Victoria & Butchart Gardens by Helicopter & Seaplane

Soaring over the stunning Gulf Islands by helicopter, visitors embark on an unforgettable journey to Victoria. After exploring the city’s vibrant culture, they’ll venture to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, where diverse flora captivates the senses. But the adventure doesn’t end there – a scenic seaplane ride back to Vancouver offers a breathtaking finale, leaving travelers with lasting memories of this exceptional experience. What awaits beyond the helicopter and seaplane flights? The journey is only just beginning.

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Key Points

A day-long, small-group excursion combining a helicopter flight from Vancouver, city exploration in Victoria, and a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens.
Scenic helicopter ride over the Pacific Ocean and Gulf Islands, offering breathtaking aerial views of the region’s natural beauty.
Opportunity to immerse in Victoria’s vibrant culture, visiting Government Street’s boutiques, antique shops, and tea houses.
Guided tour and exploration of the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site featuring diverse plant life and ornamental landscapes.
Concluding seaplane journey back to Vancouver, providing a relaxing aerial view of the coastal landscapes and city skyline.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

Visitors embark on a day-long excursion that combines a helicopter flight from Vancouver to Victoria, exploration of the city’s historic sights and shopping district, and a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens, before returning to Vancouver via a scenic seaplane flight.

The tour lasts 10 hours and is limited to 10 participants, offering an intimate group experience. From the breathtaking aerial views to the guided garden tour, the tour promises an immersive experience showcasing the natural beauty and cultural charm of Victoria.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

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Helicopter Flight From Vancouver to Victoria

The tour begins with a thrilling helicopter ride from Vancouver to Victoria.

Soaring above the vast Pacific Ocean, guests marvel at the stunning scenery unfolding below. The helicopter glides effortlessly over the Gulf Islands, offering incredible views of the rugged coastline and lush forests.

Soaring above the vast Pacific, guests marvel at the stunning scenery unfolding below as the helicopter glides over the rugged Gulf Islands.

As they approach Victoria, the elegant architecture and lush greenery of the city come into focus. The helicopter lands gently, and guests disembark, eager to explore the vibrant heart of British Columbia’s capital.

The aerial journey sets the stage for a day filled with discovery and enchantment in this picturesque corner of Canada.

Exploring Victoria City

Upon disembarking from the helicopter, guests find themselves in the heart of Victoria, a vibrant city rich in history and cultural charm. Visitors are free to explore the city at their own pace, seeing the quaint atmosphere. Many choose to stroll along Government Street, browsing through charming boutiques, antique shops, and local artisan studios. Others may opt for an indulgent afternoon tea experience, savoring the refined elegance of this British Columbia capital. The city also offers opportunities to discover lush gardens, impressive architecture, and a lively harbor.

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Visiting Butchart Gardens

After exploring the charming city of Victoria, guests embark on a guided shuttle bus to Butchart Gardens – a National Historic Site of Canada renowned for its diverse plant life, mesmerizing water features, and ornamental birds.

The 55-acre garden, carved out of an abandoned limestone quarry, showcases vibrant floral displays, manicured lawns, and cascading fountains.

Guests can stroll through themed areas like the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden, discovering rare blooms and hidden pathways.

The narrated tour provides insight into the garden’s history and unique botanical wonders, leaving visitors captivated by its serene beauty.

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Seaplane Journey Back to Vancouver

Leaving the enchanting Butchart Gardens behind, guests embark on the seaplane for the scenic flight back to Vancouver.

Soaring over the Pacific Ocean, they’ll be treated to breathtaking aerial views of the harbor, islands, and coastal landscapes. The smooth ride offers a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Soaring over the Pacific, breathtaking views of the harbor, islands, and coastal landscapes offer a chance to relax and reflect.

As the seaplane approaches Vancouver, passengers marvel at the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains.

This convenient return flight by seaplane provides a fitting finale to the day’s helicopter and ground exploration of Victoria and its world-famous gardens.

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Inclusions and Amenities

The tour package includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Guests receive pickup and drop-off service from their accommodations in Vancouver, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

The flight from Vancouver to Victoria and the return seaplane journey both offer stunning aerial views of the region.

Admission to the renowned Butchart Gardens is included, along with a guided shuttle bus tour to maximize the visit.

Lounge access with light snacks at the heliport and recommended gratuities are also provided, making this an all-inclusive and worry-free adventure.

Considerations and Restrictions

This tour has some important considerations and restrictions guests should be aware of. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with altitude sickness or high blood pressure are not suitable for this experience. Guests must bring a government-issued photo ID, wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Smoking, pets, and large luggage are prohibited. The tour follows these rules:

| Requirement | Restriction |

| — | — |

| ID | Government-issued photo ID |

| Clothing | Weather-appropriate, comfortable shoes |

| Prohibited Items | Smoking, pets, large luggage |

| Health Conditions | Pregnancy, wheelchair usage, altitude sickness, high blood pressure |

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth and safe tour for all participants.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided a solid 4.3 out of 5 rating for this tour based on 3 reviews.

Some key highlights from the feedback include:

Positive remarks on the "beauty of the gardens and city"
Acknowledgement that there’s "limited time in Victoria after visiting Butchart Gardens"
Overall, a "fantastic experience" that allows visitors to see the best of Vancouver and Victoria in a day
A few noted the packed itinerary could be tiring, suggesting the tour may not be suitable for all

Despite a few minor limitations, the tour appears to deliver an engaging and visually-stunning experience for those seeking an efficient way to explore the Pacific Northwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

Yes, the tour price includes recommended gratuities. According to the inclusions, the tour package covers local taxes and loaned access with light snacks at the heliport, as well as the recommended gratuities.

Can I Bring More Than One Piece of Large Luggage?

No, large luggage is not allowed on this tour. The tour details state that "Restrictions: No pets, smoking, or large luggage allowed." Guests should only bring small, carry-on sized bags for the helicopter and seaplane flights.

Is the Helicopter Flight Covered by Travel Insurance?

The helicopter flight is not automatically covered by standard travel insurance policies. Travelers should check with their insurance provider to see if the helicopter component is included or if they need to purchase additional coverage.

Can I Extend My Stay in Victoria After the Tour?

The tour does not include an option to extend your stay in Victoria after the visit to Butchart Gardens. The tour has a fixed 10-hour duration, with limited free time in Victoria. Travelers who wish to spend more time in the city would need to plan separately.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can choose to extend their stay in Victoria after the tour ends. However, this would require separate arrangements and additional costs not included in the tour package.

The Sum Up

This all-encompassing tour offers a unique blend of adventure and culture. Guests can marvel at stunning aerial views, stroll through the vibrant streets of Victoria, and admire the exquisite beauty of Butchart Gardens. The seamless transition between helicopter and seaplane transportation adds an extra touch of excitement to this unforgettable experience. Whether seeking a scenic getaway or a deeper appreciation for British Columbia’s natural and urban wonders, this tour promises an unforgettable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: