10 Sightseeing Tours in Vancouver Island That You Shouldn't Miss

April 30, 2022 Chanda Heide

Discover the best top things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada including Marine Wildlife Tour with Expert Guides, Private Butchart Gardens Tour, Nothin' To Wine about Winery Adventure in Cowichan Valley, Private Small Group Tour of Victoria & Butchart Gardens, Private Winery, Distillery, and Brewery Tour by Luxury Vehicle, Vancouver City Tour with Taste of India, Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise, Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour, Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria, Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat.
Restaurants in Vancouver Island

1. Marine Wildlife Tour with Expert Guides

Five Star Whale Watching, 645 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8W 1A6, Canada Five Star Whale Watching
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy a 3-hour Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour with expert guides. Travel at high speed on an Expedition Catamaran with a heated cabin area and outdoor deck, with excellent viewing areas for everyone. You'll search for Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Harbour Seals, Harbour Porpoise, Dall's Porpoise, Steller (Northern) and California Sea Lions, and over 127 species of marine birds.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Professional guide

Exclusions: The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.

Reviewed By AAMVictoria

Andy and Emma were great guides—they knew a lot about the whales (orca and humpback), seals, sea lions, and sea otters that we saw on the trip, and also a lot about the area we were travelling through. We had a fantastic afternoon out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

2. Private Butchart Gardens Tour

Beyond the City Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Victoria is known as the City of Gardens and on this private tour you'll discover two of the best. We'll start our day at the world-famous Butchart Gardens. As we drive along scenic country roads, learn about the fascinating history of the gardens and the unique vision of Jennie Butchart. An early arrival at the gates means we'll miss the crowds and with 22 ha to explore, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the gardens. These stunning gardens are a National Historic Site and have something to offer in every season, from dazzling displays of spring flowers through to the magical Christmas illuminations. A short drive through beautiful countryside brings us to our second stop: the Gardens at HCP (Horticultural Centre of the Pacific). The "gardeners' garden" is located in a conservation park and we'll explore nature trails, wetlands, and bird watching areas alongside more formal gardens, including Canada's largest Bonsai garden.

Inclusions: Entrance fees

Exclusions: Food and drink

Reviewed By AlisonT1478

Great tour with Marianne. We saw places on the island we would have never even thought of going to. It was such an enjoyable afternoon with many different tastings. Would highly recommed this tour to anyone.

3. Nothin' To Wine about Winery Adventure in Cowichan Valley

Twofiveo Tour Co.
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

This no hassle day of wine tasting includes pickup and drop off from your location right in the Cowichan Valley! Pick up is at 11:30am. We spend the day visiting 3 of the renowned wineries of the Cowichan Valley. Crank your favourite tunes between wineries and jump on the karaoke mic. We promise we wont judge you. ;)

Inclusions: Wine tastings, Please let us know of any dietary requirements, Bottled water, Private transportation, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By SpiritofCollette

This past year has been rather drab with all the restrictions and laying low that has been dragging on and on. Erika changed all that for me and my bubble. She easily curated a perfect day of fun and adventure based on who we are and she was an amazing facilitator the whole time. I have not had a day of that much fulfillment in along time and I have never had a day of that much fun that was so effortless for me. twofiveo does the work. Thanks for the wonderful lifetime memory!

4. Private Small Group Tour of Victoria & Butchart Gardens

Fresh Air Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Come along for a private, personable tour of Victoria and to the beautiful Butchart Gardens in our large deluxe van! Wander along the paths of gorgeous floral displays, enjoy the amazing Sunken Garden, Rose Garden (in season), Italian and Mediterranean Gardens. Relax on a bench and enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Gardens. We will also show you the best highlights of Victoria with a stop atop Mount Tolmie for the outstanding panoramic views, through charming neighbourhoods to view the outside of Craigdarroch Castle and Government House (where the Royal family stays). We will visit historic Chinatown, Old Town Victoria and the charming inner harbour surrounded by the impressive historic Parliament buildings and Empress Hotel. Wander through Fisherman's Wharf, an eclectic collection of colorful floating homes and foods kiosks.

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, Transport by air conditioned private vehicle, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entrance Fees , Gratuities

Reviewed By swerner423

What a great time! We enjoyed the 4 wineries we visited. The tour guide was friendly and informative. And the van was comfortable.

5. Private Winery, Distillery, and Brewery Tour by Luxury Vehicle

Alset Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Our Craft Vine, Orchard & Stills tours let you savour the sights & tastes of Saanich at your own pace. Let us transport you into the future of travel in the serenely-quiet, sporty luxury of an Alset Tours' Obsidian Black Falcon-Winged Model X SUV or Signature Red Tesla Model S 85: Burgundár, the world's first fully-electric, solar-powered* touring sedan. Choose your favourite crafty tasting and slake your sightseeing thirst at a local craft cafe, vineyard, distillery, or brewery. Your 3 or 4 hour Tesla Tour includes standard tastings at two to three Saanich destinations: longer 5 or 6 hour tours offer extended gourmet tasting options and may include a visit to the Cowichan valley with time for fine dining at a farm-to-table restaurant or a gourmet catered charcuterie (restaurant costs not included in tour price).

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Standard Tastings (extended tastings available for purchase), Professional driver, local guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Food and additional drinks (available for purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By DaveandCorina

Booking with the owner, Kevin, was seemless. Our tour stopped at 3 great wineries and included a charcuterie lunch. Our driver, Mark, was fantastic and showed us all of the features of the Tesla X that we were fortunate to tour in. Mark was also a wealth of knowledge about the area and the drive by Shawnigan Lake Private School was a nice personal touch.

6. Vancouver City Tour with Taste of India

Globalduniya
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We provide custom tailor tour made including the Vancouver Lookout. Our Vancouver Day Tour is intended to cover major Spots in Vancouver like: i) Downtown ii) Chinatown iii) Robson St iv) Gastown v) Stanley Park vi) English Bay vii) False Creek viii) Canada Place ix) Coal Harbor x) Granville Island xii) Vancouver convention centre xiii) Yale town x!!!!} Vancouver Lookout The main Attraction would include the tour and tickets for Vancouver lookout and Our Lunch menu is inspired Specialty meat dishes including butter chicken and lamb curry and lots of fresh daily Vegan & vegetarian options, seasoned with a custom blend of spices as the key attractions for lunch The Lunch menu has over 70 food items to choose from with a perfect blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. We offers a spectacular ambience for just having cocatails at our mega bar, for our different customer spectawhich will give you a chance to see the entirety of Canada without leaving Vancouver.

Inclusions: Pickup and Drop off from your Hotels, Cruise Port,Airport and all Railway stations., Snaps and Picture Stops allowed, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Lunch, Private transportation, Spotify on demand

Exclusions: All PERSONAL EXPENSE

Reviewed By dilbaghsinghm

One of the best acutance with nature. This tour was amazing and attractions were picturesque. Sea to sky highway was great and it has spots with lot of historical importance. My guide was was proactive driver was well versed with attractions. Private vehicle given to me was luxurious setting. Moreover we enjoyed. Although the gondola in Squamish was closed due to covid restrictions but my guide given me extra additions in the tour which we liked.

7. Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours, 1 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2, Canada Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
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4.9 based on 291 reviews

Come and meet the locals—the flippered, furred and feathered kind—on this guided 3.5-hour or more whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Find out how you’re supporting a leader in ocean conservation, education, research and sustainability. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and an amazing assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! Hotel transport included.

Inclusions: Local guide, Live commentary on board, $5 Wildlife fee included in price, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By WasItTHATbad

The team were fantastic! They gave information about all of the wildlife! 3-4 hours out on the water! They have extra items if you need them to ensure you stay warm & they clean everything prior and after to be covid safe We saw killer whales, seals, sea lions, porpoise, puffins! They try and tailor it for you and are flexible so I think they’d definitely tailor a tour for you if you really wanted to see something!

8. Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour

812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3, Canada Off The Eaten Track
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4.9 based on 26 reviews

DON'T BE A TOURIST, BE AN EXPERT FOODIE EXPLORIST! On this fun and tasty tour we take you to our favorite hidden gems in the downtown core serving up delicious multi-cultural cuisine that is unique to Victoria led by a local foodie expert guide. ON THE MENU: savoury baked goods from one of Canada's best bakery, a Bahn Mi sandwich, charcuterie from a local deli, Middle Eastern street food, authentic tacos, a unique tea, and a selection of macarons! Make new friends, meet local business owners, hear stories about history, get amazing insider tips about where to eat next, and avoid tourist trap eateries with the help of a local guide. VEGETARIANS WELCOME! WHY DO THIS TOUR? * You are an adventurous soul that wants to try new things * You have a passion for finding small hard-to-find local businesses that aren't tourist driven * You want a local authentic experience and want to eat food made by locals

Inclusions: Professional guide, Food and drink tastings, Afternoon tea, Lunch, Local guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By Rolie T

This was a fun and informative day for us. We have lived in Victoria all our lives and yet we learned all kind of interesting tidbits about its history. The guide was very knowledgeable. We discovered many great little shops that we will go back to in the future. highly recommend the tour.

9. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3, Canada Prince of Whales Whale Watching
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4.9 based on 330 reviews

Hop aboard Salish Sea Eclipse – a high-speed, luxury, custom-built catamaran. With a total of 200 seats and a maximum capacity of 50 passengers there is sure to be enough room throughout the vessel to provide safe distancing for our guests. Experience the majesty of the Salish Sea in comfort in search of native marine wildlife and listen to our local experts bring the animals' stories to life! The quintessential whale watching experience for every adventurer.

Inclusions: 95-passenger vessel featuring indoor, heated cabin and open air decks, Captain and expert crew of 3-4 guides/naturalists, Live commentary, Educational materials on board, Two washrooms, 93% Whale Sighting Success Rate, Lifetime Whale Sightings Guarantee - new free tour from Vancouver or Victoria until you see whales!, GST (Goods and Services Tax), 5 per person Salish Sea Conservation Fee (1% For The Planet Initiative) is included in price

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By GlobeTrotting495571

A fabulous day even without spitting whales. Crew was amazing! Boat is beautiful and comfortable.Highly recommend.

10. Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

5-90 Front St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7, Canada Vancouver Island Whale Watch
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4.8 based on 12 reviews

Immerse yourself in BC's coastal wildlife as you travel through the gulf islands archipelago in search of killer whales (orcas), humpbacks, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and more. Your guide has an academic background in biology and a passion for marine life! Whale sightings are guaranteed or your next trip is FREE. You'll cruise through the Salish Sea in comfort and style onboard Quick Change II, our 23-passenger 40ft jet boat. Quick Change II offers covered seating with sliding windows at each seat and a large open deck at the back of the vessel that provides unobstructed views of scenery and wildlife.

Inclusions: Professional guide with academic background in marine biology, Captain is certified by Transport Canada, Snacks onboard, Toilets onboard, Sunscreen available, Binoculars onboard (shared between guests)

Exclusions: The listed price does not include parking, which costs around 3-4 dollars CAD for the day., Lunch is not included., Gratuities, Transportation to/from office

Reviewed By Keith C

Excellent shop staff, the onboard biologist and the captain were great to us today. These people know what they're doing and placed us near to a group of different pods of Orcas having a tea party, or socializing as we know it. The open boat provided many opportunities to photograph the whales as they majestically frolicked close by. The boat was in the middle of at least a dozen Orcas all within easy camera range. Thank you "Rebecca", "Shy", and "Rodrigo". You have provide me with a great adventure! Thank you

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