Victoria’s Quintessential Tours
From iconic tours to uncharted adventures, Greater Victoria has so much to discover.
Victoria is synonymous with exploration. A coastal city embedded in a stunning natural landscape, the southern-most part of Vancouver Island is a masterful infusion of culture, nature, and culinary delights. From iconic tours to uncharted adventures, Greater Victoria has so much to discover.
Iconic tours
Go on a whale and wildlife watching excursion
Embark on a journey across the open water surrounding Victoria and experience a firsthand encounter with some of the Pacific Ocean’s most majestic creatures. These excursions offer a larger-than-life look into the lives of whales, seals, sea lions, otters and seabirds, with expert guides at your side.
Whatever your seating preference—be it zodiac or catamaran—there’s a vessel to provide an optimal experience.
Take a horse drawn carriage tour
Go back in time and experience 19th century Victoria with a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown. Offered by Tally-Ho Carriage Tours and Victoria Carriage Tours, these tours provide a novel vantage point to some of Victoria’s most historic neighbourhoods. Perfect for a charming date or a full family outing, these carriage tours are a relaxing way to take in Victoria’s timeless beauty.
Step aboard a hop-on, hop-off bus tour
One of Victoria’s premier attractions for exploring the city’s top neighbourhoods and attractions, Gray Line City Sights and Hop On, Hop Off Tours provides guests with flexible tour options and unparalleled views. Choose from a variety of fan-favourite tour options, including the popular CitySights tour, Hop-On Hop-Off + Craigdarroch Castle, and trips to The Butchart Gardens. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable trip from a unique vantage point.
Discover Victoria on a walking tour
Got a history buff in your group? If so, a walking tour is a must. Choose between Discover the Past and Toonie Tours for insights and hidden gems on Victoria’s history and vibrant cultural scene. With access to areas where cars can’t go, these tours offer a unique perspective on downtown Victoria, blending the city’s rich past with contemporary sightseeing. Or, join the folks at Come See Victoria for one of their many walking tour options ranging from history & architecture, to famous figures, and even a tour of the famed Fairmont Empress hotel on the Inner Harbour.
The Pedaler Cycling Tours
Discover Victoria’s scenic beauty on a cycling tour with The Pedaler. With guided tours starting from $50, you’ll have the option to choose between some of the city’s most iconic routes. From castles and local legends to bites and brews, there’s so much to discover—and why not do it by bike? We recommend the Castles, Hoods, and Legends tour. This 2.5 hour tour weaves through some of Victoria's most iconic landmarks like Canada's narrowest street, the world's tallest freestanding totem pole, all while the friendly guides introduce you to Victoria's most stunning neighbourhoods and the explore the rich history that brings them to life.
Victoria Pedicab Company
Explore Victoria by bike without stepping foot on the pedals. At Victoria Pedicab Company, your guide does the riding for you, as they give you an incredible tour highlighting the city's top historic sites, street, and gardens.
Neighbourhood Exploration
After exploring downtown Victoria, consider moving through some of the city’s lesser-known areas.
Victoria Harbour Ferry
For a break in the day and another novel angle of the city, consider taking a tour through the Inner Harbour with the Victoria Harbour Ferry. This journey can function as a water taxi, but the stories you’ll hear while on board are the real value. Glide past historic landmarks as you experience the harmony between heritage and artistic innovation.
Harbour Air Tours
Take in Greater Victoria’s scenic skyline with a Harbour Air tour! From taxiing through the Inner Harbour to the breathtaking views from above the city, it’s a unique and memorable experience. Choose between a 20-minute Classic Panorama tour or an extended 35-minute flight. For more details, visit Harbour Air.
Foodie Tours
Named the 8th best food scene in the world by Condé Nast readers in 2023, Greater Victoria is known for its fabulous food. From locally sourced seafood to modern culinary infusions, you’ll find joy in every bite.
A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
Savour the flavours of Victoria with this two-hour guided culinary tour through the heart of the city. Running through Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, you’ll make stops for six food tastings along the way. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available upon request. Discover a feast for the senses and plan your tour today!
Off The Eaten Track
For another fabulous, guided walk, or a self-paced chocolate tour, check out Off The Eaten Track. From sips and strolls to a proper “Eat Like a Canadian” tour, there’s so much to uncover. Tours range from 2-2.5 hours and are available Wednesday through Sunday.
Macaloney’s Island Distillery
Curious to learn about the craft beer and whiskey industries? Macaloney’s Island Distillery offers visitors a first-hand, behind-the-scenes experience of the brewing and fermenting processes with their guided tours. Starting from raw grains and following through to the finished product, discover the secrets to a smooth-tasting whiskey and quality beer in this unique tour.
Underground Donut Tour
For a fun and quirky twist on traditional food tours, check out the Underground Donut Tour! Part walking history tour, part donut indulgence, you’ll find this tour satisfies more than your sweet tooth. It’s a family friendly activity with a sprinkle of history. Book your tour today with Underground Donut Tour.
Outdoor Exploration
Looking for some nature therapy? Consider exploring some of Victoria’s gardens and parks or venture a little further out of town to experience Vancouver Island’s renowned temperate rainforests.
Rainforest Tours
Venture into the old growth forests of East Sooke Park with Rainforest Tours. These hiking tours are sure to inspire as you journey past towering cedars and lush ferns. Accompanied by experienced guides, these intimate tours are ideal for families with children or solo travellers looking to meet likeminded friends.
3HourSail
Embark on a nautical adventure with 3HourSail that showcases spectacular scenery and marine life. With a knowledgeable crew on board, you’ll learn about marine history and geology with the gentle winds of the Pacific at your back.
Island Trails Ecotours
Explore Southern Vancouver Island through the eyes of naturalist. The guides offer small-group excursions across the beaches and into the rainforests learning about our distinct eco-system, and maybe even seeing some local wildlife along the way.
Vancouver Island Hikes, Bites + Beer
The journey is the reward. That's why the guides at Vancouver Island Hikes, Bites + Beer cap off every hike with a stop at a west coast brew pub to enjoy a beer and a bite. The knowledgeable guides will lead you through some of Greater Victoria's favourite local hikes, some considered amongst the best in the world, sharing stories, local history, and their love for nature.
Accessibility in Victoria
Freedom Adventure Bus
Victoria’s commitment to accessibility shines through with Freedom Adventure Bus. This group service provides safe, reliable transportation to many locations throughout Greater Victoria—and its vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
Season seven of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love began airing on PBS stations in late January 2024, and episode three features none other than beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.
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