there is a little gift shop at the entrance with a great variety of bug lollipops, bug cookies, and the works, to choose from. We loved holding the bugs, but the thought of eating some made us gag; maybe next time we’ll have the courage.

Would you want to dig right in?

What about a bug lollipop?

There were so many more bugs than just those shown here. The Bug Zoo was a great way to spend a couple hours. When you leave you’ll sure have a newfound appreciation for bugs. Hopefully next time they will be bringing out a Tarantula!

Do you have a fear of bugs?

Disclaimer: Our visit was sponsored by The Bug Zoo, but as always, our opinions are our own.