Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Victoria tours can make your trip unforgettable.
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 just 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
We’d be remiss to ignore what is far and away Victoria’s most popular attraction, luring over one million visitors per year. Unfortunately, Butchart Gardens is located 40 minutes north of downtown creating a problem for many visitors – well, problem solved!
Take a beautiful and sweet-smelling stroll through one of Victoria’s most famous attractions. With 55 acres of stunningly designed flower beds, tranquil lily ponds, picturesque footbridges, and amazing thematic landscapes, you’ll be transported to a world of natural beauty and wonder.
With a convenient Inner Harbour pickup location and a flexible return shuttle schedule, it’s easy and hassle-free to experience this incredible destination.
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 Inner Harbour’s major attractions.
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. And if the ocean spray starts to get a little too chilly, you can always retreat to the cozy indoor cabin, where it’s nice and warm.
Here, you’ll see killer whales, humpback whales, bald eagles, and more.
The best time for whale watching in Victoria is from May to October when the waters are calmer and the whales are more active. These Victoria whale watching tours provide experienced guides and equipment such as binoculars, rain gear and life jackets.
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.
With your expert guide at the helm, you’ll cruise through Victoria Harbour and out into the vast expanse of the Haro Strait, heading towards the stunning Strait of Juan de Fuca.
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.
Sunset Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
Looking for another unique way to experience the stunning coastal scenery of Victoria and catch a glimpse of some of the most magnificent creatures in the sea? Look no further than this sunset whale-watching tour!
Head on down to the dock in Downtown Victoria and climb aboard a spacious catamaran, complete with three amazing viewing decks. With a front-row seat to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be on the lookout for whales, sea lions, and other fascinating marine animals.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you can prepare for a truly magical experience. You’ll see the sky come alive with a stunning array of colours, casting a warm glow over the water’s edge. It’s a moment you’ll want to savour forever.
3-Hour Street Art & Craft Beer Tour of Victoria
If you want to truly connect with the local soul of a place, there are no better windows than art and beer!
Through art, you can see the local moods, culture, history, current events, struggles, triumphs, and even the weather.
Each mural has its own story, and each story has its own author. This Victoria brewery tour makes sure to connect you to both so you can leave with a deeper sense of connection to the art, the artists, and the area.
And let’s not forget about beer – the local breweries use local products to create flavours that are unique and reflective of the region. A local brewery tour and tasting are included. The beer culture in Victoria has a long and rich history, and there are special traditions to be enjoyed on this tour.
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, Trounce Alley, Bastion and Market Squares, 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!
Along the way, you’ll stop for amazing tastings of local products like craft beer, chocolate, tea, tapas, cheese, bread, olive oil, and so much more. 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 wine glass in hand. Feeling ambitious? Then, try adding a Cowichan Bay whale-watching tour to your Cowichan itinerary.
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 City 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 the hidden gems and beautiful landscapes of this amazing city.
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.
Looking to get to town in a hurry? The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane can get you here from Coal Harbour in less than 30 minutes!
Related: The Top Things to Do in Victoria with Kids
Top Victoria BC City Tours FAQs
What kind of organized tours are available in Victoria BC?
There is a wide variety of Victoria tours. Whale-watching tours, outdoor adventures, and hop on hop off adventures are among the most popular. You can also partake in food and drink tours and historical and cultural immersion tours by bike or foot. Either way, there’s a tour that will be sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Do I Need to Have Previous Experience for a Victoria Outdoor Adventure Tour?
No, most outdoor adventure tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced participants. However, some tours may have age, weight or height restrictions or require a certain level of fitness. So it’s important to check beforehand. Also, make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity.
Are Historical and Cultural Victoria Tours Suitable for Kids?
Yes, most historical and cultural tours are family-friendly and educational. However, it’s important to choose a Victoria city tour that suits your kids’ interests and attention span. You can also look for tours that offer interactive activities and games for 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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