Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 650 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver worth booking?
Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver is a 13-hour experience in Vancouver, Canada, from $260 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 650 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (650)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $260 per person
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on gorgeous Vancouver Island and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is famous for the historic Empress Hotel, the Parliament buildings and beautiful Butchart Gardens. Upon leaving Vancouver, you will take a scenic ferry ride from the Vancouver mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. From here, you will have a driving tour to Victoria, and of Victoria’s downtown area featuring the Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Mile 0 and the historic Chinatown. There will be free time to explore downtown Victoria at your own pace. Then on to the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens. Today the garden showcases 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. Wind down your day with the scenic return sailing aboard BC Ferries and then back to where your tour began.
What you get
About this experience
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on gorgeous Vancouver Island and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is famous for the historic Empress Hotel, the Parliament buildings and beautiful Butchart Gardens. Upon leaving Vancouver, you will take a scenic ferry ride from the Vancouver mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. From here, you will have a driving tour to Victoria, and of Victoria’s downtown area featuring the Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Mile 0 and the historic Chinatown. There will be free time to explore downtown Victoria at your own pace. Then on to the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens. Today the garden showcases 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. Wind down your day with the scenic return sailing aboard BC Ferries and then back to where your tour began.
What's included
Included
- Roundtrip Ferry aboard BC Ferries
- All Fees and Taxes
- Onboard entertainment & commentary throughout
- Admission to the Butchart Gardens
- Mini-coach transportation (Max 24 passengers)
- Experienced, friendly, and fun Driver-Guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuity
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
What you'll see and do
Canada Place
Please meet us at Canada Place for a fun-filled daytrip to Victoria. Your bus and tour guide will be waiting for you.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
A 45 minute drive from downtown Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. While we are waiting to get on the ferry, enjoy the little ferry terminal market.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
Enjoy a 90-minute "cruise" to Vancouver Island. After about 40 minutes, the ferry enters Active Pass and you will cruise through the Southern Gulf Islands, a popular vacation spot for locals.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Inner Harbour
As you arrive in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you will visit the top sighting locations. Starting at Mile O, Ogden Point, Empress Hotel and Historic Chinatown, including the famous Fan Tan Alley and shops. Later, enjoy free time to explore on your own or book one of our optional activities. Whatever your purpose for exploring Victoria today, our guide is ready to assist you with suggestions on the best restaurants, top breweries, shops and hidden gems.
180 minutes here
Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada
During your free time, visit the beautiful Empress Hotel.
Pass by without stopping
Fisherman's Wharf
Visit Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy some Fish & Chips
Pass by without stopping
Legislative Assembly Of British Columbia
While visiting Victoria, you can not miss out on the opportunity to take a photo of the famous Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Pass by without stopping
Government Street
Visit Victoria's most famous street and shop some souvenirs in one of the many gift stores.
Pass by without stopping
Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
Visit Canada's oldest Chinatown which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and lots of little shops and restaurants.
Pass by without stopping
Fan Tan Alley
While in Chinatown, visit Fan Tan Alley. The Alley is known for being the narrowest commercial street in North America.
Pass by without stopping
Royal BC Museum
Meet your guide at the bus after your free time and we continue to the famous Butchart Gardens
Pass by without stopping
The Butchart Gardens
Visit Butchart Gardens: a National Historic Site covering 55 acres and showcasing over 900 species of plants.
105 minutes here · Admission included
Relax as we cruise back to the Mainland this evening, explore the outside decks and views.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Canada Place
Once we arrive at Tsawwassen Ferry terminal, our coach drives off the ferry and we head back into Vancouver. Arrive back in Vancouver at approx. 9:30 pm
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver
Please meet us at the covered benches, in front of the Vancouver Convention Centre, next to the Flyover Canada Ticket Booth, 15 minutes before departure and meet your Discover Canada Tours guide (wearing bright green). Your guide will be guiding you to the correct bus.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet us at the covered benches, in front of the Vancouver Convention Centre, next to the Flyover Canada Ticket Booth, 15 minutes before departure and meet your Discover Canada Tours guide (wearing bright green). Your guide will be guiding you to the correct bus.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Canada Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests 16-18 years of age may travel on the trip without a parent or guardian but MUST have one present on the departure day to sign the waiver forms held by the tour guide.
- Anyone 15 or younger must have a parent or guardian travel on the trip with them.
- No booster seats available.
- The tour still operates when it rains and no refunds will be given within the 24 cancellation policy.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 650 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
650 verified traveler reviews for Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Long but worth it
Rene was an amazing guide. He kept the group entertained the whole time. This is a long tour but I loved that they give you time to walk around Victoria and enough time to walk around Butchart Gardens. Rene recommended a restaurant to eat at and it did not disappointed. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that you felt every minute of the day was worth it! Rene is fantastic at keeping energy high and sharing great local spots, so we're thrilled his restaurant recommendation hit the mark for you. Balancing the journey with plenty of free time is something we care a lot about, and it's wonderful to know it made for a memorable day. Thank you again for joining us and for your high recommendation. We would love to welcome you back for another adventure down the road!
via Viator
A tour worth taking
It was a great experience. The gardens were beautiful as was the town of Victoria. Our guide Kim was excellent.
via Viator
Butchart Gardens are sensational
Our guide Bernie was just lovely and was on time for my pick up near my hotel. He was friendly with a dry sense of humour ! The ferry was a scenic journey to Vancouver Island and then we had time there before going on to Butchart Garden which was sensational ! that took and Bernie adjusted our departure time so we could have a bit longer there which was great. As I was the last to be dropped off at the end he even dropped me outside the hotel as it was late at night and I was by myself. Thanks Bernie much appreciated!
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a lovely review! We are so glad you had a sensational visit to Butchart Gardens and enjoyed the scenic ferry ride over to the island. Bernie’s dry humor and thoughtful care truly make him one of a kind. He will be so happy to hear that adjusting the schedule gave you that extra time to soak in the gardens, and that dropping you right at your hotel door gave you peace of mind at the end of a long day. Thank you for traveling with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another wonderful day out soon! Dhanna Discover Canada Tours
via Tripadvisor
An amazing day in Victoria, B.C.
Bernie was very knowledgeable about the area and it's history. We always appreciate learning about the country we are visiting. His driving was exemplary and his jokes kept us laughing, or at least groaning while smiling! We were warned that it would be a long day, and it was, but well worth the time and energy expended. Seeing the magnificent Butchart Gardens in the late afternoon gave us great lighting for photos and less crowds. We highly recommend this tour while in the Vancouver area.
Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for such a wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that your long day exploring Victoria and Butchart Gardens was well worth every minute. Bernie will be delighted to know you enjoyed his deep local knowledge, excellent driving, and signature dad jokes! Visiting the gardens in the late afternoon really is a magical , so we’re thrilled that timing worked out so beautifully for you. Thank you for the warm recommendation, and we hope to see you on another adventure next time you visit Vancouver! Dhanna Discover Canada Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Long Day, But Well Worth It
What a great day in Vancouver and Victoria. Throughout all of our travels, Rebecca is one of the best host and tour guides we have ever experienced. She was very thorough, knowledge, and tons of fun. She really enjoys what she does. The day was very long but well worth it. Victoria is a must see location. Butchart Gardens were absolutely stunning and beautiful. There were many movings parts to this trip including an 1 1/2 ferry ride to and back front Victoria. Rebecca had ever detail covered, insuring that the tour went without a hitch. She is a wealth of useful knowledge and pleasure to be with. The ferry was delayed on the way back. Because of latest of the hour, Rebecca took everybody back to their place of lodging. She also took my wife and I to a grocery store, so we could get snacks and drinks. Thank you Rebecca for giving us a fantastic day.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this glowing review! We are over the moon to hear that your tour to Victoria and the stunning Butchart Gardens was such a standout memory. Rebecca is truly one of a kind, and your kind words capture her heart for hospitality so beautifully! She will be thrilled to know she made your long day so effortless and special. Thank you for exploring with us, and we hope to welcome you on another wonderful journey soon! Dhanna Discover Canada
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $260 to $356
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 227
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Canada Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Discover Canada Tours runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver.
How much does Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver cost?
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Prices start at $260 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Vancouver is not rushed.
Is Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 650 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Vancouver, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver?
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Around 227 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Vancouver can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Vancouver and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Vancouver within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Vancouver?
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On Outty we rank every Vancouver experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Grand Bicycle Tour of Vancouver, The Stanley Park Bicycle Tour, Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Vancouver?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver?
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Included: Roundtrip Ferry aboard BC Ferries; All Fees and Taxes; Onboard entertainment & commentary throughout; Admission to the Butchart Gardens; and Mini-coach transportation (Max 24 passengers). Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuity; and Hotel Pick up and Drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver?
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Please meet us at the covered benches, in front of the Vancouver Convention Centre, next to the Flyover Canada Ticket Booth, 15 minutes before departure and meet your Discover Canada Tours guide (wearing bright green). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Vancouver. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Butchart Gardens and Victoria Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver?
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Across 650 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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