A Local Mom’s Guide to Maternity Leave in Victoria, BC

Before I became a mom, I imagined maternity leave would be full of cozy mornings, long naps, and endless snuggles.

And while there was certainly some of that, I quickly learned that spending every day at home wasn’t great for my mental health. Some days felt long, and getting out of the house, even for an hour, could completely change the tone of the day.

If im honest, I thought I’d be the Mom out and about after a week continuing life as normal, which was very much opposite from what actually happened. I felt worried I wouldn’t be able to  console her in public, so for the first few months I mostly stuck to outdoor outings where there weren’t too many people.

If you’re planning your maternity leave in Victoria BC, here are a few of my favourite baby-friendly outings that helped me break up the days, enjoy some fresh air, and make the most of this special season.

 

Walk the Thetis Lake Loop

Thetis Lake is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city without actually going very far.

The main loop trail is stroller-friendly in some sections although I’d advise bringing a baby carrier if you’re stroller isn’t made for uneven terrain.  The trail offers beautiful views of the lake, towering trees, and peaceful forest scenery. It’s a great option when you need a change of scenery but don’t want to commit to a major adventure. The main lake loop is 5km.

Pack a coffee and take your time.

Walk to Devonian Beach

If you’re craving some ocean air, Devonian Beach is a wonderful choice.

The walk is manageable, the scenery is beautiful, and there’s something incredibly calming about being near the water during those early months of motherhood. We visited this beach quite a few times as it truly reset my nervous system and felt like a real outing with the drive time.

Some of my favourite maternity leave days involved nothing more than a walk, a baby carrier, and of course a coffee!

 

Visit the Esquimalt Farmers Market in the Summer

One of the easiest ways to get out of the house is to give yourself a simple destination.

The Esquimalt Farmers Market is a great excuse to grab a coffee, browse local vendors, pick up fresh produce, and enjoy being around other people for a while. It runs from April to September on Thursdays starting at 4:30pm (at the time of writing this).

Live music, food trucks, and many delicious stalls with fresh veggies, fruits, baked goods- its the perfect spot to meet up with some friends and enjoy your new baby.

Lunch at Charlotte & the Quail and a Stroll Through HCP Gardens

This might be one of my favourite maternity leave outings in Victoria.

Start with a delicious drink or lunch at Charlotte & the Quail before wandering through the beautiful grounds of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific.

The gardens are peaceful, stroller-friendly, and offer something beautiful to look at in every season.

 

Spread Out a Blanket at Beacon Hill Park

Not every outing needs a destination.

Pack a blanket, a few snacks, and head to Beacon Hill Park. Find a shady spot under a tree, read a book, or simply enjoy being outside.

Sometimes easier is better, especially on a warm day.

Attend Storytime at Greater Victoria Public Library

One of the best things I discovered during maternity leave was storytime at the library.

It’s free, welcoming, and a great way to introduce little ones to books while connecting with other parents in the community.

Plus, it gives you somewhere to be on days when you need a reason to leave the house. We also loved that we could go rain or shine, because if you’re in Victoria, you have to be flexible!

 

Drop In to Baby Group at Tillicum Centre

Motherhood can feel surprisingly isolating at times.

Baby groups offer an opportunity to meet other parents who are navigating the exact same stage of life. Whether you stay for ten minutes or two hours, it can be reassuring to realize you’re not the only one figuring things out as you go. The drop in felt easy, it was nice to meet other parents without feeling committed to anything.

Explore Francis King Regional Park

If you’re looking for a stroller-friendly forest walk, Francis King is hard to beat.

The boardwalk trails make it easy to navigate with a stroller while still enjoying the feeling of being immersed in nature. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and one of my favourite places to clear my head. The loop only takes about 15-20 mins, perfect for new Moms (or seasoned moms!) who want a quick, easy outing amongst the trees.

Fresh air helps almost everything… especially during those early days when we are under slept!

Browse Indigo During Nap Time

Sometimes you need an outing that doesn’t involve mud, rain, or packing a million things.

One of my favourite low-effort maternity leave activities was wandering through Indigo while my daughter napped in the carrier. I’d grab a coffee, get lost in a book or pick up one to take home- pretending like I had time to read hahah- simple, but surprisingly restorative.

 

A Few Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Maternity Leave

You don’t need to fill every day with activities.

You don’t need to make every moment magical.

You don’t need to “make the most” of every minute.

Some days you’ll get out for hours. Other days you’ll stay in your pajamas until dinner. Both are perfectly okay.

But if there’s one piece of advice I’d give a new mom, it’s this:

Try to leave the house most days, even if it’s only for thirty minutes.

A walk, a coffee, a library visit, or a quick trip to the market can completely shift your mood and help the days feel a little lighter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good maternity leave activities in Victoria BC?

Walking Thetis Lake, visiting HCP Gardens, attending library storytime, exploring Francis King Park.

Where can I meet other moms during maternity leave in Victoria?

Baby groups, library programs, and community drop-ins can be great places to connect with other parents.

What are some stroller-friendly walks in Victoria?

Francis King Regional Park, portions of Thetis Lake, Beacon Hill Park, and the HCP Gardens are all excellent choices.

How do I make the most of maternity leave?

Focus less on productivity and more on connection. Get outside when you can, find a few simple routines you enjoy, and give yourself permission to slow down.

 

Final Thoughts

Maternity leave is one of those seasons that can feel both incredibly long and surprisingly short at the same time.

The days aren’t always easy, but they are worth remembering. If I had ONE tip to give a new Mom or Dad, it would be to get outside.  Even on days you don’t feel like it.  Go for a small walk or grab a coffee, it helps with your mental health more than you realize!

And if you’d like to preserve this season before it slips by, I’d love to help. As a newborn and motherhood photographer, it’s my job to help preserve this time for you, while keeping it easy.  Some of my favourite motherhood and family sessions are inspired by similar moments that make maternity leave so special. Check out my work here. Looking forward to connecting!