Victoria Double Decker Bus Tour

Red double-decker buses are a familiar sight on Victoria's Government Street, and for first-time visitors they offer a gentle way to take the measure of a small, spread-out city. The Victoria Double Decker Bus Tour is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service run by Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria, and it starts at 721 Government Street, right beside the Fairmont Empress on the Inner Harbour. The buses are modelled on the classic tour buses of London, with open-top upper decks and a recorded or live commentary that points out landmarks as the vehicle rolls past.

The idea is flexibility. A ticket is valid for 24 hours, so passengers can ride the whole loop for an overview and then get off wherever something catches their eye, boarding a later bus to continue. The route is designed to link the main sights that lie beyond easy walking distance from the harbour, and typical circuits take in the waterfront, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle and the long green sweep of Beacon Hill Park along the Dallas Road shoreline. Exact stops and timetables are set by the operator and change from season to season, so check the current route map when you buy a ticket. An interactive guide and brochure are provided to help plan the day.

The commentary covers Victoria's story in short doses: the Hudson's Bay Company fort of 1843, the arrival of the gold rush in 1858, the Edwardian grandeur of the Empress and the Parliament Buildings, and the Garry oak meadows and ocean views that make the city's setting so appealing. For history and architecture, the upper deck is the best seat, though it can be breezy and chilly outside summer, so bring a jacket. The lower deck is covered, and service animals are permitted on board.

Admission to the sights themselves is not included in the ticket, so entry to places like Craigdarroch Castle or the Royal BC Museum must be paid separately. In peak summer weeks, buses can be busy, and waits at popular stops may be longer, so allow extra time for the loop. Starting early gives the best chance of a seat in the open air.

The tour suits visitors who have only a day in Victoria, families with small children who tire of walking, and anyone who likes to see a place from above before choosing where to linger. Prices change by season, so confirm them with the operator.