Victoria’s city tours pack plenty of bang for your buck, focusing on the city’s greatest hits. The standout experiences include helicopter flights over the harbor (offering stunning aerial views you can’t get elsewhere), guided walks through the magnificent Butchart Gardens, and bike tours along the waterfront – perfect for active travelers.
I’m particularly fond of the heritage walking tours through Old Town, where guides bring Victoria’s British colonial past to life with stories of gold rushes and opium dens. The harbor ferry tours are another favorite, combining historical insights with the simple pleasure of puttering around the busy port.
Let’s look at the best tour options for experiencing British Columbia’s capital city.
Good To Know
- The Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour offers a private 30-minute flight showcasing the city skyline and the iconic colored bathing boxes.
- The Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Private Half-Day Tour provides a 1.75-hour experience at the renowned Butchart Gardens with knowledgeable and personable guides.
- The Historical Landmarks Tour of Victoria Grand City and Craigdarroch Castle includes hotel pickup/drop-off, admission to Craigdarroch Castle, and a fully narrated journey through top attractions.
- The 3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside allows travelers to explore the city’s bike-friendly streets and landmarks on traditional or electric bikes.
- The Butchart Gardens and City Tour offers round-trip transportation and independent exploration of the renowned Butchart Gardens with wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policies.
Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour
What better way to experience the stunning sights of Melbourne than with a private helicopter tour over the city?
The Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour offers a 30-minute private flight that takes you soaring over the city’s iconic landmarks. Priced from $296.10 per person, this tour departs from Essendon Fields and includes noise-cancelling headsets, a guaranteed window seat, and time for photos.
You’ll admire the city skyline, the vibrant beachside suburb of Brighton, and the famous colored bathing boxes. With a maximum weight limit of 287 lbs per passenger, this tour is accessible to most travelers.
While refunds aren’t available, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience on this private helicopter adventure.
Read our full review: Melbourne City & Brighton Beach Boxes Helicopter Tour Review
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Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Private Half-Day Tour
This private half-day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, Canada.
Priced at €401.78 for up to 6 people, the tour boasts a 100% recommendation rate from previous travelers. Highlights include visits to iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and the renowned Butchart Gardens, with approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore the gardens.
Guests praise the knowledgeable and personable guides, who provide insightful commentary and personalized experiences.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour offers flexibility in the itinerary and meetup details.
Read our full review: Victoria City and Butchart Gardens Private Half-Day Tour Review
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Historical Landmarks Tour of Victoria Grand City and Craigdarroch Castle
Explore Victoria’s grand city and the renowned Craigdarroch Castle on this historical landmarks tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 30 reviews, this private tour takes you on a fully narrated journey through Victoria’s top attractions.
Knowledgeable guides share personal stories and insights as you visit the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks, including Butchart Gardens.
While a few guests experienced timing and accessibility issues, the majority praised the tour’s value and the professionalism of the guides.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, admission to the castle, and gratuities included, this tour offers a great way to discover Victoria’s rich history and culture.
Read our full review: Historical Landmarks Tour of Victoria Grand City and Craigdarroch Castle Review
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3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside
Visitors can embark on a captivating 3-hour bike tour that showcases Victoria’s vibrant city center and picturesque coastal shoreline.
This small-group tour, limited to 12 travelers, takes riders through bike-friendly streets to explore landmarks like Craigdarroch Castle and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Guests can choose to ride a traditional or electric bike, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The knowledgeable local guides provide insightful commentary and cultural insights, while also recommending the best spots along the way.
With 96% of travelers recommending the tour, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those seeking a unique way to experience Victoria’s history and natural beauty.
Read our full review: 3-Hour Bike Tour of Victoria City & the Coastal Shoreside Review
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Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria
Embarking on a Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria offers visitors a captivating and personalized exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
This fully narrated tour accommodates a maximum of 8 people, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience. Guests are provided with bottled water, umbrellas, and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, making the tour effortless and comfortable.
The tour includes stops for photo opportunities at sights like the Parliament Building and Craigdarroch Castle, though entrance fees aren’t required.
Traveler reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and well-planned itinerary, making this tour a top recommendation for first-time visitors seeking a personalized introduction to Victoria’s history and culture.
Read our full review: Two Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria Review
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Picturesque Victoria City Highlights Private Tour
Guests can conveniently discover Victoria’s picturesque highlights on the Best of Beautiful Victoria City Highlights Private Tour. Rated 5.0 out of 7 reviews, this private tour offers a personalized experience for up to 4 people.
At $265.50 per group, the tour includes visits to top attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Inner Harbor, and Craigdarroch Castle. Guests will enjoy the engaging storytelling and local history shared by the knowledgeable guide, Melanie.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller friendly and allows service animals. With pickup at a chosen location in Victoria, the comfortable air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed and scenic journey through this beautiful city.
Read our full review: Picturesque Victoria City Highlights Private Tour Review
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Butchart Gardens and City Tour
Travelers visiting Victoria, Canada can enjoy the city’s natural beauty and historic charm on the Butchart Gardens and City Tour.
This private tour offers round-trip transportation, entry to the renowned Butchart Gardens, and a guided exploration of Victoria’s top sights. The 4.5-star experience includes stops at parks, mansions, and panoramic viewpoints, as well as an independent visit to the Butchart Gardens, where guests can spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds and visiting the greenhouse and shop.
With convenient pickup locations, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour is a great option for travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Victoria’s highlights.
Read our full review: Butchart Gardens and City Tour Review
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One Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria
On this one-hour luxury city tour of Victoria, visitors can enjoy the city’s rich heritage and stunning coastal vistas.
The tour highlights the city’s Victorian architecture, Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, and the impressive Craigdarroch Castle.
With a flexible start time between 8am and 8pm, and private transportation for your group, this tour offers a personalized experience.
Bottled water, a professional guide, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it accommodates collapsed wheelchairs and strollers.
Priced from $116.45 per group (up to 6 passengers), this tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and has received a perfect 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews.
Read our full review: One Hour Luxury City Tour of Victoria Review
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Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria
This private tour allows visitors to explore the best of Victoria’s city highlights and the renowned Butchart Gardens.
The tour includes transportation in a 2023 Honda Odyssey mini van and bottled water. Guests can visit the Butchart Gardens at their own pace, with admission fees included.
The tour also features a stop at the historic Craigdarroch Castle, with admission fees covered. Pickup is available from various locations around Victoria, including hotels, terminals, and the airport.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and most travelers can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the total duration includes travel time, though food and drinks aren’t included.
Read our full review: Private City Highlights and Butchart Garden Tour in Victoria Review
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The Sum Up
Victoria offers a range of captivating city tours that cater to diverse interests. From breathtaking helicopter rides and private garden tours to historical landmarks and bike excursions, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking a quick overview or an in-depth exploration, these tours provide an excellent way to discover the city’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant urban landscapes.