Victoria’s city tours pack plenty of sightseeing punch in British Columbia’s capital city. The standout options include wildlife tours where you’ll spot orcas and seals, plus walking tours led by knowledgeable locals who work for tips. My favorite is the Butchart Gardens tour – it’s well worth the time to see these world-famous floral displays at your own pace.
For food lovers, the culinary walking tours showcase the best local eateries while weaving in fascinating bits of Victoria’s history. Most tours run 2-5 hours, with good accessibility and flexible booking policies.
Let’s look at the top tour choices that make the most of your time in Victoria.
Key Points
- Victoria, BC offers a range of comprehensive city tours, including whale watching, sightseeing buses, and food tours catering to diverse interests.
- The “Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour” provides a 3-hour small-group experience to spot whales and explore the coastal beauty.
- Combination tours feature Butchart Gardens and city highlights, offering skip-the-line access and a self-guided visit to the 55-acre gardens.
- The Downtown Food and City Tour is a 2-hour guided walking experience with 7 tasting stops showcasing local specialties and BC wine.
- Unique tour options include tips-based city highlights walking tours, bike tours, and private tours with flexible pickup and wheelchair accessibility.
Experience Victoria City Tour
Visitors to Victoria, British Columbia, can embark on a comprehensive city tour that showcases the city’s historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.
The 3-hour “Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour” offers a small-group experience to spot whales and other marine life.
Alternatively, the 24 or 48-hour “Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass” provides the flexibility to explore Victoria’s top attractions at one’s own pace.
For a deeper dive into the city’s history and cuisine, the “Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour” and “Bites and Sights Tour” provide immersive experiences with local tastings.
These diverse tour options cater to a range of interests, ensuring visitors can discover the very best of Victoria.
Read our full review: Experience Victoria City Tour Review
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Victoria, BC: City Tour and Butchart Gardens Combo Tour
This comprehensive 5-hour tour provides travelers with an opportunity to experience the best of both Victoria’s historic city center and the iconic Butchart Gardens.
Priced from $97.98 per person, the tour includes a 1-hour guided city exploration, covering landmarks like Government House and Beacon Hill Park, as well as a 2.5-hour self-guided visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens.
Complimentary pickup from 17 downtown Victoria locations and an English-speaking guide ensure a seamless experience.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.
Read our full review: Victoria, BC: City Tour and Butchart Gardens Combo Tour Review
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Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour
For those seeking a more immersive and food-focused tour of Victoria’s vibrant downtown, the Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour offers an enticing alternative to the Butchart Gardens combo experience.
Priced at $84.74 per person, this 2-hour guided walking tour showcases the city’s artisan food scene, with stops at 7 locations to sample local specialties like cheese, pastries, and BC wine.
Participants will also explore iconic sites and discover hidden gems favored by locals. With a range of diverse cuisines on offer, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Victoria’s culinary landscape.
The tour’s accessibility, flexible cancellation policy, and positive reviews make it a compelling choice for visitors.
Read our full review: Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour Review
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Victoria: City Highlights and Butchart Gardens Tour
Amidst Victoria’s vibrant cityscape, the “Victoria: City Highlights and Butchart Gardens Tour” offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor.
This 5-hour tour combines a guided exploration of Victoria’s top sights, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and Beacon Hill Park, with a skip-the-line visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens.
Guests can expect pickup service, ensuring a seamless experience. With a 4.8 rating from 38 reviews, this tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to discover the best of Victoria, from its historic landmarks to its stunning botanical gardens.
Read our full review: Victoria: City Highlights and Butchart Gardens Tour Review
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Vancouver: City Highlights Bus Tour
The Vancouver City Highlights Bus Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. Priced at $149 per person, this day-long tour takes guests to must-see attractions like Queen Elizabeth Park, Granville Island, Chinatown, Gastown, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and Stanley Park.
Travelers can marvel at the stunning city views from Queen Elizabeth Park’s highest point, 125 meters above sea level, and discover the rich history and culture of Chinatown, home to the largest historic Chinatown in North America.
With round-trip transportation and an expert guide, this tour provides a convenient and informative way to experience the best of Vancouver.
Read our full review: Vancouver: City Highlights Bus Tour Review
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Victoria: City Highlights Express Tour
Victoria’s Express City Highlights Private Tour offers visitors a compact yet comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Priced from $201.25 for up to 7 participants, this 2-hour English-guided tour provides the perfect introduction to Victoria’s highlights. Guests are picked up and dropped off at their hotel or transportation hub, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with advance notice.
Along the way, travelers will visit the Mile Zero Monument, Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown, the Inner Harbour, and Fisherman’s Wharf, among other attractions.
With positive reviews highlighting the tour guide’s expertise, this express experience allows visitors to make the most of their time in Victoria.
Read our full review: Victoria: City Highlights Express Tour Review
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Victoria City Bike Tour: 2.5 Hr. History and Highlights Tour
This 2.5-hour Victoria City Bike Tour offers visitors an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Priced at $55.61 per person, the tour covers 6.8 miles, showcasing highlights like Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, and Beacon Hill Park.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you will learn fascinating stories about local legends and gain insider perspectives on life in Victoria. The tour also acknowledges the Coast Salish First Nations people, whose ancient lands the route traverses.
With optional e-bike upgrades, this bike tour provides a scenic and culturally enriching experience for visitors to this beautiful coastal city.
Read our full review: Victoria City Bike Tour: 2.5 Hr. History and Highlights Tour Review
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Victoria: Butchart Gardens and City Tour
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Victoria’s top attractions, the Victoria’s City Highlights & Butchart Gardens Private Tour provides visitors with a seamless and enriching experience.
Priced from $406.03 for up to 7 participants, this 4-hour guided tour whisks travelers to iconic locations like the Butchart Gardens, Chinatown, and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings.
With flexible pickup options and wheelchair accessibility, the tour caters to diverse needs. Visitors can marvel at the Butchart Gardens’ 55-acre splendor, explore Victoria’s charming streets, and capture memorable moments throughout the journey.
Complemented by private EV transportation, bottled water, and small snacks, this tour offers an exceptional way to discover the best of Victoria.
Read our full review: Victoria: Butchart Gardens and City Tour Review
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Victoria: Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour
A tips-based walking tour provides an engaging way for visitors to discover the highlights of Victoria.
The 2.5-hour “Victoria: Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour” offers an overview of the city’s main landmarks and hidden gems, including Canada’s oldest Chinatown and the narrow Fan Tan Alley.
Led by an English-speaking local guide, the tour provides insights into Victoria’s history, architecture, and culture. Guests can expect to visit the Royal BC Museum, the iconic Empress Hotel, and the charming downtown area.
The tour includes recommendations for food, entertainment, and additional attractions, making it a comprehensive introduction to the city.
With a customer rating of 4.2/5 and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour is an excellent value for money.
Read our full review: Victoria: Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour Review
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Bike Victoria: 3-Hour City Highlights Tour & Coastal Ride
For those seeking an engaging and scenic way to explore Victoria’s highlights, the 3-Hour City Highlights Tour & Coastal Ride by Bike Victoria offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Priced from $91.09 per person, this 17 km bike tour showcases the city’s top attractions, including Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, and the Fairmont Empress.
Led by a professional local guide, the tour provides historical context and recommendations for local dining.
With a flexible booking policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an excellent choice for visitors looking to discover Victoria’s vibrant urban and coastal landscapes.
Read our full review: Bike Victoria: 3-Hour City Highlights Tour & Coastal Ride Review
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Recap
Victoria, British Columbia offers a variety of city tours to suit different interests and budgets. From walking, biking, and bus tours that showcase the city’s historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and renowned Butchart Gardens, there’s something for all. Visitors can enjoy the city’s rich culture, natural beauty, and diverse culinary scene through these diverse tour options.