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2021 Guided Tours and Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing is available for booking!  Please click the Things to Do drop down list for touring options.
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For all inquiries or questions, please call 604-451-1600 or email us via our Contact page.
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GUIDED TOUR

Victoria
+
Butchart Gardens Christmas Tour

GrayLine_Border_Thin_Curved

Duration

Plan for 12h

Pick-Up

Full list of locations →

ADULT

from C$224

CHILD

from C$113

Returning 2021

About This Tour

Victoria + Butchart Gardens Christmas Tour

Have yourself a merry little Butchart Gardens Christmas!

Your journey begins with a 90-minute cruise aboard BC Ferries. Bundle up and enjoy the scenic views from the outdoor viewing deck or simply relax and enjoy the voyage through the Juan de Fuca Straight and the Gulf Islands. Discover the charming city of Victoria where Christmas lights adorn the Fairmont Empress, the Parliament Buildings, and even the boats docked in the Inner Harbour. Next up is the Butchart Gardens Christmas displays! Traditional carolers greet you as you stroll along the festive poinsettias, dainty snowdrops, and through the Twelve Days of Christmas displays featuring thousands of glittering lights. Watch out for mistletoe!

EXPLORATION STOPS

Next stop: Adventure! Step off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore at your own pace. We've created our itinerary to give you the perfect amount of time at each unforgettable stop! Not sure where to start? Our guides are always happy to show you their favourite hidden gems!

The Butchart Gardens - Christmas

There is so much happening at the Butchart Gardens over the winter holidays that the Magic of Christmas has been dubbed by locals as the 5th season. You will be delighted as the grounds are lit by tens of thousands of dazzling lights, accompanied by festive carollers and a traditional brass band. Adults and kids alike will enjoy riding the carousel and skating on the outdoor ice rink, and everyone will want to warm up with a sweet cup of hot chocolate.

Victoria Inner Harbour

Ahh, Victoria. A beautiful, oceanside city that combines rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a wide breadth of culture that will melt your stresses away. Become aquainted with a drive through the inner city along Government Street and North America's second oldest Chinatown. Stretch your legs on the boardwalk at Victoria's Inner Harbour under the majestic Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. If the timing is right you could be rewarded with one of the many festivals hosted at the Inner Harbour, or dazzled during the Christmas season by the thousands of lights that shine to celebrate the holidays.
Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing Electric Bus

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Each of our tours shine a spotlight on the region's most iconic landmarks, neighbourhoods, and culture — all with live narration from our expert guides. Don't forget your camera! Our oversized, tinted windows are designed for sightseeing so you won’t miss a thing!

BC Ferries

A floating kaleidoscope of breathtaking scenery, BC Ferries delivers 90 minutes of “wow” to and from Vancouver Island on our Victoria + Butchart Gardens tours. Take a seat and enjoy the voyage across Juan de Fuca Strait and through the Gulf Islands. Or step outside for a closer look and some fresh, salty sea air. Don’t be surprised if you see seals and maybe even a private porpoise or whale show. Onboard amenities include a self-serve restaurant and kid’s entertainment area.
Operated By
Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing

Prices include attraction admission and taxes. Gratuity is optional and is not included in the price. If you feel our staff have gone above and beyond your expectations, gratuity will be greatly appreciated.

ADULT

From

C$224

CHILD

From

C$113

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

How much time will we spend at Butchart Gardens?
You will have approximately 1.5-2 hours of free time in the Butchart Gardens depending on the departure time, with the 8:30 departure offering the most time at the gardens.
How much free time will we have in Victoria?
Depending on the season, during the Spring and Summer tour guest will have approximately 2-2.5 hours of free time. During the Winter season, guests will have approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria.
What can I do during my free time in Victoria?
Enjoy the quaint charm of the shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries that fill Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Sip a festive afternoon tea at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel or explore the spectacular provincial parliament buildings. Ask your Guide for recommendations to help you create your perfect day in Victoria.
What can I see at the Victoria Inner Harbour?
Explore the BC Parliament buildings, the wall of Provincial Shields and Coats of Armor, the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Royal BC Museum, or simply watch the incoming ships!
When is the best time to see the Gardens?
Each season has its own charm! From flowering bulbs and shrubs in the Spring and Summer to the red and gold maples in the Autumn. In the Winter, you’ll find snowdrops, witch hazel and even an indoor garden!
Are the Butchart Gardens wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all public areas are wheelchair accessible with the exception of a viewpoint area within the Sunken Garden known as “The Mound.”
How long will we spend on BC Ferries?
It takes about 90 minutes on the BC Ferries to reach Vancouver Island from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Onboard amenities include a self-serve restaurant, kid’s entertainment area and washrooms.
Is there food on the ferry?
Yes, you can purchase food at the onboard café and full buffet.
What is your cancellation policy?
Changes or cancellations can be made 24 hours before your scheduled tour, unless otherwise specified.  After that time, all bookings will be considered non-refundable.  Please note that no shows or missed departures will not be refunded.  No refunds or exchanges will be allowed on any unused tier products and attractions (Classic, Classic +, Premium Pass).
Do you offer tours in my language?
Currently, our Guided, Hop-On, Hop-Off and Private Tours are conducted entirely in English.  For Private Tours, we can provide a guide service offering a variety of languages for an additional $250 plus taxes per group.  Please request a preferred language at the time of booking.  We will require 48 hours to confirm a language guide on our Private Tours.
What should I bring on the tour?
Camera or video camera Water bottle Comfortable walking shoes Comfortable clothing for the weather Umbrella for rain or shade
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather depending on the season. Check the weather prior to arrival into Vancouver. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case of inclement weather.
Are the tours canceled if it rains?
Absolutely not! Vancouver is well-known for its rainy weather and our tours run rain or shine. Don’t forget to bring along an umbrella!
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate motorized scooters/wheelchairs or folding wheelchairs, walkers or strollers on our Hop-On, Hop-Off buses due to limited storage capacity and provincial laws prohibiting luggage and other items which are not securely or properly stored onboard.

Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing can offer folding wheelchair, walker and stroller accessible buses on our Guided Tours.  We cannot accommodate motorized scooters/wheelchairs on any of our buses. Please check with our Contact Centre for the availability of a wheelchair accessible bus before confirming your tour by calling 604-451-1600 or at info@westcoastsightseeing.com.

For guests who were looking forward to our Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing experience, we are happy to offer a special rate of $69 per person to our City + Lookout tour guided tour for the entire group. Please contact our Contact Centre to check availability.

We are not able to accept any type of motorized scooters/wheelchairs on our buses.

Do you allow pets on the bus?
With the exception of registered service dogs, no pets are allowed on board.
Are children allowed to travel by themselves?

No, at least 1 adult must book and travel with any children under the age of 12.

How do we pay for tours and attractions?

Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing accepts payment with VISA, Mastercard and American Express. Direct Debit is currently not available.

Tickets purchased through WeChat or Alipay will not be accepted.

After the tour, can I be dropped Vancouver International Airport?
Yes!  Gray Line WestCoast Sightseeing offers a complimentary drop off at the Vancouver International Airport.  Please advise our team in advance of an airport drop off by calling us as 1-877-451-1777 by 8 pm the evening prior to the tour departure.
Can I travel with my luggage on the bus?
  • Guided Tour One-Way Trips:  We will accept luggage for guests traveling one way to Victoria or Whistler.
  • Vancouver Airport Drop-Off:  We can accept limited luggage on coaches only if guests are being dropped off at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) after the tour.
  • Gray Line WestCoast Sightseeing must be advised 24 hours prior to tour departure that guests will be bringing luggage with them.