We're doing an inside passage cruise from Seattle in a couple of weeks. The last port is Victoria B.C., where we arrive 6P.M. We have 2 young kids, and I saw a list of the ship's shore excursions - to go to Butchart Gardens would cost us $150. Any suggestions of what we can do there on our own? Thanks.

Just hang out down by the marina. The acts put on by the street artists are really amazing. The only other place I've seen the like is in Key West.

The young kids will not get much out of Butchart Gardens which is a long way from the ship.

I would repost under "cruises" as this is really a cruise question. You might even want to post under "Canada." You are probably not going to get the type of responses you want posting under "United States."

Good luck.

I agree, arriving that late, just walk about the Inner Harbor- about a mile and a half from Odgen pier- where your ship docks. Consider a carriage ride- usually well narrated. The kids will probably be bored at Butchart- return when you have more time and can enjoy the night fireworks.

Thank you.

Janey-
If you guys still want to see Butchart Gardens, you can do it much more economically than the cruise tour. Full adult admission is $21, youth 13-17 are 10.50 and 5-12 are $2.00. Under 5 are apparently free. This is per their website. You can either take a taxi $35.00 or a local bus to the gardens-couple of dollars. Greyline of Canada also runs a shuttle from the wharf area for several dollars per person. You could go on their website or call the tourist board for the local schedule. I am also going on a cruise....Norweigen Star in a week and a half, and that is what my group plans to do. Otherwise, it is a pretty downtown with carriage tours, walking etc. Hope you have fun.
Heather

I would not recommend anything other than the cab for Butchart with a 6pm arrival. I have taken the city bus- would never consider it that late. The regular Grayline tour bus and shuttle don't run that late. The Grayline night tour gets back around 11pm- may be too late. Also your prices are Canadian.

Thanks for this information - I think we will stay in the inner harbor area and see what we can see.

Heather, we are also going on the Star, the 25th - maybe we'll meet you (what are the odds?)