Victoria, on Vancouver Island, is more than just a cruise port; it’s a vibrant city that welcomes travelers with open arms. Alaska cruises sailing from the port of Seattle stop in Victoria to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Some stay four hours; others spend the day.
As one of Canada’s most popular ports of call, Victoria offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a beautiful place to visit in summer.
Whether your ship docks for a short period or a leisurely twelve-hour day, Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, offers a plethora of attractions to explore.
While it might not be Alaska, the Canadian port on Vancouver Island is a key gateway to this charming city, often referred to as “the Garden City.”
Overview of Victoria BC Cruise Port
The Victoria British Columbia Cruise Port is known for its picturesque coastal views and vibrant culture. The dock can accommodate two large vessels in its deep-water berths at Ogden Point.
History Of Ogden Point
Ogden Point was initially established as a port facility in the late 1800s. Over the years, it has evolved to serve an increasing number of cruise ships, making it a popular stop on Alaskan and West Coast itineraries.
In addition to its primary function as a cruise terminal, Ogden Point has historical significance. In 1902, it hosted the first transcontinental telephone cable in Canada and has undergone substantial upgrades to accommodate modern vessels.
Cruise Schedules
Most cruise ships dock at Ogden Point, just one kilometer from downtown Victoria. The bustling cruise season typically runs from late spring to early fall. It’s best to exit the ship with a passport in hand unless you’re traveling with a Canadian passport.
How many hours a ship spends in port will determine what activities are available. If you’re not keen on a four-hour visit, select a different Alaska cruise departure port such as Vancouver or Whittier.
Transportation Options
The proximity of Ogden Point to downtown makes it convenient to explore. You can choose from walking, taking a cruise shuttle, or using taxis and rideshare apps.
- Walking: The walk along Dallas Road leads guests downtown and passes attractions like Beacon Hill Park, Terry Fox Statue, and Mile Zero. Taking this route takes 40 minutes. On a sunny day, the walk was pleasant, and I enjoyed meandering through Beacon Hill Park.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal and rideshare apps like Uber operate in the area.
- Cruise Shuttle: Cruise lines arrange a shuttle bus that stops on Government St, across from The Empress Hotel. Cunard provides a complimentary bus to cruise passengers. However, most cruise lines charge 15 Canadian dollars for a roundtrip pass or USD 13.
Specific tours depart from downtown or from the port for those wishing to explore further.
What Can You Do In Four Hours?
Granted, four hours is little time to explore this charming city. However, it doesn’t mean you need to stay on board.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a vibrant hub brimming with life. We walked to and from the area, which took only about 12 minutes. Its colorful floating houses, sea lions basking in the sun, and seafood smells make it a must-visit.
Various eateries offer fresh seafood, perfect for a quick bite or dinner. My favorite, The Fish Store, makes the most amazing gluten-free halibut and chips.
Finish with mini donuts from Sweets or a frozen treat from Jackson’s Ice Cream.
Ogden Point Breakwater
If you prefer to dine on board, enjoy a sunset walk afterward along the Ogden Point Breakwater. This iconic landmark stretches into the harbor and provides excellent views of your ship and busy harbor traffic.
While strolling to the lighthouse at the end of the pier, I saw numerous harbor seals by the rocks.
Follow Dallas Road east to extend your walk. It takes around 20 minutes to reach Beacon Hill Park, known for its ponds, gardens, and peacocks.
Enjoy A Horse Carriage Ride
Experiencing Victoria by horse-drawn carriage adds a touch of charm to a visit. Several companies offer guided tours right near the cruise port. Choose from 15-minute rides to extended tours that last 90 minutes.
Alternatively, Tally-Ho Carriage Tours has a horse carriage spot next to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia at the corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets.
Tour The City By Pedicab
Touring Victoria by pedicab offers a front-row seat to the sights and dockside pickup. Tour selections include time travel in James Bay, inner harbor gems, or visiting one of Victoria’s beautiful castles.
The best part of a pedicab tour was not having to do the peddling myself. I could sit back and admire and request stops, making my journey more unique.
At one point, my tour guide took me down one street to show me some unusual fairy houses. While a bit quirky, it was the highlight of my ride.
Activities And Attractions When You Have More Than Four Hours
While many Alaska cruise ships stop in BC’s capital for only four to five hours, some provide a longer visit. We docked for twelve hours on our Cunard Alaska cruise, allowing us to spend the day covering most of the city’s highlights.
From the beauty of nature to rich history and unique experiences, each activity offers something special. Here are some of our top picks.
Parliament Tour
Exploring the British Columbia Parliament Buildings is a must-do when docking on a weekday. These architecturally stunning buildings are open for guided tours, which last about 30-45 minutes. The best part is that they are complimentary.
I suggest heading there first because a ticket is required. So, get a time slot, do something nearby, and return later.
Inside, we gained insight into the province’s political history and saw the beautiful artwork and statues. The highlight was the legislative assembly, with every detail beautifully presented, from its domed ceiling to its ornate gold casings.
Whale Watching
Even if you’ve done a whale-watching tour in Alaska, consider a second excursion in Victoria. While humpbacks are the predominant species sighted in Alaskan waters, the San Juan Islands have Orcas.
Victoria is known for its abundant marine wildlife. Guided tours last three to four hours, and guests have a choice of a larger, more stable catamaran or a small, fast zodiac. The latter requires participants to wear a full-body waterproof suit provided by the vendor.
The tours typically depart from the inner harbor. Many include a wildlife guide, a hydrophone, and a whale sighting guarantee.
Royal British Columbia Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a gem of cultural richness and a great stop for those who likes history. I spent several hours there, learning about the T-Rex named Sue and browsing the British Columbia Natural History exhibit. The museum has revolving exhibits to encourage repeat visitations.
Angkor, the Lost Empire of Cambodia, was the highlight of my trip. The statues and artifacts instantly transported me to Southeast Asia. The Natural History of British Columbia exhibit was well done with its lifelike animals. Be sure to check what’s on before you go.
Tea At The Empress
Visiting Victoria isn’t complete without indulging in high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. It’s a lovely experience that combines elegant surroundings with delicious treats.
Afternoon tea originates from Europe and includes gourmet teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with clotted cream. Reservations are recommended, as this spot is popular with locals and visitors.
If The Empress tea is out of budget (over CAD 100 pp), try afternoon tea at the Pendray Inn, Abkhazi Garden, or Butchart Gardens.
Craigdarroch Castle
Our visit to Craigdarroch Castle was the highlight of one of our stops in Victoria. This historic mansion is near downtown and showcases beautiful Victorian architecture. The castle sits on a hill, the highest point in Victoria, and offers picturesque views, especially from Craigdarroch Tower.
We loved the exquisite woodwork and stained glass. Our self-guided tour taught us about the Dunsmuir family, who built this grand estate.
It was disheartening to learn that the estate was once going to be sold and demolished. Now a heritage building, the castle has been lovingly restored, and restoration is ongoing.
Miniature World
Miniature World is an ideal attraction for families. This unique venue features intricate miniature displays that depict scenes from history, fantasy, and more, all beautifully crafted at 1:12 scale.
This unique attraction showcases over 85 detailed dioramas, each representing various historical events and everyday life. They are meticulously designed to spark the imagination of visitors of all ages.
Fan Tan Alley
A stroll through Fan Tan Alley, a narrow Chinatown alleyway just a few feet wide, gives us a glimpse into Victoria’s vibrant history. It has colorful storefronts, eclectic shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Fan Tan Alley has transformed over the years, originally a hub for gambling and other illicit activities in the late 19th century. Today, it is a popular backdrop for photos, so be patient when trying to get one without other tourists.
The Victoria Bug Zoo
The next attraction is best avoided by people with entomophobia. The Victoria Bug Zoo is a fit for kids who like creepy crawlies. This engaging venue features a variety of live insects and arachnids from around the world.
We saw and learned about beetles, tarantulas, and butterflies. Guided tours provide an educational experience, and visitors can hold the bugs if they are willing.
Dining In Victoria
Victoria offers a vibrant dining scene that caters to various tastes and preferences. Head to Chinatown for Asian food or check out our top picks for seafood.
The Fish Store
Since I have celiac disease, The Fish Store at the Fisherman’s Wharf is my go-to place for gluten-free fish and chips. Their wheat-free batter is crispy and delicious.
This casual eatery serves the freshest seafood with seafront views. While I gravitate to halibut and chips, their menu also includes grilled fish tacos, chowder, Dungeness crab, and daily catch specials.
The staff is well-informed about food allergies and offers many gluten-free choices.
The Flying Otter Grill
The Flying Otter Grill is a fantastic spot for a great meal with a waterfront view. Situated right at the harbor, we have an excellent vantage point for watching the boats come and go.
Their menu showcases a blend of local seafood dishes and hearty comfort food. We particularly enjoyed the cedar-plank salmon and the signature burger.
The spacious patio, next to the Orca Spirit Whale Watching operator, is a standout feature. So why not combine a whale-watching tour with a seafood meal in one place?
Red Fish Blue Fish
Red Fish Blue Fish might evoke memories of a Dr. Seuss book, but this venue attracts a crowd for its fish and chips. It is located in a converted shipping container at the inner harbor and offers a quirky yet delightful ambiance.
The menu is famous for its sustainable practices. It features a range of Ocean Wise options, from fish and chips to seafood tacos. Their chowder is also a popular choice among locals.
While it doesn’t offer a sit-down restaurant, eating there is a casual affair. It’s about the flavors and views, which might be Dr. Seuss-approved.
