Butchart Gardens Evening & Victoria Highlights
Victoria, British Columbia
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
- Adult from: $169.00 USD
- Child from: $109.00 USD
From | Message | Reservation # | Date | |
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Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Reserve your dining now | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 |
*Terms & Conditions
Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 2 hrs
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.
Duration 2 hrs
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.
Duration 3 3/4 hrs
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.
Duration 4 hrs
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 top soil 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.
• Try a local snack like poutine and pair it with your favorite drink.
• 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.
Duration 2 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 2 1/4 hrs
Ride through downtown on an electric-enhanced bicycle that will boost your pedal power and reduce the physical demands. After a brief orientation on how best to maximize the experience, you will ride off caravan-style on your e-bike through various urban landscapes that will reveal the true character of Victoria. The city is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada, a title that Queen Elizabeth II first bestowed more than 20 years ago in recognition of Victoria’s “network of urban and wilderness trails and dedicated cycling corridors.” You will follow the guide into areas of great historical and cultural significance, including the Inner Harbour. Its architectural treasures include the neo-baroque, blue-dome Parliament Buildings and the grand château-style Fairmont Empress hotel. You will also pedal through the beautifully landscaped Beacon Hill Park, a waterfront urban oasis that is the western terminus or Mile 0 of the nearly 5,000-mile Trans-Canada Highway.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride an electric-enhanced bicycle that will make pedaling through downtown easier than ever.
• Gain an understanding of why Victoria is considered the Cycling Capital of Canada.
• Pass architecturally and historically important buildings such as the Parliament Buildings.
• Pedal through the serene Beacon Hill Park.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 4 hrs
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.
Duration 2 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 4 hrs
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.
Duration 4 1/4 hrs
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.
*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions
NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.
Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.
Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.
Our group shore excursions are offered in English. Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). The tours offered may vary from cruise to cruise. Please see the detailed information for your shore excursion on board.