Butchart Gardens & Victoria Tour from Vancouver: Ferry & Gardens

Cross the Gulf Islands by ferry, then walk through 55 acres of themed gardens before sailing back at sunset.

A full-day tour from Vancouver to Victoria includes roundtrip ferry passage through the Gulf Islands, a guided driving tour of Victoria's downtown landmarks, admission to Butchart Gardens, and return transport to Canada Place. The 14-hour itinerary departs early morning and returns around 9:30 pm, with free time to explore Victoria's shops and restaurants on your own. A live English-speaking guide and deluxe coach are included. Children under 16 must travel with a parent or guardian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip from Vancouver to Victoria

• Meet at Canada Place
• Drive to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
• Ferry cruise to Vancouver Island
• Tour Victoria's Inner Harbour sights
• Free time in downtown Victoria
• Visit Butchart Gardens
• Ferry cruise back to mainland
• Drive back to Vancouver

The experience

You meet at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver and board a deluxe coach for the drive south through the city and farmland to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The 90-minute ferry crossing to Vancouver Island is the heart of the day: after 40 minutes the boat enters Active Pass and you cruise through the Southern Gulf Islands, a local vacation spot where the water narrows and the landscape shifts. On arrival at Victoria's Inner Harbour, the guide takes you past Mile 0, Ogden Point, Fisherman's Wharf, the Fairmont Empress Hotel and historic Chinatown, including Fan Tan Alley and its shops.

Free time follows so you can explore downtown Victoria at your own pace. The guide offers suggestions on restaurants, breweries and hidden spots. Then the coach drives to Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site covering 55 acres and showcasing over 900 species of plants across themed displays: Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Rose Garden and others. You walk the grounds on your own schedule, then return to the ferry terminal for the evening sailing back to the mainland. The return crossing gives you time on the outside decks. On clear evenings, whales are sometimes visible from the water. The coach meets the ferry at Tsawwassen and drives back into Vancouver, arriving around 9:30 pm.

What’s included

• Roundtrip ferry passage aboard BC Ferries through the Gulf Islands.
• deluxe coach transportation from Canada Place.
• guided tour of Victoria's Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, Fisherman's Wharf and historic Chinatown.
• admission to Butchart Gardens.
• an experienced, friendly English-speaking driver-guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Discover Canada Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving in Vancouver without a car or staying outside the city center. The coach picks you up at Canada Place, the ferry is included, and you return the same evening, so a full day on Vancouver Island needs no separate transport or planning.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

82 verified traveler reviews

5 ★69

4 ★10

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Gulf Islands ferry crossing like?

The 90-minute BC Ferries crossing from Tsawwassen to Vancouver Island takes you through Active Pass after about 40 minutes, where the boat enters the Southern Gulf Islands: a narrow, scenic waterway and a popular vacation spot for locals. The ferry is included in the tour price, and you can stay on the outside decks to watch the water and islands pass.

Is there time to explore Victoria on your own?

Yes. After the guided tour of the Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel and Chinatown, you have free time to walk around downtown Victoria, shop, eat or visit spots the guide recommends. The coach then picks you up to head to Butchart Gardens.

When does the tour return to Vancouver?

The coach arrives back at Canada Place around 9:30 pm. The full day is 14 hours from pickup to drop-off, so plan for an early morning departure and a late evening return.