butchart-gardens-and-victoria-city-private-tour-victoria-bc
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and walking up to 2 hours at the gardens
Overview
Board a comfortable Mercedes coach and move from Victoria’s stately waterfront to the reclaimed limestone quarry turned Butchart Gardens. This private 4–5 hour tour blends local history, horticulture, and scenic coastal drives with two hours to explore the gardens at your own pace.
butchart-gardens-and-victoria-city-private-tour-victoria-bc
Select participants and date
The morning bus eases away from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the city, with its copper-domed legislature and Empress Hotel, shrinking behind a low sheet of sea mist. Inside the Mercedes coach, leather seats and oversized windows frame the Salish Sea as the guide unfurls stories: Chinese merchants arriving in the 1850s, shipwrights shaping the waterfront, and a family who turned a quarried eyesore into one of Canada’s most visited gardens.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Reserve mobility needs in advance
Request wheelchair access or booster seats when booking—advance notice prevents last-minute disappointment.
Bring layered clothing
Victoria’s weather can shift quickly between sun, wind, and drizzle; a light waterproof shell is useful.
Comfortable walking shoes
Expect paved and gravel paths at Butchart Gardens—supportive shoes will keep the visit enjoyable.
Carry local currency or card for extras
Guides assist with ticket purchase but you’re responsible for any additional admissions, souvenirs, or refreshments.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- harbor seals
- bald eagles
History
Butchart Gardens grew from an early 20th-century limestone quarry reclaimed by Jennie Butchart and her family; the site's transformation is a key chapter in local horticultural history.
Conservation
The Gardens operate with an emphasis on horticultural stewardship and public education; visitors are asked to follow stay-on-path rules and avoid picking plants to protect fragile beds.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Victoria, BC
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry during typical West Coast showers and wind.
spring specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for paved strolls and garden paths that can be uneven.
Portable camera or smartphone
Captures floral displays and cityscapes—good battery and extra storage recommended.
summer specific
Small daypack
Handy for snacks, water, layers, and any purchases during the visit.