Are you vacationing in the San Juan Islands? This beautiful northwest corner of Washington State is crawling (or, rather, swimming!) with sea creatures. A local guide is waiting to share their knowledge about the wildlife in the Pacific Northwest with you on a private Friday Harbor tour around the San Juan Islands.

The tiny San Juan archipelago boasts diverse landscapes, from pebbly beaches to mountain meadows and lush valleys. Much of the coastline offers superb views of snow-covered Mount Baker, and your guide will be sure you get plenty of opportunities for taking photos of this volcanic peak. But it's the wildlife you've come for, isn't it? Get out on a boat in the sparkling Pacific waters and look for Orcas, Gray Whales, Humpbacks, Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Stellar Sea Lions and countless bird species.

Your guide can teach you all about these beautiful sea creatures while chatting about life in the San Juans on your private Friday Harbor tour.

Friday-Harbor

This is an excellent tour for those who have a little extra time. On this private tour, you can set your own pace to explore the enchanting Butchart Gardens' flora and fauna, experience the natural beauty that surrounds you, have time to explore our historic modern city and tour through Victoria's oldest charming neighbourhoods.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Inner Harbour while looking at the spectacular Parliament Building and historic Empress Hotel. We will tour through Canada's oldest Chinatown, colorful Fisherman's Wharf, Craigdarroch Castle. See a muster of peacocks up close and the world's tallest freestanding Totem Pole, the mossy lady while visiting amazing Beacon Hill Park.

Enjoy a scenic seaside and countryside drive, as we drive past quaint farms and modern estates to Beautiful Butchart Gardens. You can dine at the Gardens or we can stop for a bite at a local eatery, enjoy a local winery or cidery

I look forward to sharing beautiful Victoria with you

Enjoy beautiful Butchart Garden, City Highlights, Scenic Country side &amp; Sea Side.

Victoria full day Tour Through A Locals Eyes

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.

Best Private Tour to see the most intriguing attractions in Victoria

Victoria City Highlights and Butchart Gardens

Once upon a time, a person called Andre believed that all gardens were the same and nothing was special about them. However, one day, Andre's perspective changed when his relatives visited and wanted to go to Butchart Gardens.  

Reluctantly, he agreed to go with his relatives to the garden, expecting a dull and uninteresting afternoon. But as soon as Andre entered the park, he was stunned by the beauty of the place. The flowers were arranged in such a way that it seemed like a living, breathing painting. The colours were vibrant, and the scents were intoxicating.

Eventually, Andre became so enamoured with the Butchart Gardens that he started giving visitors tours. He also discovered that Victoria was full of beautiful places and exciting history. So, he became a tour guide for the city, sharing his newfound knowledge and love for the site with anyone willing to listen.

Enjoy your half-day tour in comfort of a Luxury Vehicle, fall in love with Victoria Beauty the Gem of Canada.

The Number One Family Attraction. The Butchart Gardens + City Tour with a Local Guide in Luxury EV9

Explore Victoria's Inner Harbor, Chinatown, and see the unique architecture of the old saloons and brothels of Victoria's waterfront.
Hear stories about Victoria's interesting and often shocking history, from the opium dens of Chinatown to gold rush era showdowns.
You'll learn about the First Nations peoples who carved the historic totem poles at Thunderbird Park. We'll walk the beautiful gardens at Beacon Hill Park, and visit the home of one of Canada's most beloved artist, Emily Carr.
If you don't see the time you want for your tour please contact me and I will do my best to accommodate you.
This tour is an easy walk without any hills to climb and provides you with the opportunity to see some of Victoria's most famous landmarks.

Frist chocolate store in Victoria EST 1885

One of Victoria oldest buildings. Learn about the remarkable woman who owned it.

Get your picture taken with the Canada Sign

Private Walking tour

limited Time in Victoria, Walking Tour

Back Country Roads to Butchart Gardens Tour

Experience the beauty of Vancouver Island on a private tour to Butchart Gardens and beyond. We'll start our journey with a scenic drive along charming backcountry roads, taking in wonderful scenery of local farms and vineyards. Along the way, we can make stops for photos or to visit points of interest.

Your destination is Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned 55-acre garden established in 1906 and still owned by the original family. With each season, the gardens transform with new and vibrant flowers, towering trees, and beautifully designed landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll through the various gardens. Afterwards, as time allows and at your pace, we explore Victoria's hidden gems, such as a drive along the seaside communities along Juan de Fuca strait, a stroll through historic Rockland neighbourhood to see Craigdarroch Castle, and a visit to the Oldest Chinatown in Canada and Victoria's Inner Harbour.

Spring at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC features rhododendrons, tulips, cherry blossoms. Amazing time of year.

The sunken garden changes with every season at Butchart Gardens

A hidden view of Brentwood Bay at Butchart Gardens which is situated on the water, in Vancouver Island

Victoria, BC Inner Harbour - a bustling place with the Olympic snow capped mountains behind

A drive to the gardens by extraordinary scenic roads and highlights of Victoria

Highlights of Victoria Half Day Tour and Butchart Gardens

Join me for a fun day starting with a quick visit to the charming Fisherman's Wharf, an eclectic collection of colourful floating homes and restaurants! Stop by the vibrant inner harbour with the grand historic Legislative buildings and exquisite Empress Hotel. Pass through Old Town Victoria and the Canada's oldest Chinatown.

Enjoy the scenic route to the famous Butchart Gardens! Wander along winding paths surrounded by beautiful gardens, shrubs and stunning floral displays. Listen to the waterfall. Stop and smell the roses (in season). Enjoy the serene waters and stepping stones of Japanese Gardens. Stroll by the beautiful colors of the Italian Garden. Relax on a bench and soak in the natural beauty of Butchart Gardens.

Enjoy scenic viewpoints, stop by historic Craigdarroch Castle and Government House (time permitting).

Floating food kiosks at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a private scenic tour of the charming city of Victoria and visit the famous Butchart Gardens

Local Highlights and Best of the City - Shore Excursion

In 2023 Conde Nast Travellers Readers' Choice Awards*, honored Victoria with the title of "Best Small City in the World"? Now it's your turn to discover this vibrant city and international gateway!

Situated on "my favorite island in the Pacific" and loved by cruisers and travelers alike, this cosmopolitan yet charming city holds a special place in many hearts. As a young girl, I would sit in the daffodil fields of Beacon Hill Park and watch Chief Mungo Martin carve the world tallest free-standing totem pole. Join me on this 4-hour tour as we take a drive to discover the "Story Pole" and other intriguing tales.

It would be my pleasure to welcome you for an amazing day of sight-seeing, and to experience the city and it's many hidden gems as seen through a locals perspective. This tour is ideal for first time vacationers or a perennial visitor. As a photography enthusiast, I dedicate time to capture your group's memorable moments, ensuring each photo becomes a cherished memory of its own.

Inner Harbour through the bronze binoculars.

Royal BC Museum, gift shop and IMAX theatre

Forever popular BC Parliament Buildings, CPR Steamship Terminal, Victoria Harbour Water Taxi aka: Water Pickle or Toot-Toots

Fairmont Empress Hotel ~ Grandeur and Grace!

Butchart Gardens spectacular fireworks every Saturday during July & August

Craigdarroch Castle, you may recognize this iconic landmark in scenes from Hollywood films.

Butchart Gardens ~ bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a world-class fireworks show on Saturday evenings in July & August.

"The Story Pole" World's tallest free standing totem pole"

Thunderbird Park ~ learn the story of Tribal Chief Mungo Martin

Explore the *Best Small City in the World* and Butchart Gardens... the best of everything in 1 day!

From the views at the top of majestic Mount Constitution, to the sparkling water of the Salish Sea, Orcas Island delivers incredible scenery and beautiful places to discover and explore. You will soon see why Orcas Island is consistently listed in magazines and newspapers as a top travel destination.

Orcas Island is a relaxing paradise, and I look forward to sharing our natural wonder, rich history, and evolving culture as we experience the highlights of this beautiful island I have been privileged to call home for over two decades.

My work with local museums, decades of historical research, and extensive docent experience set me apart as a value-added guide, and I am ready to facilitate your unique Orcas Island adventure.

Walking around Mountain Lake, Moran State park

Early morning on Orcas Island with a ferry approaching the terminal

Mount Baker as seen from the top of Mount Constitution

Mount Baker from the ferry approaching Orcas Island

Washington State ferry en route to the San Juan Islands

Walk on passengers disembark first when arriving by ferry at Orcas Island

Orcas Island with Mount Baker in the distance

Eastsound, Orcas Island as seen from a plane

Orcas Island with a ferry at the terminal as seen from a plane

Another view from the top of Mount Constitution, Moran State Park

View from the top of Mount Constitution, Moran State Park

The view from the top of Mount Constitution

Bald eagle flying near the Orcas Island ferry terminal

Bald eagles resting near the Orcas Island ferry landing

Orcas Island highlights with a local historian by private car

Enchanting Orcas Island Half-Day Tour

Experience the charm and history of Victoria on a scenic drive with me. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems as we explore its rich heritage and beauty.

Butchart Gardens: Visit Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre estate transformed from an old lime quarry into a breathtaking garden, celebrated for over 120 years. Its stunning layout and vibrant landscapes are sure to captivate you.
Experience Victoria’s charm with me, exploring vibrant harbors, historic landmarks, and serene gardens on this picturesque tour.

This tour blends iconic sights with serene beauty, perfect for experiencing Victoria in comfort.

Discover the Highlights of British Columbia's Capital

Victoria & The Butchart Gardens: Deluxe City and Garden Experience

Cruise Ship Special - Victoria City Highlights - Express Shore Excursion

Express EV Tour Bundle of Victoria, perfect for those on a tight schedule, and explore the city's highlights in just a few hours. From Mile "0, " the Trans-Canada Highway's iconic start, to the towering totem pole and grand Craigdarroch Castle, we've curated a whirlwind journey capturing the city's essence. Dive into vibrant Chinatown, wander Fan Tan Alley, experience Inner Harbour's inviting atmosphere, and savor the charm of Fisherman's Wharf. Ideal for those with limited time, our tour ensures you don't miss Victoria's key attractions while fitting seamlessly into your schedule.

Tours can be customized, let me know how I can make your experience a reality.

Lots of Opportunity for Photo stops

Time-efficient Victoria sightseeing, for the person with a time-sensitive time-table.

Highlights of Victoria BC Tour - Full Day

In this amazing and once a lifetime visit, We are going to see this historical city from late 1800's and Gold Rush, Wild West, Chinese Migration, Trades of Cottons and Opioid, Wood Mils, British Royal Navy to Canadian Royal Navy time today.

we will be walking trough history and time machine and remember them all.

We do discover them all together, find out about what BC Royal Museum would offer be offering us, with some taste of local colliery such as restaurants and Local Breweries.

It will be your amazing tour for 5. 5 Hours of your best touring experience possible ever had, on board of my Luxury Fleet MiniVan(Chrysler T&C).

We are going to explore this beautiful amazing city together

Half Day Victoria Inner Harbour Walking + Butchart Gardens

If you have a short time and would like to see the highlights of the city , this tour is for you.

The tour includes:

Fisherman's Wharf, The Butchart Gardens and Inner Harbour; Empress Hotel, Legislative Building, Thunderbird Park.

Butchart Gardens is available on Wednesdays- Sundays only until 10:00 pm.

San juan tours

Explore with 61 tours and 12 guides.

Melanie K.

$ 689 (USD)

Michele D.

$ 460 (USD)

Andy L.

$ 545 (USD)

Elizabeth M.

$ 134 (USD)

Elizabeth V.

$ 804 (USD)

Linda A.

$ 609 (USD)

Wendy M.

$ 835 (USD)

Rebecca J.

$ 400 (USD)

Alan A.

$ 521 (USD)

Kenneth H.

$ 218 (USD)

Nima A.

$ 421 (USD)

Sila A.

$ 191 (USD)

Meet your local guides in San juan

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