Highlights:

• Deluxe motorcoach from point of departure (Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Alberta) to Victoria
• Seven nights just one block from Inner Harbour in Victoria
• Butchart Gardens
• Tour to Saltspring Island
• Cathedral Grove
• Victoria Butterfly Gardens
• Murals of Chemainus
• Farewell Dinner

There’s no better way to shake off the doldrums of winter – join us on Great Excursions’ spring fling where the sea air is fresh, the sun warm, and fragrant flowers and cherry blossoms are in bloom. This is the perfect place and time for enjoying outdoor activities, world-renowned floral displays, waterfront attractions and excellent shopping on Vancouver Island. Unquestionably, Great Excursions’ Victoria Tour is the most relaxing tour our company offers.

And talk about location! You’ll be staying only a block away from the scenic Inner Harbour in Victoria, where many of the city’s premier attractions are: Royal British Columbia Museum, National Geographic Imax Theatre, Undersea Gardens, Legislature building, Beacon Hill Park, Royal London Wax Museum and the famed Empress Hotel. You’ll have time to explore the boutiques, gift shops and marina, where gleaming sailboats, yachts and tour boats pack the floating docks. Relax at an outdoor café, be entertained by colourful street musicians, browse artisan booths lining the streets or enjoy the many pubs, clubs and restaurants that come to life in the evening.

Spring starts early here and one of our stops is Butchart Gardens, a 50-acre landscaped estate. Enjoy the sunken gardens, sculpted walkways, garden teahouses, fountains and profusion of flowering plants, including 100,000 tulip bulbs - truly a photographer's delight. You’ll also visit Butterfly Gardens, an indoor paradise with cascading waterfalls, built to house over 50 different species of butterflies and moths from all over the world. This is a rare opportunity to see extraordinary orchids, carnivorous plants, fanciful tropical birds and to watch butterflies free-flying by the thousands in their own rainforest.

Saltspring Island

Saltspring Island (the largest of the Gulf Islands) bills itself as the Organic Gardening Capital of Canada, and is home to over 200 farms and certified organic growers. Renowned for its vistas, rolling pastures, rocky shores and sandy beaches, Saltspring is the perfect outing. Year-round residents include artists (including wildlife artist Robert Bateman), musicians (such as Valdy), ‘hippies’, conservationists, the very wealthy and unique proprietors - an eclectic community. We’ll travel by ferry to the Island, then journey through the pastoral countryside, where sheep and horses dot the green hills that wind along the ocean. This tour is always set for Saturday to coincide with the outdoor market in Ganges, when the town square comes alive with the colour and vibrancy of local vendors. You’ll also have some free time to stroll along the wharf, tour the many art galleries or relax over lunch in quaint and tasty restaurants.

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove, in MacMillan Provincial Park, is aptly named. Stand in the midst of an ancient old growth forest under giant Douglas fir trees, some that are more than 800 years old. This is nature at its finest, an inspirational experience not to be missed.

Murals of Chemainus

In 1982, the call went out from the residents of Chemainus inviting artists from around the world to use their town as a colossal canvas. Now this delightful costal village reigns as the world’s largest outdoor gallery: 35 murals and 13 sculptures chronicle the area’s history, lore and inhabitants, with new artworks added annually. The vicinity has attracted a vibrant community of painters, sculptors, glass blowers, potters and other artisans who welcome visitors to their studios.

How This Holiday Makes A Difference (Taking a Motorcoach Reduces Your Eco Footprint)

Motorcoaches use significantly less fuel per passenger than individual vehicles – even the most environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles. A motorcoach also offers these environmental benefits (Ontario Motor Coach Association):

• Emits 60 per cent less CO2 than a standard mid-sized car, 54 per cent less than a passenger train and 86 per cent less than a commercial airline.
• Produces up to 20 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions. The ultra-low-sulfur fuel used exclusively on motorcoaches burns cleaner than regular unleaded.
• Requires less parking space (35 square metres compared with 625 for 56 average cars; motorcoaches displace up to 56 cars), reducing the need for larger parking lots and leaving more room for trees and natural habitat.