From Vancouver: Butchart Gardens, Victoria, & Gulf Islands Cruise
Description
Explore the stunning natural beauty of British Columbia's lush greenery and scenic coastline on this exciting tour to Victoria and the renowned Butchart Gardens. • Begin your tour with a 90-minute cruise aboard BC Ferries. • Explore the Inner Harbour of British Columbia's capital city of Victoria • Visit the breathtaking famous Butchart Gardens, 22 hectares (55 acres) of meticulously manicured beauty. • This is a full day tour including all transportation by dedicated coach. Enhance your experience with a complimentary downloadable walking tour of the picturesque Inner Harbour, showcasing historic architecture, waterfront scenery, and some of the city’s most iconic sights. We are celebrating 40 years of sharing our stunning cityscape, urban beaches, and coastal rainforests with our guests. Our expertly curated guided tours offer a special and safe experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Departure from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to board BC Ferries. Included is all transportation by coach.
Enjoy a 90-minute ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria. Sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales.
Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden and dancing fountain. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
The City of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. We allow ample free time in Victoria to explore.
Later in the afternoon, return to Vancouver onboard BC Ferries once again.
Return to downtown Vancouver (or surrounding area) this evening.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick-up is available from most downtown Vancouver hotels. If your hotel is not listed, please select the closest available location. Please be ready at your selected pick-up point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled tour departure time. We do not provide luggage transfer services, and drop-offs at Vancouver International Airport are not included in this tour. **Late arrivals may not be allowed to join the tour and will not receive a refund. **Important Pick-up Location Change On Global Soccer Match Game Days** June 13, June 18, June 21, June 24, June 26, July 2, July 7 Due to planned road closures on game days we cannot access hotels and there will be one pick-up/drop-off location at the Canada Place Welcome Kiosk (999 Canada Place Way)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests may activate ticket in Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff
- With 40+ years of experience, Westcoast Sightseeing is Vancouver’s most trusted tour operator
Reviews(2,910)
Great experience, Anthony was a fabulous tour guide and made the trip so enjoyable. Will definitely recommend this trip to everyone
Our driver and tour guide Ed was fantastic! Very professional, interesting story teller, and just very nice person. Thanks from the bottom of my heart
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that Ed made your tour so memorable with his professionalism, engaging storytelling, and warm personality. We will be sure to share your heartfelt kind words with him. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.
Too tiring and not worth spending 12 hours on this tour. We only had 1.5 hours at Butchart Gardens and 1.5 hours in downtown Victoria, with most of the time spent on transportation. The bus was also very old and uncomfortable, which made the experience less enjoyable.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations. Our Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour is designed as a full day experience, with the scenic ferry crossings and journey through Vancouver Island being an important part of the experience. We understand that some guests would prefer additional time at both Butchart Gardens and in downtown Victoria, and we appreciate your perspective. We also regret that you found the coach uncomfortable. Your comments have been shared with our team as we continually review both our fleet and the guest experience. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we appreciate your feedback.
The tour was great, as was Anthony, or guide and driver. Honestly though, I think westcoast need to move the pickup earlier. They're is lots of travel time, but the ferry waits for no one. We literally arrived AT the deadline to catch the ferry. If we had missed it. One of the two main Victoria locations would have lost an hour. An hour and 45 at butchart is enough to make a loop there, but if you want to do the gift shop or the delicious Gelato, you need to carefully watch your time and not dilly dally. Victoria also is tight. An hour and forty five there also. Another decision to make. Food vs the full empress, Chinatown, palace experience. If you want to grab drinks for happy hour there, Chinatown might be sacrificed. We grabbed a takeaway food bowl on government Street and had enough time to eat it at the bus back. The ferry does have food, etc, and normal captive audience prices. Also they're is no wifi/service on the ferry most of the time. Loved the tour, and the timing is a universal issue probably, unless you get picked up an hour (8ish) or 3 (7ish).
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Anthony helped make your day so memorable with his informative and entertaining commentary. We will be sure to share your kind words with him. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the itinerary. Our schedule is carefully planned around BC Ferries' sailing times, traffic conditions, and the distance travelled to maximize the time available at both Butchart Gardens and Victoria. We understand many guests would enjoy even more time to explore, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective as we continually review our tour experience. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
The tour was great, as was Anthony, or guide and driver. Honestly though, I think westcoast need to move the pickup earlier. They're is lots of travel time, but the ferry waits for no one. We literally arrived AT the deadline to catch the ferry. If we had missed it. One of the two main Victoria locations would have lost an hour. An hour and 45 at butchart is enough to make a loop there, but if you want to do the gift shop or the delicious Gelato, you need to carefully watch your time and not dilly dally. Victoria also is tight. An hour and forty five there also. Another decision to make. Food vs the full empress, Chinatown, palace experience. If you want to grab drinks for happy hour there, Chinatown might be sacrificed. We grabbed a takeaway food bowl on government Street and had enough time to eat it at the bus back. The ferry does have food, etc, and normal captive audience prices. Also they're is no wifi/service on the ferry most of the time. Loved the tour, and the timing is a universal issue probably, unless you get picked up an hour (8ish) or 3 (7ish).
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Anthony helped make your day so memorable with his guiding and driving. We will be sure to share your kind words with him. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the timing of the tour. Ferry schedules, traffic, and the distance travelled all play a role in the day's itinerary, and our schedule is carefully planned to maximize guests' time at each destination while ensuring we meet the ferry departures. We understand that many guests would love even more time at both Butchart Gardens and Victoria, and we appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.
We had a great time. Butchart Gardens was amazing! So many beautiful flowers in the sunken garden and the rose garden. Our bus driver was very knowledgeable and provided great stories along the way to all destinations. The ferry ride provided spectacular views, definitely a tour you do not want to miss!
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day exploring Butchart Gardens and the scenic ferry journey. The Sunken Garden and Rose Garden are truly spectacular, and we are so pleased they were highlights of your trip. It is also wonderful to know that your driver helped make the experience even more memorable with engaging stories and local knowledge. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.
A long but very enjoyable day. Interesting - the Butchart Gardens are outstanding, Victoria with plenty to see but unfortunately only limited time and a nice cruise through the islands. Excellent driver with lots of good advice and information. Comfortable transport. Well organised.
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day exploring Butchart Gardens, Victoria, and the scenic ferry journey through the Gulf Islands. It is also great to know that your driver helped make the experience even more enjoyable with helpful advice and informative commentary. We appreciate your feedback regarding the time in Victoria and are pleased to hear you found the tour well organized and comfortable. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.
What a wonderful way to experience Victoria! Butchart gardens was amazing, so much to take in there. We also had about 2 hours to explore Victoria. The ferry ride was interesting and we even saw some Orcas! Our bus driver and guide Anthony was very knowledgeable and gave us great insights to where we were. Good walking shoes a must, it's an all day trip!
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day exploring Victoria, Butchart Gardens, and even had the chance to spot orcas during the ferry crossing. It is great to know that Anthony's knowledge and local insights helped make the experience even more memorable. We will be sure to share your kind words with Anthony. Thank you for choosing Westcoast Sightseeing, and we truly appreciate your recommendation for future guests. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.
This is a positive review from someone who did not even do the tour. Our flight to Vancouver was cancelled so we were unable to make it. However, they were so easy to work with and communication was fabulous. I thought it was great they would pick us up at our hotel and the were very clear about how pick-up would work. I sent a message via Viator and let them know that we would not be at our hotel and they got right back to me with my options. I hope I get back to Vancouver soon so I can do this tour!!
Thank you for your thoughtful review. While we are sorry your flight cancellation prevented you from joining the tour, we are delighted to hear that our team was able to provide clear communication and make the process as easy as possible during an unexpected situation. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope you have the opportunity to visit Vancouver again soon. When you do, we would love to welcome you onboard a Westcoast Sightseeing tour.
I wanted to love Victoria, but honestly, it felt overrated. The entire experience was dampened by the logistics, getting in and out of the city was a major pain. The ferry trip was quite stressful, and driving through the city itself was a slow, congested experience with a confusing street layout. It’s a one-and-done for me.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that Victoria did not meet your expectations. Travel to and from the island does involve ferry schedules and city traffic, which can affect the overall experience, particularly during busy periods. We appreciate your comments and are glad you chose to tour with Westcoast Sightseeing. Feedback like yours helps set realistic expectations for future guests, and we thank you for sharing your experience.
