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private tour

Private Vancouver to Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour

A Custom Full Day on Vancouver Island, with a Scenic Gulf Islands Ferry Crossing

Aerial view of the Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens, with a path winding through the flower beds
the jewel of vancouver island

Escape the crowded buses and experience Victoria your way

Escape the crowded tour buses and rigid schedules. Experience the charm, history, and natural beauty of British Columbia's capital city with a premium private tour to Victoria and Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.

Designed exclusively for your group, this full-day trip combines luxury transportation, seamless logistics, and the insight of someone who knows every corner of the island. Keep your eyes on the water during the Gulf Islands crossing — it's common to spot seals, bald eagles, and even orcas along the way.

Cecilia with a group of clients at the entrance of Butchart Gardens
your guide in victoria

Guided by Me or My Trusted Team

Whenever possible, I personally guide every group to Victoria myself. When I'm already out with another group (or off exploring some corner of the world!), one of my personally trained team guides takes over instead. Either way, you're traveling with someone who knows every corner of Victoria and exactly where it's worth stopping.

suggested itinerary

What You'll Discover in Victoria

Unlike rigid bus tours, our route adapts to you. We balance iconic landmarks with stops that make all the difference in your day.

1

Butchart Gardens

Before the big tour buses arrive, we'll guide you through 55 acres of breathtaking floral displays, including the iconic Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, and the serene Japanese Garden. Priority entry tickets are always included.

Ross Fountain surrounded by colorful tulips at Butchart Gardens
2

Historic Downtown — Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings

In the heart of Victoria, your local guide shows you the city's architectural gems and vibrant culture: the majestic BC Parliament Buildings, Canada's oldest Chinatown with the historic Fan Tan Alley, and the colorful houseboats at Fisherman's Wharf.

BC Parliament Buildings with fountain and lawn in the foreground, in Victoria
3

The Fairmont Empress & Flexible Afternoon

Take in the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel (with an optional booking for the famous Afternoon Tea) and, depending on your interests, we fully customize the rest of your afternoon — from Craigdarroch Castle to the new Malahat SkyWalk.

Historic facade of the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC
why explore victoria with us

Why Explore Victoria With Us?

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100% Tailored Flexibility

Want an extra hour photographing the Sunken Garden? Or swap the castle for Afternoon Tea at The Empress? You set the pace of the day.

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Door-to-Door, Hassle-Free Logistics

Skip the lines at Tsawwassen: we secure your round-trip BC Ferries reservation in advance and pick you up directly from your hotel in Vancouver.

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Butchart Gardens Tickets Always Included

No surprises at the gate — priority entry is already secured as part of your tour.

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A Stress-Free Day

We take care of all the organization — transportation, schedules, reservations, and tickets — so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

BC Ferries ship sailing through the Gulf Islands on the way to Victoria
how to get there

Choose Your Travel Style

There's more than one way to reach Victoria — we'll help you pick the one that suits your group best.

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Ferry + Van (Round Trip)

The classic option. Total duration of approximately 12 hours, with the Gulf Islands ferry crossing both ways.

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Van + Ferry Outbound, Seaplane Return

For those who want to make the most of the day and return in style: 9 to 10 hours total, landing right in downtown Vancouver.

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Seaplane Round Trip

The fastest option: just a 35-minute flight each way, with a vehicle at our disposal in Victoria for the day.

practical information

Tour Details

Duration
9 to 12 hours, depending on the transport option chosen (see above)
Tour Type
100% Private with Local Guide
Transportation
Modern, premium, air-conditioned vehicle, plus the sea crossing
Pick-up & Drop-off
Included (downtown Vancouver hotels)
Language
English (or Portuguese/Spanish, if preferred)
What's included
Private driver/guide, round-trip ferry reservation, priority Butchart Gardens tickets, water and snacks on board
What's NOT included
Meals, Afternoon Tea at The Empress (booked separately), and seaplane cost when that option is selected
Car Seat/Booster Seat
Available upon request
Accessibility
Comfortable for most mobility levels — gardens have paved paths; the Inner Harbour involves moderate walking
📌 about the seaplane

An Unforgettable Way to Travel

Whenever a seaplane is part of your itinerary — one-way or round trip — the cost is calculated separately for that option. It's just a 35-minute flight with aerial coastline views, landing right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Let us know to add this experience to your tour.

Clients smiling next to the Harbour Air seaplane in Victoria
frequently asked questions

FAQ

Can we customize the start time?

Yes! We recommend an early start (around 8:00 or 9:00 AM) to make the most of your day and beat the crowds at Butchart Gardens, but we can adjust the schedule to fit your group.

Can we upgrade to a seaplane return?

Yes! If you want more time in Victoria and want to skip the evening ferry ride, we can arrange a Harbour Air seaplane flight back to downtown Vancouver. Just let us know during booking — the cost is calculated separately.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine — Butchart Gardens is beautiful in any season, and much of the itinerary is indoor or covered (Parliament Buildings, The Empress, Chinatown). We adjust the pace to the day's weather.

What's the vehicle capacity?

We operate a Toyota Sienna and a Mercedes Sprinter, accommodating everything from small families to larger groups. Just let us know your group size.

Fountain surrounded by colorful tulip beds in the Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens

Ready to Experience Victoria Like a Local?

Spaces for our private Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trips fill up fast, especially during spring and summer. Secure your date for an unforgettable Vancouver Island adventure.

đŸ’Ŧ Message Cecilia on WhatsApp to Book