Port Guide | Canada | Dive Deep
Victoria
Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-09-03
Congratulations, intrepid sea wanderers-you've successfully navigated your floating condominium into the genteel, flower-encrusted embrace of Victoria, Canada's unofficial capital of tea-drinking, garden-ogling, and polite-but-quirky charm. Contrary to popular belief, this city isn't solely powered by scones and afternoon naps (although both are strongly recommended). Beneath the layer of meticulously pruned shrubbery and quaint colonial facades lies a spirited town that once had an almost legendary opium-smuggling problem and a gold-rush-era fondness for rowdy saloons. Practical note: despite the postcard-perfect civility, Victoria does indeed operate on Pacific Standard Time, so recalibrate your watches and expectations accordingly. With 2-5 days ashore, you'll want to hit the highlights swiftly-grab a caffeinated beverage from a hipster-approved coffee shop downtown, wander through the otherworldly blooms of Butchart Gardens (a former limestone quarry transformed into a horticultural Disneyland), and marvel at the slightly macabre collections of indigenous treasures and old-timey curiosities at the Royal BC Museum. Welcome to Victoria-where refined elegance meets quirky history and your captain's dinner tuxedo pairs surprisingly well with flannel shirts and craft beer.
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Notes from the Editor
Victoria is known for its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Don't miss the famous Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC Museum.
Where do cruise ships dock in Victoria?
Port Name Victoria
Country Canada
Region North America
Ship Terminal Victoria Cruise Terminal
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The terminal is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from downtown Victoria, which is easily accessible by foot, taxi, and shuttle services.
What's the weather like in Victoria?
Best Season to Visit Summer (May to September)
Climate Mild oceanic climate with wet winters and dry summers.
Weather Notes Summer is the peak season with little to no rain, making it ideal for visits. Winters can be rainy, but they are mild.
Temperature Range 60F to 75F (15C to 24C)
High Temp 76F
Low Temp 34F
Average Temp 52F
What do I need to know about Victoria?
Language English
Currency Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 85,792
Timezone Pacific Time Zone (PT)
How do I get around Victoria?
Buses, taxis, and bike rentals are widely available. Walking is also an option due to proximity to downtown.
What are The Best Things to do in Victoria?
Discover what you should do while you're in Victoria.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Butchart Gardens | Editor Highlight
Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-09-03
Best Time to Go
Afternoon
Cost
$50-$150 USD
Activity Level
Easy
Where to Book
Online
The Butchart Gardens are Victoria's extravagant floral equivalent of Vegas-utterly gratuitous in scope yet undeniably captivating in execution. Created in the early 1900s by Jennie Butchart, who looked at a depleted limestone quarry and thought, "You know what this barren hole needs? A frankly absurd amount of flowers," the gardens have blossomed into an iconic landmark. Today, strolling its winding pathways through kaleidoscopic blooms feels a bit like walking into a Monet painting that's had its saturation cranked up by an overly enthusiastic Photoshop novice. For maximum visual impact (and fewer selfie sticks to dodge), visit early in the morning or late afternoon, ideally on a weekday. Book tickets online a couple of weeks ahead, budget roughly $40 CAD per person, and pack sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and an appreciation for horticultural excess. Even if you're skeptical about spending half a day among rhododendrons, dahlias, and roses, it's worth it-if only to casually mention later that you've been to a garden so legendary it makes Versailles look understated.
Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
A stunning garden oasis unique to Victoria featuring expansive floral displays.
Distance from Terminal: 14.5 miles
Whale Watching Tour
812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC
Embark on a thrilling boat tour to see whales and marine wildlife up close.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
Walk among thousands of butterflies in this tropical rainforest setting.
Distance from Terminal: 14.3 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Explore British Columbia's natural and human history at this renowned museum.
Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles
Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC
Tour this historic Victorian mansion, a glimpse into the opulent past.
Distance from Terminal: 1.8 miles
Hatley Castle
2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC
Explore this historic castle and its beautiful gardens, known from films and TV shows.
Distance from Terminal: 8.8 miles
Chinatown Victoria
Fisgard St, Victoria, BC
Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown, full of history and vibrant culture.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook St, Victoria, BC
A large urban park with beautiful gardens, a petting zoo, and coastal views.
Distance from Terminal: 1.6 miles
Cycle the Galloping Goose Trail
N/A
A scenic multi-use trail perfect for biking, running, or walking through lush landscapes.
Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles
Inner Harbour Kayaking
950 Wharf St, Victoria, BC
Go kayaking in Victoria's Inner Harbour and explore at a leisurely pace.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Goldstream Provincial Park
Trans-Canada Hwy, Langford, BC
Enjoy hiking trails, a waterfall, and the famous salmon run in autumn.
Distance from Terminal: 10.6 miles
Thetis Lake Regional Park
N/A
A great spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking surrounded by natural beauty.
Distance from Terminal: 10.2 miles
A Little Extra
Miniature World
649 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC
Visit this little attraction with highly detailed miniature scenes and models.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Victoria Bug Zoo
631 Courtney St, Victoria, BC
Experience the fun and educational exhibits of this unique insect zoo.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Oak Bay Beach Hotel Mineral Pools
1175 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC
Relax in oceanfront hot mineral pools at this luxurious hotel.
Distance from Terminal: 4.3 miles
Market Square
560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC
Shop and explore boutique stores and eateries in this vibrant historic square.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Ocean Blvd, Colwood, BC
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various migratory birds in this scenic area.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
Overnight Trips
Day Trip to Salt Spring Island
N/A
Visit the charming Salt Spring Island, known for its artsy vibe and farmer's market.
Distance from Terminal: 35 miles
Canada Regional Tip
Inclusive and respectful dialogue regarding diversity. Showing openness and respect toward various cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, especially during conversations about religion, ethnicity, and personal beliefs.