Top Vancouver Island How to Get Around

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

We're thrilled to partner with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to bring you a wonderful 45 minute cruise on our brand new sightseeing boat that was built in Canada! We cruise through Victoria's Inner Harbour, past Fisherman's Wharf and out to the cruise ship terminal. We then loop around and take you under the Johnson Street bridge and into the Gorge, before heading back to dock. You'll see and learn about many of Victoria's sights and landmarks with live commentary from our local tour guides. Victoria has a rich history and even if you're a local you're sure to learn something new. You're in safe hands with our Transport Canada certified captains and crew members. Enjoy snacks and drinks from your bar and make use of your washroom if the need arises. We've been running popular sightseeing boat tours in Vancouver for a few years and we're excited to expand our offering to Victoria. Customer service is always your top priority.

Experience the tour that Victoria has been crying out for! We're thrilled to partner with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to bring you a wonderful 75 minute cruise on our brand new sightseeing boat that was built in Canada! We cruise through Victoria's Inner Harbour, out past the cruise ships and along the coastline towards Fisgard lighthouse. You'll see and learn about many of Victoria's sights and landmarks with live commentary from local tour guides. Look out for seals on the Brothers Islands and if you're lucky you may see orcas that are often in the area. Victoria has a rich history and even if you're a local you're sure to learn something new. You're in safe hands with our Transport Canada certified captains and crew members. Enjoy snacks and drinks from the bar and make use of your washroom if the need arises. We' run popular sightseeing boat tours in Vancouver and we're excited to expand your offering to Victoria. Customer service is always your top priority.

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.

Explore the charming streets of Victoria, BC, on an exhilarating pedicab tour that takes you through iconic areas like Chinatown at night and Beacon Hill Park. Each tour is tailored to your personal interests, ensuring a unique experience filled with fun and adventure. Your knowledgeable guides not only navigate the city but also capture your memories with photos and videos, making it easy to share your journey. With daily tours available, pick-up and drop-off at your desired location, and special discounts for seniors and children, everyone can enjoy the sights of this vibrant city. - Tailored pedicab tours through Victoria's top attractions - Visit lively Chinatown and picturesque Fisherman's Wharf - Guides capture photos and videos of your adventure - Daily tours with pick-up/drop-off at your location

Enjoy round-trip travel from Vancouver to Victoria, and discover top attractions in British Columbia on this Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip from Victoria. Take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and enjoy fine views over the beautiful Gulf Islands. Dock in Swartz Bay, and visit the famous Butchart Gardens, exploring the grounds at your leisure. Then, enjoy free time to explore the city, perhaps walking through Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, before returning to Vancouver by ferry.

Get a new perspective on Victoria’s beautiful, bustling harbor on a guided kayak tour. Glide through the historic waterways in a state-of-the-art sea kayak, soaking up fantastic views of where Victoria’s stately skyline meets the harbor’s wild aquatic landscape. As you paddle, join the local traffic of seaplane, ferries and whale-watching boats, and keep an eye out for native wildlife like river otters and harbor seals.

Immerse yourself in some of British Columbia’s s most spectacular seascapes—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this small-group, half-day Ucluelet Harbour kayaking tour. Pick from several convenient start times, meet your guide on the waterfront, and get acquainted with your gear. Then, set off on the water. You’ll learn about the region’s history and biodiversity, look out for wildlife like bears and eagles, and otherwise soak up the scenery.

Avoid the tourist traps—and visit the beloved independent food businesses that locals love—on this small-group walking tour of downtown Victoria. With expertise from your gourmet guide, you'll visit some of the best eateries in the area, sampling enough bites and samples to add up to a generous lunch. As you go, chat with shop owners and chefs to gain insight into Victoria’s thriving culinary scene.

Escape the crowds and cap off your day in Victoria with a relaxing sunset and whale watching catamaran cruise. Without the daytime water traffic, you enjoy a less cluttered and more intimate view of the whales. Listen to dynamic commentary as you keep your eyes peeled for the aquatic mammals. The luxury boat comes with all the modern comforts, plus courtesy jackets, blankets, and gloves to keep you warm on cooler evenings.

Our special Halloween walking tour explores Victoria's darkest past. Every year, we change our Halloween route and add new stories that we don't get a chance to tell on our regular walks. Join us for gruesome tales of murder, mayhem and ghosts on the streets and alleys of Victoria's Old Town.

Soar through the air like an eagle in flight on this zipline adventure! Just a half hour from central Victoria, this Vancouver Island zipline park features eight different ziplines that span more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). Your small group will also go on a 10-minute ATV ride and you'll traverse two suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Two tour guides accompany you on this two-hour tour; they'll share insight about the environment and answer any questions to ensure a safe, fun and exhilarating experience in the British Columbia temperate rainforest.

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.

While most cities have food tours and themed pub crawls, few allow you to travel between venues in style on a harbor ferry. Admire Victoria’s scenic skyline on this small-group culinary adventure across the city’s waterways. Explore the Inner Harbour's Empress Hotel and Parliament Building before hopping on a ferry to enjoy live music at Bastion Square. Plus, enjoy complimentary snacks along with local drinks you can purchase at each stop.

Explore the beautifully historic center of Victoria, then trade downtown streets for the flower-lined paths of Butchart Gardens (entry own expense) on a half-day, private tour of the city. You'll start with a trip to Fisherman's Wharf, then see the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, and Craigdarroch Castle, following scenic roads through the Vancouver Island countryside. With departures throughout the day, this tour ensures a flexible, personal experience.

Travelling to The Butchart Gardens this holiday season? We’ve got you covered! Join Sightseeing Victoria for your fully narrated round-trip transportation between Downtown Victoria, and The Butchart Gardens. Celebrate the season with thousands of twinkling lights, festive greenery, traditional carollers, there is no shortage of seasonal sounds and Christmas magic at The Gardens!

Share the waters with whales, orcas, and more on a wildlife watching tour. In addition to animal sightings, the aquatic adventure also offers great views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, plus the Howe Sound. Stay warm inside the cabin, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Your ticket comes with a whale sighting guarantee, with a free tour should you not spot any whales.