FIFA World Cup 2026: Escape to Victoria & Butchart Gardens
Victoria: The Perfect FIFA Side Trip
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring the world’s attention to Vancouver and create an atmosphere unlike anything the city has experienced before. Seven World Cup matches at BC Place will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe, filling the city with energy, celebration, and international spirit.
But what will you do between matches?
Step away from the crowds and discover a different side of British Columbia. Exchange busy streets, packed restaurants, and bustling fan zones for ocean views, world famous gardens, charming waterfront communities, and a more relaxed pace of life.
Just a short journey from Vancouver, Victoria welcomes visitors to the capital of British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island. History, nature, and warm hospitality combine to create a refreshing contrast to the excitement of the World Cup.
Whether you have a day to spare or are planning an overnight getaway, Victoria offers spectacular scenery, renowned gardens, and coastal charm. It complements your FIFA adventure perfectly while introducing you to another remarkable side of British Columbia.
Beyond Vancouver: A Journey Worth Taking
Vancouver is a spectacular city, but during the World Cup it will be busier than ever. Visitors from around the globe will fill its hotels, restaurants, public transportation, and popular attractions.
Victoria offers a completely different experience.
Instead of towering skyscrapers and bustling downtown streets, you’ll find:
• Historic architecture
• Waterfront pathways
• Beautiful gardens
• Coastal scenery
• Charming seaside communities
• Relaxed coastal charm
• A walkable downtown core
Many travellers notice the contrast immediately. Although Victoria lies only a short distance from Vancouver, it feels like a world apart.
Here, British heritage, Indigenous history, Pacific Northwest beauty, and a vibrant local culture come together to create a destination unlike any other in Canada.
The Butchart Gardens: A World-Class Attraction
Recognized as one of the world’s premier floral attractions, The Butchart Gardens welcomes visitors from around the globe and features more than 55 acres of spectacular display gardens.
What began as a former limestone quarry has been transformed into a living masterpiece featuring:
The Sunken Garden
The original quarry site is now a stunning landscape of flowers, trees, pathways, and water features.
The Japanese Gardens
A peaceful oasis with winding pathways, ponds, bridges, and carefully curated plantings. The Japanese gardens lead to the lookout point to stunning Brentwood Bay.
The Italian Garden
Elegant fountains and formal designs create a distinctly European atmosphere. The Italian Garden serves great gelato where you can sit and savour admiring this garden.
The Rose Garden
Hundreds of rose varieties bloom throughout the summer, filling the air with fragrance and colour.
During June and July, the Rose garden is at its peak, making them especially appealing for FIFA visitors looking to experience something uniquely British Columbian.
The Star Pond Garden
The most famous is the Star Pond, originally created for the Butchart family’s ducks. Today, it is admired for its distinctive shape, peaceful setting, and beautiful aquatic displays, which include water lilies and seasonal plantings that add colour and interest throughout the summer months.
Discover Victoria’s Historic Inner Harbour
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is often considered one of the most beautiful waterfronts in North America.
Here you’ll find:
The Fairmont Empress – A legendary hotel that has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and travellers since 1908.
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings – An architectural landmark overlooking the harbour.
Harbour Ferries and Floatplanes – The harbour is alive with colourful water taxis and seaplanes arriving throughout the day.
Street Performers and Local Artists – The waterfront comes alive during the summer months with music, art, and cultural performances.
Unlike larger cities, Victoria’s downtown can easily be explored on foot, allowing visitors to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Craigdarroch Castle and Hatley Castle
Step back into the elegance of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries while exploring the magnificent estates of the Dunsmuir family. Visitors can admire the lush grounds, historic gardens, and grand architecture of these two remarkable castles, each offering a fascinating glimpse into British Columbia’s wealthy industrial past.
Unlike larger cities, Victoria’s downtown can easily be explored on foot, allowing visitors to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Getting to Victoria from Vancouver
Victoria is surprisingly easy to reach from Vancouver, making it an ideal day trip or overnight escape during the FIFA World Cup.
BC Ferry
Enjoy a scenic 95 minute ferry crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay through the beautiful Gulf Islands.
https://www.bcferries.com
Harbour Air
Fly by seaplane from downtown Vancouver to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in about 35 minutes while enjoying spectacular coastal views.
https://www.harbourair.com
Seair Seaplanes
Another convenient seaplane option connecting Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
https://www.seairseaplanes.com
Helijet
Travel by helicopter between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria in approximately 35 minutes.
https://www.helijet.com
Whichever way you choose to arrive, Victoria offers a refreshing escape from the excitement and crowds of the World Cup. At EV Tours, we specialize in private, personalized experiences that showcase the very best of Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, we would be delighted to help you discover the region’s highlights, hidden treasures, and unforgettable coastal scenery.