Vancouver to Victoria & Butchart Gardens: A Detailed Tour Review

Thinking of checking out a trip that takes you from Vancouver over to Victoria and then, perhaps, includes the super famous Butchart Gardens? I think you might find this guide useful, really, since I’m going to go through just what one of these tours usually contains. Hopefully, I can give you enough detail that you can work out whether it’s right for you. From travel times to which photo spots you won’t want to miss, hopefully, I can cover it.

What’s Included, in general

Most tours covering Vancouver, Victoria, and Butchart Gardens seem to work in a similar way, so, it’s pretty easy to give a generalized overview. Typically, things start pretty early in the day, usually involving a pickup right from your hotel, isn’t it? After that, expect a ride to either the Tsawwassen ferry terminal or maybe the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, which are how you’re going to get over to Victoria. The ferry trip, honestly, is quite scenic. After the ferry, there is generally a bus ride that will get you to Butchart Gardens and then onward to Victoria city center, but this tends to depend a bit on what the priority is.

The Ferry Crossing – Not Just Transport, It’s a Mini-Cruise

That ferry trip itself? That’s likely to be a highlight, since you travel between the mainland and Vancouver Island, that does usually give some amazing photo chances. This part isn’t simply getting from A to B. You might spot wildlife – I’m thinking maybe whales, seals, or even eagles if you’re particularly watchful. The ferries are quite well equipped; very comfortable, in a way. There are spots to eat, plus lounges to simply relax and enjoy the scenery, are there not? I suggest, actually, getting out on deck; if the weather plays nicely. This gives the really awesome panoramic views. Keep that camera ready because you never know what might show up.

Butchart Gardens – Plan to be amazed

The Butchart Gardens is probably going to be the centerpiece of many tours. Trust me; the spot is very impressive. What was once just a limestone quarry, has become one of the globe’s top floral displays, really. There are different themed gardens like the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and the Sunken Garden – each quite individual, it seems. This place changes throughout the seasons, so if you are heading there in a different part of the calendar, it still might not be like what you imagine. Give yourself a generous chunk of time here, since there is rather a lot to see and it is easy to spend hours taking pictures and simply taking it all in. You will, typically, get about two or three hours to check it out on your own, but really make the most of that chance.

Victoria City – A taste of British Charm

After Butchart Gardens, or maybe before; depending on tour, I think you’ll like it; you will go onward to Victoria itself. As the capital of British Columbia, the area has historical buildings and that certain ‘British’ feel about it. This comes from architecture plus customs that, maybe, Vancouver doesn’t really have as much anymore. Key places include the BC Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel (a rather stately landmark), and maybe a walk through the Inner Harbour. Normally, tour itineraries provide you with a block of free time in Victoria, so, hopefully, you can wander a bit and discover bits of the city for yourself. The Royal BC Museum may be worth checking out. Also, there might be some nice stores on Government Street, just saying.

What to Think About When You Pick a Tour

Choosing just the right tour really hinges on a few important considerations, isn’t that right? Getting your ducks in a row before you book means things are going to go that much easier.

Duration and Pace of tour

Most of these tours will last between ten to thirteen hours; it’s pretty much a full day commitment. Just remember that a big slice of that time is going to be eaten up by travel – bus rides, ferry crossings, and getting between places. Try to think hard about how long you want each leg of the tour to last, I guess. Consider whether you fancy something that feels a bit rushed. Do you value getting to spend a little bit more time at each stop?

What’s the Tour Style?

Tours might give you lots of guidance from start to finish. This, obviously, suits those who love hearing about history and highlights as you go along. Some tours, still, give you quite a bit more freedom to go your own way and explore, too. If you fancy doing that, you’re looking for something more ‘independent.’ Group sizes, I find, can also have a massive effect. Do you enjoy being with a big bunch of people? Or do you like something smaller and more intimate, more or less?

Price Points and Inclusions

The prices may vary dramatically between tours. Usually this mirrors what you get bundled in. It’s pretty rare that lunch is part of any deal; just think about whether entrance fees to attractions are included. You may discover that entrance fees can hike up costs quite a bit, right? You must also think about whether ‘extra’ activities, that might tempt you, are going to push up the cost as well.

Snapping Some Stunning Pictures: Photo tips

Okay, so a visit to Victoria and Butchart Gardens really does cry out for great pictures, don’t you think? The lighting and landscapes do shift throughout the day. Also, remember that you’re usually on a schedule, it’s almost like a ‘hit and run’ photo exercise.

Butchart Gardens Photography – Making the most

Getting great pictures, specifically in the gardens, comes down to timing. Early morning or maybe late afternoon usually gives you less harsh lighting. This way, you might not find yourself with squinting or overblown highlights, isn’t it? Think about the light. When the sun is lower you can use the soft light. This emphasizes texture, color and even little details on the flowers themselves. Look out for angles; try framing shots through archways or using other flowers in the foreground to provide depth.

Victoria City Photography – A sense of place

When you are in Victoria, just show how the vibe of the city is by capturing what the landmarks and what the everyday feel offers, OK? For landmark pictures, look out for the ‘golden hour’ close to dusk and dawn; the way the sunshine bounces off of buildings at that time can be wonderful. Capture things like the Parliament Buildings or the Empress Hotel at these hours for really picture-postcard shots, okay? In general, the Inner Harbour gives nice reflections in early morning or as twilight approaches.

What You May Wish You Knew Before You Go

Little prep makes a huge difference to these day tours, since you really are zipping from place to place. Keep that in mind.

Clothes to think about

The weather in BC can change. Dressing in layers means you can respond easily as conditions fluctuate. It is almost useful to have a lightweight, waterproof jacket, but you can take it off if you get too hot, or, maybe, there’s rain.

Getting around

Think about comfortable shoes, alright? You will walk a fair amount at Butchart Gardens and around Victoria. Being ready for this means no sore feet, or being slowed down.

Little Extras to consider

Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; more often than not you are outdoors, if you are heading there in summer, very, very likely you’ll need that.

A day tour from Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens seems like a very worthwhile venture. The beauty, landmarks, plus convenience does deliver an appealing package, arguably. You should weigh up exactly what it is that you want. In the planning, concentrate on duration, type of guidance offered and your own personal style, I think.

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