Getting to Butchart Gardens and Stanley Park?

We're stopping in Victoria and Vancouver mid May next year and providing the weather is favorable, we'd like to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parks in these cities.

Looking for an easy way to get there and back without booking a ship excursion.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

How long is your port time in Victoria? And what time of day? Depending on those responses, you may be better to book a ship tour for Butchart Gardens.

How long is your port time in Victoria? And what time of day? Depending on those responses, you may be better to book a ship tour for Butchart Gardens.

Only half a day and arriving at noon, which is a shame. I'm beginning to think that the ship's tour will be the easiest way.

Only half a day and arriving at noon, which is a shame. I'm beginning to think that the ship's tour will be the easiest way.

I'm not an expert of the area but I do know it takes close to an hour each way to get to/from Butchart Gardens. You'll need a few hours to do the gardens justice, IMO. If you really want to go to Butchart, the ship's tour may be the way to go.

There is another alternative, on a much smaller scale. It's called Abkhazi Garden. The website is: http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/properties/vancouver-island-region/abkhazi-garden/visiting-abkhazi-garden/

We quite enjoyed it. It was much closer to the port than Butchart Gardens. This is what I wrote about it this past June: "Still in Victoria but wanted to tell you about something we did this afternoon, that may be of interest to future cruisers to Victoria, particularly if you have a short stop. There is a lovely little garden, called Abkhazi Garden, that is about a 15 minute drive from downtown.

It is about an acre. Entry fee is by donation. There is a little tea house where one can have afternoon tea or a light lunch. I believe it's open only from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Walking the garden takes about 45 minutes; with tea, probably an hour and a half.

With our two taxi rides, our donation and tea, it came to about $60. To do a day trip from our hotel to Butchart Gardens, it would have cost us over $110 and would have taken several hours with travel time.

Just wanted to let others know there is another option to Butchart Gardens, for Victoria."

Maybe this will work for you, if you prefer not to do a ship tour to Butchart.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a wonderful time. Victoria is beautiful.

Stanley Park is not far from Canada Place. You could take a taxi, walk, there is likely a HoHo. You won't need to do a ship tour to get there. Check out threads on the West Coast Departure forum. There are some locals who post there regularly who can help you much better than I can.

First off you port at Canada Place in Vancouver. Taking a taxi will be your best bet and the quickest. Keep in mind you can spend a day at Stanley Park so decide what it is you want to see. Our zoo and the marine life really is something and then from there enjoy the sea wall and park and you could make your way back to Canada Place.

Another place is Gas Town all walking from your port.We pride our self in the fact that it is a multi cultural vibrant city, the restaurants are endless no matter what you want to try.

For Bushard Gardens your will need approx. 50 to 60 mins to and from the port in Victoria. Not sure on your length of your time but you have beautiful grounds all through Victoria .The Empress Hotel and there gardens are wonderful in May and the Parliment buildings along with high Tea in the Hotel. Just doing the horse and cariage ride through Virtoria seeing the heritage homes and buildings and gardens are very beautiful here in May we are in full bloom. People do not realize but Vanvouver Island is Canada's tropics you will see palm trees:cool:

Enjoy Vancouver and Vancouver Island. :)

We're stopping in Victoria and Vancouver mid May next year and providing the weather is favorable, we'd like to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parks in these cities.

Looking for an easy way to get there and back without booking a ship excursion. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

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Same here - port of Victoria on Coral May 2015 Noon to Mid-Night & want to visit Butchart Gardens. Although we prefer private tours - all things considered - (Tour Itinerary, Transport, Price)...we booked a 3 1/2 hour Princess 1PM/330PM tour. This will still leave plenty of time after the tour return to the ship for a walk-about.

You could also use public transit if you wanted to get to Stanley Park. You would have to walk from the entrance of the park to the aquarium, or rose gardens, etc. We locals are very proud of our park, but if you are short on time take a taxi to the park and you could easily walk back to the ship. There is a nice walk along the waters edge for most of the way. Another suggestion would be to go Denman and Georgia St and rent bicycles for touring around the park, if you are interested. Saves some walking and the road is generally fairly flat and an easy way to do the sea wall around the park.

Many thanks again everyone. I have a good amount of local knowledge/ information to consider now. Looking forward to enjoying Victoria and Vancouver.

Many thanks again everyone. I have a good amount of local knowledge/ information to consider now. Looking forward to enjoying Victoria and Vancouver.

Hi Anna

From my time there in July I made this, which includes the walk from Canada Place to Stanley Park around Coal Harbour. I would say it takes 20-30 minutes, depending on how long to take to look at and read all the plaques along the way. It's a nice walk. All the best, Tony

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Hi Anna

From my time there in July I made this, which includes the walk from Canada Place to Stanley Park around Coal Harbour. I would say it takes 20-30 minutes, depending on how long to take to look at and read all the plaques along the way. It's a nice walk. All the best, Tony

 

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I very much enjoyed watching the clip, Tony. Thanks so much for sharing :D

Yes Stanley Park has many things to do...

• The Aquarium to see wildlife?
  
• the Miniature railway is popular with kids http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park-miniature-train.aspx
  
• Prospect Point for beautiful views of the bridge and North shore (elevated view compared to cruise ship)
  
• many trail walks around Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake?
  
• Beaches on the West Side?
  
• Cycling on the seawall? Bike rentals availabe at nearby Denman.
  

It may be cheaper to skip the tours... but the tours/excursions make it much easier to get from point to point around the city... save money vs saving time.

if there is a group of you, a private tour to the Butchart Gardens is an economical option. They can pick you up right at the cruise ship terminal and return you in plenty of time.:)

First off you port at Canada Place in Vancouver. Taking a taxi will be your best bet and the quickest. Keep in mind you can spend a day at Stanley Park so decide what it is you want to see. Our zoo and the marine life really is something and then from there enjoy the sea wall and park and you could make your way back to Canada Place.

I thought the zoo moved to a different location. I sure couldn't find it the last 3 times I've been there.

Stanley Park had a few zoos.... one by the aquarium South (polar bears, snakes)... the variety club petting zoo by the railway... and a kangaroo habitat in that area too...

They are no more. Some animals went to the Aldergrove zoo. Alternatives zoo are North Vancouver's Maplewood farm and Richmond Country farm has animals too.

Sent from the Blackberry Passport w/ Snap

Here's more info on the zoo's history...

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Park#Zoo_and_Children.27s_Farmyard
  
• http://www.miss604.com/2012/04/vancouver-history-stanley-park-zoo.html
  
• http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Farmer+adopted+Stanley+Park+petting+goats+apologizes+auctioning+them+offers+settlement/6809109/story.html
  

I thought the zoo moved to a different location. I sure couldn't find it the last 3 times I've been there.

Yes there has not been a zoo at Stanley Prk for many years and the petting zoo also closed a couple of years ago

Below is a list of attractions that may be helpful to you

Info on Vancouver from a local!

My favorite must do attractions are

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift higher up the mountain to visit the wind turbine that generates approximately 30% of the power required for Grouse Mountain Resort and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Thrill to a 2 hour Zip Line Tour. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, traverse a Cliff Top walk, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.vanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Fly Over Canada incorporates state of the art technology in an Imax theatre to show you supernatural Canada, Fly from coast to coast taking in breath stealing views of Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, The Rockies & more. Spectacular! http://www.flyovercanada.com

8) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock.

9) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

10) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

11) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

12) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

13) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

14) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

15) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

16) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

17) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

18) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

19) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org There is also a treetop walk which is great for “fit” explorers who are not afraid of heights – however I would not recommend it for anyone who has any mobility issues. Also these gardens are not as well maintained as I would expect a botanical garden to be!

20) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the statue of Gassy Jack in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. The China Town tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Chinese memorial statue. All of these tours start at 11am. The Granville Island Tour starts at 3pm at the bus stop just at the entrance to Granville Island. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca The Tour Guys have added an afternoon walking tour of Granville Island and 2 evening tours….

21) A new addition I have just found for the FOODIES in the gang! Check out 2 companies that offer food tasting tours http://www.foodietours.ca and http://www.offtheeatentrack.ca – both offer an excellent tour http://www.foodietours.ca visit much more high end restaurants in the heart of the west end of Vancouver while http://www.offtheeatentrack.ca concentrates on more casual eateries in the historic original section of Vancouver! (Gastown)

I just enjoyed Foodietours “Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour” and was very impressed with the organization, quality of restaurants & refreshments, guides knowledge of foods and the eateries we were visiting as well as the area we were walking in. Felt it was excellent value for the money provided you did not spend the extra $20. For the alcohol! This company also offers a tasting tour on Granville Island Public Market and of the Vancouver Street Food Carts.

As for Off the Eaten Track - this company offers culinary tasting tours of various areas of Vancouver. This company has now expanded and offers a brunch tour and a dinner tour. I did the Railtown Urban Eats tour and it was Fabulous! This tour would blend well with the free walking tour offered by http://www.tourguys.ca … you could easily do the free walking tour and then meet up with this tour company for this tour for your lunch - the food is plentiful & wonderful you will not leave this tour hungry!

Vancouver has a bunch of hop-on hop-off buses

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/hop-on-hop-off

http://bigbus.ca/home/

Thanks BCHappyGirl for the detailed information. I'm sure it will be of use to quite a few people, just not me. I was born and raised in North Vancouver and spend a lot of time back in White Rock every year. A few years back I wanted to take the grandkids to the zoo and was surprised it was gone. My comment was based on CDNWestCoastcruisers stating that there was a lot to do at Stanley Park, such as visiting the zoo.

The fish hatchery and the suspension bridge were my backyard/playing grounds when I was growing up. We lived half a mile from the dam. I have many happy memories there. They have some awesome trails you can take from the dam down to the hatcheries and around that area. When we moved back to California and then back to Canada, I ended up in Lynn Valley just down the street from the suspension bridge there.

Nice to see you back BCHG. Your link to Off The Eaten Track doesn't work - the actual URL is http://offtheeatentracktours.ca/vancouver/ (also /victoria as they've expanded).

Please to assist, How to get to Buchard Garden via public transit. We will be in Victoria early May and will be stay from 07:00until 11:00pm. We would like to use public transit. Thanks for any asssistance.

Please to assist, How to get to Buchard Garden via public transit. We will be in Victoria early May and will be stay from 07:00until 11:00pm. We would like to use public transit. Thanks for any asssistance.

As long as you mean 7am, not 7pm, public transit is quite feasible for your visit - Google actually has all the info on Victoria transit, here's the link.

NB: the data only runs a few weeks in advance - I set it to late March, as far as it allows right now. You can change the date to your actual visit nearer the time and check again in case the schedule is different (e.g. Sundays have less frequent service on most routes) but the basics of the route remain the same - take a local 30 or 33 and transfer to the 75. Reverse the directions to see the times to come back, again once you are close enough the data is accurate (early April should be close enough).

You will need exact Canadian cash to pay on-board the bus, $2.50 per person each way (tickets last 90 minutes, not long enough to visit the gardens and return as the trip is about 70 mins) or a day pass for $5.00 - since the cost is the same, I'd always choose the Day pass option just in case you decide to go anywhere else that you can hop on a bus around the area! Link to transit fare page (also has schedules, trip planner if you don't trust Google).

Thanks for the information. Sorry, we dock at 07:00 and leave at 23:00.

Great full day.

Thanks for the information. Sorry, we dock at 07:00 and leave at 23:00.

Great full day.

Lucky - there are a lot of very short Victoria stops, hence my asking for clarification when you mixed what seemed like 24hr clock and pm notations!

Day Pass value is hard to beat, but with well over 12 hours to spend you could potentially do quite a lot of things in and around Victoria - if your budget would stretch to it, do compare the travel times with a rental car cf transit to this and other attractions you might be interested in (that once-per-hour schedule to Butchart can be a bugbear, especially if you just miss a bus...)

Just sticking with local-to-Victoria options a whale-watching trip would be extremely easy for you to fit in even with a garden visit and the Royal BC Museum is excellent, well worth spending at least a couple of hours in.

If you've already allocated your whole budget don't bother reading on, but if you're willing to spend some $ to save time... just going to Butchart & back takes up almost 2.5 hours on transit - and you aren't allowed to eat on transit vehicles so you can't have lunch while coming or going.

The aviation museum, for example, is possible to get to from Victoria and Butchart pretty directly by transit (the 81 for the latter goes from right outside the gardens to just a couple of minutes walk from the museum with no transfers required) but total transit time, even if you nail all the connections perfectly, is well over three hours - whereas by car you could do the same loop in 80mins or less.