Route: Vancouver → Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal → Swartz Bay → Butchart Gardens → Victoria Downtown → Vancouver
 Experience: Ferry ride, lush gardens, historic landmarks, Chinatown, and stunning coastline

8:30 AM – Depart from Vancouver Hotel to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

• Drive 45 minutes south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

• Board the 9:00 AM BC Ferry to Swartz Bay (Victoria).

9:00 AM – Ferry Ride to Swartz Bay (1 hour 35 minutes)

• Enjoy the scenic sail through the Gulf Islands, watching for seals, whales, and eagles.

• Have a coffee or light breakfast on board.

10:45 AM – Arrive at Swartz Bay & Head to Butchart Gardens (30 min drive)

11:15 AM – Explore Butchart Gardens (1 hour 15 minutes)

• One of Canada’s most beautiful botanical gardens, originally a limestone quarry transformed into a paradise.

• Walk through the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden.

• Enjoy colorful floral displays, fountains, and scenic walking paths.

• Capture stunning photos of the vibrant flowers and landscapes.

12:30 PM – Drive to Victoria Chinatown (30 min drive)

1:00 PM – Stop at Chinatown (20 min stop)

• Oldest Chinatown in Canada, known for its narrow alleys and rich history.

• Walk through Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada with unique shops.

• Admire the Gate of Harmonious Interest, a landmark entrance to Chinatown.

1:30 PM – Drive Past Victoria’s Inner Harbour & Wharf

• Enjoy a scenic drive past the Wharf with floating homes, boats, and seaplanes.

1:45 PM – Stop at BC Royal Museum & Historic Landmarks

• 15-minute walk around the BC Museum area.

• Admire the Empress Hotel, an iconic 1908 Château-style building famous for its afternoon tea.

• Visit the BC Legislative Assembly and stroll through the beautiful front gardens.

2:15 PM – Visit BC Miniature World (Doll Museum) (30 min stop)

• Explore intricate miniature displays of historical scenes, dollhouses, and fantasy settings.

2:45 PM – Horse Carriage Ride & Snack Break (30 min stop)

• Take a relaxing carriage ride through Victoria’s charming streets and waterfront.

• Enjoy a quick snack at a local café or bakery.

3:30 PM – Drive to Zero Mile Monument & Terry Fox Statue

• Stop at the Mile Zero Monument, marking the start of the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Pay tribute at the Terry Fox Statue, honoring the famous Canadian hero.

• Enjoy a brief scenic stop at the westernmost land point of Canada.

• Take in views of the Pacific Ocean.

5:00 PM – Drive Back to Swartz Bay for 6:00 PM Ferry

6:00 PM – Ferry Ride Back to Tsawwassen

• Relax and enjoy the sunset over the water.

8:00 PM – Arrive Back at Vancouver Hotel

• End the day after a memorable journey through Victoria’s top sights!

 

Trip Highlights:

✔️ Scenic ferry ride through Gulf Islands
✔️ Butchart Gardens – a floral paradise
✔️ Chinatown & Fan Tan Alley – a historic gem
✔️ Inner Harbour & Empress Hotel – classic Victoria landmarks
✔️ Mile Zero & Terry Fox Statue – iconic Canadian sites
✔️ Horse carriage ride through downtown