Victoria Island Break
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Discover the best of Vancouver Island on this three-day escape from Vancouver back to Vancouver, blending coastal scenery, gardens and charming seaside towns. Travel by ferry through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, where you’ll explore Butchart Gardens and enjoy a guided stroll past Mile 0, the Empress Hotel and historic Chinatown. With a full day at leisure, you can opt for whale watching, High Tea or a scenic seaplane flight. Journey back via the Malahat Highway, take in sweeping views from the Malahat SkyWalk, visit Duncan’s totems and stop in Nanaimo before returning to downtown Vancouver.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
3 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelStarts
VancouverEnds
VancouverMinimum Age
6 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Canada that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Services of a professional driver guideCountry
CanadaMeals Included
Breakfast: 2Passengers
$5,160.00
$2,580.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 20
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of a professional driver guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 20Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Coastal Crossing to Victoria
Vancouver - Victoria. We depart downtown Vancouver at 9.15am and sail through the scenic Gulf Islands, a sheltered stretch of water known for its forested islets and coastal views.
On arrival on Vancouver Island, we visit the renowned Butchart Gardens. Once a limestone quarry over 100 years ago, the site has been transformed into an impressive display garden, including the striking Sunken Garden at its heart.
We then arrive in Victoria and set out on a walking tour of the city’s charming downtown. Highlights include Mile 0, Ogden Point, the iconic Empress Hotel and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, where we explore the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley and browse the local shops.
After checking into our hotel, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Our guide is on hand with recommendations for the best restaurants, popular breweries, independent shops and hidden gems. The evening is at leisure.
Day 2 - Discovering Victoria at Leisure
Today we spend a full day in Victoria. You may wish to join one of several optional experiences, including whale watching in the Salish Sea, traditional High Tea at the Empress Hotel, a scenic seaplane flight, a guided food tour or a visit to the Royal BC Museum, which brings British Columbia’s history and Indigenous cultures to life.
Day 3 - Island Vistas and Return to Vancouver
Victoria - Nanaimo - Vancouver. We depart Victoria and travel north along the Malahat Highway, where we enjoy sweeping views across the Southern Gulf Islands.
We stop at the Malahat SkyWalk, Vancouver Island’s newest outdoor attraction. We follow a 600 metre elevated walkway through arbutus and Douglas fir forest, leading to a 10 storey spiral tower lookout - the first of its kind in British Columbia. From 250 metres above sea level, we take in panoramic views across islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains stretching into two countries.
In Duncan, known as the City of Totems, we pause for a short visit to see the collection of carved totem poles throughout the town. We recommend a stop at Judy Hill Gallery, where you can browse authentic hand crafted Cowichan sweaters and Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous art.
We continue to Nanaimo for a stroll along the harbourfront. While here, you may wish to try a Nanaimo Bar - the city’s famous layered chocolate and custard dessert.
We then check in for the ferry back to Vancouver, arriving in downtown Vancouver at approximately 6.30pm, depending on traffic.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double' prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by anyone wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices shown are per person when there are 3 persons sharing a room. We also offer a cheaper 'Quad' price for those happy to share a 4-person room with travellers of the same sex (2 double beds). Please contact us for this.
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