Tours in and around Victoria

Tours In and Around Victoria

I have always been a fan of independent exploration but if you feel overwhelmed, there are plenty of people willing to show you around our city in exchange for a small (or large!) fee. Since I already know my way around, I haven't used and therefore can't guarantee most of these ... but here goes:

Walking and Cycling Tours:

AIBC Tours: Every summer (July and August only) the Architectural Institute of BC offers a variety of tours in Victoria, Vancouver and other BC cities.
Discover the Past: Ghostly tours and neighbourhood discovery tours feature local history and architecture.
Old Cemeteries Society: Tours of local cemeteries cost $5 per non-member, $2 per member (membership costs $15 per adult annually). Most tours start near Bagga Pasta in the Fairfield Plaza at 2 pm on Sundays. The full schedule is available on their website.
Old Chinatown: Looking for something a little different? Try the Hidden Dragon Tour of Victoria's Chinatown by lantern-light.
Victorian Garden Tours: Tours are available year-round may incorporate both private and public gardens and can be tailored to meet the needs of any visitor.
Walkabouts Tours: Walkabouts tours offer group tours of various Victoria locales.

Bus Tours:

Grayline Tours: Standard tours on double-decker busses. City tour (Grand City Drive) 90 minutes, $19.75 per adult. Call toll free: 1-800-663-8390.
Pacific Coach Lines: If you are looking for a day trip from Vancouver, PCL offers several package tours which include ferry fare and entrance to Butchart Gardens, whale watching or just give you time to spend exploring on your own.
Royal Blue Line Tours: Bus tours on enclosed and open-top double decker busses. Prices range from $19.00 per adult for the City Tour (90 minutes) to $42.50 per adult for the Butchart Gardens Evening tour (4 1/2 hours). Busses may also be chartered for groups (up to 70 people).

Ocean Tours and Whale Watching:

Ocean Ecoventure Tours: Whale watching: 3 to 4 hours, $99 per adult. (23-ft. rigid-hull inflatable boat; accomodates up to 8 people.)
Ocean Explorations: Three hour whale watching tour $85 per adult; $59 stand-by rate.(Three 24-ft Zodiacs - capacity 12 guests plus two staff)
Orca Spirit Adventures: Whale watching and marine tour: summer $89 per adult; winter, $69 (45-ft. aluminum-hull cruiser).
Seacoast Expeditions: Whale watching tour: three hours $89 per adult; student, senior, standby, group and hostel discounts. Every tour includes a naturalist as one of the guides.(Three 24-ft. Zodiacs)
WeGo Kayaking: WeGo Kayaking is based in Cowichan Bay, north of Victoria. Guided tours around the region are limited to a maximum of 10 guests with two guides; prices start at $459.

Other Tours:

Danda's Driving Tour: Danda Humphries, a local history author, offers a guided audio tour (order by email) custom-made for driving around the Victoria area. Ms. Humphries also offers personal guided tours by arrangement.
Tallyho Tours: A tradition in Victoria, these horse-drawn tours frustrate the locals but are popular with visitors. Cost of the wagon tour is $15 per adult and the tour takes just 45 minutes. Small groups (up to 4 adults) can take more personal carriage tours ranging from $40 for the "Short and Sweet Tour" -- just 15 minutes! -- to $240 for the 100 minute "Romance Tour" which requires 24 hours notice. I have taken the wagon tour several times over the years. It never really changes, and my one warning: it can get pretty cold, even in the summer!
Vancouver Island Brewery: Local micro brewery featuring craft brewed ales and lagers. Public Tours of the brewery are offered regularly, first come first served for up to 30 people. (One hour tour; self-guided tours also available) 2330 Government Street, Victoria call (250) 361-0005 for current info.

As I mentioned, I prefer independent exploration. Create your own tour by checking out some of these links...:

Free & Cheap Things to do in Victoria: If you missed it, go back and have a look at the list of walks and other active things to do.
Galloping Goose Regional Trail: Legendary connector trail, used by commuters and explorers alike, this trail is great by bike or foot.
Imperial Paradise: An alternative walking tour that incorporates the Imperial aspects of Victoria's English past.
Saanich Trails: Ranging from hiking trails to commuter connectors, Saanich (one of the Greater Victoria municipalities) is packed with trails to explore.

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