From Vancouver: Butchart Gardens & Victoria Sightseeing Tour

Set out on a captivating 14-hour journey from Vancouver to the stunning Butchart Gardens and the historic city of Victoria. Explore the vibrant floral displays of the 55-acre gardens, experience a guided sightseeing tour of Victoria’s Chinatown, and enjoy free time to savor local cuisine and shop downtown. With scenic ferry rides, knowledgeable guides, and ample opportunities to learn about British Columbia’s natural beauty and charm, this tour promises a memorable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a day of exploration, this excursion offers something for all to discover.

Key Points

• A 14-hour scenic journey from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens and Victoria, including a guided downtown Victoria tour and Butchart Gardens visit.
• The tour departs from the Flyover Canada Ticket Centre and includes transportation via bus, ferry, and coach, along with a live English-speaking guide.
• The itinerary features a 1-hour bus ride to the ferry terminal, a 1.5-hour scenic ferry ride, and a 75-minute bus transport to Victoria, where a guided bus and walking tour are provided.
• The tour highlights include the Empress Hotel, Parliament buildings, historic Chinatown, and the renowned Butchart Gardens, known for its themed horticultural displays.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, with the driver-guides, transportation, and overall experience receiving praise, although some concerns about air conditioning have been noted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a scenic journey from Vancouver to explore the renowned Butchart Gardens and the charming city of Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Departing from the Flyover Canada Ticket Centre, you’ll travel by bus, ferry, and coach to uncover the highlights of this popular day trip.

The 14-hour excursion includes a guided tour of downtown Victoria, free time to wander, and a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens.

With a live English-speaking guide, deluxe transportation, and entrance fees included, this tour provides excellent value.

Likely to sell out, it’s an ideal way to make the most of your time in the region.

Just note that food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t covered.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Flyover Canada Ticket Centre, where participants board a bus for the 1-hour journey to the ferry terminal.

After a 1.5-hour scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, the bus transports travelers for 75 minutes to the city of Victoria, British Columbia.

Once in Victoria, the group embarks on a 30-minute bus tour followed by a 45-minute walking tour, visiting highlights like the Empress Hotel and historic Chinatown.

Travelers then have an optional hour of free time to explore Victoria’s shops, restaurants, and bars before departing for Butchart Gardens.

After a 105-minute photo stop and walk through the gardens, the group retraces their steps back to the starting point.

Travel Times and Modes

The tour begins with a 1-hour bus journey from the Flyover Canada Ticket Centre to the ferry terminal.

Travelers then embark on a 1.5-hour scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia before boarding another bus for the 75-minute drive to Victoria, British Columbia.

Once in Victoria, the group takes a 30-minute bus tour followed by a 45-minute walking tour to explore the city’s highlights, including the Empress Hotel and historic Chinatown.

After the guided tours, guests have an optional 1-hour free time to further explore downtown Victoria’s shops, restaurants, and bars.

The return journey follows the same route in reverse, with a 30-minute bus ride, 1.5-hour ferry crossing, and 45-minute bus ride back to the starting point.

Tour Highlights

Scenic round trip ferry rides across the Strait of Georgia transport travelers to and from Victoria, British Columbia, offering breathtaking views along the way.

Once in the city, a guided tour showcases its highlights, including the iconic Empress Hotel and the impressive Parliament buildings. Visitors can also explore the historic Chinatown district and enjoy free time to wander the downtown shops, restaurants, and bars.

The tour’s crown jewel is the stunning Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre oasis featuring themed displays like the Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Rose Garden. Travelers can stroll through these lush, colorful landscapes, capturing unforgettable photos and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

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Guided Sightseeing

After exploring the picturesque surroundings of the Strait of Georgia, the guided sightseeing tour immerses visitors in the rich history and architecture of downtown Victoria.

A knowledgeable driver-guide leads travelers on a 30-minute bus tour, highlighting the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the lavish Empress Hotel to the grand Parliament buildings.

The tour then transitions to a 45-minute walking exploration of historic Chinatown, providing an in-depth look at the unique cultural and architectural elements that define this vibrant neighborhood.

Throughout the experience, the guide shares fascinating insights and anecdotes, bringing Victoria’s past to life and leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage and charm.

Free Time Exploration

Following their guided tour of Victoria’s highlights, visitors enjoy an hour of free time to explore the city’s downtown area at their own pace.

They can browse the charming shops and boutiques, sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and bars, or simply wander the streets, taking in the historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

This self-directed exploration allows travelers to customize their experience, discovering hidden gems and seeing the unique character of Victoria’s city center.

With a diverse array of options, from quaint specialty stores to lively pubs, visitors can tailor their free time to their personal interests and preferences, ensuring a truly memorable experience in this picturesque Canadian destination.

Butchart Gardens Visit

The tour continues with a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre oasis of themed horticultural displays that captivates visitors.

Guests enjoy a 105-minute photo stop and walking tour through the gardens’ diverse sections, including the Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and stunning Rose Garden.

This immersive experience allows them to appreciate the meticulous design, vibrant colors, and natural beauty that have earned Butchart Gardens its reputation as one of the world’s premier floral showcases.

The serene and picturesque setting provides a perfect counterpoint to the earlier sightseeing in Victoria, offering a chance to take in the tranquility of these world-famous gardens before the return journey to Vancouver.

Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve experienced the Butchart Gardens & Victoria Sightseeing Tour have overwhelmingly praised the tour, awarding it an impressive 4.6/5 overall rating based on 125 reviews. The tour’s experienced driver-guides received glowing reviews, with a 4.8/5 rating, as did the transportation, which also scored 4.8/5. While value for money was rated 4.5/5, some customers noted concerns about the bus air conditioning. The tour’s highlights, including the scenic ferry ride, sightseeing in Victoria, and exploring the beautiful Butchart Gardens, were widely praised. Many customers recommended extending their stay in Victoria to further discover the city’s charms.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.6/5
Guide	4.8/5
Transportation	4.8/5
Value for Money	4.5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Used Between Locations?

The tour utilizes a variety of transportation methods, including bus/coach, ferry, and walking. Travelers will take a bus/coach for the longer journeys, a ferry across the Strait of Georgia, and guided walking tours at the destinations.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be ideal for those with significant mobility issues, as it involves extended walking, boarding and disembarking buses and ferries. However, the tour provider may accommodate guests with limited mobility on request. Guests should inquire about accessibility options.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional activities, though this may require booking a private tour. Customers should inquire with the tour operator about options and any additional costs for customizations.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Options?

The tour does not include any pre-planned meals. However, guests can explore the variety of dining options in Victoria during the free time. Special meal requests or dietary restrictions should be communicated with the tour operator in advance.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility and allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence.

Recap

The tour from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens and Victoria offers a captivating journey through British Columbia’s natural beauty and charm.

Guests can enjoy scenic ferry rides, guided sightseeing, and ample free time to explore the vibrant Chinatown and downtown areas.

The highlight of the tour is the 105-minute visit to the stunning 55-acre Butchart Gardens, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant floral displays.

This comprehensive excursion promises a memorable experience for all participants.

You can check if your dates are available here: