Cross the Georgia Strait and spend a full day sampling Victoria’s best: the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, a scenic BC Ferry passage, Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, capped with a stroll past Mile Zero. This guided, family-friendly loop delivers big sights with low effort.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A salt-laced wind greets you on the BC Ferry deck as Vancouver’s skyline slides astern and the Gulf Islands pinwheel past like a slow parade. By the time the ferry horns fade, you’re already set for a day that stitches formal gardens, coastal history, and cityscapes into one easy loop.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
13 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Light walking on paved and gravel paths; suitable for most fitness levels including families with small children.
Wildlife
History
Victoria’s urban core grew from the Hudson’s Bay Company trading era and a late‑19th‑century boom; Chinatown dates to gold-rush migrations and remains a living cultural district.
Conservation
Butchart Gardens operates as a National Historic Site with careful horticultural practices; visitors are asked to stay on paths and avoid picking flowers to protect plantings and habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Butcher Garden, Mile Zero, Downtown Victoria w/ BC Ferry Day Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring government ID
A photo ID is required to board the BC Ferry and for check‑in—keep it accessible.
Dress in layers
Coastal weather shifts—pack a light rain shell and a midlayer for ferry breezes and garden shade.
Motion-sickness prep
If you get queasy on open-water crossings, take preventive meds before boarding; ferry rides last about 90 minutes each way.
Timing for photos
Arrive early at Butchart Gardens segments to avoid mid-day crowds and get cleaner photos in the Sunken Garden.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and traction for paved pathways, garden trails, and light stair sections.
Light rain jacket
Waterproof layer for coastal drizzle and ferry spray.
Daypack with water bottle
Keep snacks, a refillable bottle, camera, and small purchases handy during stops.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Butchart Gardens and Inner Harbour offer multiple high-quality photo opportunities.