• Book Tickets
  • Hop-On Hop-Off CitySights
  • Butchart Gardens Experience
  • Reasons to go
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Double Decker Digest

City Tours & Beyond

Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria tours are the best way to explore Victoria!

Explore Victoria at your own pace with our flexible tours. Hop on our iconic Double Decker buses , enjoy a comfortable motor coach tour to Butchart Gardens , or immerse yourself in the city lights on our Evening City Sites tour .

With over 100 years of experience, Gray Line is synonymous with exceptional sightseeing. Join us for a memorable journey beyond expectations.

Explore Tours

The Butchart Gardens Experience

Explore the world-famous garden with its captivating themed gardens, exotic plants, and serene water features. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression!

Hop On Hop Off

Unlimited sightseeing stopping at the best attractions around the city. Is there a better way to explore Victoria? Experience Victoria like no other aboard one of our open top double-decker buses. Sightseeing Victoria’s Hop on Hop off Tour allows guests great flexibility to explore the many popular attractions Victoria has to offer.

Reason to Go

Old Town

Old Town / Chinatown

Sunset Cruise Duo at Ogden Point

Ogden Point Breakwater

Christ Church

Christ Church Cathedral

Oak Bay Marina

Oak Bay Marina

The Penny Farthing entrance

Oak Bay Village

Cook Street Village

Cook Street Village

Gray line victoria in motion, graylinevic.

victoria tours

Safe Travels

The health and safety of our visitors, staff and community continue to be our top priority as we move forward in our recovery efforts. The SafeTravels Stamp was created for travelers to recognize destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardized protocols. Learn More

Follow your sense of discovery to Greater Victoria

Where land meets sea & cultures converge

A couple enjoying a cider at a cidery in Victoria, BC

Open-hearted, open-minded, and wide open spaces await.

An aerial view of people sharing a steak dinner in Victoria, BC

Whale tales & blowhole buddies

Shouts of glee punctuate the air as you float alongside majestic orca, humpback, gray and minke whales on a guided excursion. Beyond blowholes, watch porpoises, sea lions and seals at play as marine birds glide over the sea.

A humpback whale tail fin in Victoria, BC

Welcome With Open Arms

victoria tours

See yourself here

victoria tours

Ready to explore?

Come and experience our rich culture and the diverse range of activities for all ages, abilities and preferences. Select an icon to navigate to the activities page or browse through some of our favourites showcased below.

victoria tours

Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

victoria tours

Navigate our map of Greater Victoria

victoria tours

Victoria Visitor Centre

812 Wharf Street Victoria, B.C.

More Greater Victoria

  • Travel Tips

Corporate Hub

  • Corporate Destination Greater Victoria

Conde Nast Award

Facebook

5 Steps to Discovering Vancouver Island:

1. pick your package., 2. pick your accommodation type., 3. specify your arrival date, whether or not you have a vehicle and the number of people., 4. let us know if you don’t want dinner included for one of your evenings., 5. receive your itinerary and discover vancouver island.

Intro to Victoria

The ultimate introduction to British Columbia’s capital city, our Intro to Victoria package gives you a taste of everything this gem has to offer.

• Dinner One night’s dinner featuring a menu designed and prepared by a local chef using the freshest ingredients and showcasing local seafood and foraged finds in a private venue.

• City Bus Tour 8 hours of city exploration with stops in the historical Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, the Butchart Gardens, a local vineyard and Sidney by the Sea. Packed lunch included.

• Panoramic Flight Soar above Victoria for 45 minutes departing from the Inner Harbour and exploring sights such as Mount Doug, Mount Tolmie and downtown Victoria.

• Whale Watching 3-4hrs of whale watching in a zodiac with a knowledgeable guide (floater suits included)

• Brewery Tour 4 hours with a knowledgeable guide taste testing at 3 of Victoria’s local breweries and 1 distillery, as well as a brewery tour and distillery tour

See more Book Now!

victoria tours

Experience Victoria

For those who don’t just want to say hello, or who may have seen the highlights and are ready to fully dig in to British Columbia’s capital, then the Experience Victoria package is calling your name.

• Parliament Tour A 30-minute guided tour of the iconic BC Legislative buildings. Learn about BC’s Coat of Arms, the history of the buildings and explore 3 rooms.

• Food Tour 2hr guided walking tour through the streets of Victoria with stops at some of the tastiest and best-kept culinary secrets of the city.

• Winery Tour 5.5hr with a knowledgeable guide along the Vancouver Island wine route with private and exclusive tastings, transportation, behind-the-scenes tour of a local winery, water and discounts at select wineries.

victoria tours

Active Victoria

Active Victoria is the perfect package for those go-getters out there. Jam packed days of epic and fun outdoor activities, perfectly paired with the ultimate sight seeing expeditions and a sampling of Victoria’s culture.

• Kayaking Tour Explore Victoria and the Gulf Islands on the water during a 6.5hr Kayaking adventure fit with a beachside lunch.

• Panoramic Flight -Soar above Victoria for 45 minutes departing from the Inner Harbour and exploring sights such as Mount Doug, Mount Tolmie and downtown Victoria.

• Gowlland Tod Hike Embark on one of Victoria’s favourite 4hr hikes with a local guide and photographer. The summit of Gowlland Tod allows for incredible views of Finlayson Arm, the Gowlland Range, the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains all the way in Washington.

• Cidery Tour Sip your way through samples of delicious, locally crafter cider in the cidery’s delightful tasting room and enjoy a delectable artisan lunch plate.

victoria tours

Package Add-Ons

Fishing Charter

Carriage Tours

Carriage Tour

Nothing evokes the historical vibe of Victoria more than taking a carriage tour through the city. Listen to the patter of horse hooves as you cozy into your private carriage and take in the beautiful scenery, historic heritage houses and tales about Victoria delivered to you by your personal driver. Cost: $185 or $225/carriage and depending on the length of the tour

Fly n’ Dine

Alpine Limos

The full meal deal is delivered via the Fly n’ Dine experience, which can be added on to any evening of your package. Soar from the Inner Harbour at night to Butchart Gardens where you will be escorted via limo to a delectable 3-course dinner. Cost: $225.95/person

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Experience nature like never before on a 4-hour zipline expedition! Racing through the forests of Vancouver Island is a thrilling addition to your tour package. You’ll explore acres of the temperate rainforest from above in a series of platforms, bridges and ziplines. Cost: $94/person

Food Tour

Victoria is a treasure trove of amazing, international food and best-kept secret restaurants. Sometimes, the best way to discover them is by joining a tour with someone who knows best! Explore Victoria by foot for 2 hours and you can be let in on the tastiest secrets in the city. Cost: $65/person

Brewery Tours

Brewery Tour

There’s nothing like earning the dinner you dig into at the end of the day. Join in on a foraging tour with incredible guides and a chef to create the freshest lunch imaginable. On a five-hour culinary adventure, you’ll pick berries, discover new veggies, dig for herbs and roots and, with a bit of luck, stumble upon some prime mushroom picking spots. Then, you’ll turn it into a gourmet, 3-course lunch. Cost: $90/person

Winery Tour

Winery Tour

A short drive away lies some of the most fertile vineyards in BC. They’re tucked into a magnificent Slow Food region known as the Cowichan Valley, whose temperate temperatures lead to some of the tastiest wines around. Sit back for 5.5 hours with an energetic and knowledgeable guide who will lead you through a local winery and walk you through exclusive samples at a number of the top wineries. Cost: $120/person

**Add-ons are subject to availability and Itinerary time restraints – some may require an extra night’s accommodation.

Accomodation Types

Comfort is key when your days are filled with adventures and exploration. Feel right at home with everything you need to recover from an exciting day. Practical, comfortable and affordable, the bronze accommodation option puts you up in some of the best-priced and outstandingly comfortable hotels in the city.

victoria tours

The beauty of the Island will continue to impress, even while relaxing in the comfort of your hotel. Some of the best accommodation in the city possesses five star views, which are encompassed by the silver selection. With everything you need topped off by a view that won’t quit, you’ll be ready to tackle each new day of activities and feel right at home afterwards.

victoria tours

Kick back in luxury after a full day of exploration and fun with a stunning view of the ocean and all the top commodities. The most lavish of our accommodation options will have you sleeping soundly in some of the most lux hotels in the city. Indulge in some comfort to ensure you’re rested up to dive into each day of your package.

victoria tours

Dig into a menu designed by a talented local chef specifically for Discover Vancouver Island Tours! Vancouver Island is a cornucopia of some of the freshest seafood, produce and foraged finds. Forego the stress of finding the perfect restaurant and let us showcase the best of the area on your plate at a dinner located in a private venue.

victoria tours

5 of the Best Victoria Tours from Vancouver

Separated by a body of water known as the Strait of Georgia, the picturesque Canadian city of Victoria makes for a great day trip from Vancouver.  

victoria tours

(Photo: Harbour Air Seaplanes / Courtesy GetYourGuide)

Known as the Garden City, Victoria is perhaps at its most scenic during the spring and summer months, but with even its mild winters drawing the golfing crowd, it remains an all-year-round destination. For visitors to Vancouver, Victoria is an ideal choice for an excursion, with the journey between the two possible either by car and ferry in around 4 hours or by seaplane in little over 30 minutes. If the latter takes your fancy, then check out our list below of the best Victoria seaplane tours from Vancouver currently available.

Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane from Vancouver

This full day tour invites you to embark on a thrilling seaplane flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. Departing from Vancouver Harbor, you’ll make the short but scenic 35-minute flight to Victoria where you’ll enjoy a coach tour that takes you to the famous Butchart Gardens. There’ll also be time to visit the city’s shops, a museum, and several other attractions. Later, you’ll return to Vancouver by seaplane on a scheduled afternoon flight of your choice. The tour price includes your return airfare, bus ticket and admission to Butchart Gardens. From CA$545 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Victoria Whale Watching Adventure

victoria tours

The ocean waters around Victoria are home to – among other creatures – the magnificent killer whale. Starting in Vancouver, this all-day tour offers the chance to see them with your own eyes.  After meeting at the Vancouver Seaplane Terminal, you’ll make the short flight to Victoria while soaking up the mesmerising views of the Gulf Islands from above. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to a whale-watching boat where you’ll be led by expert guides and marine biologists as you search out the giant residents that lurk beneath. The boat tour lasts three hours and afterwards you’ll return to dry land to continue exploring Victoria before your return flight. Your airfare and whale-watching excursion are included in the tour price. From CA$538 per person.

Butchart Gardens & Victoria Sightseeing Tour

Discover the fabulous Butchart Gardens on this extended 14-hour guided tour from Vancouver. Departing Vancouver via a scenic ferry ride from the mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, on arrival you’ll be transferred to a bus to continue on land to Victoria. Once in Victoria, you’ll be shown the sights before enjoying some free time to explore bustling downtown at your leisure. Next, you’ll visit Butchart Gardens, a picturesque Sunken Garden spread across 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. Wind down your day with a scenic return sailing trip back to Vancouver. The tour price includes all transportation, your guide, and entrance to Butchart Gardens. From CA$262 per person.

Victoria Excursion from Vancouver by Helicopter and Sea Plane

victoria tours

(Photo: Lotus Land Tours Inc / Courtesy Viator)

Travel from Vancouver to Victoria in style with a round-trip helicopter flight across the Strait of Georgia, including lounge access privileges complete with complimentary beverages, snacks and newspapers at the helipad terminal. Then, arriving in Victoria during mid-morning, you’ll be able to explore the city independently at your own pace before your return seaplane departs late afternoon at 6pm. The tour price includes Vancouver accommodation pick-up and drop-off and a city map of Victoria and other useful information is also provided. From CA$776 per person.

Book at Viator

Vancouver to Victoria – Bus Transfer

If you’re looking to visit Victoria from Vancouver and don’t wish to combine it with an experience or particular attraction at the other end, then this 4.5-hour bus tour transfer may well suit. After boarding a comfortable motor coach at a designated location in Vancouver, you’ll be transported directly to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal where you’ll be taken by ferry to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal on Vancouver Island. Your trip across the Strait of Georgia is a 95-minute scenic adventure through the Gulf Islands – be sure to keep your eyes out for various wildlife. Once at Swartz Bay, you’ll reboard the same coach and be transferred directly to Capital City Station, the Victoria Bus Depot, centrally located in the heart of downtown Victoria, where you’ll be free to explore. . From CA$98 per person.

Latest Articles

  • Editor Picks: Luxury Serviced Apartments in Central London March 7, 2024
  • Cheap Car Rental in San Francisco: The Best Companies March 7, 2024
  • 12 of the Best Coworking Spaces in Austin March 7, 2024
  • 5 of the Best Liveaboards in Socorro March 6, 2024
  • 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Washington State this Spring March 6, 2024
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

22 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

May 5, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

Sharing is caring!

Butchart gardens things to do in victoria

Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: January 10th, 2023

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

  • Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
  • Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
  • Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
  • Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

  • Fairmont Empress (luxury)
  • Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
  • Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

things to do in victoria bc

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Beautiful flowers of victoria BC

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Empress Hotel Things to do in Victoria BC

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday firework show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moves with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Food tours victoria bc

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

whale watching vancouver island

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching. Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

  • Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Chinatown Victoria

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Do Day-trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big, there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

things to do vancouver island bc

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

things to do in vancouver island

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

  • Things to Do in British Columbia
  • Best Hotels in Victoria
  • Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
  • Things to Do in Vancouver
  • Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
  • Canada Road Trip Ideas

' src=

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

' src=

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

' src=

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

' src=

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

' src=

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

' src=

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

' src=

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

' src=

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

' src=

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

' src=

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

' src=

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

' src=

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

' src=

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: fifteen − 14 =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

victoria tours

© 2022 Must Do Canada. All Rights Reserved.

Things to Do in Canada

  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Us
  • Get in Touch
  • Facts about Canada
  • Canadian Languages
  • Canadian Money
  • Canada Flags
  • Things to Do in Calgary
  • Best Canada Road Trips
  • Best Road Trip Essentials
  • Fall in Canada
  • Travel Resources

Travel Across Canada Every Week

Join our weekly newsletter for the latest articles, videos, top photos, and more!

Vancouver Planner

5 Best Day Tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC (2024)

The best day tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC offer the perfect opportunity to explore Vancouver Island hassle-free.

That’s why I’ve sifted through dozens of tours to Victoria from Vancouver to find you the best.

Let’s break down the top Vancouver to Victoria tours on the market.

Vancouver to Victoria Day Tours: The Logistics

Victoria’s picturesque harbour city is just 107 kilometres (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver.

That said, day tours to Victoria from Vancouver are a bit of a necessity without your own car.

victoria tours

If you’ve got time constraints, that pesky Salish Sea in the photo above only stands to complicate matters.

To avoid this, I’m gonna run through the best Vancouver to Victoria tour packages to make things a lot easier.

You can visit Butchart Gardens, take a Victoria whale watching tour, or take an in-depth tour of the heart of the city – and be back in time for dinner!

The Best Victoria Tours from Vancouver

victoria tours

Victoria Day Trip + Butchart Gardens – Best Day Trip from Vancouver to Victoria

Departure Point: Hotel pickup/drop off | Duration: 13 hours | Price: From CAD $275.10

Looking to explore Butchart Gardens but don’t have two days to spare? Not to worry.

You’ll start this Butchart Gardens and Victoria Day tour in style, taking in the stunning waterways and mountains en route to British Columbia’s capital via ferry.

Once you arrive in Victoria, you’ll visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a nature lover’s paradise spanning 55 acres (22 hectares).

But that’s not all! This Victoria tour from Vancouver also gives you the best of both worlds: a mini-guided coach tour along the way to learn the history + time to explore on your own.

Included in these day tours from Vancouver to Victoria island:

  • Select downtown Vancouver hotel pickup/drop off (locals: head to the Westin Bayshore)
  • Round-trip ferry tickets to/from Victoria
  • Butchart Gardens admission
  • Free time to explore Victoria’s city centre

victoria tours

Overnight Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour – Best 2-Day Victoria Tour from Vancouver

Departure Point: Hotel pickup | Duration: 48 hours | Price: From CAD $641.74

These fantastic Vancouver to Victoria day trip tour options include an overnight stay, which is a fantastic way to truly discover the city.

You’ll kick it off on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry , where you can soak up the gorgeous scenery and maybe even spot a few whales frolicking in the Salish Sea.

After arriving in Victoria, you’ll check out the famous Butchart Gardens – admission is included in the package. You’ll quickly see why this Victoria botanical wonderland attracts more than a million visitors per year.

Afterward, you’ll get a guided sightseeing tour of Victoria before heading to your comfy 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. The best part is you’ll have 24 hours to do whatever you like – so you’re not locked into a rigid schedule.

You’ll end with a scenic floatplane ride back home .

Included in these tours to Victoria from Vancouver:

  • Selected hotel pick up/drop off in Vancouver (locals: you’ll meet them at Canada Place)
  • Transport and ferry ticket to Victoria
  • Admission to Butchart Gardens
  • 1-night stay in Victoria at the Inn at Laurel Point
  • Scenic floatplane ride from Victoria back to Vancouver

Want to upgrade your hotel to include the legendary Fairmont Empress? Click the button below:

Related: 3 Epic Butchart Gardens Tours from Vancouver

victoria tours

Seaplane + Ferry Tour – Top Vancouver to Victoria Tour Package for Freedom

Departure Point: 1055 Canada Pl. | Duration: 12 hours | Price: From CAD $572.14

This exciting trip to Victoria from Vancouver begins with a thrilling journey across the Salish Sea by floatplane. The best part? The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane departs just steps from most of Vancouver’s best hotels .

On this Victoria one-day tour from Vancouver, you can sit back, relax, and soak up the lovely aerial views across the water.

Once you get there, you can start checking off the best things to do in Victoria in a self-guided manner. This is optimal for people looking for speed and independence .

You may even want to consider boarding the Victoria hop-on hop-off bus to cover more ground.

Once you’re done exploring, you’ll board a coach to Swartz Bay Terminal for the ferry ride back to Vancouver .

This Victoria Day tour from Vancouver i ncludes:

  • 35-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria
  • 7 hours to explore Victoria on your own
  • Coach and ferry tickets back to Vancouver

A seaplane in front of the Parliament Building, Victoria BC

Seaplane & Butchart Gardens Admission – Best Victoria Tour from Vancouver for Convenience

Departure Point: 1055 Canada Pl. | Duration: 1 day | Price: From CAD $572.14

These day tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC? They’re for those looking to combine a visit to Butchart Gardens with an exciting seaplane adventure .

And they’ll take you straight to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in just 35 minutes .

You’ll have plenty of free time to explore this charming city, soaking up all its beauty and culture .

It also includes a shuttle bus and admission to Butchart Gardens .

This is a great option for people looking for less travel time and more time to spend in the city .

This tour to Victoria from Vancouver includes :

  • Round-trip floatplane flight between Vancouver and Victoria
  • Shuttle to and from Butchart Gardens
  • Free time to explore the Victoria Inner Harbour

victoria tours

Seaplane + Whale-Watching Cruise – Top Vancouver Victoria Tour Package for Nature Lovers

Departure Point: 1055 Canada Pl. | Duration: 10 hours | Price: From CAD $603.63

If you’re deciding on one of our Vancouver to Victoria tours, a whale-watching excursion is one way to add a bit of that wow factor.

The travel here is super easy, with a super scenic seaplane to Victoria.

Once you arrive in Victoria, it’s time to set off on an exciting cruise through the Haro Strait . It’s the native home to killer whales, sea lions, and seals .

It’s a rare opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close and in their natural habitat.

Included in this Vancouver Victoria tour:

  • Return seaplane flights between Vancouver and Victoria
  • A ticket aboard a Victoria Whale Watching Tour
  • The chance to get up close and personal with orcas, humpbacks and gray whales

Vancouver to Victoria Day Tour Prices

So, how much does it cost for a day tour from Vancouver to Victoria?

Here’s a handy graph of Victoria day tour prices, with some extra info on departure points.

How to Book Day Trip Tickets to Victoria

Warning : Vancouver to Victoria day tours tend to sell out way in advance. Ensure you book your tickets online first . With the links here, you can even get free cancellation tickets.

Booking tickets for Vancouver to Victoria sightseeing tours is as simple as a purchase on Amazon – in fact, it’s even faster.

Here, I’ll walk you through the process with ease.

All you have to do is choose your top Victoria day tour , select a time, and you’re good to go – with free cancellation!

1. Select Your Day Tour to Victoria from Vancouver

  • Head to the Vancouver to Victoria day trip portal on Viator .
  • Here, you’re booking with a publicly traded company  (Tripadvisor) with a $3 billion market cap
  • Booking with them gets you  book now pay later Victoria day tours which help a lot with budgeting
  • You’re also locking in Viator’s  lowest price guarantee  to help you save money

2. Select Your Victoria Day Tour Time

  • Select your day tour of Victoria
  • Click the green ‘Check Availability’ button on the product page
  • Select a date on the calendar
  • Choose the number of people and click ‘Apply’
  • Select your time and click ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ or ‘Book Now’

FYI: If you choose ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ you’ll have the option to pay for the Victoria day trip tickets at any point up to 48 hours before.

Change your mind? Either way, you can cancel your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before.

Boom! You can lock in your Vancouver to Victoria guided tour dates in less than 2 minutes .

Vancouver to Victoria Day Tour Reviews

Our provider Viator has thousands of reviews on their long list of day tours from Vancouver to Victoria .

Amazingly, most of these Victoria one day tours hold a 4.5 star rating or above .

Let’s take a look at what people are saying about our best Vancouver to Victoria day tour:

view of the empress hotel ona victoria day tour from vancouver

One Day Victoria Tour with Butchart Gardens Trip Reviews

  • Cheapest Victoria day tour from Vancouver
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Ability to see all of Victoria’s major sites
  • 2 hours to explore independently
  • Expert guide and driver with tons of fun facts
  • Long trip broken up by different parts
  • Some have complained 10 hours is too long

No need to expand on this too much – this tour to Victoria from Vancouver has a 4.5 star rating over 1300+ reviews .

Here’s a bit of what to expect from Viator customer Jane_I:

victoria tours

>> Check out 1300+ more reviews on Viator now

Reasons to Take a Day Tour to Victoria from Vancouver BC

Scenic Beauty : Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Coast and the Gulf Islands during the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. Rich History : Victoria boasts a rich British colonial history, visible in its architecture, including the iconic British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Unique Attractions : Visit unique attractions like the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, with its stunning floral displays, and the Royal BC Museum, showcasing natural and human history. Charming Downtown : Explore Victoria’s charming downtown area, offering boutique shopping, artisan cafes, and waterfront dining options. Whale Watching Opportunities : Victoria whale watching tours offer the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life. Easy and Convenient : Day tours from Vancouver to Victoria BC are easy and convenient, providing a hassle-free way to explore another vibrant city within British Columbia in just one day.

How To Create Your Own Vancouver to Victoria Day Tour

Creating your own day tour from Vancouver to Victoria is simple and rewarding.

If you’ve got a car, start by booking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria , where you’ll enjoy the scenic Gulf Islands en route.

No car? You’ll either need to take the Vancouver to Victoria bus or the seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria .

Keep in mind though that independent travel is going to cost you a minimum of $196.16 return (bus).

That’s why booking day tours to Victoria is so great – for about $70.00 more you can have the whole thing planned with some admissions thrown in.

At any rate, however you get there – I suggest looking at this Victoria day trip itinerary for inspiration.

Vancouver to Victoria Tours FAQ

Are there tours between victoria and vancouver.

Yes, there are Victoria tours from Vancouver, including day tours, Butchart Gardens day tours, overnight tours, 2-day tours, and whale-watching tours.

How much is a tour from Vancouver to Victoria?

The cheapest tour from Vancouver to Victoria is $263.93 for the day trip to Butchart Gardens, which includes a couple of hours to explore Victoria on your own.

The typical Vancouver Victoria tour costs around $350.00.

Are there Vancouver bus tours to Victoria?

Yes, there are bus tours from Vancouver to Victoria, but it involves at combination package which gets you to Victoria by seaplane with return travel on the ferry by coach.

Otherwise, you can book the Vancouver to Victoria bus and create your own custom itinerary.

What’s the best day tour to Victoria from Vancouver?

The best day tour package from Vancouver to Victoria is the Victoria Tour + Butchart Gardens Tour , which includes the ferry, admission to the gardens, and a couple hours to explore downtown Victoria.

victoria tours

Ready for the Best Vancouver to Victoria Tours?

We hope this comprehensive list of our favourite Vancouver to Victoria tour packages has inspired you to explore Vancouver Island’s captivating Garden City.

These day tours from Vancouver to Victoria offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and adventure

That said, if you haven’t found anything here to your liking, don’t be afraid to write me in the comments!

Enjoy your Vancouver to Victoria tour!

victoria tours

I've used online guides on five continents to find the world's greatest travel spots and this is my chance to give back - with insider info on my home, the mighty Vancouver BC!

Related posts

oak bay hotel in victoria with balcony overlooking the water

The 14 Best Hotels in Victoria BC: Best Places to Stay in 2024

A seaplane in front of the Parliament Building, Victoria BC

Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane: What to Expect + Times (2024)

The famous Rose Arch at Butchart Gardens

4 Best Butchart Gardens Tours from Vancouver: Reviews (2024)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

THE 10 BEST Victoria City Tours

City tours in victoria.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out

victoria tours

  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

victoria tours

1. Full Day Guided Tour in Victoria with Butchart Gardens

victoria tours

2. Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Private Half-Day Tour

victoria tours

3. Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria

victoria tours

4. Victoria BC Ferry Mile Zero 1 Day City Tour from Vancouver

victoria tours

5. Private Small Group Deluxe Tour of Victoria & to Butchart Gardens

victoria tours

6. 3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside

victoria tours

7. Victoria Bites & Sights

victoria tours

8. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking

victoria tours

9. Victoria to Vancouver Seaplane Flight

victoria tours

10. 3-Hour Street Art & Craft Beer Tour of Victoria, Brewery Tour & Tasting included

victoria tours

11. Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria

victoria tours

12. The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

victoria tours

13. Historical Chinatown Walking Tour

victoria tours

14. Victoria 2-Day Tour from Vancouver

victoria tours

15. Victoria - True Crime Walking Tour, James Bay to Songhees Point

victoria tours

16. The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle

victoria tours

17. 2-Hour Victoria Highlights Private Walking Tour

victoria tours

18. Butchart Gardens and City Tour

victoria tours

19. 3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Victoria's Highlights

victoria tours

20. 4-Day Package w/Victoria, Whistler & YVR Airport Pickup (Eng&Chn)

victoria tours

21. One Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria

victoria tours

22. Picturesque Victoria City Highlights Private Tour

victoria tours

23. Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria

victoria tours

24. Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria With Butchart 2 Days Tour Private

victoria tours

25. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Private Tour for Two

victoria tours

26. Vancouver to Victoria City with Butchart Gardens Tour

victoria tours

27. Private Tour: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

victoria tours

28. 3-Day Tour to Vancouver Island w/ YVR Airport pickup (Eng&Mandarin)

victoria tours

29. 4-day Tour to Vancouver and Victoria w/ YVR Airport pickup (Eng&Mandarin)

victoria tours

30. Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler 4 days Private tour

What travelers are saying.

Trail293948

  • Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour
  • 2.5-Hour Tips-Based Walking Tour of Victoria
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Victoria with Butchart Gardens
  • Eat, Drink, Explore Chinatown
  • A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
  • Island Time Tours
  • Surfside Adventure Tours
  • The Pedaler
  • Victoria Carriage Tours
  • Fresh Air Tours
  • I Love Victoria Sightseeing Tours - Day Tours
  • Alset Tours
  • Classic Car Tours

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

This page requires JavaScript to work properly. Please enable JavaScript in your browser.

101 Victoria Dr Northlake, IL 60164

Taylor Swift ‘superfan advisor’ is a job now at one of the world’s biggest museums

taylor swift singing on a stage with side dancers

“It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” Ever leap at the mention of any Taylor Swift song lyrics? Turns out, it may be a useful skill to have after all.

All you have to do is be a lover of her music. 

London’s venerable Victoria & Albert Museum, which is over 170 years old and receives close to 3 million visitors a year, is looking for a Swiftie “superfan” to bring on board. 

The listing opened in late February and was set to close on Thursday, although the posting says the vacancy has already closed. The advisor will work with V&A’s curators who oversee well over 2.8 million exhibits and museum pieces.

“We’re always looking to learn more about our collection, whilst acting as cultural trendspotters on what to collect next,” the job description read. “So, we want to hear from you about your hyper-niche interest and why it is important to the history of art and design, and the future of creativity.”

Successful applicants will be paid an hourly rate, the BBC reported . They’ll also receive other incentives such as a V&A membership.    

The museum’s director, Tristram Hunt, told various outlets that the role was meant to “celebrate and discover more about the enormous, and often surprising, creative diversity on offer at the V&A, as well as helping us to learn more about the design stories that are relevant to our audiences today.”

The museum is also calling for fans and connoisseurs of other quirky pop-culture elements—including Crocs and emoji.

V&A has hosted pop-culture-centric exhibitions in the past, including a recent one covering Korean music and drama. It also previously sought out experts on Lego and Pokémon. But this is the first of its kind for Swift, who’s won 14 Grammys and released about 243 songs to date. 

Representatives at V&A didn’t return Fortune ’s requests for comment on what prompted the job posting or the number of applicants it received.

Influential artist

It’s no secret that Swift is among the most influential artists in recent history. Her Eras Tour propped her up to billionaire status and has proved an economic force to be reckoned with, driving consumer spending up by an estimated $4.6 billion.

Her presence at the Super Bowl to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, drew the eyeballs of advertisers and brands looking to reach Swifties. It also earned the NFL about $9.6 million in free publicity, U.S. News reported, citing AdVenture Media’s data .

Tours by other artists have shook up local economies, too—for instance, Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour is credited with boosting Sweden’s inflation as scores of visitors came to Stockholm to see the R&B artist.  

Swift is bringing her tour to the U.K. in June and August—and it’s estimated that it could send waves through the economy and promote greater spending. 

For a pop star like Swift whose fame stretches far and wide, it’s only reasonable to dig deeper into her influence. So much so, that even Harvard University launched a course on Swift to study her songs, their lyrics, and her artistic style. 

Latest in Lifestyle

  • 0 minutes ago

Happy young woman using mobile phone in bed.

A millennial manager took her job hunt to Tinder—and landed 3 interviews as a result: ‘As women, we need to empower ourselves to capitalize on any space where opportunities are available’

two men sitting on the stands of a tennis match

Rupert Murdoch cuts the cord on his U.K. Fox News–esque channel, TalkTV, as it fails to click with audiences

victoria tours

American consumers deserve the same food labeling standards as Europeans

a picture of luxury bags

The Gen Z and millennial rebellion against full-price luxury is hurting Burberry and Kering, but propping up secondhand marketplaces

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker speaks about the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV

Tesla rival Fisker’s future is in doubt as the EV carmaker warns it may run out of cash this year and slashes 15% of its workforce

Most popular.

victoria tours

Roughly $30 billion could be slashed from real estate agents’ commissions: Fed economists pose solution to the ‘anomaly’ in the American housing market

victoria tours

Broke boomers are moving in with their millennial kids, who are seething: ‘Where were they when I needed help?’

victoria tours

Global pop star says she can’t afford to take a week off due to how little she gets paid from streaming

victoria tours

Texas Parks and Wildlife votes unanimously to swap 43 contested acres to Elon Musk’s SpaceX for 477 acres a few miles south

victoria tours

Elon Musk quietly takes down post calling MacKenzie Scott a threat to civilization for giving billions away to social justice causes

victoria tours

Bitcoin’s black swan event: How the return of Satoshi could pose a $75 billion threat

IMAGES

  1. Victoria Carriage Tours

    victoria tours

  2. Self-guided walking tour of Downtown Victoria

    victoria tours

  3. 10 Best Victoria Tours & Trips 2022/2023

    victoria tours

  4. THE TOP 10 Victoria Tours & Excursions in 2022

    victoria tours

  5. Victoria Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    victoria tours

  6. Victoria Hippo Tours 2024

    victoria tours

COMMENTS

  1. THE TOP 10 Victoria Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour. 122. Soar over downtown Victoria and surrounds on a thrilling, 20-minute seaplane flight! Take to the skies right from the water and enjoy an unforgettable aerial perspective of the harbor, coastline, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains towering in the distance.

  2. THE 10 BEST Victoria Tours & Excursions

    As a local (Victoria) tour guide, I wanted to host my 45+ year out of town friends to a Whale Watching Tour this past October 2023. The tour could not have been better and the Whale Watching crew were fantastic. We spotted seals, sea lions, a large herring ball, cormorants, eagles, and several hump back whales!

  3. Hop On Hop off Sightseeing

    Explore Victoria at your own pace with our flexible tours. Hop on our iconic Double Decker buses, enjoy a comfortable motor coach tour to Butchart Gardens, or immerse yourself in the city lights on our Evening City Sites tour. With over 100 years of experience, Gray Line is synonymous with exceptional sightseeing. Join us for a memorable ...

  4. 16 of the Best Victoria Tours

    Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria: If you're in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia's capital city. 1. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria. Photo via Viator.

  5. Private Small Group Deluxe Tour of Victoria & to Butchart Gardens

    Explore the city of Victoria and the famous Butchart Gardens on this half-day guided tour. On the way to the gardens, stop at several attractions including Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, and Mount Tolmie Park. While at the Butchart Gardens, take in the impressive floral displays and the many theme gardens. On the return trip, visit Chinatown, Parliament, and the Empress Hotel.

  6. The BEST Victoria, British Columbia Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    5. Victoria Panoramic Seaplane Tour. Fly high above scenic Victoria BC and explore its beautiful scenery by seaplane. This thrill-a-minute tour will reveal a spectacular landscape and unforgettable aerial views. The Panoramic Seaplane Tour of Victoria will glide over the Olympic Mountains and along the Victoria waterfront to the white sand ...

  7. 11 Absolute BEST Tours in Victoria (that you don't want to miss!)

    Related Read: If you love these tour ideas, check out the best tours in Vancouver! 7. Seaplane flight. The views are incredible! One of the best ways to see Victoria is undoubtedly from the sky! You have the opportunity to witness panoramic views of the city and its coastline, all from the comfort of a small seaplane.

  8. Unlock the Beauty of Victoria, BC

    Victoria is a city unlike any other. With boutique hotels fit for a queen, world-class attractions, and fresh farm-to-table dining that's measured on a scale of metres not miles. Nestled between the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island. Follow your own path and wander down some of ours as you discover ...

  9. Tour Packages for Victoria BC

    Soar above Victoria for 45 minutes departing from the Inner Harbour and exploring sights such as Mount Doug, Mount Tolmie and downtown Victoria. • Parliament Tour A 30-minute guided tour of the iconic BC Legislative buildings. Learn about BC's Coat of Arms, the history of the buildings and explore 3 rooms. • Whale Watching

  10. Victoria History and Food Walking Tour with Tastings (Mar 2024)

    Explore Victoria's history and culinary scene on this walking tour of the British Columbian city. Follow a guide to highlights such as the Parliament Buildings, the Inner Harbor Causeway, Trounce Alley, Bastion and Market squares, Fan Tan Alley, the Harmonious Gates of Interest, and the Victoria Public Market. Along the way, stop for between food tastings of craft beer, chocolate, tea, tapas ...

  11. 5 BEST Tours to Victoria from Vancouver

    1. Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour from Vancouver. Japanese Gardens at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. The history and architecture are rich in Victoria! If you were to ask us what one of our favorite places to visit is in Victoria, Butchart Gardens would be right up near the top of the list!

  12. THE TOP 10 Victoria Day Trips (w/Prices)

    The best Day Trips in Victoria according to Viator travelers are: Indulge in a Wine & Food & Farms (Cheese) Tour - Cowichan Valley. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking. Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria. Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley.

  13. 10 Best Tours in Victoria BC: Sightseeing Tours by Sea, Street, and Sky

    Victoria Welcome Tour with Local - Best Victoria, BC Tour from Cruise Port. Location: Cruise Port/Anywhere | Duration: 2-6 hours | Price: From $60.00+ CAD. This is the best Victoria tour for cruise ship passengers who might be getting in at odd hours.

  14. THE 10 BEST Victoria Tours & Excursions

    Enter dates. Tours. Filters. Sort. Bus Tours. Historical & Heritage Tours. Sightseeing Tours. City Tours. Top Victoria Tours: See reviews and photos of tours in Victoria, Canada on Tripadvisor.

  15. 5 of the Best Victoria Tours from Vancouver

    Butchart Gardens & Victoria Sightseeing Tour. Discover the fabulous Butchart Gardens on this extended 14-hour guided tour from Vancouver. Departing Vancouver via a scenic ferry ride from the mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, on arrival you'll be transferred to a bus to continue on land to Victoria.

  16. 22 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

    Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens. Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners!

  17. THE 10 BEST Victoria Walking Tours (from $5)

    16. Victoria - True Crime Walking Tour, James Bay to Songhees Point. 4. Historical Tours. 3-4 hours. Hidden behind the beauty of Victoria's historic downtown area, lies a surprising and sinister past. This easy walking tour…. Free cancellation. from.

  18. Victoria Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Tour in Victoria, Canada: "We had a wonderful walking tour with Sandra. Sandra was very knowledgeable about Victoria's history, culture and politi,..." Marilyn Brenner - Sep, 2023 Tour in Victoria, Canada: "Melanie was the perfect guide. Her knowledge was second to none and she made both of us feel very special.

  19. 5 Best Day Tours from Vancouver to Victoria (2024 Updated)

    Overnight Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour - Best 2-Day Victoria Tour from Vancouver. Departure Point: Hotel pickup | Duration: 48 hours | Price: From CAD $641.74 These fantastic Vancouver to Victoria day trip tour options include an overnight stay, which is a fantastic way to truly discover the city.. You'll kick it off on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry, where you can soak up the ...

  20. THE TOP 10 Victoria Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (w/Prices)

    Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria. 1,442. Marvel at the majesty of Canada's marine wildlife on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat, a semi-covered vessel built specifically for whale-watching trips, and cruise through the Haro Strait with your guide.

  21. Victoria In A Day

    Time: All Trails GPS Link: Victoria In A Day. Start: Empress Hotel. Expectations: Feel free to start anywhere along our self-guided walking tour loop. Our two favourite starting points are the convenient parking lot along Fisgard Street in Chinatown, or, for this journey, we are going to start at the underground parking lot at Victoria ...

  22. 6 BEST Walking Tours in Victoria, BC for Tourists in 2024

    The beautiful Victoria Harbour. Whoever came up with the idea of combining a history tour with a foodie experience is a genius! This 2-hour guided food and history tour of Victoria explores some real hidden gems in the city, and the guides are full to the brim with fun facts and intriguing stories about the local area.. Tickets for this tour cost $90 CAD per person and can be booked online here.

  23. THE 10 BEST Victoria City Tours (Updated 2024)

    These experiences are best for city tours in Victoria: Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour; Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour; 2.5-Hour Tips-Based Walking Tour of Victoria; Full Day Guided Tour in Victoria with Butchart Gardens; Eat, Drink, Explore Chinatown; See more city tours in Victoria on Tripadvisor

  24. 101 Victoria Dr, Northlake, IL, 60164

    101 Victoria Dr, Northlake, IL, 60164 is a Single Family listed at 0. This is a real estate virtual tour. OVERVIEW. PHOTOGRAPHY. VIDEO. 101 Victoria Dr Northlake, IL 60164. menu. home OVERVIEW. photo_library PHOTOGRAPHY. videocam ...

  25. London's V&A Museum hiring a Taylor Swift 'superfan advisor'

    London's venerable Victoria & Albert Museum, which is over 170 years old and receives close to 3 million visitors a year, ... Tours by other artists have shook up local economies, ...

  26. Popular jam band Phish reveals summer concert tour plans

    When the summer rolls around, another trio of iconic rock and roll bands embark on a 16-show 2024 Summer Stadium Tour featuring Def Leppard, Journey and the Steve Miller Band, opening July 13 in ...