Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) 15 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC: A Cruise Port Guide This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a city where history, British charm, and Pacific Northwest beauty come together. Named after Queen Victoria, the city dates back to 1843, when the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Victoria. Today, much of that history is still beautifully preserved throughout the city.Some of Victoria’s most recognizable landmarks reflect its rich heritage, including the magnificent British Columbia Parliament Buildings, completed in 1897, and the iconic Fairmont Empress, which opened its doors in 1908.Victoria is also home to the second-oldest Chinatown in North America, after San Francisco. As you explore the city, you’ll find reminders of its British and colonial roots everywhere—from beautifully landscaped gardens and historic buildings to museums, public squares, historic street names, and classic English-style pubs.Whether you’re visiting Victoria on a cruise stop or spending a few days exploring Vancouver Island, the city offers plenty of history, culture, gardens, food, and beautiful places to discover. Arriving in Victoria, BC: Cruise Port & Transportation Guide If you’re visiting Victoria as part of a cruise, you’ll arrive at Ogden Point Cruise Terminal, located in Victoria’s Outer Harbour, just over a mile from the Inner Harbour and downtown.Once you step off the ship, you’ll find tour operators right outside the terminal, making it easy to join an excursion or start exploring Victoria on your own.If you enjoy walking, the route into downtown is straightforward and scenic. It’s roughly a 30-minute walk to the Fairmont Empress, located along the Inner Harbour. Along the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of Victoria’s waterfront and historic charm.Not in the mood for a walk? You have several other options. Pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are popular ways to get around and offer a fun, leisurely way to see the city while taking in the sights. Taxis and other transportation options are also available near the terminal.For cruise passengers with limited time in port, Victoria is relatively easy to explore, whether you choose to walk, book an excursion, or arrange transportation. Before leaving the ship, be sure to take your SeaPass card and a credit card with you. Your SeaPass is essential for getting back onboard, while a credit card is handy for shopping, dining, or other expenses during your time in Victoria.In most cases, you won’t need to take your passport ashore. The cruise line typically provides the necessary passenger information to local port authorities, allowing you to leave your passport safely secured in your stateroom. Arriving in Victoria, BC: Cruise Port & Transportation Guide Most cruise ships spend only a few hours in Victoria, and many calls are scheduled in the evening, so your time in port can feel especially short. But don’t let that discourage you—you can still experience quite a bit of Victoria in just a few hours.From strolling along the waterfront and exploring the beautiful Inner Harbour to taking an evening carriage ride or simply enjoying the city’s atmosphere, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time ashore.So, what can you realistically do with just a few hours in Victoria? Here are some of the best ways to spend your time in port. Visit The Butchart Gardens One of the most popular shore excursions in Victoria is a visit to The Butchart Gardens. Located in Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island, these world-famous gardens attract more than one million visitors each year and were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004.Created by Jennie Butchart, the gardens cover 55 acres and feature spectacular floral displays, winding walking paths, and beautifully designed themed gardens. It’s an especially popular choice for cruise passengers looking to experience one of Vancouver Island’s most famous attractions.The gardens are approximately 30 minutes from the cruise port, depending on traffic. You can book an excursion directly through your cruise line or arrange your own transportation if you prefer more flexibility. If you’re taking a taxi, expect to pay approximately $55 each way (2026), although fares can vary.If you’re arranging transportation independently, be sure to leave plenty of time to get back to the ship. Traffic can become heavy during peak travel periods, and you don’t want to turn a relaxing day at the gardens into a race back to the cruise terminal.If cruise line excursions are sold out, Viator is another option worth checking. You’ll find a variety of independent tours and experiences, giving you more flexibility and additional choices. Just remember that when booking an independent excursion, you’re responsible for getting back to the ship on time. Choose a tour with a comfortable time buffer before all-aboard. Explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour Downtown Victoria centers around the beautiful Inner Harbour, where there’s always something happening along the waterfront. Tiny ferries cross the harbor, seaplanes take off overhead, and whale-watching boats head out in search of marine wildlife. It’s a wonderful area to simply wander, take photos, and soak up Victoria’s unique coastal atmosphere.Overlooking the harbor is the iconic Fairmont Empress, one of Victoria’s most recognizable landmarks. The historic hotel has welcomed guests since 1908 and is especially famous for its traditional afternoon tea.If afternoon tea is on your Victoria bucket list, pay attention to the timing. Tea service ends at 4:00 p.m., which can make it difficult for cruise passengers arriving on an evening port call. If you miss it, don’t worry—you can still stop inside the hotel and pick up some of the signature tea to enjoy atContinueContinue reading “15 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC: A Cruise Port Guide”