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OVERVIEW
Visit the lush and beautiful oceanfront city of Victoria. The city is rich in British heritage, has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and is home to the historic BC Parliament Buildings. You can enjoy lots of water and land activities, and taste a variety of craft beers and fresh seafood.
Known as the Garden City, Victoria is always in bloom and has one of the mildest climates in Canada—perfect for a trip any time of the year.
Top things to do
Credit: Destination BC / Tanya Goehring
Experience Chinatown
Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in Canada, including the famous Fan Tan Alley.
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria
Shop
Shop in quaint shops, local boutiques, and in local independent retailers, and find handmade gifts, local Aboriginal art or designs by fashion trendsetters.
Credit: Tourism Victoria / Jordan Dyck
Explore a castle
See how the prestige lived in the 1890s with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle—now a National Historic Site.
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria
Taste local beer
Tantalize your tastebuds with a wide selection of craft beers in the local bars and restaurants, plus check out one of the many local breweries along the BC Ale Trail.
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria
Visit Beacon Hill Park
Take a stroll through the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park. Enjoy the free gardens, check out the totem pole, rose garden, lily pond, cricket ground, Petting Zoo, and more. Plus, watch for a variety of wildlife, including: heron, owls, peacocks and turtles.
Explore activities
Orca Spirit Adventures Whale-Watching Covered Vessel
Enjoy a spectacular three-hour whale-watching adventure with knowledgeable marine naturalists in a covered, heated vessel on an Orca Spirit Whale-Watching Tour in Victoria.
Highlights:
- View orcas in their beautiful native habitat—the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to three resident orca pods, with over 70 family members.
- Listen to whales communicating underwater via onboard hydrophones.
- Look out for porpoises, seals, otters, sea lions, cormorants and bald eagles along the way.
- Watch and listen to sea lions at the Race Rocks Eco Reserve—a designated Marine Protected Area. Certified marine naturalists are on board to inform and educate about local wildlife and ecology, and to ensure whales remain for generations to come. Proceeds help sponsor marine research programs.
Please note: Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Covered vessel tours offer complimentary hot beverages, tour photos that are free to download, washroom facilities, onboard marine naturalists and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Available to experience between April and October.
BC Ferries Connector - Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal to Victoria Depot
Leave your vehicle behind, relax and let someone else take care of the driving. With BC Ferries Connector, you can unwind and enjoy the convenient and dependable daily year-round scheduled luxury shuttle service.
The BC Ferries Connector lets you sit back and enjoy the ride from the Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal to Victoria, and take in the spectacular journey across the Georgia Strait without ever having to worry about parking.
Nearby cities
Sidney
Visit the seaside town of Sidney, just a few minutes down the road from Swartz Bay terminal, providing the ideal stop-off before or after you take the ferry. Go on an adventure to see local wildlife, or take a stroll in the town to check out the shops, marina and restaurants.
Sooke
Drive along the Pacific Marine Circle Route (Highway 14) to the picturesque seaside town of Sooke on winding, scenic coastline roads, past beautiful beaches, rainforest and parks. Relax at one of many local beaches and parks, or take part in a variety of land or sea outdoor activities.
Brentwood Bay
Visit the rapidly growing village of Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Inlet, a 30-minute drive north of Victoria, to enjoy waterfront restaurants, relaxing strolls along the bay and a warm, welcoming community.
Cowichan Bay
The waterfront fishing village of Cowichan Bay sits at the head of a beautiful and natural harbour, which is the main focal point of the town, where shops, cafés, galleries and homes float on the water. Dine out on some of the best seafood in the area, relax in waterfront cafés, or take part in a variety of water activities.
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