On a whirlwind day trip from Vancouver to Victoria, we found ourselves immersed in the lush beauty of Butchart Gardens and the captivating streets of Victoria.
From the vibrant floral landscapes to the historic landmarks, this itinerary promises to unveil the best of Victoria in just one unforgettable day.
Join us as we recount the sights, sounds, and experiences that make this journey a must-do for any visitor to British Columbia’s west coast.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Victoria is from April to May and September to October. You can avoid the crowds, and both flight and hotel prices are more reasonable. The weather is also comfortable, with average temperatures around 12ºC.
Is one day enough to visit Victoria, B.C.?
Victoria, BC, is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
As the provincial capital, it holds political significance and attracts tourists with its charming harbor, gardens, and museums. For locals, it offers a high quality of life with abundant recreational opportunities.
Yes, one day is enough to explore Victoria, BC. If you have just one day in this charming city, rest assured – there are numerous attractions and activities to enjoy.
The trip takes between 1.5 and two hours, making a day trip to Victoria BC entirely feasible.
How to Get to Victoria, B.C.
By ferry: BC Ferries offers a 90-minute sailing to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal from the Tsawwassen terminal, located just 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver.
By bus: The Pacific Central Station runs a scheduled bus service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria. You may purchase your tickets there, which will include your ferry ticket and coach transfer.
By floatplane: If you’d like a faster option, companies such as Harbour Air, Helijet, Air Canada, and Pacific Coastal Airlines offer air travel to Victoria.
By car: from downtown Vancouver, head to Hwy 99 and take a left at Granville and West 49th Avenue. Next, you turn right at 49th and Oak Street and cross the Oak Street Bridge.
From there, head to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Once on Vancouver Island, drive 30 minutes south from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria.
Vancouver to Victoria Day Tours
Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour
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Pricing: $197.89
Tour duration: Full-day
Inclusions: driver/guide, live onboard commentary, and convenient pick-up and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, food, and drinks
This full-day adventure from Vancouver to Vancouver Island includes visits to the stunning Butchart Gardens and the vibrant Inner Harbour, where you can marvel at the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel.
You’ll have an hour and a half to explore Butchart Gardens and two hours to wander around the charming city of Victoria. Must-stops include the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel.
If you’re into quirky shops and cafes, consider heading to Government Street and Chinatown where you can find unique souvenirs and delicious local cuisine.
Don’t forget to take a stroll along the picturesque Inner Harbour to soak in the beauty of this historic city.
Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip
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Pricing: $206.33
Tour duration: Full-day
Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, professional driver and guide, local taxes, ferry admission, and admission to Butchart Gardens
Exclusions: Gratuities, food, and drinks
This full day-tour is the way to go if you prefer a more lenient pace while still getting to see all the major sights. You’ll visit highlights like the Butchart Gardens and have plenty of free time to explore Victoria at your leisure.
The tour starts with three hours to explore the city on your own, which is not only awesome, but also allows you to customize your experience based on your interests. After that, you’ll be taken to Butchart Gardens.
What’s great about this tour is that both your admission to Butchart Gardens and your ferry ticket are included!
Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens Combo
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Pricing: $97.87
Tour duration: Half-day
Inclusions: a local guide, admission to Butchart Gardens, and three hop-out photo opportunities during city tour, and hotel pick-up
Exclusions: food and beverages
This straightforward half-day tour is perfect for those who prefer a shorter exploration of the city. You’ll spend 2 hours and 30 minutes at Butchart Gardens and have an hour to explore Victoria.
Take note though, your city tour here is led by a local guide, who will tour you around the town, including places like the Parliament Buildings and Beacon Hill Park.
This tour provides a comprehensive overview of Victoria’s top attractions in a limited amount of time.
Things to do During Your Free Time to Explore Victoria
Check out the Government House
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Address: 1401 Rockland Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 1V9, Canada
Phone: +1 250-387-2080
Government House is a wonderful spot to visit in Victoria. It features lovely gardens and areas where you can enjoy a relaxing time with family or friends.
Outside, you’ll find beautiful gardens and trees that create a sense of excitement, while inside, the atmosphere turns more serene.
There’s a rock garden, rose garden, rhododendron garden, and more, making it a very peaceful area to explore.
Stroll along the Inner Harbour
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Address: Inner-Harbour Pathway, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada
Phone: 250-953-2033
Numerous popular and frequently photographed sights and attractions in Victoria are situated in and around the Inner Harbour.
Strolling along the Lower Causeway offers picturesque harbor views and a glimpse of the Legislative Buildings and Empress Hotel.
This vibrant area is often bustling with buskers, artists, and people taking leisurely walks along the waterfront, especially in the summer and on weekends.
Visit Beacon Hill Park
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Address: 100 Cook St, Victoria, BC, Canada
Phone: +1 250-361-0600
This park features several pleasant walking paths winding around small ponds, shaded by numerous trees and plants.
It also boasts various statues and totem poles, along with attractions like an animal petting zoo and free-roaming peacocks.
Drive to the coastal side to admire the impressive totem pole, the tallest of which is crowned with a majestic bald eagle sculpture atop it.
Explore Fisherman’s Wharf Park
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Address: 12 Erie St, Victoria, BC V8V 4X5, Canada
This corner of Victoria features colorful houseboats, enjoyable dining options, and is a perfect launching point for arranging whale watching tours. One gift shop stands out for its beautiful items at fair prices.
During the day, they offer good seafood and treats, although many shops close early in the winter months. Nevertheless, it’s a pleasant place for a stroll and to appreciate the view.
Learn about History at the Royal BC Museum
Address: 675 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8W 9W2, Canada
Phone: +1 250-356-7226
The Royal BC Museum features extensive displays dedicated to the history of dinosaurs in British Columbia. Additionally, it showcases realistic models of the province’s wildlife, including animals on land, in water, and underground.
The IMAX experience is a great addition. If you plan to visit the museum, consider purchasing a bundle that includes IMAX—it’s definitely worth it.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Victoria
BC Ferries: book sailings, manage your trips, and check schedules and current conditions.
ParkVictoria: pay for on-street parking using your phone in Victoria.
Yellow Cab of Victoria: book a taxi service from your favorite taxi firm in Victoria.
Victoria Travel Guide: offline guide of the best things to do in Victoria.