Alaska and the Pacific Northwest · Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, kept on a card.
Victoria is the Canadian stop on many Inside Passage sailings, and its cruise terminal is a walk or a short ride from an Inner Harbour full of grand old buildings. The hotel and the Parliament do most of the work for you.
Where the photos are in Victoria
The Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings
The 1897 British Columbia Parliament Buildings, with free tours year-round, stand beside the Fairmont Empress Hotel, street performers and the water taxi docks. It is the postcard picture of Victoria.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Afternoon tea here is a century-old tradition, with loose-leaf teas, house-made scones and finger sandwiches served on Royal-pattern china. Shuttle buses drop cruise guests on Government Street in front of the hotel.
Beacon Hill Park
A 200 acre urban park between the cruise terminal and downtown, with manicured gardens, peacocks, a petting zoo, a very tall totem pole and ocean cliffs along Dallas Road. It is free and a scenic walk into town from the terminal.
Fisherman's Wharf
A nine to ten minute walk from the terminal area, with fresh seafood and some of the best fish and chips, and views over the waterfront.
Butchart Gardens
About 22 kilometers from Ogden Point, and worth the trip for flowers in season. Allow about 75 minutes from the ship to the gate.
How the light works
The Inner Harbour is at its best in the golden light of the afternoon, when the Parliament Buildings glow and the water is calm. Beacon Hill Park is bright and open, so take the group picture there in the middle of the day. Late in the evening, if your ship stays late, the Parliament Buildings are outlined in lights.
Before you go ashore
Ships dock at Ogden Point, about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) southwest of the Inner Harbour. Downtown is a walk of roughly 25 to 30 minutes, or you can take a shuttle bus that drops guests on Government Street in front of the Fairmont Empress. Since this is a Canadian port, keep your passport with you and watch the all-aboard time.
Details checked September 2026. Piers, fees and schedules change, so confirm with your ship's daily plan.
Questions people ask
- How far is the Inner Harbour from the cruise terminal?
- About two kilometers, or 1.2 miles. It is a walk of roughly 25 to 30 minutes, or a short shuttle ride that stops on Government Street in front of the Fairmont Empress.
- How far is Butchart Gardens from the cruise terminal?
- About 22 kilometers from Ogden Point. Allow about 75 minutes from the ship to the gate.
- Can I visit the Parliament Buildings?
- Yes. Free tours of the 1897 British Columbia Parliament Buildings are available year-round.
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