The Victoria Hop On Hop Off Bus is one of the easiest, most relaxing ways to explore British Columbia’s capital.
It hits all the highlights—without any of the parking stress or itinerary juggling. But is the bus worth it, or is it just a tourist gimmick that loops endlessly without real value?
If you’re planning a visit to Victoria and wondering what to see on a Victoria Hop On Hop Off Tour, keep reading.
Victoria Hop On Hop Off Tours
The Victoria Hop On Hop Off Bus is a classic open-top double-decker experience that’s become a staple for visitors to the city.
These buses were inspired by London’s famous red tour buses and rolled into Victoria with the goal of making sightseeing easier and more scenic.
A fun fact? The buses come with live commentary from locals who genuinely seem to love their city—and they don’t sound like they’re reading from a script.
Today, the bus is one of the most convenient ways to experience Victoria’s top attractions around downtown, James Bay, and beyond, especially for first-timers or cruise ship passengers.
What’s Included
- Unlimited access to the HoHo bus for 24 hours.
- Access to 15 stops that encompass Victoria’s top attractions.
- Onboard commentary from an expert local guide/driver.
- Trip aboard an open-top British-style double-decker bus.
‼️ We’re proud to offer a low price guarantee on Victoria HoHo Bus tickets! If you can find a cheaper price anywhere online, our partners at Get Your Guide will refund the difference. To learn more, click the button below:
Victoria Hop On Hop Off Map
The Victoria HoHo bus currently stops at 15 locations throughout the city. So, you can create your own personalized itinerary for exploring the top attractions in Victoria.
The city’s compact downtown area means that most hotels and attractions are within easy walking distance, even if they don’t have a designated stop. That’s what makes this so great.
Here are a few of the tour highlights:
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
This legendary Inner Harbour hotel is the tour’s starting point. Walking distance to attractions like the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum and Miniature World.
You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped into a postcard—historic buildings, float planes skimming across the water, and street performers playing jazz on the promenade
Old Town
This stop encompasses Victoria’s most historic neighbourhoods. Here you’ll find Victoria ‘s Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, and much more.
The culinary heart of the city, this is a great spot to hit one of Victoria’s best restaurants or sample some of the legendary Victoria craft beer.
Bastion Square
If I were looking to break up a day of sightseeing on one of Victoria’s best patios, this is where I’d come. Relax in the summer sun, enjoy a cold drink, and watch the world go by.
Bastion Square is also close to some of Victoria’s best shopping along Government Street, so don’t miss out.
Fisherman’s Wharf
A great spot to head for Victoria’s best fish and chips. You can also embark on a Victoria whale watching tour, grab some souvenirs, and hit up an art gallery. But mostly, you can marvel at the candy-colored houseboats and watch seals bob for snacks.
Other Highlights
- Beacon Hill Park: The crown jewel of Victoria’s park system, home to the world’s second tallest totem pole, and a great spot for a picnic.
- Craigdarroch Castle: A Victorian-era mansion with lavish details and ghostly charm. A visit feels like stepping into a Victorian soap opera.
- Oak Bay Village: Looking for something more chill? This quiet neighbourhood recounts Victoria’s colonial beginnings. Sneak in Victoria afternoon tea or have a relaxed lunch away from the crowds.
Why Should I Take the Hop-On Hop-Off Victoria Tour?
The tour is a fantastic option for cruise passengers, families, and older travellers for the following reasons:
- ✅ Flexibility: The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers unmatched convenience and flexibility, allowing visitors to see the city’s sights at their own pace.
- ✅ Coverage: The tour stops at most of Victoria’s top attractions, including the Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more.
- ✅ Speed: The tour is a great ideal option for visitors who have limited time in the city, such as those on day trips or cruise passengers—particularly if you opt for the half-day option.
- ✅ Affordability: With prices starting at just $60 CAD, the bus is an affordable option for visitors looking to explore Victoria’s top sights without breaking the bank. This is one of the best Victoria city tours value-wise.
- ✅ Insider Knowledge: Onboard guides offer entertaining and informative commentary. Not your average robotic narration.
The downsides? There are a couple:
- ❌ Service ends early in the evening: Don’t expect golden hour joyrides.
- ❌ The tour misses some attractions: You won’t hit stops like the Malahat Skywalk and, most importantly, Butchart Gardens, as they’re a bit further out of town.
So what’s the solution? If you’re short on time, I recommend booking a separate tour that includes both of Victoria’s most popular attractions for one low price. I’ve got the perfect one in mind.
It even includes transportation to Brentwood Bay and the ferry over to the Skywalk. If you’d like to learn more, click on the banner below:
Related: Things to Do in Victoria in Summer
Victoria Hop on Hop off Bus: My Experience
I admit this typically isn’t my thing, especially in my hometown. But before writing this article, I decided to take the plunge.
What stood out most to me was how easy everything felt. I didn’t have to think about where to go next or how to get there—it was just “hop off here, explore, hop back on.”
One surprise was the fantastic guides. Mine cracked jokes, told ghost stories, and even gave legit restaurant recs that weren’t tourist traps.
My personal highlight was driving past Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road with the sun on my face and zero stress.
⛴️ Not sure how to get here? Read my post on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver.
Is the Hop on Hop off Bus Worth It?
Absolutely—this is sightseeing made simple. No stress about directions, transit, or time limits.
Is it for everybody? Not necessarily. Younger travellers and those looking to explore Victoria’s hidden gems might prefer to go it solo. And, understandably, many people just don’t like crowds.
But it’s perfect for relaxed first-time visitors, cruise passengers, and travellers who want to see the city without the chaos.
If you’re that kind of traveller, I recommend slotting it into a two day Victoria itinerary. Don’t believe me? Check out a couple of reviews below:
How to Book Your Tour
Booking your tour is as simple as shopping on Amazon – in fact, it’s even faster.
1. Open the Victoria Hop on Hop off Tour page
- Head to the Hop on Hop off portal on Get Your Guide.
- You’re booking with a company that has sold over 200 million tickets in over 12,000 different cities.
- Booking with GYG gets you to book-now-pay-later tickets which helps a lot with budgeting.
- You’re also locking in GYG’s lowest price guarantee to help you save money.
2. Select Your Departure Time
- Click the blue ‘Check Availability’ button on the tour page.
- Select a date on the calendar.
- Choose the number of people and click ‘Apply’
- Select your time and click ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ or ‘Book Now.’
FYI: If you choose ‘Book Now & Pay Later,’ you’ll have the option to pay for the tickets at any point up to 48 hours before your tour.
Change your mind? Either way, you can cancel your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before.
To learn more or to book, click the button below:
Victoria Hop on Hop off Bus Tips
Hey there, traveller! Here’s a handy list of tips for an amazing experience on the Victoria Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour:
- Arrive early: Get to the starting point ahead of time to grab a good seat and ensure you don’t miss the bus!
- Get picked up outside your hotel: There are several stops located outside select Victoria hotels; check to see if yours is on the list.
- Bring a map: While the bus tour provides a route, it’s always a good idea to have a mobile map handy to explore the surrounding areas.
- Dress comfortably: You’ll hop on and off the bus all day, so wear comfy shoes and dress in layers to adapt to the weather.
- Remember sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, sun protection is essential—you don’t want to end up as red as a lobster!
- Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed throughout your adventure.
- Be mindful of bus schedules: Keep an eye on the bus timetable so you don’t miss the last ride back to your starting point.
⛴️ Coming from Vancouver? Check out the best Vancouver to Victoria Tours
Victoria Hop on Hop off FAQs
Where does Victoria’s Hop-on Hop-off bus stop?
The Hop on Hop Off Victoria bus has 15 stops sprinkled throughout the city centre. All in all, most of the city’s main attractions are covered, including the Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown, Oldtown and much more.
Can I purchase tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off Victoria Bus online?
Absolutely! You can purchase your tickets online in advance, which is highly recommended during peak tourist season. This ensures that you’ll have a spot reserved on the bus and can start your tour without any delays.
How long is the Victoria Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours to complete without any stops. However, the length of your tour will depend on how many stops you choose to make along the way. So essentially, the length of your tour is entirely up to you! If you opt for the 1/2 day option, you’ll have access to the bus for 4 hours.
Is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is a great option for families with children. The guides provide engaging commentary that children will enjoy, and some buses are equipped with child seats for added safety and comfort.
Will cruise passengers benefit from taking the Victoria Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
Yes, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is ideally suited for cruise passengers or anyone in town for a short time. It allows you to cover virtually the entire city on a customized itinerary in a timely fashion. Moreover, the bus offers a stop at the Ogden Point cruise terminal, as well as at nearby Fisherman’s Wharf and Beacon Hill Park.
⛴️ Coming by ferry? Check our Vancouver to Victoria ferry article.
All set for your Victoria Hop On Hop Off Tour?
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria and looking for an easy and convenient way to explore the city’s top sights, then the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour is the perfect option for you.
Whether you’re a day-tripper, a cruise passenger, or a visitor staying in the city for several days, the Victoria Hop on Hop off Tour is a must-do experience.
So don’t hesitate to book your tickets online and get ready to discover all that Victoria has to offer!
Enjoy your tour:)
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