Cruises & Boat Tours

BC Ferries

Relax en route to Victoria on BC Ferries; amenities include dining, spa services and complimentary Wi-Fi. Hang out on deck for views of Mount Baker, the Gulf Islands and even the occasional Orca. In summer, Coastal Naturalists present information on marine wildlife and nautical and cultural history. The Vancouver-Victoria ferry travels between Tsawwassen on the mainland and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. From Swartz Bay, access Victoria via a short drive or by public or charter bus. Reservations are recommended for holiday sailings.

MV Uchuck III

Want to participate in coastal life? Join the working coastal freighterMV Uchuck III and travel the west coast of Vancouver Island delivering supplies to remote settlements and logging camps. Get West Adventure Tours runs this tour once a year, leaving from Victoria and travelling to Bamfield.

Victoria Harbour Ferries

Watch the bustle of Victoria from aboard a Victoria Harbour Ferry, called “pickle boats” for their diminutive size and green colour. Hop-on/hop-off at multiple destinations or take a tour past colourful floating homes, heritage buildings and the Parliament Buildings in the Inner Harbour.

Victoria Harbour Charter Cruises

Cruising with a large party? Charter a boat for up to 84 passengers with SpringTide Charters – sail at sunset for the most scenic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Fantasea Charters offers private liquor-licensed charters for the annual Symphony Splash so classical music and fireworks can be enjoyed from the water.

Sailboat Cruises

Join 3 Hour Sail on the tall ship Thane to cruise the beautiful Juan de Fuca Strait with views of the Olympic mountains. Guests are encouraged to help with sailing and even fire the cannon! Another sailboat cruise option is to depart from protected waters around the Oak Bay Marina with Blackfish Sailing Adventures. Spend a half day relaxing on the water or get hands-on on a full day trip to the Gulf Islands.

Cruises in Brentwood Bay

Admire the beauty of Brentwood Bay (30 minutes from Victoria) from a glass dome solarium boat with Eco-Cruising Tours and Charters. Choose from wilderness and scenic tours or cruise into The Butchart Gardens via a little known “back door” entry. Tours leave from the Brentwood Bay Marina.

Cruises to Alaska

Victoria is a port of call for some Alaskan cruises, and the city's walkability makes shore excursions easy. Go shopping in charming downtown, munch fish 'n' chips at Red Fish Blue Fish, or learn history at the Royal BC Museum.

Practical Points

• The peak season for cruising is from March to October, but some tours are offered year-round.
• Most multi-day cruises require reservations, while some harbour and day cruises can be booked on the spot. It’s best to check in advance.
• Most cruise operators provide all food, beverage, equipment and some outdoor clothing, but remember to bring warm, layered clothing as ship decks can be breezy.
• Seasickness is generally not an issue in the sheltered inside passages but for trips on open waters be prepared for some motion.
• Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation. 

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