DISCOVER VICTORIA & BUTCHART GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Overview
Get into the Holiday Spirit, Canadian-style! Christmas in Victoria, BC is the most wonderful time of the year, as the tree-lined streets are adorned with lights and other festive displays. Marvel at the views of the Inner Harbour and the renowned Fairmont Empress Hotel lit up, walk along the Victorian-style downtown to learn about the heritage of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Don’t forget to explore Chinatown and squeeze into Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in North America!
This full-day tour includes admission to The Butchart Gardens to enjoy the Magic of Christmas, and many other festive sightseeing stops in the capital of BC. Travel in a small group of maximum 24 guests.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road closures.
Vancouver to Victoria (Roundtrip)
- Depart from your preferred pick-up location in downtown Vancouver (please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure)
- Take a scenic ferry ride aboard BC Ferries and through the beautiful Gulf Islands, from Vancouver to Victoria
- Enjoy a scenic coastal drive through the beautiful communities of James Bay
- Stop at Beacon Hill Park and Mile 0, the start of the Trans Canada Highway
- Join a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria, including the Inner Harbour, Government Street, Chinatown, Empress Hotel, and the Parliament
- Enjoy free time in the capital of BC. Option to visit the Royal BC Museum (additional cost) or the Inn at Laurel Point to view the Annual National Gingerbread Showcase
- After the sun sets, soak in the beautiful holiday lights as you drive to The Butchart Gardens
- A visit to The Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas is included, which features colourful lights, carollers, and festive fare, as well as the Twelve Days of Christmas displayed throughout the gardens
- Return on the 7pm ferry back to Vancouver
- Arrive in downtown Vancouver at approximately 9:30pm
*Photo courtesy of ©Destination BC / Jordan Dyck
Tour of Victoria
- Upon arrival in Vancouver Island, you will travel to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Along the way, you will visit the top sightseeing locations, including Mile 0, Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Empress Hotel and Historic Chinatown, including the famous Fan Tan Alley and its shops.
Downtown Victoria
- Enjoy free time to explore the capital of British Columbia on your own. Whatever your purpose is for visiting Victoria today, our guide is ready to assist you with suggestions on the best restaurants, top breweries, shops and hidden gems.
Butchart Gardens
- Visit the renowned Butchart Gardens (admission included). This National Historic Site began with an exhausted limestone quarry that was transformed into the now picturesque Sunken Garden. Today, the garden showcases 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. During Christmas time, the entire area is covered in magical holiday displays and festive lights – a view you do not want to miss!
Victoria to Vancouver
- Relax as we cruise back to the Mainland in the evening. Explore the outside decks and views, and wind down with the scenic sailing aboard BC Ferries back to where your tour began.
FAQs
What are The Butchart Gardens and their Christmas lights?
The Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden located near Victoria, BC. In the beginning, it was a limestone quarry that was transformed into 55 acres of stunning displays of plants, flowers, and landscaping, featured throughout the year. During the Christmas season, The Butchart Gardens hosts the “Magic of Christmas” event, where the gardens are adorned with colourful holiday lights, carollers perform, and visitors can enjoy festive fare. Additionally, the Twelve Days of Christmas-themed displays are featured throughout the gardens, adding to the holiday spirit.
What is the weather like in Victoria in December?
During the winter months, Victoria experiences mild, coastal, and often rainy weather. The temperatures typically range from around 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Weather in the Pacific Northwest is unpredictable, and rainfall is common during this time of year, so it’s recommended to bring waterproof clothing and/or an umbrella. The climate in Victoria is relatively temperate compared to many other parts of Canada, making it a great destination for a holiday tour!
What luggage am I allowed to bring on this tour?
In order to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, we can only accept a small backpack and handbag per person on our day tours. We recommend bringing a daypack that is compact and easy for you to carry during the day.
If you require luggage storage while on tour, we offer secure lockers that can be pre-arranged at $15 per day. Please contact us in advance for more information.
Are there any age restrictions to join this experience?
Our Discover Vancouver Tours have no age restrictions, and we offer special rates for children (3-12 years old), youth (13-18), seniors (65+), and students 19 or older with a valid student ID.
Babies and toddlers aged 0-2 travel for free, and are expected to sit on their guardian’s lap during the tour, as car seats are not provided.
Duration
Size
Adult (19+)
Senior (65+)
Youth (13-18) / Student
Child (3-12)
December 7, 14 & 21, 2024 | See confirmation email for exact departure times
Pick Up Times
Highlights
- Enjoy scenic roundtrip coastal ferry rides across the Salish Sea and through the Gulf Islands
- Join a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria, including Mile 0 and Historic Chinatown
- Option to visit the Annual National Gingerbread Showcase
- Have free time to explore, eat and shop in historic downtown Victoria
- Visit The Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas: a National Historic Site showcasing over 900 species of plants, lit up by thousands of Christmas lights & sceneries
Inclusions
Deluxe mini-coach transportation with air conditioning and large windows- Roundtrip ferry rides from Vancouver to Victoria
- Experienced, fun and friendly tour guide
- On board commentary provided by your driver/guide
- Admission to The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights
- Sightseeing coach tour of downtown Victoria
- Discounted admission to the Royal BC Museum if you book in advance
Experienced, fun and friendly tour guide
On board commentary provided by your driver/guide
Admission to The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights
Sightseeing coach tour of downtown Victoria
Discounted admission to the Royal BC Museum if you book in advanceWhat to Bring:
- Warm clothing and layers, including a winter coat, gloves, a scarf, and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Rain gear such as waterproof jacket and/or umbrella
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- 2 pieces of ID
- Camera (recommended)
- Phone charger (recommended)
- Christmas Spirit!
