Blooming Beauty in Butchart & Beyond


 

This summer, I had the opportunity to take my first solo tour—and what an unforgettable day it turned out to be! I joined the Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver, and from start to finish, it was a seamless and inspiring experience.


A Smooth Start

The day began with an early morning pickup right from my downtown Vancouver hotel. The tour company, Landsea Tours, handled everything beautifully, making it stress-free from the start. Be prepared—this is a full-day adventure (about 13 hours). I was on the bus before 8:00 AM and returned close to 10:00 PM that night.


Crossing the Water

One of the highlights was the roll-on/roll-off ferry ride to Vancouver Island. Watching our tour bus (and several others!) drive right onto the massive ferry was fascinating. On board, there was plenty of seating, restrooms ( washrooms), an eatery, and even a small gift shop—making the journey comfortable and enjoyable.


The Gardens in Full Bloom

Our first stop was the world-famous Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, about 30 minutes north of Victoria. Simply put—the gardens are breathtaking.  With themed sections like the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Italian Garden, there was beauty at every turn. I loved the mix of colors, pathways, and quiet corners perfect for photos. The tour provided ample time to wander, enjoy the scenery, grab a snack, and even browse the charming gift shop.


Exploring Victoria

From the gardens, we continued into downtown Victoria, where the bus dropped us off at the Royal British Columbia Museum—home to John Lennon’s psychedelic Rolls-Royce. We had ample free time to explore Victoria on our own. I stopped by the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, strolled along the waterfront, and enjoyed patio dining at a local restaurant. Victoria’s charm was undeniable.

Before heading back to the ferry, our tour bus passed through Canada’s oldest Chinatown and admired the stately British Columbia Parliament Buildings, built in 1898.


A Day to Remember

By evening, we were back on the ferry, watching the sun dip low over the water as we sailed toward Vancouver. It had been a long but deeply fulfilling day—filled with flowers, history, culture, and a sense of adventure.


Traveling solo, I even met another wonderful solo traveler on the tour. Sometimes, the best part of travel is not only the places you see, but also the people you meet along the way.


✨ If you’re in Vancouver and looking for a day trip that blends nature, history, and charm, I highly recommend this tour.


Safe Travels,

Trena


Author: Trena Briscoe is the owner and founder of Electi, a travel advisory service specializing in European travel, luxury experiences, cruises, destination weddings, and all-inclusive vacations. If you're ready to plan your next adventure, contact Electi for expert guidance.

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