The Cruise Port in Victoria, BC: Why You Should Get Off the Ship
Your Alaska cruise itinerary includes a stop at the cruise port in Victoria BC, and it’s just for a few hours in the evening. You’re wondering: Is it worth getting off the ship?
Short answer: Absolutely! A stop in this Instagram-worthy Canadian city is a delightful treat.
From stunning gardens to historic architecture, this will be one of your favorite port cities. I know it’s one of mine.
Victoria might be a technical stop for the cruise line, thanks to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, but don’t let that fool you. This Canadian gem is beautiful, easy to explore on foot, and packed with charm, even if you’ve only got a couple of hours.
I’ve cruised to Alaska twice with Holland America, and both times included an evening in Victoria. I’ve seen firsthand how magical this city becomes after the sun starts to set. Some passengers stayed on board, thinking there wasn’t enough time to enjoy it. They missed out. Big mistake. Huge.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Victoria, BC Cruise Port
Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. It is located in British Columbia, Canada, on Vancouver Island, off Canada’s west coast and south of Alaska.
Regardless of what leads you to Victoria, you should not miss the opportunity to explore and make the most of your visit to this picturesque city.
You won’t need an excursion to enjoy Victoria.
The downtown area, known as the Inner Harbour, is walkable, safe, and postcard-perfect. Think old-world architecture, cozy pubs, local boutiques, and street performers backdropped by a harbor that glows in the twilight.
Top Things to Do Near the Cruise Port in Victoria BC
- Walk the Inner Harbour
- Take photos of the Parliament Buildings
- Pop into the Fairmont Empress
- Explore Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
- Try local snacks—ice cream, fish and chips, or a Canadian butter tart
- Shop local boutiques and gift stores
- Snap selfies with harbor views
Is Victoria, BC, a Walkable City?
Victoria is a very walkable city with tons of things to do at the Inner Harbour, which is within a short walk of the cruise port.
A marked, painted path guides cruise passengers to downtown.
This short ten-minute walk takes you from the Breakwater District Ogden Point cruise ship terminal to Fisherman’s Wharf Park along scenic Dallas Road.
The path is relatively flat and an easy walk during the summer. There are benches along the way if you need to rest.
Getting Around Victoria BC
Besides walking, many other well-marked transportation options exist when you exit the cruise terminal.
Passengers who don’t want to walk around the cruise port can rent bikes, take a pedicab, hop on a bus or shuttle, or even take a carriage ride.
Your cruise ship will most likely try to convince you to book a shuttle to the Inner Harbour for $15 each way per person before you leave the ship. Save your money!
Taxis are readily available when you disembark and cost only $15 each way for up to four to six people. They are much faster since the line to catch the taxi is only a fraction of the line to board the shuttle.
If you walk to the Fisherman’s Wharf, a water taxi can take you to the Inner Harbor if you don’t want to walk the rest of the way.
What to Do in Victoria BC Cruise Port
Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf Park
The first place you’ll encounter on your walk from the cruise port in Victoria, BC, is Fisherman’s Wharf Park.
Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively, bustling neighborhood in Victoria BC that’s chock full of restaurants and shops.
It’s also home to the city’s floating homes, which are an attraction in their own right.
The wharf is busiest during the summer months when visitors come to enjoy the restaurants and shops, but it’s still worth a visit year-round!
Many restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the water views with your friends or family and watch the boats in the harbor.
This is an excellent place to stop and have dinner if you want fresh seafood.
The Inner Harbour
The waterfront walk from Fisherman’s Wharf to downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour is beautiful. The route is entirely pedestrian-friendly and surrounded by gorgeous harbor views and sailboats.
Some cruise lines offer a paid shuttle, but with a walk this beautiful, you’ll want to walk. We walked it without any difficulties.
The route takes you past leafy neighborhoods and through quiet streets lined with character homes. It feels more like a scenic stroll than a commute.
You will know you are getting close to downtown when you round the corner and see the majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel. It’s such a spectacular sight.
By the time we reached the harbor, the city was buzzing.
There were buskers playing violin on the waterfront, families snapping photos in front of the Parliament Building, and locals heading to dinner patios with their dogs.
It felt welcoming. Familiar. Safe.
Take the Harbour Ferry
The Victoria Harbour Ferry and Tours has a location in Fisherman’s Wharf.
At this stop, you can join a guided tour of the Inner Harbour or take a water ferry to several spots, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel or Chinatown.
The ferry only runs until 9:00 pm. If your cruise ship leaves later in the evening, you must walk back to the terminal or find another option.
A map marks the location of the ferry stops. Tickets can be purchased online at the harbor using your smartphone and the provided QR codes posted on the map.
See the Confederation Garden Court and Fountain
As you continue to the street level, head toward the Fairmont Hotel. On the way, you will find the Confederation Garden Court and Fountain.
This plaza was dedicated in 1967 and includes shields representing Canada’s thirteen territories and provinces.
The flowing fountain and wall of shields are a nice entrance to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Parliament Buildings across the street.
British Parliament Legislative Building
The British Parliament Legislative Building and grounds in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, are beautiful places to visit.
The Legislative Building is impressive, with large domes and columns on the outside.
The grounds are equally as beautiful as the building itself.
Abundant flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer months, creating a colorful backdrop for visitors who wish to wander through the gardens.
The Legislative Assembly Fountain is a beautiful focal point in front of the Legislative Building. It’s a popular photo spot for tourists, who can take photos of themselves and their friends posing near the fountain’s large, round pool.
It’s not uncommon to see a wedding photo shoot occurring on the grounds.
The Legislative Assembly grounds are a spectacular place to take a walk. A giant Sequoia tree and The Knowledge Totem Pole are in the middle of the grounds.
The pole depicts symbols from the oral traditions of Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples.
Our ship arrived too late in the evening to take advantage of the free guided tours offered, but if you visit during the day, you should check them out.
The public tours run every twenty to thirty minutes daily. Visit the Legislative website for more tour information.
The Royal BC Museum
Next door to the Parliament Building is the Royal BC Museum. Again, unfortunately for us, our ship arrived too late to enter the museum. But, for an affordable $18 entrance fee, I would add this stop to my itinerary if I had more time.
The Royal BC Museum is a must-visit for any visitor to British Columbia. The museum’s collections tell the stories of the province, and its exhibits are fun for kids and adults alike.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Next, we wandered over to the Fairmont Empress. 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.
This hotel is a showstopper. Exuding old-world elegance, it looks like a castle. We peeked into the lobby and considered a nightcap at the bar, but our curiosity pulled us back outside to explore more.
The Fairmont Hotels are impressive hotels to visit, but they offer so much more when you book a stay. I was fortunate to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff, and I highly recommend a stay at one of these incredible hotels.
A highlight in Victoria is partaking in the afternoon tea at the Empress. It’s a tradition dating back over 100 years.
Afternoon tea is served Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and Thursday through Sunday until 5:00 PM.
They even serve honey from their onsite bee hives and lavender from their rooftop garden.
Victoria’s Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America, behind San Francisco.
It’s not far from the Inner Harbour and the entrance alone is worth the short walk.
Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in Canada, is tucked away here and feels like stepping back in time.
When the weather is delightful, a walk to Chinatown is quite easy. You will pass many shops and restaurants along the way, and it is a straight route.
However, if you aren’t quite up for the extra steps, you have other ways to see Chinatown.
You can use the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus, which stops in front of the Fairmont, and makes Chinatown one of its first stops.
I’ve used the Hop-On, Hop-Off buses in Chicago, New York, and Toronto, and they are a great way to see many places in a short amount of time.
Another option is to take a guided food and history tour. 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.
Finally, it is not uncommon for pedicabs to take cruise passengers from the port to Chinatown during a Victoria tour.
Entertainment at the Inner Harbour
You don’t have to walk far from the cruise port in Victoria, BC, for entertainment.
The Inner Harbour is a hub of activity with a wide selection of waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine.
After your meal, I recommend stopping for a sweet treat at either Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe or treating yourself to a huge, dark chocolate ice cream cone at Chocolats Favoris.
The rich, creamy ice cream and the crispy chocolate coating make it a delicious delight.
You’ll see many folks enjoying theirs on Government Street, so don’t be surprised if the line is out the door.
As you indulge in your ice cream, grab a spot along the picturesque promenade and listen to the live music that often fills the air as street performers and local bands showcase their talents.
When you are finished, enjoy walking around the town as the sun sets. It is such a lovely way to spend the evening.
Before leaving the area, check out the quaint shops and boutiques along Government Street. You will surely find unique Canadian souvenirs, art, and handcrafted treasures.
Nearby, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Beacon Hill Park with its scenic beauty and recreational activities. The beautiful area has flowers and greenery adorning every twist and turn.
With its blend of food, music, shopping, and cultural attractions, Victoria promises you won’t be bored during your visit.
Give The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s Instagram page a follow for highlights on more to see and do in this area.
Explore Victoria BC’s Food Scene
Victoria is a food lover’s paradise with abundant fresh seafood, nearby farms, and optimal weather for gardening.
Consider making a reservation at one of the many restaurants near the cruise port or booking this guided food and history tour.
Whale Watching in Victoria, BC
With deep water surrounding its banks, a sunset whale watching tour off the coast of Victoria, BC, is another excellent tour option.
This tour is perfect for cruise passengers seeking an unforgettable excursion.
Imagine not only seeing a majestic sunset, but the possibility of seeing even more whales before your Alaskan cruise ends.
What We Missed And Why We’ll Be Back
One spot I’ve yet to see is Butchart Gardens.
It’s a top attraction in Victoria and known for its sprawling flower displays. But it’s a bit far from the port—too far for a short evening visit unless you book a dedicated excursion.
Family members who were able to make this trip raved that the Butchart Gardens were a must-see for anyone visiting Victoria, BC.
I’m sad we missed it, but trying to cram it in would’ve meant missing the simple joy of walking Victoria’s streets at dusk.
But it’s on my list for next time. And yes, there will be a next time.
Sunset at Cruise Port in Victoria, BC
The best part of a visit to Victoria, BC, is the unforgettable scenery at night.
As the sun dips below the horizon, a golden hue casts a warm glow over Victoria BC’s Inner Harbor, and a magical transformation occurs before your eyes.
The city lights come to life, and The Parliament Building, with its stately architecture, takes center stage. Its majestic lights cast a glow upon the calm waters below.
This captivating scene creates a breathtaking reflection as if the building’s brilliance is mirrored in a liquid mirror.
The setting sun, city lights, and the shimmering waters of the Inner Harbor at this golden hour are a sight to behold. It’s a moment so pretty and peaceful that you’ll remember it for a long time.
As the night falls over the charming cruise port of Victoria, BC, I urge you to take in every moment.
Whether you’ve savored a giant ice cream cone, explored local shops, or admired the Parliament building’s reflection, the magic of this coastal city will stay with you.
As you return to your cruise ship, carry these cherished memories with you, knowing that your brief visit to Victoria was a slice of coastal paradise under the stars.
I know that I took time for a moment of reflection and gratitude for the beauty and experiences discovered on our Alaska cruise and the picturesque ports.
I hope your journey at sea also leaves you with a heart full of lasting impressions.
What to Know Before You Go
- Currency: Canada uses the Canadian dollar, but many shops near the port accept U.S. dollars.
- Language: English is spoken everywhere.
- Safety: I felt perfectly safe walking around, even after dark.
- Weather: Bring a light jacket. Even in summer, it can get cool at night.
- Time Management: Most stops are 4–6 hours. You won’t see everything, but you can see a lot.
Final Thoughts
Cruise passengers often debate whether to leave the ship for a short port stop. When it comes to the cruise port in Victoria BC, the answer should be a confident yes.
This city doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t have to. Its charm is easy, understated, and accessible. You won’t need a tour guide or a packed schedule. Just walk off the ship, take a deep breath of that cool coastal air, and go see what you can find.
Even with just a few hours, Victoria will leave its mark.
And trust me—dipped ice cream cones taste even better after a long walk and a little adventure.
