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ByTazim Damji Updated on

Victoria Day Trip from Vancouver: What to See and Do in One Day

Is a Victoria day trip from Vancouver worth it? Absolutely! With its Inner Harbour, historic sites, and stunning gardens, Victoria feels like a whole different world—yet it’s just a ferry ride away.

I’ve done this trip multiple times—by car, as a ferry walk-on, and on a guided bus tour—and each has its pros and cons. The key is planning your time well so you can see the highlights without feeling rushed.

This itinerary covers how to get there, the best things to do, and where to eat, so you can make the most of your day in BC’s capital city.

📌 Victoria Day Trip Itinerary at a Glance

⏳ Morning: Arrive in Victoria & stroll the Inner Harbour
🌿 Midday: Explore Butchart Gardens or Hatley Park
🐟 Afternoon: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf & Fort Street
🌅 Evening: Watch the sunset at the Inner Harbour before returning

Tazim sits in the open trunk of a red SUV, holding a camera, with a calm lake and grassy shoreline in the background.

1. Best Ways to Get to Victoria from Vancouver

🚗 Ferry + Car (Best for flexibility & exploring beyond downtown Victoria)
Take BC Ferries along the scenic Swartz Bay Route, a 1.5-hour sailing that passes through the stunning Gulf Islands before arriving at the ferry terminal.

🚶‍♂️🚌 Ferry + Walk-On + Public Transit (Best for budget-conscious travellers)
Walk onto the BC Ferry at Tsawwassen and take Bus #70 or #72 from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria (~1 hour).

🚌 Ferry + Walk-On + Tour Bus (Best for a stress-free, guided experience)
Book a day tour that includes round-trip ferry tickets and transportation from Vancouver, with stops at key attractions.

✈️ Seaplane (Best for fast travel & stunning aerial views)
Hop on a Harbour Air seaplane for a 35-minute scenic flight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

⛴️ Alternative Option: If you’re coming from Seattle, the Victoria Clipper ferry is a great option, sailing directly into Victoria’s Inner Harbour in about 3 hours.

Comparison of Transportation Options to Get to Victoria, BC

Travel Method Best For Time Pros Cons
🚗 Ferry + Car Flexibility & exploring beyond downtown Victoria 1.5-hour ferry + 30-minute drive Scenic ferry ride, easy to explore further Requires a reservation during peak times
🚶‍♂️🚌 Ferry + Walk-On + Public Transit Budget-conscious travellers 1.5-hour ferry + 1-hour bus ride Cheapest option, no need for a car Longer travel time, bus schedules can vary
🚌 Ferry + Walk-On + Tour Bus Stress-free, guided experience 1.5-hour ferry + direct shuttle No need to plan, includes key attractions Fixed schedule, limited free time
✈️ Seaplane Fast travel & stunning aerial views 35 minutes Quickest option, incredible views Expensive, weather-dependent
⛴️ Victoria Clipper (from Seattle) Travellers coming from Seattle 3 hours Direct ferry to Inner Harbour Only available from Seattle
Hatley Castle in Victoria, British Columbia, surrounded by lush gardens with vibrant red flowers in the foreground.
Hatley Castle

2. The Perfect Victoria Day Trip Itinerary

This Victoria day trip from Vancouver is designed to be stress-free while still covering the city’s best sights. You’ll have time to explore historic landmarks, enjoy delicious food, and soak in the beauty of British Columbia’s capital city without feeling rushed.

☀️ Morning: Arrive & Explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Stop #1: Stroll the Inner Harbour (11:00 AM – 11:45 AM)

  • One of the most scenic waterfronts in North America.
  • Admire the BC Parliament Buildings & Fairmont Empress Hotel.
  • Watch street performers and enjoy the historic charm.

Stop #2: Breakfast/Lunch + Rogers’ Chocolates (11:45 AM – 12:30 PM)

You likely had an early start, so now’s the perfect time for a meal in downtown Victoria.

🌱 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants:

  • Rebar Modern Food – Iconic vegetarian/vegan café with fresh bowls & smoothies.
  • Be Love – Plant-based whole-food dishes in a cozy setting.

Bonus Stop: Roger’s Chocolates 🍫
Before heading to your next destination, stop by Roger’s Chocolates, one of Canada’s oldest chocolate shops. Their beautifully packaged chocolates make for a perfect souvenir or travel-friendly snack.

📌 Related Post: Can You Bring Chocolate in Checked Luggage?

A beachside scene with driftwood and tall grasses, with houses and trees in the background, capturing the coastal beauty of Vancouver Island.

🌿 Midday: Explore Butchart Gardens OR Hatley Park

Option 1: Butchart Gardens (12:45 PM – 2:30 PM)

  • One of the world’s most famous botanical gardens with stunning seasonal blooms.
  • The Sunken Garden is a must-see!
  • Optional: Afternoon tea service (reservation required).

🚗 Getting There:

  • Drive: 30 minutes from downtown Victoria.
  • Bus: BC Transit Bus #75 (~50 minutes).
🎟️ Find Tickets and Check Availability

🎟️ Admission: ~$38 CAD per adult (varies by season).

Option 2: Hatley Park National Historic Site

  • Stunning Edwardian castle and heritage gardens.
  • Less crowded than Butchart Gardens, with a rich history.

🚗 Getting There: 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria.

🐟 Afternoon: Fisherman’s Wharf & Fort Street (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

  • Walk along the floating houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Spot harbour seals that frequent the docks.
  • Stroll along Fort Street (known as ‘Antique Row’), home to vintage bookshops, quirky cafés, and local boutiques.

🚗 Getting There:

Public Transit: Bus #75 or #14 (~20-30 minutes).

Drive: ~10 minutes from Butchart Gardens/Hatley Park.

Now, let’s move into the evening portion of your Victoria day trip from Vancouver, with historic sights, scenic waterfront views, and a perfect sunset spot. 🌅

The Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria illuminated at dusk, with a lively street filled with people and classic streetlights.
The Empress Hotel and Inner Harbour, Victoria

🌅 Evening: Sunset at the Inner Harbour (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Capture a postcard-worthy sunset with the Parliament Buildings & Fairmont Empress glowing at dusk.

🍽️ Dinner Options (Before Returning to Vancouver)

🌱 Vegan-Friendly Options:

  • Virtuous Pie – Vegan pizza & ice cream.
  • Green Cuisine – Vegan buffet with whole-food dishes.

After dinner, start making your way to Swartz Bay Terminal for your return ferry or head to the seaplane terminal for your flight back. 🚢✈️

3. Have a Bit More Time? Check These Out

Check out these National Historic Sites near Victoria

Close-up of a red-brick lighthouse with white shutters, standing against a blue sky on the coast of Victoria.
Fisgard Lighthouse, National Historic Site

Fisgard Lighthouse

If you find yourself with a bit more time in Victoria, make sure to swing by Fisgard Lighthouse. It’s not just a pretty sight; this historic lighthouse has been guiding ships since the 1800s and offers stunning views of the surrounding waters. Plus, it’s a great spot for some leisurely exploration and photography!

Fort Rodd Hill

Another must-visit is Fort Rodd Hill. This fascinating site gives you a glimpse into Canada’s military history while letting you enjoy beautiful coastal scenery.

You can wander through the old fortifications, check out the exhibits, and even take in some fresh ocean air—perfect for those who want to soak up more of what Vancouver Island has to offer!

FAQs

Is a Victoria day trip worth it?

Absolutely! While you won’t see everything in one day, you can experience Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens, and historic sights with good planning.

Can you see Butchart Gardens and downtown in one day?

Yes, but it will be a fast-paced itinerary. If you want to explore both, start early and plan for shorter stops at each location.

What’s the best way to get to Victoria?

The ferry from Tsawwassen is the most affordable and scenic option, while the seaplane is the fastest (but more expensive). Guided tours are a great hassle-free choice.

What is the best time of year for a Victoria day trip?

Late spring to early fall (April – October) offers the best weather, gardens in bloom and a higher chance of seeing marine wildlife.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Victoria Day Trip

🏆 Best Time to Go

  • Summer (June – August) offers warm weather and peak blooms at Butchart Gardens but is also the busiest time.
  • Spring (March – May) is less crowded, and cherry blossoms make Victoria extra beautiful.
  • Fall (September – October) has mild weather and fewer tourists.
  • Winter (November – February) is quiet, with festive holiday events, but expect rain.

⏳ Booking Ferries & Seaplanes in Advance

  • BC Ferries: Reservations are highly recommended in summer and on weekends. Book at least a few days in advance.
  • Seaplanes: Harbour Air flights sell out quickly in peak season, so book early.

🎒 Packing Tips

  • Layers – Victoria’s coastal climate can be unpredictable. A light jacket is a must.
  • Comfortable Shoes – The downtown area is very walkable, but there’s a lot of ground to cover.
  • Motion Sickness Remedies – If you get seasick, bring Gravol or ginger chews, especially for the ferry ride.

Victoria is the perfect day trip from Vancouver, offering a mix of history, nature, and great food—all in one stunning city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, there’s always more to explore!

🌟 Have you done a Victoria day trip before?

🌲 ➡️ Join our community at BC Travel: Scenic Outdoor & Cultural Attractions to keep the conversation going, ask questions, and share your love for exploring British Columbia’s top outdoor and cultural experiences!🌲

Getaways from Vancouver

  1. Squamish, BC
  2. Whistler, BC
  3. Pemberton, BC
  4. Sunshine Coast, BC
  5. Victoria, BC
  6. Tofino, BC
  7. Harrison Hot Springs, BC
  8. Manning Provincial Park, BC
  9. Okanagan Valley, BC
  10. Thompson-Nicola Valley, BC

Trip Planning Essentials for Vancouver

Plan Your Canadian Adventure

A few trusted resources I use and recommend:

  • Booking.com (Hotels + Stays) – Find places to stay across Canada
    Compare hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals using a handy map tool.
  • Discover Cars (Rental Vehicles) – Search Canadian car rentals
    Easily compare prices from major rental companies for your road trip.
  • Busbud (Intercity Buses) – Book Canadian bus routes
    Affordable bus travel between cities and small towns across Canada.
  • Viator (Tours & Activities) – Browse tours across Canada
    From guided walks to scenic day trips, find local experiences worth booking.
  • Airalo (eSIM Cards) – Get a Canadian travel eSIM
    Stay connected while you explore without needing a physical SIM card.
  • Safety Wing (Travel Insurance) – Explore travel insurance options
    If you're visiting Canada from abroad, travel insurance is worth looking into. This platform helps you compare plans. (Not financial advice.)
  • Altitude Sports (Outdoor Gear) – Shop for weather-ready clothing
    Reliable gear from a trusted Canadian company—great for all-season travel.

Tazim crafts engaging content that inspires a sense of wonder, curiosity, and adventure. As a 40-something South Asian woman based in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, she brings a unique perspective to her explorations of new cultural experiences, connections with nature, and savouring delicious plant-based food.

Tazim was born in Metro Vancouver in 1980 and has lived there for over 20 years total. She spent her childhood in Calgary, Alberta and Houston, Texas. She is a certified Whistler expert from her time working for Whistler Blackcomb and currently works in the tourism industry.