Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, sits across the water on Vancouver Island and makes one of the most rewarding day trips from Vancouver. A genteel, garden-filled city with a distinctly British heritage, its highlights include the picturesque Inner Harbour ringed by the grand Parliament Buildings and the ivy-clad Fairmont Empress hotel (famous for its afternoon tea), historic streets and museums, and — a short way out of town — the spectacular Butchart Gardens, one of the world's great display gardens. Reached by ferry or floatplane, it's a scenic, full-day escape. This experience is booked directly through our own ticketing site.
Across the Salish Sea from Vancouver, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia — a smaller, gentler, garden-laced city with a strong British colonial heritage that gives it a distinctive Old-World charm. It's a classic day trip (or overnight) from Vancouver, reached by car-and-ferry, passenger ferry, bus-and-ferry tour, or, most scenically, a floatplane that lands right in the harbor.
Victoria's heart is its pretty Inner Harbour, framed by two landmarks: the stately, illuminated Parliament Buildings (the provincial legislature) and the grand, ivy-covered Fairmont Empress hotel, where traditional afternoon tea is a cherished ritual. Around the harbor you'll find the excellent Royal BC Museum, the historic streets and shops of the old town and Chinatown (one of Canada's oldest), waterfront walks, and whale-watching departures into the surrounding waters.
The other essential stop is The Butchart Gardens, about 20 minutes north of the city — 55 acres of stunning, meticulously maintained display gardens (built in a former limestone quarry) that are world-renowned, especially the Sunken Garden, and spectacular from spring through fall (with festive lights in winter). Many guided day trips from Vancouver bundle the ferry crossing, time in Victoria, and a visit to Butchart Gardens into one seamless excursion. Because it involves a sea crossing, allow a full day; the journey across the water, often with marine wildlife en route, is part of the appeal.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day trip across the Salish Sea to Victoria on Vancouver Island — by ferry, bus-and-ferry tour, or floatplane. The Inner Harbour, the Empress, downtown, and (often) the Butchart Gardens. Guided bundles available.
Best time
Spring through fall for the gardens at their best and calmer seas; summer is busiest. A clear day makes the crossing scenic.
How long
A full day, given the sea crossing each way.
Tips
A guided day trip bundles the ferry, Victoria, and Butchart Gardens into one seamless excursion — the easiest way to do it. For a faster, scenic option, a floatplane lands right in the Inner Harbour. Don't miss the Butchart Gardens (spectacular spring through fall) and, for a treat, afternoon tea at the Empress. Allow the full day and watch for marine wildlife on the crossing.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors wanting a scenic island escape, gardens, and a charming, history-rich capital — a Vancouver-trip highlight.
- Families
- The ferry ride, gardens, and harbor appeal to kids; it's a long day, so pace it for younger children.
- Couples
- Romantic and genteel — the gardens, the harbor, and afternoon tea at the Empress make a lovely day for two.
- Pair with
- It's a full day in itself; Butchart Gardens is the natural pairing with the city, often bundled together.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where is Victoria and how do I get there?+
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, across the Salish Sea from Vancouver. You can reach it by car-and-ferry, passenger ferry, a bus-and-ferry guided tour, or a scenic floatplane that lands in the Inner Harbour.
What are the highlights of Victoria?+
The picturesque Inner Harbour with the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress hotel (famous for afternoon tea), the Royal BC Museum, the historic old town and Chinatown, and the world-renowned Butchart Gardens just outside the city.
What are the Butchart Gardens?+
A world-famous, 55-acre display garden about 20 minutes north of Victoria, created in a former limestone quarry — spectacular from spring through fall (and festively lit in winter), with the Sunken Garden as its centerpiece. It's a highlight of most Victoria day trips.
How long does the day trip take?+
Plan a full day, since there's a sea crossing each way. Guided day trips bundle the ferry, time in Victoria, and the Butchart Gardens into one excursion.
Is it worth it as a day trip?+
Yes — Victoria's charm, the gardens, and the scenic crossing (often with marine wildlife) make it one of the most rewarding day trips from Vancouver, though it's also lovely as an overnight.
