Cruise Port in Victoria Guide

Ogden Point,
Cruise Port
in Victoria, Canada

Victoria, BC, is a scenic cruise destination on Vancouver Island, blending British heritage, lush gardens, and waterfront charm. A popular stop for Alaskan and Pacific Northwest cruises, ships dock at Ogden Point. From Butchart Gardens to the lively Inner Harbour, visitors can enjoy a perfect mix of culture, nature, and great food in a single port day.

Cruise port in Victoria

General
Information

Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT) | UTC -8 (Standard), UTC -7 (Daylight Saving Time)
Language: English is the primary language, but you may also hear French and other languages due to the city’s diverse population
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz (North American standard plug types A & B)
Tipping: Common practice; 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for taxis
Emergency Number: 911

Getting Around

Walking: The cruise terminal at Ogden Point is about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from downtown Victoria, making for a scenic 30-minute walk along Dallas Road.
Shuttle Services: BC Ferries Connector by Wilson’s Transportation provides shuttle buses between the cruise terminal and downtown during cruise season.
Public Transit: BC Transit buses (#30/31) run from the cruise terminal to downtown.
Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis are available at Ogden Point, with a ride to downtown costing around CAD $10-15. Uber and Lyft also operate in Victoria.
Bike Rentals: For an eco-friendly option, consider renting a bike. Many rental shops are located near the Inner Harbour.
Accessibility: Many shuttles and buses are wheelchair accessible, and key attractions like the Royal BC Museum and Butchart Gardens offer accessible pathways.

Top Attractions & Activities

Butchart Gardens
A National Historic Site featuring over 55 acres of stunning floral displays. A must-visit for nature lovers.
Royal BC Museum
Features immersive exhibits on natural and human history, offering insights into British Columbia’s rich heritage.
Inner Harbour
A picturesque area perfect for strolling, featuring street performers, shops, and views of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Craigdarroch Castle
A stunning Victorian-era mansion with beautiful architecture and period furnishings.
Fisherman’s Wharf
A lively waterfront destination with floating homes, fresh seafood, and local shops.

Monthly Weather & Events

Victoria’s mild climate makes it a great destination year-round. Here’s what to expect each month:

Month	Avg Temp (°C/°F)	Weather Notes	Key Events
January	5°C / 41°F	Cool, wet	Dine Around & Stay in Town Festival
February	6°C / 43°F	Rainy, occasional sun	Victoria Film Festival
March	8°C / 46°F	Rainy, early blooms	Victoria Whisky Festival
April	10°C / 50°F	Warmer, cherry blossoms	Cherry Blossom Festival
May	13°C / 55°F	Sunny, mild	Victoria Day Parade
June	16°C / 61°F	Warm, dry	TD International JazzFest
July	18°C / 64°F	Warm, sunny	Festival of Lights at Butchart Gardens
August	18°C / 64°F	Sunny, pleasant	Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
September	15°C / 59°F	Cooler evenings	Rifflandia Music Festival
October	12°C / 54°F	Crisp, occasional rain	Ghostly Walks Tours (Halloween themed)
November	8°C / 46°F	Rainy, cooler nights	Art of the Cocktail Festival
December	6°C / 43°F	Festive, lights displays	Christmas Lights at Butchart Gardens

Guided Tours

Whale Watching | 3-4 hours: Experience orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife. Recommended operators are Prince of Whales, SpringTide Whale Watching.
Historical Walking Tours | 1.5-2 hours: Explore Victoria’s history with a guided stroll through Old Town and Chinatown.
Official Link: Discover the Past Tours
Food & Drink Tours | 2-3 hours: Try local delicacies and craft beers with Taste of Victoria Food Tours.
Evening Tours | 1.5 hours: Ghostly Walks exploring the city’s spookiest stories.

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Getting To and From Victoria International Airport (YYJ) & Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Victoria International Airport (YYJ):
- Distance: 27 km (17 miles) from downtown Victoria.
- Transportation Options:
  - Taxi: A 30-minute ride costs approximately CAD $60–$70.
  - Airport Shuttle: Seasonal shuttle service available. Check schedules.
    Official Link: YYJ Airport Shuttle
  - Public Transit: BC Transit buses (#72 or #70) connect the airport to downtown for around $5 CAD but take 60–75 minutes.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Victoria:
- Many cruise passengers arrive via Vancouver and take a ferry or flight to Victoria.
- BC Ferries: Connects Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Swartz Bay near Victoria.
- Harbour Air Seaplanes: Quick flights from Vancouver to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Accommodation Recommendations

Luxury: Fairmont Empress, Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Grand Pacific, Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
Budget: Ocean Island Inn, Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown

Shopping, Cafés & Dining

Best Shopping Areas:
- Government Street – A historic shopping area with boutique stores.
- Market Square – Unique local shops and artisan vendors.
- The Bay Centre – A downtown shopping mall with popular brands.
Best Cafés:
- Habit Coffee – Local favorite for expertly brewed coffee.
- Discovery Coffee – Great espresso and baked goods.
- Hey Happy Coffee – Specialty coffee shop downtown.
- Mocha House – Cozy café with a great atmosphere.
Best Restaurants:
- Il Terrazzo – Italian fine dining.
- 10 Acres Bistro – Farm-to-table experience.
- Red Fish Blue Fish – Popular seafood shack on the harbor.
- Nubo Japanese Tapas – Creative sushi and tapas.

Printable Map

Download a detailed map of Victoria, BC here: Printable Map