If you’re looking for a break from the chaotic city life, then Butchart Gardens tours from Vancouver are a great way to escape.
This botanical paradise is located in tranquil Brentwood Bay, about 20 miles north of Victoria, on beautiful Vancouver Island.
Until now, visiting from Vancouver has been somewhat problematic without a car. But we’ve got three new Vancouver to Butchart Gardens tours that do the heavy lifting for you.
Let’s take a look.
- Butchart Gardens Day Tours
- Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour
- Vancouver to Butchart Gardens by Seaplane
- Is a Day Trip Worth It?
- Reviews
- How to Book
- Butchart Gardens from Victoria
- FAQ
Butchart Gardens Day Tours from Vancouver
First of all, let’s talk about Butchart Gardens itself. This place is huge! It spans over 55 acres and features several gardens with different themes, each bursting with colourful blooms.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a dream world filled with vibrant colours and sweet fragrances. This is one of the best things to do in Victoria, period.
Such is its importance that it has been bestowed with the title of a National Heritage Site and attracts over one million visitors per year. It is simply a must-see destination.
But if you don’t have a few nights to visit Victoria, how do you get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver?
‼️ We’re proud to offer a low price guarantee on Butchart Garden Tours from Vancouver! Find cheaper tickets anywhere online and you’ll be refunded the difference. Click the button below to learn more:
Related: The Best Victoria Parks & Gardens
Planning your Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
The journey to Butchart Gardens without a car can quickly add up, costing over $300 for two – that’s $200 for return ferry tickets, $90 for garden entry, and an extra $30 for gas.
Why not ditch the stress and opt for a tour from Vancouver instead? These day trips aren’t just about convenience; they include your ferry ride, entrance fees, and even pit stops at other Victoria highlights.
Grabbing a Vancouver to Butchart Gardens ticket package is your ticket to a hassle-free adventure. Why sweat the details when you can have it sorted with one smart choice?
Luckily, we’ve got two great options, so you can find the package that meets your specific needs.
⛴️ Making the trip solo? Check out our guide on how to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver – The Entry Level Package
Duration: 12 hours | Price: $290.00 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 | Read 2000+ reviews
This entry-level package is for those looking to explore the gardens, with a few hours to explore Victoria tossed in for good measure.
The first step is super easy, as you’ll be picked up right from your hotel. Then, it’s time to hop on an air-conditioned shuttle and get ready for a relaxing cruise aboard the Victoria Ferry through the Gulf Islands.
I mean, who wouldn’t love standing on the deck, watching out for whales and sea lions splashing in the sparkling waves? And if you’re lucky, you might even see some majestic eagles soaring high above.
Then, it’s off to the Butchart Gardens for 2 hours exploring one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Once you’re done exploring the gardens, it’s time to hit up the city, where you’ll have two hours to see what Victoria has to offer.
You can wander through vibrant Chinatown, grab some yummy food from Victoria’s best restaurants, or check out the charming Inner Harbour. Then, it’s back to your shuttle for the trip back to Van City, where it all began.
⛴️ In Victoria on a cruise? Check out our guide on how to get to Butchart Gardens from the Cruise Port.
Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Day Trip with Seaplane – The Gold Package
Duration: 12 hours | Price: $731.29 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read 140+ reviews
Looking for something a little more memorable? Elevate your sightseeing game with this Vancouver to Victoria Butchart Gardens tour, designed for those ready to take their adventure up a notch.
Skip the mundane ferry ride and, instead, claim your starring role in a breathtaking Vancouver to Victoria seaplane journey that offers round-trip vistas you won’t forget.
Your story for the day doesn’t just stop there; it unfolds with plenty of free time to meander through Victoria’s enchanting streets at your own pace.
And because no tale is complete without a magical setting, this tour includes a free shuttle service and entrance to the mesmerizing Butchart Gardens. It’s not just a trip; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey wrapped in the beauty of the Garden City.
Wondering how to visit from Seattle? Check out our guide on the Victoria Clipper Ferry.
Is a Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Day Trip a Good Value?
If you don’t have the time to book a Victoria Hotel for a couple of nights, then a Vancouver to Butchart Gardens day trip is the only way to go.
I’ve looked into all the options available for those without a set of wheels, and this is the best one by far— unless you wanna jump through the hoops of renting a car.
Here’s a quick look at the alternatives on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver:
Vancouver to Butchart Gardens by Bus
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- Book Your Ticket: BC Ferries Connector tickets currently go for about $100 each way.
- Board Your Bus: Make your way to Pacific Central Station and board your bus. The bus will head for Tsawwassen Terminal where you’ll board the ferry to Victoria.
- Arrive in Victoria: Upon arrival your bus will continue on to Capital City Station. The entire journey should take about 4 hours.
- Visit the Gardens: You’ll have to book the Butchart Gardens express Shuttle ($50.00), or visit via public transit (1 hour & $5.00 for daypass.) Garden admission is $21.80 – $39.50.
- Return to Vancouver: You’ll have to do the whole process in reverse.
✈️ Looking to get to Victoria straight from YVR? Check out our guide on the Victoria to Vancouver Airport Bus.
Vancouver Car Rental
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- Rent a Car – Rental, gas, and insurance will likely add up to over $100 for an economy car.
- Drive to Tsawwassen Terminal – You’ll make the 45-minute drive to get the Vancouver to Victoria ferry.
- Purchase Your Ticket – Current rates are $73.90 (vehicle), $36.80 (adult) and $18.40 (child). The sailing will take 90 minutes—and you’ll have to make the trip twice.
- Drive to Butchart Gardens – The drive to Butchart Gardens will take around 30 minutes.
- Return to Vancouver – After a couple of hours spent at the gardens (admission $21.80 – $39.50), you can check out Victoria or jump on the ferry back to Vancouver.
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The Verdict?
In short, neither option adds up to a smooth, relaxing day trip.
In fact, there are so many separate steps involved in both that you’ll spend the bulk of your day worried about travel.
To make things worse, the cost savings are negligible from both a financial and chronological perspective.
That’s why you should definitely consider booking one of our Vancouver to Butchart Gardens day trip packages.
Still not convinced? Check out a few reviews below:
Butchart Gardens Tours From Vancouver Reviews
You can find thousands of Butchart Gardens Tour reviews online from satisfied customers. In fact, the entry-level package has received over 2000 reviews yet maintains an amazing 4.5-star rating.
Just have a look for yourself. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from Viator customer Gini_B:
Next, Lawrence_T provides some info on the bus and tour driver:
And some detailed info about the gardens themselves from Jeanne_D :
Butchart Gardens Day Tours: How to Book
Booking your Vancouver Butchart Gardens tour is as simple as shopping on Amazon, maybe even more so.
Let’s take a peek at the seamless booking experience:
Choose Your Tour
- Start by clicking on the Viator Vancouver-Butchart Gardens tour link.
- You’ll be booking through a Tripadvisor partner, a renowned publicly traded company with a robust $3 billion market cap, ensuring reliability and trustworthiness.
- The platform offers the advantage of free cancellation and book now, pay later options, allowing you to secure your dates without any financial commitment.
- Viator also has a lowest price guarantee; you’re assured of making the most cost-effective choice.
Pick Your Departure Time
- Hit the ‘Check Availability‘ button on the tour page.
- Select your desired dates, enter the number of guests, and click ‘apply‘.
- Choose your preferred time and click ‘book now‘.
- Pick your payment method of choice.
Remember, the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour means securing your spot is risk-free and straightforward.
It’s a hassle-free process – a few clicks, and you’re all set, with the freedom to cancel without penalty if your plans change.
Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle
Are you already in Victoria without wheels? But maybe you don’t want to make the hour-plus trip to Brentwood Bay via transit? Well, the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle has you covered.
The service offers round-trip transportation to the Gardens from downtown Victoria. During high season, the shuttle departs hourly between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm from a convenient Inner Harbour location.
This is far and away the easiest way to visit the gardens from Victoria without a vehicle.
Here are the current rates:
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- Adults: (18+) – $50.00 CAD
- Youth: (13-17) – $45.00
- Children: (5-12) – $35.00
- Infants (0-4) – Free
To purchase tickets, click on the link below:
Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Day Trip FAQ
What is the main attraction at Butchart Gardens?
The Butchart Gardens is a 55-acre botanical garden that is home to a variety of different gardens, each containing its own unique theme. The most notable attraction is likely the Sunken Garden, which is the original and largest site.
How much time do I need for my Butchart Gardens trip from Vancouver?
You should definitely plan to spend around 2 hours exploring the Butchart Gardens, but honestly, you could easily spend an entire day there if you’ve got the time. I mean, there’s just so much to see and do!
If you’re booking a Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Tour package, you’ll usually get 1.5 – 2 hours to explore, which is plenty of time to check out the must-see highlights and take some epic photos.
Where do Vancouver to Butchart Gardens tours leave from?
If you’re looking to book a tour of Butchart Gardens, the primary location for pickup is outside Canada Place. Opting for the Seaplane package? Then, you’ll meet at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre near Canada Place.
How much does the Vancouver to Butchart Gardens day trip cost?
As of now, the cost of a Vancouver to Butchart Gardens day trip is $290.00 CAD for adults (13+) and $135.00 CAD for kids (ages 3-12). If you choose to upgrade to the seaplane package, you’ll be looking at $731.14 CAD.
Related: The Best Vancouver to Victoria Tours
Ready to Book Your Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Day Trip?
They say that every flower must grow through dirt. And while a day trip to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver isn’t easy, with these new tour packages, it is far from impossible.
That said, if you’ve got any questions about getting to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver or anything else, I am here to respond in the comments below.
Enjoy your Butchart Gardens day tour from Vancouver 🙂
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