Question about Excursion in Victoria,British Columbia

We are taking the inside passage tour on the Grand in a few weeks and one of the excursions offered in Victoria, British Columbia was a Princess shuttle bus to take you from the pier to the town every 20 minutes. Since this is our first time there I have no idea how far the distance would be walking or how long it would take. Is there things to see near the pier or is everything of interest in town and far to get to? Any answers are appreciated.:) Thanks!

It is about a 15-20 minute walk to the shops in Victoria. Some slight inclines when leaving the ship.

IIRC it took us about an hour to walk to the Chinatown area, including stopping.

Places of interest-- Murchie's Teas, Empress Hotel, Don Mee's for Chinese, Roger's Chocolates, Royal BC Museum. Therea re other museums in the old wharf area.

We also like to get Makintosh toffee.

I highly recommend that you take a tour to Butchard Gardens. They are lit at night, if that is when you stop at Victoria, and are just beautiful. It is possible to take it all in within a 2 1/2 hour to 3 hour visit there.

The first time we visited them we did it at the advice given here. We thought, well, how special can it be? Longwood Gardens is practically our backyard and we go there all the time.....OK, we were wowed! It was worth the trip, Butchard is just beautiful, you won't be sorry you chose to see it!!!

Buchart Gardens is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

As stated it is about a 20 minute walk from where you are docked to the Inner Harbour area where there are any number of attractions to visit, as well as numerous places to eat and drink.

It's an easy walk and quite safe. Good way to spend a few hours if you don't have a tour booked.

We've walked into town several times from the pier and love the homes in the neighborhood on the way. There is even a tiny little tea house just before you reach the Empress that is delightful (can't remember the name though, sorry.) We've also walked as far as the Craigdarroch Castle at the edge of town. Nice hike and a great view.

I agree about seeing Buchard Gardens. I've been to many gardens before, but nothing compares to this. They have a website, you can check out some pics. Victoria is a beautiful town, one of our favorite trips.

We've walked into town several times from the pier and love the homes in the neighborhood on the way. There is even a tiny little tea house just before you reach the Empress that is delightful (can't remember the name though, sorry.) We've also walked as far as the Craigdarroch Castle at the edge of town. Nice hike and a great view.

I think that might be The James Bay Tearoom. http://jamesbaytearoomandrestaurant.com/

The Royal British Columbia Museum is also a great stop with a good display of totem poles.http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

The Inner Harbour has little water taxis that will take you on a tour of the harbour, or directly to a destination. Fare for an adult from the Inner Harbour across from the Empress to Fisherman's Wharf ( near the ship) is $9. return.

We are taking the inside passage tour on the Grand in a few weeks and one of the excursions offered in Victoria, British Columbia was a Princess shuttle bus to take you from the pier to the town every 20 minutes. Since this is our first time there I have no idea how far the distance would be walking or how long it would take. Is there things to see near the pier or is everything of interest in town and far to get to? Any answers are appreciated.:) Thanks!

Its a nice walk, we do it every time we go (20 mins).

You always have the option of taking the shuttle back. ;)

Nothing around the pier, its downtown which is by the water too.

if this is just that silly 7pm to midnight stop, I'd take the shuttle into town and not 'waste' the half hour walk each way.

the inner harbour is the place to be--flanked by the fairmont empress hotel, the provincial legislature and the royal bc museaum.during the summer there is some great entertainment with the buskers as well as a beautiful setting.

a short walk up government street (the one between the empress and the inner harbour) and you are in the area of the tourist shops. there are horse-drawn carriage and pedi-cab rides. wonderful pubs and restaurants in this area too.

if you opt out of staying in town, butchart gardens is a beautiful place to be. I'm not really a garden/flower kind of person but its a lovely stroll through and the fountain is pretty special. a carousel ride (not just for kids!) is fun and moves faster than you think! buy some gelato or ice cream, yum. there is also a full picnic available that comes with the basket and a checkered cloth.

if you're here on a Saturday, butchart has spectacular fireworks up until labour day.

Its a nice walk, we do it every time we go (20 mins).

You always have the option of taking the shuttle back. ;)

Nothing around the pier, its downtown which is by the water too.

Just south of the pier is a breakwater that has a very nice walking path on top.

We will be in Victoria from 6:00 P.M. to midnight and want to visit Butchart Gardens. We have done this before in the daytime and took public transportation. Has anyone done this this year? The public bus schedule from Butchart seems to stop at 8:20 P.M. Anyone done this this year? The ship's tour is very expensive. This port timing is horrible!

Here's a map which should help you get your bearings.

https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212770407613531027445.0004665d7f3e28f06866d&msa=0&ll=48.417182,-123.372002&spn=0.022843,0.049567

It's about a 20 minute walk to downtown. The cruise shuttles are a rip off, the taxi would only be $10 (tops); whereas the shuttles want 8-10$ return. If you're trying to save money, even the city bus (#31) leaves from right outside the terminal for $2.50.