Reviewed · VANCOUVER ISLAND TOURS

Axe Throwing in Victoria

★ 5.0 · 6 reviews From $23 Operated by Forged Axe Throwing · Bookable on Viator
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A bullseye makes a fine souvenir. Forged Axe Throwing turns an hour at 586 Johnson Street in Victoria into a friendly lesson, a little competition, and a welcome break from wet or smoky weather. I like the patient coaching for beginners, and I like that the session moves beyond basic throws into trick shots and team games. The main drawback is the short one-hour format, which can feel brief if your group wants lots of practice.

You do not need prior experience, and the coaches explain scoring as well as throwing technique. I also like the flexible appeal: this works for families, friends, an unusual date, or anyone who wants an indoor activity that is more active than sitting in a café. Just remember to arrive early, wear closed-toe shoes, and book ahead because sessions begin at fixed times.

Key points at a glance

Axe Throwing in Victoria - Key points at a glance

  • One-hour hosted session: You learn the basics, practice, then play team games and try trick throws.
  • Central Victoria location: The venue is at 586 Johnson Street, with public transportation nearby.
  • Beginner-friendly coaching: No experience is required, and the hosts teach throwing and scoring.
  • Fixed hourly starts: Sessions run from 12pm to 8pm, starting at the top of each hour.
  • A practical rainy-day plan: Everything takes place indoors, so weather will not ruin the activity.
  • Good value for active groups: At $23.73 per person, the price includes axes, targets, taxes, fees, and instruction.

Getting started at 586 Johnson Street

Your visit begins at the front desk of Forged Axe Throwing, at 586 Johnson Street in Victoria. You should arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled start. That small cushion matters because you need to sign waivers and go through the safety instructions before throwing begins.

The meeting point is also the end point, so you do not need to arrange a pickup or figure out a separate finish location. Public transportation is nearby, which helps if you are spending the day in central Victoria without a car.

The practical preparation is simple. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move your arms freely, along with closed-toe shoes. Running shoes, boots, and clogs are accepted. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, so check your footwear before leaving your hotel.

The activity has a minimum age of 10. Anyone under 19 must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part, but the venue does not provide a separate list of physical requirements. If you have concerns about participating, calling ahead is sensible.

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Your first throws and safety lesson

Axe Throwing in Victoria - Your first throws and safety lesson

Once everyone is signed in, the host brings your group into the throwing area and explains the basics. You learn how to handle the axe, how to throw it toward the target, and how to aim for the bullseye.

For a first-timer, this instruction is the heart of the experience. Axe throwing can look simple from a distance, but a small change in your stance, grip, or release can send the axe somewhere unexpected on the target. Having a coach correct the basics early saves you from repeating the same mistake for an hour.

Safety comes before score. The hosts explain the precautions and how to use the throwing area properly. This makes the activity feel organized rather than chaotic, especially when several people are learning at once.

The strongest praise for this experience centers on the instructors being friendly and effective at teaching different throws. That matters more than fancy equipment. A good host can help a complete beginner land a solid throw quickly, then offer a useful adjustment when the axe starts missing.

Do not expect to walk in and throw without guidance. The session is hosted, and that is a benefit. You get help from the start instead of trying to copy a technique from someone in your group.

From practice to bullseyes

Axe Throwing in Victoria - From practice to bullseyes

The opening practice period gives you time to find a throwing rhythm. You may start by aiming at the target as a whole, then work toward the center once your release becomes more consistent.

The promise of hitting the target is aimed at first-time participants, not just skilled throwers. You should still expect a learning curve. Your first few throws may land wide or fail to stick, and that is part of learning the sport. The coaching gives you a way to improve instead of leaving you to guess.

I like that the session is not limited to a single repetitive exercise. After practice, the hosts introduce scoring and match play. This adds a clear goal. You are no longer just trying to make the axe stick, you are learning how points work and how a round can unfold.

The scoring lesson also gives experienced throwers something useful. If you already know how to throw, you can use the hour to sharpen your aim, practice different throws, or get ready for more serious competition. Forged also welcomes people involved in its league, so the setting is not only for casual beginners.

Still, the one-hour length sets a limit. A group of several people may spend much of the session taking turns. If you want extended practice or a full tournament-style outing, you may need more than one booking or a league session instead. For a first introduction, though, an hour is a manageable commitment.

Trick throws and team games

The hosts add trick throws and tournament-style games after the fundamentals. This is where the activity becomes more social and less like a basic lesson.

Trick shots give the group a new challenge once everyone has tried standard throws. The exact tricks are not specified in advance, so you should think of this as a coached introduction rather than a guaranteed list of particular stunts. The important point is that the session offers more variety than simply aiming at the same bullseye again and again.

Team games work well for groups with mixed skill levels. A confident thrower can focus on accuracy, while a beginner can contribute by learning the rules and taking part. The team format also takes some pressure off. You are sharing the experience rather than being judged on every throw.

This setup suits a Sunday afternoon, a rainy day, or a group that needs an indoor plan. It can also work for a first date, though the competitive element may reveal how graciously each person handles a miss. An axe in the target is nice. A good sense of humor is probably more important.

The social side is also why this activity works for families, provided everyone meets the age rules. Younger participants need an adult with them if they are under 19, and the minimum age is 10. Children who are impatient with instruction may find the safety briefing and practice period slow, while older children and teens may enjoy the game format.

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Why the $23.73 price can make sense

The listed price is $23.73 per person. That includes the targets, axes, taxes, fees, handling charges, instruction, and hosted activities. Food and drinks are not included.

For a one-hour activity, the value depends on what you want from your afternoon. If you are looking for a low-cost way to try something new, the price is fair because you are paying for equipment, a dedicated indoor space, safety instruction, and coaching. You do not need to buy or bring any specialized gear.

The value is stronger for people who would otherwise cancel outdoor plans because of rain, cold, or smoky conditions. Since the activity takes place indoors, it gives you a reliable option when Victoria weather is not cooperating.

The price may feel less attractive if you are only seeking a long casual hangout. The session is structured, and food and drinks are extra. You are paying for an active lesson with games, not a lounge-style social visit.

I would also factor in the group size and your interest level. A small group that wants to learn will likely get more personal value from the hour than a group where several people are only mildly curious. Since sessions can be booked ahead and are popular enough to average 22 days of advance booking, it is wise to secure a time before building your day around it.

Choosing a time between noon and 8pm

Sessions start at the top of each hour, from 12pm through 8pm. That fixed schedule makes planning easy, but it leaves little room for arriving late.

If you are combining axe throwing with other Victoria activities, leave enough time to reach Johnson Street and arrive 10 minutes early. A noon session can work as a midday activity, while an evening session may suit a group looking for something to do after sightseeing.

Because all sessions begin on the hour, arriving at 12:07 does not simply mean starting seven minutes late. You may miss the waiver process or safety instructions. Build in time for transportation, especially if you are unfamiliar with Victoria or relying on a bus.

The venue is described as being near public transportation. The supplied information does not give a specific route or travel time, so check your own route before leaving. The meeting point is in Victoria, and the address should be your main guide when planning transportation.

Who will enjoy Forged Axe Throwing most

Axe Throwing in Victoria - Who will enjoy Forged Axe Throwing most

This experience is a good match for you if you want a hands-on activity with clear instruction and a little friendly competition. It suits first-time throwers especially well because the hosts teach the technique, scoring, and game format.

It also works for:

  • Families with participants aged 10 and older
  • Friends looking for an indoor group activity
  • Couples who enjoy trying unusual activities together
  • Experienced throwers who want practice
  • League competitors who want time at the venue
  • People planning around rain, cold, or smoky outdoor conditions

You may want to skip it if you dislike structured games, cannot wear closed-toe shoes, or want a quiet activity. The session involves standing, throwing, listening to instructions, and taking turns. It is not a passive sightseeing stop.

The maximum capacity is listed as 100 people, although that does not tell you how many people will be in your particular session. If crowd size matters to you, call ahead and ask about the expected group arrangement.

Booking, cancellations, and what to bring

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep it on your phone. Booking ahead is strongly recommended because the next available session may not have space.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Canceling within 24 hours does not qualify for a refund, and changes made inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Victoria time.

Bring your mobile ticket, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. You do not need to bring axes or targets, and all taxes and handling charges are already included in the listed price. Food and drinks are your responsibility.

The most useful tip is simple: arrive 10 minutes early. That gives you time for waivers, safety instructions, and a calm start. Rushing into a throwing session is no way to find your bullseye.

Should you book this Victoria activity?

I would book Forged Axe Throwing if you want a short, active Victoria experience that works in almost any weather. The coaching is the main reason to choose it. Friendly instruction can turn a strange-looking sport into something you understand within minutes, and the trick throws and team games keep the session moving.

At $23.73 per person, it is a reasonable buy for a guided hour with equipment and indoor space included. Just keep your expectations in line with the duration. This is an introduction or practice session, not an all-day competition.

Book it for a group of friends, a family with older children, or a date that needs a little energy. Arrive early, wear proper shoes, and reserve ahead. If you want a relaxed activity with a clear start and finish, Forged is a practical pick in Victoria.

FAQ

Where does axe throwing take place?

The activity starts and ends at Forged Axe Throwing, 586 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1Z2, Canada.

How long does the activity last?

The session lasts approximately one hour.

What time do sessions start?

Sessions start at the top of each hour from 12pm through 8pm daily.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes early to sign waiver forms and go through the safety precautions.

Do I need previous axe throwing experience?

No. The hosts teach the basics of throwing and scoring, and no experience is necessary.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Running shoes, boots, and clogs are acceptable, but sandals and flip-flops are not.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10 years old. Anyone under 19 must be accompanied by an adult.

What does the price include?

The $23.73 price includes all targets and axes, taxes, fees, handling charges, and instruction. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted.

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