Victoria +
Butchart Gardens

An Elevated Experience

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery while learning about the rich history and vibrant culture of British Columbia as you explore one of Canada's most beautiful cities. Along the way, travel by BC Ferries, sailing through the Gulf Islands and visit the world famous Butchart Gardens before enjoying some free time to discover the enchanting waterfront city of Victoria.

Tour Description

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery while learning about the rich history and vibrant culture of British Columbia as you explore one of Canada's most beautiful cities. Along the way, travel by BC Ferries, sailing through the Gulf Islands, enjoy a scenic drive and free time to discover the enchanting waterfront city of Victoria before visiting the world famous Butchart Gardens..

TOUR DESCRIPTION:

By land and by sea, experience the scenic beauty of British Columbia's rugged coastline, famous Butchart Gardens and the beautiful City of Victoria with an elevated fully guided tour. Departing from Vancouver, you will head south to Tsawwassen terminal, where you will board a BC Ferries vessel for a 90-minute journey through the majestic Gulf Islands. Keep your eyes on the lookout for marine wildlife such as bald eagles, sea lions, and whales, that can frequently be observed in their natural habitat.

After arriving at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island, enjoy a scenic drive to the Province of British Columbia's capital City of Victoria, known for its architectural landmarks, scenic inner harbour and abundance of flower beds and hanging baskets. You will have the chance to see key attractions in the city including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. You will have free time to visit the unique shops and cafes along Government Street and the culturally rich area of Chinatown. Feel free to take a stroll along the Inner Harbour to soak in breathtaking views and a glimpse into the local culture.

After spending time exploring Victoria, you will head to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. Just a few of the words that have been used to describe The Butchart Gardens include "breathtaking", "astonishing" and "peaceful. Nestled in Brentwood Bay, this botanical wonder features a series of themed gardens, including the expansive Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, the Rose Garden and the impressive dancing fountain. A designated National Historic Site of Canada, over a million visitors are drawn to the gardens every year.

Continue your adventure as you head back to Swartz Bay to board the ferry back to Tsawwassen and return to Vancouver. This tour is fully guided and showcases the very best of the Pacific Northwest and Southern Vancouver Island.

HIGHLIGHTS + INCLUSIONS:

  • Unlike other operators who offer a driver that doubles as a guide, we provide a first-class professional driver plus a dedicated step on tour guide for a more personalized and elevated experience

  • New Coach Busses: In addition, we use only the latest model Highway Coach buses offering the latest in safety and comfort including Cloud One Seating, the most ergonomic seat available today designed to reduce fatigue during long trips, 120V and USB charging ports for every passenger, passenger blinds, reading lights, cup holders and an onboard washroom.

  • BC Ferries: Round trip journey through the scenic Gulf Islands and Active Pass

  • Victoria City Driving and Optional Walking Tour: Downtown Victoria, including Government Street, Chinatown, the Inner Harbour, BC Parliament Buildings and The Fairmont Empress hotel

  • Leisure Time: Enjoy Victoria's historic architecture, enchanting ocean views, artisan cafes and unique shops

  • Butchart Gardens: A World-famous series of themed gardens and National Historical Site of Canada

Tour Season + Start Times

Operating Daily
May 1, 2025 to October 15, 2025
Tour Duration 
12 - 13 hours

Vancouver hotel pickups starting at 
08:00

Tour start time 
08:15

Tour Cost

$275 / Adult
+5% GST

$144 / Child 
+5% GST


Book This Victoria + Butchart Gardens Package


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Frequently Asked Questions

All tours require a reservation. Same day reservations are available subject to availability. For same day reservations, please call our reservations team directly at 604-685-STAR.

Cancellations are fully refundable up to 24 hours prior to departure. After that time, all bookings will be considered non-refundable. Please note that no shows or missed departures will not be refunded.

Yes, up to 24 hours prior to departure subject to availability.

No. All of our tours run rain or shine. Vancouver is called a Rain City due to the fact that it rains an average of 168 days a year. No rain jacket, no umbrella? No problem. We provide complimentary loaner umbrellas for you to use for the duration of the tour.

Our prices are listed in Canadian dollars. Please note, applicable taxes and a small booking fee are added during checkout.

Star Sightseeing accepts payment with VISA, Mastercard and American Express. Paying by Cash, Direct Debit, WeChat and Alipay are currently not available.

A 3% Credit Card booking fee and 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) are added during checkout.

All of our booking pages are protected by SSL Security, which encrypts all information sent to our server, including all personal information sent as part of the booking process.

Credit card purchases will reflect a charge from Star Sightseeing Inc. on their statements.

Adults are considered those 13 years and older. Children are aged 3-12 years, and infants 2 and under are free on all of our tours. Child and infant seats are available on request.

No, at least 1 adult must travel with any children under the age of 12.

Currently, our tours are conducted entirely in English.

We operate 34 and 56 passenger highway coach buses for our tours, as it provides a more comfortable and spacious experience for our guests.

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Comfortable clothing for the weather
  • Camera or video camera
  • Sunscreen and/or a sunhat is recommended for sunny days
  • Cash or credit cards

Even though your tour is by bus, you will be stopping at various locations. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather depending on the season. Please check the weather forecast for the day. Bring a rain jacket just in case of inclement weather. Loaner umbrellas are available for use for the duration of the tour.

All of our tours offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off at select hotels in Vancouver. A pull-down list of pick-up locations will be provided during the booking process. Pick-up and drop-off times may vary depending on hotel location.

We are happy to accommodate drop-offs at different locations, provided that this is arranged ahead of time. Please contact our team at 604-685-STAR or email info@starsightseeing.com to ensure that we can accommodate your request.

We do not pick up at the Vancouver Airport. We can drop-off at the Vancouver Airport on select tours. Please contact our office to inquire. Additional fees may apply.

Yes, all of our tour buses can accommodate luggage with additional notice. Please advise us if you will have luggage by noting it in the comments section of the reservation form.

Our coach buses have storage space for foldable wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers, but they are not wheelchair accessible. The guest must be able to walk up the stairs into the coach bus.

Unfortunately, our vehicles are unable to accommodate motorized wheelchairs or scooters.

With the exception of registered service dogs, no pets are allowed on board.

Victoria FAQs

It takes about 90 minutes to reach Vancouver Island from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. BC Ferries does have several onboard amenities, including a self-serve restaurant, kid's entertainment area, and washrooms.

Meals are not included in any of our tours. There are plenty of opportunities for you to purchase food during many of the stops you will make throughout the day. Feel free to also pack and bring your own snacks and lunch. We do not mind you eating on board any of our vehicles so you save your time to enjoy the stops!

Yes. You can purchase food at BC Ferries' onboard café and self-serve restaurant.

You will have approximately 2.5 hours of free time to explore Victoria. Optional: Guests can choose to spend only 1 hour in Victoria and 3.5 hours at Butchart Gardens.

Enjoy a guided walking tour with your guide or explore the Inner Harbour’s quaint shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries on your own. Sip some afternoon tea at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel or explore the spectacular provincial Parliament Buildings. If in doubt, ask your guide for their recommendations on how to best enjoy your time in Victoria.

You will have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore the gardens. Optional: Guests can choose to spend only 1 hour in Victoria and 3.5 hours at Butchart Gardens.

Yes, all public areas are wheelchair accessible. The only exception is a viewpoint area within the Sunken Garden known as The Mound.

Our tours take the 7pm ferry back from Vancouver Island, which arrives at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal at 8:30pm. From there, it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Vancouver downtown, depending on traffic. Please note that these times are subject to change based on ferry schedules and other factors outside of our control such as ferry delays and traffic.

Why choose us   

There is simply no better option than Star Sightseeing


Personalized
Experience

We provide a first-class professional driver plus a dedicated step on tour guide for a more personalized and elevated experience, unlike others who offer only a driver/guide. 

Modern Fleet &
Comfort

Our new coach buses feature the latest in safety and comfort, including washrooms, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.

Trusted Expertise &
Legacy

With over 45 years of experience, Star Chauffeured Services is the largest and oldest livery car service in Western Canada, specializing in custom sightseeing tours and private transportation.

Environmental
Commitment

We are dedicated to sustainability, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030 and transitioning to an electric fleet as soon as possible.

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STAR SIGHTSEEING


328 Industrial Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia 
V6A 2P3 Canada

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  • Fax: 604-685-2500
  • info@starsightseeing.com