Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Victoria, BC?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise ships dock in Victoria, British Columbia, at the Inner Harbour, which is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The harbour is home to a variety of attractions, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Parliament Buildings, and the Empress Hotel. Cruise ships also offer a variety of excursions, including whale watching, kayaking, and hiking.

Cruise Ship Terminal Location
Carnival Splendor Inner Harbour Terminal Downtown Victoria
Holland America Line Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Swartz Bay, B.C.
Princess Cruises Inner Harbour Terminal Downtown Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia is a popular cruise ship destination due to its stunning scenery, mild climate, and rich history. The city is home to a number of cruise ship terminals, each with its own unique offerings.

In this article, we will discuss the three main cruise ship terminals in Victoria, BC, as well as the cruise ship schedules for each terminal. We will also provide tips on how to get to and from the cruise ship terminals.

Cruise Ship Terminals in Victoria, BC

There are three main cruise ship terminals in Victoria, BC:

  • Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal
  • Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
  • Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal

Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal

The Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of Victoria’s downtown core. The terminal is just a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions, including the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the Empress Hotel.

The Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also a free shuttle that runs between the terminal and the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Victoria. The terminal is served by BC Ferries, which offers regular ferry service to Vancouver.

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also a free shuttle that runs between the terminal and the Swartz Bay Visitor Centre.

Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal

The Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Victoria. The terminal is served by BC Ferries, which offers regular ferry service to Vancouver.

The Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also a free shuttle that runs between the terminal and the Sidney Pier Visitor Centre.

Cruise Ship Schedules in Victoria, BC

The cruise ship schedules in Victoria, BC, vary depending on the time of year. During the peak season (May to September), there are typically more cruise ships calling on Victoria than during the off-peak season (October to April).

The following is a list of the major cruise lines that call on Victoria, BC, during the peak season:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International

The following is a list of the major cruise lines that call on Victoria, BC, during the off-peak season:

  • Cunard Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Seabourn
  • Silversea Cruises

Tips for Getting to and from the Cruise Ship Terminals

The following are tips for getting to and from the cruise ship terminals in Victoria, BC:

  • By car: The Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal is located just a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Victoria, and the Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Victoria.
  • By public transportation: There are a number of public transportation options available to get to and from the cruise ship terminals in Victoria, BC. The Victoria Transit System offers bus service to all three terminals.
  • By taxi: Taxis are available at all three cruise ship terminals.
  • By shuttle: There are a number of shuttle companies that offer service to and from the cruise ship terminals.

Victoria, BC, is a popular cruise ship destination due to its stunning scenery, mild climate, and rich history. The city is home to a number of cruise ship terminals, each with its own unique offerings.

The Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of Victoria’s downtown core, making it easy to access many of the city’s top attractions. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Victoria, and the Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Victoria.

The cruise ship schedules in Victoria, BC, vary depending on the time of year. During the peak season (May to September), there are typically more cruise ships calling on Victoria than during the off-peak season (October to April).

The following are tips for getting to and from the cruise ship terminals in Victoria, BC:

  • By car: The Victoria Inner Harbour Cruise Terminal is located just a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Victoria, and the Sidney Pier Cruise Terminal is about

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Victoria Bc?

Victoria’s Inner Harbour is home to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, which is the main port of entry for cruise ships visiting Victoria. The terminal is located just a short walk from the city centre, and offers a variety of amenities for cruise passengers, including shops, restaurants, and a tourist information centre.

Cruise ships dock at one of two berths at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal:

  • Berth 1: This berth is reserved for large cruise ships, and can accommodate ships up to 1,000 passengers.
  • Berth 2: This berth is reserved for smaller cruise ships, and can accommodate ships up to 500 passengers.

Cruise ships typically arrive at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in the morning, and depart in the afternoon or evening. The exact arrival and departure times of each cruise ship will vary, so it is important to check the cruise ship’s schedule before planning your trip.

Once you arrive at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to your hotel or other destination in Victoria. The terminal is also located just a short walk from the city centre, so you can easily explore Victoria on foot.

For more information on cruise ship docking in Victoria, please visit the following websites:

  • Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal: [https://www.bcferries.com/schedules-fares/terminals/swartz-bay/](https://www.bcferries.com/schedules-fares/terminals/swartz-bay/)
  • Victoria Tourism: [https://www.tourismvictoria.com/](https://www.tourismvictoria.com/)

3. Things to Do in Victoria, BC

Victoria is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Here are a few of the top things to do in Victoria:

  • Visit the Butchart Gardens: The Butchart Gardens are a world-renowned botanical garden located just a short drive from Victoria. The gardens are home to a variety of flowers, trees, and plants, and are a popular spot for weddings and events.
  • Explore the Inner Harbour: The Inner Harbour is the heart of Victoria, and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can take a walk along the waterfront, visit the Royal BC Museum, or catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands.
  • Go hiking in Beacon Hill Park: Beacon Hill Park is a large park located just outside of Victoria’s downtown core. The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as a children’s playground, a petting zoo, and a golf course.
  • Visit the Parliament Buildings: The Parliament Buildings are located in the heart of Victoria, and are a popular tourist destination. The buildings are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, and offer free tours to visitors.
  • Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands: Victoria is located just a short ferry ride from a number of beautiful islands, including Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island, and Galiano Island. These islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing.

For more information on things to do in Victoria, please visit the following websites:

  • Victoria Tourism: [https://www.tourismvictoria.com/](https://www.tourismvictoria.com/)
  • Explore Victoria: [https://www.explorevictoria.com/](https://www.explorevictoria.com/)

4. Getting to Victoria, BC

There are a few different ways to get to Victoria, BC. Here are the three most common methods:

  • By Air: Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located just a short drive from downtown Victoria. The airport is served by a variety of airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Alaska Airlines.
  • By Car: Victoria is located about a 6-hour drive from Vancouver. The drive is scenic, and takes you through the Fraser Valley and the Coast Mountains.
  • By Ferry: BC Ferries offers a ferry service from Vancouver to Victoria. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours, and offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Once you arrive in Victoria, you can get around the city by car, taxi, bus, or ferry. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, and it is easy to get around by foot or bicycle.

For more information on getting to Victoria, BC, please visit the following websites:

  • Victoria International Airport: [https://www.yyj.ca/](https://www.yyj

    Where do cruise ships dock in Victoria, BC?

  • Victoria Inner Harbour is the main cruise ship terminal in Victoria, BC. It is located on the waterfront in the heart of the city.
  • Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International all dock at Victoria Inner Harbour.
  • The terminal has a capacity of 2,500 passengers and 800 crew members.
  • It is open year-round and offers a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and a visitor information center.

How many cruise ships dock in Victoria, BC each year?

  • Approximately 250 cruise ships dock in Victoria, BC each year.
  • The peak season is from May to September, when the city hosts more than 100 cruise ships.
  • The average length of stay for a cruise ship in Victoria is two days.

What is the best way to get to Victoria Inner Harbour from the airport?

  • The Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located about 20 kilometers from Victoria Inner Harbour.
  • The best way to get to the terminal is by taxi, which takes about 30 minutes.
  • You can also take the Y ellow Cab bus, which takes about 45 minutes.

What are the best things to do in Victoria, BC while waiting for your cruise ship?

  • There are a variety of things to do in Victoria, BC while waiting for your cruise ship.
  • Some of the most popular attractions include:
  • The Butchart Gardens , a world-renowned botanical garden
  • The Fairmont Empress Hotel , a historic hotel with stunning views of the harbour
  • The Royal BC Museum , which houses a collection of artifacts from British Columbia’s history
  • The Fisherman’s Wharf , a popular spot for fresh seafood and shopping

What are the best restaurants near Victoria Inner Harbour?

  • There are a variety of restaurants near Victoria Inner Harbour, serving everything from casual fare to fine dining.
  • Some of the most popular restaurants include:
  • The Blue Crab , a seafood restaurant with a waterfront patio
  • The Oak Bay Beach Hotel , a fine-dining restaurant with stunning views of the harbour
  • The Bamboo Bistro , a Chinese restaurant with a modern twist
  • The The Fish Shack , a casual seafood restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere

    Victoria is a popular cruise ship destination due to its beautiful scenery, mild climate, and abundance of activities. The majority of cruise ships dock at the Inner Harbour, which is located in the heart of the city. This makes it easy for passengers to explore the city’s many attractions, including the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the Butchart Gardens. Victoria is also a great base for day trips to nearby destinations such as Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Victoria has something to offer everyone.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.