Embrace the Blooms: A Day at Butchart Gardens

Victoria, British Columbia, is a city that effortlessly marries natural beauty with a rich cultural tapestry. As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the vibrant blooms of the Garden Tour and City & Garden Combo. With the weather forecast promising a mix of clouds and sun, it’s the perfect time to explore the lush landscapes and historic sites that Victoria has to offer.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens, a 50-acre floral wonderland that has been captivating visitors for over a century. With the City & Garden Combo, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens, taking in the stunning displays of tulips, roses, and other seasonal blooms. The tour includes a city highlights tour, allowing you to capture Instagram-worthy photos of Victoria’s most picturesque spots.

“Spectacular Gardens, Great City Overview - This combo tour was outstanding. Our tour guide Neil was excellent - kept a running narrative constantly of all the sights we were seeing with his historical context added great perspective. The Butchart Gardens were stunning. I can’t imagine there being a more impressive public gardens anywhere in the world. Highly recommend.” - Reviewed at 2024-11-04

Savor the Flavors: Wine Tasting and Local Cuisine

After a morning spent among the flowers, it’s time to indulge in some of Victoria’s finest culinary offerings. The Garden Tour includes a visit to the Church and State Winery, where you can savor some of the best local wines on Vancouver Island. With the mild temperatures and a slight chance of rain, the winery’s cozy bistro offers the perfect setting for a relaxing lunch.

Consider dining on the patio, where you can enjoy views of the vineyard while sampling a selection of wines paired with delicious local fare. Whether you choose to dine at the winery’s bistro or opt for a picnic with sandwiches from the Red Barn Market, you’re in for a treat.

“Fabulous ‘highlights’ tour of Victoria and Butchart Gardens - Our Australian family of four found ourselves in Victoria for a few days and wanted to see as much as we possibly could with the limited time that we had available. As we didn’t have a car, we booked several private full day tours with Surfside Tours.” - Reviewed at 2025-01-11

Explore the Past: Historic Sites and Scenic Views

As the day winds down, take a step back in time with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning example of Victorian architecture. The Garden Tour offers a comprehensive look at Victoria’s history, with stops at the Lieutenant Governor’s Estate, Beacon Hill Park, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

With the sun setting at 8:41 PM, there’s plenty of time to explore these historic sites and take in the breathtaking views from Mount Tolmie Park. The tour concludes with a drive through the Fisherman’s Wharf House Boat Community and a photo opportunity at the Inner Harbor, where you can capture the beauty of Victoria’s waterfront.

“Amazing tour! - Alan was an amazing tour guide! He customized the tour based on our priorities and convenience. His knowledge of Victoria and its history added tremendous value to our experience. We can’t believe how many of the major sites we covered without feeling rushed and how we were able to customize the time we spent at each.” - Reviewed at 2024-08-08

This Mother’s Day weekend, treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable experience in Victoria, where the beauty of nature and the charm of history come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring the gardens, savoring local wines, or delving into the city’s rich past, Victoria offers something for everyone.