Victoria and Butchart Gardens, an Elevated Experience

4.9
(372 reviews)
Vancouver, Canada

13 to 14 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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

Exclusive postcard souvenir
Booster seat available upon request
Butchart Gardens (skip-the-line tickets)
For days with 8 passengers or less, we send a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van with a driver-guide for a more personalized experience.
At least x2 water bottles per guest available per trip
Step-on Guide
Optional Victoria walking tour
2025 Prevost H3-45 Passenger Coach
BC Ferries round-trip tickets
2025 Prevost H3-45 Passenger Coach
Wheelchair available upon request
Breakfast and dinner options available on BC Ferries
Plenty of lunch options during break in Victoria
Multiple languages (check-out our private tours for multilingual options)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Our team will contact you the day before with a precise pickup time within the window of 7:25-8:00 AM. Please be ready outside the front door of your hotel, and call (604) 685-7827 if you need any assistance with your pickup. Due to the ferry schedule, we cannot wait for late parties.

We pick up from all hotels in the downtown Vancouver area. If you do not see your hotel listed, or if you are staying in the Greater Vancouver area (North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby), please contact our team so we can arrange a pickup location.

Itinerary

Duration: 13 to 14 hours (approximately)
  • Vancouver (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Victoria

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

    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 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Government Street

    Walk up Government Street, as your guide points out the best restaurants, boutiques, and hidden gems Victoria has to offer.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Mile Zero (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    The Butchart Gardens

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 8

    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Vancouver (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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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.
Supplied by STAR Sightseeing
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Nature Walks
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 372 372 reviews
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