Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

Exploring the natural beauty and rich history of Vancouver’s surrounding regions is an opportunity not to be missed. This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors from the bustling city to the serene landscapes of Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and the renowned Butchart Gardens. With a thoughtfully curated itinerary and seamless transportation, this excursion promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas, vibrant gardens, or a glimpse into the region’s past, this tour is poised to exceed expectations and leave you eager to uncover more of what this remarkable destination has to offer.

Key Points

• Explore Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and the renowned Butchart Gardens on a comprehensive 13-hour tour from downtown Vancouver.
• Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to and from Vancouver Island, with opportunities to spot marine life along the way.
• Spend 2 hours self-exploring the 50-acre Butchart Gardens, featuring over 900 plant varieties.
• Experience the charm of historic downtown Victoria with 1.5 hours of free time for shopping and dining.
• Benefit from a seamless tour experience, with roundtrip transportation, garden admission, and a flexible cancellation policy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 13-hour Vancouver tour offers an opportunity to explore the scenic Victoria, Gulf Islands, and the renowned Butchart Gardens.

Priced from $180.10 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation via bus and BC ferry. The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Participants can choose from several convenient pickup locations around downtown Vancouver. The itinerary features a scenic ferry ride, a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens, and free time to discover historic downtown Victoria.

With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 460 reviews, this tour promises an immersive and memorable experience in British Columbia’s top destinations.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver to the ferry terminal, where participants embark on a 95-minute BC Ferry ride to Vancouver Island.

Upon arrival, travelers are free to explore the immaculately landscaped Butchart Gardens for 2 hours at their own pace.

Afterwards, the group enjoys 1.5 hours of unstructured time in downtown Victoria to visit landmarks, shop, or dine.

The return journey follows the same route, with another 95-minute ferry ride back to Vancouver.

Throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to spot marine life, including orcas, from the ferries.

Pickup Locations

The tour begins with pickup from several downtown Vancouver locations, including the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront, Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown, and Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown.

Guests are conveniently picked up from these central hotels before embarking on the day’s journey. The pickup process is smooth and efficient, allowing the tour to depart on time.

This ensures that travelers can make the most of their day exploring the stunning sights and attractions on the itinerary. With pickup from these prime Vancouver locations, the tour provides a seamless start to a memorable day of sightseeing and adventure.

Tour Components

Embarking on the journey, guests embark on a scenic drive from Vancouver to the ferry terminal, which sets the stage for the day’s explorations.

After a 95-minute BC Ferry ride to Vancouver Island, they’ll visit the renowned Butchart Gardens for two hours of self-guided discovery. This National Historic Site boasts over 900 varieties of plants across its 50-acre expanse.

Following the garden tour, guests will enjoy 1.5 hours of free time in downtown Victoria, where they can explore the city’s historic architecture and stroll through Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

The return ferry ride offers more opportunities to spot marine life before the group heads back to Vancouver.

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Highlights and Experiences

Travelers can explore Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site with over 900 varieties of plants across 50 acres, during the self-guided portion of the tour.

Guests will also have the opportunity to discover Victoria’s historic architecture, including the Empress Hotel and Royal BC Museum, and stroll through Canada’s oldest Chinatown while enjoying free time in the city’s downtown.

The scenic ferry rides offer the chance to spot marine life, with possible sightings of orcas.

This immersive experience allows visitors to:

• Admire the lush gardens and floral displays at Butchart Gardens

• Explore Victoria’s charming downtown and historic landmarks

• Enjoy breathtaking views during the ferry crossings between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

Transportation and Inclusions

Roundtrip bus and BC ferry fares are included in the tour price, providing convenient transportation between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Butchart Gardens admission is also covered, allowing guests to fully explore the expansive floral displays without additional costs.

However, meals and tips aren’t included, so you will need to budget accordingly for those expenses.

The comprehensive tour package ensures a seamless experience, with all the major components taken care of upfront.

Travelers can focus on enjoying the scenic drive, ferry rides, and time in Victoria and the gardens without worrying about managing multiple bookings or entry fees.

This well-rounded offering allows visitors to make the most of their day-long excursion.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

With a wealth of positive reviews, the tour has garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 460 travelers. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who earned a near-perfect 4.9 rating.

The transportation services were also highly praised, with a 4.8 rating for the bus and ferry arrangements. Plus, customers noted the tour’s strong organizational skills and efficiency, awarding a 4.5 rating in this area.

Key highlights from the reviews include:

• Overwhelmingly positive experiences exploring Butchart Gardens and the scenic ferry rides.

• Desire for more time to fully experience the beauty of Butchart Gardens.

• Appreciation for the convenient pickup locations and smooth logistics.

Booking Information

For this tour, travelers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, allowing them to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

The tour is priced from $180.10 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing booking flexibility.

The tour includes roundtrip bus and BC ferry fares, as well as entry to the Butchart Gardens. However, food and tips aren’t included.

With a 4.6/5 overall rating based on 460 reviews, this tour offers a well-organized and enjoyable experience exploring Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and the renowned Butchart Gardens outside of Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour’s website does not mention any senior or child discounts. However, it’s best to check directly with the tour provider, as they may offer discounts that aren’t listed online. The price quoted is per person, so it’s unclear if there are any reduced rates.

Are There Any Language Options for the Tour?

The tour offers multi-lingual options, with English-speaking guides available. Plus, the company provides audio guides in various languages to enhance the experience for customers who don’t speak English as their first language.

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

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. Passengers are welcome to pack snacks and beverages to enjoy during the ferry ride and free time in Victoria. However, meals are not included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Extend My Time at Butchart Gardens?

Yes, you can extend your time at Butchart Gardens. Many tour providers offer the option to add extra time at the gardens, allowing visitors to explore the 55-acre landscape at a more leisurely pace. This can be booked as an add-on to the standard tour.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour provides good accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It offers wheelchair-friendly transportation, and Butchart Gardens has paved paths and mobility assistance available. However, some areas may have limited accessibility, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.

Recap

This comprehensive tour from Vancouver offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and the renowned Butchart Gardens.

With roundtrip transportation, a scenic ferry ride, and ample time for self-guided exploration, this experience promises breathtaking views and unforgettable memories amidst the region’s captivating landscapes and cultural landmarks.

You can check if your dates are available here: