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A Day Trip to Victoria, BC đŸŒ·An island escape for 12 hours

  • Writer: Megan Brillos
    Megan Brillos
  • May 4
  • 4 min read

Parliament building in Victoria
Parliament building in Victoria

Craving a break from Vancouver without paying for a hotel room? I've got you. Sometimes you just need a quick escape to reset your life. Not a full-on road trip, not a multi-day mission, just enough of a change of scenery to feel like you’ve done something delightfully different. Enter: Victoria, B.C.'s "Garden City" due to its beautiful florals.


It’s coastal, it’s cute, and it’s surprisingly doable in a day. We’re talking floatplanes, fish tacos, flower gardens, and that “am I still in BC?” feeling. If you’re craving ocean air and old-world charm without packing an overnight bag, this one’s for you.

Seaplane views of Victoria
Seaplane views of Victoria

Getting There: Choose Your Adventure

You’ve got two excellent options:

Option 1: The Classic BC Ferries Adventure

  • Drive or transit to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

    • 1.5-hour ferry ride with mountain views and mini donuts (essential)

  • From downtown Vancouver, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (depending on traffic). Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes early if you have a vehicle reservation. Take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station. Transfer to the #620 Tsawwassen Ferry bus (runs regularly). Total time from downtown Vancouver is about 1.5–1.75 hours. Buy a ferry passenger ticket before getting on the bus because it saves time and guarantees boarding.

  • Head to the upper deck or front lounge for the best photo ops as you cruise through the Southern Gulf Islands.

  • Onboard perks include wifi and a designated dog area for furry friends

  • After you get off the ferry, its an easy 30-minute drive along Highway 17 straight into the city. Or by transit, ake Bus #70 or #72 (Victoria Express or Scenic Route). It drops you right in downtown Victoria. Fare is $2.50, and trip time is about 50 minutes. Buses leave directly from the ferry terminal and you'll see signs.

Great if: You love a snacky, scenic journey and don’t mind the extra time.


Option 2: Floatplane Goals

  • Take off from downtown Vancouver and have stunning coastal and ocean views the entire way (flyover Stanley Park, the Gulf Islands, and can even see marine wildlife)

  • Depart from Harbour Air Terminal just steps from Canada Place

  • Seats around 10-14 people (not loads of space) with huge windows and no middle seats

  • Passengers can usually bring a carry-on and check in around 30 minutes before departure

  • Cost: Around $175–$225 CAD one way (watch for deals or BC resident discounts)

  • Land on the water in downtown Victoria and immediately start exploring downtown

  • Note: this is a weather-dependent experience and not dog-friendly

  • 35 minutes of pure ecstasy

Great if: You want to get there fast and feel like the main character doing it.

Hot Tip: Book your outbound early (7–8 AM) and your return late (7–8 PM) to soak up the full day.
Victoria's water taxis
Victoria's water taxis

Morning: Harbour Views & Local Brew

Once you arrive, start easy. Grab a coffee from Hey Happy, Discovery Coffee, or Habit, then hit the Inner Harbour for a waterfront stroll. You’ll spot:

  • The iconic Parliament Buildings (super photogenic)

  • The ivy-covered Fairmont Empress

  • A rotating cast of buskers, artists, and seagulls with attitude

If you’re a museum nerd or just love a solid exhibit, the Royal BC Museum is right there and worth popping into.


Late Morning: Gardens or the Town Life

If you’ve got wheels:

Head to Butchart Gardens. It’s like a floral wonderland exploded in the best way—spring brings tulips, cherry blossoms, and serious fairy tale vibes.

If you’re staying in the city:

  • Browse the heritage shops on Government Street

  • Wander through Munro’s Books (book-lover heaven)

  • Head to Beacon Hill Park to meet peacocks and catch ocean views


Lunchtime: Feed Me Fish Tacos

You’ve earned it. Try:

Bonus: If it’s sunny, everything tastes better outside near the water.


Afternoon: Chill Out

Victoria is all about slow-strolling energy. After lunch, lean into it:

  • Rent a bike and cruise along the Dallas Road waterfront

  • Wander back through Beacon Hill Park or check out the “Mile 0” marker

  • Browse boutiques or grab a sweet treat from Crust Bakery or Kid Sister Ice Cream

Or if you’re feeling fancy, say yes to high tea at the Empress. It’s pricey but undeniably posh.

Seaplane over Vancouver Island
Seaplane over Vancouver Island

Heading Home

Floatplane? Enjoy a golden-hour flight back with sweeping ocean and island views. Ferry? Grab snacks, snag a window seat, and watch the sun dip behind the mountains.

What to Bring

  • Layers because island weather changes its mind often

  • Comfy shoes because Victoria is made for wandering

  • Sunglasses + SPF... yes, even in spring

  • An appetite since obviously, you’ll want to try more than one spot


Bringing the Pup?

Dogs are welcome on the ferry (on leash and in pet zones), and Victoria is super dog-friendly. You’ll find off-leash areas in Beacon Hill Park and plenty of patios that welcome furry companions. Just note that Butchart Gardens and floatplanes are a no-go for pups.


Final Thoughts

Victoria in a day feels like a secret loophole in the space-time continuum. You’ll leave with windblown hair & a camera roll full of flowers and harbor shots. No overnight stay, no stress... just fly, explore, float home.


Do you have any other Victoria recs? Share them in the comments!

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