Centred on its picturesque harbour, Victoria offers a captivating city escape with whale-watching, seaplane flights, exquisite gardens and vibrant food tours.
Stay at the historic Fairmont Empress, where elegant interiors, harbour views and afternoon tea create a true sense of occasion.
Soar over Victoria’s coastline on a scenic seaplane flight, taking off and landing in the heart of the city’s historic harbour.
Stroll Butchart Gardens, where 55 acres of roses, ponds and floral artistry have enchanted visitors for more than a century.
Head out by covered cruiser or zodiac in search of orcas, humpbacks and bald eagles on one of Canada’s best whale watching tours.
Explore Victoria’s food markets, harbourfront spas, kayaking routes or boutique-lined historic streets.
Fly from the UK to Victoria, with a stopover at one of Canada's major gateway cities. Upon arrival, your private transfers will take you directly to the renowned Fairmont Empress hotel for a five-night stay. Recently renovated, this historic hotel features elegant dining options and a veranda with stunning harbour views—ideal for sundowners. With a world-class spa and a renowned afternoon tea, the Fairmont Empress is centrally located, making it perfect for exploring the city and convenient for excursions from the harbour.
Begin the day with a breathtaking seaplane flight over Victoria. Just a short walk from your hotel, this 30-minute adventure departs from the inner harbour, offering stunning views of Victoria’s winding coastline, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the majestic Olympic Peninsula. You'll soar over the city before landing back in Victoria’s historic Inner Harbour. In the afternoon, join a small group walking food tour that uncovers some of Victoria’s best-kept secrets, featuring BC wines and delicious international cuisine at seven local foodie stops.
A visit to the stunning Butchart Gardens is an absolute highlight of any trip to Victoria. For over 100 years, these gardens have been a staple of the area, sprawling across 55 acres as a designated National Historic Monument. Included in the itinerary are convenient transfers that pick up outside the Empress Hotel and take around half an hour to reach the gardens. Once there, spend as much time as you like exploring the various sections, from the Rose and Japanese Gardens and see over 900 species of plants.
Victoria offers some of the best whale watching in the country, thanks to its proximity to the open Pacific Ocean and easy access to the stunning Inside Passage. Departing once again from the inner harbour, just minutes from your hotel, this fantastic excursion is yet another reason to choose Victoria as a standalone destination or as part of a larger trip to Canada. You can opt for more comfortable covered vessels or fast zodiac boats that quickly respond to spotters locating whale pods. The area is perfect for observing orcas and humpback whales during the peak months from April to October. Additionally, you might spot porpoises, sea lions, seals, otters, and various bird species, including bald eagles.
After all that excitement, take a day to relax and explore Victoria at your own pace. Spend some time wandering the streets, sampling local shops and food markets, and indulging in unique boutiques. For the ultimate relaxation, visit one of the city’s renowned spas, such as HAVN on the harbour front, Willow Stream Spa at the Empress, or the Boathouse Spa at Oak Bay Beach Hotel, which features wonderful mineral pools. If you prefer to stay active, there are golf courses within easy reach of the city centre. Or, if you've developed a love for the water, consider kayaking across the bustling harbour amongst seaplanes and pleasure cruises.
On the final day, you'll be transferred back to Victoria Airport for your return flight to the UK. However, if you prefer to extend your stay, there are numerous options to explore. Consider hiring a car to discover more of Vancouver Island; destinations like Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park are well worth the drive. Alternatively, you can opt for a seaplane transfer for a spectacular flight to downtown Vancouver or even Whistler. Stopovers in major cities such as Calgary, Toronto, or Montreal can also be easily arranged, providing even more onward opportunities.