Victoria Car or Bus?

[mhb1757]

We will be in port from 8AM until 5PM on a Saturday (5/19). We have a party of 3 adults and want to go to Buchert Gardens and see a few of the sights downtown. I had planned to rent a car and drive out to the gardens then just walk around downtown when we returned, but then saw that a city bus runs out there and thought that might be easier. Has anyone tried using public transit there before? Will buses still run on a regular schedule on the weekend?

 

All advice welcome. Thanks

[scottbee]

We will be in port from 8AM until 5PM on a Saturday (5/19). We have a party of 3 adults and want to go to Buchert Gardens and see a few of the sights downtown. I had planned to rent a car and drive out to the gardens then just walk around downtown when we returned, but then saw that a city bus runs out there and thought that might be easier. Has anyone tried using public transit there before? Will buses still run on a regular schedule on the weekend?

 

All advice welcome. Thanks

 

Yes, the buses still run on a regular schedule on weekends. http://bctransit.com/ is the website for the bus system.

 

From the cruise terminal, grab a #31 (don't even need to cross the street, and don't panic if you see a 30 or 31 going the other way), then transfer to a #75 either downtown or Royal Oak (more likely the latter). Just ask the driver for a transfer when you board, and tell him you want to get to Butchart Gardens, they'll point you in the right direction.

[Putterdude]

Yes the transit bus out to the gardens does operate on weekends, however you will note that at times of the day it is an hourly schedule. That aside, with the time you have in Victoria it is quite doable. Here is the direct link to the Victoria Regional Transit System http://www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/

 

The one advantage of a car over the bus, not withstanding the cost, is that it will permit you to see more of the outlying attractions in Victoria, however if you are going directly to the gardens then coming back and walk around downtown then the bus will work well.

[mhb1757]

Wow...thanks so much for the quick responses....I think the bus will work well for us. Save a little cash and some hassle as well.