Top 10 Tours in Victoria, Vancouver Island

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

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

The Cowichan Valley ('warm land') offers beautiful vineyards situated in spectacular surroundings. Your 6-hour Tesla Tour will visit three Cowichan Valley vineyards of your choice including a wine tasting at each vineyard. Local growers and family-run businesses love to share their passion for the region and their unique approaches to viticulture results in a bounty of fine wines you won't find anywhere else. Averill Creek Vineyard (AverillCreek.ca), Blue Grouse Estate Winery (BlueGrouse.ca), Cherry Point Estate Wines, Unsworth Vineyards and Vigneti Zanatta are a few of our personal favourites. Our complimentary First Class concierge service is pleased to arrange for a gourmet picnic at your preferred destination or schedule a reservation at a casual fine-dining establishment such as Zanatta's Vinoteca or Unsworth Restaurant.

Inclusions: First Class Concierge Service (restaurant reservation, catered charcuterie picnic), Gourmet reserve wine, spirit, beer and cider tastings, Private tour, Professional driver, local guide, Gourmet charcuterie lunch from Cure Artisan Meats & Cheese (vegetarian & vegan options available)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Fine dining, bottles, cases and drinks available for purchase

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

Join Orca Spirit for an unhurried adventure along the glacier-carved shoreline of the Juan de Fuca Strait, BC. In addition to whale and wildlife watching, we’ll cruise by the Lighthouse at Carmanah, Sea Lion Rock, and the West Coast & Juan de Fuca Trails. Keep your eyes peeled for telltale blows off in the distance and black bears, deer, bald eagles and other wildlife playing hide and seek in the majestic old growth forests nearby.

Inclusions: Flotation suit, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), Food and drink

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

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

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

On this deluxe, personalized 60-minute horse-drawn carriage tour of Victoria, enjoy the perfect blend of tranquility, rejuvenation and discovery on this tour. Meander through the beautiful garden displays and natural landscapes of Beacon Hill Park, enjoy the refreshing air off the Salish Sea waterfront and return through the charming heritage district of James Bay. Please Note: Tour is priced per carriage.  Each carriage seats a maximum of 6 guests.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional, uniformed guide, Warm faux-fur blankets for cooler evenings (suspended during COVID), Collapsible roof to maximize comfort in all weather, Evening tours will be lit with the soft glow of carriage lanterns

Exclusions: Gratuities