Viator Rating : 5 (564 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.6/10 (Solid Experience)
Vancouver
Butchart Gardens & Victoria Day Trip from Vancouver
Overview
Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver lets visitors explore the beautiful capital of British Columbia, Victoria, on Vancouver Island! This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see some of the world's most beautiful cities, including the historic Empress Hotel, the Parliament buildings, and the famous Butchart Gardens.
The adventure starts with a pretty ferry ride from Vancouver through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. People will go on a driving tour of Victoria, seeing the Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Mile 0, and the historic Chinatown. There is free time to walk around downtown Victoria. Then, it's off to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of themed gardens, like a Japanese Garden, an Italian Garden, and a Rose Garden. The day ends with a relaxing ferry ride back to the starting point.
This tour includes a roundtrip ferry ride on BC Ferries, entry to the Butchart Gardens, and a comfy bus ride with fun facts and stories along the way. What's not included is food, drinks and gratuity. Key stops include Canada Place, Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Active Pass & Southern Gulf Islands, Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Fisherman's Wharf, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Government Street, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Bus Departure Point, Butchart Gardens, Tsawwassen Ferry to Mainland and Return to Vancouver. This bus tour, with an experienced driver-guide, promises a memorable day exploring Victoria's highlights. It is an excellent quality tour that offers a low supplier cancellation rate. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (6 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
Explore Butchart Gardens: Discover 55 acres of themed gardens, including Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens.
Scenic Ferry Ride: Enjoy a beautiful ferry ride through the Gulf Islands.
Victoria Sightseeing: See Victoria's Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, and historic Chinatown.
Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a deluxe coach with onboard entertainment.
Sentiment Analysis
The Butchart Gardens are beautiful and well-maintained.
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The ferry ride provides stunning views.
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The tour guides are knowledgeable and entertaining.
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Victoria's highlights are efficiently covered in a single day.
Some travelers found the free time in Victoria to be limited.
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The bus can get crowded.
The Journey
Canada Place
Start your adventure at Canada Place, Vancouver's iconic waterfront landmark. Admire the distinctive white sails, reminiscent of ships at sea, and soak in the bustling atmosphere as you prepare for your Victoria day trip. This architectural marvel is a hub for transportation, events, and stunning views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, your gateway to Vancouver Island. While awaiting your ferry, explore the charming terminal market, offering local crafts, souvenirs, and tasty treats. Take a moment to stretch your legs and soak in the anticipation of the journey ahead.
Active Pass & Southern Gulf Islands
Embark on a breathtaking 90-minute ferry cruise to Vancouver Island, with a highlight being the passage through Active Pass and the Southern Gulf Islands. Marvel at the stunning scenery as the ferry winds through these idyllic islands, a popular vacation spot known for its picturesque landscapes, charming seaside villages, and abundant wildlife.
Victoria's Inner Harbour
Arrive in Victoria's Inner Harbour, a vibrant hub surrounded by historic landmarks. Begin your exploration at Mile 0, the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway, then visit the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and venture into Historic Chinatown, including the renowned Fan Tan Alley. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and prepare to explore at your own pace.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
During your free time, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Fairmont Empress Hotel, an iconic symbol of Victoria's elegance and history. Admire its grand architecture, dating back to 1908, and consider indulging in a traditional afternoon tea experience. This landmark is a must-see for its regal charm and stunning waterfront views.
Fisherman's Wharf
Head to Fisherman's Wharf, a vibrant and colorful floating village where you can savor fresh seafood and soak in the lively atmosphere. Treat yourself to the quintessential experience of indulging in delicious fish and chips while enjoying the scenic harbor views and observing the playful seals that frequent the area.
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Capture a memorable photo of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, a magnificent architectural masterpiece that stands as a symbol of the province's governance. Admire its neo-baroque design, intricate details, and the stunning surrounding gardens, a testament to Victoria's rich history and political heritage.
Government Street
Stroll along Government Street, Victoria's most famous thoroughfare, and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. Browse the numerous gift stores for unique souvenirs, explore the diverse range of shops and boutiques, and soak in the charm of this bustling street, a hub for both locals and tourists alike.
Chinatown
Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown, a historic district characterized by its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant cultural heritage. Discover hidden gems among the many shops, restaurants, and traditional businesses, and immerse yourself in the rich history and unique atmosphere of this iconic neighborhood.
Fan Tan Alley
Venture into Fan Tan Alley, a narrow and mysterious passageway known as the narrowest commercial street in North America. Experience the unique atmosphere of this historic alleyway, once a hub for gambling and intrigue, and discover hidden shops and cultural treasures within its dimly lit confines.
Bus Departure Point
After your free time, meet your guide back at the designated bus departure point, ready to continue your journey to the renowned Butchart Gardens. Reconnect with your group and prepare for the next captivating experience on your Victoria adventure.
Butchart Gardens
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site spanning 55 acres and showcasing over 900 species of plants. Wander through themed gardens, marvel at vibrant floral displays, and experience the tranquility of this world-renowned horticultural paradise. A truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.
Tsawwassen Ferry to Mainland
Relax and unwind as you cruise back to the mainland this evening aboard the ferry. Explore the outside decks, breathe in the fresh sea air, and savor the stunning views of the surrounding waters and islands as the sun sets on your Victoria adventure. Reflect on the memories created throughout the day.
Return to Vancouver
Upon arrival at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, the coach will drive off the ferry, marking the final leg of your journey back to Vancouver. Settle in for the comfortable ride back, reminisce about the day's highlights, and anticipate arriving back in Vancouver at approximately 9:30 pm, filled with cherished memories of your Victoria day trip.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a roundtrip ferry ride aboard BC Ferries, covering all fees and taxes. You'll travel in a deluxe coach with onboard entertainment, guided by a friendly and experienced driver. Admission to the Butchart Gardens is also included. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included. Please note that pickup and drop-off locations are pre-arranged.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the gardens and downtown Victoria. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Consider packing snacks and drinks, or purchasing them at one of the stops to save money.
Review Summary
Customers generally say this tour offers stunning views of Butchart Gardens and scenic ferry rides, praising knowledgeable guides, convenient logistics, and ample exploration time in Victoria. Common positives include vibrant gardens, comfortable coach transport, and photo opportunities of landmarks like the Empress Hotel; negatives mention variable weather, tight schedules at gardens (1.5-2 hours), and occasional crowds during peak season.[1][2][4][8]
Frequently Asked Questions
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