Enjoy the highlights of Victoria and visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens. Departing Ogden Point your guide will point out the highlights including the majestic legislative buildings, Empress Hotel, Royal British Columbia Museum, and Beacon Hill Park. At Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres. The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths, that were created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting you to the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. Multi-language maps will assist you on your self-guided tour. The gardens are illuminated by thousands of hidden lights in the evening.

OVERVIEW

Spend a delightful evening enjoying the quintessential Victorian tradition of tea and savory treats – but with an alluring twist – at the Fairmont Empress, an iconic hotel that has graced the shores of the Inner Harbor since 1908. Over the years, a Who’s Who of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities have enjoyed afternoon tea at the Empress. But this after-hours affair is quite different as their signature Empress tea will be served iced, not hot, noting special alcoholic cocktails are available for purchase. The culinary offerings will be equally memorable as they will likely include a warm white cheddar & chive biscuit, Vegan Mushroom pate, gluten free tapioca violet mousse. Afterwards, you will have free-time to enjoy the inner harbor, including the domed Parliament Buildings, which dominates the skyline, especially in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Savor a special after-hours tea at the Empress Fairmont hotel, an icon since 1908.
• Sip special seasonal iced teas, rather than hot teas.
• Enjoy a driving tour around the Inner Harbor, which will be dramatically illuminated at night.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Settle in for a panoramic drive through Victoria at night, when the city is brightly illuminated and most atmospheric, and cap off the evening with free time in the Inner Harbour area. Victoria looks captivating any time of the day, but especially at night when the city lights are twinkling. You will begin your exploration near Mile 0 – the western terminus of the nearly 5,000-mile Trans-Canada Highway – continue past leafy Beacon Hill Park and travel on into Old Town, where remnants of Fort Victoria overlook the waterfront. Chinatown is also extraordinarily historic as it is the oldest such neighborhood in Canada. It really comes alive in the evening as shoppers and diners crowd the pedestrian-friendly streets, which are strung with brightly colored lanterns. Not to be outdone, the Parliament Buildings and many of their domes are outlined in thousands of lights. You can further explore this engaging area on foot during free time.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through Victoria’s downtown at night, when the city is most radiant.
• See the best of Old Town and enjoy outstanding views of the oldest Chinatown in Canada.
• Pass the neo-baroque Parliament Buildings, which look spectacular outlined in lights.
• Explore the wonderfully atmospheric and vibrant Inner Harbour area on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a panoramic bike ride through Victoria in the evening when the city lights are twinkling brightly and the urban landscape is spectacularly radiant. The pedaling will be easier than ever – even on any hills that you encounter – as you will be traveling on an electric-enhanced bicycle. Victoria is made for bicycling, in fact, it is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada because it features so bicycle-friendly areas. The guide will point out and describe the main attractions as you ride along the waterfront of the Inner Harbour, where you will find icons such as the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The lights reflecting off the water will make the experience all the more magical. For contrast, you will ride through Chinatown, which is particularly vibrant at night. Chinatown has been designated a National Historic Site for being the oldest such neighborhood in Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride an e-bike through Victoria’s downtown at night, when the city is beautifully illuminated.
• Enjoy easier pedaling as the bike is electric-enhanced and requires less effort on your part.
• Gain an understanding of why Victoria is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada.
• Pass the neo-baroque Parliament Buildings, which look spectacular outlined in lights.
• Pedal through vibrant Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Canada.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Stroll through fragrant Butchart Gardens at your leisure after stopping for a snack at Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution named for the legendary hockey player that co-founded it. A hot beverage and a few tasty Timbits – the franchise’s bite-size donuts – will get you started on the right foot. Once you reach Butchart Gardens, you can wander about as you please. Once a barren rocky quarry, the site has been transformed into a botanical wonderland, beginning in 1912 when Jennie Butchart started depositing topsoil by horse and cart. Over the past century or so, gardens have been added and others expanded to allow for the plants to be grouped by the areas in the world where they are indigenous. Upon arrival, our driver will provide you with a pass and maps, ensuring you have everything you need to explore the gardens at your own pace. You'll have a generous 2 hours to stroll through the magnificent displays of flowers, charming pathways, and serene landscapes. Remember to hold on to your pass carefully, as replacements cannot be printed, and losing it will prevent entry into the garden. Join us on this extraordinary Butchart Gardens and Tim Hortons Adventure for a memorable tour that combines natural beauty, culinary delights, and unforgettable sights.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Meander through Butchart Gardens, a designated National Historic Site of Canada.
• Enjoy a hot beverage and donut morsels from Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution.
• Stop and smell the roses – literally, as there is a garden devoted to these aromatic flowers.
• Drive past landmarks such as the Fairmont Empress hotel and the Parliament building.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise into the pristine nutrient-rich waters off Vancouver Island and fish for salmon in particular as they flourish there in huge numbers. The captain and crew know the prime fishing grounds and the best methods to catch the most desirable species, which will increase your chances for success. All the fishing tackle will be provided so you can just concentrate on landing a big one. Chinook or King Salmon are especially abundant this time of the year as they will be mass migrating past the island and aggressively feeding on baitfish. Either way, the thrill of hooking a big, hard-fighting fish and reeling it in from the depths is an unforgettable experience. While fishing, be sure to scan the waters for other marine life such as sea lions, porpoise, orcas and whales.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Go fishing off Vancouver Island with an experienced crew that know the prime fishing grounds.
• Try your luck at catching salmon, which feed voraciously in these nutrient-rich waters.
• Just bring your enthusiasm as the tackle, bait and fishing tips are all included.
• Look for sea lions, porpoise and whales as they too inhabit these pristine waters.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Pedal through the picturesque streets of Victoria on an electric-enhanced bicycle that offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks with minimal effort. During your carefree ride along the bike-friendly avenues of British Columbia’s historical capital, you will pass Fisherman’s Wharf, where you may spot locals buying seafood fresh off the boats, and Craigdarroch Castle, a magnificent residence that a fabulously wealthy coal baron built during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Emily Carr House is another National Historic Site along the route. The childhood home of the beloved Canadian painter and author played prominently in shaping her art and her outlook on the world. You can also expect to see the Tudor Revival residence where the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia lives and an outstanding example of a Victorian-era burial ground. For a look at Victoria’s stunning natural beauty, you will also pedal along magnificent Dallas Road, which follows the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Pedal an electric-enhanced bicycle that allows you to ride farther with less effort.
• Watch daily life unfold by passing venues where the locals shop such as Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Pass a magnificent castle-like residence that a Scottish coal baron built.
• Take in Victoria’s coastal beauty by a road that follows the shore.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Stroll through two botanical paradises after pausing for a sampling of inspired wines at Church & State Wines. The exact selection of wines will be chosen the day of the excursion, but it may include uniquely blended offerings in the Lost Inhibitions collection paired with seasonal foods. Famed Butchart Gardens is named for the family that established the horticultural wonderland in an abandoned rock quarry more than 100 years ago. As you stroll the winding paths, you will see cascading fountains, bursts of brilliant flowers and some of the world’s rarest plants. Certain areas such as the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden are entirely devoted to one region of the world or type of plant. Another serene setting awaits you just around the corner at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, home to thousands of tropical butterflies and birds. A leisurely stroll through this recreated rainforest makes a fine prelude to the return drive past Victoria’s architectural treasures.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample a selection of wines paired with seasonal foods at Church & State Wines.
• Stroll the natural paths of Butchart Gardens, a botanical wonderland.
• Meander through the recreated rainforest in idyllic Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour provides you an in-depth look into some of the best sights that Victoria has to offer, plus visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Your tour sets out through James Bay through the city's beautiful Beacon Hill Park, home of the world's tallest freestanding totem pole, then a fully narrated tour to the world famous Butchart Gardens. A National Historic Site and spread over 55 acres, there are walking trails that connect lavish floral gardens, cascading fountains, ponds and rock gardens. Here, amidst an enchanting floral aroma, you can enjoy a 2- hour self-guided tour through many themed gardens, including The Rose Garden, The Japanese Garden, The Italian Garden and Butchart’s famous Sunken Garden. After taking in this impressive attraction, continue to Victoria’s Inner Harbor to view the iconic Empress Hotel and BC Legislative Buildings, passing through the “Gates of Harmonious Interest” to see historic Chinatown, the second oldest in North America. You’ll travel past Old Town making your way back to the cruise terminal or use the optional drop downtown to make your own way back to the ship, if time in port permits.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for an enlightening and extraordinarily scenic drive through Victoria as a prelude to browsing the inspiring Royal British Columbia Museum. A sweeping 360° view of downtown from atop Mount Tolmie will set the stage for the urban exploration that awaits you. As you travel through affluent neighborhoods such as Oak Bay and past manicured greenspaces that include Beacon Hill Park, you will hear commentary about historical events that shaped Victoria, a city established in 1843 as a fort to protect trade interests. The Netherlands Centennial Carillon commemorates many of those moments by ringing its 62 bells, often in songs. The carillon stands at the entrance to the museum, which holds a collection of astounding artifacts, documents, and specimens of British Columbia’s natural and human history. While browsing, you may see totems that the First Nations people carved, specimens of reptiles and modern exhibits that tell the story of British Columbia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain a broad understanding of Victoria’s history on a panoramic drive through the city.
• See landmarks such as Thunderbird Park’s totem poles and a soaring carillon with 62 bells.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of downtown Victoria from the summit of Mount Tolmie.
• Spend free time browsing the intriguing exhibits in the Royal British Columbia Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for an enlightening introductory drive through Victoria with stops to snap photos and to explore a heritage church of great architectural significance. The capital of British Columbia, Victoria has retained plenty of greenspaces within its urban downtown. One of the most popular is leafy Beacon Hill Park, an oasis that marks the western terminus or Mile 0 of the nearly 5,000-mile Trans-Canada Highway. You will pause for photos at Victoria’s sheltered Inner Harbour, a hub of activity near landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum and the stately Fairmont Empress hotel. You will also pass through Chinatown, the oldest such neighborhood in Canada. Not far away, you will find the Christ Church Cathedral, an imposing stone building built in the late 1920s in the Gothic Revival style. The interior of the Anglican cathedral is equally impressive, especially the 4,000-pipe organ and stained-glass windows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through the capital of British Columbia and come away with a remarkable overview of the city.
• Pause for photos in the beautiful Inner Harbour.
• Pass landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and drive through Chinatown.
• Browse the interior of the Christ Church Cathedral, a Gothic Revival-style architectural gem. Closed to the general public.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the wilderness on the outskirts of Victoria from atop the Malahat SkyWalk and see the highlights downtown on a panoramic drive. The SkyWalk is an open-air spiral ramp that rises more than 800 feet above sea level. The views will become more sweeping and spectacular the higher you ascend above the forest of Douglas firs and Arbutus trees. From the top of the tower, you will gaze out over the Salish Sea, the Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and a collection of Canadian and American islands. Few sights are quite so dramatic. For added excitement, you can walk out onto the Adventure Net that soars 10 stories above the ground and look straight down. You may also zip to the bottom on the enclosed spiral slide. The scenic drive through Victoria will be exhilarating in a different way as you will see the city’s absolute icons, including the Parliament Buildings.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gaze out over the wilderness from atop the open-air 10-story Malahat SkyWalk.
• Admire the 360° views of the surrounding forest and sea with Mount Baker in the distance.
• Look straight down while standing on the Adventure Net, the only thing between you and the ground.
• Settle in for a panoramic drive through Victoria that presents a variety of key landmarks.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.