Victoria in Bloom: Private Summer Tours for Cruise Ship Passenger
When your cruise ship docks in Victoria, British Columbia, you’re stepping into a city that comes alive with color, charm, and culture during the summer months. Known as the “City of Gardens,” EV Tours offers an ideal setting for private shore excursions that go beyond the tourist crowds and delve into the heart of the island. Whether you’re interested in lush floral landscapes, historical streets, or coastal views, a custom summer tour is the perfect way to experience southern Vancouver Island in a few hours.
Why Choose a Private Tour with EV Tours from Your Cruise Ship?
Cruise stopovers are brief, but that doesn’t mean your time in Victoria has to feel rushed. With a private tour, you control the pace and the focus. Our personalized itineraries at EV Tours allow you to skip the buses and large groups, and instead enjoy a meaningful, guided experience tailored to your interests.
Whether it’s a scenic coastal drive, a visit to Butchart Gardens, a heritage walking tour, or an art and architecture-focused outing, we’ll make sure your shore time becomes a highlight of your entire cruise on your visit to Victoria, BC.
Top Experiences for Cruise Guests in Summer
1. Back Country roads to Butchart Gardens
Summer is peak bloom season at the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Marvel at the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the vibrant Sunken Garden—each a floral masterpiece. With our private tours, you’ll enjoy a serene visit with plenty of time for photos, gelato, and garden discoveries.
2. Scenic Drives & Ocean Views
Our customizable routes include lush country roads to the Butchart Gardens and breathtaking stops on our return to the city along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with a visit to the oldest Chinatown in Canada.
3. Historic Victoria & Local Secrets
Wander the streets of Old Town, hear stories of First Nations and early explorers, visit artisan studios, or shop along Government street. We tailor every detail to your preferences and time frame.
What Makes Our Cruise Excursions Unique
· Flexible timing to align with your ship’s schedule
· Pickup and drop-off right at the cruise terminal
· Private, local guides with deep knowledge of the region
· A relaxed pace, free from tour bus crowds
· Seasonal highlights curated for you
· Access to hidden gems not listed in guidebooks, from secret gardens to quiet harbourside trails
Discover with EV Tours’ Expert Guides
Our guides at EV Tours are not only knowledgeable professionals, but passionate storytellers. With deep roots in Victoria and Vancouver Island, they bring each place to life from the history of colonial architecture to the history of First Nation, navigators, and the gold rush. We specialize in creating memorable connections to the Island, often through off-the-beaten-path stops that only locals know about.
Floral Highlights of a Victoria Summer Tour
Victoria’s nickname, the City of Gardens, is on full display in summer. Our guests enjoy streets lined with lavender, daisies, hydrangeas, and roses in full glory. Beacon Hill Park features lily ponds and ornamental borders, roaming peacocks, duck ponds and a Children’s animal farm. Whether you’re a plant lover or a casual admirer, the floral charm is impossible to miss.
A Taste of the Island
Want to pair your tour with local flavor? We can include a stop at a waterfront restaurant for lunch, an award-winning vineyard, or a harbor-side fish market. Taste farm-fresh wild seafood, local beer or a local wine, all with a view.
Book Your Summer Shore Tour
Space is limited for cruise day tours, especially in peak bloom season. Reserve your private experience early to ensure you get the most out of your time in Victoria. Whether you’re here for just a few hours or the entire day, EV Tours offers a warm welcome and an unforgettable island local experience.
Explore Victoria beyond the guidebooks. One bloom, one story, one moment at a time.