Top Things to do in Victoria
What to do and see in Victoria, Vancouver Island: The Best Day Trips from
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. Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking
Overall Ratings
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.
2. Royal Tour Around Town in a Luxury Vehicle
Overall Ratings
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. Private Small Group Tour of Victoria & Butchart Gardens
Overall Ratings
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.
4. Butchart Gardens & Beyond: Spirit, Vine, Tea & Honey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Butchart & Beyond is our most popular tour, sampling the sights & tastes of Saanich. Let us transport you into the future of travel in the elegant, sporty luxury of a Tesla Model X, Signature Model S 85 or new Model 3: the world's first fully-electric, solar-powered* touring sedans. Inspired by his grandmother's garden, the Butcharts' transformed their family home & cement factory on Tod Inlet into one of the world's premier floral show gardens. Slake your post-garden thirst at a local craft cafe, vineyard, distillery, or brewery. Your 4 to 6-hour Tesla Tour will visit Butchart Gardens with optional visits to Butterfly Gardens or your choice of Saanich-area vineyards, honey farms, distilleries, & tea-rooms (tasting fees included, admission fees & meals not included). Admission tickets may be purchased at the gate, online, or invoiced with your tour (recommended)
Inclusions: Admission to Butchart Gardens, Private tour, Professional driver, local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: optional: High Tea, Lunch & Craft Beverages, 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.
5. Private Winery, Distillery, and Brewery Tour by Luxury Vehicle
Overall Ratings
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.
6. Private Butchart Gardens Tour
Overall Ratings
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.
7. Private Local Libations Tour, Victoria, BC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Customized private tour sampling award-winning, locally crafted wines, spirits, beers and ciders. On this full-day tour, you'll discover four local producers. Stops will be selected based on your drink preferences and availability. There are plenty of food options available thoughout the day and lots of time to relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Inclusions: Tasting fees, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By jocelynz460
We were lucky enough to get a Saturday wine tour at short notice due to others changing dates ????. The trip was well organised with 4 excellent wineries visited, each with their own unique speciality wines. Our host Marianne had great knowledge of the area and allowed us to take our time where needed. Exceptional service and quality for the day .... would highly recommend to others.
8. Private Butchart Gardens, Music and Wine Sunset Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Great wine, delicious local food, stunning gardens, and live music = a pretty perfect summer evening! We'll start our tour mid-afternoon with tastings at two wineries. Relax, enjoy the views and then in the early evening we'll head to the Butchart Gardens. You'll have time to explore the grounds before enjoying a picnic dinner on the concert lawn. Concerts feature different artists each evening, from pop, folk and rock to classical, jazz and latin. After the concert, enjoy the night illuminations before a comfortable drive home. Tuesday to Friday during July and August. Please call for availability on other dates.
Inclusions: Dinner, Tasting fees, Private transportation, Entrance fees
Exclusions:
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.
9. Butchart Gardens in the Fall, Shuttle & Entry
Fall at Butchart Gardens, the colours are stunning. The Japanese gardens created in 1904 come alive with the Fall palette Skip the line-ups and enjoy hotel door to door service. Everything is included in our shuttle service. Ticket entry, commentary, map of the gardens, flower guides books and tips on how best to spend your time. We travel in small groups of 14 or less and save you a return seat, no worries. Please advise your driver what time you would like to return today. We have two options this season. Departing the gardens at 1pm or 3pm. Please no food or drink in our vehicles please. Water only.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup in the downtown Victoria area with reservations (Not Air B&B please advise nearest hotel for pickup-NOT all hotels are included due to traffic issues and ease of pickup), Local guide will share the history of the gardens on route, and tips on how to best use your time in the gardens, Return trip please advise at time of reservation your preference 1pm or 4pm
Exclusions: We do not provide transportation for children due to car seat and seatbelt regulations. We do NOT provide car seats, We have zero storage for wheelchairs or strollers or large packages or car seats., No space for luggage. If you have luggage, please leave it with your hotel bellman. Alternatively, luggage may also be left in our office., NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES IN OUR VEHICLES PLEASE.
Reviewed By 167alenah
We could not have been luckier to have found Colleens tour. She is so friendly and incredibly knowledgeable of the area and foods and wines, we got to visit 3 wineries and the provided lunch is above and beyond what you might expect from something provided by any other tour. We especially felt space with current covid-19 procedures. You’re in great hands with Colleen! Can’t recommend her more highly!!
10. Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour
On this private tour, you'll enjoy tastings at four local wineries. Relax in our comfortable passenger van and enjoy a scenic countryside drive to the wineries. Discover family-owned wineries and locally crafted Vancouver Island wines. There are plenty of food options available throughout the day and lots of time to enjoy the stunning views. Tours will run Friday to Sunday during the summer months. Wineries visited will depend on availability.
Inclusions: Tasting fees
Exclusions: Food
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.
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