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Royal British Columbia Museum

Royal British Columbia Museum: Our most recommended tours and activities

Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

1. Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

Visit Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, on this full-day guided tour from Vancouver city. Try to spot marine life on the ferry to Vancouver island, walk among the flowers in the Butchart Gardens, and admire the Victorian architecture in Victoria.  Start from downtown Vancouver and travel south through the city aboard a climate-controlled bus. Hop aboard a BC Ferry for a 90-minute voyage across the Georgia Strait through the scenic Southern Gulf Islands. Keep an eye out for orcas along the way. Once docked on Vancouver Island, the tour continues to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. See millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties. Enjoy 2 leisurely hours to fully explore the 50 acres of stunning gardens. Head to downtown Victoria and pass through Canada’s oldest China Town and the scenic Victoria Harbor, including the Inner Harbor. Once downtown, you will have free time to explore the local area. Spend your time going for a stroll the Inner Harbor, taking in the thriving arts and cultural scene, or visiting the historic Empress Hotel or the Royal BC Museum. Take the ferry and bus to return to your meeting point in Vancouver. 

Victoria: 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour

2. Victoria: 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour

Explore Victoria's must-see landmarks and establishments on a fun tips-based walking tour. Victoria is filled with stories that will connect you to its history, architecture, triumphs, and shortcomings. You will hear tales of local legends and guide you to the cities most interesting spots. The tour is filled with recommendations & tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Victoria! We start this tour at the BC Legislature Building in front of the Victoria's War Memorial. Your guide will make introductions and go over the expectations for the tour. We find that some guests most enjoyable part of our tours is the opportunity to meet other like-minded and friendly travelers, your guide will make this process easy. Your guide will take you through the legislature grounds, going over the notable sights within. After wrapping the grounds you will cross the street to the Royal BC Museum where you will be introduced to the rich history and culture of the Indigenous that shaped this city, province, and country. For a special happenstance enter the longhouse for a immersive experience with a local indigenous leader. After you will walk over to the Empress hotel, it's name will provide you with a deeper understanding of Victoria, how it came to be and why you may see peacocks about. Across from the Empress hotel is the gorgeous harbor-front where you might catch the world famous water ballet. Continue into the inner downtown of Victoria along Government Street and allow your guide to point out some of their favorite recommendations. Be sure to ask your guide if you're looking for something in particular! Here your guide will amaze you with insights to some a famous poet that lived in Victoria and amazed the world with his literature. Next is Bastion Square, a place with more than a few spooky tales. Bastion Square leads to one of the oldest original built streets in the city, and you'll find out why when you get there. This street takes you to Market Square, a hotspot for unique boutiques that is a must to return to after your tour. Your guide will take you to places the locals aren't even aware of. A beautiful hidden garden for a photo op and then over to the countries oldest Chinatown, and most famously Fan Tan Alley, that made a name for itself when slew of explicit acts were legal in harbor city at the turn of the 19th century. Your knowledgeable local guide will share their personal perspective of this beautiful city. We encourage our guests to get to know everyone in the group and ask any pressing questions they just need to know. To end your guide will lead you to Centennial Square, where you can leave your guide with a gratuity that best reflects your experience. We recommend $25/person, and accept cash or credit card. Be sure to ask your guide for any remaining recommendations or how to get to your next event. Finally say goodbye to Victoria's best first day activity.

Victoria: Self-Guided Audio Tour

3. Victoria: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Tour the romantic and exciting city of Victoria on a self-guided tour. Learn about the city's fascinating history and how it has progressed into the capital of British Columbia. This audio tour will show you the incredible Royal BC Museum, where you are able to see many exhibits and features that make up Victoria. Walk through one of the oldest and vibrant Chinatown's in North America. Then visit other stops such as the Inner Harbour Centre, BC Parliament Building, Emily Carr House, Bastion Square, Fan Tan Alley, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, Tallest Totem in Victoria, and Mile Zero. Enjoy a memorable tour which encompasses all the highlights of this amazing city. As a self-guided audio tour, you have the power to control your experience. Set the pace and take in the atmosphere.

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What people are saying about Royal British Columbia Museum

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 135 reviews

The Gardens were beautiful. We spent 2 hours there and it was enough time to see everything if you kept moving. Our guide was awesome and very informative. We enjoyed the ferry rides and took advantage of that time to eat so we would not have to stop and eat at the garden or in the city so we could see more. The ferry and the ferry terminals had very good food. You could also bring food and snacks to eat along the way because it is a long day. We thoroughly enjoyed the day

Our tour guide was phenomenal and so informative. Recommend him to all. He was so kind and knowledgeable and kept us informed the entire time. The Butchart Gardens were like nothing I have ever seen before. Truly a Garden of Eden. Our time in Victoria was shortened by the late ferries but still wonderful.

This was a filled day, not only are the gardens amazing also the ferry ride is very interesting on both trips and Victoria is also nice to see. I just wished I could spend a bit more time in the gardens so I could really appreciate them and not keep looking at my watch.

A must see while visiting Vancouver and Victoria. Absolutely beautiful beyond words. Wish we had more time in Victoria to sightsee but as Eric said “the ferry waits for no one” lol. Good tour for sure. Thanks Eric for the great day.

This excursion was fantastic! We enjoyed our time with David as he skillfully took us through the streets of Vancouver, Victoria and even the ferry! Strongly recommend this unforgettable adventure!