Vancouver: Butchart Gardens and Victoria City Tour

Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm, and this full-day tour captures it all. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the chance to explore world-famous gardens and the historic city center makes for an enriching experience. We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, it promises a well-organized, scenic, and insightful day.

Two things we love about this experience are the scenic ferry ride across Georgia Strait, which sets the tone for the day with its water views, and the flexibility to explore Victoria at your own pace during the free time. A possible consideration? The schedule is quite tight—if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to linger longer at any spot, this might feel hurried.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day trip that balances iconic sights with a taste of local life—ideal for first-time visitors, nature lovers, or those short on time but eager to see Vancouver Island’s highlights.

Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip with ferry rides, entrance fees, and hotel pickup
• Highlights include Butchart Gardens, Victoria’s Inner Harbor, and key landmarks like the Empress Hotel
• Flexible free time allows you to explore Victoria at your own pace
• Scenic ferry ride offers fantastic views of Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island
• Tour duration of about 12 hours makes for a full, yet manageable, day
• Private group experience ensures a more personalized atmosphere
• Cost reflects a comprehensive package—value when considering the transportation, entry fees, and guided elements

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Vancouver: Butchart Gardens and Victoria City Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour kicks off early in the morning with a hotel pickup in Vancouver around 8:15 am. From there, you’ll enjoy a roughly 45-minute drive to the ferry terminal—a comfortable start that gets you out of the city and into the scenic landscapes of British Columbia. The highlight of the morning is the ferry ride across Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

During the ferry crossing, you’ll likely be captivated by the views of the water, mountains, and possibly wildlife—an experience that feels more like a voyage than just transportation. Many reviews praise the ferry as “scenic” and “the perfect way to start the day,” with travelers appreciating the chance to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Butchart Gardens: A Floral Wonderland

Arriving at Butchart Gardens around noon, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore. This world-renowned garden is a feast for the eyes, with its meticulously maintained displays like the Sunken Garden and the Rose Garden. The Sunken Garden is a favorite, offering a lush, peaceful setting that’s perfect for photographs. We love how the gardens are designed for strolling, with plenty of benches and viewpoints.

Reviewers often mention the gardens’ stunning views and immaculate layout, making it worthwhile to take your time here. Even in a brief visit, you’ll get a sense of why the gardens are famous worldwide. Be sure to bring your camera—every corner offers a perfect shot.

Exploring Victoria: The City’s Top Sights

Post-gardens, the tour departs for Victoria’s city center, arriving around 2 pm. You’ll have about 2.5 hours of free time—enough to enjoy lunch and wander at your own pace. Many travelers choose to stroll along the Inner Harbor, which is often described as charming and lively, especially around the historic Empress Hotel.

Other highlights include the Parliament Buildings, which are impressive, and Chinatown’s Fan Tan Alley, known for its narrow, colorful lanes filled with shops and cafes. The flexible schedule allows you to see what interests you most, whether that’s browsing shops, taking photos, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere.

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Return Journey: Scenic and Smooth

Around 4:30 pm, the group departs Victoria to catch the ferry back to Vancouver. Expect to be back at your hotel around 8:30 pm, completing a full but rewarding day. The ferry ride back offers the same scenic water views, and many reviewers say it’s a great way to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

Transportation and Group Size

This tour is operated by Exclusive Tours International, which boasts a rating of 5 stars. The transportation involves a comfortable bus for the drive to and from the ferry and a ferry ride across Georgia Strait. The group is private, meaning you’ll travel with a small, exclusive group—ideal for more personalized attention and easier navigation through busy spots.

The timing and schedule are carefully planned, but they are subject to change due to ferry availability or weather conditions, so flexibility is a must. The tour is designed to be efficient, allowing you to see the highlights without feeling rushed, but those looking for an unhurried, leisurely exploration might find the schedule somewhat tight.

Cost and Value

At $1,312 per group (up to 2 people), the price might seem hefty at first glance. However, it covers ferry rides, entrance fees to Butchart Gardens, transportation, and guided commentary. Considering the cost of individual tickets, ferry fares, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, many find it offers good value for the convenience and access it provides.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes all transportation, ferry rides, and garden admission, with free time to explore Victoria on your own. To make the most of it, bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, snacks, water, and some cash or a credit card for optional purchases or tips.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive day trip, nature lovers eager to see the gardens, or travelers who appreciate scenic ferry rides and city exploration. It’s less suited for travelers with mobility impairments, given the walking involved and schedule constraints.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded way to experience Victoria’s beauty and charm in a single day. The scenic ferry ride provides a memorable start and end to your journey, and the visit to Butchart Gardens is a highlight in itself, offering stunning floral displays and tranquil surroundings. The free time in Victoria allows you to tailor your experience—whether you want to take photos, enjoy a meal, or simply soak in the scenery.

For those who value organized, all-inclusive trips with hotel pickup, this tour minimizes hassle while maximizing sightseeing. The private group setting enhances the overall experience, making it more intimate and flexible.

While it’s a full day, it’s manageable and packed with highlights—ideal for those who want to see the best of Victoria without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 8:15 am from your Vancouver hotel, giving you plenty of time to begin the day.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers ferry rides to and from Vancouver Island, admission to Butchart Gardens, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, offering scenic water views that many travelers enjoy.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?
You’ll have about 2.5 hours to explore the city, which is enough for a quick walk around the Inner Harbor, a visit to key landmarks, or a sit-down meal.

Is there a guide during the free time?
The tour features a live English-speaking guide during transportation and guided commentary, but during free time, you’re on your own to explore.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, camera, snacks, water, and some cash or credit card for optional purchases or tips.

Can the schedule change?
Yes, due to ferry availability and weather conditions. The itinerary is designed to be flexible, so slight adjustments might occur.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best suited for those able to walk and stand for a while. It’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case plans change unexpectedly.

This Vancouver: Butchart Gardens and Victoria City Tour balances convenience, scenic beauty, and cultural highlights—perfect for making a memorable day with minimal fuss. Whether you’re tickling your botanical interests or simply enjoy exploring new cities, this trip delivers on many fronts.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby