Victoria and Butchart Gardens by Seaplane and Speed Boat
Vancouver, Canada
Discover the picturesque and popular Butchart Gardens, plus Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, on this all-day tour from Vancouver. Enjoy a spectacular seaplane ride through the scenic Gulf Islands headed to Victoria, one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Take in the world’s premier floral show gardens, then visit some of Victoria’s most popular points of interest. This tour includes all transportation — including a speedboat return — plus entry to Butchart Gardens.
Take a floatplane from Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Victoria over the spectacular Gulf Islands. Spend the day exploring the city and return to Vancouver in the evening directly from the Butchart Gardens by speed boat.
Victorians have a passion for gardens, golfing, and greenery — and for civility. British influence is reflected in the shops along Government Street. Hunt for linens, china, antiques, and woolens. Dozens of tearooms offer afternoon tea with cream puffs and dainty sandwiches.
The guide will provide a pickup from any accommodation in Vancouver, including hotels, private residences, and more, and transport guests on a spectacular floatplane ride over the Gulf Islands to Victoria. Afterwards, explore Victoria until about 3pm, when the guide will lead the way to the famous Butchart Gardens. Entrance to the gardens is included in this ticket.
Then depart directly from the Gardens' private dock on a 2-hour, high-speed voyage to Vancouver. The 'Ocean Magic' is a modern, 62-foot aluminum express cruiser capable of traveling with stability and comfort at 30 knots an hour, carrying up to 74 passengers. The vessel features outdoor viewing areas, heated passenger seating areas, onboard washrooms, and a small snack selection.
Another tour which was just amazing. We were picked up from our hotel - early start but worth it. We were given information all about the day once we arrived at the harbour air sea planes terminal - we were then left to our devices but had all the relevant information. Sea plane to Victoria takes about 30 minutes and lands right in Victoria harbour. You have free time in Victoria which is a beautiful place and it is up to you how much free time. There are buses to Butchart gardens at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. We decided to do a open top bus tour in the morning which took an hour - this was a great way to find out about Victoria and the surrounding area. We then had afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress which I can recommend. We got the 14:00 bus which takes about 40 minutes. I would not recommend getting a late bus as you would have no time in the gardens, getting the bus we did we managed to see everything but didn't have any spare time. If you really want to enjoy all the gardens then I would suggest getting the first bus. The gardens are simply fantastic. The boat left at 16:30 from the cove at the gardens and took about 2 hours back to Vancouver. The staff on the boat were super friendly and told us everything. WE didn't see any whales but lots of people said they had on this trip before.
Review by: Adrian D, September 2017
We had an amazing day on this trip. Everything was well organised from pickup at our hotel, to the seaplane flight, the transport to the gardens and the fast boat home. We had plenty of time to walk around Victoria to the fisherman's wharf and spent a lovely afternoon wandering through the spectacular Butchart Gardens. This tour is highly recommended as a great way to see Victoria and the gardens in one day.
Review by: Mary C, September 2017
What a great trip! The staff are so nice and accommodating. They picked us up from our hotel and the flight was smooth and very scenic._br/_ We had several hours in Victoria before boarding the bus to the Gardens, which were beautiful. The boat ride back was enjoyable but it would have been nice if they had adult beverages available. Wonderful time!
Review by: Jayne H, September 2017
A very full but beautiful day in perfect weather. Butchart garden is a must for anyone interested in gardens. Truly magnificent!
Review by: Neil M, June 2017
Picked up at the hotel by Peter on time and taken to collect another party before heading to the Seaplane Terminal. We could have walked to the terminal quicker but didn't know that at the time. Checked in only to find that my wife and I had been placed on separate flights! A hasty intervention by Peter and we were placed on the same plane. Very smooth and scenic flight to Victoria and plenty of time to wander around and see the sights before taking the bus to Butchart Gardens. The Gardens were fantastic and we spent approximately three hours see everything in the Gardens and having time for coffee and shopping. Headed to the jetty at the allocated time to be told that we were not booked on the return trip on the boat that was scheduled to depart and the girl at the gate said there was no Speed Boat due to leave. Panic set in but we went down to the whale watching boat that was about to depart and the very helpful Swedish lady who was a senior member of the crew sorted out the transport back. Panic over. On our way back we spoke to the crew and the whale watching boat had not seen many whales over the summer period and didn't hold out much hope for the journey back. However, we were extremely lucky to come across two pods of Orcas together which ended off a fantastic tour, despite the minor hiccups. A very worthwhile trip.
Review by: James D, October 2016
An excellent experience with so much crammed into 1 day. First time in a seaplane, amazing, a very smooth take off from Vancouver and landing in Victoria, flight took about 1/2 hour, the views were really something._br/_ Plenty of time to spend in Victoria before taking 1 of 3 services by bus the the Butchart Gardens._br/_ Whilst in Victoria, we took advantage of an open top bus tour around Victoria on an old Routemaster bus, great fun and a good way to appreciate beautiful Victoria. Then on to Butchart Gardens with lovely plants and garden areas. You progress through the gardens making your way to a jetty at the north end. You must make sure you are there in good time for the speed boat ride back to Vancouver, it takes approx 2 1/2 hours. This skirts around the islands around Vancouver Island and then heads back to Vancouver city. If you miss this, it will take a long time to get back to the city - 5 hrs !_br/_ All in all a really enjoyable day with lots to see.
Review by: Terrance H, September 2016
The weather could have been better. Peter from Lotus Tours was excellent!
Review by: Patricia H, August 2016
So worth the money! I only wish we had the seaplane on the way back. Prompt courteous pickup and drop off. The seaplane with the only way to get to Vancouver Island - quick and fun. We had plenty of time to see Victoria, including a tour on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus, lunch and touring the Empress. Two hours in the garden is plenty so we enjoyed our time there, as well. The ride back is, well, long - but not as long as the traditional ferry. All in all, this was a great excursion!
Review by: Gary C, July 2016
One of the best organised tours we have been on. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Review by: James P, July 2016
Efficient and fun way to see Victoria and Butchart Gardens. We took the 8:40 flight and had plenty of time in both places. No guide which is what we were looking for...plus we saw Orcas on the way back to Vancouver. Peter set us up perfectly!
Review by: mekmailbox-mail2, June 2016
The tour was good but I was given the incorrect time for the boat back to Vancouver. My documentation stated that the return to Vancouver was 17:00 and to be at the pier 15mins before that time. I arrived at the pier at about 16:42 and was met by a representative who said that they were just about to leave without us. The boat was scheduled to leave at 16:45. If we had missed that boat the trip back would have been a nightmare from Butchart Gardens.
Review by: Steven H, June 2016
Had a great time and weather was perfect. Easy plane flight to Victoria with lots to see and do in the provincial city. Bus ride to Butchart Gardens was easy and the gardens world class. Speed boat ride back took about 2-1/2 hours but the crew made it fun and the ride was smooth. Highly recommend this tour.
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