Victoria Cruise Port Guide

Victoria is often the final port of call on an Alaska cruise, giving visitors a few hours to explore British Columbia's capital city. From the Inner Harbour and historic downtown to gardens, food and whale watching, there are plenty of ways to spend your time in Victoria.

Getting to Victoria

By Air: The Victoria International Airport is 7 miles from downtown Victoria and is served by Alaska Airlines, Air Canada and other regional airlines.

By Ferry: Victoria is connected to Seattle and Vancouver with daily passenger ferry services.

By Cruise Ship: The cruise terminal is located in the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, a 20 minute walk to downtown Victoria and the Harbour District.

Getting Around

When arriving by cruise ship, most visitors head to downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour area. Downtown Victoria is about a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Taxis, rideshares and other transportation options are also available if you'd rather not walk. Victoria really comes alive after dark. The downtown's iconic buildings and gardens are beautifully lit up, making it a great time to explore.

Here are some of our favorite places in Victoria:

• The Butchart Gardens
  - Located about 30 minutes outside downtown Victoria, the gardens are one of Victoria's most popular attractions. If you're visiting on a cruise, allow plenty of time for transportation and your return to the ship. The Butchart Gardens is a stunning, world-renowned floral display garden. The gardens are designated a National Historic Site of Canada, and they feature several themed sections such as a traditional Japanese garden, an Italian Garden (with authentic gelato for sale!), and a gorgeous rose garden.


• Chinatown & Fan Tan Alley
  - Victoria’s historic Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and one of the oldest in North America. The streets are lively and bustling, lined with produce stands, seafood markets, and delicious restaurants. When you’re in Chinatown, don’t forget to stroll down Fan Tan Alley, which is known for being the narrowest street in North America (only 3 feet wide at its narrowest point). Fan Tan Alley provides a great photo opportunity, and it’s home to several small shops, restaurants, and an art gallery.


• British Columbia Parliament Buildings
  - Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, home to the Legislative Assembly that governs the province. The buildings are a massive architectural wonder in the neo-Baroque style, a perfect complement to downtown Victoria’s other traditional European architecture. Free guided tours are offered year-round, and they are a wonderful experience to learn about Victoria’s history and local culture. You can even observe the legislative process in action from the gallery if the Assembly is meeting!

Best Victoria Excursions

Victoria Half Day Whale Watching
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, making it a great jumping-off point for a boat tour to view the renowned marine wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll sail in a comfortable catamaran through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, one of the best spots for orca sightings on the west coast. In addition to orcas, guests often see humpback whales, sea lions, seals, seabirds, bald eagles, and more!

Victoria Bike Tour
Victoria is an easy city to explore by bike, with dedicated bike lanes and quiet streets throughout much of the city. After meeting your expert local guide and getting outfitted with your bicycle and helmet, you’ll take off to explore the city’s bike-friendly streets and scenic paths. Points of interest along the way include Craigdarroch Castle, Government House, Clover Point, Beacon Hill Park, the Breakwater, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Victoria Dine Like a Canadian Tour
Experience Canada’s unique culinary scene on this walking tour of Victoria, which includes 10+ food & beverage samples from 7 local businesses. You’ll try local seafood such as smoked sablefish, traditional First Nations bannock bread, and modern Canadian delicacies like the infamous Hawaiian pizza. As you walk, you’ll learn about famous landmarks like the Parliament Buildings, the Steamship Terminal, the Empress Hotel, and more.

Local Eats

• Dosa Paragon - Dosa Paragon is a highly recommended South Indian restaurant with two convenient locations in Victoria, one vegetarian (Yates Street) and one that serves meat (Wharf Street). Both menus feature several types of dosas. A dosa is a savory crepe made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, and common fillings include butter, potato masala, or spicy chutney. Both locations have extensive menus, with several delicious curries and other dishes to choose from.


• Dumpling Drop - If you’re looking for a snack or a light lunch while exploring Chinatown, Dumpling Drop is a perfect spot. The menu is small and rotates regularly, usually featuring at least one vegan dumpling and one meat-based dumpling, made fresh daily and fried to order. They are topped with housemade chili oil, cilantro, and crispy onions. They also have side options like cucumber salad, yuzu brussels sprouts, and mango sticky rice.


• MAiiZ Nixtamal - MAiiZ is a Mexican restaurant with a focus on delicious homemade tortillas. The chef has adapted the traditional Mesoamerican Nixtamalization process to suit organic, locally grown British Columbia corn, and the result is an incredibly flavorful and delicious tortilla. They have tacos, quesadillas, tamales, tortas, and more, with both meat-based and vegetarian/vegan options. You can even buy a bag of tortillas to take home!

Final Thoughts

Victoria is a gorgeous coastal city with incredible European architecture, deliciously diverse food options, and a lovely history and culture for visitors to enjoy.

View all our Victoria tours here!