Vancouver Tours and Activities - Victoria British Columbia and Butchart Gardens Tour

This exciting, fun filled day begins with your being met by your tour guide in your hotel lobby and escorted to your coach. Once all guests are on board you will head south out of the city to Tssawassen, the closest point of land between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Crossing the Fraser River Delta and through the agricultural land surrounding Metro Vancouver this short half hour drive ends at the BC Ferries Terminal where your bus will drive right onto a ship belonging to the second largest ferry fleet in the world.

At Sea during your 90 minute crossing, you will have a chance to enjoy the on board amenities such as full restaurant service, gift shops or video games for the kids. Mostly, you’ll be walking around deck, eyes on the water searching for orcas, eagles or seals and glancing up at the beautifully scenery as the ship winds it’s way through the Southern Gulf Islands to dock at Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

The City awaits now as you leave the ocean behind and drive down the Saanich Peninsula to the heart of Victoria. Once a small Fort, the city grew from the Gold Rush and then as the seat of provincial governmental power. The Inner Harbour is a legacy to one of Canada’s most notable architects Francis Rattenbury as the skyline is dominated by two of his most famous works the Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel. After your guide gives you an orientation tour of the downtown, you enjoy 3 hours of free time to explore this quaint city by the sea, have some lunch on your own, and take-in one of the varied local attractions.

Admission is included to any ONE of the following Downtown Victoria attractions:

• Royal British Columbia Museum
• Maritime Museum of BC
• Miniature World
• Bug Zoo
• Wax Museum

Green thumbs and garden lovers - Those wanting less time in the city and more time in the Gardens are encouraged to take an earlier free shuttle service offered by your guide. Just let them know in the morning and they will cheerfully make arrangements with you.

Time for a garden stroll, as all our guests will meet back at a designated time and place in downtown Victoria. From there you will enjoy a 30 minute pastoral drive through the countryside arriving at a garden which leaves even the most avid horticulturalist in awe. Spread across 55 acres, the Butchart Gardens are truly a sight to be seen. You will find spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of earlier times and boasts all the modern amenities to make your time there comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t forget your camera.

Return to Vancouver when guests meet back at the bus for a short, twenty minute, ride back to the BC Ferries terminal and the ferry ride back to the mainland and your hotel. On the return crossing you can enjoy the restaurant facilities on board ship or grab a nap in the lounge before being driven from the ferry terminal back to Vancouver and your hotel.

March 7th - April 19th,  9:00am
April 20th - May 10th, 7:00am
May 11th - September 30th,  8:00am*
October 1st - November 23rd,  9:00am
Return to Vancouver by 9:30pm
Pick-up times are one half hour later at Richmond (Airport) hotels.