Victoria: Butchart Gardens and City Tour

Discover the captivating allure of Victoria’s Butchart Gardens on this comprehensive tour. Explore the stunning floral displays that transform with the seasons, showcasing nature’s splendor in breathtaking hues. Complemented by visits to the city’s iconic landmarks, this self-guided experience offers a well-rounded immersion into the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Accessible transportation and thoughtful amenities ensure a comfortable and inclusive journey for all guests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be enchanted as you delve deeper into the wonders that await.

Key Points

• Private electric car transportation to Butchart Gardens, a renowned National Historic Site showcasing seasonal floral displays.
• Self-guided exploration of Butchart Gardens with an optional 1.5-hour tour, along with potential city photo stops.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off locations, including access for cruise ship, plane, and ferry arrivals.
• Accessibility features such as wheelchair options and child car seats to cater to diverse needs.
• Included amenities like bottled water, umbrellas, and snacks to enhance the overall tour experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For the Victoria: Butchart Gardens and City Tour, the package price starts from £323.29 per group, which can accommodate up to 7 participants.

This 4-hour tour allows for a self-guided exploration of the renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site and Victoria’s top attraction.

Transportation to and from the gardens is provided via electric car, with an optional visit to Chinatown, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the BC Parliament Buildings, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair options and child car seats, are available with advance notice.

Itinerary Highlights

The main attraction of this tour is the renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site and Victoria’s top tourist destination, welcoming over 1 million visitors annually.

Guests will enjoy an electric car ride to the gardens, where they’ll have 1.5 hours for a self-guided tour.

The tour also includes optional photo stops and guided tours of Chinatown, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

With five convenient pickup and drop-off locations, this comprehensive tour offers a great way to experience Victoria’s top sights in just 4 hours.

Transportation and Accessibility

Private EV transportation is provided for this tour. The vehicles used are wheelchair accessible, accommodating those with mobility needs.

However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with severe impairments, wheelchair users, or those under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm) or over 254 lbs (115 kg).

Child car seats are available for a fee with advance notice, and booster seats are provided at no charge for children over 40 lbs and under 4’9".

The tour emphasizes accessibility, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.

Included Amenities

This tour provides a variety of included amenities to enhance the overall experience. Guests can enjoy bottled water, umbrellas, and small snacks like mints, gum, and mini chocolate bars.

The option to add Butchart Gardens admission at checkout is available, though if not pre-purchased, guests will need to pay the admission fee at the garden’s entrance.

The tour is designed to cater to the comfort and needs of participants, ensuring they’ve access to essential items and can focus on seeing the beauty of Butchart Gardens and the sights of Victoria.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for this tour.

Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather by checking the forecast before the excursion.

Photography is permitted, but drones and selfie sticks are prohibited.

The extensive walking throughout the gardens necessitates comfortable footwear.

While smoking isn’t allowed, visitors are free to explore the grounds and capture stunning floral displays that vary by season.

The tour is suitable for all ages, though individuals with mobility impairments or weight restrictions may encounter limitations.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and hat
• Camera for photography
• Check weather forecast before tour
• No smoking or drones/selfie sticks allowed

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers five convenient pickup and drop-off locations to accommodate visitors – Ogden Point Terminal (Pier A & B), Victoria International Airport, and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

This makes it easy for guests to join the tour from various arrival points in the Victoria area. Whether you’re coming in by cruise ship, plane, or ferry, you can easily access the tour and be transported to the must-see Butchart Gardens.

The diverse range of pickup and drop-off points ensures a seamless and accessible experience for all participants, allowing them to focus on enjoying the highlights of this scenic Victoria tour.

Floral Displays by Season

Butchart Gardens boasts an ever-changing array of floral displays that captivate visitors throughout the year.

From vibrant spring tulips to fragrant summer roses, and the warm hues of autumn foliage, the gardens offer a diverse and visually stunning experience:

• Early spring showcases cherry blossoms, daffodils, and hyacinths.

• Summer months bring an explosion of colorful annuals, perennials, and shrubs.

• In autumn, the gardens transform with a riot of reds, oranges, and golds.

• Winter brings a more serene beauty, with evergreens, berries, and seasonal plantings.

Each season offers a unique and enchanting perspective, making Butchart Gardens a year-round delight.

Additional Information

Visitors have the option to add Butchart Gardens admission tickets at checkout, though they can also purchase them directly at the garden’s entrance.

Private electric vehicle transportation is provided, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. However, it isn’t suitable for individuals with severe mobility impairments or those outside the weight and height limits.

Child car seats are available for a fee with advance notice, and booster seats are provided at no charge for children over 40 lbs and under 4’9".

Bottled water, umbrellas, and small snacks are included. Guests are advised to dress appropriately, refrain from smoking, and avoid touching the plants while enjoying the year-round floral displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator states that it is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those outside the specified height and weight limits.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. While child car seats are available, the tour is not recommended for those under 3 ft 3 in or over 254 lbs, which would exclude most young children.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The standard tour is 4 hours long and includes transportation to and from Butchart Gardens, as well as self-guided time in the gardens and optional photo stops in Victoria.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks and Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, additional snacks and drinks can be purchased during the tour. The tour includes complimentary bottled water, mints, gum, and mini chocolate bars, but participants can buy more if desired at their own expense.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

There are no discounts mentioned for seniors or students on this tour. The tour pricing is a flat rate per group, regardless of the ages or student status of participants.

Recap

This self-guided tour of Butchart Gardens and Victoria’s landmarks offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s natural beauty and historic sights. With convenient transportation, accessibility features, and complimentary amenities, the tour caters to all guests, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to experience the breathtaking landscapes of this National Historic Site across the changing seasons.

You can check if your dates are available here: