About this experience
Visit Victoria and the world-famous Butchart Gardens on a private day trip from Vancouver, just your group with a local guide. Ferry tickets, Butchart Gardens admission and hotel pickup are included.
Cruise through the Gulf Islands on the BC Ferries crossing, keeping an eye out for orcas, seals and eagles. Then spend time at Butchart Gardens, 55 acres of colourful gardens that change with every season.
Continue to downtown Victoria, British Columbia’s charming capital. See the Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress, with free time for lunch, shopping or a stroll along the waterfront. Your guide adapts the day to your group’s interests.
Travel in a comfortable private vehicle, with no driving, parking or ferry lineups to worry about.
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
What is included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Bottled water
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Live commentary on board
- Local, professional and fun guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Airport pickup/drop off (additional charge for airport pickup/drop off)
Itinerary and highlights
Start this private tour from any Vancouver Downtown hotel early in the morning. The driver will lead the way in a luxury SUV to the ferry terminal for priority boarding on the British Columbia Ferry service. This 90-minute-plus cruise across the Strait of Georgia travels through the breathtaking Gulf Islands. Be sure to keep an eye out for cottages, lighthouses, killer whales, dolphins, seals, and even more marine wildlife during your ferry rides to and from the terminal!
The first stop is Butchart Gardens to experience over 900 varieties of flowers and plants. On this private tour, explore Victoria at any pace desired. Take your time while wandering the gardens and grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many restaurants nearby.
Next, head to downtown Victoria to see the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the chateau-style Fairmont Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, The Royal British Columbia Museum, Harbor, and more. Enjoy a leisurely lunch downtown at one of the restaurants facing the ocean, then stop for high tea at the Empress.
Meeting and pickup information
- Hotel/Port pickup and drop-off in Vancouver
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Vancity Tours INC
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
- Must include hotel information at checkout
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers (if applicable), must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Please allow 30 minutes for pickup (due to traffic)
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, due to uneven surfaces comfortable footwear is advised
- Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Pickup and drop-off from Downtown Vancouver only
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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