Victoria Harbour Tours and Activities

Victoria Harbour featuring a bay or harbour and heritage elements
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Old meets new as historic architecture, traditional fishing boats and contemporary performers crowd together at one of Victoria’s liveliest spots.

Come to Victoria Harbour to experience the spirit of the city at its most dynamic. Get a sense of the area’s modern atmosphere and culture as well as its history. Watch street performers flaunt their skills, visit some of Victoria’s most significant buildings and browse the markets for the perfect souvenir. All this against the backdrop of the sparkling waves, topped with vessels of all kinds.

Delve into Victoria’s past by exploring the manicured grounds and ornate architecture of the Parliament Buildings located on the Inner Harbour. The buildings date back to the end of the 19th century and still house the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia today. Nearby, look for the beautiful Empress Hotel, another iconic Victoria building. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum to learn more about the harbor’s history, going back to its importance to Esquimalt and Songhee First Nations people long before the Spanish arrived.

At the market, pick up some snacks to nibble while shopping for gifts. Pause to watch street performers singing, dancing and even painting. When your feet get tired, treat yourself to a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or head out to sea on one of the boat tours that leave from the harbor. More adventurous options, such as kayaking and whale-watching trips, can also be arranged.

Though always animated, Victoria Harbour turns into a particularly hectic hub of celebration during important Canadian dates. In late June and early July, the harbor buzzes with festivities to mark Canada Day. Labour Day is also particularly lively. The harbor plays host to a series of events throughout the year, including an annual yacht race and a wide range of music and arts shows.

Make sure you look into what is on before you visit, as the program of seasonal activities is diverse. In particular, check the market times. Although markets usually take place during the last few days of the week, an atmospheric night market also takes place occasionally.

Plan a trip to see Victoria Harbour

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Sandman Hotel Victoria
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Victoria Harbour

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1194
" "5 - Excellent 64.09017713365539%
4 - Good
631
" "4 - Good 33.87010198604401%
3 - Okay
33
" "3 - Okay 1.7713365539452497%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.2683843263553409%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Candace
Dec. 31, 2019

Love the harbour but the horse drawn carts riding around in traffic needs to stop!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Nov. 11, 2019

Difficult to find parking - vehicle too high for Underground . A park and ride lot is what the downtown needs.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Sep. 10, 2019

very safe lots of homeless but they do not bother anyone

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 27, 2019

Lots to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 20, 2019

Fun for a walk around the floating homes. Great places to eat (all outdoor seating).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 23, 2019

went to Deuce Days. Over 1300 vintage vehicles and thousands of people. The event needed washrooms and food trucks. A big opportunity missed. And you shouldn't have to cut your visit short due to lack of washrooms. Honeybuckets are easy to rent.

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Best Lodging Options Near Victoria Harbour

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.