The 10 Best Private Tours in Victoria, Vancouver Island

September 29, 2021 Roger Rusk

Victoria is a thriving city of heritage architecture and time-honored traditions like afternoon tea. With the ocean at its doorstep and wilderness in its backyard, it’s also a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find everything from a world-class science and natural history museum to a blooming public park where peacocks roam freely, plus a range of unique shops, cafes and restaurants. And more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the scenery.
Restaurants in Victoria

1. Private Tour: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

Vancity Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Take a scenic ocean ferry ride to discover the capital of British Columbia on this 12-hour private tour from Vancouver to Victoria. Explore the famous Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre of a vivid floral display, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, explore the British Columbia Parliament Building in the downtown Victoria area, and so much more. Stop for lunch in the heart of the city, surrounded by water, a fantastic view, and live music. Receive priority entrance to the parks which allows you to skip the long lines. This tour is family and child-friendly. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Local, professional and fun guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Live commentary on board, Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Airport pickup/drop off (additional charge for airport pickup/drop off)

Reviewed By Excursion678697

Erick was an absolutely phenomenal host!!! Exceeded all of our expectations. Our boys are 12 and 14 and Erick was relatable, entertaining, engaging and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!!!!

2. Vancouver Island Rainforest Guided Hike with Private Guide

Surfside Adventure Tours
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Vancouver Island offers some amazing trails along its beautiful coast and through its old grown lush rainforests. This private guided hike is just a short 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria. There are multiple locations close to the city that will make you feel like your miles away deep in the wilderness. You will experience some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, waterfalls, as well as a vibrant surrounding Eco-system.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Driver/guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Cruise Port Passenger Pick up fee is not included. (Please inquire)

Reviewed By Harvey0848

Thanks to our host, his comfortable Ford RV and his local knowledge, gave us a lovely day out to see the village of murals, markets, big trees, waterfalls and island seascapes. No worries with hygiene & our host was cautious but didn’t stop our tour. Clean Hands Saves Lives - that’s all! Don’t cancel your booking, tour operators would love to see all who have booked trips.

3. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking

Surfside Adventure Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This 9-hour personal guided tour is a full action packed day of outdoor adventure at its best. Enjoy a scenic drive past Nanaimo to the Coombs area where you will experience some of Vancouver Island's best scenery. Visit the Englishman River Falls and take a short hike up and down the falls to capture some exciting photos. You'll also stop at the country village of Coombs, the Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove, an enchanting rain forest with some of the oldest trees on the island dating back over 500 years old. Please note: Pricing is per group, up to 8 people

Inclusions: Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Professional guide, Umbrellas

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Sarah G

This was an amazing tour. I booked it for my birthday and I am a local. Darwin is a very knowledable guide. We were just outside the city and deep in pockets of old growth forest. He taught us all about the local wildlife and taught us how to identify trees. He also gave us tons of names of places to check out on our own. He is really nice and also taught us history about our area and even took us to Hatley Castle and gave us more history that was missed on the castle tour and talked to us about the xmen connection. (Hatley castle is where scenes of the mansion were filmed). This is a must do for locals and visitors.

4. Private Christmas Lights Tour and Butchart Gardens

Fresh Air Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Victoria and Butchart Gardens. Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Victoria and take you to the stunning Butchart Gardens. Stroll through the 12 days of Christmas, enjoy a hot chocolate, listen to carolers, and perhaps ice skate in the outdoor skating rink! Afterwards relax to Christmas music while we take you back to Victoria and enjoy the light displays throughout the city.This is a private small-group tour and will take 3-3.5 hrs. Admission to Butchart Gardens is NOT included.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off Victoria and Sidney, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Victoria and Sidney, Transport by private vehicle, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Butchart Gardens admissions: Adult C$27.40, Youth (13–17) C$13.70, Child (5–12) $C3.00 +5% GST

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 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.

6. Royal Tour Around Town in a Luxury Vehicle

Alset Tours
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Let us transport you into the future of travel in the serenely-quiet, sporty luxury of Tesla Tours' brand-new Sea Blue Tesla Model 3, Obsidian Model X SUV, or Signature Red Tesla Model S 85: Burgundár, the world's first fully-electric, solar-powered* touring sedan. Tesla Tours' futuristic history tour of Victoria, the garden city will whisk you from scenic vistas over volcanic hills and breathtaking fjords sculpted by the last great ice-age to locally-guided, professionally curated visits to classic Victorian locations such as Beacon Hill Park, Ogden Point, Abkhazi Gardens, and historic Craigdarroch Castle. Savour the sea views, meet the seals at Oak Bay Marina, and get a bird's-eye view from Mount Tolmie. Take advantage of our First Class concierge service to reserve an local foodie's luncheon or a classic high-tea at one of Victoria's hidden treasures like Abkhazi Tea House or the classic Fairmont Empress.

Inclusions: Private tour, Professional driver, local guide

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

Reviewed By boogalooEdmonton

such a fun day touring around a few wineries and a brewery in a Tesla! Mark was very knowledgable, accommodating and out to make sure we had a good time.

7. 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.

8. 75-Minute The Capital Tour

600 Menzies St, Victoria, BC V8V 1X3, Canada Victoria Carriage Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Capital Tour takes you through Victoria's history of becoming British Columbia's capital, also known as the Garden City Experience the melodic hoof beats as the your eyes indulge in the natural ecosystem of Vancouver island,along with a plethora of beautifully landscaped garden beds. Thru old town, the china town we proceed thru the inner harbour soaking in the views of the grand Empress Hotel and our Legislative building all while experiencing the time honored tradition of the gentle draft horse.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Tour escort/host, Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Z2079APjoanm

We went on May 14 2021 - Our operator Hannah was very knowledgeable, handled the carriage extremely well, the instructions spoken softly to the horse, JT, were heard and immediately responded to. The information provided to us was very interesting, even though we both have lived in Victoria all our lives, we heard items new to us!! Was a very enjoyable and relaxing tour on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Thank you so much, and we will join you again for another carriage ride. Bob and Joan

9. 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.

10. Grand City With High Tea At Butchart Gardens Tour

Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District, 185 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 1A1, Canada Admiral Limousine Service
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Our professional historian is able to include many significant sites not offered in other tours. Enjoy the tour in our rare 1997 Bentley New Turbo R Exl built by Rolls Royce. Only 823 were built, all between 1995-97. Our Grand City with High Tea at Butchart Gardens Tour covers all the main attractions in Victoria, the city of flowers, and the world-famous gardens located 15 miles outside of the city. For over a century, Butchart Gardens has been the premier attraction for travelers visiting Victoria. Enjoy BUTCHART GARDENS, a two and a half hour stop for a unique and remarkable experience, including 900 varieties of flowers and 120 varieties of trees, as well as a classic British Style High Tea with mouth-watering scones, delicious pastries, savory chowder, exquisite tea sandwiches, sumptuous desserts, and a selection of fine teas. This finely crafted tour includes more attractions than we can list in the "What to Expect" section.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, Expert Guide Who Is Professional Historian

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entry/Admission Fees To Any Tourist Attraction, Meals/High Tea

Reviewed By echoutloud

Richard is very knowledgeable and about Victoria, with the traffic jam due to protesting activities in the city, he was able to detour quickly for alternate routes which was great. In our limited time, he was able to introduced different parts of Victoria so well, my whole family were very impressed and we will definitely consider to visit again.

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