Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on gorgeous Vancouver Island and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is famous for the historic Empress Hotel, the Parliament buildings and beautiful Butchart Gardens. Upon leaving Vancouver, you will take a scenic ferry ride from the Vancouver mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. From here, you will have a driving tour to Victoria, and of Victoria’s downtown area featuring the Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Mile 0 and the historic Chinatown. There will be free time to explore downtown Victoria at your own pace. Then on to the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens. Today the garden showcases 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. Wind down your day with the scenic return sailing aboard BC Ferries and then back to where your tour began.

Itinerary

1. Please meet us at Canada Place for a fun-filled daytrip to Victoria. Your bus and tour guide will be waiting for you. (15 min)
2. A 45 minute drive from downtown Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. While we are waiting to get on the ferry, enjoy the little ferry terminal market. (1h 30min) Admission included
3. Enjoy a 90-minute "cruise" to Vancouver Island. After about 40 minutes, the ferry enters Active Pass and you will cruise through the Southern Gulf Islands, a popular vacation spot for locals. (1h 30min) Admission included
4. As you arrive in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you will visit the top sighting locations. Starting at Mile O, Ogden Point, Empress Hotel and Historic Chinatown, including the famous Fan Tan Alley and shops. Later, enjoy free time to explore on your own or book one of our optional activities. Whatever your purpose for exploring Victoria today, our guide is ready to assist you with suggestions on the best restaurants, top breweries, shops and hidden gems. (3h 0min)
5. During your free time, visit the beautiful Empress Hotel.
6. Visit Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy some Fish & Chips
7. While visiting Victoria, you can not miss out on the opportunity to take a photo of the famous Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
8. Visit Victoria's most famous street and shop some souvenirs in one of the many gift stores.
9. Visit Canada's oldest Chinatown which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and lots of little shops and restaurants.
10. While in Chinatown, visit Fan Tan Alley. The Alley is known for being the narrowest commercial street in North America.
11. Meet your guide at the bus after your free time and we continue to the famous Butchart Gardens
12. Visit Butchart Gardens: a National Historic Site covering 55 acres and showcasing over 900 species of plants. (1h 45min) Admission included
13. Relax as we cruise back to the Mainland this evening, explore the outside decks and views. (3h 0min) Admission included
14. Once we arrive at Tsawwassen Ferry terminal, our coach drives off the ferry and we head back into Vancouver. Arrive back in Vancouver at approx. 9:30 pm (15 min)

Meeting & end point