Separated by a body of water known as the Strait of Georgia, the picturesque Canadian city of Victoria makes for a great day trip from Vancouver.
(Photo: Harbour Air Seaplanes / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Known as the Garden City, Victoria is perhaps at its most scenic during the spring and summer months, but with even its mild winters drawing the golfing crowd, it remains an all-year-round destination. For visitors to Vancouver, Victoria is an ideal choice for an excursion, with the journey between the two possible either by car and ferry in around 4 hours or by seaplane in little over 30 minutes. If the latter takes your fancy, then check out our list below of the best Victoria seaplane tours from Vancouver currently available.
Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane from Vancouver
This full day tour invites you to embark on a thrilling seaplane flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. Departing from Vancouver Harbor, you’ll make the short but scenic 35-minute flight to Victoria where you’ll enjoy a coach tour that takes you to the famous Butchart Gardens. There’ll also be time to visit the city’s shops, a museum, and several other attractions. Later, you’ll return to Vancouver by seaplane on a scheduled afternoon flight of your choice. The tour price includes your return airfare, bus ticket and admission to Butchart Gardens. From CA$545 per person.
Victoria Whale Watching Adventure
(Photo: Harbour Air Seaplanes / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
The ocean waters around Victoria are home to – among other creatures – the magnificent killer whale. Starting in Vancouver, this all-day tour offers the chance to see them with your own eyes. After meeting at the Vancouver Seaplane Terminal, you’ll make the short flight to Victoria while soaking up the mesmerising views of the Gulf Islands from above. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to a whale-watching boat where you’ll be led by expert guides and marine biologists as you search out the giant residents that lurk beneath. The boat tour lasts three hours and afterwards you’ll return to dry land to continue exploring Victoria before your return flight. Your airfare and whale-watching excursion are included in the tour price. From CA$538 per person.
Butchart Gardens & Victoria Sightseeing Tour
Discover the fabulous Butchart Gardens on this extended 14-hour guided tour from Vancouver. Departing Vancouver via a scenic ferry ride from the mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, on arrival you’ll be transferred to a bus to continue on land to Victoria. Once in Victoria, you’ll be shown the sights before enjoying some free time to explore bustling downtown at your leisure. Next, you’ll visit Butchart Gardens, a picturesque Sunken Garden spread across 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. Wind down your day with a scenic return sailing trip back to Vancouver. The tour price includes all transportation, your guide, and entrance to Butchart Gardens. From CA$262 per person.
Victoria Excursion from Vancouver by Helicopter and Sea Plane
(Photo: Lotus Land Tours Inc / Courtesy Viator)
Travel from Vancouver to Victoria in style with a round-trip helicopter flight across the Strait of Georgia, including lounge access privileges complete with complimentary beverages, snacks and newspapers at the helipad terminal. Then, arriving in Victoria during mid-morning, you’ll be able to explore the city independently at your own pace before your return seaplane departs late afternoon at 6pm. The tour price includes Vancouver accommodation pick-up and drop-off and a city map of Victoria and other useful information is also provided. From CA$776 per person.
Vancouver to Victoria – Bus Transfer
If you’re looking to visit Victoria from Vancouver and don’t wish to combine it with an experience or particular attraction at the other end, then this 4.5-hour bus tour transfer may well suit. After boarding a comfortable motor coach at a designated location in Vancouver, you’ll be transported directly to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal where you’ll be taken by ferry to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal on Vancouver Island. Your trip across the Strait of Georgia is a 95-minute scenic adventure through the Gulf Islands – be sure to keep your eyes out for various wildlife. Once at Swartz Bay, you’ll reboard the same coach and be transferred directly to Capital City Station, the Victoria Bus Depot, centrally located in the heart of downtown Victoria, where you’ll be free to explore. . From CA$98 per person.