From Vancouver: Butchart Gardens & Victoria Sightseeing Tour

Visitors to Vancouver can embark on a captivating journey to explore the scenic wonders of Vancouver Island. The tour begins with a relaxing ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, offering picturesque coastal views. Once in Victoria, guests will discover the city’s historic landmarks and charming downtown on a guided sightseeing tour, followed by free time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens, where diverse floral displays and serene landscapes await. With a duration of the tour and transportation details provided, this comprehensive experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the natural beauty of the region.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Vancouver.

Key Points

• A scenic round-trip ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia providing picturesque coastal views.
• A guided sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria highlighting its historic landmarks and charming atmosphere.
• Free time to explore the shops, boutiques, and diverse culinary scene in downtown Victoria.
• A visit to the 55-acre Butchart Gardens showcasing vibrant floral arrangements and manicured landscapes.
• A 14-hour tour commencing and concluding at the FlyOver Canada Ticket Centre in Vancouver.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Coastal Ferry Ride

The tour begins with a scenic round-trip ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, offering passengers picturesque coastal views along the way.

The ferry journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, allowing visitors to relax and take in the stunning natural surroundings.

As the ferry glides across the calm waters, passengers can enjoy the sights of the rugged shoreline, distant mountains, and the vast expanse of the Strait.

The ferry ride is a serene and enjoyable start to the day’s activities, setting the tone for the rest of the sightseeing tour in Victoria and the Butchart Gardens.

Sightseeing Tour of Victoria

After the relaxing ferry ride, the tour then takes visitors on a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria, showcasing the city’s historic landmarks and charming atmosphere. The guide will point out iconic sites like the grand Empress Hotel, the striking Parliament buildings, and the lively inner harbor area. Visitors will have free time to explore the quaint shops, boutiques, and cafes that line the picturesque streets. To highlight the diversity of Victoria’s attractions, consider this table:

Landmark	Description	Photo Opportunity
Empress Hotel	Historic, castle-like structure	Yes
Parliament	Impressive neo-baroque design	Yes
Inner Harbor	Bustling waterfront promenade	Yes

This sightseeing tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the charms of Victoria.

Downtown Victoria Exploration Time

Following the guided sightseeing tour, visitors can now roam freely through downtown Victoria’s charming streets, browsing the abundance of local shops, restaurants, and lively bars at their own pace.

The bustling city center offers a delightful array of experiences:

• Discover unique boutiques, artisan studios, and galleries showcasing the work of talented local craftspeople
• Indulge in a diverse culinary scene, from cozy cafes to acclaimed fine dining establishments

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of pubs and craft breweries, where visitors can mingle with locals.

Admire the city’s well-preserved heritage architecture and vibrant public art installations.

Soak in the scenic waterfront views and lively atmosphere along the Inner Harbour promenade.

This free time allows travelers to enjoy the heart of Victoria’s vibrant culture and lifestyle.

Visiting the Butchart Gardens

Visitors venture into the renowned Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre horticultural oasis that captivates with its diverse themed displays and breathtaking natural beauty.

The gardens showcase vibrant floral arrangements, manicured landscapes, and whimsical features like the Sunken Garden and the Italian Garden.

Guests can stroll through the serene pathways, marvel at the intricate rose displays, and discover hidden corners brimming with fragrant blooms.

The tour provides ample time to explore the grounds and capture stunning photographs of the gardens’ ever-changing tapestry of colors and textures.

Whether admiring the ornamental fountains or wandering through the serene Japanese Garden, visitors are enchanted by the Butchart Gardens’ timeless beauty and tranquility.

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Tour Duration and Location

The tour spans a total duration of 14 hours, commencing at the FlyOver Canada Ticket Centre and concluding back at the same starting point.

This comprehensive sightseeing experience includes:

• A scenic round trip coastal ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia
• A sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria
• Free time to explore the city’s shops, restaurants, and bars
• A visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens
• Transportation via bus/coach and ferry

The tour covers a range of destinations, from the vibrant downtown core to the lush, 55-acre Butchart Gardens, providing participants with a well-rounded exploration of Victoria’s highlights.

With comfortable transportation and an experienced driver-guide, this tour offers a seamless and enjoyable way to discover the city.

Transportation Details

The tour combines various modes of transportation, including a 1.5-hour ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia and several bus/coach segments ranging from 30 minutes to 75 minutes in duration. Guests will travel by deluxe mini-coach for the sightseeing portion of the tour, enjoying the experienced driver-guide’s commentary along the way. The ferry portion of the journey offers stunning coastal views and onboard entertainment. To summarize the transportation details:

Leg	Duration
Ferry (Strait of Georgia)	1.5 hours
Bus/Coach (to Victoria)	1 hour
Bus/Coach (in Victoria)	45 minutes
Bus/Coach (to Butchart Gardens)	30 minutes

Highlights and Activities

This sightseeing tour offers a diverse array of highlights and activities for guests to enjoy.

Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of the Empress Hotel and the stately Parliament buildings in downtown Victoria.

They’ll also have the opportunity to explore the renowned 55-acre Butchart Gardens, which showcase stunning themed displays and breathtaking landscapes.

The tour also includes:

• Photo stops at picturesque locations along the way
• Onboard entertainment and informative commentary from an experienced driver-guide
• Free time to browse the shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown Victoria
• A scenic round-trip ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia

An immersive experience that combines sightseeing, nature, and local culture.

Inclusions and Exclusions

According to the details provided, this tour includes deluxe mini-coach transportation, a roundtrip ferry, an experienced driver-guide, admission to the Butchart Gardens, onboard entertainment and commentary, as well as all applicable taxes and ferry fees. However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and gratuities. Guests will need to plan and budget for these additional expenses during their tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Deluxe mini-coach transportation	Food
Roundtrip ferry	Drinks
Experienced driver-guide	Gratuities
Butchart Gardens entrance
Onboard entertainment and commentary
Taxes and ferry fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking through the Butchart Gardens and exploring downtown Victoria. No formal attire is required.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the bus. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance as some may have restrictions to maintain cleanliness and comfort for all passengers.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour provides accessibility options for individuals with disabilities. The mini-coach is wheelchair-accessible, and the Butchart Gardens have paved pathways and mobility assistance available. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special needs in advance.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Discounts for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but children under 12 may receive discounted pricing. Seniors and students may also be eligible for discounted tickets. Guests should inquire about specific rates when booking the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in Victoria or Butchart Gardens?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Victoria or Butchart Gardens. The tour allows for free time to explore these areas further, and you can choose to stay behind at the end of the tour.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers an enchanting glimpse into the natural splendor and historic charm of Vancouver Island.

From the scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia to the captivating sights of Victoria and the acclaimed Butchart Gardens, visitors are treated to a well-rounded exploration of this Pacific Northwest gem.

With a seamless combination of guided experiences and independent discovery, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to enjoy the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: