A unique tourist attraction has made its way back to Victoria waters – and land – for the summer.
Hippo Tours resumed operations after previously announcing it would bring back its 40-passenger amphibious buses to Victoria this year.
The company had moved to the Caribbean after 2014, saying it would likely be more profitable in a place where tours could be offered year-round.
It wasn’t as successful as the company had hoped, so the tours are now back in Victoria as tourism continues its red-hot pace.
“The city’s been so supportive, everybody’s waving at us saying ‘welcome back,’ waving, cheering,” said Hippo Tours co-owner Geoffrey Lind. “I think a lot of people really missed us and wanted us to come back.”
The tours take visitors around some of the city’s best-known landmarks, including the B.C. Legislature buildings, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Seat selection is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tours can be booked on the company’s website.
Tourism officials said the city experienced a 7.8 per cent jump in visitors last summer thanks to the low dollar and better marketing of Victoria, and the industry is expected to surge again this summer.
