Victoria BC Ferry Mile Zero 1 Day City Tour from Vancouver

Exploring Vancouver to Victoria in a Day: An Honest Look at the Mile Zero City Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Vancouver to Victoria, this Victoria BC Ferry Mile Zero 1 Day City Tour might catch your eye. It promises a blend of scenic ferry rides, beautiful gardens, and iconic city sights—all packed into roughly 10 to 12 hours. We’ve checked the details, reviews, and logistics to help you decide whether this experience is worth your time and money.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary—it hits all the major highlights of Victoria, from its lush gardens to the historic Mile Zero monument. Plus, the ferry ride is a major highlight, offering a chance to see local wildlife and enjoy stunning views across the water. The guided aspect helps simplify navigation and enriches your experience with insights into Victoria’s history and culture.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind. The duration is long, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full days of sightseeing and don’t mind a tight schedule. Also, the cost at $181 per person isn’t cheap, but when you factor in ferry tickets, entry to the gardens, and guided commentary, it provides decent value—especially for those who want a well-organized day without the hassle of planning everything themselves.

This tour tends to suit adventurous travelers who appreciate guided experiences, those eager to see a lot in a single day, and anyone wanting to enjoy Victoria’s top spots with minimal planning. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely pace or travelling with very young kids, it might be worth considering other options.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines ferry, garden visit, and city tour in one package.
• Guided tour: Bilingual guides help you understand the sights and make the most of your day.
• Scenic ferry ride: Offers opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the water views.
• Visit major highlights: From Butchart Gardens to Chinatown, Mile Zero, and Victoria Inner Harbour.
• Long day, full schedule: Perfect for those who want a packed day of sightseeing.
• Good value for money: Includes ferry, gardens, and guided commentary, making it a convenient option.

The Full Breakdown: What to Expect on This Tour

Starting in Vancouver: The Ferry Ride

Your day kicks off with a 90-minute ferry ride across the Georgia Strait. The BC Ferry is the backbone of this trip—it’s modern, large, and often praised for its cleanliness and comfort. From reviews, many travelers appreciate the ferry’s size and the smooth sailing, which makes long water crossings more pleasant.

During the ride, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, such as seals or seabirds, which are often spotted along the route. The water views are a highlight in themselves—you’re treated to a panoramic spectacle of the rugged coastline and distant mountains.

Arriving at Swartz Bay Terminal

Once you reach Swartz Bay, your exploration of Victoria begins. The first stop is the Butchart Gardens, a sprawling, meticulously maintained collection of floral displays. As of the latest info, the gardens are usually open during the season, and visitors can expect to spend about an hour wandering through scenes of vibrant flowers, tranquil water features, and charming pathways.

Note: The gardens are temporarily closed from January 20, 2025, to February 2, 2025, so check the schedule before booking if your trip falls in this window. During this downtime, an alternative visit to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is available, which is also a popular spot.

Exploring Victoria’s Highlights

Next, you’ll head to Victoria’s Historic Chinatown, the oldest in Canada and second oldest in North America. It’s a compact neighborhood filled with narrow alleys, lanterns, and some of the most interesting stories from the city’s past. Many travelers appreciate the chance to walk through this vibrant area, which blends cultural heritage with modern entertainment.

From there, your tour includes a 45-minute stop at the Inner Harbour, where you can admire the postcard-worthy waterfront. You’ll see the Parliament Buildings, probably the most recognizable symbols of Victoria, and learn about its long history.

Another key stop is Mile Zero, located in Beacon Hill Park. This marker symbolizes the start of the Trans-Canada Highway and makes for a good photo op. It’s a quick stop, only about 10 minutes, but it’s worth the visit for the sense of place and connection to Canada’s road network.

Returning to Vancouver

The tour wraps up with the 1 hour 30-minute ferry ride back, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on the day. Many reviews note the ferries are clean and comfortable, making the return trip a pleasant way to end a full day.

What the Reviews Say

Based on the 38 reviews, most travelers are quite pleased with this experience, giving it an average of 4.5 out of 5. The guides often receive praise for their helpfulness and knowledge—”Kim was very good, very informative,” one reviewer shared. Many mention how smoothly the day went and appreciated how much was covered, especially the scenic ferry crossings and the highlights of Victoria.

However, not all feedback is glowing. A couple of reviewers mentioned concerns about timing—feeling that some stops, like the gardens, felt rushed or that the schedule could be tight. There’s also mention of a service charge of 15 CAD requested by the driver before returning to Vancouver, which caught some off guard. That’s a reminder to prepare for tipping practices typical in North America, although tips are voluntary.

Some travelers felt the guide spoke mainly in Chinese, which might be a consideration if you’re expecting primarily English narration. Still, overall, many found the guides engaging and informative.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and What You Get

At $181 per person, this tour is on the pricier side of day trips, but it includes a lot: round-trip ferry tickets, entry to the gardens (except during closures), and a guided tour. Compared to organizing everything independently—ferry bookings, transportation, and sightseeing tickets—it’s a reasonable bundle that saves time and effort, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The duration is about 10 to 12 hours, which requires an early start and a full day’s commitment. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning each step.

The group size, capped at 55 travelers, means it’s a relatively intimate experience with opportunity for interaction but still large enough to feel social.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits active travelers eager to see Victoria’s highlights in one day. If you love guided experiences that include transportation and commentary, you’ll likely enjoy the convenience. It’s perfect for those who want to skip the logistics of ferry schedules and city navigation.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or traveling with very young children, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you’re sensitive to schedule tightness or prefer more personalization, self-guided options could be better.

Travelers who are curious about Victoria’s landmarks, gardens, and waterfront scenery will find this tour hits the right notes. Just be prepared for a long, full day—packing snacks and being ready for a schedule that moves quickly.

FAQs

Is food included in the tour?
No, meals and beverages are not included. You’ll need to bring snacks or plan to purchase food during stops.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 90 minutes each way, providing ample opportunity for sightseeing and wildlife watching.

Can I visit the gardens during closure periods?
During scheduled closures (like Jan 20 to Feb 2, 2025), the gardens are unavailable. An alternative visit to the Butterfly Gardens or other sites is provided during those times.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The schedule is full and may not be ideal for very young kids expecting a relaxed pace.

What is included in the price?
Round-trip ferry tickets, guided commentary, and admission to the gardens or Butterfly Gardens (depending on the date) are included.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides are bilingual in English and Mandarin/Cantonese, which adds value if you speak either language or want insights from a guide who can cater to different language groups.

What about gratuities?
Tips are voluntary but appreciated, especially considering the service fee of 15 CAD some travelers encounter before returning to Vancouver.

Is parking available at the departure point?
Parking is not available at the pick-up point, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic day trip from Vancouver to Victoria that covers the city’s highlights, this tour offers good value for the convenience it provides. With stunning ferry views, a visit to one of the world’s most famous gardens, and a walk through Victoria’s historic core, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see a lot without the stress of independent planning.

However, it’s a long day—so be prepared for a full schedule and some early mornings. The guides generally receive positive reviews for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more enjoyable. Just remember to check the garden opening dates and be ready for the possibility of a quick pace or extra charges.

This tour is best suited for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Victoria in a single day—perfect if you’re short on time but want to experience the essence of the city.

Ready to explore Victoria? This guided day trip might just be the hassle-free way to see the highlights and enjoy the journey. Just pack your camera, a good pair of walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.