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

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

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

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

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

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich history and stunning landscapes of San Juan Island with your personal historian. From pristine beaches and panoramic views of nearby islands and waterways to the dramatic Olympic Mountain Range (weather permitting), this tour highlights one of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking destinations. Explore the stories of the Coast Salish people, the lime kiln industry, and the famous Pig War—a 19th-century standoff between the U.S. and Great Britain. Learn about the fascinating communities that have shaped the island's past. With over 20 years of experience as a museum historian and guide, I’m passionate about sharing the vibrant history, culture, and industry of the San Juan Islands. Let’s explore together and uncover the hidden gems and scenic beauty of San Juan Island at your own pace!

Majestic San Juan Island experience with a local historian by private car

Scenic San Juan Island Full-Day Tour

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.

Experience the best of Victoria with my exclusive private tour featuring key attractions including the Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Church and State Winery, and Craigdarroch Castle.

Begin your day early at the Butchart Gardens, exploring the lush landscapes and gift shop for up to 2 hours. Next, visit the Butterfly Gardens, followed by a wine tasting session at Church and State Winery. You may choose to enjoy lunch at their Bistro or savor sandwiches from the Red Barn Market, renowned for its quality.

Afterward, take a scenic drive back to Victoria, where you’ll explore Craigdarroch Castle’s historical grandeur. Conclude your tour with a city highlights excursion, visiting the Lieutenant Governor’s Estate, Beacon Hill Park, Mile 0, Fisherman’s Wharf House Boat Community, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, with ample time for photos at the Inner Harbor.

Explore All The Best Sights of British Columbia's Capital 

Victoria’s Ultimate Full-Day Adventure

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!

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

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.

Night Tour Of Victoria

Day or Evening Picturesque Victoria City Highlights Private Tour

See the best of our beautiful historical city through a locals eye. The colourful Fisherman's Wharf house boat community, the regal Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings nestled within the inner harbour, eclectic Government Street, the LoJo art-filled shopping district, Canada's oldest Chinatown, see the ducks and peacocks at Beacon Hill Park and the world's tallest freestanding totem pole, and in Victoria's oldest neighbourhood we'll see the Government House and the Craigdarroch Castle - this is your day, stop and take photos along the way!

We'll take a scenic waterfront drive views of the snow-capped mountains, city-scape, ocean and countryside.

And that concludes our time together, until we meet again.

A little bit of everything City, Scenery, Sightseeing

This tour was created specifically for Cruise ship passengers whose ships arrive at 7:00 pm or later. Throughout the Season, there will be variables that make arriving later in the evening a challenge. Late arrivals, docking challenges, attraction hours, and sunset times are all factors.

As a professional tour guide, I want each and every guest to feel they received an awesome tour.
This tour option provides 2 to 3 hours of touring time.

If there is time to see Butchart Gardens we will, if not let's explore the city! We will explore as much of the city as we can in the daylight hours available. April -August we will add in a spectacular bird's eye view of the city and surrounding San Juan Islands and maybe finish with a pint in one of our many English pubs around the city.

Sunset times:
May: 9:00pm
June: 9:20pm
July: 9:00pm
August: 8-8:50
September: 7:00-8:00

Make the most of your tour time in Victoria

Late Night Cruise ships to Victoria, BC

Victoria, British Columbia, boasts a rich architectural history that spans centuries.

The sightseeing Tour offers many photo opportunities.

Hatley Castle and Japanese and Italian garden. Government House, built in the mid-1800s, was surrounded by several English gardens and served as the residence of British Columbia's Lieutenant Governors. Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning Victorian mansion built in the early 1890s by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir.

Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley are important cultural sites. The former is the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and the latter is a narrow alleyway filled with unique shops. Bastion Square, a public square in downtown Victoria, is a popular destination for locals and tourists.

The Fairmont Empress, a historic hotel built in the early 1900s, overlooks Victoria's inner harbor and is renowned for its grand architecture and luxurious amenities.

I'm excited to explore the city's rich history and stunning architecture along the way!

Discover Hatley Castle - Government House - Craigdarroch Castle - Clover Point - Chinatown in a Luxury EV9

Family and Friends Be Amazed by Victoria Famous Architecture and History - Shore Excursion

Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Orcas Island on this half-day tour! From the stunning views atop Mount Constitution to the sparkling waters of the Salish Sea, you'll discover why Orcas Island is celebrated as a top travel destination. This serene paradise offers captivating landscapes, fascinating stories, and vibrant local culture. With over two decades of experience living on the island and extensive knowledge from my work with local museums, I’m eager to share hidden gems and historical insights that make Orcas truly special. If you’re looking for a more in-depth adventure, full-day tours are also available. Let’s create your perfect Orcas Island experience!

San juan national historic site tours

Explore with 61 tours and 12 guides.

Melanie K.

$ 692 (USD)

Andy L.

$ 545 (USD)

Michele D.

$ 504 (USD)

Linda A.

$ 611 (USD)

Elizabeth V.

$ 808 (USD)

Rebecca J.

$ 780 (USD)

Kenneth H.

$ 219 (USD)

Alan A.

$ 754 (USD)

Wendy M.

$ 838 (USD)

Elizabeth M.

$ 135 (USD)

Nima A.

$ 423 (USD)

Sila A.

$ 192 (USD)

Melanie K.

$ 338 (USD)

Michele D.

$ 327 (USD)

Andy L.

$ 545 (USD)

Rebecca J.

$ 490 (USD)

Meet your local guides in San juan national historic site

Customize your tour