16 of the Best Victoria Tours

Last updated: September 15, 2024

If you’re looking for the best Victoria tours, you’ve come to the right place!

Located on lovely Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Surrounded by rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, Victoria is the perfect place for quaint city exploration or outdoor adventure.

We’ve been to Victoria many times and have explored much of Vancouver Island. From whale-watching tours to culinary tours, walking tours, and more, there’s always something fun to do in and around Victoria. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.

So whether you’re looking for fun day trips from Vancouver to Victoria or exploring Victoria for multiple days, here are the best 16 Victoria tours that we recommend…

Victoria Tours Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, we get a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use and they help keep these travel guides free. It’s a win-win! For more information, visit our privacy policy.

1. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1,027+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3+ Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

When you’re visiting British Columbia, you really shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go whale watching. After all, it offers one of the best chances in the world to spot orca whales! Join this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria for the chance to see beautiful Canadian wildlife. Hop aboard your 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, and keep your eyes on the lookout for beautiful orca whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.

I went solo, and had the best time. I met a lovely couple and we shared the day whale watching. The excitement of seeing the whales was phenomenal. Crew did a great job of locating them, following them and taking spectacular pictures of what we saw. The boat also took us to see a Gray whale. All crew were also very personable and friendly. A must do in Victoria, BC.

-Melanie (see more reviews)

This 3-hour whale-watching tour in Victoria BC includes:

• Captain and expert crew of 3-4 guides/naturalists
• Free photo package of your trip & wildlife, with personal photos of you and your loved ones
• Two washrooms
• Lifetime Whale Sightings Guarantee – new free tour from Vancouver or Victoria until you see whales!
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• $5 per person Salish Sea Conservation Fee (1% For The Planet Initiative) is included in the price
• Downloadable tour guides in English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch
• Kids colouring books and educational guides

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

2. Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (561+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Cruise the Salish Sea in comfort while you search for whales, seals, bald eagles, and otters on this half-day award-winning guided tour. Led by a certified naturalist, this whale-watching experience takes place on a custom-built, high-performance open boat or one of their semi-covered catamarans, allowing you to enjoy whale-watching in Victoria in comfort. Plus, If no whales are sighted, you can return for free.

The entire experience was excellent. Great communication pre-trip, engaging interactions on board, a very well-designed boat and fortunately it was a sunny day with beautiful blue skies and we saw a group of orcas as well as some bald eagles, sea lions and sea otters. The boat was fast and the wind felt cold so wrap up well. Wind breakers gloves and caps were a welcome offering. All in all a fun morning and a must do in Victoria.

-Amit (see more reviews)

This 3.5-hour Victoria whale-watching tour includes:

• Local guide
• Live commentary on board
• $5 Wildlife fee included in price
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Fuel Surcharge

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

3. Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (396+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Get up close and personal on this adventurous 3-hour whale-watching tour in a zodiac! Hop aboard your open-top boat in Victoria Harbour and cruise out into the rolling waves with your guide. This zodiac speedboat is built with stability in mind and remains buoyant even in rough seas. It also allows you to get a little closer to the whales and can move much faster than the bigger boats. Cruise through the Haro Straight to the Strait of Juan de Fuca as you watch the water for sightings of humpback whales, minke whales and orcas breaching the waves, and learn of their life cycle and migration habits.

We had a great time! We saw many whales . It was an incredible experience. Highly recommended. Our guide went above and beyond to find us whales and we got to see humpbacks and orcas.

-Danielle (see more reviews)

This 3-hour Victoria whale-watching tour includes:

• Whale and marine life watching tour on a 12-passenger open-aired zodiac boat
• Expert Guide/Skipper
• All-weather exposure flotation suits
• Lifetime Whale Sightings Guarantee – new free tour from Vancouver or Victoria until you see whales!
• $5 per person Salish Sea Conservation Fee (1% For The Planet Initiative) is included in the price

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

4. Sunset Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (250+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Whale watching is already one of the top things to do in Victoria, but if you can combine it with a magical sunset, even better! Discover a new perspective on Victoria’s striking coastal scenery while having the chance to see Orcas and Humpback whales on this three-hour sunset whale-watching tour!

Make your own way to the dock in Downtown Victoria, and hop aboard their catamaran, equipped with three separate viewing decks where you can be on the lookout for whales, sea lions, eagles, and more. You’ll also get to admire the sunset while learning about the local wildlife from your guide’s commentary.

This was an incredible experience, far exceeded my expectations. I’m terrible with names but I think our guides name was Scott? He was awesome, very knowledgeable, a lot of fun, he made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. And of course , the whales, what a phenomenal site to see not one but two separate pods of killer whales. If I’m ever in Victoria again I will definitely do this again.

-Marie (see more reviews)

This 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in Victoria BC includes:

• Coffee and/or Tea
• Restroom on board
• All Fees and Taxes
• Lifetime Whale Sighting Guarantee – new free tour from any of our locations until you see whales!
• Free photo package of your trip & wildlife, with personal photos of you and your loved ones
• Captain and expert crew of 3-4 guides/naturalists
• Downloadable tour guides: English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch
• Kids colouring books and educational guides

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

5. Victoria Whale Watch Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (229+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for a more comfortable whale-watching experience, this is one of the top Victoria tours. Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on this 3-hour whale-watching cruise in a comfortable, motorized boat. Learn all about the local marine ecology from a naturalist guide while watching for humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals, sea lions, bald eagles and more.

Best whale watching tour we have been on. The boat was perfect size, not too small or too big. Was able to get close to the whales and follow along them easily. Great crew, super informative. Great views of Olympia and the islands which is a bonus Be sure to bring extra layers and jacket. Even during a heat wave we were frozen on the water. Worth it.

-Monica (see more reviews)

This 3-hour whale-watching tour in Victoria includes:

• Professional naturalists and biologists on board each trip
• 3 to the 3.5-hour tour departing downtown Victoria
• Choose either a morning or afternoon departure time

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

6. Hot Tub Boat Victoria

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (67+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for what’s perhaps the most unique of the many amazing Victoria tours, you’ve come to the right place! This is your chance to soak in a wood-fired heated hot tub while cruising through Victoria Harbour. This private hot tub boat is good for 3 to 6 passengers and lets you explore the historic waterfront while relaxing to music from a waterproof speaker. Cool off with a dip in the sea with the security of the boat ladder at your side while enjoying a really unique and relaxing attraction.

Booked as a birthday gift for my 20yr old son and his friends. They had a blast! They were able to jump into the cold water and climb back into the hot tub while out in the bay. The weather was perfect and they even got to see a fantastic sunset as they went in the evening. The instructor was friendly and excellent at covering all the knowledge needed for safety. I wish I had caught her name. Great experiences, memories and laughter and at a reasonable price!

-Happy customer (see more reviews)

This unique hot tub boat Victoria tour includes:

• Waterproof Speaker
• Dry Bags

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

7. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (1,646+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 13 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

If you’re staying in Vancouver and are short on time but still want to experience the city of Victoria, this tour is for you. This 13-hour full-day tour of Victoria travels from Vancouver by coach and ferry gives you the opportunity to witness the region’s stunning waterways and mountains en route to British Columbia’s capital.

Spend the day visiting some of Victoria’s top attractions like the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre (22-hectare) haven for nature enthusiasts. This tour combines guided coach tours and free time to explore on your own and also includes hotel pickups and dropoffs at select hotels.

Our guide Baz, was full of poise, kindness, and hilarity! his knowledge of the greater Vancouver area and Victoria Island added such a great level of detail that no guidebook could ever provide. the butchart gardens! definitely a ++++ to visit the gardens later in the day (2nd half of tour). it was empty! we had the gardens to ourselves!!! after arrving, we were on our own. to experience the beauty without extraneous chatter or bustling crowds on the paths is key! the ferry experience was simplified by Baz’s thoughtful process, careful explanation to the group, and easy-going way with the ferry crew. He literally knows every inch of the tour route and then some!

-Denise (see more reviews)

This 13-hour comprehensive Victoria tour from Vancouver includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (Please call to arrange)
• Professional driver/guide
• Local taxes
• Admission for the ferry
• Admission to Butchart Gardens

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

8. Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Flight

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (124+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 35 minutes | 🚀 BOOK NOW

There’s perhaps no cooler way of getting to Victoria from Vancouver than by Seaplane. This is your chance to not only see some incredible views as you fly from Vancouver to Victoria but to also arrive there in just 35 minutes!

Hop aboard your seaplane in Coal Harbour and take to the skies with your pilot as you look out the window at the Burrard Inlet, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, and Stanley Park’s Brockton Peninsula. You’ll then soar over the Salish Sea, admiring the Gulf Islands’ sandy beaches and dense forests. Just 30 minutes later, you’ll arrive in beautiful Victoria, BC! Flights depart hourly from morning till evening every day

Great way to see Victoria in a day – much faster & easier than ferry. Aerial views are amazing & stunning.

-Yvette (see more reviews)

This 35-minute scenic flight from Vancouver to Victoria includes:

• Taxes and fees
• One way flight

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

9. Pedicab Tour of Victoria from Cruise Ship Terminal

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (200+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

After your scenic ferry ride over to Victoria, what could be better than being picked up in your very own Pedicab with a knowledgeable guide ready to give you a 3-hour tour of the city?

Explore Victoria, British Columbia by pedicab on this 3-hour tour of the city, including convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship terminal. Travel through one of Victoria’s oldest neighbourhoods, James Bay, to one of its oldest grocers. Continue on through Beacon Hill Park, admire the colourful peacocks, and then catch a glimpse of the famous Empress Hotel. For first-time visitors, this is one of the best Victoria tours.

This was the absolute best excursion!! Soren was our pedicab guide and driver. He was so fun and went above and beyond. He gave us so much historical and current info about Victoria. He was also very funny and engaged the kids as well. Don’t miss out on this excursion. 5 stars!!

-Paola (see more reviews)

This 3-hour Pedicab tour of Victoria includes:

• Port pickup and drop-off
• Professional guide
• Live commentary on board
• All taxes, fees and handling charges

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

10. Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (76+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 30 minutes | 🚀 BOOK NOW

You’ve seen Victoria from the ground so now it’s time to see it from the sky! Fly over downtown Victoria on this 20-minute seaplane flight, including the harbour, coastline, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains towering in the distance. With up to only five passengers, this is an intimate, small-group ride navigated by an expert pilot.

A great tour around the Victoria harbor. Wonderful views and fun experience for the whole family. The 20-minutes flight provides unbeatable sights of the area.

-Nicholas (see more reviews)

This 30-minute seaplane tour of Victoria includes:

• 20-minute flight
• Carbon Offset Levy
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

11. Victoria Harbour Kayak Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (28+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Everyone sees the harbour from the city but not everyone sees the city from the harbour! Get a new perspective on Victoria’s beautiful, bustling harbour while getting some exercise on this guided 3-hour kayak tour.

Glide through the historic waterways in a state-of-the-art sea kayak, soaking up fantastic views of where Victoria’s stunning skyline meets the harbour’s wild aquatic landscape. Paddle along the local traffic of seaplanes, ferries and whale-watching boats while keeping an eye out for native wildlife like river otters and harbour seals. Choose between a morning and afternoon departure to suit your schedule.

Relaxing and informative. We saw a side of Victoria that we would otherwise probably not see. Guide was considerate, well-trained and well-informed.

-Sunit (see more reviews)

This 3-hour kayak tour of the Victoria harbourfront includes:

• Professional guide
• Kayak equipment

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

12. Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1,277+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

More than 1,000 5-star reviews? Yup, this is definitely a great tour. Explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on this walking food tour of Victoria, BC. Follow a guide to highlights such as the Parliament Buildings, the Inner Harbor Causeway, Trounce Alley, Bastion and Market squares, Fan Tan Alley, the Harmonious Gates of Interest, and the Victoria Public Market while, and this important, stopping along the way for tasty samples of craft beer, chocolate, tea, tapas, cheese, bread, olive oil, and other local products. What more could you want?

The variety of food stops and pace were excellent! Delicious samples. Highly recommend. It was great to travel down streets with a guide. Victoria is beautiful!

-Joyce (see more reviews)

Choose between morning or afternoon tours on this 2-hour food walking tour of Victoria that includes:

• Accommodation as per itinerary

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

13. Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (75+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Food and a tour of Victoria? Ah yes, please!

When it comes to Victoria tours that involve food, this one is hard to beat. Treat your taste buds to a walking food tour of Victoria’s bustling Fort & Blanshard Streets, which was once known as Antique Row for its abundance of vintage shops. This hip neighbourhood is now filled with trendy restaurants, modern boutique shops, and the arts district, making it one of the top places to visit in Victoria. Follow a local gourmet guide to some of the best eateries in the area including a tea salon, a European-style deli, an authentic taqueria, Middle-Eastern street food, and more. Chat with shop owners and chefs along the way to gain insight into Victoria’s thriving culinary scene. This tour is also limited to 12 for a more personalized tasting experience.

Great tour! Lots of stops, wide variety of samples, nicely balanced! The businesses were very welcoming to our group and the food was excellent! Our guide was exceptional!! We had to leave for the airport before the last tour stop; she made arrangements to get us a take away treat from the last tour stop AND called us a cab!!

-Sara (see more reviews)

This 2-hour food tour of Victoria includes:

• Professional guide
• Food and drink tastings
• Afternoon tea
• Lunch
• Local guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

14. Castles, Hoods & Legends – Bike Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (103+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

If you like biking, this is your chance to spin your way through downtown Victoria and discover some of the top attractions with ease on this Victoria Castles and Neighbourhood bike tour. Hop onto your bike and follow your guide through the city streets while learning about Victoria’s colourful past through its historic buildings and exploring many districts such as the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Chinatown. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views over the Dallas Road waterfront, admire the eery Craigdarroch Castle, cycle through Moss Rock Park and Beacon Hill Park, and soak up the artistic atmosphere in leafy Fernwood.

This was a fun and easy bike tour! Our guide, Mike, was very interesting and incredibly friendly. We got to see a number of Victoria areas and learn some history too. Would absolutely recommend!

-Lynn (see more reviews)

This 2-hour Victoria tour includes:

• Bike Tour
• Local Guide
• Use of Equipment

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

15. Vancouver to Victoria – Coach Bus Transfer

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (56+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

While this isn’t so much a tour as it is transportation, it’s still a great option for those without a car that is trying to get to Victoria from Vancouver. Book a first-class transfer from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria, and enjoy a stress-free journey through western British Columbia with this simple, cost-effective option that offers multiple departure times, seven days a week. Transport is by comfortable motorcoach and the BC Ferry. Once you arrive, book one of the many Victoria tours we mention in this guide.

It was very convenient. We’re on vacation and getting from Vancouver to Victoria can be a challenge. Getting on the bus and off at our destination made the crossing easy. The bus was clean and comfortable and the driver was safe and professional. Thank you for the service. Cheers.

-Jim (see more reviews)

This 4-hour trip from Vancouver to Victoria includes:

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• One-way shared transfer
• BC Ferries Fare

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

16. Historical Victoria Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (86+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Last but not least, one of the best ways to explore a city is by foot, so this is your chance to explore lovely Victoria on this guided walking tour with a local historian. Along the way, take in stunning views of the city’s Inner Harbour while wandering the streets, alleyways, and town squares of Old Town, Bastion Square, and Chinatown, learning about Victoria’s history as you go. The tour is an inexpensive addition to a day of sightseeing and is ideal for first-time visitors. Headsets are also provided to help you hear the guide.

This was a very comprehensive explanation of the history of the Victoria area of Vancouver Island. My wife and I really appreciated starting the story with the indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years prior to European settlement. When we finished we felt we had been given an accurate and concise overview of how Victoria became the place it is today. In the top two of tours of this kind that we have participated in.

-Tony (see more reviews)

This 1.5-hour walking tour of Victoria includes:

• Professional local guide
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Victoria tours. If you have any questions or would like to recommend another tour, leave us a comment below!