Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Victoria, BC?

Cruise ships dock in Victoria at a variety of ports, each with its own unique charm and attractions. From the bustling inner harbour to the quiet outer harbour, there’s a port for every type of cruiser. Whether you’re looking for a lively cityscape or a peaceful waterfront setting, you’re sure to find the perfect port in Victoria.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different ports in Victoria and what they have to offer cruisers. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right port for your next cruise vacation.

So if you’re planning a cruise to Victoria, read on for all the information you need to know!

Cruise Ship Dock Location
Celebrity Millennium Inner Harbour Downtown Victoria
Holland America Eurodam Inner Harbour Downtown Victoria
Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess Inner Harbour Downtown Victoria
Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas Swartz Bay 20 km north of Victoria

Major Cruise Ship Docks in Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia is a popular destination for cruise ships, and there are a number of different docks where they can dock. The most popular dock is the Victoria Inner Harbour, which is located in the heart of the city. Other popular docks include Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Sidney Pier, and Port McNeill.

Victoria Inner Harbour

The Victoria Inner Harbour is the most popular cruise ship dock in Victoria. It is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from many shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Inner Harbour is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel.

Cruise ship schedules

During the peak season (May-September), there are typically 2-3 cruise ships per day that dock at the Victoria Inner Harbour. During the off-peak season (October-April), there are typically 1-2 cruise ships per day that dock at the Inner Harbour.

Facilities

The Victoria Inner Harbour has a number of facilities to accommodate cruise ships, including a cruise ship terminal, a passenger terminal, and a number of shops and restaurants. The cruise ship terminal has a number of amenities for passengers, including a baggage claim area, a currency exchange, and a duty-free shop. The passenger terminal has a number of amenities for cruise ship crew, including a crew lounge, a crew mess, and a crew laundry.

Accessibility

The Victoria Inner Harbour is easily accessible by car, bus, and ferry. The cruise ship terminal is located just a short walk from the city centre, and there are a number of public parking lots nearby. The Inner Harbour is also served by a number of bus routes, and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is located just a short drive away.

Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is located on Vancouver Island, just a short drive from Victoria. It is the main ferry terminal for BC Ferries, and it is also the closest ferry terminal to Victoria. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is a popular cruise ship dock, and it is often used by cruise ships that are too large to dock in the Victoria Inner Harbour.

Cruise ship schedules

During the peak season (May-September), there are typically 1-2 cruise ships per day that dock at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. During the off-peak season (October-April), there are typically no cruise ships that dock at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

Facilities

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal has a number of facilities to accommodate cruise ships, including a cruise ship terminal, a passenger terminal, and a number of shops and restaurants. The cruise ship terminal has a number of amenities for passengers, including a baggage claim area, a currency exchange, and a duty-free shop. The passenger terminal has a number of amenities for cruise ship crew, including a crew lounge, a crew mess, and a crew laundry.

Accessibility

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is easily accessible by car, bus, and ferry. The cruise ship terminal is located just a short walk from the ferry terminal, and there are a number of public parking lots nearby. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is also served by a number of bus routes.

Sidney Pier

Sidney Pier is located on Vancouver Island, just a short drive from Victoria. It is a popular cruise ship dock, and it is often used by cruise ships that are too large to dock in the Victoria Inner Harbour or the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

Cruise ship schedules

During the peak season (May-September), there are typically 1-2 cruise ships per day that dock at the Sidney Pier. During the off-peak season (October-April), there are typically no cruise ships that dock at the Sidney Pier.

Facilities

The Sidney Pier has a number of facilities to accommodate cruise ships, including a cruise ship terminal, a passenger terminal, and a number of shops and restaurants. The cruise ship terminal has a number of amenities for passengers, including a baggage claim area, a currency exchange, and a duty-free shop. The passenger terminal has a number of amenities for cruise ship crew, including a crew lounge, a crew mess, and a crew laundry.

Accessibility

The Sidney Pier is easily accessible by car, bus, and ferry. The cruise ship terminal is located

3. Things to Do in Victoria

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

  • Sightseeing

Victoria is home to many beautiful landmarks, including the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, and Beacon Hill Park. Visitors can take a walk through the city center, visit the museums, or take a ferry to nearby islands.

  • Restaurants

Victoria has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from international cuisine to local specialties. There are also plenty of pubs and bars where visitors can enjoy a drink and a meal.

  • Shopping

Victoria is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and other items. There are many stores in the city center, as well as in the nearby suburbs.

  • Nightlife

Victoria has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. There are also a number of live music venues and theaters where visitors can catch a show.

4. Getting to Victoria

There are a few different ways to get to Victoria. Here are the most popular options:

  • By Plane

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located about 20 kilometers from the city center. There are direct flights to Victoria from many major cities in Canada and the United States.

  • By Train

The VIA Rail train service connects Victoria to Vancouver and other cities in British Columbia. The train ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 4 hours.

  • By Car

Victoria is located about 2 hours from Vancouver by car. The drive is along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.

  • By Ferry

There are also a number of ferry services that connect Victoria to other cities in British Columbia and Washington State. The ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 90 minutes.

Victoria is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shopping, dining, or nightlife, Victoria has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a trip to Canada, be sure to add Victoria to your list!

Where do cruise ships dock in Victoria?

  • Victoria Inner Harbour is the main cruise ship terminal in Victoria, British Columbia. It is located on the Inner Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre. The terminal can accommodate ships of up to 220,000 gross tons and has a capacity of up to 5,000 passengers.
  • Swartz Bay is another cruise ship terminal in Victoria, located on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula. It is about a 30-minute drive from Victoria’s city centre. The terminal can accommodate ships of up to 150,000 gross tons and has a capacity of up to 3,000 passengers.

What cruise lines dock in Victoria?

A variety of cruise lines dock in Victoria, including:

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

What is the best time to visit Victoria for a cruise?

The best time to visit Victoria for a cruise depends on your interests. The summer months (June to September) are the busiest, with mild weather and long days. This is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the city’s many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The shoulder seasons (May and October) are also good options, with slightly less crowds and milder weather. The winter months (November to March) are the least busy, with cooler weather and shorter days. This is a great time to visit if you want to experience Victoria’s many cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and theatres.

What are the best things to do in Victoria?

There are many things to do in Victoria, including:

  • Visit the Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned botanical garden.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the Inner Harbour.
  • Explore the city’s many museums and art galleries.
  • Catch a show at the Royal Theatre.
  • Enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

**How can I get to Victoria from Vancouver?

There are a few ways to get to Victoria from Vancouver, including:

  • By ferry: The BC Ferries Victoria-Vancouver route takes about 90 minutes.
  • By plane: The Victoria International Airport is located about 20 minutes from the city centre.
  • By car: The drive from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 3 hours.

**What are the COVID-19 restrictions for cruise ships in Victoria?

The COVID-19 restrictions for cruise ships in Victoria vary depending on the cruise line and the current state of the pandemic. However, all cruise ships must adhere to the following general guidelines:

  • All passengers must be fully vaccinated.
  • All passengers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding the ship.
  • All passengers must wear masks in public areas.
  • All passengers must practice social distancing.

**For more information on cruise ships in Victoria, please visit the following websites:

  • [Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal](https://www.victoriacruiseterminal.com/)
  • [Victoria Tourism](https://www.tourismvictoria.com/)
  • [BC Ferries](https://www.bcferries.com/)

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in Victoria: the Inner Harbour, the Outer Harbour, and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best for your needs. If you are looking for a convenient location close to downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour is the best option. If you are looking for a more scenic setting with views of the Olympic Mountains, the Outer Harbour is a good choice. And if you are looking for a terminal that is close to the ferry to Vancouver Island, the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is the best option. No matter which terminal you choose, you are sure to have a memorable cruise experience in Victoria.

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.