Are you planning a cruise that stops, starts, or ends at the Victoria BC Cruise Port? In this guide, we’ll provide details about shore excursions, how to get around the city and everything you need to know about the cruise port!

Victoria, British Columbia, is famous for its neo-colonial architecture, stunning Inner Harbour views, fantastic seafood, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere. When most people think of Victoria, they see it as more than just a cruise port town, which is excellent for cruise travelers because there’s so much to explore.

Victoria, Canada, is a fabulous destination for any cruise itinerary, so keep reading as I discuss all the details you need to know about the cruise port.

What port do cruise ships use in Victoria, BC?

Cruise ships use the port near Ogden Point, which sits about 3 km (1.86 miles) from downtown.

How to get to the city of Victoria from the Cruise Port

There are a few different ways to get to the city of Victoria from the cruise port. Continue reading below as I highlight each one.

Are there free shuttles from the Victoria BC Cruise Port?

There are no longer free shuttles from the Victoria BC Cruise Port. You have to pay for the shuttle service, but most people recommend taking a taxi instead because the shuttles are pretty expensive.

Can you walk from the cruise port in Victoria, BC?

You can walk from the cruise port into Victoria, BC. However, the walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get downtown.

Are there taxis available from the Victoria BC Cruise Port?

Taxis are available from the Victoria BC Cruise Port, and they’re one of the quickest and cheapest ways to get downtown.

Best Shore Excursions from the Victoria Cruise Port

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, and it offers countless things to see and do. Below, I’ve outlined the top shore excursions for cruise travelers to enjoy.

Savor Tea At The Empress

fairmont empress victoria — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

The Fairmont Empress is famous for hosting England’s traditional afternoon tea. Tea and delicious bites complete the experience, making it a fun and unique outing. Plus, they offer a Prince and Princess Tea for children ages 5 to 12, featuring a menu your little ones will love.

Spend Time At The Royal BC Museum

If you’re a history buff looking to get to know British Columbia better, you absolutely must visit The Royal BC Museum. Here, you can explore a variety of archives and collections that showcase artifacts, records, natural history, and more about Victoria and British Columbia.

See The Craigdarroch Castle

The Craigdarroch Castle exterior. — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Craigdarroch Castle is a well-known landmark in British Columbia and it’s also a National Historic Site of Canada. The castle was constructed between 1887 and 1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a wealthy man who earned his money from selling coal in the area.

The Victorian-era castle lets visitors see what life was like for the wealthy in the late 1800s. Walking through the mansion, you can admire the detailed woodwork and beautiful stained glass while taking a self-guided tour to learn more about its history and craftsmanship.

Stroll Through Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park in spring. — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Victoria has more than 100 parks, making it a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors. One of the best parks is Beacon Hill Park, known for its animals like peacocks, goats, ducks, and more. You’ll also get amazing ocean views here! Plus, there are totem poles to see, offering visitors a variety of sights to enjoy.

Enjoy A Day At The Fisherman’s Wharf Park

One of the best ways to enjoy the waterfront is by visiting Fisherman’s Wharf Park, which offers great views, food kiosks, and shops. You can savor delicious seafood and tasty dishes like fish and chips. Plus, keep an eye out for seals, whales, and other marine life.

Appreciate The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens are over 120 years old and span 55 acres. They are filled with various plants, flowers, trees, and bushes. The gardens are considered a National Historic Site of Canada and a must-visit destination.

Be sure to check their calendar in advance. They are known for hosting spectacular fireworks shows, Christmas lights during the holiday season, and many other fun events.

Learn About Different Types Of Bugs At The Victoria Bug Zoo

Spider at Victoria Bug Zoo — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

If you or your kids love bugs, this is the place to be. While the name “zoo” might make you think of a large park, this is a smaller display. It consists of two rooms filled with various insects, including tarantulas, stick insects, scorpions, and more. It’s a quirky yet fun attraction for anyone interested in learning more about different creepy crawlers.

Walk Around Victoria’s Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest Chinatown in North America, after San Francisco! You can admire the unique architecture, beautiful lanterns, vibrant markets, and tasty food here. I highly recommend trying some bubble tea and capturing plenty of photos to remember your time in the area.

Have Fun At The Victoria Butterfly Gardens

The butterfly at Butterfly Gardens — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

When you first think of a butterfly garden, you might imagine hundreds of butterflies fluttering around. However, there’s much more to discover!

Here, you can marvel at numerous beautiful butterflies and encounter animals such as parrots, flamingos, lizards, leafcutter ants, poison dart frogs, iguanas, and more. It’s a fantastic spot that transports you to a tropical paradise, showcasing unique flora and fauna.

Getting From The Victoria Airport to the Cruise Port

Most cruises don’t depart from Victoria; they typically stop there as part of their itinerary. However, if you’re looking for how to get from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) to the Victoria Cruise Port, the best option is to take a taxi, which will take about 40 to 50 minutes.

Places to Stay Near Victoria BC Cruise Port

As the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria offers countless hotel and accommodation options. To help make your decision easier, I’ve selected my top three recommendations. Continue reading to discover what makes each one special.

The James Bay Inn Hotel is a great option, as it is very close to the cruise port. The hotel is just a quick 5-minute drive from the cruise terminals or a 24-minute walk. Its location is ideal, right beside the beautiful Beacon Hill Park.

Another excellent choice is the Hotel Grand Pacific. This large hotel is conveniently located near the Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal and Coho Ferry Terminal, making it perfect for those arriving by ferry.

The hotel features a fantastic indoor pool and hot tub, and its rooms and interior design are beautiful. Lastly, you can’t talk about places to stay in Victoria without mentioning the stunning Fairmont Empress Hotel, known for its breathtaking views of the Inner Harbor.

The hotel boasts a gorgeous exterior and a lavish interior. Plus, it offers The Empress, a traditional afternoon tea experience you must check out while visiting the area.

Best Time To Visit

Inner harbor of Victoria British Columbia — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

The best time to visit Victoria, Canada, is from April through October. The spring and fall seasons are the city’s shoulder seasons, and during these months, you can generally expect milder temperatures and fewer crowds than during the summer months.

However, summer brings a special charm with the warmest weather and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Visiting Victoria on a cruise during the winter season is typically not recommended because of the cold temperatures and the fewer opportunities to get outside and enjoy the beautiful gardens the city is known for.

Cruise Liners That Visit Victoria BC Cruise Port

A handful of different cruise lines visit Victoria, British Columbia. Here are a few:

🚢 Princess

🚢 Norwegian

🚢 Royal Caribbean

🚢 Carnival

🚢 Celebrity

🚢 Oceania

🚢 Cunard

💡 Victoria BC Quick Facts

Victoria is the cycling capital of Canada.
It’s fairly common to see orcas from Victoria. The best time is May through October when they swim near the city.
The waters surrounding Victoria are some of the best for cold water diving thanks to the water’s clarity and abundant marine life.
The city of Victoria is one of the friendliest cities in the world.
The tallest free-standing totem pole is situated in Victoria.

Victoria Canada Cruise Port FAQs

Fishermans wharf in Victoria BC — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Continue diving in below as I answer a few frequently asked questions about the Victoria Canada Cruise Port.

Why do cruise ships stop in Victoria, BC?

Cruise ships stop in Victoria, BC, because all cruises from the United States must stop in Canada or another foreign cruise port, thanks to the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA).

Do I need a passport to go to Victoria Canada on a cruise ship?

Yes, you need a passport to go to Victoria, Canada, on a cruise ship.

Do any cruise ships leave from Victoria, BC?

Yes, a few cruise ships leave from Victoria, BC, during the summer months.

Final Thoughts On The Victoria BC Cruise Port

The Victoria Cruise Port is conveniently located in a walkable city. The port itself is beautiful, and Victoria offers plenty of outdoor activities and endless excursions.

It’s an excellent stop on any cruise itinerary for those looking to explore a charming coastal city in Canada. Plus, be sure to watch for orcas that love to swim near the shore!