Top Vancouver Island Culture

Get a history lesson mixed with food as you wander around Old Town and Chinatown on this walking tour. Explore historic areas of the city, which started out as a fur trading outpost, as you taste the local cuisine. Plus, Victoria boasts one of the oldest Chinatown sections in North America. Sample an eclectic mix of cuisine that ranges from Thai dumplings to Mexican tacos, craft beer, and more.

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.

Take to the skies on a short seaplane adventure over Victoria and its stunning surroundings, including the Inner Harbour, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, shimmering inlets, and landmarks as you soar above southern Vancouver Island. With thrilling water take-offs and landings, this small-group experience offers an unforgettable introduction to seaplane aviation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the essence of Victoria on this engaging 2–2.5 hour walking tour. Stroll through iconic landmarks like the Inner Harbour, the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the BC Parliament Buildings while a knowledgeable local guide shares captivating stories of the city’s rich history—from Indigenous culture to the gold rush era. Wander through the colourful alleys of Chinatown and the vibrant streets of Old Town, all at a comfortable pace suitable for everyone. With an intimate group size and a thoughtfully designed route, this tour offers a meaningful and memorable introduction to Victoria. What to Expect 2–2.5 hour walking tour covering 2.5- 3 km Discover major sights including the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Old Town, and Chinatown Friendly, knowledgeable local guide Suitable for all walking abilities with a relaxed, easy route Private tours available upon request

Combine the very best of marine wildlife and First Nations culture with this immersive, hands-on adventure. Experience both a whale watching tour and a land-based cultural tour. Come aboard our new 12-passenger tour boat, which offers the option of Comfort Seating inside the cabin or Adventure Seating outside on the deck. As the only indigenous-owned cultural and wildlife tour on the Campbell River, we guarantee an authentic and immersive experience. Thank you for choosing us, "ʔiymot" (it is good).

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).

Experience Victoria your way on a fully private tour designed exclusively for your group. No crowded buses, no strangers. Just personalized service, private transportation, and a dedicated local guide focused entirely on you. This 4 hour private experience combines the world famous Butchart Gardens with Victoria’s most iconic sights. Explore the stunning floral displays and peaceful pathways of this National Historic Site before discovering the charm of downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, historic Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, and colourful Fisherman’s Wharf. Choose the perfect private vehicle for your group with options for up to 4 guests, 6 guests, or 19 passengers in our private minibus. Wheelchair accessible options available. Enjoy live guided narration, local stories, flexible stops, and the comfort of private transportation throughout your tour. Perfect for families, couples, cruise guests, and small groups seeking a more personal Victoria experience.

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.

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.

There’s so much to see in Victoria on Vancouver Island that it can be tough to know where to start. This private city highlights tour includes hotel pickup and private transportation between stops, letting you focus on enjoying the experience with a curated itinerary of the best Victoria has to offer.

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.

Take in the sunset at sea on this evening whale watching tour. Cruise the Salish Sea while learning about the marine wildlife of the region from your certified naturalist guide. This tour takes you in search of whales and other wildlife while the sun sets over the waves—with whales guaranteed, otherwise you come back for free!

Explore Victoria's history and culinary scene on this two-in-one, small-group walking tour of the British Columbian capital. Follow a guide to highlights such as the Parliament Buildings, the Inner Harbor, Fan Tan Alley, the Harmonious Gates of Interest, and the Victoria Public Market. Along the way, stop for food tastings of local products.

Surrounded by rich coastal waters and fertile soils, Victoria is a foodie’s dream destination—with traditional Canadian dishes and speciality treats the locals love. On this tour, delve into Victoria’s culinary scene and visit top food stops including the Fairmont Empress hotel, Fisherman's Wharf, Government Street, and the Inner Harbour. With your guide shining a light on the city’s history and culture, sample diverse treats such as cocktails, pastries, seafood, and more.

Get some exercise while seeing the sights of Victoria Harbour with a private self-paced walking tour accessed via an audio app. Listen to your tour guide through your smartphone, going at your own pace and stopping and starting whenever you want. You’ll benefit from the structure of a guided tour without having to chase around a live tour guide or strain to hear through the crowds.

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.

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.

Enjoy beer tastings only available in Vancouver on a neighborhood culture crawl among the city's most interesting local breweries. Walk along "Brewery Creek" to visit the best places to experience local beer while you learn about the craft beer movement and how it has evolved locally. Both veteran beer connoisseurs and curious beer newbies are welcome to join as we seek our next favorite Vancouver brew.

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.