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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A visit to Victoria would not be complete without a trip to Butchart Gardens and you’ve not seen anything like the Victoria Butterfly Garden’s lush tropical world. Enjoy the city sights as you make your way out to the rural home of both these beautiful gardens. The Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site with a 55- acre wonderland of flowers, rare trees, winding paths and cascading fountains. Explore the many themed gardens; the Italian Garden, Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. The other main attraction on this tour is Victoria Butterfly Gardens. This beautiful warm tropical garden has thousands of exotic, free flying butterflies, as well as an impressive insectarium, flamingos, dozens of other tropical birds and reptiles, and Koi swimming in the stream and pond. A 12,000 sq. ft. enclosure, the Gardens features 200 species of orchids and thousands of tropical plants including Foods of the World and Carnivorous Plant displays. Reboard your coach to see the highlights of Victoria, including North America's second oldest Chinatown, historic Old Town, and the Inner Harbor, home to the iconic BC Legislative Buildings and the Empress Hotel.

Experience Victoria's highlights and the two most popular attractions, a 19th century Victorian castle and the world famous Butchart Gardens. Your tour will start by motor coach through the city's Beacon Hill park before arriving to Craigdarroch Castle. Now a National Historic Site, the castle gives visitors a rare glimpse of what privileged life was like during the reign of Queen Victoria. Your informative self-guided tour will take you through many of the castle’s 39 lavish rooms and up the stairway to Craigdarroch’ s signature tower. Continue the Highlights of Victoria to your next must see stop, the Butchart Gardens, spread over 55 beautiful acres. Here, amidst an enchanting floral aroma, you can take a self-guided tour through many themed gardens, including The Rose Garden, The Japanese Garden, and the picturesque Sunken Garden. We then travel through Chinatown to the downtown Inner Harbour, Victoria’s centerpiece and home to The Royal BC Museum, the BC Legislative Buildings, and the iconic Empress Hotel. Take advantage of the optional drop off downtown to further explore on your own (if time in port permits) or enjoy the highlights back to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Board your bus for a narrated scenic snapshot of Victoria and its many sights including Beacon Hill Park, Mile 0, Beach Drive, Chinatown, and the beautiful Inner Harbor. This tour of British Columbia’s capital city will pass stately homes, manicured flower gardens, and historical sights. Victoria’s centerpiece is downtown's Inner Harbor, home to the Royal BC Museum, BC Legislative Buildings, and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Time permitting, choose to end your tour downtown for plenty of sightseeing, shopping and dining, or the night market, and return to the ship via shuttle or taxi or enjoy a 25- minute stroll back to the ship. If not ending your tour downtown, enjoy the return trip back to the ship through the quaint James Bay neighborhood.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a narrated tour offering panoramic views of Victoria’s most stunning landmarks.
• Scenic overview of Victoria, including Beacon Hill Park, Mile 0, Beach Drive, Chinatown, and Inner Harbor.
• Pass by stately homes, flower gardens, and notable landmarks like the Royal BC Museum, BC Legislative Buildings, and Fairmont Empress Hotel.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an immensely scenic and highly entertaining drive through Victoria, the compact capital of British Columbia with a distinctly Canadian flavor. You will hit the highlights, but none so broadly illuminating as a stop atop Mount Tolmie for a sweeping 360 degree view of the city. Major attractions in the heart of Victoria include the grand Parliament complex along the Inner Harbor, the British-influenced Empress Hotel, the University of Victoria and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, which was settled by the 19th-century Chinese immigrants that arrived to build the railways and join the gold rush. Still, few institutions are more well-known in Victoria than Tim Hortons, where you will pause for a cup of its signature coffee. Try some Timbits. By tour’s end, you will know more about Victoria than you ever imagined as you will play trivia along the way and receive a Canadian goodie bag.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain an overall perspective of Victoria on a panoramic drive through the downtown.
• Pass landmarks such as the Parliament complex, Chinatown and the Empress Hotel.
• Enjoy a cup of coffee and 4 small Timbits, at Tim Hortons, a downtown institution.
• Play Canadian trivia for prizes during the drive and receive a Canadian goodie bag.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a panoramic drive through Victoria’s inner harbor in the evening, when the city lights are twinkling brightly, and the urban landscape is spectacularly radiant. You will first pause at the Canadian institution Tim Hortons for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a few tasty Timbits, the franchise’s bite-size donuts. Then just settle in and admire the sights, perhaps the most famous being the grand Fairmont Empress, a château-style hotel built in 1908 that overlooks the waterfront. The domed Legislative Assembly of British Columbia dominates the skyline because it is outlined in brilliant white lights. Other landmarks that look more dramatic at night include the Maritime Museum and Royal BC Museum. Throughout the trip, the tranquil waters of the inner harbor will reflect the city lights, making the setting all the more memorable. As a parting gift, you will receive a classic Canadian goodie bag.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through Victoria’s inner harbor at night, when it is beautifully illuminated.
• Pass landmarks such as the Parliament complex and the Fairmont Empress hotel.
• Enjoy coffee and donut morsels from Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution.
• Play Canadian trivia for prizes during the drive and receive a goodie bag.

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

Take an insider’s tour of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a national historic site that is more commonly known as the Centre of the Universe. The observatory perches on Little Saanich Mountain high above Victoria and has been instrumental in studying the night sky since opening more than a century ago. Its two telescopes have contributed significantly to our understanding of the Milky Way, magnetic stars and distant quasars and galaxies. But you don’t have to be an astronomer to appreciate the observatory’s research and findings. An enlightening planetarium show will make even the most complex astronomical concepts easier to understand. You will see the original model of the telescope that journeyed to the world’s fair in 1915. You will also see the original 2.2-ton mirror for the telescope, world events at the start of the 20th century made the journey of this mirror quite special.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, also known as the Centre of the Universe.
• Watch an enlightening presentation in the planetarium.
• Gain an understanding of the discoveries made at the observatory over the past century.
• Travel through Victoria’s beautiful downtown on the way to and from the observatory.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Victoria is one of the most picturesque cities in North America – it exudes old world charm and has a distinctively British flair. You’ll discover the heart and soul of the “City of Gardens” on this tour and appreciate why so many visitors from around the world come each year to visit. Starting at Ogden Point you’ll head into the residential neighborhoods, complete with manicured lawns, abundant flowers of all shapes and sizes, and million-dollar views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountain range. Your tour will continue through the city's impressive Beacon Hill Park, complete with free flying peacocks and the world's tallest freestanding totem pole. After enjoying the sites of old town and Chinatown, you’ll enter Victoria's Inner Harbor. This lively area is home to the Royal British Columbia Museum, numerous street performers, craft vendors, food stalls, legislative buildings, and the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.

OVERVIEW

There are fewer cities more spectacularly suited for a walking tour than Victoria. This delightful two-hour excursion will commence at the cruise terminal and start out along the seawall that is lined with the well-manicured lawns and gardens of those lucky enough to live with a view of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and the Olympic Mountain Range. Stepping away from the bustle of the cruise terminal, walk down into the heart of town which is full of shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and much more. The Inner Harbor of Victoria is a bustling and vibrant area with regular seaplane departures to the surrounding islands, street performers, local crafts and food vendors. This is also the location of the Royal BC Museum, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel with its façade of century-old ivy covered walls. As you make your way through the city, your experienced local guide will share with you the inside stories and history of the area and a true insider's knowledge of all things unique to the City of Victoria. Your guided tour concludes on the lawns of the Empress Hotel and you are encouraged to further explore Downtown on your own before heading back to the ship at your leisure. For those who don't wish to walk back, a shuttle will be available.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk around Victoria at a leisurely pace that allows you to really take in the sights.
• Make note of neighborhoods and shops that you might like to explore further on your own.
• Listen to the guide elaborate on the city’s founding and significant role in the gold rush.
• Remain in town if you choose and browse iconic landmarks such as the Fairmont Empress hotel.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

The city of Victoria is steeped in old world charm. With its manicured lawns and impressive displays of gardens and hanging baskets adorning the streets, you’ll see why Victoria is nicknamed the “City of Gardens”. At the cruise terminal you’ll board your trolley, powered by two magnificent draught horses. Your journey will take you past the gorgeous historical homes, located between the cruise terminal and the downtown inner harbor. Enjoy the lively narration of your guide as they “giddy up” and “whoa boy” this tour through town! You’ll see the largest park in Victoria, as well as the famous Empress Hotel, and the British Columbia legislative buildings. Sit back and relax as you’re carried by real horsepower back to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Tucked behind a stately hedge in a quiet suburb lies one of Victoria’s best kept secrets- the magical Abkhazi Garden with its exquisite design and rich history. During this self-guided walk, wander through this beautiful garden of dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas. Then, filled with the garden’s sights and scents, retreat to the charming teahouse to enjoy a three-tier Royal tea. Seated in the teahouse-Prince and Princess Abkhazi’s original residence- allow yourself to be transported back in time, as your guide recounts the couple’s captivating story of privilege and tragedy, separation, and romance. It’s a story that spans three continents and a world war, and which gave life to this exquisite garden. Finally, relaxed by the tranquility of this garden oasis and replete after a royal tea, reboard your coach for a reflective city tour before heading back to the pier. Garden is closed to the general public.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Sample wines and ciders characteristic of the island’s fertile Cowichan Valley at three acclaimed estates whose vineyards and apple orchards thrive in their nurturing microclimates. As you will discover during the tasting at Enrico Winery, it produces eight varietals used in blends that beautifully reflect the terroir. The most popular grape grown in British Columbia, the Pinot Gris produces particularly memorable wines. Similarly, an enlightening tour and tasting at Cherry Point Estate Wines will showcase the virtues of its vineyards, which are among the largest on the island. You may be served a silky Pinot Noir with big cherry aromas, a luscious Gewürztraminer and an Ortega with floral notes. Then, there is Merridale Cidery & Distillery, where you will sample a selection of beverages that may include ciders made with peach brandy, wildflower honey or berries. Other highlights include a photo stop along the island’s southern shore and a driving tour through Victoria.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a tasting of distinctive wines after touring two estates with ideal terroirs for growing grapes.
• Sample a selection of unusually flavored ciders at Merridale Cidery & Distillery.
• Snap photos of the island’s natural beauty at a lookout along the southern shore.
• See many of Victoria’s landmark attractions on a panoramic drive through downtown.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Sample a selection of craft beers and single-malt whiskies made with locally sourced ingredients at the only combined microbrewery and distillery in Canada. A guide in a Scottish tartan kilt will lead you on an entertaining behind-the-scenes tour of both locales – Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery – and describe the production of the whiskies and beers in detail. You can expect it to be an eye-opening experience as these libations are made exclusively using traditional techniques that guarantee their extraordinary quality. During the tastings, you will be served two distinctly aged whiskies and three beers that may include an aromatic raspberry crème brûlée ale, an IPA made from four different hops and a sour beer flavored with coriander and salt. An enlightening driving tour through Victoria follows, during which you will pass through Canada’s oldest Chinatown and view the iconic Empress Hotel and grand Parliament complex along the Inner Harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an insider’s tour of Canada’s only combined microbrewery and distillery.
• See how the various craft beers and single-malt whiskies are produced using traditional techniques.
• Sample a selection of beers and whiskies made with locally sourced ingredients.
• View many of the landmarks in downtown Victoria on an enlightening driving tour.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover why Victoria is so revered for its cuisine through inspired tastings and admire the gorgeous scenery while traveling between venues. The exact restaurants will be chosen the day of the excursion, but you can expect to visit Victoria’s trendiest, most characteristic ones. James Bay, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is nearly surrounded by water so chances are you will be treated to seafood after strolling the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Wharf. A ferry will bring you to the upper harbor, where you will find Chinatown, which is the oldest such neighborhood in Canada. You will also be treated to a craft beer or cocktail sampling in the Bastion Square area of Old Town. The square looks out over the picturesque inner harbor. Continue along Government Street to your final tasting at the original location of Rogers Chocolates, open for business since 1885. From here, your tour concludes in front of the iconic Fairmont Empress where you can opt to remain downtown at your leisure or return on the shuttle bus.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk from restaurant to restaurant and discover why Victoria is such foodie paradise.
• Sample characteristic dishes and beverages made with local ingredients.
• Take in the sights between samplings in Chinatown, Old Town and the James Bay neighborhood.

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

Victoria is the gateway to Puget Sound, the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands and is home to three resident orca pods, transient orcas, humpback whales, Minke and gray whales, as well as a variety of other marine life. You'll have an opportunity to view porpoises, Pacific dolphins, sea otters, Steller and California sea lions and more. This tour is designed to showcase to you as much wildlife as possible, as they explore their natural feeding grounds along the shores of British Columbia's rugged coastline.

Your journey begins at the Ogden Point Cruise Terminal, where you'll be escorted to the whale watching vessel departure point. Our large covered vessels offer onboard washrooms, complimentary hot drinks, marine naturalists, snacks for purchase, and hydrophones to hear the call of the whales if they are vocalizing during the tour. As you travel to the viewing location, be sure to enjoy the majesty of the coastlines and mountains surrounding you!

Experience an exhilarating ride up to 40 mph as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic ziplines ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettable 1000 feet. Your professionally trained guides emphasize safety and comfort, ensuring a ride full of thrills, awesome beauty and great memories. As you descend through the forest and over the beautiful Sooke Hills, British Columbia, your guides will provide you with interesting facts and stories about the local ecology and history of the area. This guided tour promises to be unforgettable, so step to the edge and let yourself go!