Excursion Butchart and butterfly gardens tour at Victoria

Discover why Victoria is known as the ‘Garden City’ during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to the city’s exquisite gardens.

Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Floral, Cascading, Rock, and Themed Gardens, Fountains, Ponds

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute sightseeing drive to the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site, Victoria’s #1 attraction, and one of the top show-gardens in the world. En route, pass through James Bay and the city’s beautiful Beacon Hill Park, home to the world’s tallest, freestanding totem pole. Upon arrival at the approximately 55-acre (about 22-hectare) Butchart Gardens, take a self-guided, approximately two-hour walking tour. Stroll along aromatic walking trails, lavish floral gardens, cascading fountains, ponds, rock gardens, and several themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Butchart’s famous Sunken Garden.

Butterfly Gardens, Butterflies, Flamingos, Tropical Birds & Plants, Reptiles, Koi Fish, Orchids

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. This beautiful, warm tropical garden has thousands of exotic, free-flying butterflies, as well as an impressive insectarium, flamingos, dozens of other tropical birds and reptiles, and koi fish swimming in the stream and pond. Nestled amidst an approximately 12,000-square-foot (about 1,114-square-metre) enclosure, the Butterfly Gardens feature 200 species of orchids and thousands of tropical plants, along with the ‘Foods of the World’ and ‘Carnivorous Plant’ displays.

Inner-Harbour, Fairmont Empress Hotel, BC Legislative Buildings, Chinatown, Old Town, Shopping

Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier. En route, drive through Victoria’s Inner-Harbour for an exquisite view of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and BC Legislative Buildings, and the ‘Gates of Harmonious Interest’ to see historic Chinatown, the second oldest in North America. After passing the Old Town, you may return directly back to the pier, or opt to be dropped off in the downtown area for shopping and further exploration (time-permitting), then return to the ship at your own expense.   

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Floral, Cascading, Rock & Themed Gardens, Fountains, Butterfly Gardens, Butterflies, Flamingos, Tropical Birds & Plants, City Tour

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking at the gardens is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Canadian Dollars, US Dollars, or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. This tour operates in the mornings or early-afternoons only. The tour sequence may vary.