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Victoria British Columbia Cruise Port

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Ogden Point Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal

Cruising Alaska – Victoria, British Columbia

With the resumption of the 2022 cruise ship season, Victorias Ogden Point Cruise ship terminal is anticipated to be the busiest cruise ship port of call in Canada.

Its a well designed terminal, and easy to find your way around when you disembark your ship, whether you want to locate your shuttle bus for an excursion, or if youve decided to simply enjoy the city.

Cruise ship season at Ogden Point is from late April until early November for 2022, with 350 ships expected during the season. Visit the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority schedule for more details. 2022 will be the first time in two years cruise ships will be back in Victoria Harbour.

If youve not booked an excursion through the cruise line, there are still lots of activities for you to enjoy while in Victoria.

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Harbour Tour From Downtown Victoria

If you want to see the city from the water, there are water taxis that will take you on various tours for a price.

We personally like the Gorge Tour, and if you can plan to do the tour at a max ebb point, you may see the reversing falls at Tillicum Narrows. Check a tide chart for details. You can visit our Esquimalt Parks Post for further details.

Go to the Victoria Harbour Ferry website for more details on this and other tours.

You can take one of the water taxis to several stops along both sides of the harbour and up the Gorge waterway. Handy when you want a scenic way to shorten your time to get somewhere. The ferry boat captains are knowledgeable and often provide information about the local area.

If you happen to be in Victoria from April October, on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. you can watch the water ballet from many viewpoints within the harbour. Its a fun and memorable experience.

Cruise Ships Return To The Port Of Victoria After 2 Years

Holland America’s Koningsdam arrived at the Victoria Cruise Terminal at the Breakwater District last week, becoming the first ship to call to a Canadian port since October 2019, according to a press release.

Industry partners and stakeholders gathered at the port of Victoria to celebrate the return of cruise to the region, welcoming the ship alongside community members that gathered on the Ogden Point Breakwater and between Pier A and Pier B.

The deep-water port last saw a cruise ship visit in October 2019 as of April 9, 905 days had passed since the return of a cruise ship to Canada.

The return of cruise in Victoria, the first season since 2019, will see 364 ship calls from now until early November and an anticipated 780,000 passengers.

All passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated to board ships entering Canada, a regulation and requirement put in place by Transport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The safe resumption of cruise in Victoria, and in Canada, is the culmination of two years of hard work, advocacy, and planning. I am incredibly thankful to our partners and community for their support. Today is an emotional day for our entire team,” said Ian Robertson, CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

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Things To Do In Victoria British Columbia

Famous Gardens The Butchart Gardens Once nothing more than an abandoned quarry, these gardens have transformed the previously barren location into something out of a fairytale. The Sunken Garden where the quarry once was, is only one of the stunning gardens begun by Jennie Butchart in the early 1900s.Other gardens in the Victoria area include the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Abkhazi Garden, Finnerty Gardens and many more.

A post shared by Craigdarroch Castle on Dec 9, 2016 at 12:23pm PST

Golf, Hiking & Water Sports Due to its mild weather, Victoria is the perfect location for outdoor pursuits year round. Many of the golf courses are open in all seasons and there are endless numbers of hikes, walks and outdoor activities for those that are interested in a day of physical activity.

Consider This Victoria Bcs Highlight Reel

What to do in the Cruise Port of Victoria BC Canada

For any first-time visitors cruising into Victorias harbour for a short stay, there are going to be ample options for enjoying the natural beauty and city attractions in British Columbias coastal capitalthe trick is narrowing that list down to the absolute essential musts. The ideal visit is going to touch on what Victoria does best and so here is our list of seven things every cruise ship visitor should do with their precious time in Victoria.

Tea at the Empress

Image courtesy Fairmont Empress

High tea, which is early afternoon tea served with finger sandwiches and dainty petit fours, is a quaint tradition that speaks directly to Victorias roots as a British settlement. Victoria was indeed named after Queen Victoria herself, and there couldnt be anything more peak Victoria than having a British high tea service at the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. The iconic hotel property dates back to 1908 and is just steps away from the harbour docks. Tea-lovers rejoice, as there are no fewer than 21 loose leaf teas on offer . As for the snacks, the locally crafted menu changes daily and features scrumptious bites like pear cider-poached chicken on brioche and Meyer lemon tarts.

Pedaler Bike Tour

Image courtesy The Pedaler

Butchart Gardens

Image courtesy Butchart Gardens

Abkhazi Gardens

Dennis Robinson for Abkhazi Gardens

The Royal BC Museum

Image courtesy Royal BC Museum

Fishermans Wharf

Image by Mark Imhoff

Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Watching Tour

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Things To Know Before You Go

  • Tours generally depart from downtown Victoria, not the cruise port.

  • Dockside you will find gift shops, a currency exchange, and pay phones.

  • The climate in Victoria is mild but tends to be rainy bring an umbrella or rain jacket.

  • Butchart Gardens, a Victoria highlight, requires a tour or taxi to get there, as it is about a 20-minute drive.

So Much More To See And Do

There are in fact so many more activities to choose from in Victoria, however we know how limited your time is when youre in port for only a few hours.

Whatever you choose to do, slow your pace and you will enjoy your time in Victoria. We are sure you will want to return to spend more time in this beautiful city someday!

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Victoria Bc Cruise Terminal

Victoria BC cruise port terminal is located at Ogden Point . Victoria International Airport is approx 18 mi from the passenger terminal. The address is “202468 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada”.

Port Ogden Point has 2 cruise ship docks – “Pier A” and “Pier B”. Each dock has two deepwater berths and its own Customs and Immigration. Currently, Ogden Point has capacity to accommodate three vessels simultaneously. However, each year there are several 4-ship and even 5-ship days, usually arriving within 1 hour of each other.

Since 2020, at Pier B can dock world’s largest passenger ships . The expanded facility allows berthing for vessels with max LOA length 350 m and volume 225,000 GT-tons.

The passenger terminal’s facilities include paved car parking, cargo storage areas, passenger gangways , garbage disposal, baggage handling facility, freshwater, phones. At the cruise terminal’s dockside, there are exchange bureaus and gift shops. Available are taxis and shuttle bus services to downtown. The distance is very walkable. Available for rent are bicycles. passengers can also use pedicabs and rickshaws, and even horse-drawn carriages.

In 2017, GVHA started planning minor cruise port upgrades to make Victoria BC a turnaround destination for smaller-sized Alaskan ships departing on roundtrip itineraries.

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Emily Carr House

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Emily Carr House is a thoughtful dedication to the life of an incredible local painter. Her paintings were inspired by and paid tribute to the indigenous populations living on the Pacific Northwest coast. Touring her home is a must-experience tribute to both Canada and Carr herself.

Craigdarroch Castle

The Victorian-era Craigdarroch Castle looms over you as you arrive. Its hard to believe a castle this magnificent is located in one of Victorias neighborhoods on Rockland Avenue since it looks like something out of a period movie. A guided tour of the castle is a must. Explore the nooks and crannies, tour the grand halls, and soak in the opulence while learning about the original builders and residents of the castle, the Dunsmuir family.

Parliament Buildings

History buffs shouldnt miss the Parliament Buildings during a Victoria, Canada cruise. Located on Belleville Street, these government legislative buildings light up at night. Take the free 45-minute tour if you have time. You can also check out the Legislative Library or catch a spirited debate or two.

Royal BC Museum

Go back in time through millions of years of natural history at the Royal BC Museum, which is one of Victorias most informative museums. Its one of the best ways to get a nuanced understanding of the lives of indigenous people before colonialism. This attraction offers an ideal afternoon of learning for all ages.

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Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

Swartz Bay is a terminal in North Saanich BC, serving BC FERRIES . The terminal facility covers an area of 12 hectares and is located approx 32 km north of Victoria Harbour. The terminal is also part of British Columbia Highway 17. This is a 2-highway system – one on Vancouver Island, and one on mainland Canada. Both are connected by daily-scheduled ferry links.

Currently, the ferry terminal has 5 berths. In 2006 was inaugurated “Berth 2” . The terminal facility consists of administration building, main building , several kiosks , pay parking.

Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal provides daily service to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal , and also connects Vancouver Island to all major Southern Gulf Islands .

The ferry terminal is connected to several public transit routes. Route 70 is an express bus service linking with downtown Victoria BC. Swartz Bay and Victoria BC are also connected via Lochside Regional Trail . The terminal is approx 10 min drive from Victoria International Airport.

Self Guided Tour Of Victoria Bc From Cruise Port

If you intend to do a more self guided tour of Victoria BC from the Cruise Port, or if youre simply looking to supplement another excursion youve already booked, this guide is for you. You may be wondering what to do in Victoria British Columbia.

Visiting Victoria BC is considered by many to be a highlight of their cruise port stops.

Weve been on many cruises, and as a result weve been in a few cruise ship terminals. It can feel confusing and disorienting when you arrive at a port youre unfamiliar with, depending on how well everything and everyone is organized.

  • So much more to see and do!
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    Getting Around Victoria British Columbia

    Shuttle Bus there is a shuttle bus that will take cruise ship passengers from Odgen Point to downtown Victoria.

    Alternatively, passengers may utilise taxis, which are readily available where you dock, or a public bus system. Walking is an option, though it is around three kilometres to the centre of downtown, from the docks.

    Dining In Victoria British Columbia

    What to do in the Cruise Port of Victoria BC Canada

    Chinatown The largest in Canada, Victorias Chinatown is home to many authentic Chinese restaurants as well as great shopping opportunities and cultural experiences.

    A post shared by Tourism Victoria on May 3, 2016 at 7:21pm PDT

    Fine Dining AURA, 680 Montreal St, food that is almost too artistic to eat with great waterfront views. Saveur, 658 Herald St, French cuisine with a contemporary twist in a small restaurant that seats only 30 people.

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    Walk Along The Harbour

    If youre getting off the cruise ship and you just want to walk, you have some good options and both are relatively easy and short.

    Westsong Walkway is one of our favourites, although you can walk the David Foster Inner Harbour Pathway all the way from Ogden Point to downtown .

    Both of these walks are good choices. You can take the cruise shuttle to downtown and walk across the Johnson Street Bridge to access Westsong Walkway.

    Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Victoria Bc Cruise Port

    Il Terrazzo

    Address: 555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2

    For a romantic Italian experience, sit on the patio at Il Terrazzo to enjoy the sea breeze and a full-bodied glass of red wine. Pasta, fish, and wood-fired pizzas are the classic fare here. The ambiance of Il Terrazzo, its deep-red brick walls, and upscale feel make for a good date night.

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    Shopping In Victoria British Columbia

    The Bay Centre 2 1150 Douglas Street This gorgeous mall with over 90 shops isnt just close to the sea, with its white and blue colour scheme it looks like it is truly meant to be there. Visitors to the area can stop by guest services to receive exclusive offers and special discounts.

    Government Street The heart of downtown Victoria, filled with boutiques and specialty shops. The perfect place to find souvenirs and gifts.

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    A DAY IN VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA | ALASKA CRUISE DAY 7
    Victoria Harbour. Credit: Pixabay Creative Commons license

    The Victoria cruise port is both a port of call for Alaska cruises and an embarkation port for cruises elsewhere, such as Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera.

    Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

    Up to four ships at a time berth at the Ogden Point cruise terminal, which is close to downtown and Inner Harbour attractions. Passenger services at the docks include gift shops, foreign currency exchange and pay phones. Tour and shuttle buses, taxis and other forms of transportation also are available.

    Four attractions dominate the cruise port area: Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Chinatown and Butchart Gardens.

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    The Victoria Cruise Terminal At The Breakwater District

    The Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District is currently the busiest cruise ship port-of-call in Canada.

    All facilities are modern, with paved parking, passenger transport and cargo storage areas. Vessel services available include line handlers, passenger gangways, fresh water, baggage handling, garbage disposal, telephones and provisioning. Anchorage, tugs and fuel bunkering are all available at the Victoria Cruise Terminal.

    Services available for passengers at dockside include gift shops, foreign currency exchange, and pay telephones. Tour and shuttle buses, taxis and other forms of transportation are readily available for passenger excursions to the city centre and major tour attractions. More information on the extensive and varied selection of shore excursions may be found at Destination Greater Victoria.

    Under GVHAs stewardship, cruise tourism has grown from 110 ship calls carrying 161,000 passengers in 2002 to a record number of 340 cruise ships and 800,000 passengers welcomed during the 2022 season. This growth in cruise tourism has become an important economic driver for the capital region. Working collaboratively with industry partners, GVHA is encouraging opportunities to introduce cruise visitors to more unique Victoria experiences, thereby expanding the positive economic impact in our region.

    Raise A Cuppa To Tradition

    Indulge in the citys time-honored British heritage with classic Victorian afternoon tea at the world-renowned Empress hotel. A beloved tradition for over a century, this quintessential Victoria experience includes a fabulous menu of fine loose-leaf teas served with house-made finger sandwiches, scones and clotted Empress cream.

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    Hop On Hop Off Bus Downtown Victoria

    In quite a few cities weve visited while on cruises, due to the limitations on time, weve opted for the Hop on Hop Off Buses.

    This will allow you some flexibility to see some of the top tourist attractions in Victoria, and spend time where you choose.

    You can also get a full day bus pass through BC Transit for $5.00. Children under 12 ride for free. It wont be as direct to the main attractions as a hop on hop off bus would be, and youll have to plan your trips and schedules but its do-able with a little planning.

    Visit the BC transit Victoria Regional Transit System website to learn more. The Moovit app works well in Victoria and surrounding area for getting around by transit.

    The driver doesnt carry change, so the exact dollar amount is required. Ask for a day pass when you provide the $5.00. The drivers are very helpful, and are used to tourists riding the bus, so when boarding, ask the driver any questions you have about the route. He or she does have a schedule to keep, but theyre happy to help when possible.

    You may see double decker buses on some of the busier routes at busier times. If you find youre going to be on the bus awhile, go upstairs and enjoy the view from higher up. On the top level of the double decker is our grand-daughters favorite way to ride the bus in Victoria.

    Gvha Community Coffee Talk

    Golden Hour in Victoria, British Columbia

    Dying to spill the beans? Let’s have coffee!Bring your questions, points of discussion, or share your favourite harbour moments. Your point of view helps to know

    Hyack Terminal

    The Hyack Terminal provides float plane services and vessel moorage in the heart of Victorias Inner Harbour, on the edge of downtown. Marine adventure companies also operate from the Hyack Terminal facility.

    Wharf Street

    The Wharf Street floats are located north of the seaplane terminal. This marina offers year-round transient moorage, monthly moorage, and low season moorage from October to May.

    Ship Point

    The Ship Point marina is located in Victorias city centre, close to the provincial legislature, the famous Empress Hotel, and the Royal BC Museum. It is home to the Ship Point Summer Market and moorage space.

    Fisherman’s Wharf

    This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures amongst fishing vessels, pleasure boats with live-aboard residents, float homes, and commercial businesses.

    Steamship Terminal

    The Steamship Terminal building on Victorias Inner Harbour is a place steeped in Victorias maritime history.

    Causeway

    The Causeway marina is located in Victorias city centre, close to the provincial legislature, the famous Empress Hotel, and the Royal BC Museum. It is home to Jugglers Pitch, moorage space, and many events that are held year-round.

    Ogden Point Deep-Water Terminal
    The Breakwater

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