See Victoria and Butchart Gardens

Victoria and Butchart Gardens - a very popular excursion - is the best option if you want to visit the provincial capital and the world-renowned gardens in just one day.

Maximize your time and save money by turning a potentially difficult transfer between Vancouver and Victoria into an easy, fully-narrated day tour. With plenty of free time in downtown Victoria and at Butchart Gardens, this will be a day you will never forget.

Spice up your tour with a once-in-a-lifetime thrill by adding on a whale watching tour. You'll board a boat that departs from downtown Vancouver with a Marine Naturalist to view the resident Orca (Killer) Whales.

Admission to Butchart Gardens is included.

Every tour is operated with a 24-passenger Air Conditioned Bus with large viewing windows and only aisle or window seats. Guests are free to remain on the bus at the stops. All tours are conducted in English by the friendly, highly trained and award-winning tour guides. Pick up time will be confirmed when reservations are made; tour will begin when all guests are on board and all tour times are approximate.

Tour Includes:

• Cruise to Vancouver Island
• A scenic drive through exclusive residential areas and parks
• A visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens (admission included)
• Return to Vancouver by Coach Bus and Ferry Cruise

Coach Ride
This exciting, fun filled day begins with your being met by your tour guide in your hotel lobby and escorted to your coach. Once all guests are on board you will head south out of the city to Tssawassen, the closest point of land between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Crossing the Fraser River Delta and through the agricultural land surrounding Metro Vancouver this short half hour drive ends at the BC Ferries Terminal where your bus will drive right onto a ship belonging to the second largest ferry fleet in the world.

At Sea
During your 90 minute crossing, you will have a chance to enjoy the on board amenities such as full restaurant service, gift shops or video games for the kids. Mostly, you'll be walking around deck, eyes on the water searching for orcas, eagles or seals and glancing up at the beautifully scenery as the ship winds its way through the Southern Gulf Islands to dock at Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

Victoria
The City awaits now as you leave the ocean behind and drive down the Saanich Peninsula to the heart of Victoria. Once a small Fort, the city grew from the Gold Rush and then as the seat of provincial governmental power. The Inner Harbor is a legacy to one of Canada's most notable architects Francis Rattenbury as the skyline is dominated by two of his most famous works the Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel. After your guide gives you an orientation tour of the downtown, you enjoy 3 hours of free time to explore this quaint city by the sea, have some lunch on your own, and perhaps take-in some of the varied local attractions.

Green Thumbs and Garden Lovers
Those wanting less time in the city and more time in the Gardens are encouraged to take an earlier free shuttle service offered by your guide. Just let them know in the morning and they will cheerfully make arrangements with you.

Butchart Gardens
Enjoy a relaxing garden stroll, as all guests will meet back at a designated time and place in downtown Victoria. From there you will enjoy a 30 minute pastoral drive through the countryside arriving at a garden which leaves even the most avid horticulturalist in awe. Spread across 55 acres, the Butchart Gardens are truly a sight to be seen. You will find spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of earlier times and boasts all the modern amenities to make your time there comfortable and enjoyable. Don't forget your camera!

Return to Vancouver
You'll meet back at the bus for a short twenty minute ride back to the BC Ferries terminal and the ferry ride back to the mainland and back to your hotel. On the return crossing you can enjoy the restaurant facilities on board ship or grab a nap in the lounge before being driven from the ferry terminal back to Vancouver and your hotel.

If you are spending the night in Victoria, you can be dropped off at your hotel and returned to Vancouver on your departure day (advanced reservation required).

Rave Reviews:

"Our Guide made a point of learning the names of all passengers on her bus and from where they were from. She addressed each person by name throughout the day. Quite a feat! Her enthusiasm was remarkable."
- Glenda, Australia

"Warm and personable, excellent guide."
- Lauren, Florida

"Friendly, courteous, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable."
- Michael, California

24 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour includes complimentary pick-up and drop-off at all downtown Vancouver hotels and selected Richmond (Airport) hotels. Rates are per person in US dollars. Child price is for ages 3 to 12; children under 3 are free when sitting on an adult's lap. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-321-3635.