Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver Ferry

Summary

Victoria’s harbor, Chinatown alleys & Butchart’s quiet corners in one day

You’ll cross from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry with a local guide who keeps things lively. Explore Victoria’s harbor and Chinatown on foot, then lose track of time among Butchart Gardens’ winding paths. Expect small surprises—like bakery buns or seal sightings—and end your day feeling like you’ve seen British Columbia from several new angles.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely settled into our seats at Canada Place when our guide, Mark, started cracking jokes about the rain (it wasn’t even raining yet). The drive out of Vancouver was just long enough for me to finish my coffee. At Tsawwassen ferry terminal, I wandered through the little market — smelled something sweet and fried but didn’t risk it this early. The ferry itself felt like a mini cruise; I stood outside for most of it, hair whipping around, watching the Gulf Islands drift by. There was a kid pointing out seals to his grandma near Active Pass — she pretended not to care but kept sneaking glances.

Rolling into Victoria’s Inner Harbour felt different from Vancouver — more relaxed, maybe? We stopped at Mile 0 and then Chinatown. Fan Tan Alley is so narrow you have to turn sideways if someone’s coming the other way. I tried to say “thank you” in Cantonese at a bakery and the woman behind the counter just grinned and handed me a bun (no idea what was in it but it was good). Mark gave us tips for lunch spots — I ended up with fish & chips at Fisherman’s Wharf because honestly, how could I not?

The main keyword here is Butchart Gardens. Even if you’re not a “garden person,” there’s something about wandering those paths that gets under your skin. The Japanese Garden was all mossy stones and filtered light — I caught myself just standing still for a minute, listening to water trickle somewhere out of sight. My shoes got muddy but I didn’t care. On the way back, everyone on the bus was quieter. Maybe tired or maybe just full from all that color and air. The ferry ride home had this golden light over the water that made everything look softer than it really is.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

• Meet at Canada Place
• Drive to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
• Explore ferry terminal market
• Ferry cruise to Vancouver Island
• Arrive at Victoria Inner Harbour
• Visit Mile 0 and Ogden Point
• See Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings
• Explore Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
• Free time in downtown Victoria
• Meet guide and bus
• Visit Butchart Gardens
• Return ferry cruise to mainland
• Drive back to Vancouver

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Vancouver to Victoria?

The tour lasts approximately 13 hours including travel time.

Is ferry transportation included in the Victoria & Butchart Gardens tour?

Yes, roundtrip BC Ferries tickets are included in your booking.

Are entry fees to Butchart Gardens covered?

Admission to Butchart Gardens is included in the tour price.

Do we get free time in downtown Victoria?

Yes, there is free time for exploring downtown Victoria at your own pace.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included but your guide will suggest local spots in Victoria.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver.

What sights are visited during the trip?

You’ll see Victoria Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Government Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Parliament Buildings, and Butchart Gardens.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes, the tour operates rain or shine without refunds for weather changes.

What’s included

Your day includes mini-coach transport from Canada Place in Vancouver with an experienced guide who shares stories along the way; roundtrip BC Ferries crossings through the Gulf Islands; all taxes and entry fees including admission to Butchart Gardens; sightseeing stops around Victoria like Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf; plus plenty of suggestions for where to eat before heading back in the evening.