Things to do in Victoria, Vancouver Island: The Best Sightseeing Tours

October 27, 2021 Margarita Chappel

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. 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. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

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. 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.

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. Vancouver to Victoria Whale Watching with Return to Vancouver by Seaplane

Lotus Land Tours
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

Discover the killer whales between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, on this 12-hour, including 4 hours fully guided whale-watching adventure. Combine two popular attractions into one exciting day trip. Take off on a whale-watching safari from Vancouver to Victoria, then spend your own afternoon enjoying the English charm of Victoria. Look for a wide variety of wildlife, like seagulls, sea lions, seals, and more. At the end of the day, return to Vancouver by seaplane. This tour includes pickup from hotels, private residences and AirBnB anywhere in Vancouver.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Fuel surcharge, Wildlife watching, Return by Seaplane

Exclusions: Butchart Garden visit

Reviewed By M8146VQclaudiat

My husband and I splurged and took the luxury cruise to Victoria and we were treated like royalty! The service, food and drinks were amazing. We spent a fun 6 hours in Victoria on our own and then flew back to Vancouver in a sea plane. I thought I would be scared, but the flight was really cool and the landing was like we landed on a marshmallow. I would highly recommend this company.

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