Top Vancouver Island Art & Culture

See the beauty of Victoria up close on a walking tour that combines passionately researched history and culture. This tip-based tour lets you decide the worth of your journey as you stroll through Victoria's enchanting neighborhoods and visit its iconic landmarks. Learn something new about the city whether you're new to Victoria or a returning visitor. Note that gratuities are not included and are paid directly to the guides.

Cruise the Salish Sea in comfort while you search for whales, seals, bald eagles, and otters on this half-day guided tour. This whale-watching experience is led by a certified naturalist, eager to share their knowledge on the area’s wildlife and natural history. If no whales are sighted—no worries! You can return for free.

The Canadian city of Victoria has a rich British colonial history dating back to the Victorian era, evident in its striking architecture and historic landmarks. Explore the city in style by traditional horse-drawn carriage, and take in sites of interest such as James Bay— one of Vancouver Island's oldest neighborhoods. As your horse clops along, enjoy fine views over Victoria to the Olympic Mountain range beyond.

You might not guess from its pretty gardens and charming streets, but the city of Victoria is full of ghosts—or at the very least, spooky ghost stories. On this after-dark tour, see a new side of the city when you follow your guide through some of the most haunted spots in town, hearing the creepy and macabre tales from Victoria’s past as you go.

Get a closer look at Canada’s marine wildlife on this whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat—a luxurious, spacious catamaran—and set sail. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to commentary from marine naturalists on board, and look out for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.

This tour is self guided by way of the On This Spot app. Take your own then/now photos with our camera feature and learn about the history of Ucluelet.

On This Spot takes people on guided walking tours through the history that surrounds them. Our unique then-and-now photos ignite people’s curiosity, while comprehensive walking tours examine a limitless range of historical themes. On This Spot makes history engaging, educational, and accessible to anyone with a mobile device. Join us for a guided tour of Victoria's most historic sights. In this tour, you will discover Victoria's rich history of multiculturalism, and learn about some of the different peoples that called Victoria home and what their lives were like. You will also learn about some of the challenges many of these groups faced--and continue to face--in achieving equality and acceptance in Victoria's society.

Your journey begins in the picturesque Inner Harbour as you board your premium vehicle with black tie driver-guide, and discover some of Victoria’s most notable attractions. Drive through the city's beautiful Beacon Hill Park admiring the local foliage and peacocks and enjoy a fully narrated tour of the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site spread over 55 acres. Here, amidst an enchanting floral aroma, enjoy a 2-hour self-guided tour. Take a stroll through various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Sunken Garden. Then, continue back to the city, past Old Town and through the Gates of Harmonious Interest into historic Chinatown, the second oldest in North America. Your tour concludes back in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, next to the iconic Empress Hotel and British Columbia Legislative Buildings.

Guaranteed the most fun and memorable part of your trip—or your money back. Locally run with a small team of friendly and local guides. delivering personal, fun, safe and unforgettable experiences— Not high volume pedicab tours.

Swap the crowds of big whale-watching tours for a more intimate experience. This small-group whale-watching adventure from Telegraph Cove takes you out onto the waters of Johnstone Strait in a Zodiac-style vessel where you'll have the chance to see whales, seals, sea lions, maybe some otters, dolphins, and eagles too.

Butchart Gardens is one of Victoria's most popular attractions—but if you don't have your own transit, getting there from the city center can be tricky. Instead, make logistics simple with this round-trip shuttle service. With multiple daily departure times and transit from a central meeting point, you can leave the logistics to someone else—and save more time for a self-led, sweet-smelling stroll through the 55-acre (22.2-hectare) garden (admission own expense).

Spot native marine wildlife in British Columbia’s waters—and enjoy a more personalized travel experience—on a small-group whale-watching tour from Victoria. Grab an all-weather flotation suit, hop aboard your open-top Zodiac boat in Victoria Harbour, and set off. Your vessel is built for stability, and remains buoyant even in rough seas. As you go, watch for humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, and soak up the dramatic scenery.

What truly sets this tour apart is its unparalleled blend of exclusivity and convenience. Enjoy a private, 5-hour personalized journey through the breathtaking Butchart and enchanting Butterfly Gardens, moving entirely at your own pace. Your experience is elevated by a professional licensed guide dedicated solely to you, offering rich insights and stories you won't get on a group tour. With all entrance fees covered and seamless door-to-door pickup and drop-off, every detail is meticulously handled, ensuring a completely stress-free and uniquely intimate exploration from start to finish.

Experience Victoria’s storied history with this 2-hour walking tour through the city’s most popular and bustling tourist spots. Marvel at the unique architectural style of the Empress Hotel and BC Legislative Building in the Inner Harbour, before walking Bastion Square’s iconic cobblestone streets, and discovering the fusion style of Market Square and Chinatown’s vibrant and history-rich neighborhoods.

Travelers interested in history will enjoy touring Victoria in style on a 75-minute horse and carriage tour. Your guide will tell you all about Victoria’s history and how the “garden city” became the capital of British Columbia. Enjoy the views as you are pulled through the Old Town, Chinatown, the Inner Harbour, and elsewhere. Kids especially will love the horses.

Discover the heart of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, as you embark on a self-guided walking tour through the city. Download the app on your phone and walk around town to hear about the story of the city, from its Indigenous routes to the Victorian era to the present day. Sights you see include the Inner Harbor, the Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Chinatown.

Spin through downtown Victoria on two wheels and discover top city attractions with ease on this Victoria castles and neighborhoods bike tour. Hop onto your bike and follow your guide through the city streets. Learn more about Victoria’s colorful past than you would on your own as you cycle past its historic buildings, and explore districts including the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, Chinatown, and more.

Explore in comfort! Our wheelchair-accessible vehicle seats 1 wheelchair user + 4 guests, or up to 6 guests without a wheelchair, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who brings Victoria’s history and culture to life. Designed for those who want to make the most of their time, our 4hr Butchart Gardens & City Wheelchair Accessible Private Tour ensures a seamless and personalized experience. Your journey takes you to the iconic Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site renowned for its stunning floral displays, themed gardens, and tranquil ambiance. This vibrant attraction is a must-see, offering endless photo opportunities. Then, take in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, historic Chinatown, the narrow and storied Fan Tan Alley, and vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf with its colourful floating homes and seaside eateries. Enjoy a relaxed pace, photo stops, and local insights as you explore the city’s charm, culture, and coastal beauty on this personalized, small-group private tour.

Weave your way along Victoria’s picturesque streets by bicycle as you learn about the history of British Columbia’s charming capital on this 2.5 hour tour. Explore neighborhoods like Fernwood, Chinatown and Cook Street Village; cruise along bike paths through parks such as Beacon Hill and Ross Bay; and pass by the glistening waters of the buzzing Inner Harbour. See Craigdarroch Castle, one of the tallest totem poles in the world and Victoria’s famous breathtaking architecture. This ride will show you why Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly and most livable cities in Canada.

Discover the beauty of Victoria BC with our 4hr Butchart Gardens & City Private Tour, a perfectly curated experience blending lush gardens and city highlights. With options of private tours for up to 4 people, 6 people or our minibus that can seat up to 19 passengers! Wheelchair accessible options too! The iconic Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site renowned for its stunning floral displays, themed gardens, and tranquil ambiance. This vibrant attraction is a must-see, offering endless photo opportunities. Next, explore Victoria's city highlights, including the picturesque Inner Harbour, where historic architecture meets a lively atmosphere. Stroll through vibrant Chinatown and its famous Fan Tan Alley, and take in the charm of Fisherman’s Wharf with its colourful floating homes. Our tour ensures a seamless and personalized experience. Travel in comfort with private transportation and a knowledgeable guide who brings Victoria’s history and culture to life.

Experience the most comprehensive Indigenous and wilderness tours we offer. You’ll journey through the majestic Salish Sea to a historic Homalco First Nation village site, then view grizzly bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. Learn about our peoples’ rich history and how we’ve lived alongside these majestic creatures for millennia. This deluxe wilderness and Indigenous cultural tour will lead you through Aupe, an uninhabited Homalco village site, giving you unique insights into the ways of our peoples. From there, you’ll journey through the Bute Inlet, one of British Columbia’s most epic whale-watching stretches, to Orford Bay for a picnic lunch surrounded by a spectacular mountain vista. Our experienced guides will lead you on a land-based search for grizzly bears, elk and eagles along salmon-bearing rivers.

Explore quaint Victoria on this guided walking tour with a local historian. Along the way, take in picturesque views of the city’s Inner Harbour and wander the streets, alleyways, and town squares of Old Town, Bastion Square, and Chinatown, while learning about Victoria's history. Plus, hear about its past scandals like opium smuggling.

See the best of the city of Victoria—and even visit the famous Butchart Gardens—on this time-saving, half-day tour. With just your private guide for company, travel with ease aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Have time to soak up the beauty of Butchart Gardens, stroll Victoria’s Chinatown and Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf, and more.