Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver

Overview

Explore British Columbia’s coastline by land and sea on this Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour from Vancouver. Hop aboard your ferry and enjoy a cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands. Stand on the deck and watch the waves for whales and sea lions, and keep your eyes on the skies for eagles. Visit the botanical Butchart Gardens, where trickling fountains sit among themed flowerbeds and sunken gardens. Explore vibrant corners of Victoria such as Chinatown and the Inner Harbour at your leisure and soak up the metropolitan atmosphere.

• Visit Victoria—British Colombia's capital—on a tour from Vancouver

• Ride the ferry across the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island

• Admission to Butchart Gardens included

• Enjoy hotel or port pickup and drop-off from downtown Vancouver

What's Included

• Driver/guide

• Live commentary on board

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at most hotels in downtown Vancouver.

• Air-conditioned vehicle

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

What To Expect

This full-day trip from Vancouver to Vancouver Island begins in the morning. Meet at a central departure point in Vancouver, or request hotel pickup. After seamlessly transferring by shuttle to the ferry port, you’ll hop aboard and set sail. Head onto the deck to soak up views of the Gulf Islands, look out for wildlife like eagles and whales, and otherwise immerse yourself in British Columbia’s spectacular scenery over the 90-minute journey.

Upon arrival at Swartz Bay terminal, travel by comfortable vehicle with your guide to Butchart Gardens: One of the most popular attractions on the island. With included admission, you’ll skip any lines and head right into the National Historic Site. Have enough time to admire the scenery, and learn stories about the landmark that you wouldn’t encounter on your own.

Next, transfer to Victoria: the capital of British Columbia. You’ll have two hours to stroll its Inner Harbour, see vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, stop for a bite, and more—the itinerary is up to you, so see what interests you most.

Finally, embark on a late-afternoon ferry back to Vancouver, with transit back to your start point. There, the tour ends.

Vancouver Downtown (Pass By)

Departure from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to board BC Ferries. Included is all transportation by coach.

1

BC Ferries

Enjoy a 90-minute ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria. Sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

2

The Butchart Gardens

Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden and dancing fountain. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

3

Inner Harbour

The City of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. We allow ample free time in Victoria to explore.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

4

Swartz Bay (Victoria) Ferry Terminal BC Ferries

Later this afternoon, return to Vancouver onboard BC Ferries once again.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Vancouver Downtown (Pass By)

Return to downtown Vancouver (or surrounding area) this evening.