🇨🇦 First Time in Victoria? Here's Your Perfect Day Trip!

Finally made it to Victoria Island—a dream come true! 🌸 For my first visit, I kept it simple with two main stops: Butchart Gardens and Downtown. Best part? No car needed—public transit was smooth and stress-free! 🛥️ BC Ferries 101 Book tickets online (prices vary by time, ~$60-80 roundtrip for 2). Depart from Tsawwassen (Vancouver), arrive at Swartz Bay (Victoria). Check in with your booking barcode, grab paper tickets, and board! Plenty of seating (indoor/outdoor). Pro tip: Hit the deck for ocean views! 🌊 Snacks/drinks available onboard. ⏳ 1.5-hour sailing time. 🚌 Seamless Bus Connections From Swartz Bay: Route 81: Direct to Butchart Gardens. Routes 70/72: To Downtown (double-decker buses—sit upstairs front for epic views!). DayPass: $6 (cash only, buy from driver). Unlimited rides! ⛲️ Butchart Gardens Went early, but crowds grew fast. Mid-May: Rose Garden wasn’t blooming yet—summer visitors, you’re lucky! 🌹 Ice cream & café open at 11:30 AM—plan meals accordingly. 🌯 Downtown Highlights Red Fish Blue Fish: Affordable fish & chips with waterfront seating. 🐟🍟 Free Walking Tour (info center): Covers Parliament, museums, Government St shops (Roger’s Chocolates, Murchie’s Tea), Chinatown, and Fan Tan Alley. Heads up: "Free" but tips expected. Or DIY with guides! Chocolats Favoris: Must-try chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. 🍫🍦 🌅 Sunset Ferry Home Book an evening return—watching the sunset from the deck = pure magic. 🌄 #ExploreCanada #VictoriaBC #VancouverTravel #BCFerries #NoCarNeeded #TravelSmart #IslandVibes