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Victoria and Butchart Gardens, an Elevated Experience

4.9 (376 reviews)
13 hours - 14 hours
Save $10 (5% off)
From $206 $196
USD per person ($270 CAD)
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Duration: 13 hours - 14 hours
Shared tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Offered in: en
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About This Tour

Experience Victoria with the best of both worlds, a professional driver and a dedicated local step-on guide providing live commentary throughout the journey. You'll enjoy engaging stories, local history, and insider knowledge from departure to return.

Travel by land and sea as you journey from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands before arriving in Victoria. Explore the city's historic streets at your own pace or join the optional guided walking tour to discover hidden gems, fascinating history, and iconic landmarks with your guide. Then, enjoy skip-the-line admission to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, where you'll have time to wander through breathtaking themed gardens. Take advantage of countless photo opportunities showcasing British Columbia's dramatic coastal landscapes

To keep you refreshed throughout the day, complimentary bottled water is provided for all guests. Rain or shine, we've got you covered with complimentary umbrellas.

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Exclusive postcard souvenir
  • Step-on Guide
  • Optional Victoria walking tour
  • Wheelchair available upon request

✗ Not Included

  • Multiple languages (check-out our private tours for multilingual options)

Itinerary

1
Pass By
Your elevated adventure begins in downtown Vancouver as you travel south through the diverse communities of Richmond, Delta, and Tsawwassen. Along the way, your dedicated local step-on guide shares fascinating stories, regional history, and insights into life in British Columbia. Watch the scenery transition from Vancouver's skyline to fertile farmland, blueberry fields, greenhouses, and coastal wetlands near the Canada–United States border before arriving at the BC Ferries terminal.
2
Stop
Board a BC Ferries vessel for a spectacular 90-minute sailing through the Gulf Islands, one of British Columbia's most scenic coastal regions. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the outdoor decks or comfortable lounges while keeping an eye out for bald eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and, with a little luck, whales.
3
Stop
Following a scenic drive into British Columbia's charming capital, you'll arrive in Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour. Here, you can choose how you'd like to experience the city.

Join our optional guided walking tour, included with your ticket, with your dedicated step-on guide for fascinating stories, local history, architectural highlights, and hidden gems throughout downtown Victoria. Prefer to explore independently? Enjoy free time to browse the unique boutiques and cafés along Government Street, stroll the waterfront, visit local attractions, or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Whichever option you choose, you'll have ample time to experience the charm and beauty that make Victoria one of Canada's most beloved cities.
4
Stop
Start the optional walking tour at the BC Legislative Assembly Building, completed in 1897. Its copper dome and Romanesque style are illuminated at night by thousands of lights, making it one of Victoria's most iconic landmarks. It remains the working seat of British Columbia's provincial government to this day.
5
Stop
Continue the walking tour to the iconic Empress Hotel, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway as the crown jewel of Victoria's harbourfront. It remains one of Canada's most celebrated "railway hotels," alongside sister properties like the Banff Springs and Château Frontenac. Today it's renowned for its elegant afternoon tea service, having hosted royalty, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world for over a century. Enjoy a quick photo-op with a beautiful view of Victoria's inner-harbour.
6
Stop
Walk up Government Street, as your guide points out the best restaurants, boutiques, and hidden gems Victoria has to offer.
7
Stop
Our walking tour ends at Victoria's Chinatown. Dating back to the 1850s gold rush era when Chinese immigrants arrived to build the Canadian Pacific Railway, making it the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Centered around Fan Tan Alley—often cited as one of the narrowest streets in North America—the district was once home to gambling dens, opium factories, and a thriving merchant community. Today it's a vibrant mix of historic architecture, herbal shops, and restaurants that still reflects over 150 years of history.
8
Pass By
As we pass the western tip of Beacon Hill Park, keep your camera ready for Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway—the official starting point of Canada's longest road, stretching nearly 8,000 km all the way to Newfoundland. Right beside it stands the Terry Fox monument, honouring the young Canadian hero who lost his leg to cancer and decided to run across the country. His Marathon of Hope inspired a nation, and has since raised millions for cancer research. Though Terry never reached this coast, Mile Zero is one of Victoria's most moving and photographed landmarks.
9
Stop
Skip the ticket lines and immerse yourself in one of the world's most celebrated botanical gardens. A National Historic Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens features over 55 acres of spectacular floral displays, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Rose Garden, and Dancing Fountain. Enjoy approximately two hours to explore at your own pace while complimentary bottled water helps keep you refreshed.
10
Stop
Finish your day with another beautiful BC Ferries crossing before returning to Vancouver. Relax and enjoy one final opportunity to admire British Columbia's stunning coastline, islands, and marine wildlife while reflecting on a memorable day of history, nature, and unforgettable scenery.
11
Pass By
Conclude you day with a quiet ride back to your hotel from the ferry terminal. To thank you for joining us to Victoria, our guide will hand out beautifully designed, nature postcard souvenirs created by a local artist in Squamish.

Good to Know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 🐕 Service animals allowed
  • 🚌 Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 👶 Specialized infant seats are available
  • 💪 Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in the undercarriage. Wheelchair available upon request.
  • Coach buses kneel for easier entry and exit.
  • Water bottles provided.
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