Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island is a beautiful city surrounded by the sea. If you love the ocean as much as we do, you’ll want to be on it or near it as much as possible! Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to enjoy our shoreline and get some exercise in the sun. If you’re not in the mood for getting wet and breaking a sweat but still want to enjoy the water and be restaurant and sightseeing ready, the Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxis are the way to go! With Victoria Harbour Ferry, you can book tours, go on their famous pub crawl, watch the boats do ‘water ballet’ or buy a ticket and access fourteen different docks all over Victoria from downtown to Esquimalt to the bottom of the Gorge Waterway. Whether you’re staying right in Victoria, in Sooke or in Sidney at the top of the Saanich Peninsula, you’ll want to make a special trip to downtown Victoria and jump on one of these ‘pickle boats’ to see Victoria in a way that’s faster than walking, easier than driving and uniquely Victoria!
Water Taxi ToursÂ
Gorge Tour – During this 45-minute scenic tour of the Gorge waterway, guests will learn about the rich and ancient history of the Coast Salish Peoples, the pollution and near destruction of the Gorge waterway and the tireless restoration efforts that saved it. You’ll also be able to spot some of our famously friendly marine life and enjoy your time on the water!Â
Harbour Tour – During this 45-minute tour, guests will get a first-hand look at how this urban harbour functions as a busy city seaport with seaplane terminal, cruise ship port and ferry destination! Learn more about the historic colonial landmarks, see colourful float home communities and see important First Nations hunting and fishing grounds.Â
Combo Tour – This 45-minute tour combines the best of both tours where guests will be taken through the majority of the Inner Harbour, Upper Harbour and lower Gorge Waterway.
Water Taxi Pub CrawlÂ
While the term ‘pub crawl’ may spark images of drunken teenagers swaying through the city streets, have no fear – this ‘pub crawl’ is actually an incredible way to visit some of Victoria’s most popular waterway restaurants in style and with ease. On this tour, guests will be able to check out the bustling Milestones Grill & Bar, enjoy Canoe Brew Pub for elevated pub fare, join the local joviality at Bellevilles’ Watering Hole & Diner, kick back at the low key neighbourhood Santiago’s Cafe, sip a craft cocktail at the lovely LURE Restaurant & Bar and sample fresh, local seafood at Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro. Tickets are only $25.00CAD for each passenger, when you’re done at a location you simply call for pickup to your next destination and for groups of four, you can even enjoy a complimentary appetizer at each location!
Water Taxi Stops
If you want to boost your walking tour around Victoria, check out these stops and easily get from one end of Downtown Victoria to another and see everything this incredible city has to offer!
Selkirk Landing – If you’re looking for a fun way to get to Glo Restaurant, the Harbour Ferry has your back! At Selkirk Landing you can find access to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and a great way to walk along the historical Selkirk Bridge.
Point Ellice House – Built in 1861, Point Ellice House is a National Heritage site overlooking the waters of Victoria’s scenic Gorge Waterway. Come here for tours of this historic house, ever-changing exhibits and find out how this house and its occupants are important in Victoria’s rich history.
Dockside Green – Dockside Landing is your entryway to the historic neighbourhood of Victoria West. Just a few steps away from the Galloping Goose Trail, the lovely harbour pathway system and only steps away from downtown.
Chinatown – This dock is the gateway to Victoria’s Chinatown and design district as well as Johnson Street shopping district! Visit the historic Fan Tan Alley, peruse the many incredible home furnishing shops and pop into one of the many delicious restaurants in the area.
Old Town – This ferry stop is positioned in the middle of downtown Victoria. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Inner Harbour, walk up to Old Town, through Bastion Square and enjoy some of the great shopping and dining of downtown Victoria.
Red Fish Blue Fish – Located at the bottom of Broughton Street, this ferry stop is right next to the incredible Red Fish Blue Fish food truck! This is a great stop to grab some delicious seafood and wander along the edge of the Inner Harbour.
Empress Dock – Located across the street from the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Empress Dock is the main hub for our ferries. Our captains and sales staff are stationed at this dock to serve you.
Delta Dock – Located right across the bridge from the downtown area, this stop sits in front of the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. Book a trip to this amazing spa and take the Harbour Ferry to your appointment! Or get dropped off here to walk over the Johnson Street Bridge for a pretty stroll through Lower Johnson.
Songhees Landing – Just a short walk from the Victoria International Marina and the local hotspot, Spinnakers Brewpub, this ferry is the perfect stop to have a fun pub lunch and a walk along the beautiful Songhees Walkway.
Coast Marina – Visit the Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina for some amazing seafood at the Blue Crab Seafood House then stroll along the beautiful David Foster Harbour Pathway, all the way to the Inn at Laurel Point Hotel where you can watch floatplanes, the Coho and Clipper ferries coming and going.
Fisherman’s Wharf – At this popular stop, guests can walk through a colourful mix of float homes, restaurants, kayaking rentals and fishing charters. It’s here you can find the top-rated whale watching tours in Victoria. Hungry? Grab a meal on the docks! At this unique waterfront neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone!
West Bay Marina – Hop off at our West Bay stop to check out this funky marina! Right on the edge of Esquimalt, this marina has a mix of beautiful vessels and float homes. Explore the marina and then enjoy a walk along the Songhees Walkway all the way downtown!
Harbour Air – This stop is adjacent to the entrance of the Harbour Air airport entrance, which makes it a perfect way to travel back to EMR at the ferry stop before or after your flight.Railyards Landing – This interesting residential area in Victoria West has industrial style condos, green spaces and is a great way to access a section of the Galloping Goose Trail.
