Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver

Ferry, Gardens & Free Time in Victoria: One Day from Vancouver

You board a ferry at your hotel pickup, spend 90 minutes crossing the Strait of Georgia, get a guided tour of Victoria's downtown, then have free time to explore on foot before heading to Butchart Gardens' 55 acres of gardens. Entry to the gardens and ferry are included, and you return by evening without arranging transport or tickets yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip

• Board mini-coach onto BC Ferries
• Enjoy 90-minute scenic cruise
• Explore Victoria at leisure
• Travel to Butchart Gardens
• Stroll through five garden areas
• Return crossing with dining onboard
• Arrive back at hotel

The experience

So you've got a day in Vancouver and someone mentions Butchart Gardens like it's non-negotiable, and honestly, they're right, but getting there means leaving the city. The ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia takes 90 minutes, and yeah, you could drive yourself and navigate the whole thing, or you let the coach pick you up from your hotel, drive straight onto the BC Ferries ship, and just sit there while the water opens up around you. The mini-coach stays on the ferry, so there's no fussing with a car once you land on Vancouver Island.

Once you're in Victoria, you get a guided coach tour of downtown first: the kind where someone who actually knows the place points out the architecture and the history without you having to squint at a map. After that, you're loose for a few hours to walk around on your own. The city's got galleries, shops, the harbor. It's small enough that you won't get lost, and the pace is yours. Then comes the part everyone's here for: Butchart Gardens. Fifty-five acres of gardens spread across what used to be a limestone quarry, and it's the kind of place where even people who don't care about flowers end up standing still for a while. There's the Sunken Garden, the Japanese Gardens, paths that wind through lawns and flower beds that change with the season. You're not rushed through it. You walk it at your own speed.

The return ferry crossing happens as the light starts to shift, and if you're hungry, there's food onboard. You're back at your hotel by evening, which means you didn't spend the whole day driving or figuring out logistics: the day trip to Victoria and Butchart Gardens from Vancouver handles that part, and you just show up at your hotel in the morning ready to go.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a 90-minute scenic ferry crossing aboard BC Ferries with your coach, a guided sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria, free time to explore Victoria on foot, full admission to Butchart Gardens, and a return ferry crossing with dining options onboard. A professional driver and guide accompany the group throughout, and local taxes are covered.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 11 Nov

Book up to12h before

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

GroupUp to 30 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Landsea Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Butchart Gardens from Vancouver without renting a car or buying separate ferry and entry tickets: the fixed itinerary and included transport mean you show up at your hotel and the logistics are done.

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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.

How long is the ferry crossing to Vancouver Island?

The scenic crossing aboard BC Ferries takes 90 minutes each way.

Do I have to stay with the group the whole time?

No. After the guided coach tour of downtown Victoria, you have free time to explore on foot at your own pace before heading to Butchart Gardens.

Is entry to Butchart Gardens included?

Yes. Admission to Butchart Gardens, the ferry crossing, and hotel pickup and drop-off are all included.

What time does the day trip start?

Hotel pickup is arranged when you book. The exact time depends on your hotel location.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout the day.

Is this suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You walk at your own pace through Butchart Gardens, and there are plenty of paths and rest areas.

What if I have a service animal?

Service animals are allowed on the tour.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the 90-minute ferry crossing, a guided coach tour of Victoria, entry to Butchart Gardens, and professional driver/guide services.