victoria bc farm tour

• Emergency Management
• proAction resources
• Dairy research
• BC Dairy Industry Conference
• Research and innovation

For BC dairy farmers

• Emergency management
• proAction® resources
• BC Dairy Conference

Health Professionals

• Annual Nutrition Forum
• Our Dietitians
• Order Educational Materials

School Milk

• School food programs 
• Why serve milk in school?
• Milk is local
• Our dietitians

School or Educator

• Our approach
• Nutrition programs
• School milk
• Lesson plans
• Mini Food Grants

Visit a BC Dairy Farm

If you’ve ever wondered how milk is produced on a farm, you've come to the right place. These BC dairy farms offer guided tours or are open to the public for visits. Check out the farms' websites listed below for more details.

BC Dairy Classroom

The BC Dairy Classroom brings the dairy farm to you. Our trailer travels to events and schools in BC and delivers milking demonstrations using a real, live cow.

No products in the cart.

• Login/Signup

Country Bee Honey Farm

6440 W Saanich Rd, Saanichton BC

Saanich Peninsula Honey

At Country Bee Honey Farm we pride ourselves on our amazing honey, delicious infusions, farm raised livestock, and unique gift ideas. Our Premium Honey is collected from nine different locations around the Saanich Peninsula. Who knows, our bees might be making honey from your backyard! No extraction tastes the same, and neither is your experience when you visit the farm. But one thing is certain… there is always something exciting to see at Country Bee Honey Farm!

The Farm Experience is NOW OPEN!

The Country Bee Farm Experience allows you to experience the back of our farm and meet the animals on a self guided tour. This tour is open May-October each year, varying dates depending on what mother nature gives us for weather. We have acres of sunflowers that bloom across 3 acres of open land, you enjoy this on your walk to that back of the farm. Every year we welcome new babies throughout the summer. You never really know what your going to get. In late August of 2023 we were surprised with 10 piglets….

A field full of vibrant pollinator-friendly flowers and sunflowers to help you escape your busy life, and enjoy nature’s beauty. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in life that we forget to stop and smell the flowers… and that is exactly what you can do here. A variety of flowers bloom throughout the summer, with the main flower fields being in bloom from late July through to August. 

While wandering through our upper gardens you can meet and feed a variety of farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs, birds, hair sheep, emus, alpacas, baby chicks, miniature donkeys and a miniature pony! Grab a treat from our café to enjoy at one of the picnic tables located in the field or find some shade under the gazebo. A great outdoor adventure for families and nature enthusiasts!

In 2022 we introduced our pollinating pole, wooden sculptures, informational boards about bees, pollinators, and all our animals, it really brings the back garden to life!

The Farm Experience is officially open for the 2024 season! Daily wrist bands are available, as well as season passes. Passes can be purchased in store or through our online shop .

In 2015 Jason and Lindsay took a hard look at their big city life and it was abundantly clear they weren’t living the life they wanted. So they took a giant leap of faith and purchased an 11 acre farm in the town that Lindsay grew up in.

If you’ve driven by the property you’ll notice that there is a lot going on, and a lot more to come. We have beautiful walking gardens, animal pens for the kids, and picnic tables for you to sit and enjoy a coffee and honey treat at. Come into our store to try all the fabulous  honeys  we have. The honey tasting bar is full of delicious choices.

BEE EDUCATION

Learn more about our world. In our education tab we answer all of your bee and honey related questions. We give you an inside look of our bees, beneficial plants for pollinators, and delicious recipes made with honey.

Are you the proud owner of  a leafcutter bee house or are you thinking about getting these gentle bees? We give you all the must knows about how to get started with  leafcutter bees .

WHAT’S IN STORE?

LOCAL HONEY

We have a wide variety of honey in store. Try the Premium Honey from one of our nine yards around the Saanich Peninsula. Or give a twist to your meal with one of our house made Infused Honeys.

We believe natural honey bee products contain healing components. Our collection of apitherapy products includes Royal Jelly, Pollen, Propolis, Bee Venom, and New Zealand’s Manuka Honey. 

LOCAL BEESWAX

To ensure we always have enough beeswax on hand, we have partnered up with some amazing local beekeepers. Our beeswax is a mixture of wax from Vancouver Island and the lower mainland.

• Best Selling

Goldilocks Beeswax Wrap

Vitality 500g

Vitality contains pure unpasteurized honey, bee pollen, propolis and royal jelly. This combination provides you with all the benefits of the beehive, this includes; all 28 minerals your body requires, up to 25% protein and vitamins. Great for vegetarians.

Hot Pepper Infused Honey

Our infused honeys are made on the farm. We take local habanero peppers, dry them, and then infuse them into our Blueberry Honey for 3 months. The honey pulls all the delicious flavours and oils out of the the peppers. It warms your mouth and gives a nice heat, but not too hot. This is one of our personal favourites. We put this sh#t on everything! Try it on cheeses, in marinades, or drizzled over apple pie and ice cream. The choices are endless.

Beeswax Globe Candle Holders

Elegant Beeswax Globe candles create the perfect ambiance for any room. Globes come with a beeswax tealight, tealight holder and mirror plate. When lite they glow and give off a beautiful aroma. The globe will never wear out, just replace the tealight as it burns.

Pair of Taper Candles

These elegant tapered candles are hand dipped the ‘old way’. The act of creating a candle with repetitive dips into a gorgeous smelling vat of pure beeswax, produces a long even burning candle.

2″ Votive Candle

Locally made votive candle, burn time is 10-12 hours. Made with pure Candian beeswax.

Buckwheat Honey

Buckwheat honey has a strong, robust, and full bodied flavour. Sourced from Manitoba beekeepers.

Blueberry Honey

Our local Vancouver Blueberry honey is a crowd favorite. A beautiful sweetness that fills your mouth with aroma. This honey doesn’t taste like blueberries, instead the flavor takes on an almost cinnamon taste.

Whiskey Infused Honey

We take used Whiskey barrels from DeVine Vineyards and fill them with our Blueberry Honey. Then we age the honey for 5-6 weeks. The honey pulls moisture out of anything surrounding it, including the wood. The wood starts to crack and the honey starts leaking out, that’s when we know it’s done. You’ve never tried anything like this before. Try it on cheeses, paired with desserts, or in your morning coffee. The opportunities are endless!

Fireweed Honey

Delicate Fireweed honey from Campbell River, BC. Like nothing you’ve experienced before. The taste is indescribable, a pure, smooth honey with a buttery finish. This is a hard honey to find and definitely a specialty product.

Premium Honey

All our Small Batch Premium Honey is collected from neighborhood hives around the Saanich Peninsula. We have 9 yards, and every yard is extracted separately.

Wildflower Honey

Our Wildflower Honey is B.C. local from Dawson Creek. It has a beautiful floral aroma and can be used in anything. Great for baking and in granolas or teas.

Locally sourced beeswax is light in color and comes in bulk 1 pound quantities. Order the number of pounds you require.

Venex Bee Venom Ointment

The most active ingredient in Venex ointment is bee venom. Bee venom contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to decrease inflammation of the skin. It can also benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis. Venex ointment stimulates the skin to produce extra cortisone. This helps speed up the healing process in a natural way.

Clover Honey

Our B.C. local Clover Honey is sourced from Dawson Creek. This is a beautiful, clean Clover Honey, ideal in coffees and teas.

Creamed Honey

Naturally crystallized, maintaining small sugar molecules to give it the soft, smooth, creamy texture you know and love. Great on toast, in hot drinks or on a spoon. This no-drip honey is delicious. Produced from Alberta beehives.

Lavender Infused Honey

We infuse our local Blueberry Honey with local Lavender grown on the farm to create this delicious Lavender Infused Honey. This honey is excellent used on scones or in teas. Makes a delightful simple syrup for cocktails or lemonade. Try it drizzled over baked fruit or brie.

Creamed Cinnamon Honey

A piece of toast with this honey spread across it is amazing! This honey has a delicate cinnamon flavour to it and a no-drip, smooth texture. The honey gets its creamy texture from naturally getting crystallized, maintaining small sugar molecules. Due to it already being crystallized it won’t harden if it’s on your shelf for some time. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Honey Sampler Gift Box

Not sure which of our honeys to pick? This gift box is a great way to sample some of our most popular honeys.

Includes: 4 45ml jars of honey.

Note: The honey flavours vary per box.

Username or email address *

Login Remember me

Lost your password?

Email address *

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

Sign me up for the newsletter!

• Our Pollinator Gardens
• The Country Bee Farm Experience
• Goat Snuggles
• U-Pick & Pre-Cut Christmas Trees
• Farm Fresh Livestock
• Become A Volunteer
• Beekeeping BEE-hind the Scenes
• Beneficial Plants for the Bees
• Creating a Pollinator Friendly Garden
• Leafcutter Bees: A Beginners Guide
• Social Media
• Subscribe To Our Newsletter
• Affiliate Application

There is no membership required. Customers simply need to be 19+ years old, with a valid GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO I.D to enter Original FARM.

1402 DOUGLAS Street Victoria, BC

Original FARM Downtown is open:

Monday to Friday 12pm - 8pm Closed Sunday and Saturday

Telephone: 250.940.4688 Toll Free: 1.855.511.FARM (3276)

TAKE A 3D TOUR OF FARM Downtown

1402 douglas street.

Ways to Give

Farm Tours & Field Trips

Connecting students to agriculture — on the farm .

Farming is a business, but it’s also a way of life that affects all of us at home and within our communities. Taking your classroom to a farm gives your students a firsthand glimpse into our province’s food suppliers and what it means to be a farmer, the multifaceted role a farmer plays as steward of the land, and what’s involved in caring for livestock. It’s also a chance to get up close to some pretty cool machines. Many farms in BC open their gates and barns for tours, and each one offers a unique and fun experience for students.

To find a farm tour or agricultural field trip near you, locate your region on the map, then see the corresponding list of tours and trips in that area. Rates vary where applicable.

Find a Farm Tour Close to You  

Mainland-southwest .

• Birchwood Dairy 604.857.1315 Email
• Maan Farms  604.864.5723 Email
• Taves Family Farms  604.853.3108 Email
• EcoDairy  604.557.5481 Email
• Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre 604.504.4716 Email
• Campbell’s Gold Honey and Meadery 604.856.2125 Email
• Cordine Farms 604.796.9235
• The Farm House Natural Cheeses  877.496.8741
• Glorious Organics  604.857.1400 Email
• Kensington Prairie Farm 604.625.4395 Email
• THE BOG - Riverside Cranberry Farm  604.614.7625
• Chilliwack Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm  604.845.5284 Email
• Quik's Farm Ltd.  604.795.4651 Email
• Chilliwack River Salmon Hatchery 604.858.7227 Email  
• Fantasy Farms  604.792.8572 Email
• Pine Meadows Tree Farms 604.824.8787 Email
• Inch Creek Hatchery  604.826.0244 Email

HARRISON MILLS

• Chehalis River Salmon Hatchery  604.796.2281
• Westham Island Herb Farm  604.312.1023 Email
• Aldor Acres  604.888.0788 Email
• Dave's Orchard 604.534.9979
• Eagle Acres Dairy and Pumpkin Patch  604.888.2403 Email
• BC Farm Museum 604.888.2273

MAPLE RIDGE

• Laity Pumpkin Patch  604.467.4302/604.380.1615 Email
• Hopcott Farms 778.385.1063 Email

NORTH VANCOUVER

• Maplewood Farm  604.929.5610 Email
• Capilano Salmon Hatchery  604.666.1790 Email
• North Arm Farm  604.894.5379 Email

PITT MEADOWS

• Dr. Bee Honeyland  604.460.8889 Email
• W & A Farms  604.278.5667
• Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch at Gabriel Farms Ltd.  604.542.1205 Email
• Honeybee Centre  877.975.2337 Email
• Bose and Sons Family Farms  778.578.5450 Email
• Historic Stewart Farm 604.591.4627 Email
• Rondriso Farms 604.574.5585 Email
• UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research 
• UBC Farm   
• VanDusen Botanical Garden   

Vancouver Island-Coast 

Black creek.

• Daldas Farms 250.337.5494 Email
• Seaview Game Farm  250.337.5182 Email

BRENTWOOD BAY

• Eurosa Farms  250.652.5812 Email
• Greendike Farms Ltd. 250.246.3300 Email

COBBLE HILL

• Merridale Cider and Distillery 250.743.4293 Email
• Gibsons Heritage Farm 778.882.5673 Email
• Yellow Point Farms 250.619.9155 Email

 PARKSVILLE

• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks  250.954.3931 Email

Thompson-Okanagan 

• The Village Cheese Company 250.546.8651 Email
• Clearwater Trout Hatchery  250.674.2580 Email
• BC Wine and Orchard Museum  778.478.0325
• The Grist Mill and Gardens  250.499.2888 Email
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre 250.494.6385 Email
• Davison Orchards  250.549.3266

FORT STEELE

• Kootenay Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre  250.429.3214 Email

GRAND FORKS

• Jerseyland Organics  250.442.8112 Email

Cariboo-Central 

• Moose Meadow Farm  250.249.5329 Email

A Cautionary Note to All Farm Tour Participants 

Food-borne illness can result from close contact with farm animals. BCAITC does not review or monitor any of the farm tour facilities on this list. It is up to each farm visitor to be aware of the risks associated with visiting a farm and take the necessary precautions. To reduce the risk of any food-borne illness, be sure that all students, teachers, and volunteers wash their hands with either hand sanitizer (or sanitizing hand wipes) or warm water and soap (drying their hands with a clean paper towel) before eating at and leaving the farm.

• Attractions & Activities
• Food & Beverage
• Transportation
• Virtual Tours
• Plan Your Trip
• Privacy Policy

Your Itinerary

• View The Itinerary

The Ultimate Guide to Three Days in Victoria, BC

Day 1: stroll through downtown victoria.

Put on those comfy walking shoes for a stroll through the best of downtown Victoria.

Miniature World

Miniature World – the greatest little show on Earth – is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions located in the Fairmont Empress.  Welcome to the little people’s Wonderful World of Smallness — step into the Story Books of fact, fiction and fantasy. We recommend allocating one hour for Miniature World.

Wharf Street to Chinatown

Walking back toward the Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Centre (stop in for more tips on things to do!) at the corner of Government Street and Wharf, continue and turn right on Wharf Street. This route will take you along the historic heart where schooners used to dock and has great views overlooking the Inner Harbour. Continue for about 15 minutes and you’ll come to Fisgard Street, the home of Canada’s oldest Chinatown (2nd oldest in North America after San Francisco). Be sure to check out Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest “street” in Canada.

Lunch in Chinatown or the Victoria Public Market

You may choose to lunch in one of the many Chinese restaurants along Fisgard Street or extend your stroll to the Victoria Public Market (just across on Douglas Street). Located in the iconic Hudson Bay building, Victoria Public Market highlights local artisans, farmers, butchers, bakers, cheesemakers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurateurs.

Government Street

Retrace your steps and turn south on Government Street. Stroll along the historic storefronts that you’ll pass along Government Street featuring one of a kind shops such as Silk Road Tea, Murchie’s Tea and Coffee, Munro’s Books and:

Roger’s Chocolates

All that walking and perhaps shopping has probably left you in need of a pick me up!  Along Government Street, you’ll find one of Victoria’s icons: Roger’s Chocolates.  The first Rogers’ chocolates were made in 1885 by Charles “Candy” Rogers in the back of his grocery store in Victoria, B.C. For those who appreciate the magical quality of carefully made, premium chocolates with a history.

Haunted Manor Mini-Golf

The fun continues! Haunted Manor Mini Golf is an immersive twist on the classic game of Mini Golf. You’ll putt your way through a haunted Victorian manor with 18 interactive holes and a ghoulish story to tell. There’s also a licensed and private ping pong lounge for up to 10 guests that you can book. Come early to enjoy a craft beer or cider before your round of golf!

Day 2: Experience Popular Victoria Attractions

The royal bc museum.

Discover BC at the Royal BC Museum. From coastal forests to the depths of the north Pacific, explore our gallery and immerse yourself in tales of where we’ve been and where we are going. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings as you journey to the Ice Age and spot a Woolly Mammoth. Dive under the ocean and check out some of the amazing creatures living in our waters and see how climate change is impacting the world we live in. Allow yourself a couple of hours to fully appreciate the Museum. Watch for special exhibitions. We recommend allocating two hours for the museum. 

Lunch/Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House

A few blocks to the west of the  Museum you’ll find the Pendray Tea House. Experience the charm of yesteryear. Centrally located, this delightful tea house invites tourists to savor an authentic Afternoon Tea right in the heart of the city. Indulge in a spread of delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and home-baked pastries, each item meticulously crafted from premium local produce. This quintessentially British affair offers a unique taste of Victoria, combining historical elegance with gastronomic delight.

Double Decker Hop-on, Hop-off Bus

Experience Victoria like no other, join us aboard one of our iconic 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. We suggest you hop off at:

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, located within beautiful Beacon Hill Park of Victoria, B.C, is pleased to bring the farm animal experience into the city. Operated since 1985, by the Koenders family, the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm take pride in providing both and educational and economical form of entertainment for the whole family. Their goal is to help children develop a respect for animals that will remain with them for life.

Day 3: A Day Full of Adventure 

Harbour air flightseeing.

Located in the Inner Harbour, steps from hotels, you’ll find the seaplane terminal of Harbour Air. Here you can board a seaplane and have the perfect introduction to flying on floats! Take in the beauty of Victoria’s twisting coastline, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the majestic Olympic Peninsula. Return over the city, landing right downtown in the Inner Harbour. Choose the duration (20 or 30 minutes in-flight) you wish. You must pre-book.

Shopping and Lunch at the Bay Centre

A few blocks east of the Harbour Air Terminal you’ll find The Bay Centre on Government Street. Besides being a “must shop” (the Bay Centre has a mix of over 80 street front and interior shops covering an entire full city block) the Centre has a food court on the 4th level as well as an Earls restaurant on the main.  Be sure to check out Victoria Market Collective . Market Collective’s mission is to create a platform to support local and handmade from grassroots to Canadian professional artisans.

Whale Watching

After lunch it’s time to try another iconic activity in Victoria. You can choose from a number of whale watching operators. We recommend reserving with Prince of Whales , Five Star , Orca Spirit or Eagle Wing , all of whom offer a variety of vessels, outstanding customer service and naturalists on board to interpret what you are seeing. Generally, tours are approximately 3 hours, and all leave from the Inner Harbour.

There’s lots more to do if you have more time but we hope this gives you an idea of the broad range of activities in Victoria and awaiting your visit!

Insider's Tip

Tip #1: After indulging in the delectable afternoon tea, make sure to take a stroll through the expansive gardens that envelop the Pendray Tea House. Here, you’ll discover numerous topiary plants, a living tribute to the historic Pendray’s Gardens, a popular attraction from back in the early 20th century. These carefully sculpted plants offer a serene and captivating backdrop, reflecting the timeless charm of Victoria’s heritage.

Tip #2: Check out the Top 10 Ways to Experience the Bay Centre Like a Local

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, located within beautiful Beacon Hill Park of Victoria, B.C, is…

Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria

Truly the best way to discover Victoria’s must-see points of interest! Experience Victoria like no…

Haunted Manor Mini Golf

Haunted Manor Mini Golf is an immersive twist on the classic game of Mini Golf.…

Point Ellice House

Point Ellice House stands as a symbol of heritage preservation and cross-cultural understanding. Constructed between 1861 and 1862, it houses one of Canada’s most extensive Victorian-era collections. Featuring heritage architecture,…

Victoria Butterfly Gardens import 'components/image-element'; import 'components/image-element'; import 'components/image-element'; import 'components/image-element';

• The Gardens
• Our Creatures
• Our Butterflies
• Insectarium
• Scavenger Hunt
• How To Get Here
• Group Bookings
• Annual Passes

Shop Tickets

• Friends of Butterfly Gardens

A Vibrant Jungle Experience

Open 7 Days a Week

Location & hours.

ADDRESS 1461 Benvenuto Avenue Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J5 TELEPHONE 1-877-722-0272 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WINTER HOURS (Sept 2 - May 17) 10AM-4PM | (Everyday) SUMMER HOURS ( May 18 - Sep 1) 10AM-4PM | (Mon-Wed) 10AM-6PM | (Thur-Sun)

Location & Hours

ADDRESS 1461 Benvenuto Avenue Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J5 Open 7 Days a Week SUMMER HOURS (May 18- Sept 1) 10AM-4PM | (Mon-Wed) 10AM-6PM | (Thur-Sun) WINTER HOURS (Sept 2 - May 17) 10AM-4PM | (Everyday) TELEPHONE 1-877-722-0272

Ask about our Military Discount when you come to the Gardens and be reimbursed a portion of your admission ticket.

Purchase an Annual Pass!

Enjoy the Gardens all year round. Plus, enjoy discounts on a variety of local attractions.

Eclectus Parrot

Blue & Gold Macaw

Poison Dart Frogs

Not just Butterflies!

Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. As you wander through, we want you to meet our family. With surprises at every turn, you’ll encounter.

August 20th

5 STAR | TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW

" If you love the jungle look, plants, butterfly, birds and fish pond, this is the place to be! From the welcoming landscaped entrance to the friendly staff. I love the settings of Waterfalls and tropical vegetations & plants. I love the unique bugs and insects, beautiful butterflies, turtles , parrots, macaw birds, flamingo, iguana and koi! A beautiful place to relax and meditate! I was lost in the moment! Great feeling! "

Follow Us On Social Media

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

Policies/Culture

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Refund Policy

Get in touch

• American Express
• Diners Club

• 0 Shopping Cart $ 0.00 -->

Victoria BC Sightseeing Tours

A charming horse-drawn carriage ride through beautiful Victoria, British Columbia!

Tally-Ho’s beautiful vis-à-vis carriages are a relaxing, fun and informative way to see Victoria.  Our majestic draft horses and professional, fun-loving tour guides will delight you with a personalized, informative and entertaining tour, as you sit back and enjoy the soft footfalls of your horse’s hooves!

SHORT & SWEET TOUR

15 minutes $80 CAD per carriage (including tax) Up to 6 guests (maximum 4 adults recommended)

. Reserve Now

. Purchase Gift Card

Let us introduce you to travel via a majestic horse-drawn carriage! Sit back and relax into the slow rhythm of the carriage and the melodic sounds of your horse’s soft footfalls while you take in the rich architecture of the Legislative Buildings and Victoria’s oldest neighborhood, James Bay.

This tour is ideal for families with young children, those looking for amazing photo opportunities, or those who simply want to experience the magic of our beautiful draft horses.

HERITAGE TOUR

30 minutes $150 CAD per carriage (including tax) Up to 6 guests (maximum 4 adults recommended)

Explore one of Victoria’s oldest and most interesting neighborhoods, James Bay. Known for its charming Victorian-era houses, quaint cafes, and scenic waterfront views, this charming community is a must-see destination for any visitor to Victoria.

Sit back and relax as your friendly and knowledgeable guide takes you on a leisurely tour through the picturesque streets, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing fascinating stories about the area’s rich history. Pass Emily Carr’s birthplace and learn about the life of this important Canadian figure and her lasting impact on the art world; and see some of the most beautifully preserved Victorian homes in the city.

SALISH SEA TOUR

45 minutes $215 CAD per carriage (including tax) Up to 6 guests (maximum 4 adults recommended)

Experience the beauty and history of Victoria’s James Bay neighborhood and the refreshing breeze of the Salish Sea on a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride.

Travel through the charming streets of James Bay, a quaint, old-fashioned neighborhood of well-preserved architecture, charming gardens and historical sites.  As you approach the water, hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and enjoy the stunning ocean views, with the Olympic Mountains towering in the distance. The Salish Sea is one of the world’s largest and biologically rich inland seas. Its name honors the first inhabitants of the region, the Coast Salish people.

BEACON HILL PARK TOUR

60 minutes $275 CAD per carriage (including tax) Up to 6 guests (maximum 4 adults recommended)

Take a step back in time and experience the lush greenery of Beacon Hill Park, magnificent ocean views along the Salish Sea waterfront and historic beauty of Victoria’s charming James Bay neighborhood.

Beacon Hill Park is a haven of serenity in the heart of the city with its immaculate flower gardens, tranquil duck ponds, children’s petting farm and areas of natural landscape. Donated to the city in 1858, the park has been preserved as a public space for generations, and remains a protected area for wildlife and native plants. Enjoy the highlights of the park from your carriage, before taking a scenic journey along the Salish Sea waterfront.  Pass Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway and experience stunning ocean views of the Olympic Mountain range in the United States. Return through the charming neighborhood of James Bay, hearing stories about the area’s rich history and passing the birthplace of renowned artist, Emily Carr.

MOST POPULAR

75 minutes $330 CAD per carriage (including tax) Up to 6 guests (maximum 4 adults recommended)

Experience the best of Victoria’s history, beauty, and charm on a horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you past the iconic Legislative Buildings, through the tranquil Beacon Hill Park, along the picturesque Salish Sea waterfront, and by the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf.

This all-encompassing tour also includes Emily Carr’s house, one of the world’s tallest free-standing totem poles, Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway, Terry Fox monument, Victoria Cruise Terminal, and scenic inner harbor. Your knowledgeable, fun-loving guide will share fascinating stories about the history of British Columbia’s beautiful capital city and allow you to discover its magic.

PREMIER TOUR

90 minutes $385 CAD per carriage (including tax) Up to 6 guests (maximum 4 adults recommended)

Create your own unforgettable horse-drawn carriage experience!  Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or just looking to relax and take in the sights, this personalized a-la-carte tour will be designed based on your interests.

This tour may include any of the sights listed in our pre-packaged tours, plus other areas of interest that are located within our operating boundaries such an extended journey along the Salish Sea waterfront, or a visit through the small community of Cook Street Village.  Meet your professional guide and discuss your preferences, then sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through one of Canada’s most beautiful and captivating cities.

All of our horse-drawn carriage tours begin with an introduction to our equine companions. You’ll learn about their unique needs, daily routine, and what it’s like to be a working horse in Victoria. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to take some memorable photos with our friendly and majestic horses, making your tour with us a truly unforgettable experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We are licensed to carry a maximum of 6 passengers per carriage; and recommend a maximum of 4 adults to ensure your comfort.

Each tour includes:

• Professional, informative, entertaining, uniformed carriage driver/tour guide
• Elegant and well maintained carriages, harness and equipment
• Convertible roofs to maximize comfort in all weather
• Warm faux-fur blankets for cooler evenings
• Alluring nighttime lighting

If you enjoy your tour, a gratuity for your carriage driver is appreciated.

CRUISE PASSENGERS

Cruise Ship pick-up and drop-off services are available upon special request, at additional cost.

• Pick up or drop off fees will be added to the price of the tour, but do not extend the length of time guests are in the carriage. Our pricing works much like a limousine service in that we charge for the time our carriage is away from our sightseeing stand.
• We recommend that guests allow 60 minutes to disembark the ship, as a gauge to what time to book your tour. Late arrival to the carriage will result in less time in the carriage as the carriages must keep to schedule (be back on time).
• An alternate option to a cruise pick up or drop off is to come to our sightseeing stand, which is about a 25-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal through a lovely neighborhood, or there are always pedi-cabs, rickshaw runners, or taxis at the terminal that can bring you to us. A taxi is about a 10-minute drive to us.
• Our sightseeing stand is located alongside Victoria’s beautiful inner harbor, so guests are ideally situated to walk the inner harbor, see the Parliament Buildings, etc., after your tour.
• We often sell out early when cruise ships are in town, so highly recommend a reservation.
• Cancellations must be received 24 hours ahead of the booked tour time in order to receive a full refund. If the ship has a late arrival, guests are asked to call us so we can make alternate arrangements for their tour.  If the ship is simply unable to dock for any reason, we will provide a full refund.

To add cruise services to your resevation, please either email us at [email protected], or call our reservations line at 1-866-383-5067.

Quick Links

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sightseeing Tours – Victoria, BC

Our Newsletter

Email Address *

Hours of Operation

Jan – Feb  | Weekends only Mar – Apr | 11 am – 7 pm May – Jun | 10 am – 10 pm Jul – Aug   | 9 am – 10 pm Sep – Oct  | 10 am – 9 pm Nov  |  Closed Dec | 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Hours may fluctuate. Call for availability!

All tours are subject to favorable working conditions for the horses

1-866-383-5067 In Victoria  250-514-9257

Pick Up Location

Free Walking Tour Victoria

See the best Free Tours of Victoria offered by local tour guides

Free Tours in Your Language

Free Walking Tour › Victoria

Things to Do in Victoria

Free tours in more cities.

Reviews of Free Tours in Victoria

Best free walking tours in victoria.

Victoria Free Tour Calendar

Faqs for free tours, free tour guides in victoria.

PRIVATE TOURS IN VICTORIA, BC - CANADA

Expert local guides, fabulous itineraries, superior standards, ev tours - your personal tour guide in victoria, bc., discover the unparalleled beauty of victoria, southern vancouver island, and salt spring island with a tailored private tour designed to align with your interests., ev tours is a victoria-based tour guide company. we provide extraordinary private tours with knowledgeable local guides in our luxury vehicles..

We specialize in small private tours for up to 5 people. For larger groups, please email or phone us.

• Hour Glass 5-6 Hours
• Info Private Tour

Victoria’s Wildlife Wonder Tour – Salmon Run

Private tour from Victoria, BC beautiful Goldstream park to watch salmon spawning in the estuaries along the forest streams.

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 4-5-6 Hours

Backcountry Roads to Butchart Gardens

Private Victoria, BC tour to Butchart Gardens. Take a scenic drive through the countryside to the Butchart Gardens and experience the finest floral displays in the world. On your private guided tour you’ll see the gorgeous countryside of the Saanich Peninsula.

• Hour Glass 4-5-6-7 Hours

Victoria Drive & Walk Excursion

Experience Victoria’s thriving Inner Harbour with its gorgeous Parliament Buildings and the famous Empress Hotel, then enjoy a scenic drive along the seaside to see mansions, a castle, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

• Hour Glass 6 Hours

Vancouver Island Wine & Culinary Immersion

Immerse yourself in the flavours of Cowichan Valley, a verdant land of wine, honey, lavender, and farm-to-table food located along an exquisite scenic route 45 minutes from Victoria, BC.

• Hour Glass 6 Hours , 7 Hours , 8 Hours

Rugged beaches of the Pacific Northwest

Embark on a captivating private tour starting from the vibrant city of Victoria, BC, and explore the rustic beaches of Southern Vancouver Island, where nature’s untouched beauty awaits at every turn.

• Hour Glass 5-6-7 Hours 

Mystical & Enchanted Vancouver Island Tour

Unveiling Heritage Castle, Breathtaking Scenery, Forests, and Beaches

Where the Dragon Meets the Tiger

Embark on an unforgettable experience with our exclusive “Where the Dragon Meets the Tiger” a private tour on Vancouver Island, and immersive exploration seamlessly blending the breathtaking beauty of nature, invigorating hikes or walk, and the captivating tales of the Juan de Fuca coastline.

• Hour Glass All Day

Magic of Salt Spring Island

Enjoy a 30 minutes water crossing through the stunning archipelagos of the BC Gulf Islands and explore a charming artist colony while enjoying the breathtaking surroundings.

Historical Tour of Victoria

Explore Victoria’s famous and fascinating past on this tour of the Garden City, featuring beautiful gardens, historic castles, and breathtaking vistas.

Discover Southern Vancouver Island: Ultimate Family Exploration Tour

Experience Unforgettable Family Fun on Our Southern Vancouver Island Discovery Tour! Explore Enchanted Forests, Admire Totem Poles, Delight in a 19th-Century Castle, and relax on beautiful beaches. Perfect for All Ages!

Vancouver Island Stunning Waterways Tour

Leave the metropolis and escape to the peaceful lagoons, idyllic lakes, and rustic beaches of Vancouver Island.

21 Best Day Trips from Victoria, BC (Local’s Guide)

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Victoria, BC? Look no further than the best day trips from Victoria BC, with something for every adventurer. 

With so many day trips from Victoria BC by car to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.

Which is why we’ve highlighted our family’s favourites & the most popular attractions and hidden gems that Vancouver Island has to offer. 

Explore the charming seaside towns like Sooke, Sidney, and Cowichan Bay. Enjoy the rugged landscapes of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and Cathedral Grove’s towering trees, or unwind in the serene Gulf Islands.

Growing up in the beautiful city of Victoria I have been lucky enough to have explored the island from top to bottom. And taken many a friend, kid and family member on day trips & longer to all my favorite spots. Which I am so excited to share with you. 

So grab your camera, and let’s go!

DAY TRIPS FROM VICTORIA, BC BY CAR

There are so many things to do in Victoria, BC, the capital of British Columbia . Once you’ve finished visiting the “Garden City,” there’s so much more to explore

So why wait? Get ready to cross some items off your Vancouver Island Bucket List !

1. Butchart Gardens

• Distance from Victoria : 22 km
• Driving Time: 35 min

If you’re looking for a quintessential Victoria day trip, look no further than the breathtaking Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. We’ve spent many a day wandering around as a family enjoying these stunning botanical gardens.

You can take this express shuttle to Butchart Gardens from downtown Victoria, if you don’t have a car.

Begin your visit by exploring the Sunken Garden, a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into a tranquil oasis of flowers and foliage. From there, make your way to the Rose Garden , where over 250 varieties of roses bloom in stunning colors and fragrances.

Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, which offers a serene escape. For the kids, head to the Italian Garden for some gelato , and a spin or two (or 5 which happened last time for us) on the Carousel ride.

2. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs

• Distance from Victoria to Cathedral Grove : 176 km
• Driving Time: 2 hour 30 min

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver Island, and many of my favorite places on the island on this.

Drive up island to see Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove – a haven for some of the island’s tallest and most ancient trees.

Along the way, drop by the quaint country market Coombs (with Goats on the Roof) , embark on rainforest hikes leading to mesmerizing waterfalls, and seize numerous photo opportunities.

We recommend this all-day, private excursion from Victoria , so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Don’t want a tour, you can make the drive yourself!

3. Sidney 

• Distance from Victoria : 27 km
• Driving Time: 40 min

Sidney, BC, is a quaint town located just a quick 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria.

One of the most popular spots to visit is Sidney Spit, a small island located just off the coast. Take a ferry over to the island and spend the day exploring the beaches and trails. Or rent a kayak and paddle around the island’s pristine waters.

Back on the mainland, wander through the town’s many shops and galleries, where you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to local artwork.

Don’t miss the Sidney Pier, where you can watch the boats come in and out while enjoying a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Seas is on our list of the best cheap things to do in Victoria & area.

For a dose of local history, be sure to visit the Sidney Museum, where you can learn about the town’s roots as a fishing and farming community. 

LOCAL TIP: Take the kids to our favourite Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea . A small, yet fun aquarium and learning centre. We stop in every time we’re in Sidney. It’s a perfect day trip if it’s a rainy day in Victoria .

Sidney, BC is a charming and picturesque destination that’s well worth a visit on a day trip from Victoria. 

4. Cowichan Valley

• Distance from Victoria : 94 km
• Driving Time: 1 hour 45 min

If you’re a wine lover visiting Victoria, BC, you’re in luck! There are a variety of wine tasting tours in Cowichan Valley from Victoria that offer visitors a chance to explore the local wine scene and sample some of the region’s best varieties.

One popular tour is this small group Cowichan Valley Wine & Food Tour,  which takes visitors on a scenic drive through the picturesque Cowichan Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit a variety of wineries and taste some of the area’s best wines.

Cowichan Valley is also known as a destination for swimming, fishing and floating in tubes down the Cowichan River on a hot summer’s day. And the Kinsesol Trestle you can hike to.

5. Victoria to Vancouver by Seaplane

• Flight: 35 min

While I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Vancouver, a day trip is definitely doable.

Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating seaplane flight from downtown Victoria to Vancouver , that provides a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque Gulf Islands

Once you’ve landed, make your way to Stanley Park . This urban park is 405 acres of forest, with walking paths, an aquarium, restaurants and much more. You could spend your whole day here.

A bike or walk along the seawall is a delightful way to soak in the park’s natural beauty and enjoy panoramic views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

⭐️ This fun half day guided tour of Stanley Park, Granville Island and through Gastown & Chinatown, takes all the stress out of planning.

Next, head over to the lively Granville Island by hopping on the water taxi. On the island, delight in the bustling Public Market, breweries, art galleries, and charming shops. The toy store is always a must stop with our kids.

🏆 Take this tasty Granville Island Food Tour , a fun way to taste all the best local Vancouver products. Including Canadian cheeses, artisan chocolates, maple salmon, and more.

Finally, to cap off your day, venture to the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge , nestled amidst towering evergreens. Traverse the 450-foot-long bridge. While marveling at the lush forest and captivating Capilano River below.

With a day trip like this, you’re bound to create memories that will last a lifetime.

⭐️ Find family friendly hotels here: Where to stay in Victoria with kids .

6. Malahat Skywalk 

• Distance from Victoria : 33 km

The Malahat Skywalk is fun for all ages.

Featuring a 250-meter-long elevated walkway that takes visitors through the treetops, Arbutus Trees, culminating in a spiral tower that offers 360-degree views of the area.

Plus it’s stroller & wheelchair accessible.

You can get tickets & a free shuttle from downtown , making it an easier trip if you don’t want to drive, or don’t have a car while visiting. 

Kids will love the adventure of walking through the canopy and spotting wildlife along the way. Then taking the fast route down on their Spiral Slide.

For the brave, step out onto their Adventure Net suspended above the centre of the tower.

Also one of the best things to do in Victoria, BC in winter too.

7. Saltspring Island

• Distance from Victoria : 53 km
• Driving & Ferry Time: 1 hour 30 min

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Victoria for a day? Consider a Saltspring Island day trip! This picturesque island is just a short ferry ride on BC Ferries from Swartz Bay , and offers visitors an arts, food and nature escape.

The Gulf Islands are magical, and not to be missed. 

Start your day by visiting  Ruckle Provincial Park . Where you can hike along the rocky coastline and through old-growth forests. Don’t miss the tide pools, where kids can get up close with a variety of sea creatures.

Next up, sample delicious cheese at the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. Made right on the island. Kids will love meeting the goats that produce the milk used to make the cheese. Pop into their cafe in the summer for tasty pizzas, salads and their goat cheese cake.

There’s also wandering through the island’s many  art galleries, studios, and fun shops where you can find everything from pottery to paintings,  kids toys and west coast inspired gifts. 

For a dose of history, visit the  Salt Spring Island Historical Museum , where you can learn about the island’s First Nations history and early European settlers. Kids will love the interactive indoor & outdoor hands-on exhibits. Best of all, it’s free. Open Wednesday to Friday & Sunday (End of May to October).

LOCAL TIP: Don’t miss the famous Saltspring Island Saturday Market , where local artisans and farmers come together to sell their wares. We always try to time our day trips with the outdoor market which usually runs from April to October.

8. Pender Island

• Distance from Victoria : 54 km
• Driving & Ferry Time: 2 hours 25 min

Pender Island is another Gulf Island that is a lovely place for a visit. Especially if you love the outdoors and are looking for a laid back vibe with family or friends.

Hike to the top of Mt. Norman for gorgeous views of the surrounding islands. Get out on the ocean with a guided sea kayak tour, through secluded coves.

Or take a swim at Mortimer Spit , and a walk along the beach and marsh trails in north Pender Island at the Medicine Beach & Nature Sanctuary.

Don’t forget to check out Jo’s Place for a tasty meal.

There are so many fun things to do on Pender Island, you may just want to spend more than a day.

Ferries leave from Swartz Bay to Otter Bay up to 8 round-trip sailings daily, depending on the season. It’s only 40 minutes if direct, or longer if there’s stops or transfers at at Galiano, Mayne or Saturna Islands.

9. Pacific Marine Circle Route

A day trip along the Pacific Marine Circle Route showcases what the natural beauty of Vancouver Island is all about. 

If you are looking for a relatively quick Vancouver Island road trip, this tops our recommendations. 

This 255-kilometer drive takes you through stunning coastal landscapes, old-growth forests, and charming seaside towns. While it can be done in one day, it’s best to take at least a weekend, to really enjoy all the sites, vistas and activities each town has to offer. 

Victoria to Sooke, Port Renfrew & Lake Cowichan

Starting in Victoria, you’ll head west along the coast & Highway 14 towards Sooke (a 45 minute drive) before turning north towards Port Renfrew. 

• Sooke Potholes, and East Sooke Park are great places to spend some time in nature, hike or take a cool dip.
• In Port Renfrew, you can take a break and explore the beautiful beaches and trails of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Botanical Beach & Avatar Grove. 

Continuing inland, you’ll head to Lake Cowichan, on Pacific Marine Road. This used to be a dirt logging road, but has since been paved. 

Pass through the  Cowichan Valley , then drive through the town of Duncan, known as the “City of Totems.” It’s a great place to stop and wander through the town’s historic streets, which are lined with charming shops and cafes.

As well as 40 magnificent carved totem poles. They each tell their own story. Duncan also has a fabulous Saturday Farmer’s Market. 

Cowichan Bay back to Victoria

Next make a quick detour off Highway 1 to Cowichan Bay  on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Slow down and take in the beautiful vistas of this small maritime town.  

Visit True Grain Bread, an old world style bakery,  explore Indigenous art at the Arthur Vickers Gallery, and wander this lovely seaside town.

From Cowichan Bay, you’ve reached the final leg of your journey. We recommend heading over to the iconic Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest free-standing timber trestles in the world. It’s a quick walk along an easy trail. 

Finally, the drive will take you back to Victoria through the Malahat Drive, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Stop at the Malahat Summit for amazing views of the Saanich Inlet and the Cowichan Valley.

One of our favorite Victoria parks, Goldstream is a good place to stop along the way. In fall you can even see the salmon run.

10. Kinsol Trestle

• Distance from Victoria : 47 km
• Driving Time: 50 min
• Hiking time: 30+ minutes

The Kinsol Trestle, along the Cowichan Valley Trail is an impressive wooden trestle bridge spanning the Koksilah River. It’s one of the largest free-standing wooden trestles in the world. 

Originally built in 1920 as part of a rail line that connected Victoria to the interior of Vancouver Island. The Kinsol Trestle has since been converted into a hiking,  biking and horseback riding trail that offers visitors a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. 

With a height of over 40 meters and a length of 187 meters, the Kinsol Trestle is a true engineering marvel that’s well worth a visit.

You can stop here on your way to Cowichan Bay  (our next stop on Victoria day trips not to miss).

11. Cowichan Bay 

• Distance from Victoria : 55 km
• Driving Time: 55 min

Cowichan Bay is a charming seaside town located on Vancouver Island, and is the perfect destination for a family outing. 

Take this epic whale watching tour   for a chance to see Orcas, Humpback Whales,  and other interesting sea life, leaving from Cowichan Bay.

Or start your day by exploring the  Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre , where you can learn about the town’s rich history as a fishing and boat-building community. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

Next up, head to the  Cowichan Bay Fishermen’s Wharf , where you can watch the local fisherman bring in their daily catch. Kids will love seeing the variety of fish and sea creatures up close.

Definitely don’t miss the Rock Cod Cafe for fish and chips.

For a fun outdoor adventure, take a kayak or paddle board around Cowichan Bay , where you can explore the local marine life and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the  Cowichan Bay Estuary Nature Centre,  where you can learn about the local ecosystem and even spot some resident otters and seals.

12. Witty’s Lagoon

• Distance from Victoria : 20 km
• Driving Time: 45 min

  Witty’s Lagoon ,  is a beautiful coastal lagoon located just outside of Victoria, BC. It’s a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers and beach goers, especially in the summer.

• The Lagoon Trail is a popular option, as it passes by the Sitting Lady Falls, and the Whitney-Griffiths Point picnic area.
• The Tower Point Trail is another must-see, with a scenic lookout that offers panoramic views of the ocean. It’s only 500m (one way) on a flat mixed gravel / dirt footpath, and is the most accessible section.

The Beach Trail is the one we usually take, as it  ends at Witty’s Beach . Bring your beach blanket, & a picnic and take a stroll along the sandy beach. It’s a moderate 1.2 km forest trail that also goes through old apple orchards. Keep your eye out for blackberries to pick.

LOCAL TIP: Stop at  My Chosen Cafe for lunch  after a morning beach day, if you want to forgo the beach picnic. This is our favorite restaurant in the area and a local gem. 

13. Sooke 

• Distance from Victoria : 40 km
• Driving Time: 40 – 60 min

Consider heading to Sooke, BC, where you can explore some of the region’s fun coastal hikes, explore tidepools, and dip in a river. The following are a few ideas of where to stop and hike on your day trip to Sooke from Victoria. 

Head to East Sooke Park,  where you can  hike the Coastal Trail  through old-growth forests and along rocky coastlines. Keep an eye out for the iconic arbutus trees. 

The full Coastal Trail is 10km and ranges from easy (at Aylward Farm) to more challenging, the further out you go. We usually just hike out 30-90 minutes and then return the same way.

LOCAL TIP: We recommend starting at the Aylard Farm Entrance. It’s the most family friendly for all ages. Plus there’s also a sandy beach right there if you don’t want to hike far. 

Sooke Potholes

• Distance from Victoria : 45 km

For a fun and refreshing adventure, make your way to the  Sooke Potholes , a series of hikes and crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Kids will love splashing around in the cool water and exploring the surrounding rocks.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park also makes for a good starting point for a bike trip on the  Galloping Goose Regional Trail . It’s a 55 km multi-use trail that runs from Victoria to Sooke.  Bike south toward Roche Cove Regional Park.

The  Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is open May to September  if you prefer to stay overnight at Sooke Potholes.

LOCAL TIP: Stop at the local’s favourite diner Mom’s Cafe in Sooke after a busy day.

14. Port Renfrew

• Distance from Victoria : 111 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Victoria, BC, consider driving to Port Renfrew, a small coastal community located on the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island.

First on the list is Avatar Grove , a stunning old-growth forest that’s home to some of the largest and oldest trees on the island. Including the “gnarliest tree. ” Just a 20 minute drive north of Port Renfrew, this popular family friendly hiking trail is 1.2km of boardwalk.

Next up,  head to Botanical Beach , a scenic coastal area known for its rich & diverse tide pools and unique rock formations. 

Kids will love exploring the tide pools and spotting the various sea creatures that call them home. Just make sure you go at low-tide to make the most of the tide pools.

It is about a 20 minute scenic forest walk down to the rock & pebble beach along an interpretive trail. Just be prepared for the walk back up.  

Hike part of the Juan de Fuca Trail . The trail follows Highway 14 and the Pacific Marine Circle Route from China Beach to Botanical Beach. A day hike can be as short or long as you like.

Whale Watching!   Their season runs from May to October, so plenty of time to see orca, humpbacks and other marine life. Look to the sky for bald eagles. 

15. Juan de Fuca Trail 

• Distance from Victoria : 75km to China Beach Trailhead
• Driving Time: 1 hour 20 min

Speaking of the   Juan de Fuca Trail , this scenic hiking trail  spans over 47 kilometers along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.

Fun fact: I spent a summer building trails here in my youth, back when it was first being created. Showing my age lol!

One of the top things to see on the Juan de Fuca Trail is the stunning natural scenery, including ancient forests, rocky coastlines, and secluded beaches (like Mystic Beach with its waterfall). Don’t miss the chance to spot some of the local wildlife , including bald eagles, black bears, and gray whales.

There are four main  entrances to the trail, each with its own unique features and section lengths. These include China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Botanical Beach. Depending on your fitness level and time constraints, you can choose a section of the trail that fits your needs.

16. Chemainus

• Distance from Victoria : 80 km
• Driving Time: 1 hour 15 min

Chemainus is  famous for its stunning murals  that decorate many of the buildings in the town. These intricate works of art depict the area’s rich history and cultural heritage .

In addition to the murals, Chemainus is home to a bustling Wednesday market where you can sample local produce and browse handmade crafts and artisanal goods. Popping into their charming boutique stores, is another favorite (antique stores, art galleries, gift shops, & our favorite Hansel & Gretl’s candy shop).

If you’re visiting with kids, take them for a play and wander at Waterwheel Park , or fishing or swimming at Fuller Lake Park.

LOCAL TIP: The  Chemainus Theatre  puts on some of the best local plays I’ve ever seen. It’s a fun date to take in their brunch and one of the 4 or 5 plays they put on each year.  Derek & I have stayed at the Best Western Plus & it was clean & comfortable way to enjoy a weekend away.

17. Parksville & Qualicum Beach

• Distance from Victoria : 147 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours 10 min

Parksville and Qualicum Beach are two charming towns located a fun day trip with kids from Victoria, and are home to some of Vancouver Island’s best beaches and beach activities .

In Parksville, you can spend your day  exploring beaches at  Rathtrevor Beach or Parksville Beach,  with plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. I spent many summers here as a kid, and teen, and take my own kids here regularly. 

Parksville offers a long stretch of sandy beach, which is perfect for building sandcastles or playing beach games. With shallow, protected waters, perfect for toddlers and babies too. 

Parksville Community Park is the playground, with space to kite fly, an outdoor gym and plenty of space to run around.

More things to do in & near Parksville, BC with (or without) kids .

There are also plenty of outdoor activities nearby, including hiking trails, mini golf, golf courses, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

In Qualicum Beach, you can take the kids to the Qualicum Beach Museum, which has a collection of artifacts from the area’s history. The town also has plenty of quaint shops and cafes, perfect for a leisurely stroll. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a  short drive to the nearby Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park , which offers guided caving tours of the park’s fascinating underground caves.

Or take an easy hike through  old-growth and second-growth forests of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock and maple to either  Qualicum Falls or Englishman River Falls .

Coombs, our next recommendation below is just a short drive away.

18. Goats on the Roof, Coombs

• Distance from Victoria : 154 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours 15 min

Witness the famous “Goats on the Roof” at Coombs. Yes, you read that right – there really are goats living on the roof of the Old Country Market.

But that’s not all there is to see here. The Old Country Market is also a great spot to shop for local produce, baked goods, and souvenirs. 

And if you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of food vendors serving up delicious eats. Like our usual stop for an eclectic mix of Billy G’s donuts and of course ice cream for our daughter. 

The town also hosts events throughout the year, such as the Coombs Bluegrass Festival and the Coombs Fair.

19. Cathedral Grove

• Distance from Victoria : 176 km
• Driving Time: 2 hours 25 min

Immerse yourself in the ancient splendor of Cathedral Grove , a protected old-growth forest in MacMillan Provincial Park.

Stand in awe beneath the towering Douglas firs, some of which are over 800 years old, and breathe in the crisp, clean air as you connect with nature.

Such a magical place. I try to stop here whenever I am in the area.

LOCAL TIP : Make a day of it and see Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Cathedral Grove & Coombs. They’re all relatively close and well worth a visit on a day trip from Victoria.

20. Bike the Galloping Goose Trail

The  Galloping Goose Regional Trail is a 55 km multi-use trail that runs from Victoria to Sooke. You can bike ride part or all of it on a day trip from Victoria, Canada.

Originally a railway line, it has been transformed into a multi use path connecting with the Great Trail across Canada.

You’ll pass by farmland, lakes, marshland, rocky outcrops and more.

Popular Galloping Goose Day trips include

• Victoria to Thetis Lake Regional Park (11km one way). Spend the day at Thetis swimming, hiking or fishing.
• Park at the Galloping Goose parking lot on Rocky Point Road and follow the trail to  Matheson Lake , then Roche Cove   Regional Parks (5km one way) then onto Sooke Potholes (another 13km one way).

If you are starting from downtown Victoria, cross the Johnson Street bridge,onto the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail.

LOCAL TIP: ☕️ Stop in at Dockside Green for some tasty croissants, pastries and coffee at Fol Epi & Cafe Fantastico. A local gem. Miss S always goes for the macarons & the buttery croissants.

21. Goldstream Provincial Park

• Distance from Victoria : 19 km
• Driving Time: 30 min

Goldstream is a lovely park, perfect for a family friendly day trip. It also makes our list of our favorite Victoria area parks for families.

There’s a series of easy trails along the water, picnic areas with firepits, camping and hiking. In Fall, people come from all over to see the Salmon Run & Bald Eagles.

The Goldstream Trestle Trail is a flat, 3.5 km roundtrip easy trail that follows the old railway bed through the park. Past the Trestle.

For the more adventurous, a hike up Mount Finlayson offers a rewarding challenge with stunning panoramic views of Victoria & Valley. It’s a 6km rugged loop.

Another trail short leads you to a  47.5 metres tall waterfall.

You’ll wander through forests full of  600 year old Douglas fir and western red cedar trees along the river. Then arbutus trees, and lodgepole pine in the drier areas.

Final Thoughts: Day Trips from Victoria, BC Not to Miss

And there you have it – 21 incredible day trips from Victoria, BC, that promise to make your time on Vancouver Island truly unforgettable.

With such a diverse range of experiences to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie.

VICTORIA & CANADA RESOURCES

Here are our favourite resources we use to research and book our trips. They offer competitive deals, and good customer service. Plus itineraries and more travel ideas for Victoria & Canada: Top whale watching tours in Victoria 3 Day Victoria Itinerary with Kids Free & Cheap Things to do in Victoria, BC Top 11+ Victoria Parks & Playgrounds not to miss! How to travel from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Seattle to Victoria Ferry Best Seaplane Tours from Victoria —- Vancouver Island Bucket List Fun things to do in Parksville, BC Where to stay in Parksville, BC Canada How to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife Booking.com – Book accomodations here. Excellent all round site for lowest lodging rates. VRBO – Book family friendly accommodations here, All the comforts of home, but no cleaning! Viator – Find & book even more experiences, tours & fun lessons world wide. Discover Cars – Use this comparison tool to find the best deal (worldwide) Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Save money on flights

Need something else? Check out our Travel Resource page

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

Similar Posts

Yellowknife Winter Activities: 25 Ways To Explore The North

If you are looking for a snowy northern adventure, then…

Yellowknife Hiking – Cameron Falls Trail

The Yellowknife area offers a variety of hiking trails and…

Best Whale Watching Tours Vancouver Island (2024 Local’s Guide)

Have you been wondering about whale watching on Vancouver Island?…

35 Free and Cheap Family Things To Do In Victoria, BC in 2024

Victoria, BC is one of the most beautiful and well…

How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver: 5 Ways (Local Guide)

Butchart Gardens is home to some of the most breathtaking…

How to Catch The Perfect Ferry Ride From Seattle to Victoria

Looking for how to get from Seattle to Victoria by…

Privacy Overview

Calendar of Events

Bring your sense of curiosity, and we’ll lead the way. Browse the calendar by date or type of activity.

From performing arts to the biggest festivals, keep up with the latest events in Greater Victoria.

Trip ideas & inspiration

Find activities that match your passions. Browse custom itineraries and personal tales from the field.

Submit an Event

Have your events listed in our online calendar.

See Yourself Here

Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

Navigate our map of Greater Victoria

Victoria Visitor Centre

812 Wharf Street Victoria, B.C.

More Greater Victoria

• Travel Tips

Corporate Hub

• Corporate Destination Greater Victoria

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

April 16, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

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

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.

Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk

The Malahat Skywalk , one of the newest attractions in Victoria, offers a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the top things to do in Victoria. Perched on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this awe-inspiring structure provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty—from the deep blue waters of the Saanich Inlet to the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The adventure begins with a scenic walk through a lush Arbutus forest, leading up to an exhilarating ascent of the spiralling, 10-story wooden tower. At the summit, guests can either soak in the breathtaking views or opt for a thrilling descent via the 20-meter spiral slide. The combination of stunning landscapes, innovative design, and adventurous elements makes the Malahat Skywalk a must-visit destination, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

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 fireworks 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 moved 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!

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 .

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 .

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.

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?

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!

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 .

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).

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).

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

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

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

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.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

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

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!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

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

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

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

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

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.

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?

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.

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: five − 1 =

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

© 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

From Vancouver: Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour

Exploring the enchanting city of Victoria and the renowned Butchart Gardens is an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive tour from Vancouver promises a seamless journey through the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Travelers embark on a scenic cruise, enjoy the vibrant floral displays , and discover the charm of downtown Victoria. With flexible booking options and positive customer feedback, this tour caters to diverse interests and expectations. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or an opportunity to learn about the Pacific Northwest’s captivating landscapes , this tour provides a well-rounded adventure that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

• This tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a scenic 90-minute cruise through the Gulf Islands and a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring Victoria’s historic landmarks, such as the Parliament Building and Fairmont Empress Hotel, with free time to visit museums or castles.
• The tour price starts at $1,149.26 for a private group (up to 1) and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as ferry admission.
• Customers have given the tour overwhelmingly positive reviews, praising the breathtaking scenery, knowledgeable tour guide, and smooth organization.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, with designated spaces on the ferry and tour bus, as well as ramps and elevators at major attractions.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour From Vancouver
• Vancouver City Tour Including Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
• Exploring Vancouver: Includes Admission to Vancouver Lookout

Tour Overview

The Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour offers a comprehensive day-long experience, showcasing the natural beauty and historic charm of Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia.

Priced from $1,149.26 per group (up to 1), the tour lasts 12 hours and is conducted in English. It’s a private group experience with hotel pickup included .

The itinerary highlights include a scenic 90-minute cruise through the Gulf Islands, a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens, and free time in downtown Victoria.

The tour also includes ferry admission for vehicle and passengers, admission to Butchart Gardens , and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour kicks off with a scenic 90-minute cruise through the picturesque Gulf Islands, offering participants a breathtaking glimpse of the region’s natural beauty.

The next stop is the iconic Butchart Gardens , a National Historic Site of Canada spanning 55 acres. Visitors can explore the meticulously manicured floral displays and landscaping that have made this destination a must-see for travelers.

The tour then heads to downtown Victoria, where guests can admire the historic Parliament Building and the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Free time is allotted for exploring the nearby Royal BC Museum or the opulent Craigdarroch Castle, before the return ferry to Vancouver around 5 PM.

Included in the price of the Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour are ferry admission for the vehicle and passengers, as well as entry to the renowned Butchart Gardens.

This National Historic Site of Canada covers 55 acres and showcases an impressive array of floral displays, with various themed areas like the Sunken Garden and the Italian Garden.

Plus, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off , ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.

Whether you’re admiring the Parliament Building and Fairmont Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria or exploring the natural beauty of Butchart Gardens, this tour offers a comprehensive way to experience the highlights of the region.

Booking Information

Travelers can easily reserve their spot on the Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour without any upfront payment. The tour operator offers a "Reserve now & pay later" policy, allowing customers to book their preferred timeslot right away. Plus, the tour has a free cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To check availability, travelers can simply visit the tour’s booking page.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour.

One reviewer, Marcheta from the United States, raved about her experience, describing it as a "wonderful day" with "beautiful weather" and a "beautiful city." She also praised the tour guide, Gabby, as "informative" and "fantastic."

The tour boasts a perfect 5/5 rating based on the single review, indicating exceptional customer satisfaction .

Some key factors that have contributed to this high rating include:

• Breathtaking scenery and renowned attractions
• Knowledgeable and engaging tour guide
• Smooth organization and execution of the tour

Accessibility

The Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour accommodates wheelchair users , offering accessible options throughout the experience.

The scenic ferry ride and tour bus have designated spaces for wheelchairs. At Butchart Gardens, the main pathways are wide and paved, allowing easy navigation . However, certain areas of the gardens may be less accessible due to uneven terrain.

In Victoria, the Parliament Building and Fairmont Empress Hotel feature ramps and elevators for wheelchair access.

While the tour is largely accessible, travelers with mobility challenges should discuss their needs with the tour operator to ensure a comfortable experience.

Getting to Victoria

Visitors to Victoria can conveniently reach the city via various transportation options .

The most popular routes include:

Taking a scenic 90-minute ferry ride across the picturesque Gulf Islands from Vancouver. This offers breathtaking views along the way.

Driving approximately 1.5 hours from downtown Vancouver, enjoying the scenic coastal landscapes .

Booking a private tour that includes round-trip transportation, eliminating the hassle of navigating the route independently.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey to Victoria is part of the overall experience, setting the stage for a delightful exploration of the city and the renowned Butchart Gardens .

What to Expect

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Victoria’s iconic landmarks and the renowned Butchart Gardens. Guests will embark on a scenic 90-minute cruise through the Gulf Islands before visiting the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. The tour also includes stops at the historic Parliament Building, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and free time in downtown Victoria, where visitors can explore the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle. The tour culminates with a return ferry to Vancouver around 5 PM.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Christmas Tour
• A Wok Around Chinatown: Culinary and Cultural Walking Tour Led by a Chef
• Vancouver City Highlights Explorer Private Tour
• Canada Place, Queen Elizabeth 1-day City Tour in Vancouver
• Flyover in Vancouver
• VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver – Walking Food Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included during the tour.

The tour does not include any meals. Participants will need to purchase their own food during the free time in Downtown Victoria. Snacks and beverages may be available for purchase on the ferry or at Butchart Gardens.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour. The tour is a private group experience focused on sightseeing in downtown Victoria and exploring the renowned Butchart Gardens, which has accessibility limitations for some visitors.

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

The tour covers a range of outdoor activities, so comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Dress in layers to adjust for potential changes in temperature or weather conditions during the day.

Can I Extend My Stay in Victoria?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Victoria after the tour. The tour itinerary allows for free time in downtown Victoria, so you can explore the city further on your own before returning to Vancouver.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts, but visitors can save by booking early or looking for package deals. Travelers should check the website or contact the company directly for the latest offers and promotions.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Gastown’s Epicurean Journey: A Walk Through History & Taste
• Sea Vancouver: City and Waterfall Sightseeing RIB Tour
• Most Affordable Vancouver City Tour
• Vancouver: Transfer Downtown – Canada Place Cruise Terminal
• 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise)
• Vancouver: Lgbtq2+ History Tour With Guide
• Vancouver: Cruise Port to Bellingham Airport Shuttle
• Vancouver: Lighthouse Park Hike
• Scuba Boat Dive Certified Diver – Includes Wetsuit Equipment
• Vancouver: Transport to Vancouver International Airport
• Stanley Pak-Capilano Susp Bridge & Grouse Mount Private Tour
• Vancouver: Airport (YVR) to Seattle Airport Private Shuttle
• Harrison Day Trip | Harrison Hot Springs Private
• Vancouver Thrill Adventure Family Tour
• Best Selling Vancouver Sightseeing Tour

This tour offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty of Victoria and Butchart Gardens . From the scenic Gulf Islands cruise to the vibrant floral displays, it’s a must-experience adventure. With convenient transportation, flexible booking, and positive reviews, travelers can expect a memorable and seamless exploration of this stunning region.

Similar Posts

From sydney, canada: walking tour of louisbourg fortress.

Submarine Safaris Lanzarote

Transfer From St. Gallen to Zürich Airport

Haneda Layover Tour of 6hours With Local Japanese Guide by Train

Walking City Tour in Zanzibar Island

2h Surfing in Uncrowded Spots

• Home   >  
• BC   >  
• Victoria   >  
• 760 Johnson St # 605, Victoria BC V8W 1N1

760 Johnson St # 605, Victoria BC V8W 1N1 Victoria, BC, V8W 1N1

Property Description for 760 Johnson St # 605, Victoria BC V8W 1N1

Experience the pinnacle of urban living in this sixth-floor condo at the Juliet, located in the heart of downtown Victoria. This stylish one-bedroom residence combines European-inspired elegance with modern convenience. The kitchen boasts self-closing drawers, sleek cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and chic stone countertops. The open-concept living area is bathed in natural light, offering city views and high ceilings that enhance the sense of space. Enjoy the ease of your own underground parking spot, yet you won't likely need your car often; just step outside to find Victoria's best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment just moments away. Juliet provides a perfect blend of sophistication and convenience, making city living both comfortable and exciting. An excellent urban home or investment or both with some flexible rental options as your principle residence.

Tour this home

Property details, property tax, home features, property type, square footage, subdivision, interior features, parking features, mortgage calculator, similar listings in victoria.

MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification. https://reciprocity.vireb.com/