Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, the right combination of Victoria tours can take your trip to the next level.
In this article, I’ll share with you my personal experience of the best city tours in Victoria, BC. As a fellow traveller, I know how important it is to choose the right tour that suits your interests, budget and schedule.
So, if you’re ready to explore Victoria in style, hop on board and let’s get started with my Victoria tour list!
Victoria Tours: Best City & Sightseeing Tours in Victoria
Victoria is home to an array of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, culinary delights or historical and cultural immersion, there’s a tour for every taste and budget.
Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Victoria
Ready to explore the best of Victoria at your own pace? Hop on this amazing Victoria Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour for a half-day journey through 15 of the city’s top spots.
As you cruise through the city streets, you’ll visit popular destinations like Chinatown, Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the legendary Craigdarroch Castle.
And with onboard commentary providing fascinating insights into Victoria’s rich history and culture, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this incredible city.
The best part of this tour of Victoria? You’re free to hop off at any destination that catches your eye and explore to your heart’s content.
Whether you want to browse the shops, hit a local museum or art gallery, or soak up the sights and sounds of Victoria, you have the freedom to do it all.
Victoria Castles and Neighborhoods Bike Tour
Looking for a fun and easy way to explore the best of Victoria’s colonial architecture and local neighbourhoods while getting a little exercise? Then how about hopping on two wheels and joining in on an exciting group Victoria bike tour through the city streets?
You’ll follow your expert guide through the bustling downtown area, where you’ll discover the colourful history of Victoria through its beautiful and historic buildings. Cruise through the vibrant Inner Harbour, charming Cook Street Village, and fascinating Chinatown.
You’ll also take a moment to admire the stunning views of the Dallas Road waterfront and the eerie beauty of Craigdarroch Castle.
You’ll also cycle through the scenic Moss Rock Park and Beacon Hill Park, two of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. This makes it, hands down, one of the best things to do in Victoria.
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle
You didn’t think I’d leave out what is far and away Victoria’s most popular attraction, did you? This world-class botanical garden draws over one million visitors per year—so it’s in the must-visit category.
Unfortunately, Butchart Gardens is located 40 minutes north of downtown in Brentwood Bay, creating a problem for many visitors… Enter the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle.
The tour offers a convenient Inner Harbour pickup location and a flexible return shuttle schedule, making it easy and hassle-free to experience this incredible destination.
Once you arrive, you can take a beautiful and sweet-smelling stroll through a world of natural beauty and wonder. You won’t want to forget your camera!
Prefer to visit on your own? Check out my article on how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria.
Heritage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria
To really experience the city in style, why not hop aboard a traditional horse-drawn carriage? As you clip-clop through the streets, you’ll be able to take in all the amazing sights that Victoria has to offer.
One of the highlights of any Victoria horse carriage tour is James Bay, which is one of Vancouver Island’s oldest neighbourhoods. It’s like stepping into a different world! And, of course, you’ll pass by all of the major attractions in the Inner Harbour.
But that’s not all. You’ll also be able to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Salish Sea waterfront on your Victoria Horse-Drawn Carriage tour.
The gentle swaying of the carriage and the sound of the horse’s hooves on the pavement will soothe you as you take in the beauty of the sea.
This is one of the best things to do in Victoria in summer.
Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
One of the most popular tours in Victoria, BC, is the half-day whale-watching adventure.
This tour takes you on an exciting journey through the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Salish Sea, where you can spot various species of whales, dolphins, porpoises and other marine life.
Take in the salty sea air and enjoy the sun on the open decks. If the ocean spray starts to get a little too chilly, you can always retreat to the cozy indoor cabin, which is nice and warm.
Here, you’ll see killer whales, humpback whales, bald eagles, and more.
Our Victoria whale watching tours provide experienced guides and equipment such as binoculars, rain gear and life jackets. So you’ll just need to bring your sense of adventure!
Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
Looking for a little more excitement on your Victoria tour? Climb aboard a speedy Zodiac boat specially designed to handle even the roughest waves.
As you scan the sparkling blue waters, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of magnificent humpback whales, playful minke whales, and majestic orcas breaching the waves.
The knowledgeable guide will fill you in on all the fascinating details about their life cycles and migration habits, giving you a deeper appreciation of these incredible creatures.
And as you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you’ll know that this is a tour of Victoria, BC that you’ll never forget.
The Best of Victoria w/ Malahat Skywalk & Butchart Gardens
Looking to visit Victoria’s more distant attractions but don’t have a vehicle? Well, you’re in luck. This tour showcases the region’s two most iconic attractions, Butchart Gardens and the Malahat Skywalk.
Join this meticulously planned excursion, which takes the stress out of sightseeing by providing convenient transportation and pre-arranged admissions to both locations—saving the hassle of separate trips.
The tour also includes a relaxing ferry ride from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding scenery.
This tour is a great way to maximize your time and discover the beauty of Victoria and its surroundings.
3-Hour Street Art & Craft Beer Tour of Victoria
Searching for a fun way to experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene? Here, you’ll get to check out the city’s amazing murals and street art and visit local breweries to sample some of Victoria’s best craft beers.
Along the walk between breweries, each mural you encounter has its own story, and each story has its own author. You’ll leave with a deeper sense of connection to the art, the artists, and the area.
Let’s not forget about beer—the local breweries use local products to create flavours that are unique and reflective of the region. A Victoria brewery tour and tasting are included. So you’ll get to sample the local beer culture’s long and rich history.
I recommend this as a start to any Victoria weekend itinerary.
Victoria Guided Food and History Tour
If you want to learn about Victoria’s past while exploring the city’s culinary scene, sign up for this amazing Victoria food tour.
Follow your expert guide as we take you on a journey through some of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks, including the Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbor Causeway, Bastion Square, and Fan Tan Alley.
You’ll learn all about the rich history and culture of this incredible city on this guided tour through its vibrant streets and alleys. And let’s not forget about the food!
You’ll get to experience the delicious flavours and aromas of Victoria’s best restaurants while learning about the history and traditions of this picturesque colonial city.
⛴️ Coming from Vancouver? Read my post on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver
Small-Group Wine & Food Tour to the Cowichan Valley
Are you ready for a lovely and relaxing wine adventure through the breathtaking Cowichan Valley? This small Victoria winery tour will take a group of thirsty travellers on a journey through three (four if time permits) of the prettiest vineyards in the region.
And the best part? You’ll do things your own way, so you won’t have to worry about any pesky line-ups. Instead, you’ll have a wonderful and personalized experience at each vineyard, with plenty of delicious food and award-winning wines to enjoy.
From delicious bubbly with orange juice (optional) to refreshing whites and succulent reds. You can relax, inhale, and take in the stunning beauty of the countryside with a glass of wine in hand.
Related: The Best Victoria Food Tours
Private Half-Day Guided Nature Hike in Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Victoria’s city streets, we’ve got just the thing for you. Join in on a personalized guided nature hike to explore the breathtaking coastal forest of beautiful Vancouver Island.
As you trek through the woodlands, wildflower meadows, and beaches, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery that will take your breath away. And the best part? Since this is a private tour, you get to set the pace and difficulty of the hike.
Whether you’re looking for an easy and relaxed walk or a more challenging trek, there is something to suit everyone. Either way, this is the perfect way to enjoy the natural wonders of Vancouver Island’s coastal rainforest.
3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside
Join us on our 3-hour Victoria Bike Tour and discover the outskirts of Canada’s biking capital with the expertise of a local guide. Victoria is known as the biking capital of Canada for a reason. The city has some of the best bike lanes and trails in the country.
This means you’ll be able to bike along designated bike lanes, seaside paths, and quiet streets with ease and comfort. You’ll feel safe and relaxed as you explore this amazing city’s hidden gems and beautiful landscapes.
Their Toonie Tour guides are passionate about Victoria’s history, culture, and local perspective, and they’ll share all their knowledge and stories with you along the way.
You’ll make several stops to take a break, relax, and soak in the amazing scenery while learning about the fascinating history of this incredible place.
Related: Top Bike Tours of Victoria BC
Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour
Take to the skies and soar over downtown Victoria and its stunning surroundings on a thrilling 20-minute seaplane flight.
You’ll take off right from the water and experience an unforgettable aerial perspective of the Inner Harbour, coastline, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the majestic Olympic Mountains towering in the distance. It’s the perfect way to see the beauty of this incredible area from a whole new perspective.
This intimate, small-group ride is guided by an expert pilot, so you’ll be in good hands throughout the entire flight.
With a maximum of just five passengers, you’ll feel like you have the entire sky to yourself as you take in the breathtaking views.
Related: The Top Things to Do in Victoria with Kids
All Geared up for Tours of Victoria BC?
Victoria is a destination that offers something for everyone, and the Victoria tours available are a great way to explore all that the city has to offer.
Whether you’re interested in nature, food, culture or adventure, you’ll find a tour that suits your interests and budget.
In this comprehensive article, I’ve shared with you my personal experience of the best Victoria, BC, tours for visitors. From whale watching to food and drink tours and outdoor adventures to historical and cultural immersion, there’s a tour that will make your trip unforgettable.
Enjoy your Victoria BC tour 🙂
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