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Butchart Gardens
+ wine and cider tour

Vancouver Island has a dedicated community of orchard and grape growers producing some wonderful and award winding small-batch wines and ciders.

On this tour, we will explore two estates nestled in the beautiful countryside around the Butchart Gardens. 

This tour is available Thursdays to Sundays from May to September only.

It’s a relaxed pace tour to really soak up the amazing flora and fauna at the gardens and then indulge yourself in the local flavors of wine & cider. Pair some local charcuterie and cheese while enjoying breathtaking views around this part of Vancouver Island.

Price: $600 (this is a group price – not per person)

Capacity: vehicle seats 5 people comfortably (6 max)

Tour duration: 4  hours 

What’s included: private transportation, professional tour guide and one charcuterie & cheese board at one location of your choice

What’s not included: personal expenses, food and beverage, tasting fees, and admission to Butchart Gardens ($39.50/adult 2023 price)

Note:  Check here for Butchart Garden hours for the 2023 season 

 

 

ITINERARY

The drive to Butchart is 40 minutes from the city, along the way I’ll give you some fun facts and history of Victoria and Vancouver Island.

A visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens is something not to be missed. This 55 acre, National Historic Treasure of lush greens and colorful blooms will delight everyone. Explore at your leisure, soaking in the amazing flora and fauna for aproximately  1-1. 5 hours.

Following the gardens, you will indulge in the local libations of your choice, crafted Wine or cider at 2 of these three locations: Church and State Vineyard, Symphony Vineyard, Sea Cider.   The small estate vineyards/ orchards are producing award-winning bottles and they offer fantastic views to enhance your island experience. The locations are selected based on availability and touring dates.

This is an excellent tour if you have seen the City Highlights or simply have an interest in a country experience over the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Participants in wine tasting must be 19 years old and have a photo id. Non alcoholic options are available. 

TOUR ADD-ON OPTIONS

.Scenic ocean drive + time for lunch
Take the scenic ocean drive on our return to see the majestic old-growth forest of Mount Doug Park, some of Victoria’s most prestigious neighborhoods, and finish with a bird’s eye view of the city and San Juan islands.  We’ll take a brief stop at Mattick Farms for a wee bit of local shopping and an opportunity to purchase a quick/light bite to eat. 

Duration: 1.5  hours for a total of a 5.5 hour tour. 

Price: $180 added to the base tour price for a total of $780 (this does not include food or beverage)

 

Sidney by the Sea + time for lunch

Visit the charming city of Sidney by the Sea for some fabulous shopping and a wonderful lunch at Sea Glass Restaurant with its beautiful views of the Yacht Club or 10 Acres Bistro – the best farm-to-table restaurant around. Food and beverage expenses are not included in the tour price.

Duration: 2 hours for a total of a 6 hour tour
Price: $200 added to the base tour price for a total of $800 (food or beverage is not included)

Undecided? No worries, if you decide on the day of your tour that your group would like to do this add-on, we can simply adjust it on the day if time is permitting. I’m super chill.

GALLERY

GOOD TO KNOW

Transportation: 2013 Lincoln Navigator (SUV); capacity 6 passengers  (three seats in the rear / two in the middle / 1 upfront with the driver). 

Easy in/out access, large comfortable seating and excellent viewing windows. Air-conditioned and mobile device charging outlets. The vehicle is equipped with an audio system so your tour guide’s dialogue can be heard throughout the vehicle. 

Passenger transportation certified / Tour operator licensed and insured

Cancellation: Tours cancelled within 24 hours of the tour start date will be subject to a $100 non-refundable fee plus any applicable pre-purchased tickets and food orders that are not refundable by the vendor. Proof of receipts will be provided with the balance of your refund. If we need to cancel your tour due to illness or other unforeseen issues, 100% refund will be issued. 

NOTE: Tours are provided rain or shine. Victoria weather is hard to guarentee. 

Covid measures:  If you are feeling unwell or have been exposed to Covid, please advise me as soon as possible.  

Mobility-challenged passengers: Tours can be adjusted to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. All equipment must be able to collapse and be lifted into the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with grip bars but is taller than the traditional van, and passengers must be able to get in and out of the vehicle with minimal assistance. Passenger capacity will be limited to 4 or 5 depending on the size of the equipment. Please contact me for more information prior to booking a tour if you are unsure. 

Child car seats: By BC law, children under 40 lbs (18kg) are required to be buckled into a full forward-facing car seat. This can be provided (rental fee applies).

Children over 40 lbs and under 4’9″ must use a booster seat. Two boosters are available for free.

Pick-up/ drop-off locations are available anywhere within the peninsula. This includes: Swartz Bay ferry terminal;  YYJ airport; Harbour Air, Helijet, Coho and Clipper terminals; cruise ship port (Ogden Point); all hotels, inns, B&Bs and private accommodations within the Saanich Peninsula. There will be an additional one hour charge of $135 for pick-ups/drop-offs  in Langford, Bear Mountain and Villa Eyrie Resort.  

Currency: Acceptable currency is in Canadian or US dollars. Each shop/restaurant may have their own currency exchange rate.

Taxes: Expect to pay an additional 12% tax on purchases and 5% at restaurants and other services. It is customary to tip with a recommended amount of 15-20% in restaurants. 

Weather and what to wear: Check the weather forecast on the day of your tour. Dress in layers. It can be cooler closer to the ocean and hotter at interior locations. Wear comfortable shoes as some of the  off-the-beaten path gems might involve a bit of rocky terrain. We will provide umbrellas if required.

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