Canada · VICTORIA TOURS

The 15 Best Victoria Tours & Day Trips

35 tours  ·  from $5

A small capital with gardens, whale water and a harbour full of floatplanes. These 15 compare the Butchart runs, the wildlife boats and the food walks, priced and clear about the ferry timings.

Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Half-Day, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

1.Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,259 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154Our pick

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with 3 to 4 naturalists, heated indoor seating, open decks, and free wildlife photos. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and eagles while guides such as Megan, Reid, Jessy, and Janae explain the Salish Sea.

“We really enjoyed this whale watching excursion. Megan, Eden, and especially Janae was so informative and answered all of our questions. And to have pictures sent to us made it even more special. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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Victoria Guided Food and History Tour - Fan Tan Alley and the story of Chinatown
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours

Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

2.Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Walk Victoria’s Old Town and Chinatown with Andy of A Taste of Victoria Food Tours. In about two hours, you’ll sample chocolate, tea, biscuits, spring rolls, pierogi, and other local foods while hearing stories at Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, and the Inner Harbour.

“Friendly guide and amazing food. I am considering going back to one place for the whole meal experience.”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - Three hours in the Salish Sea
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

3.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154

Set out from 812 Wharf Street with a skipper such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan on a 12-passenger open Zodiac. Expect close-to-the-water views, fast turns, sea spray, and chances to see orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and eagles.

“Was great saw whales, seals, and sea lions. Instructor was great knew what he was talking about. Would go again.”

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Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria - What the one-hour route gives you
Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Walking & Ghost Tours, Walking & Ghost Tours in Victoria, Walking Tours

Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria

4.Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 816 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $17Best value

Follow a local guide through downtown Victoria after dark, from the Inner Harbour to Bastion Square, hearing ghost stories tied to the city’s past. Guides such as Fiona, Naomi, Chris, and Kristia bring strong storytelling, history, humor, and a few spooky surprises to this easy one-hour walk.

“Eh. I will never take another ghost walking tour again. It all seemed silly and fake to me. I guess if you have nothing better to do it’s okay.”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - Three hours on the Salish Sea
3-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching

Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

5.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Meet Orca Spirit Adventures at 950 Wharf Street, then set out with an English-speaking marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, or Liam. Your open 12-passenger Zodiac reaches whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and coastal birds while a hydrophone lets you hear whale calls. Expect speed, spray, cold air, and real Pacific scenery.

“Great trip, Tyler was very informative about all thr landmarks. We also saw killer whales which was very cool”

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The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria - Finding the Gray Line pickup near the Empress
Butchart Gardens Tours, Butchart Gardens Tours in Victoria, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours

The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria

6.The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 616 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $44

Ride from downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens in about 35 minutes, with round-trip transport, flexible return departures, and commentary from drivers such as Sarah, Rob, and Emily. Admission costs extra, but you can explore the 55-acre gardens at your own pace.

“Bus left on time both going to and returning from the garden. Driver (Sarah) was wonderful, full of enthusiasm and gave lots of information about the city and the garden en route”

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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel - The three-hour search for whales
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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

7.Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 482 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

From Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Orca Spirit Adventures takes you out for about three hours aboard a covered vessel with indoor seating, washrooms, and outdoor viewing decks. Marine naturalists such as Ryan, Briar, Liam, and Jake explain whale behavior while you watch for humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, eagles, and more.

“Don't be fooled by the name. We spent ages looking for this place and then decided to go into Orca Spirit Adventures who told us we were in the right place. We also weren't aware of just how far away it was from the cruise ship, so would advise getting a cab. However, despite missing our original trip we were quickly offered a replacement trip for the afternoon which we accepted. The trip itself was great. Captain George, Bria and Rhyan were very knowledgeable . Captain George took us to all the places, whales and orcas were sited. We had a brilliant encounter with a pod of orcas, it was…”

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Victoria Whale Watch Tour - What the Ocean Cruiser is like
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Victoria Whale Watch Tour

8.Victoria Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $126

Cruise Victoria’s Salish Sea aboard SpringTide’s 60-foot Ocean Cruiser for about three hours. Naturalists such as Katie, Aly, and Ian explain the whales, while Captain Jasper and the crew search for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, otters, and eagles. Choose a morning or afternoon sailing.

“Perfect weather, saw several orcas and the crew was very knowledgable and really friendly and attentive. Could not rate this experience high enough. Defiantly a must do.”

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COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix - The ride through Victoria before the gardens
Butchart Gardens Tours, Butchart Gardens Tours in Victoria, City Sightseeing Tours, City Sightseeing Tours in Victoria, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours

COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix

9.COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 456 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $106

See Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Fisherman’s Wharf, and nearby neighborhoods with guides such as Jim, Mark, Tyko, or Markus. Then spend 2.5 hours at Butchart Gardens, with entry, a map, reserved seating, and hotel pickup in a small vehicle.

“It was a great, stress free way to see Victoria and visit the gardens. The bus was comfortable and Jim, the driver, was very knowledgeable.”

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Pedicab Tour of Victoria from Cruise Ship Terminal - Emily Carr House and Victoria’s Artistic Side
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Pedicab Tour of Victoria from Cruise Ship Terminal

10.Pedicab Tour of Victoria from Cruise Ship Terminal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 436 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $180

Meet your guide outside Ogden Point and settle into a private pedicab tour through James Bay, Beacon Hill Park, Old Town, and Chinatown. Guides such as John, Adrian, Christian, and Taylor are known for local stories, photo stops, and flexible routing. The ride lasts about three hours and returns to the terminal.

“Bring a camera and dress warm, evenings are chillly Beautiful scenery the pearls roamed around along with deer Our guide John was wonderful and full of interesting facts.”

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From Victoria: Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat - Finding orcas, humpbacks, and smaller sea life
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

From Victoria: Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat

11.Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 427 reviews · 3 hours · from $132

Cruise from Victoria with marine naturalists such as Jake, Liam, and Sophia, watching for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and birds. The covered boat offers indoor and outdoor viewing, hot coffee and tea, bathrooms, hotel transfers, a conservation fee, free photos, and a second trip if no whales appear.

“Fabulous experience, we saw many humpbacks and other wildlife, our guide, Bella, was extremely knowledgeable - would recommend highly.”

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Victoria: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Leaving 812 Wharf Street for the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

Victoria: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

12.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 387 reviews · 4 hours · from $149

Join Prince of Whales at Victoria’s 812 Wharf Street for a four-hour Salish Sea cruise aboard the Salish Sea catamaran. Marine naturalists such as Algebra, Michael, Megan, and Reid explain the wildlife while the crew searches for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, otters, and eagles. Free photos let you watch instead of fussing with your camera.

“Fantastic outing to see whales. The team were also fantastic with great knowledge, and a great service with a smile. The boat was so smooth and everything was perfect. Thanks to Francois, Sandy, Jamie, Michael and Maddie, you made the trip a great experience. Would recommend this trip. Steve and Sarah Wenmoth from the UK, what a memory.”

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Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria - The ride to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria

13.Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 342 reviews · 3 hours 20 minutes (approx.) · from $144

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour in a small Zodiac boat with a professional skipper and survival suit. Search for orcas and humpback whales, visit Race Rocks and Fisgard Lighthouse, and watch seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Guides may include Shannon, Tyler, Vicky, Josh, or Gareth.

“It was wonderful to see 4 humpback whales and the sea lions. I really enjoyed being in the front seat of the zodiac. I cried afterwards thinking of the whales and what they have suffered”

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Victoria: Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour - Seeing Victoria from the upper deck
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours

Victoria: Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

14.Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 315 reviews · 3h 30m · from $48

Start beside the Fairmont Empress and spend up to 210 minutes touring Victoria by open-top double-decker. English narration covers local history and Indigenous cultures, while 15 stops let you explore Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Oak Bay, Beacon Hill Park, and more. Drivers such as Norm, Erin, and Brian have added lively local detail.

“Norm was a great guide. Very knowledgeable of the area. Comfortable ride”

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Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists - What the three-hour itinerary is really like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

15.Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 305 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Join Five Star Whale Watching in Victoria for a three-hour Salish Sea cruise led by two naturalists. You may see orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and marine birds from a purpose-built vessel carrying up to 40 people. Dress warmly and return to the same meeting point.

“The reservation was cancelled due to mechanical problems with the vessel. Short notice was given and we were unable to book with another whale watching company”

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New in Victoria Tours

★ 4.6Telegraph Cove: Whale Watching Adventure with Free PhotosFrom $149130 reviews
★ 4.3Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria: Full-Day Admission TicketFrom $2217 reviews
★ 4.7Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and AppetizersFrom $5252 reviews
★ 4.7Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking TourFrom $1644 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Watching Marine Wildlife ExcursionFrom $11319 reviews
★ 4.46-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine TourFrom $12721 reviews
★ 4.7Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion SquareFrom $1770 reviews
★ 4.6Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife TourFrom $125191 reviews
★ 4.5Victoria Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife TourFrom $134142 reviews
★ 4.5Victoria City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Grauity-BasedFrom $5169 reviews
★ 5.0Historical Victoria Walking TourFrom $18173 reviews
★ 5.0Grizzly Bear ExpeditionFrom $62677 reviews
★ 4.7Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Day Trip + Butchart GardensFrom $504141 reviews
★ 4.6City Highlights and Butchart Gardens TourFrom $86148 reviews

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