
From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 3,201 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise worth booking?
From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise is a 13-hour experience in Vancouver, Canada, from $188 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 3,201 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (3,201)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $188 per person
Discover Victoria and Butchart Gardens from Vancouver on an easy full-day tour with round-trip transportation, BC Ferries tickets, Butchart Gardens admission, and a professional guide included. Start with pickup from select downtown Vancouver hotels, then travel to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a scenic 90-minute BC Ferries sailing through the Gulf Islands. Enjoy coastal views from the deck and watch for marine wildlife along the way. On Vancouver Island, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada with 55 acres of themed gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Italian Garden. Continue to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, for free time to explore the Inner Harbour, Government Street, Chinatown, the Parliament Buildings, and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. An included downloadable Inner Harbour walking tour helps you make the most of your visit before returning by ferry and coach to Vancouver.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Victoria and Butchart Gardens from Vancouver on an easy full-day tour with round-trip transportation, BC Ferries tickets, Butchart Gardens admission, and a professional guide included. Start with pickup from select downtown Vancouver hotels, then travel to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a scenic 90-minute BC Ferries sailing through the Gulf Islands. Enjoy coastal views from the deck and watch for marine wildlife along the way. On Vancouver Island, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada with 55 acres of themed gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Italian Garden. Continue to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, for free time to explore the Inner Harbour, Government Street, Chinatown, the Parliament Buildings, and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. An included downloadable Inner Harbour walking tour helps you make the most of your visit before returning by ferry and coach to Vancouver.
What's included
Included
- Admission to Butchart Gardens with free time
- Vancouver's most trusted tour operator with 40+ years of experience
- Guided sightseeing in Vancouver and Victoria
- Roundtrip BC Ferries cruise
- Select downtown Vancouver pickup and drop-off
- Downloadable Inner Harbour walking tour
- Roundtrip transportation from Vancouver
- Free time in downtown Victoria
- Professional driver and guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Luggage transfer
- Airport drop-off
What you'll see and do
Vancouver Downtown
Departure from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to board BC Ferries. Included is all transportation by coach.
Pass by without stopping
BC Ferries
Enjoy a 90-minute ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria. Sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales.
90 minutes here · Admission included
The Butchart Gardens
Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden and dancing fountain. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Inner Harbour
Spend 2.5 hours in Victoria seeing the architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. We allow ample free time in Victoria to explore.
120 minutes here
Later in the afternoon, return to Vancouver onboard BC Ferries once again.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Vancouver Downtown
Return to downtown Vancouver (or surrounding area) this evening.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver
Guests may redeem voucher at the Welcome Kiosk at Canada Place. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Guests may redeem voucher at the Welcome Kiosk at Canada Place. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bus Vancouver / Westcoast Sightseeing
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests may activate ticket in Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff
- With 40+ years of experience, Westcoast Sightseeing is Vancouver’s most trusted tour operator
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,200 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3,200 verified traveler reviews for From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful adventure!
From the stunning scenery of harbor islands while on the ferry, to the breathtaking Butchart Gardens, to top quality fish & chips on Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria, it was a wonderful adventure!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful ferry views, breathtaking Butchart Gardens, and your time exploring Victoria. It sounds like a fantastic adventure from start to finish, and we’re so glad we could be part of it!
via Viator
The whole trip is...
The whole trip is exceptional and we would do it over again if we come back at Vancouver. Victoria is so beautiful you have to stay there longer. The tour is organized and on time, and worry-free, the bus and ferry is already part of the tour so we didnt have to worry about how to go to Victoria. The Butchart Gardens is beautiful too. I also appreciate our driver/guide, Alex, who shared stories about Vancouver, gave recommendations where to eat, and gives clear instructions during the whole trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your trip to Victoria and Butchart Gardens was such an exceptional and worry-free experience. It’s especially great to know that Alex’s stories, helpful recommendations, and clear guidance helped make the day even more enjoyable. We’ll be sure to share your lovely compliments with him, and we’d be delighted to welcome you back on another adventure!
via Viator
Great Tour, Greater Guide
We absolutely loved the tour. The gardens were beautiful, Victoria was a blast. However, the day was made by our tour guide Alex. He was punctual, friendly, hilarious, and safe driver, which allowed you to really focus on the vast amount of historical knowledge he shared while on the tour. He was detail oriented, for example, he would mark your maps for you so you knew where to go and he knew store locations/landmarks to know, which allowed us to self-guide ourselves at the gardens and in Victoria. He knew the right amount to talk and when to ease off to allow us to sit back and relax. I can't recommend the tour enough when he is the one leading it. Thank you Alex, for setting my wife and I up to have a fantastic day!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that you loved the beautiful Butchart Gardens and your time in Victoria. It’s especially wonderful to know that Alex’s humour, extensive knowledge, thoughtful organization, and attention to detail helped make your day so enjoyable and stress-free. We’ll be sure to share your incredible compliments with Alex!
via Tripadvisor
BC - The Best Circuit
Bit late with this as it was last month; aweeeeeesome day (correct spelling) especially the Gardens. Its a long day yet worth it, especially with our awesome and informative Guide. Must tell you what a crumpet is as served in the hotel on BC Island.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your awesome review! We’re delighted to hear that the beautiful Butchart Gardens made the long day so worthwhile and that your informative guide helped make the experience even more memorable. And we love that a crumpet lesson became part of the adventure too! We truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us.
via Viator
Great, informative, stunning gardens
Greg our driver was delightful, funny stories and lots of local knowledge which he kindly shared with us. He made instructions very clear, where to meet and what timings at the Gardens and Victoria. The gardens are stunning and very easy to wander around. Thoroughly enjoyable day.💜💜
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Greg’s humour, local knowledge, and clear guidance helped make your day so enjoyable and easy to navigate. It’s fantastic to know that you loved exploring the stunning Butchart Gardens as well. We’ll be sure to share your lovely compliments with Greg!
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
- $188 to $289
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,120
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Big Bus Vancouver / Westcoast Sightseeing, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Big Bus Vancouver / Westcoast Sightseeing runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver.
How much does From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $188 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 3,201 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Vancouver, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise?
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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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise?
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Around 1,120 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise?
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Included: Admission to Butchart Gardens with free time; Vancouver's most trusted tour operator with 40+ years of experience; Guided sightseeing in Vancouver and Victoria; Roundtrip BC Ferries cruise; and Select downtown Vancouver pickup and drop-off. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; Luggage transfer; and Airport drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 37 listed pickup locations in and around Vancouver. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise?
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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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise 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 From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about From Vancouver: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, & Gulf Islands Cruise?
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Across 3,201 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. 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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