Know Before You Go

Safe Travels

Global Protocols & Stamp for the New NormalSafe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp

WTTC alongside our Members, governments, health experts and other industry associations are working together to achieve effective recovery protocols by developing meaningful action plans that optimise sector-wide recovery efforts.

Part of our protocols include providing the public & private sectors with the insights & toolkits for interaction & implementation to ensure that people are and feel safe however WTTC, our members and the sector can not guarantee 100% safety. It is paramount to have common rules. Ultimately, we envision a future of travel which is safe, secure, seamless and provides an authentic and meaningful experience to the traveller across the journey; one which supports the livelihoods of millions and contributes to sustainable economic growth … Learn More

COVID-19 Safety Plan

CVS Tours is excited to be back welcoming passengers onboard our signature Butchart Gardens Express Tour!

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and community continue to be our top priority as we begin to restart services. As such, the return of our operations will not be a “return to normal”. We have implemented several new health and safety procedures that reflect those approved by WorkSafe BC, Transport Canada, and the Provincial Health Authorities. We will continue to move cautiously forward as we navigate through this difficult time, keeping all those who have been affected close at heart and with gratitude towards all those who have been working tirelessly to help BC flatten the curve.

Click here to see our full COVID Safety Plan..

What you need to know

Our new hours of operation will be as follows:

Kiosk (located in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel): Friday – Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm

Office Hours

  • Daily: 9am – 5pm

Bus Schedule

Operating weekly Friday through Sunday
Depart Empress HotelArrive at Butchart GardensDepart Butchart GardensArrive at Empress Hotel
4:00 pm4:40 pm7:00 pm7:40 pm

Payment Options

At this time, we will be accepting cash payments at our kiosks however, credit or debit are the preferred method of payment. Payment can be made via debit or credit cards and our machines are equipped with tap purchases to a max. of $250 dollars for Credit Cards and $100 for Debit. Tickets can also be purchased on our website at www.cvstours.com. Vouchers from third party sellers (ie. TripAdvisor, Harbour Air, Clipper Vacations) will continue to be accepted at our kiosk.

PPE/Masks

As per Transport Canada and the Provincial Health Authorities, it is recommended that all passengers be equipped with and willing to wear a face mask/covering when unable to keep a 2-meter (6 foot) distance between others.

Social Distancing

It is also our recommendation that passengers sit on the top deck of the bus on our double decker buses to allow for optimal air circulation. We also ask that you please respect the appropriate spread out sidewalk markers while waiting in line at our kiosk to maintain a social distance.

Food and Drink

We kindly ask that any passengers safely and appropriately dispose of their items when leaving the bus.

Loading and Unloading

We ask that all passengers please load and unload using the rear door of the bus. Upon arrival at each stop, please stay seated until instructed to exit the bus at each of our stops.

COVID Screening Questions

CVS Tours and Butchart Gardens reserve the right to screen passengers for symptoms of COVID-19 using a series of questions (see below for an example). Passengers will be denied boarding if they answer yes or refuse to answer any screening questions. Passengers who display symptoms will be refused transportation and referred to the provincial government self-assessment tool, consistent with Transport Canada COVID-19 travel restrictions.

  1. Do you have a fever and a cough?
  2. Do you have a fever and breathing difficulty?
  3. Have you been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19?
  4. Are you the subject of a provincial/territorial or local public health order?

Visiting Butchart Gardens

Please note that you are visiting The Butchart Gardens at your own risk.
Visitors will be asked the following questions before being admitted to The Gardens:

  1. Have you experienced cold or flu-like symptoms within the last 14 days?
  2. Have you been in close contact with anyone else who has had these symptoms in the last 14 days?
  3. Have you travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
  4. If you have travelled outside of Canada, have you quarantined in Canada for 14 days?

If you are unable to answer any of the questions satisfactorily, we will be unable to admit you and you will be asked to return to the bus.

Learn more about your visit to Butchart Gardens