- Most Popular
- Ages 19+ Ages Ages 19+
Experience the city’s finest brew pubs and watering holes! Choose your Pickle Pub Crawl start time and then catch a water taxi from one harbour stop to the next. Good times to remember.
Quick Details
Victoria Waterfront Tour
Victoria’s Harbour really is the heart of the city. For over 4000 years, the Coast Salish peoples lived along the shoreline where they relied on the abundance of resources for hunting, fishing, and foraging. Early European explorers soon discovered the natural splendor for themselves and established the city as the main port in Western Canada. Follow in their paddle strokes as your guide shares the story of Victoria’s waterways in this 45-minute scenic tour.
Get a first-hand look at how the harbour functions as a seaport and seaplane airplane terminal as well as a cruise ship and ferry destination. Uncover the secrets of historic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings, First Nation sacred territories, wildlife habitats, and float home communities.
This intimate tour gets you up close and personal with some of our favourite things — ocean views, marine life, and history.
Note: In these unique times, the Harbour Tour may need to be boarded as a Combo Tour. When a tour is converted to a Combo, you see the best of both tours.
What to Bring
Camera to capture the memories!
Same-Day Bookings
We accept walk-in bookings! Please come to our waterfront kiosk located at the Empress Dock and our friendly staff will let you know when the next availability is!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Each of our tours is created around our Five Cornerstones. This guarantees you the quintessential Victoria experience while giving our captains the freedom to share local secrets and personal memories of their home.
History: Learn about the Coast Salish peoples who lived in the area before the arrival of European navigators, the Victorian settlers who contributed to the early development of the city, and how Victoria has grown over the years.
Architecture: Get a unique view of the many original buildings that line the Inner Harbour, compare the modern skyline to historic photographs, and hear the tragic tale of the famous architect Francis Rattenbury.
Harbour Life: Glimpse into Victoria’s rich naval history, experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the port, and you might even see one of the many sailing and boating events.
Aircraft: Look to the skies and learn about the role Victoria played in the World Wars, or watch seaplanes land and take off right beside you on the water.
Wildlife: Victoria is home to an abundance of wildlife, including sea otters, seals and sea lions, blue herons, bald eagles and, of course, magnificent orca whales.
TICKETS + DEPARTURE
Purchase your tickets and depart at the Empress Dock. On the way back, your captain will give you the option of ending your tour at Fisherman’s Wharf or returning to the starting point at the Empress Dock.
HAPPY BOATS
From the moment you step aboard, you’re greeted by the salty ocean breeze and the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. Victoria Harbour Ferry has been connecting locals and visitors to the city’s waterfront neighbourhoods, parks and communities for almost 30 years. Our experienced captains are known for their love of the ocean, passion for storytelling, and unrivaled safety records. Join us on the water and see why our boats are the happiest little boats in the harbour!