Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour
Experience the magic of Christmas on Vancouver Island with our Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour from Vancouver. Travel from Vancouver to Victoria by coach and BC Ferries, explore the festive sights of downtown Victoria, and spend an unforgettable evening surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights at the world-famous Butchart Gardens.
This seasonal day trip combines the charm of Victoria at Christmas with the spectacular holiday displays at Butchart Gardens, making it an ideal experience for couples, families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a little extra Christmas magic.
Tour Highlights
Scenic round-trip travel from Vancouver to Vancouver Island
Approximately 90-minute BC Ferries crossing through the Gulf Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca
Explore Victoria’s beautifully decorated Inner Harbour
See the Fairmont Empress and British Columbia Parliament Buildings illuminated for the holiday season
Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens during its Christmas season
Walk through thousands of sparkling Christmas lights
See the spectacular Twelve Days of Christmas displays
Enjoy festive greenery, decorations, and seasonal displays throughout the Gardens
A convenient guided tour experience with transportation and attraction admission included
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour from Vancouver
Your Christmas adventure begins in Vancouver as we make our way toward Tsawwassen and board BC Ferries for the scenic journey to Vancouver Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately 90 minutes, giving you an opportunity to relax, enjoy the views, grab something to eat, or step outside to take in the scenery.
As you approach Vancouver Island, the holiday adventure continues with a visit to Victoria, one of Canada’s most picturesque cities. During the Christmas season, Victoria’s historic downtown takes on a particularly festive atmosphere, with decorations and lights throughout the Inner Harbour and around some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Explore Festive Victoria
Spend time discovering Victoria’s charming Inner Harbour and historic downtown. Admire the illuminated Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress, stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that makes Victoria such a popular destination during the holiday season.
Depending on the day’s schedule, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the city, take photographs, browse local shops, or enjoy a warm drink before continuing to the highlight of the evening: Butchart Gardens.
Christmas at Butchart Gardens
The magic really begins when you arrive at The Butchart Gardens for its annual Christmas celebration.
The Gardens are transformed for the holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights, festive greenery, and beautifully decorated displays. Follow the illuminated pathways and discover the famous Twelve Days of Christmas displays as you explore this internationally renowned garden after dark.
From sparkling trees and colourful light displays to traditional Christmas decorations, Butchart Gardens offers a completely different experience during the winter months. Bundle up, take your time strolling through the illuminated grounds, and enjoy one of Vancouver Island’s most memorable Christmas attractions.
Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada and has been welcoming visitors for generations. During the holiday season, its gardens provide an atmospheric setting for an evening surrounded by Christmas lights and seasonal displays.
A Magical Christmas Day Trip from Vancouver
A Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour is a wonderful way to experience two of Vancouver Island’s best-known attractions in a single trip.
Rather than arranging ferry tickets, transportation, parking, and Butchart Gardens admission separately, our guided tour brings the major components of the experience together. Sit back and enjoy the journey while we take care of the transportation and logistics.
The combination of a scenic ferry crossing, festive Victoria sightseeing, and an evening at the illuminated Butchart Gardens makes this one of the most memorable Christmas experiences you can enjoy from Vancouver.
What’s Included
Round-trip transportation from Vancouver
BC Ferries transportation to and from Vancouver Island
Scenic ferry crossing between the mainland and Vancouver Island
Guided sightseeing in Victoria
Admission to Butchart Gardens
Time to explore the Christmas displays at Butchart Gardens
Professional tour transportation
Plenty of opportunities for photographs
The Christmas season on Vancouver Island can be cool and wet, particularly after sunset. We recommend dressing warmly and wearing comfortable footwear.
What to Bring
Warm jacket or winter coat
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Umbrella or rain jacket
Gloves, hat, and scarf
Camera or smartphone
Water bottle
Extra layers for the evening
You’ll be spending time outdoors while exploring Victoria and walking through Butchart Gardens, so dressing appropriately will help you enjoy the experience comfortably.
Why Visit Butchart Gardens at Christmas?
Butchart Gardens is beautiful in every season, but Christmas gives the Gardens an entirely different atmosphere. Thousands of lights illuminate the pathways and gardens, while traditional holiday decorations and the Twelve Days of Christmas displays create a festive experience for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re visiting Vancouver Island for the first time or you’re a local looking for a special Christmas outing, the Holiday Lights Tour offers a chance to see one of British Columbia’s most famous attractions in a completely different way.
Perfect for Families, Couples & Christmas Lovers
The Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour is suitable for all ages and makes a great seasonal experience for families with children, couples looking for a festive day out, and groups of friends travelling together.
It is also an excellent choice for visitors to Vancouver who want to experience more of British Columbia during the holiday season without having to organize the transportation themselves.
Tour Itinerary
Departure from Vancouver
Your Christmas adventure begins in Vancouver as we make our way toward Tsawwassen and board BC Ferries for the scenic journey to Vancouver Island.
Scenic Ferry Crossing
The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes through the Gulf Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca, giving you time to relax, enjoy the views, grab something to eat, or step outside to take in the scenery.
Arrival on Vancouver Island
Continue on to Victoria, one of Canada’s most picturesque cities, where the historic downtown takes on a particularly festive atmosphere during the Christmas season.
Festive Victoria
Explore the decorated Inner Harbour and historic downtown, admire the illuminated Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress, browse local shops, or enjoy a warm drink.
Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights
Follow the illuminated pathways through thousands of twinkling lights, festive greenery, and the famous Twelve Days of Christmas displays after dark.
Return Ferry
Conclude your Holiday Lights Tour with a relaxing ferry ride back to Vancouver after an evening surrounded by Christmas lights.
Tour Features
Unforgettable Experience
A scenic ferry crossing, festive Victoria sightseeing, and an evening at the illuminated Butchart Gardens in one trip.
Family-Friendly
Suitable for all ages — ideal for families with children, couples, and groups of friends travelling together.
Tickets Include
Ferry + Butchart Gardens Christmas Admission
Departure Information
Pickup & Drop-off Location
Our typical pickup schedule is as follows:
- 7:00 AM Library Square
- 7:05 AM 909 W. Cordova St.
- 7:10 AM Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel
- 7:15 AM Blue Horizon Hotel
- 7:20 AM Century Plaza Hotel
- 7:25 AM 750 Hornby St.
Book Your Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour
Make this Christmas season one to remember with a day trip from Vancouver to Victoria and the spectacular Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights. Enjoy the scenic journey to Vancouver Island, explore Victoria’s festive waterfront, and finish your day surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights at one of Canada’s most beautiful gardens.
Book your Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour from Vancouver today and experience the magic of Christmas on Vancouver Island.-
Loved the stops at Stanley Park - We loved the stops at Stanley Park, where we spent a good amount of time exploring. The West End offers a great mix of local culture and beautiful mural scenery.... read more 
Kenneth S
August 27, 2024Very friendly - It was an impressive trip with stops in the most outstanding places in the city. Travel agents were very kind and excellent guides. I recommend it for family trips, couples,... read more 
Mireille M
August 26, 2024Hop on and off - Bray was an excellent guide very knowledgeable about the history and geography of the area. Loved the old trolley! Seats r a little hard if you don't have good natural... read more 
Susan R
August 27, 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long is the Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour?
The complete Vancouver-to-Victoria-and-Butchart-Gardens experience is a full-day excursion. The itinerary includes transportation between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, the BC Ferries crossing, time in Victoria, and an evening visit to Butchart Gardens.
Is admission to Butchart Gardens included?
Yes. Admission to Butchart Gardens is included with the tour.
Does the tour include the BC Ferries crossing?
Yes. Round-trip transportation between the Vancouver mainland and Vancouver Island is included, with the ferry crossing taking approximately 90 minutes each way.
What will I see at Butchart Gardens during Christmas?
During the holiday season, Butchart Gardens features thousands of sparkling lights, festive greenery, Christmas decorations, and displays inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. The Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour is suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
What should I wear to Butchart Gardens in winter?
We recommend warm clothing and comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear. Because much of the experience takes place outdoors after sunset, additional layers, gloves, hats, and rain protection are recommended.
Will there be free time in Victoria?
Yes. The itinerary provides time to experience Victoria’s festive downtown and Inner Harbour. Exact free time can vary depending on seasonal operating conditions and the day’s schedule.
Can I take photos at Butchart Gardens?
Absolutely. The illuminated Gardens provide excellent opportunities for holiday and nighttime photography. A smartphone or camera is highly recommended.
Is the Butchart Gardens Christmas experience outdoors?
The majority of the Christmas Lights experience involves walking outdoors through the Gardens, so guests should dress appropriately for winter weather.
When does the Victoria & Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour operate?
This is a seasonal Christmas tour, with operating dates and departure times varying by year. Please check the current booking calendar for the latest availability and schedule.