Victoria may be in British Columbia, but it feels more like England than Canada. Victoria was founded in the 1800s as an outpost of the British Empire and populated by settlers attracted to its mild climate. Historic Victoria boasts several grand buildings, lots of shops and aesthetic touches reflecting its English heritage. There's a slightly toney ambience to the city streets.
Victoria is also a modern, prosperous provincial capital with a diversified economy. Vancouver is a short ferry ride away. The education and technology sectors are strong, and specialty farming has burgeoned in the nearby Saanich Peninsula and up-island Cowichan Valley. The result is a city with an international reputation for good restaurants and a penchant for outdoor sports such as sea kayaking, sailing and cycling. For a city of its size and scale, Victoria has a youthful, eclectic buzz.
Location
Large cruise ships dock at Ogden Point, about 1.5 mi/2.4 km southwest of downtown. The terminal has a small gift shop, restrooms and pay phones. If your cruise line has made arrangements, you can take a free shuttle downtown. Taxis also wait in front of the terminal. There's public bus service to the downtown area, or you can walk—it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city's center. Small cruise ships often dock in Victoria's Inner Harbour. The nearest visitor-information center is located along the Inner Harbour on Wharf Street across from the Empress Hotel.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the area, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements or worry about missing the ship. Typical tours include a visit to Butchart Gardens and Butterfly World, city tours, winery tours or whale-watching excursions. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
