Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Seaplane: 2025 Review

So you are thinking about a day trip from Vancouver, right? The idea of seeing Victoria and the world-famous Butchart Gardens in a single day is, honestly, very appealing. It’s almost a classic British Columbia experience, you know. This specific combination, the one that includes a coach and ferry trip there and then a seaplane flight back, is definitely one that gets a lot of attention. Basically, people wonder if it truly lives up to its reputation and if the cost makes sense. Well, we took a look at the 2025 version to give you a real sense of what the day actually feels like. Frankly, it is a long day, but it’s packed with some truly memorable sights and sounds that you will likely appreciate.

The Morning Ferry to Vancouver Island

The day starts pretty early, as you might expect. Anyway, getting picked up and heading to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is quite straightforward. The ride on the BC Ferries vessel is actually a really pleasant start to the whole thing. It’s almost like a mini-cruise, you know, before the main events even begin. We suggest you grab a spot on the outer deck if the weather is good. The air is so fresh and just a little crisp out there on the water. That feeling of leaving the mainland behind and sailing through Active Pass is kind of special. Seemingly, you float past so many of the smaller Gulf Islands, each with its own quiet look. Seriously, you should keep your eyes open for marine wildlife; we were lucky enough to spot a pod of orcas in the distance, which was obviously an incredible bonus.

A Walk Through The Butchart Gardens

After the ferry and a coach ride, you arrive at The Butchart Gardens, and frankly, it is quite a sight. The history of this place is really interesting; basically, it was once a limestone quarry. Now, it’s just this amazing explosion of color and life, which is a bit hard to believe. The famous Sunken Garden is probably what you’ll see first, and you will likely just stand there for a moment. It’s almost like you are looking down into a living painting. We spent a lot of time just wandering, sort of with no specific plan. The Japanese Garden has this incredible sense of peace and quiet, and in the same way, the Rose Garden is a full-on sensory experience with so many different smells. To be honest, you could easily spend a whole day here. You get a good amount of time, but you still have to be mindful of your schedule, so you can’t see every single plant and path.

Exploring Victoria’s Old-World Charm

Next, the coach takes you from the quiet of the gardens to the heart of Victoria. The change in scenery is actually pretty neat. The city has a very distinct feel, almost like a piece of old England was dropped on the west coast. Your tour usually gives you some free time here, which is very welcome. We decided to just stroll around the Inner Harbour. That is where you can see the grand Parliament Buildings on one side and the stately Fairmont Empress hotel on the other. Clearly, this is the main hub of activity. Street musicians are playing, horse-drawn carriages clop by, and there’s a really lively and happy feeling in the air. This free time is a good chance to grab a quick lunch—fish and chips by the water is a popular choice, for example. At the end of the day, it is not enough time to explore the entire city, but you absolutely get a good taste of its unique personality.

The Seaplane Flight Home: A Grand Finale

Honestly, the seaplane flight back is what makes this particular outing feel so special. Instead of repeating the ferry and coach ride, you head to the seaplane terminal right in the Inner Harbour. There is just a little bit of excitement as you board the small plane. The takeoff is a really unique experience; the plane skims across the water and then, you know, just lifts right into the air. The view from above is absolutely spectacular. You get this amazing bird’s-eye perspective of everything you just saw on the ground. You see Victoria shrink below you, and then it is just the sparkling water and green islands of the Salish Sea. The flight is pretty short, around 35 minutes, but it’s completely packed with stunning views. Actually, seeing the Vancouver skyline appear as you approach is a really dramatic end to the day. It is so different from the slower pace of the morning ferry, that’s for sure.

Is This Tour the Right Choice for You?

So, at the end of the day, you have to decide if this option is the best fit. If you are in Vancouver for a short time and really want to see Victoria and Butchart Gardens without renting a car or figuring out schedules, then yes, this is an excellent choice. It is incredibly efficient, you know, and just handles all the logistics for you. It’s almost perfect for first-time visitors or someone celebrating a special occasion. On the other hand, if you are a traveler on a very tight budget, the price might be a little steep. Likewise, if you are the sort of person who really likes to explore a city deeply and for several days, the limited free time in Victoria might feel a bit rushed. And obviously, if you have a fear of small planes, the flight back might not be for you. It’s pretty much about weighing convenience against cost and your personal travel style.

What to Pack and Prepare

A little preparation can make a big difference on a long day like this. Definitely, you must wear very comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of strolling in the gardens and around Victoria, so this is probably the most important thing. It’s also a really good idea to dress in layers. By the way, the weather can change pretty quickly; it might be cool on the morning ferry, warm in the gardens, and then a bit windy by the harbour. Having a light jacket or a sweater you can easily take off and put on is kind of essential. A camera or your phone with plenty of battery is a must, obviously. You will be taking a ton of pictures. We also suggest packing a water bottle and maybe a few snacks, just in case you get hungry between the main stops. Frankly, being prepared just makes the whole day smoother.

Quick Look: Key Takeaways

Thinking about this day trip? Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know.

• This tour is a very streamlined and efficient way to see two of British Columbia’s top sights in a single day, which is great if your time is limited.
• The Butchart Gardens are genuinely impressive; you know, the transformation from an industrial quarry to a world-class garden is something you really have to see in person.
• You get a decent amount of free time in Victoria, basically enough to walk the Inner Harbour and get a feel for the city, but it’s not enough for deep exploration.
• The seaplane return is absolutely the highlight for many people. The flight offers really amazing views and is a thrilling experience that saves a lot of travel time on the way back.
• It tends to be a more expensive day trip option, so it’s something you would want to budget for, especially compared to doing the trip on your own via public transit and ferries.

Read our full review: Victoria and Butchart Gardens with Seaplane Return Full Review and Details
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