Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Trip with Ferry Ride

Summary

Ferry to Victoria stroll Butchart Gardens explore Inner Harbour

You’ll cross from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry, breathe in sea air among the Gulf Islands, wander Butchart Gardens’ winding paths, then explore Victoria’s historic harbour at your own pace. Expect small surprises—a gardener’s laugh or fresh coffee by the water—that make this day trip linger in your memory.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria to feel so calming. There’s this moment when you step out on deck and the air smells salty and cold, gulls circling overhead, and you just stand there watching the Gulf Islands slide by. Our guide, Sam, pointed out little pockets of forest on the islands—he grew up around here and you could tell he still liked talking about it. I tried to take photos but honestly they never look like what you see with your own eyes.

Butchart Gardens was next, and I thought two hours would be too long but it wasn’t enough. The Sunken Garden is wild—like some green bowl full of flowers I didn’t know the names for (Sam tried to teach me but I forgot most). There was this smell—roses mixed with wet earth—and a couple of gardeners laughing in the shade. I got lost for a bit near a pond where a duck was just... floating. No rush at all.

After that we drove into Victoria. Chinatown surprised me; it’s tiny but busy, red lanterns swinging above narrow streets. We passed the Empress Hotel—looked like something out of an old postcard—and then had free time around the Inner Harbour. I grabbed coffee at this place by the water and watched people come and go: families, couples, a street musician playing something soft on guitar. It felt easy to just sit there for a while, not needing to do anything big.

I still think about that garden smell sometimes, or how quiet it got on the ferry when everyone just stared at the water. If you’re looking for a day trip from Vancouver that isn’t rushed but still packs in new things—a private tour with hotel pickup makes it simple—this one’s worth doing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Victoria tour with gardens and ferry

• Pick up at selected hotels
• Enjoy scenic 90-minute ferry ride
• Explore Butchart Gardens for two hours
• Take pictures of Fairmont Empress Hotel

Top questions

How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria?

The BC Ferry crossing takes about 90 minutes each way between Vancouver and Victoria.

Is hotel pickup included in this Victoria & Butchart Gardens tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Vancouver.

How much time do we spend at Butchart Gardens?

You’ll have about two hours to explore Butchart Gardens during the tour.

Are entry fees included in the price?

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time in Victoria to eat where you choose.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; they may ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Is there luggage storage available during the tour?

Luggage storage is available onboard during your journey.

Are pets allowed on this tour bus?

No, pets are not permitted on tour buses for this trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Vancouver hotels, all entry fees for Butchart Gardens, travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide throughout, plus ferry tickets across the Gulf Islands—so you can focus on enjoying each stop without worrying about logistics.