Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 67 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver worth booking?
Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver is a 12-hour experience in Vancouver, Canada, from $176 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 67 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (67)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $176 per person
Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour through British Columbia’s most iconic sights, starting with a scenic ferry ride from Vancouver through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Along the way, keep an eye out for se
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour through British Columbia’s most iconic sights, starting with a scenic ferry ride from Vancouver through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Along the way, keep an eye out for seals and whales as you cross the Georgia Strait. Upon arrival, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, where you’ll spend two hours exploring 50 acres of vibrant, year-round blooms in one of the world’s premier floral show gardens. Next, journey through historic Chinatown and the picturesque Inner Harbour on your way to downtown Victoria, BC’s capital city. Enjoy free time to explore Victoria’s top attractions, including the iconic Empress Hotel, the Royal BC Museum, and the BC Legislature. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Book this unforgettable adventure today and experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm!
What's included
Included
- Admission fees
- Entrance fees
- Brochure with Map and Route
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
- Live Fully Guided Commentary
Not included
- Gratuities
- Tea and coffee
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Vancouver
Our accredited guide will meet you at the pickup location and accompany you to the BC Ferries terminal.
Pass by without stopping
BC Ferries is the primary mode of transportation between Vancouver and Victoria. During the journey, you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views of the scenic Gulf Islands, with forested shorelines and tranquil waters. Keep an eye out for wildlife—seagulls often soar above the vessel, and if you're lucky, you might even spot sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops or swimming nearby. Onboard, BC Ferries offers a range of services to make your trip more enjoyable, including cafes, gift shops, comfortable seating areas, and outdoor decks where you can take in the fresh ocean air.
90 minutes here · Admission included
The Butchart Gardens
Step into a floral wonderland at The Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria’s most iconic attractions. Spanning over 55 acres of beautifully manicured landscapes, the gardens feature five distinct areas, including the enchanting Sunken Garden, vibrant Rose Garden, and tranquil Japanese Garden. Meander along winding paths, relax by serene fountains, and take in the seasonal blooms that delight visitors year-round. The peaceful drive through the countryside only adds to the charm of this unforgettable botanical experience.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Victoria
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a city that blends old-world elegance with West Coast charm. As British Columbia’s capital, it offers a unique mix of colonial architecture, lush gardens, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. With its mild climate and walkable downtown, Victoria is perfect for a day of relaxed exploration, culture, and scenic beauty.
Pass by without stopping
Inner Harbour
One of Victoria’s most iconic highlights is the Inner Harbour—a picturesque waterfront hub surrounded by historic landmarks. Watch boats glide across the water, visit charming local shops, or take in views of the stately Fairmont Empress Hotel and the grand BC Legislature Buildings. Street performers, food vendors, and waterfront cafés bring the area to life, making it a must-see spot for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.
120 minutes here
Enjoy a peaceful return journey aboard the BC Ferry to Vancouver. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden light over the Gulf Islands and sparkling waters. The gentle ocean breeze, soft evening glow, and stunning coastal views create a calm, romantic atmosphere—perfect for reflecting on a day well spent.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Vancouver
Welcome back to Vancouver. Transfer back to your original pickup location or designated downtown drop-off point. Sit back and relax as we conclude the day’s journey—thank you for joining us!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver
We will pick you up at 07:05 AM from the formal starting point 909 W. Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A7. The pickup zone is in front of Hard Bean Brunch's white building.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We will pick you up at 07:05 AM from the formal starting point 909 W. Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A7. The pickup zone is in front of Hard Bean Brunch's white building.
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
- The Great Canadian Trolley Co. - Gray Line Vancouver
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 67 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
67 verified traveler reviews for Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Bernhardt Gardens Fabulous
The gardens were phenomenal, not to be missed. However we didn’t need 1.5 hours in the Victoria harbor. Boat ride was wonderful, got to see a lot of the surrounding area of Vancouver
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic day trip with a great local guide
This day trip was an absolute highlight and great value for the money! The tour was incredibly well-paced, giving us just the right amount of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The Butchart Gardens themselves are absolutely stunning and a must-see.Our driver and guide, Mark, was fantastic. Because he is a local, he was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much extra information and history that you wouldn't get from a standard tour script. The only negative? Mark's jokes were so not funny! 🤣😂 But honestly, his terrible sense of humor just added to the fun and made the day memorable. Highly recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Not the Day We Expected
I am disappointed that I have not heard from Viator about at least a partial refund for this tour. Our pickup was late and we missed the 9:00 ferry. We were able to take the 10:00 ferry and arrived at Butchart Gardens about 12:30. The Gardens were lovely and we enjoyed our time there. Unfortunately, when it was time to head to Victoria, the vehicle would not start. (Evidently the “problem” that caused the late pickup was not resolved.) We had to wait over two hours for a battery to be delivered. As a result, there was no time to explore Victoria. We had to settle for a “drive by.” All of these delays meant we returned on the 8:00 ferry (originally scheduled 6:00). The driver was very apologetic and did the best he could. However, the reality is that we missed 50% of the tour - and had a longer day with a lot of wasted time.
via Viator
This was the highlight of our trip
The beautiful gardens was the highlight of our trip to Vancouver. What’s nice is the tour included the price of the ferry trip to get to the gardens. Once there you are sure not to regret it because it’s one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen and probably anyone will ever get to visit.
via Tripadvisor
So disappointed
Don’t do this tour with this company, they dont treat you as a valued customer. We had bus issues from the very beginning of our tour, starting late, missing the ferry time slot and to top it off did not get to do half of the tour of going to Victoria, due to bus breakdown. Requested partial refund with no answer. Stay away from Viator for this tour, they don’t communicate.
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
- $176 to $237
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Great Canadian Trolley Co. - Gray Line Vancouver, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.2.
See everything The Great Canadian Trolley Co. - Gray Line Vancouver runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver.
How much does Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver cost?
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Prices start at $176 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 Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver take?
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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 Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 67 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 Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry 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 Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver suitable for kids and families?
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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 Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry from Vancouver?
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Around 23 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Victoria Butchart Gardens Tour & Gulf Island Ferry 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 Whistler, Sea to Sky Gondola, & Shannon Falls Tour from Vancouver, Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout, The Grand Bicycle Tour of Vancouver. 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.
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