Private tour in Victoria Michele D

Victoria City Highlights and Butchart Gardens

5.0

(46) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Michele D.

5.0

Guide rating

107

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi there! "Get off the bus"!! Book your Customized Private Tour with me! I Love Victoria and I know you will fall in love with it too! NOTE: If you are looking for a tour during the winter months - please message me directly! Victoria, BC is a unique and charming city chock full of little hidden gems. It is my home and I enthusiastically share its treasures with all of my guests. I have strong enthusiasm for supporting Local Artists and Small Locally owned shops. When I travel, I Love to bring home treasures that are unique to my experiences there. So, I have developed some special Tours with a mix of Traditional Sightseeing with Local shopping. As Victoria's MBassador (yes, MBassador) for one of Canada's top luxury destination clubs I have provided Concierge services and assisted in trip planning for its members for the last 13 years. So, it was a natural fit for me to expand into Tourism and help YOU plan your Travel time. I've lived in several cities across Canada and North America and have been incredibly fortunate to have traveled to over 20 countries. Isn't Travelling great? Of course, you know it is that's why you're here - reading this!! When I travel, the best information comes from the people who live there and so hiring a Private guide is always something I do at least once each trip. In my free time, I like to EAT - a lot!! But I do spend a lot of time on my e-Bike, so I justify that. I am active in the community, am a member of several organizations like Tourism Victoria and the Chamber, and Love to network - is that nerdy? Other things I like…. TV, Movies, Live theatre, My daughter's adorable puppy, my amazing girlfriends, and oh yes, my partner too, puzzles - another nerdy thing. But I think mostly, aside from my peeps, I LOVE to shop, and I am a strong advocator for SHOP LOCAL. Oh yes, and I volunteer a fair bit, especially kid's charities. OK - enough about me maybe? YES! BACK TO YOU NOW! Take a look at my Tour options and just remember - It's a CUSTOM, Private Tour. Everything is flexible for groups of up to 6 people. Fully insured and licensed with the Transportation Board of BC Transportation is a Lincoln Navigator, with excellent Viewing windows and comfortable seating. I provide Bottled Water, Re-usable Shopping Bags, Shopping discounts, Umbrella, Cell phone charging, and sometimes Candy! Licensed Commercial operator (PT #72403) and fully insured Authorized operator to provide shore Excursions to Cruise ship passengers arriving in Victoria, bc 15 years experience as Concierge for Luxury Destination Club 8 years as a professional tour guide Member of Destination Victoria, Aboriginal Tourism of BC, Victoria Chamber of Commerce

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Michele D.

Overview of your Victoria tour

This is an excellent Tour for first-timers to Victoria in a limited amount of time. Or those travelers who simply want the lay of the land and great information to explore more extensively later. Or even Locals who are curious about the history of the architecture and the people who shaped Victoria into what it is today. During this fully narrated tour, you will visit all the best attractions in the city and visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Learn some history, fun facts, and great stories. The Butchart Gardens are not just for garden enthusiasts. It is a masterpiece of flora and fauna. You will learn how, over 100 years ago, Jennie Butchart transformed an unsightly lime quarry into a Magical Garden. CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR: Add time for lunch at the beautiful former home of Jennie and Robert Butchart. Visit Butterfly Gardens or tour the interior of the Craigdarroch Castle. Inquire with me for details.

Recent Reviews

Susan M.United States
2 weeks ago

Michelle is exceptional in her ability and willingness to suggest ways to make your tour just want you didn't know you wanted it to be!

Rita S.United States
August 2026

Michelle was wonderful! Very sweet, informative!

Julie B.United States
August 2026

Michele was a great tour guide. She met us as soon as we arrived in Victoria and we enjoyed the walking tour in the downtown area, visit to Fisherman's Wharf and other locations outside the city area. Michele was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. She gave us great pointers for our visit to Butchart Gardens. Great communication during the booking process and follow up before our arrival. Would highly recommend her as a local guide. We are so glad we used the Tours by Locals for our day visit to Victoria! It is a beautiful city!

Dhiren S.United States
August 2026

Absolutely loved the tour by Michele. Very knowledgeable.

Glenn S.United States
July 2026

Michele gave us a great tour of Victoria. Her knowledge of the area and her relaxed yet professional manner made the entire experience a delight. She was ready to pick us up from the cruise terminal on time. She drove us to Butchart Gardens giving us the "insider tips" to see all the nooks and quiet places while there. After spending time there she took us to the highlights of Victoria. The vehicle is comfortable and clean. If you have to sit in the back seat she has a sound system that allows you to hear her commentary over all the road noise. That was unexpected but really nice. We would highly recommend Michele to anyone heading to Victoria.

Michael B.United States
July 2026

Michele was an amazing guide. Her van was super clean and fit our group of 6 comfortably. She gave us options on what we wanted to visit after Buchart Gardens, with loads of information about the gardens and our stops in Victoria. It rained (which is fairly typical) and she had umbrellas for us to use. The gardens don’t allow guides, but she gave us pointers on where to go and highlighted spots to make sure we see. Start to finish, a fantastic excursion for us, and so much better than the large bus options that the cruise lines offer.

Your Victoria tour itinerary

The following stops may be in a different order depending on pickup locations HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Inner Harbour, BC Legislative Building & Empress Hotel Thunderbird Park (Indigenous story poles & history) Chinatown - Oldest in Canada and a wander through the infamous narrow Fan Tan Alley. Fisherman's Wharf - quirky and colourful gem-coloured float home neighbourhood Butchart Gardens - NOTE: If you have mobility issues, I recommend pre-booking a scooter before your tour date. Details are on the Butchart Gardens site. Garden visit is self-guided. IF TIME PERMITS: Other possible highlights Craigdarroch Castle - a baronial bonanza castle built in 1908 by Victoria's legendary Coal Baron Robert Dunsmuir Government House - the official residence/offices of the Lt. Governor (representative of the Crown). And the surrounding historic neighbourhood - Rockland Beacon Hill Park, the world's tallest totem pole, and Mile Zero with a tribute to Canadian legend Terry Fox.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

2025 Honda Odyssey Touring Van. Comfortable seating for up to 7 passengers. The guide/driver has a microphone so all passengers can hear the commentary throughout the tour. All modern features such as cell phone chargers, AC etc.

What's included
Other: Professional Guide, Water, snacks and Umbrella if required
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission to Butchart Gardens. Prices for 2023 range from $20 - $40 Admission to Craigdarroch castle if you are extending the tour time is approx. $20/adult.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Butchart Garden admission ranges from $20 for youth to $42.00 per adult
Meeting location

Ogden Point, Dallas Road, Victoria, BC, Canada

Harbour Air, Clipper or Black Ball ferry terminal, Cruiseship Port, Hotels, or private residents within the Great Victoria area. If you need a pick-up at the International Airport or BC Ferry terminal please note that travel time is calculated into the tour time unless otherwise arranged.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Architecture
History
Off The Beaten Path
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
547010
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Victoria best suited for?

This private tour in Victoria is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the city's highlights in a limited time, as well as locals interested in the history and architecture of Victoria. It's also great for families, as it's kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. You'll enjoy a narrated journey through the city's top attractions, including the famous Butchart Gardens.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Victoria be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Victoria suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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