Victoria is the main city of British Columbia. Despite its location on a separate island, the city is the cultural, political center of the province. The capital of British Columbia is situated on Vancouver Island and is even closer to the USA border than to the city of Vancouver! It is hard to believe but Victoria is a very different city from all the other Canadian ones.

The beauty of Victoria amazes its tourists with the true spirit of Britain that lives in its architecture, culture and even population.

The tour to Victoria and Butchart Gardens commences with picking you up at your Vancouver hotel by your private local guide (who may also be your tour driver). Please note, it is important to be in the hotel hall on time so that you won’t miss the ferry. The bus (or the car) will arrive in the Ferry terminal by the time of your departure. The ferry offers a lot of onboard amenities such as a buffet, a restaurant, a coffee shop, souvenirs shops and even free Wi-Fi.

The cruise ship is going along the picturesque Strait of Georgia and the whole voyage of 90 minutes is full of interesting sights including the powerful Pacific Ocean, the majestic mountains and the unique Vancouver skyline.

As soon as we arrive at Vancouver Island we are headed for the landmark of Victoria, the famous Butchart Gardens. Being a National Historic site of Canada the Butchart Gardens welcome about a million tourists a year from all over the world. Enjoy the diversity of gardens collection and imagine yourself being a member of a royal family.

During the tour, you will see major victoria highlights such as the Building of the BC Parliament and the distinguished Fairmont Hotel which is more than 100 years old. You will also see the Royal British Museum, which is celebrating 130 years this year, and you’ll have time for a delicious lunch. Please be advised that lunch is not included in the price.

An amusing part of the trip is acquaintance with wild seals that live at Victoria Wharf and attract visitors to give them food. Feeding seals is an enjoyable activity not for the kids only but for the adults as well!

Our journey has not finished yet! We are headed to the beautiful Inner Harbour where seaplanes depart to various destinations. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the remarkable beauty of the two main British Columbia cities from a bird’s-eye view: you will depart Victoria Harbour by seaplane for an unforgettable trip over the Gulf Islands and directly into downtown Vancouver’s bustling Coal Harbour.

At the end of the Victoria tour, your guide will assist you with check-in and lead you to the seaplane. Ask your guide for the directions so that you can go for a walk around Vancouver Downtown independently after the flight.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE:

  • Ferries and Fjords. One of the largest ferry operations in the world, BC Ferries provides sailings between Vancouver and Victoria which takes about 90 minutes. During this time we will leave the vehicle on the lower vehicle deck and move up to the comfortable passenger decks to enjoy the scenic views, fjords and dark blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
  • BC Parliament. The legacy of a very talented English immigrant architect, Frances Rottenbury. On some days it is possible to get inside the Parliament Building (time permitting).
  • Fairmont Empress. An over 100-year-old hotel which is just about to have its renovations completed.
  • Inner Harbour. One of the most beautiful harbours in the world. During the summer months, the harbour is the focus of festivals, shows and music.
  • Sightseeing Route. Most tour companies will take you to Victoria by the quick highway route. We believe it is much more enjoyable to take the longer, scenic route with views of the Cascade Mountains, snow-capped Mount Baker, a stop at a scenic cattle point and other great experiences. It is quite a drive. Relax and enjoy!
  • Seals. Playful, cute, and curious! A must-see up close. Food for feeding these amazing creatures will be provided. Be sure to have your cameras ready!
  • Butchart Gardens. It all started over a century ago and now it is the number one attraction in Victoria. Five absolutely spectacular gardens await you to stroll through them. We guarantee you will be in total awe after this visit.
  • Seaplane Flight.

 

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

  • ID
  • Dress in whatever you like to feel comfortable;
  • Photo and/or video cameras;
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen.