Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is truly in the heart of it all when it comes to Victoria, British Columbia. This special destination is the port for numerous ferry lines, more than 400,000 cruise-ship passengers each year, sea planes, whale-watching boats, water taxis and all kinds of paddlers.

In regards to the ferry lines, the main options are the Black Ball Ferry and Victoria Clipper. The Black Ball Ferry runs multiple round trips each day to Port Angeles, Washington, and the vessel allows for the passage of cars, motorcycles and RVs. The Victoria Clipper is a direct sail to Seattle, but being a smaller and faster vessel that travels a longer distance than the Black Ball Ferry, the Clipper does not transport vehicles.

Since the migration pattern of whales takes them just outside of Victoria Harbour, you will see dozens of whale-watching boats coming and going each day. If you’re visiting Vancouver Island/Victoria, British Columbia, you can easily book a whale-watching tour from Victoria Harbour.

During the warmer summer months, the harbor will have plenty of kayakers and paddleboarders out among the larger boats and ferries. If you want to stay more on the cautious side, head just north of the busiest area of the harbor, where boat traffic will be lighter and the sea planes will not be coming and going.

Also, when visiting Victoria Harbour, be sure to take a tour in one of the many water taxis. One-way trips, round-trip and tours are all options on these taxis, and prices are very reasonable.

If you are looking to visit the harbor and fill your day with other nearby options, there are plenty. The Fairmont Empress Hotel offers high tea and museums, bars and restaurants are abundant.