Butchart Gardens: Our most recommended tours and activities

Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

1. Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

Visit Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, on this full-day guided tour from Vancouver city. Try to spot marine life on the ferry to Vancouver island, walk among the flowers in the Butchart Gardens, and admire the Victorian architecture in Victoria.  Start from downtown Vancouver and travel south through the city aboard a climate-controlled bus. Hop aboard a BC Ferry for a 90-minute voyage across the Georgia Strait through the scenic Southern Gulf Islands. Keep an eye out for orcas along the way. Once docked on Vancouver Island, the tour continues to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. See millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties. Enjoy 2 leisurely hours to fully explore the 50 acres of stunning gardens. Head to downtown Victoria and pass through Canada’s oldest China Town and the scenic Victoria Harbor, including the Inner Harbor. Once downtown, you will have free time to explore the local area. Spend your time going for a stroll the Inner Harbor, taking in the thriving arts and cultural scene, or visiting the historic Empress Hotel or the Royal BC Museum. Take the ferry and bus to return to your meeting point in Vancouver. 

Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

2. Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

Experience the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island by land and ship on a guided day trip from Vancouver with hotel transfers included. View the British Columbia coastline from a sightseeing cruise, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British-inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. On the way, look out for marine wildlife from the outdoor ship decks, especially eagles, sea lions, and whales. Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden complete with a dancing fountain. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the city of Victoria boasts, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour.

From Seattle: Ferry Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria

3. From Seattle: Ferry Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria

Board a high speed catamaran and enjoy a scenic cruise through the Salish Sea to Victoria, and explore the best Victoria has to offer, from historic buildings to beautiful gardens on this day tour. Hop on board the boat in Seattle and get ready for the perfect day trip to Victoria. Settle in and find yourself a comfortable seat by a window. Enjoy a short and scenic cruise through the Salish Sea, and admire the beautiful scenery along the way. Arrive in Victoria and enjoy five hours to explore the city however you wish. Browse unique shops, sample artisanal delicacies, or visit the flower-filled Butchart Gardens. Explore Victoria with the freedom to choose your own stops, before heading to the Victoria Clipper Terminal in the heart of the city to return to Seattle. Board the boat and venture North through Puget Sound to take in the majesty of the Pacific Northwest.

From Vancouver: Full-Day Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour

4. From Vancouver: Full-Day Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour

Enjoy an exciting full-day tour in Victoria that's packed with activities. Your day will start with a ride on board a minibus in Vancouver that will take you to the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen. You will then be driven onto a ferry with onboard amenities including a restaurant, gift shop, and arcades for the children. Walk around the Sun Deck while enjoying the scenery and look out for orcas, seals, and other marine life. Then dock in the port of Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and tour the heart of Victoria. The area grew from the Gold Rush in 1841 and still displays many traditional buildings from the period by renowned Canadian architect, Francis Rattenbury. Once your guided tour is complete, enjoy 3 hours to explore the city at your own pace. Meet up and proceed to the magnificent Butchart Gardens, an area that stretches across 55 acres. Stroll through the charming gardens and admire its mix of traditional and modern landscapes.

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Christmas Tour

5. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Christmas Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in downtown Vancover, and then board the boat at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to take a scenic 1.5-hour cruise around the Gulf Islands. Look for marine wildlife on the outdoor deck as you make your way to Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Drop anchor to explore the provincial capital of British Columbia. Get a short introduction to Victoria and enjoy some free time to look inside the unique shops of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour and get amazing ocean views. Take souvenir photos of the festive decorations of the Victoria Parliament Building and Fairmont Empress Hotel. Continue to the botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens and wander through a series of themed gardens to see the Christmas lights and holiday wreaths. Hear carols being sung and much more to experience the Magic of Christmas. Return to Schwartz Bay for the bus and ferry journey back to Vancouver.

Victoria and Butchart Gardens by Seaplane

6. Victoria and Butchart Gardens by Seaplane

Combine adventure and culture on this unique day trip to Victoria and the famous Butchart Gardens. Leaving from Vancouver in the morning, you will be picked-up from your hotel and taken for a thrilling journey in a seaplane over the fascinating islands of the Canadian Pacific coast. Land in Victoria downtown harbour at around 8:30 AM, giving you plenty of your own time to stroll the streets and admire the quirky English styles. Depends on your choice of shuttle time, you'll be driven to the world-famous Butchart Gardens by a scheduled shuttle bus. Once there, you'll have about 2 hours to admire the flowers and other plant life in these impressive gardens. An excellent live commentary will be performed on the bus by a guide driver. ( ** fall season schedule from Oct 1- 29, 2023 a shuttle departs only once a day at 9:30 am and return at 1:30 pm) Travel back to Vancouver in a comfortable, take a seaplane departs between at 5 to 6 PM. Arrive back at your hotel in Vancouver before the dinner time!

From Vancouver: Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour

7. From Vancouver: Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Tour

Beautiful 90 min cruise through Gulf Islands Our first stop in Vancouver Island will be at the Butchart Gardens, the world-renowned botanical garden a National Historic Site of Canada. This privately owned 55-acre display garden is located just 35 minutes north of downtown. From Butchart Gardens we will drive on Beach avenue for a scenic drive before entering Victoria downtown. In Downtown free time to spend and have a choice to visit : Royal bc museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Empress Hotel, Parliament building. Heading back to Vancouver via ferry around 5pm or later BC Ferry Transfer for vehicle admission and guest ticket /return trip and Entrance fee admission for Butchart Gardens are included with the tour

Victoria: Driving Tour w/ Malahat Skywalk & Butchart Gardens

8. Victoria: Driving Tour w/ Malahat Skywalk & Butchart Gardens

Embark on a journey through the best of Victoria on a small-group driving tour. See the most remarkable points of interest, including the Malahat Skywalk, Government House, Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, Breakwater Lighthouse, and Butchart Gardens. Start the tour with a convenient pickup from your designated location. Sit back and relax as you begin the drive, listening to interesting facts and stories along the way. Head to your first stop, the mesmerizing Malahat Skywalk, and be treated to breathtaking views from elevated walkways and a magnificent 10-story spiral tower. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area before continuing your journey. Next, board a ferry for a scenic crossing. Enjoy picturesque views as you make your way to Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned horticultural gem. Stroll through the gardens, taking in the vibrant colors, and experiencing the fragrant blooms – a true feast for the senses. After your visit to Butchart Gardens, drive back to Victoria, taking a route that showcases the city's highlights. Marvel at the historic Government House, the majestic Craigdarroch Castle, the picturesque Beacon Hill Park, the charming Fisherman's Wharf Park, and the iconic Breakwater Lighthouse. As the tour nears its end, enjoy a narrated city drive from the guide, pointing out more fascinating landmarks and providing local insights. Finally, get dropped off at your designated location, ensuring a convenient and comfortable end to your tour.

Vancouver-Victoria & Butchart Garden Christmas Magic Daytrip

9. Vancouver-Victoria & Butchart Garden Christmas Magic Daytrip

Begin your journey with pickup from downtown Vancouver and Richmond hotels before traveling to the BC Ferries’ terminal. Driving directly onto the ship, relax on this scenic 1.5-hour coastal sail through the Southern Gulf Islands before arriving on Vancouver Island. After a short drive to Victoria, enjoy 2.5 hours free time to explore downtown. In the Inner Harbour, see the famous Empress Hotel and the BC Parliament Buildings. Walk up Government Street and marvel at the Victorian storefronts decorated for the holidays. Stop at historic Chinatown, featuring Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest commercial street. Meet your guide to board the bus once again and travel to the famous Butchart Gardens for their Magic of Christmas display. Arriving as the sun sets, experience 55 acres of foliage illuminated by festive and vibrant lights. With their 12 Days of Christmas theme, feel the holiday season come alive as you wander through the gardens and encounter each scene from the song. Then enjoy carollers and hot chocolate back in the main plaza. Finish the tour with a return sail to Vancouver and drop-off at your confirmed hotel accommodation.

Scenic Victoria Small Group Night Tour W/ Boat & Butchart Ga

10. Scenic Victoria Small Group Night Tour W/ Boat & Butchart Ga

Embark on a captivating scenic night tour of Victoria and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Butchart Gardens after sunset. This evening tour offers a unique and magical experience that will leave you in awe. We'll begin by picking you up from your designated location. As twilight sets in, we'll take you on a delightful downtown drive, where you can admire the illuminated cityscape and the charming ambiance of Victoria at night. Next, we'll embark on a memorable boat excursion, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of Victoria's coastal waters. Cruise along the shimmering waves and enjoy panoramic views of the city's waterfront, as the twinkling lights reflect on the gentle ripples. As darkness falls, we'll drive to Butchart Gardens, a truly magical experience at night. Witness the gardens come alive with a symphony of soft lighting, highlighting the exquisite flora and creating a captivating atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated pathways, as the subtle glow unveils the beauty of this botanical wonderland. After soaking in the enchantment of Butchart Gardens, we'll embark on a relaxing drive back to downtown Victoria. Marvel at the city's illuminated landmarks as we make our way through the charming streets. Finally, we'll drop you off at your designated locations, leaving you with memories of a truly mesmerizing night tour of Victoria. Join us on this scenic night tour and experience the magic of Butchart Gardens under the stars. This is an opportunity to witness the gardens' beauty in a whole new light, creating a truly unforgettable evening in Victoria.

Add dates

Things to do in
Butchart Gardens

14 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Butchart Gardens

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Butchart Gardens

Want to discover all there is to do in Butchart Gardens? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Butchart Gardens

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 620 reviews

Great tour, our guide Anthony was fantastic and took such good care of us! It really wasn’t enough time in Butchart Gardens, I could have spent double the time. Very long day but well worth it!

Brent was an excellent guide for our day and we appreciated the history of the region he shared. Would recommend Land and Sea to others wholeheartedly!

Was a great trip. Loved the ferry ride. All instructions on where to be and when were very clear. Butchart Gardens was well worth the trip

Well organised day. Just sit back and enjoy. The guide/driver was very informative and helpful

Casey, our guide was great! Sights were beautiful!