Saturday, April 20, 2024

7 Things to Do in Victoria As Soon as You Step Off the Cruise Ship

victoria british columbia cruise port

The Victoria, British Columbia cruise port is just a pleasant walk or cab ride away from the Inner Harbour. Whale-watching cruises and sightseeing floatplanes take off and return here and government buildings, museums, the Visitor Centre and the grand Fairmont Empress provide a dignified welcome. Just around the point, Fisherman’s Wharf offers working fishing boats, paddling harbor seals and busy seafood restaurants.

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The ferry terminal is connected to several public transit routes. Route 70 is an express bus service (1-hour drive) linking with downtown Victoria BC. Swartz Bay and Victoria BC are also connected via Lochside Regional Trail (length 29 km / 18 mi).

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The Wharf Street floats are located north of the seaplane terminal. This marina offers year-round transient moorage, monthly moorage, and low season moorage from October to May. The Carr House National Historic Site is open for self-guided tours. Although this home is free to tour, donations are gladly accepted. Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria is a unique “floating” pier with food kiosks, a couple of shops, and a few residential floating homes. Lights illuminate Butchart Gardens at night from June 1st until September 15th, extending the viewing hours of the gardens until 10pm Wednesday through Saturday.

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While quite a distance from the cruise port, it can be accessed by water taxi from Fisherman’s Wharf. Most travelers start at the Empress Hotel on Government Street. Stops include Old Town (and Chinatown), Christ Church Cathedral, Fishermen’s Wharf, Oak Bay Village, Cook Street Village, and the Ogden Point cruise terminal.

Cruise ship shuttle bus

Roam the peaceful paths of the vast Butchart Gardens and see vibrant blooms at every turn. Enjoy afternoon tea or a walk in the park or a shopping trip to Market Square or along Government Street. Whatever you choose to do on your Victoria cruise, you will be so charmed by the city, you may never want to leave. There’s a secret little waterfront village on the southern edge of the harbour that most visitors would totally miss. One of the best ways to explore a new city is by bike, and Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada.

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Plan a visit to Texas during the holidays to see the San Antonio Christmas lights on the Riverwalk, at the S.A. Discover the ultimate 2 day itinerary for San Francisco with girlfriends! Shop, dine, and explore iconic sights in this unforgettable trip. The setting sun, city lights, and the shimmering waters of the Inner Harbor at this golden hour are a sight to behold.

A stop at the cruise port in Victoria, BC, would not be complete without visiting the Fairmont Empress Hotel downtown. The iconic The Castle on the Coast hotel overlooks the Inner Harbor. The Fairmont Hotels are impressive hotels to visit, but they offer so much more when you book a stay.

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Victoria isn’t just a picturesque port city; it’s a living tapestry of cultural influences and historical narratives that have shaped its identity over centuries. Stay tuned, as our next sections will help you navigate the transportation options from the port and dive deeper into Victoria’s main attractions! Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there’s plenty in store for every traveler.

victoria british columbia cruise port

Let’s venture into some of the city’s most notable cultural and historical landmarks. In case of an emergency, dial 911 to reach police, fire, and ambulance services. Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital are the primary hospitals in the city, providing emergency and medical services. It is advisable for visitors to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuations. For US citizens, a valid passport is required for entry into Canada. Cruise passengers returning to the US on a closed-loop cruise (beginning and ending at the same US port) may use a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate instead.

In April 2019, GVHA (Harbour Authority) and NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd) signed a 12-year guaranteed berthing agreement (to 2030). The deal provided NCL with a guaranteed berth (during port calls) at Victoria Cruise Terminal's Pier A South. In 2018, GreenPower Motor Company (Vancouver Canada-based manufacturer) sold two electric double-decker buses (model EV550) to the local CVS Tours company. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s recommended to have some local currency for smaller transactions. For those seeking something truly special, consider investing in First Nations art. Victoria isn’t just a feast for the eyes, but for the palate as well.

Another waterfront spot for a night out in Victoria, Aura is all about the ambiance. It’s a good spot to get classic entrees like duck, freshly-shucked oysters, and hearty steaks. For a romantic Italian experience, sit on the patio at Il Terrazzo to enjoy the sea breeze and a full-bodied glass of red wine. The ambiance of Il Terrazzo, its deep-red brick walls, and upscale feel make for a good date night.

Abundant flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer months, creating a colorful backdrop for visitors who wish to wander through the gardens. After seeing that your stop at the cruise port in Victoria, BC, is most likely only for a few hours, you may question why you even stop. Visitors to the area can stop by guest services to receive exclusive offers and special discounts. Alternatively, passengers may utilise taxis, which are readily available where you dock, or a public bus system. Walking is an option, though it is around three kilometres to the centre of downtown, from the docks.

You can see many historical sites, taste the local products, including those in Chinatown, and have a guide to point out the highlights along the way. Victoria is a waterfront city with lots of history and natural beauty. The lovely city is a popular weekend getaway for Vancouver and Washington residents, and it’s easy to see why.

Here’s a curated list of insights to ensure your Victoria cruise stopover is not just memorable, but also smooth and enjoyable. From elegant waterfront dining spots to quaint cafes tucked in alleyways, Victoria’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delectable. Its location ensures an abundance of fresh seafood, while the influence of British, Indigenous, and Asian cuisines add layers of flavor and innovation to the local dishes.

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