
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 724 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria worth booking?
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria is a 3-hour experience in Vancouver Island, Canada, from $46 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 724 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (724)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $46 per person
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Butchart Gardens, Victoria's most famous attractions. Butchart Gardens has 55-acre garden of colourful and aromatic flowers is a popular attraction in Victoria that should not be missed. Situated just a 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria, the Butchart Gardens are made for relaxed strolling with 55 fragrant acres of flowers, landscaped theme gardens, streams and lily ponds to visit. We’ve got you covered! Join Sightseeing Victoria for your fully narrated round-trip transportation between Downtown Victoria, and The Butchart Gardens. Round-Trip Transportation included . Purchase your gardens admission at our kiosk upon check-in! This will accelerate your entry into the gardens! Return times first come, first serve for hourly departures from June to September. Return times in shoulder season months are 3 hours from downtown departure.
What you get
About this experience
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Butchart Gardens, Victoria's most famous attractions. Butchart Gardens has 55-acre garden of colourful and aromatic flowers is a popular attraction in Victoria that should not be missed. Situated just a 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria, the Butchart Gardens are made for relaxed strolling with 55 fragrant acres of flowers, landscaped theme gardens, streams and lily ponds to visit. We’ve got you covered! Join Sightseeing Victoria for your fully narrated round-trip transportation between Downtown Victoria, and The Butchart Gardens. Round-Trip Transportation included . Purchase your gardens admission at our kiosk upon check-in! This will accelerate your entry into the gardens! Return times first come, first serve for hourly departures from June to September. Return times in shoulder season months are 3 hours from downtown departure.
What's included
Included
- Only Transportation
Not included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
The Butchart Gardens
Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria’s ‘gem’ is the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, National Historic Site of Canada. This privately owned 55-acre display garden is located just 35 minutes north of downtown. The visit won’t be complete without a stop in the Seed & Gift Store filled with unique gifts and souvenirs, or a snack or meal in one of the on-site restaurants. The Rose Carousel with 30 hand-carved animals will be sure to delight children (and adults) of all ages. See ButchartGardens.com for more information.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver Island
Please proceed to the Sightseeing Victoria Kiosk, on the sidewalk in front of the Fairmont Empress hotel. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your tour start time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please proceed to the Sightseeing Victoria Kiosk, on the sidewalk in front of the Fairmont Empress hotel. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your tour start 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Butchart Gardens offers wheelchair hire for a fully refundable $10 deposit. If a passenger is in their own collapsible wheelchair, but not completely confined to it and are able to board the bus unassisted, the chair can be stored as luggage. If a passenger is confined to a wheelchair, please advise at time of booking and wheelchair access will be requested.
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 723 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
723 verified traveler reviews for The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must see
Beautiful!!! A must if visiting Victoria
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re happy you had a great experience!
via Tripadvisor
Mother/Daughter trip to Victoria
You have the option to buy the tickets to the shuttle to and from the garden as well as buying the garden ticket ahead of time. Also, while you are riding the shuttle to and from the garden, the driver gives a great history of the island and of the Butchart family. This was a wonderful experience for me and my mother.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We’re so glad you and your mother enjoyed your experience!
via Viator
Bus ride to Butchart Gardens
Excellent experience driving to and from Butchart Gardens The driver was very knowledgeable about Victoria and surrounding areas. The sound was good and the driver could be clearly heard.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We truly appreciate it!
via Viator
Amazing Garden
Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island is truly a breathtaking place and an unforgettable experience. The beautifully landscaped gardens, vibrant flowers, peaceful pathways, and stunning Sunken Garden show an incredible level of care and attention to detail. Every corner has something beautiful to discover, making it a wonderful place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the scenery. A must visit destination on Vancouver Island.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again!
via Viator
Welcoming
Yes! We had a wonderful time. All of our tour guides were very well informed and could answer any questions we had. Most importantly, they had wonderful energy and clearly enjoyed their jobs.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and our guides. We truly appreciate your kind words!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $46 to $63
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 253
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.
See everything Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver Island.
How much does The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria cost?
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Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Island is not rushed.
Is The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 724 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vancouver Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria?
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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 The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria?
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Around 253 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 Island 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 Island and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria 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 Island 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 Island?
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On Outty we rank every Vancouver Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Victoria Guided Food and History Tour, Whistler Tour from Vancouver + Sea to Sky Gondola + Shannon Falls, Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise. 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 Island?
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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 Island?
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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 The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria?
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Included: Only Transportation. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria?
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Please proceed to the Sightseeing Victoria Kiosk, on the sidewalk in front of the Fairmont Empress hotel. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your tour start time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria 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 The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria?
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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 The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria 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 The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria?
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Across 724 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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