Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour
Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour

Outty Ranking 73 4.8 · 50 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $221
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 50 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour worth booking?

Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour is a 12-hour experience in Vancouver, Canada, from $221 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 50 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (50)
Duration
12 hours
From
$221 per person

On this full-day tour, view the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship. After a complimentary pick up from your hotel, depart Vancouver and travel on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island.  • Round Trip BC Ferries cruise between Vancouver and Victoria • Tour of Victoria • Admission to Butchart Gardens & The Magic of Christmas experience • Full day tour of holiday fun! We are celebrating 40 years of sharing our stunning cityscape, urban beaches, and coastal rainforests with our guests. Our expertly curated guided tours offer a special and safe experience.

What you get

    About this experience

    On this full-day tour, view the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship. After a complimentary pick up from your hotel, depart Vancouver and travel on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island.  • Round Trip BC Ferries cruise between Vancouver and Victoria • Tour of Victoria • Admission to Butchart Gardens & The Magic of Christmas experience • Full day tour of holiday fun! We are celebrating 40 years of sharing our stunning cityscape, urban beaches, and coastal rainforests with our guests. Our expertly curated guided tours offer a special and safe experience.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Driver/guide
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Vancouver Downtown

      Departure from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to board BC Ferries

      Pass by without stopping

    2. 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

    3. Inner Harbour

      The City of Victoria boasts many impressive 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.

      120 minutes here

    4. The Butchart Gardens

      Depart the city of Victoria 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. At this time of year, you will arrive in time for the gardens to light up their Holiday Lights.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    5. BC Ferries

      Later this afternoon, return to Vancouver onboard BC Ferries once again.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Vancouver Downtown

      Return to downtown Vancouver (or surrounding area) this evening.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Vancouver

    Westcoast Sightseeing Welcome Kiosk. Please arrive 30 minutes before posted tour departure time.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Westcoast Sightseeing Welcome Kiosk. Please arrive 30 minutes before posted tour 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
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off at most hotels in downtown Vancouver.
    • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
    • Guests may activate ticket in Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff at Stop #1, or with driver at any stop along the route

    Photos

    Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour, photo 2Victoria Parliament Buildings, Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights TourVancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour, photo 4Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour, photo 5Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights, Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights TourChristmas Lights at The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    49 verified traveler reviews for Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    42
    4 star
    5
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    jeffsV7285EU · May 2026

    Victoria day trip

    Bobby was the best driver. Great trip. Lots to see and do.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! Bobby is a fantastic guide and we’re so glad you had a great trip with him. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed all the sights and experiences along the way. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Bobby.

    via Tripadvisor

    G5613MCelisas · April 2026

    Worsted 😊

    Butchart garden is incredible beautiful. Dave the guide made the trip very interesting.❤️ he has a lot of knowledge.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! We are so glad you found Butchart Gardens so beautiful. Dave is a fantastic guide and we are delighted to hear how his knowledge made the trip even more interesting. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    debbiehK2009EM · December 2025

    A full day of fun!

    What a fun day! Alex made the bus trip to the ferry seem short by sharing interesting information about the history of Vancouver and Victoria. Victoria is a beautiful, easy walking town. And the gardens were stunning!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that you had a fun day exploring Vancouver and Victoria with Alex. As always, our goal is to provide a memorable and informative tour for our customers. We hope to have you again soon to explore more of our beautiful city and its surrounding areas. Cheers!

    via Tripadvisor

    pavlosd310 · December 2025

    Great experience

    Great ride with Mr. Dave Rogers, smooth n on time n with tidbits info enroute. Thanks and cheers from Kingspoint - NY. Highly recommended.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! We’re so glad you had a smooth and enjoyable ride with Dave. He’s a great guide who always shares interesting insights along the way while keeping everything running on time. We truly appreciate the recommendation and send our thanks back to New York!

    via Tripadvisor

    Ken_L · December 2025

    Unforgettable tour from our tour guide Dave

    This is absolutely a great tour especially with our tour guide Dave. Dave is so knowledgeable about the history of Vancouver, Victoria and Buchart Garden. Dave has made this tour an unforgettable one for us. MUST do in Vancouver.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! We’re so glad you had such a wonderful experience with Dave. He’s an exceptional guide who truly brings the history of Vancouver, Victoria, and Butchart Gardens to life. It’s fantastic to hear he made the tour so memorable for you. We really appreciate your kind words and are delighted this was a must-do experience during your time in Vancouver.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $221 to $303
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    18
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    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 runs

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)52
    Booking momentum (14% weight)45
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver.

    How much does Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $221 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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 12 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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 50 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vancouver, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour?

    +

    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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour?

    +

    Around 18 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?

    +

    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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour?

    +

    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Driver/guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 47 listed pickup locations in and around Vancouver. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour?

    +

    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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Vancouver: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour?

    +

    Across 50 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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