When you visit Victoria, BC, you often hear about the grand landmarks — the majestic harbor, the stately parliament building, and the world-famous gardens. But what if you could go beyond the usual and uncover the hidden corners, lesser-known vistas, and boutique gems that make the city truly special?
That’s exactly what That Girl in Victoria offers — private, custom tours where you don’t just see Victoria, you experience it like a local.
Why choose a private tour to find the offbeat places
With so many travellers arriving by cruise ships, ferries, or group tours, it’s easy to tick off the major sights. But what makes a trip memorable is discovering the unexpected: the tucked-away garden path, the artisan shop around the corner, the quiet seaside lookout far from the crowds.
When you book with That Girl in Victoria, you’re guided by Michele — a local expert with over 12 years in luxury concierge and tour experiences. She’s passionate about supporting small, independent businesses and revealing the side of Victoria that many visitors never see. Each tour becomes a story — filled with local flavor, history, and moments you won’t find in guidebooks.
What “offbeat” means on our tours
Here’s what “off-the-beaten-path” means when exploring Victoria with us:
- Hidden neighborhoods and spectacular lookout points away from the tourist rush.
- Independent boutiques and artisans — not chain stores — where you’ll find something truly one-of-a-kind.
- Personalized experiences like an afternoon tea in a serene garden, a seaside picnic, or a local cider tasting.
- Your pace, your way — no crowded buses or rigid itineraries. Our comfortable private vehicle accommodates up to six guests for a relaxed, flexible experience.
Sample off-the-beaten places we might visit
Every private tour is unique, but here are some of our favorite offbeat stops in Victoria:
Serene Garden & Tea Stop
Slip away to tranquil spaces like the Abkhazi Garden — a hidden gem filled with lush greenery, blooming rhododendrons, and peaceful paths. Enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by beauty (optional and fully customizable).
Quiet Lookout & Coastal Drive
Victoria’s coastline offers breathtaking views that most visitors miss. Take a scenic drive through charming seaside villages, stopping at secret lookouts where you might spot sailboats or even seals.
Boutique Shopping & Local Finds
Skip the generic souvenir shops. Explore independent boutiques where the owners know their craft — from coastal-inspired décor to locally made jewellery and fashion. Every purchase supports Victoria’s small-business community.
Hidden History & Local Stories
Step into Victoria’s past by exploring its hidden lanes and forgotten landmarks. Hear the fascinating stories behind the city’s historic buildings and colorful characters.
How our private tours work – flexible, comfortable, memorable
A private tour with us is designed entirely around you:
- Pick-up & Welcome: We meet you at your hotel, port, or harbor in a luxury vehicle (space for up to six).
- Personalized Planning: Before heading out, we discuss your interests — gardens, history, shopping, food, or wine.
- Your Pace, Your Experience: You choose how long to stay at each stop. No rushing or fixed schedules.
- Special Touches: Want a seaside picnic or afternoon tea? We’ll include it.
- Memories Beyond the Sights: You’ll return with stories and discoveries that go beyond tourist checklists.
Timing & tour options
All tours are fully customizable, but here are some favorites:
- Victoria City Highlights & Butchart Gardens – 4.5–5 hours
- Full-Day Tour + Butchart Gardens – 7–8 hours, a mix of driving and walking
- Shopping & Wine Tour – 5 hours with boutique stops and local tastings
- Late-Night Cruise Ship Tour – 3.5 hours, ideal for limited port time
- Fully Custom Tours – Minimum 2 hours; build your route, choose your pace
Book early to secure your preferred date and inclusions!
Why off-the-beaten stops elevate your visit
Standard tours give you checklists. But the offbeat stops bring connection. You’ll:
- Feel like a local for the afternoon, not just a visitor.
- Discover stories that don’t appear in travel guides.
- Return home with memories of places that felt authentic, not just busy photo spots.
- Bring home unique finds and local crafts, supporting the independent economy — something we pride ourselves on at That Girl in Victoria.
How to prepare for your tour
- Wear comfortable shoes: even on a private tour with a car, we’ll often step out for walks or lookouts.
- Bring a light jacket: coastal British Columbia weather can shift, especially near the water or at higher elevations.
- Let us know your interests in advance: gardens, history, food/wine, and shopping. This helps us plan your off-beat stops.
- If you’d like a picnic or tasting, let us know — we’ll arrange it and keep the timing smooth.
- Arrive with a sense of curiosity: the best stops often happen when you least expect them.
A word about shopping
A highlight for many visitors: the boutique shopping component. Our deep knowledge of the local scene means you’ll visit unique shops—not mass-tourist stores. Whether you’re looking for home décor reflecting coastal living, artisan jewelry made on Vancouver Island, local fashion finds, or simply souvenirs with character, this is part of the experience. And because we support local makers, you’re directly contributing to Victoria’s small-business economy.
Why do we call ourselves “That Girl in Victoria”
Why the name? Because you’re not just seeing the city — you’re being guided by someone who knows it intimately, someone enthusiastic and responsive. Michele has worked for more than a decade in the concierge/luxury-destination space, and she brings that professional experience into the tour experience: attention to detail, personalized service, and a real love for sharing the best of Victoria.
In summary
Your visit to Victoria doesn’t have to be “just another tour.” With That Girl in Victoria, you’re opting for something richer: a tour where off-the-beaten-path stops matter as much as the headline sights. Hidden vistas, boutique finds, local stories, flexible pacing — that’s what sets this apart. If you’d like to discover Victoria’s best-kept secrets and travel like someone who already knows the city, let’s make a plan. Contact us today to start tailoring your experience.
Ready to begin? Reach out, tell us when you’ll be in Victoria, BC, share what excites you (shopping? gardens? views? food & wine?), and we’ll craft your private tour of discovery.
Let’s uncover the sides of Victoria that few get to see — see you soon!
FAQs
Absolutely. Even on a shorter tour (2-4 hours), we can weave in one or two hidden gems — a quiet outlook, a local boutique, a lesser-known neighborhood — alongside a few major sights. The flexibility is built in.
The private tours are priced per group (not per person) and accommodate up to 6 (or 7, depending on the tour).
Yes — that’s part of our USP. At That Girl in Victoria, you can choose to add an afternoon tea, picnic on the beach, wine/cider or gin tasting, boutique shopping — it’s your tour, your way.
Because the tour is private, we can pivot as needed. Want to shift to an indoor boutique stop if rain appears? No problem. Want to linger longer at a view? We’ll adjust. The aim is to keep it stress-free and memorable.
The main private guided tours operate from roughly April to October. For other seasons or self-guided audio tours, we can discuss that.
Visit the website for contact details, fill out the contact form, or email to discuss your interests. We’ll ask about your arrival time and what you’d like to see and experience, then craft a tailored tour for your group. You can check availability and choose your transportation and time.