Victoria Day Trip from Vancouver
Take the ferry to the island. Different pace, different weather.
This Victoria day trip from Vancouver combines a scenic BC Ferries crossing with the best of British Columbia's capital: two hours at the world-famous Butchart Gardens, the historic Parliament Buildings, Canada's oldest Chinatown and free time in downtown Victoria by the Inner Harbour. A complete 14-hour Vancouver Island day tour with hotel pick-up near Canada Place, small groups of up to 11, and guides in Spanish or English. Every moment is designed to captivate and inspire.
Overview
Itinerary
- 1
Swartz Bay Terminal
The ferry terminal where BC Ferries arrives on Vancouver Island, after a scenic crossing of about 1.5 hours across the Salish Sea.
- 2
Butchart Gardens (optional)
2 hoursA 55-acre botanical garden founded in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, split into themed sections: the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, and the Rose Garden. Optional stop, with separate admission.
- 3
Hatley Castle
An 1908 castle on the campus of Royal Roads University, surrounded by formal Italian, Japanese, and rose gardens overlooking the sea. It's appeared in several films and TV series shot in the area.
- 4
Victoria's Chinatown
15 minCanada's oldest Chinatown and the second-oldest in North America, with Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in the country, as its most photographed corner.
- 5
Fisherman's Wharf
A floating dock lined with colourful houseboats, waterfront food stalls, and a good chance of spotting seals swimming near the boats.
- 6
Mile Zero
10 minThe starting point of the Trans-Canada Highway, inside Beacon Hill Park.
- 7
Parliament Buildings (weekdays only)
1 hourA neo-baroque building from 1898, seat of BC's provincial government, with a façade and central dome that light up at night. Free guided tours inside only run on weekdays.
- 8
Downtown Victoria (free time)
1.5 hoursFree time to eat, shop, or walk along the harbour, with the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Royal BC Museum both a short walk away.
Choose how you want to experience this tour
Reserve your spot
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Highlights
- Cruise the Salish Sea on a BC ferry, watching for whales, seals and coastal islands
- Butchart Gardens, 55 acres of breathtaking themed gardens (optional)
- Hatley Castle, inside Royal Roads University, with its Italian, Japanese and rose gardens
- The Parliament Buildings and their neo-baroque architecture on the Inner Harbour (weekday tours)
- Historic Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, and Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in the country
- Free time downtown: Fisherman's Wharf, Fairmont Empress, Royal BC Museum and waterfront restaurants
What's included
- Bus transportation, including the BC Ferries crossing to Vancouver Island
- Guide in Spanish or English, whichever your group prefers
- All transportation within Victoria
What's not included
- Butchart Gardens admission (confirm what's included when you book)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Safety & accessibility
It's a long day (14 hours total between bus and ferry), so come rested. The ferry crossing takes about 1.5 hours across the generally calm waters of the Salish Sea, but if you get seasick, consider taking something beforehand. Guided tours inside the Parliament Buildings only run on weekdays. The paths at Butchart Gardens, Hatley Castle and downtown Victoria are flat and paved, suitable for almost anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ferry to Victoria included in the tour?
Yes, the 14-hour tour includes the bus ride to Tsawwassen, the BC Ferries crossing to Vancouver Island and all transportation in Victoria.
How much time do we spend at Butchart Gardens?
Two full hours, enough to walk the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden.
Can you do Victoria in one day from Vancouver?
Absolutely. With early departure and ferry timing handled for you, this day trip covers Butchart Gardens, Parliament, Chinatown and downtown in a single day.
Is Butchart Gardens admission included?
Confirm the exact inclusions when you book; the tour itself includes transportation, the ferry crossing, and a guide for the full day.
Is it an exhausting day?
It's a long day (14 hours), but the pace is relaxed: bus and ferry handle the transfers, and the walking in Victoria and the gardens is short, flat, and paved.
What's the difference between the public tour and the private tour?
It's the same tour in two formats. On the public tour you travel with a small group of other travellers and share the experience. On the private tour, the vehicle is just for your group. You choose whichever fits your pace, your travel style, and your budget.
How does the price work?
Both are priced per person. The public tour is the most affordable option. The private tour, for now, costs the same per person as the public one, so it's a great time to book it.
Can I choose the date and time?
The public tour runs on fixed schedules. The private tour is arranged around you, on the day and time that work best for you.
Are there always public tour departures?
It depends on the season. In low season we open fewer public departures, so you might not always find an available date. If that's the case, the private tour is a great option, since it's arranged for the day and time you want. You can also message us and we'll let you know about upcoming departures.
What language is the tour in?
On the public tour, the language depends on the departure. On the private tour, you choose: Spanish or English.
How many people can go?
Either format fits up to 11 passengers per vehicle.
What if we're more than 11 people?
No problem. Message us and we'll adapt the service for your group.
Which one is right for me?
The public tour is ideal for solo travellers and couples who enjoy meeting people along the way. The private tour is perfect for families, groups, and special occasions, though you can also book it if you're travelling solo and prefer a tailored experience, with your own schedule and language.
