Things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada: The Best Tours

Escape by seaplane from downtown Vancouver’s vibrant Coal Harbour to tranquil Bowen Island for a memorable seaside dinner. After ferrying across from Snug Cove to Horseshoe Bay, return to downtown Vancouver by limousine.

Inclusions: 20 minute scenic seaplane flight, Three Course Dinner, Ferry return from Snug Cove to Horseshoe Bay, Sedan transfer from Horseshoe Bay back to your hotel, Gratuities, Dinner

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)

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

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

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

This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Harmonious Gates of Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., the Inner Harbour, and the Parliament Buildings.  Depending on the day, there are between 6-8 tastings along the route as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, B.C.  Tastings can include bread, macarons, meatballs, pierogies, southern biscuits, spring rolls, tea, chocolate, craft beer, and much more!

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary

Exclusions: Gratuities

3 Hour Tour ~ The sheltered waters of the Ucluelet harbour offer an ideal location for an introduction to sea kayaking. Our tours depart from the beach at our Vancouver Island kayaking centre. There are many options for this tour, we may paddle up to a beautiful hidden waterfall, experience and learn about the local fish hatchery, or explore the outer harbour limits. The harbour is full of wildlife; watch for black bears along the shoreline, rich intertidal life beneath your kayak and eagles circling overhead. Harbour seals pop their heads up to watch us paddle by and sea lions bark to us from the fishing docks along the water’s edge. Historic old pre-wartime houses, big steel fishing boats and old wooden trollers tell the story of this quaint fishing village. Ucluelet is one of the most accessible ports on the west coast of Vancouver Island where you can experience the geography, the rich sea life and wildlife, and have an excellent paddling opportunity.

Inclusions: 1/2 hr instruction and 2 1/2 hrs on the water., Top of the line Kayak Equipment, PFD, paddling jacket, neoprene booties, gloves, dry bags for your camera, A snack and water bottle, Certified Guide Instructors

Exclusions:

Weave your way along Victoria’s picturesque streets by bicycle as you learn about the history of British Columbia’s charming capital on this 2-hour tour. Explore neighborhoods like Fernwood, Chinatown and Cook Street Village; cruise along  bike paths through parks such as Beacon Hill and Ross Bay; and pass by the glistening waters of the buzzing Inner Harbour. See Craigdarroch Castle, one of the tallest totem poles in the world and Victoria’s famous breathtaking architecture. This ride will show you why Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly and most livable cities in Canada.

Inclusions: Bike Tour, Local Guide, Use of Equipment

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Food and drink

Victoria and Vancouver Island have the 2nd largest wine region in BC. With so many great wineries just outside of Victoria we would be crazy to let you skip them. Join us for a 5.5 hour Vancouver Island wine tour of 3 Wineries leaving from downtown Victoria to the Vancouver Island wine route in the Cowichan Valley. This tour is your best event for wine tasting from Victoria BC. Voted top Victoria Tours on both facebook and tripadvisor.

Inclusions: Round-trip transportation, Guide, Tastings at each winery, Light lunch, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities, custom pick up at hotels

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

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