Victoria and Butchart Gardens, an Elevated Experience

Your elevated adventure begins in downtown Vancouver as you travel south through the diverse communities of Richmond, Delta, and Tsawwassen. Along the way, your dedicated local step-on guide shares fascinating stories, regional history, and insights into life in British Columbia. Watch the scenery transition from Vancouver's skyline to fertile farmland, blueberry fields, greenhouses, and coastal wetlands near the Canada–United States border before arriving at the BC Ferries terminal.

Board a BC Ferries vessel for a spectacular 90-minute sailing through the Gulf Islands, one of British Columbia's most scenic coastal regions. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the outdoor decks or comfortable lounges while keeping an eye out for bald eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and, with a little luck, whales.

Following a scenic drive into British Columbia's charming capital, you'll arrive in Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour. Here, you can choose how you'd like to experience the city. Join our optional guided walking tour, included with your ticket, with your dedicated step-on guide for fascinating stories, local history, architectural highlights, and hidden gems throughout downtown Victoria. Prefer to explore independently? Enjoy free time to browse the unique boutiques and cafés along Government Street, stroll the waterfront, visit local attractions, or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. Whichever option you choose, you'll have ample time to experience the charm and beauty that make Victoria one of Canada's most beloved cities.

Start the optional walking tour at the BC Legislative Assembly Building, completed in 1897. Its copper dome and Romanesque style are illuminated at night by thousands of lights, making it one of Victoria's most iconic landmarks. It remains the working seat of British Columbia's provincial government to this day.

Continue the walking tour to the iconic Empress Hotel, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway as the crown jewel of Victoria's harbourfront. It remains one of Canada's most celebrated "railway hotels," alongside sister properties like the Banff Springs and Château Frontenac. Today it's renowned for its elegant afternoon tea service, having hosted royalty, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world for over a century. Enjoy a quick photo-op with a beautiful view of Victoria's inner-harbour.

Walk up Government Street, as your guide points out the best restaurants, boutiques, and hidden gems Victoria has to offer.

Our walking tour ends at Victoria's Chinatown. Dating back to the 1850s gold rush era when Chinese immigrants arrived to build the Canadian Pacific Railway, making it the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Centered around Fan Tan Alley—often cited as one of the narrowest streets in North America—the district was once home to gambling dens, opium factories, and a thriving merchant community. Today it's a vibrant mix of historic architecture, herbal shops, and restaurants that still reflects over 150 years of history.

As we pass the western tip of Beacon Hill Park, keep your camera ready for Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway—the official starting point of Canada's longest road, stretching nearly 8,000 km all the way to Newfoundland. Right beside it stands the Terry Fox monument, honouring the young Canadian hero who lost his leg to cancer and decided to run across the country. His Marathon of Hope inspired a nation, and has since raised millions for cancer research. Though Terry never reached this coast, Mile Zero is one of Victoria's most moving and photographed landmarks.

Skip the ticket lines and immerse yourself in one of the world's most celebrated botanical gardens. A National Historic Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens features over 55 acres of spectacular floral displays, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Rose Garden, and Dancing Fountain. Enjoy approximately two hours to explore at your own pace while complimentary bottled water helps keep you refreshed.

Finish your day with another beautiful BC Ferries crossing before returning to Vancouver. Relax and enjoy one final opportunity to admire British Columbia's stunning coastline, islands, and marine wildlife while reflecting on a memorable day of history, nature, and unforgettable scenery.

Conclude you day with a quiet ride back to your hotel from the ferry terminal. To thank you for joining us to Victoria, our guide will hand out beautifully designed, nature postcard souvenirs created by a local artist in Squamish.