Day Trips from Vancouver Island to Victoria

Hot drinks, certified marine biologists, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas set this Victoria whale watching tour apart from its competitors. Travel in luxury and style as you look out for whales in their natural environment in the one of the world's best whale-watching habitats in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's animal residents!

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on a 3-hour whale watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island in between animal sightings.

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time to vintage Victoria with a 1-hour tour through the city’s most splendid neighborhoods aboard a horse-drawn carriage. Beginning at the illustrious Empress hotel, admire sailing ships in the Inner Harbor and trot through the leafy gardens and lawns of Beacon Hill Park. Pass stately Victorian mansions and other local landmarks like the Trans-Canada Highway Mile 0 marker, and take in fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca during the stylish ride. 

Marvel at the majesty of Canada’s marine wildlife on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat, a semi-covered vessel built specifically for whale-watching trips, and cruise through the Haro Strait with your guide. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to fascinating commentary from marine naturalists on board, and admire the beautiful orca, humpback whales, and minke whales you find.

Spin through downtown Victoria on two wheels and discover top city attractions with ease on this Victoria castles and neighborhoods bike tour. Hop onto your bike and follow your guide through the city streets. Learn of Victoria’s colorful past through its historic buildings, and explore districts including the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Chinatown. Enjoy fine views over the Dallas Road waterfront and admire the eery Craigdarroch Castle. Cycle through Moss Rock Park and Beacon Hill Park, and soak up the artistic atmosphere in leafy Fernwood.

Take a sweet-smelling stroll through Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens, spanning 55 acres (22.2 hectares) of beautifully designed flower beds, lily ponds, footbridges, and thematic landscapes. With a convenient pickup location and a flexible return shuttle schedule, it’s an easy way to experience one of Victoria’s most popular attractions. Visit during summer or holiday season evenings to witness special luminous displays that add an extra touch of enchantment to the gardens.

Ride a bike through Vancouver Island's cycling paths and quiet country roads on a full-day bike tour from Vancouver that combines farm-fresh food, local wine, and active exploring. You'll cross the gorgeous Straight of Georgia on the ferry, then hop on a bike to start the 34-mile (55-km.) route, riding through the Saanich Peninsula to Swartz Bay. Stops include a cafe lunch prepared with locally-sourced foods, and a wine tasting at beautiful De Vine Vineyard, with great views across the Saanich Peninsula, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Share the waters with whales, orcas, and more on a wildlife watching tour. In addition to animal sightings, the aquatic adventure also offers great views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, plus the Howe Sound. Stay warm inside the cabin, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Your ticket comes with a whale sighting guarantee, with a free tour should you not spot any whales.

See whales and all manner of marine life in this whale watching expedition. From Nanaimo, head out in a 23-seater jet boat into the Salish Sea. Humpbacks and orcas can be found off the coast of Vancouver Island, as well as sea lions, porpoises, eagles and lots more. Your guide is seasoned mariner and wildlife expert who will answer any questions you have about what you see.

Tour one of Victoria’s most stately and popular attractions in a unique way with a pedicab tour to Craigdarroch Castle. Enjoy the fresh air and leisurely pace from aboard a comfortable cab while a friendly guide pedals you from your hotel to the majestic, 19th-century baronial estate. Along the way, pass through the neighboring Lt Governor’s gardens and see some of Victoria’s most opulent churches and homes. Admission to the inside of the magnificent castle is included. 

Capital of British Columbia, Vancouver lies on the southern shores of Vancouver Island—with striking architecture, pretty parks, and a British colonial history dating back to the Victorian era. On this tour, explore Victoria in comfort by traditional horse-drawn carriage as your guide brings the city’s Victorian past to life. Along the way, discover sites of interest such as Beacon Hill Park, historic James Bay, and the Salish Sea waterfront.

Experience the majesty of Canada’s Sunshine Coast from the air with a 40-minute round-trip seaplane flight from Nanaimo. Take to the skies with a pilot and fly high over the Strait of Georgia. Enjoy panoramic views over the tiny islands dotting the waterway, and stop for up to four hours’ free time in the British Columbia town of Sechelt. Enjoy two take-offs and landings during your tour, and see the Sunshine Coast in a way many visitors miss.

Wine, whales and a west coast sunset—it’s the ultimate Vancouver Island experience! Sip some of the region’s best wines and enjoy a sunset tour with whales and other marine wildlife on this full-day combo tour. On a 4-hour wine tour, discover Saanich Peninsula, one of Canada’s must-visit locations for all wine and cider lovers. Enjoy tastings at three wineries. Later, on a 3-hour whale watching tour, hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! As the sun melts into the horizon, certified and knowledgeable naturalists will be your guides to the stunning wildlife of the Salish Sea! Hotel transport included.

The Canadian city of Victoria has a rich British colonial history dating back to the Victorian era, evident in its striking architecture and historic landmarks. Explore the city in style by traditional horse-drawn carriage, and take in sites of interest such as James Bay— one of Vancouver Island's oldest neighborhoods—and the Salish Sea waterfront. As your horse clops along, enjoy fine views over Victoria to the Olympic Mountain range beyond.

Enjoy a romantic ride with that special someone, or a fun excursion with family and friends as you visit Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park in a horse-drawn carriage. Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria’s main attractions, home to a petting zoo, playground and splash park, and the tallest totem pole in the world. Learn all about it from your guide as you revel in the beauty of the park.

Discover hidden alleys and local curios in Vancouver’s Old Town and Chinatown districts on this 75-minute pedicab tour. Head through Victoria's Old Town and Chinatown districts with your guide, where old shops and boutiques line the winding alleyways. Hear hair-raising ghost stories from centuries past and learn of the settlers, immigrants and colonists who have shaped the city we see today. Along the way, watch skilled street performers plying their trade the way they have for centuries. Admire Victoria’s traditional architecture and gain insight into the city’s colorful past.

Watch for wildlife along the scenic coast of Vancouver Island on a 3-hour boat tour from Victoria with an experienced marine naturalist. You’ll travel by high-speed catamaran with heated indoor cabins and outdoor decks, and scan the water for whales, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and many species of marine birds. This 3-hour wildlife tour departs from a central location in the heart of historic Victoria.

Set out on the Pacific Ocean off of Victoria, British Columbia, in search of whales on this half-day tour. Travel through the Haro Strait and the San Juan de Fuca Strait in search of Minke whales, humpback whales, and orcas. Ride in an-open top Zodiac boat, suitable for 12 passengers or fewer, to ensure up-close wildlife encounters and an intimate atmosphere.

Head out into the Salish Sea from Nanaimo in search of the abundant wildlife who inhabit the area. Your guide is an experienced marine expert who will take the time to help you learn about the sea life around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. This 3-4 hour tour takes you to the habitats of killer whales (orcas) humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles.

Suitable for older kids, teens, and families, this high-ropes course lies 25 minutes' drive west of downtown Victoria—offering a world of treetop adventure for visitors aged five and over. Zoom along forest zip lines, tackle aerial obstacles like wobbly bridges and swinging logs, and test your nerve on a range of forest challenges—from six feet (two meters) to 45 feet (14 meters) above the ground.

The sheltered waters of Ucluelet Harbour offer an ideal location for an introduction to sea kayaking on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Watch for wildlife, from intertidal life to black bears meandering along the shoreline and eagles soaring above. This kayak tour offers the opportunity to paddle up to a hidden waterfall, learn about the local fish hatchery, or explore the outer harbor limits. Paddling instruction is provided.

Place yourself in the history of James Bay as you enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride along the waterfronts of Victoria. Your personal driver provides an intimate experience, perfect for couples or family. Ride through Beacon Hill Park’s beautiful gardens. Travel to the refreshing Salish Sea waterfront, then end your tour in the James Bay Heritage district.

Hit the waves with expert naturalists in search of Canadian sea-life on this whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Hop aboard your whale-watching boat and head out into the rolling seas with your guide. Gaze out over Victoria’s attractive coastline and watch the waves for sightings of graceful orcas. Listen as the two expert naturalists onboard explain the life cycles of the majestic creatures, and learn of their pivotal role near the top of the marine food chain. Enjoy fine views from the seating areas both inside and on-deck. 

This adventure is a 3 to 4 hour fully-guided whale watching, wildlife and sunset viewing tour departing from Downtown Victoria on the Salish Sea Eclipse - a state of the art covered catamaran with three viewing decks! Your adventure will be ending when the sun goes down and will be an experience to remember!