Victoria Car Rental?

[chrismch]

We're sailing with 2 other couples and I was wondering about the feasability of renting a car for the day in Victoria. Does anyone know if there are car rental places at the port? Is it easy to park downtown? Is there a parking fee for Butchart gardens? Just wondering if this would make more sense than paying for a tour?

[c-to-sea]

Most of the car rental companies will deliver a car to the pier if booked in

advance. For 6 people, a van would probably be the best bet. Butchart Gardens

admission price includes free parking. If you are in port for a full day, this

would be a good option, as driving around Victoria is fairly easy and you

would get to see the things you want to see more easily. If you are only

in port for the evening, then it would not be such a good idea, as you could be

delayed getting back from Butchart Gardens and the ship will not wait.

You can book directly with most rental companies. Here is a link with their

local fone numbers.

 

http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/483.asp

[insideedge]

Budget is just behind the Empress hotel and not hard to get to but depending on the length of your stay you may spend more time getting the car than seeing the sights. With 6 people try a limo they are about 65-90 per hour. Or take the shuttle from the bus depot.

[Putterdude]

The cost of renting a van which is what you would likely want either that or a Crown Victoria would likely be a wash with the cost of tours but you have indenpendence with a car. In the days that I travelled to Victoria a lot and always found the local Budget operation to be extremely good. They will shutle you to and from the pier.