Best of Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Tour from Vancouver

Thinking about a day trip that takes you from Vancouver’s bustling city streets to the charming streets and gardens of Victoria? This Best of Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into one of British Columbia’s most scenic areas. While it’s a long day, the combination of ferry rides, lush gardens, and historic city sights makes it a compelling choice for those wanting to see a lot in one trip.

What we really liked about this tour are two things in particular. First, the ferry crossing offers stunning coastal views that make the whole journey feel special. Second, the guides seem to make a genuine difference; many reviews praise their friendliness, local knowledge, and organizational skills. On the flip side, a thing to keep in mind is that the schedule is quite tight, especially in Victoria, which might cut into your free time.

This experience suits travelers who are comfortable with a full day on the move and want a convenient way to see Victoria without planning all the details themselves. If you’re into gardens, city exploring, and scenic ferry rides, this tour could be a great fit. Just be prepared for a long day, and set expectations around the limited time at each stop.

Key Points

• Scenic ferry ride: The 90-minute crossing offers beautiful views and a true BC experience.
• Guided convenience: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and organization.
• Coverage of highlights: From Butchart Gardens to the Empress Hotel, the tour hits major sights.
• Time management: Two hours at Butchart Gardens and under two hours in Victoria might feel rushed.
• Value for money: At around $256, it’s a comprehensive day that includes transport, ferry, and gardens.
• Long but rewarding: Be ready for a full 12-hour day, suitable for those comfy with long excursions.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Departure from Vancouver and the Ferry Ride

The day kicks off early, meeting at the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown around 8:30 am. The first part is a short coach ride to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, where you’ll board BC Ferries for a 90-minute cruise across the Strait of Georgia. Many reviews mention that this ferry ride is one of the highlights — the views of the coastline, islands, and open water are quite stunning.

We loved the way the mini-coach drives directly onto the ferry, making the transition smooth and seamless. During the crossing, you’re encouraged to relax on the decks and soak in the scenery, which many guests find to be a peaceful start to the day.

Visiting Butchart Gardens

Once in Victoria, the tour makes a stop at Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned 55-acre floral showcase. Here, you’re given about two hours to wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds, which feature everything from vibrant flower displays to serene pathways.

Many visitors have commented on how breathtaking the gardens are, describing them as “incredible” and “more than we expected.” The reviews highlight that while two hours is a decent amount of time, some found it a little tight to see everything comfortably. Still, the gardens’ beauty leaves a lasting impression, and many appreciate the chance to walk at their own pace.

Exploring Victoria

Next, the tour takes you into Victoria’s city center, starting at the historic Inner Harbour. Stops include the famous Mile O, Ogden Point, the iconic Empress Hotel, and Chinatown, including the well-known Fisherman’s Wharf area.

While the time in Victoria is limited — around two hours — travelers generally find it enough for a quick walk and photo opportunities. Several reviews note that guides help make the most of this time, pointing out landmarks and giving interesting tidbits. However, some mention that the short window means you might miss some deeper explorations if you’re a slower walker or want to linger longer at each spot.

Return Journey and Ferry Ride Back

In the late afternoon, the group reunites at Swartz Bay BC Ferry Terminal for the return crossing to Vancouver. The ferry ride back is another highlight: relaxing on the decks and taking in views of the coast as the day winds down.

The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in Vancouver — a small but appreciated convenience that makes the whole day feel a little less stressful.

What the Reviews Say

Guides and organization often earn high praise. One reviewer said, “Justin was an amazing guide,” noting his humor and knowledge. Others mentioned how the guides’ professionalism made the long day easier to enjoy.

The scenery gets rave reviews — guests love the views from the ferry, the gardens’ lush displays, and Victoria’s charming streets. One said, “The gardens were incredible,” and another highlighted the beautiful waterfront and government buildings.

Time constraints are a common point. Several guests wished for more time at Victoria and Butchart Gardens, feeling the allotted hours were a tad too short. One review pointed out, “The 2 hours at Butchart Gardens was perfect, but Victoria felt rushed,” which is a fair reflection of the tight schedule.

Value for the price — at roughly $256 — is seen as fair considering the transportation, ferry rides, and guided experience. Many reviews note that the tour is a good way to see Victoria without the hassle of planning and driving yourself.

Minor hiccups include delays in bus arrival or missing bottled water, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The majority of travelers find the experience well-organized and worthwhile.

The Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

Pros

• The scenic ferry rides are a real highlight
• Knowledgeable, friendly guides make the experience smooth
• Access to top attractions in Victoria and Butchart Gardens
• Convenient all-in-one day trip from Vancouver
• Good value considering transportation, ferry, and entry fees

Cons

• The schedule is quite packed, so expect a long day
• Limited time at each stop, especially Victoria
• Some reviews mention small issues like delays or missing bottled water
• Not ideal if you prefer to explore in-depth or at your own pace

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid way to tick off Victoria’s main sights and Butchart Gardens in one day. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free experience and don’t mind a long, busy day. The scenic ferry rides and picturesque gardens make it worthwhile for many, especially those who value convenience and guided commentary.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more time to explore each location or is traveling with kids needing a slower pace, you might find this tour a little rushed. Still, with a friendly guide and beautiful scenery, it’s a trip that leaves many with lasting memories.

All in all, if you’re looking for an efficient, well-organized way to see Victoria and Butchart Gardens from Vancouver, this tour hits the mark. It balances sightseeing with comfort, making it a popular option for those wanting a taste of BC’s coastal charm without the stress of planning every detail.

FAQs

Is there pickup included? Yes, pickup is offered from a central Vancouver location, specifically the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown.

How long is the ferry ride? The ferry ride is about 90 minutes each way, providing ample time for relaxing and enjoying the coastal views.

What’s included in the price? The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, ferry tickets, bottled water, and entry to Butchart Gardens.

Are there any additional costs? Driver gratuity is not included, so you may want to tip your guide if you feel they provided good service.

How much time do I get at each stop? You’ll have approximately two hours at Butchart Gardens and about two hours exploring Victoria’s main sights.

Is this tour suitable for families or children? While there’s no specific mention of children in the description, the tour’s pace and long day may suit families used to full-day outings. Always check with the provider for specific family-friendliness.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably for a day outdoors, and consider layers since weather on the water and in gardens can vary.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

If you’re craving a guided day that combines natural beauty, city sights, and scenic ferry rides, this tour from Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens could be just what you’re looking for. Just be ready for a full day and a busy schedule — it’s a trip packed with highlights, and guides who seem to truly care about giving you a memorable experience.