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As the capital and cultural heart of British Columbia, Victoria has something to do for everyone. Though Victoria isn’t as big as Toronto or Montreal, it makes up for its size with charm, history, and plenty of wide-open garden space. Today, more and more young people are flocking to BC and Victoria specifically for technology jobs, breathing new life into the city. On a cruise to Victoria, BC, you’ll quickly gain knowledge of British colonialism in the 19th century and how British occupation continues to impact the personality of Victoria today.
What’s the best way to get around the city?

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority maintains operations of the port, which is said to be one of the busiest Canadian ports. If you’re traveling from the United States, the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar, so your money will go further.
7,400 workers on strike at B.C. ports - Victoria Times Colonist - Times Colonist
7,400 workers on strike at B.C. ports - Victoria Times Colonist.
Posted: Sun, 02 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
RCI-Royal Caribbean opens bookings for 2025 Alaska cruises
As one of Canada’s leading museums and research centres, the Royal BC Museum is the place to go for a snapshot of local history (just 550 million years or so). The Royal BC Museum also has an in-house Imax theatre, which is the perfect educational cinematic experience for beating the heat on hot summer days. Victoria is the capital of the province of British Columbia in Canada and is known for its English charm.
Step 3: Stop for Tea at the Empress Hotel
Bay Centre has higher-end items like jewelry, fine chocolates, clothing boutiques, and more. It’s pretty easy to see plenty of downtown Victoria on foot, but many rent bikes to get around the city since there are an abundance of biking trails. There’s also a shuttle available to take cruise passengers from the port to downtown, and taxis are available on your cruise to Victoria, BC. 55 acres of garden and 26 greenhouses mean you could easily spend an entire day at Butchart Garden lost in thought among some of the most beautiful blooms in Victoria. One definitive Victoria experience is afternoon tea at the Butchart Garden.
Inner Harbor at the Cruise Port in Victoria BC
The vessel (max capacity 5200 passengers plus 1730 crew) was scheduled for an inaugural visit to Victoria BC on June 8, 2018. In 2018, the cruise port handled 250 ship calls, with nearly 640,000 passengers plus 230,000 crew. The city is accessible by airplane (year-round), cruise ships (seasonally) and ferries - including the Victoria Clipper ferry (regularly scheduled daily service Victoria-Seattle the whole year-round). Though Toronto and Vancouver are the more famous Canadian destinations, it’s high time for the sophisticated and beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia (BC) to have its big moment. On a Canada cruise, the quaint charm and English manners of Victoria will take you back in time to the days of British occupation in the 19th century.
B.C. Underwrites Shore Power Project for Victoria Cruise Terminal - The Maritime Executive
B.C. Underwrites Shore Power Project for Victoria Cruise Terminal.
Posted: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
While Victoria has plenty to offer, it’s worth venturing further afield if time permits. The waters surrounding Victoria are teeming with marine life, making it one of the best places for whale watching. Head over to The Peddler or Oscar & Libby’s for quirky, fun souvenirs.
Entertainment at the Inner Harbour
The traditional afternoon tea is a centuries-old practice featuring sandwiches and snacks that you can book in advance of your cruise to Victoria, BC. 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. I was fortunate to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff, and I highly recommend them.
The blend of British charm and Canadian warmth is palpable, not just in its architecture and traditions but in the smiles and hospitality of its people. Armed with this practical information, you’re all set to make the most of your time in Victoria British Columbia cruise port. From the moment you disembark to your final wave goodbye, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared for every aspect of your journey. While not a singular spot, the influence and legacy of First Nations peoples are felt throughout Victoria. Look out for totem poles, art installations, and museums dedicated to the indigenous cultures that have been a part of this land for thousands of years. The Thunderbird Park, adjacent to the Royal BC Museum, houses a collection of totem poles and traditional buildings, making it a must-visit.
If you want a different perspective of Victoria, the harbor ferry tours allow you to view from the water. The scenic ride transports visitors on tub-style boats from its busy harbor. Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle make wonderful trips if you’re into historic buildings. As two of Canada’s best castles, you can visit one or both depending on the length of your port day.
After exploring the park, walk north through the park to the BC Legislative Buildings and the Inner Harbor. While Victoria is quite liberal, it’s always recommended to dress modestly when visiting religious or historic sites. As with any travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or less-frequented areas.
Victoria, BC is a popular cruise port stop for ships leaving the US because it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Canada and is easy to reach from Seattle. The Victoria cruise port offers visitors an exciting array of shopping opportunities. There is something to suit everyone’s tastes, with numerous stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops in the area. Beyond its historic streets and harbors, the Victoria British Columbia cruise port serves as a gateway to a realm of natural beauty and thrilling adventures. With such an array of attractions so close to the cruise terminal, time will fly by in Victoria. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone seeking the perfect snapshot, there’s a corner of the city waiting to captivate you.
Here’s a curated list of insights to ensure your Victoria cruise stopover is not just memorable, but also smooth and enjoyable. Ensuring a smooth journey goes beyond planning the fun activities whether you are a new cruiser or more seasoned. For cruise passengers, having a handle on the nitty-gritty details can make all the difference. Let’s delve into the practicalities to ensure your time in Victoria, British Columbia, is hassle-free and memorable.
In 2023, the Port reported a record season with handled 326 ship calls and ~970,000 tourists (+26% over 2022). Maiden visits made the liners Carnival Luminosa (CCL), Scenic Eclipse (Scenic USA) and L’Austral (Ponant). The season was also highlighted by the Port's 10-millionth cruiser. For season 2022 (after a 2-year pause in operations), GVHA's cruise schedule (March thru October) listed 334 ship calls with estimated ~0,79 million tourists.
During the summer months, it’s still light until late, so you can see parts of Victoria in just a few hours. So, don’t stay on the ship; get out and wander around the capital of British Columbia. The shuttle buses drop cruise passengers on Government Street in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. You can take a shuttle downtown from the port, known as Ogden Point, arrange a tour to Butchart Gardens, or walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. On a cruise to Victoria, BC, one thing you’ll discover is a burgeoning and impressive art scene. A gallery tour is a must-do activity for art lovers, like the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria on Moss Street or the Avenue Art Gallery for contemporary Canadian art.
This handy spot features tons of brochures and tours one can take while visiting Victoria. The Carr House National Historic Site is open for self-guided tours. Although this home is free to tour, donations are gladly accepted. 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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