Private City Tour

Discover the beauty of Victoria's historic charm and contemporary highlights on this amazing two-hour private city tour. This excursion is a must for first-time visitors, particularly because you will explore the most intriguing neighborhoods and stop at local landmarks all in luxury and comfort.

Your journey will begin with a pick-up directly from the cruise ship terminal. From there, your tour guide will drive you through the most beautiful areas in Victoria. A classic stop is the Fisherman's Wharf (houseboat community). From the end of the Second World War to about 1990, this was the heyday of the fishing fleet at Fisherman's Wharf. As your guide drives through the inner harbor, you will have the opportunity to view the Parliament buildings, the Empress Hotel, the historic shopping district, and the oldest Chinatown in Canada.

Continuing your journey you will drive through James Bay, a peninsula with Beacon Hill Park on the east, the Inner Harbor on the north, Outer Harbor on the west and Strait of Juan de Fuca on the south. As you drive through the James Bay Heritage Community, you will pass by the birthplace of the famous author and painter, Emily Carr. Afterward, you will continue your drive through the Beacon Hill Park, considered the city's largest inner-city park, where you will find the world's tallest totem pole. A little further down the road you will make your way to the Lieutenant Governor's mansion, a 33-acre estate. There, you will have the opportunity to stop to view the historic Craigdarroch Castle.

This castle was built between the years 1887-1890 on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria. It was owned by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. Craigdarroch Castle is a truly Victorian experience. It is a shining example of a "bonanza castle."

Your day is not over as you will experience a beautiful scenic drive through the Upland Estates and a stop at Mt. Tolmie for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding area followed by a picturesque oceanside drive back to your cruise ship and the pier area.

This tour is fully narrated by your professional, local guide/driver and includes historical facts as well as some ghost stories to be told along the way.