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Victoria Inner Harbor and waterfront from the water
Colorful Butchart Gardens
Victoria's inner harbor at night
Ogden Point breakwater in Victoria
Bright leaves on Japanese maples in Butchart Gardens
Japanese maples in bloom at Butchart Gardens
Historic Craigdarroch Castle illuminated at night in downtown Victoria
Guests walking bicycles on the waterfront
Delicious wine and dinner
Ferry passage between Victoria and Vancouver

Victoria

Enjoy two nights in delightful Victoria—British Columbia’s picture-perfect capital. Savor the island's relaxing pace as you explore vibrant gardens, admire historical architecture, and take in the city's friendly ambience.

Itinerary

Day +1: Arrive in Victoria, British Columbia
Settle into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Explore some of Victoria's most beautiful downtown sites, including: Christ Church Cathedral, with its gothic stone architecture, magnificent stained glass windows and Helmuth Wolff organ; Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning Victorian mansion; Bastion Square, site of the original Fort Victoria, with its spectacular views of the local harbor; or the renowned Royal British Columbia.
Overnight: Fairmont Empress

Day +2: Victoria
After a light breakfast, join your guide for an easy walking tour of Victoria, featuring samplings of delicious local foods while learning about important sites along the way. As your guide reveals the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, enjoy stops to sample local specialties such as chocolate, cheese, tea, and other treats.

The afternoon is open for additional opportunities to explore more of this charming city. Enjoy a walking tour of the downtown to appreciate its history and culture or a whale-watching cruise to see the wildlife-filled waters off the coast. Take time for a carriage ride, English-style high tea, or a stroll through some of Beacon Hill Park's 200 acres. There is an endless array of ways to fill your day. You may even choose to end the day with a renowned haunted Victoria tour or a visit to one of the many craft breweries in town. Your local guide or hotel concierge can help set up a day perfect for you.
Overnight: Fairmont Empress (B,L)

Day +3: Depart Victoria | Vancouver | Main Program Begins
Following breakfast, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Victoria through Chinatown and past the Parliament Buildings.

Continue to world-famous Butchart Gardens—a national historic site of Canada replete with lush greens and colorful blooms. Blossoming for more than 100 years, it offers 55 acres of gardens with 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners who create a wonderland of beauty everywhere you look.

Afterward, take a short 20-minute ride to the ferry terminal to cruise over to mainland Vancouver—a passage providing unlimited scenery with a likelihood of spotting various marine wildlife. 

After arriving in Vancouver for the main program, join fellow travelers at the hotel for a welcome reception. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance.

Accommodations

Fairmont Empress

Welcome to Canada's "Castle on the Coast!" Located on Victoria's Inner Harbour, this luxury hotel offers unparalleled hospitality and comfort. The Fairmont Empress has been named a Condé Nast Readers' Choice and Gold List hotel and honored by Travel+Leisure as a top Canadian hotel. Also a National Historic Site, the Empress is an alluring blend of classic and contemporary; of vintage and cutting-edge. Guests can enjoy the various on-site amenities, including a full spa, fully equipped gym, and indoor heated pool. Or perhaps experience Tea at the Empress—a daily tradition since 1908.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, cable TV, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi (additional fee), coffee and tea maker, bathrobes, safe, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer.

Fairmont Empress exterior
Fairmont Empress lobby
Fairmont Empress standard guest room
Fairmont Empress outdoor veranda
Fairmont Empress indoor pool
Fairmont Empress fitness center
(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

Double: $1,399
Single: $1,799

Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included. 

What's Included

  • 2 nights accommodations at the Fairmont Empress (or similar) 
  • 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • A guided walking tour and panoramic city tour
  • Admission to Butchart Gardens
  • 1.5 hour ferry cruise from Victoria to Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia
  • Gratuities to local guide
  • Private group airport transfer for guests arriving at the suggested times