Vancouver to Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Tour — Ferry, Harbour Sights, and 55-Acre Gardens
Difficulty
easy
Duration
13–14 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — requires ability to walk short distances and stand on ferry decks for longer periods.
Overview
A long, curated day that pairs a scenic BC Ferry crossing with Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the 55 acres of Butchart Gardens. Expect historic architecture, garden artistry, and plenty of photo stops between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Vancouver to Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Tour — Ferry, Harbour Sights, and 55-Acre Gardens
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The bus rumbles away from Canada Place before dawn, and the city of Vancouver thins behind you. Windows frame a low Pacific sky as the coach heads south to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal; soon the ferry’s bow cuts through the Gulf Islands and the ocean stretches into close, bright life. On deck, the wind takes the edge off the morning and the ferry seems to steer you through a channel of islands, their rocky shoulders showing glacial scars and firs that lean toward the light.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early at Canada Place
Meet the guide at the covered benches in front of the Vancouver Convention Centre at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure seating and luggage space.
Dress in Layers
Coastal weather changes quickly—bring a lightweight waterproof shell and an insulating mid-layer for ferry decks and garden paths.
Hydrate and Pack Snacks
The day is long (about 13–14 hours); carry a refillable water bottle and small snacks to stay energized between meal stops.
Mind Ferry Safety
Listen to crew announcements on BC Ferries and stay behind designated railings on outside decks—conditions can be windy and wet.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbour seals near Fisherman’s Wharf
- Bald eagles along the Inner Harbour and coastal trees
History
Victoria’s core grew around the 19th-century fur trade and the arrival of steamships; the Empress Hotel and Legislature reflect its Edwardian-era civic boom.
Conservation
Butchart Gardens practices horticultural stewardship and controls visitor flow to protect delicate plantings; visitors are encouraged to stick to paths and avoid picking flowers.
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Adventure Hotspots in Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you comfortable on exposed ferry decks and damp coastal mornings.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for cobbles, garden paths, and brief urban walking segments.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration for a long day; water fountains and refill stations are limited.
Compact camera or binoculars
Good for harbor architecture, gardens detail, and marine wildlife sightings.