Where Do the Cruise Ships Dock in Victoria, BC?

Cruise ships dock in Victoria, British Columbia, at [pier name](link). The port is located on the Inner Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre. Cruise ships of all sizes can dock at the pier, which has a total of 10 berths. The port is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a popular destination for cruise passengers.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the cruise ship terminal in Victoria, British Columbia. We will discuss the different types of ships that dock at the port, the amenities that are available to passengers, and the attractions that are located nearby. We will also provide some tips for planning your own cruise to Victoria.

“`html

Cruise Ship Terminal Location
Holland America Saanich Pier Inner Harbour
Princess Cruises Carnival Cruise Line Horseshoe Bay
Royal Caribbean Canada Place Inner Harbour

“`

Cruise Ship Docks in Victoria BC

Victoria, British Columbia is a popular cruise ship destination due to its stunning scenery, mild climate, and abundance of activities. There are three cruise ship docks in Victoria, each with its own unique advantages.

1. Inner Harbour

The Inner Harbour is the most popular cruise ship dock in Victoria. It is located in the heart of the city, just steps from shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Inner Harbour is also home to the BC Maritime Museum, the Royal BC Museum, and the Empress Hotel.

Pros:

  • The Inner Harbour is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city.
  • There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance of the Inner Harbour.
  • The Inner Harbour is home to some of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks, such as the BC Maritime Museum, the Royal BC Museum, and the Empress Hotel.

Cons:

  • The Inner Harbour can be very crowded during peak season.
  • The Inner Harbour is not as close to the ocean as some of the other cruise ship docks.

2. Ogden Point

Ogden Point is the second-most popular cruise ship dock in Victoria. It is located on the southern tip of the city, just minutes from the ocean. Ogden Point is home to the Breakwater Marine Park, which offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Pros:

  • Ogden Point is close to the ocean, offering stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
  • The Breakwater Marine Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • Ogden Point is less crowded than the Inner Harbour.

Cons:

  • Ogden Point is further from the city centre than the Inner Harbour.
  • There are fewer shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance of Ogden Point.

3. Swartz Bay

Swartz Bay is the third-most popular cruise ship dock in Victoria. It is located on the Saanich Peninsula, about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria. Swartz Bay is home to the BC Ferries terminal, which offers ferry service to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Pros:

  • Swartz Bay is close to the ferry terminal, making it easy to travel to other parts of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
  • Swartz Bay is less crowded than the Inner Harbour and Ogden Point.
  • There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions within driving distance of Swartz Bay.

Cons:

  • Swartz Bay is further from downtown Victoria than the Inner Harbour and Ogden Point.
  • There is no public transportation between Swartz Bay and downtown Victoria.

The three cruise ship docks in Victoria offer a variety of advantages and disadvantages. The best dock for you will depend on your interests and budget. If you are looking for a central location with easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions, the Inner Harbour is the best option. If you want stunning views of the ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Ogden Point is a great choice. And if you are looking for a convenient location for ferry travel to other parts of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, Swartz Bay is the best option.

3.2 Swartz Bay

Swartz Bay is a small community located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is situated on the Saanich Peninsula, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of Victoria, the provincial capital. Swartz Bay is home to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, which is the main point of entry for visitors arriving to Vancouver Island by ferry from the mainland. The terminal is also the terminus of the Island Highway, which connects Swartz Bay to Victoria and other major centres on Vancouver Island.

Swartz Bay is a popular tourist destination, and the ferry terminal is a major hub for cruise ships. In 2019, over 1.5 million passengers passed through the terminal, making it the second busiest ferry terminal in Canada. The majority of these passengers were cruise ship passengers, who accounted for over 80% of the total traffic.

The Swartz Bay ferry terminal is operated by BC Ferries, a Crown corporation that is responsible for providing ferry service to the major islands of British Columbia. The terminal consists of two berths, which can accommodate two ferries at a time. The ferries that serve Swartz Bay are the Spirit of Vancouver Island and the Queen of the North, which are both large catamarans that can carry up to 2,500 passengers and 500 vehicles.

The Swartz Bay ferry terminal is located approximately 15 kilometres (9 mi) from the Victoria International Airport. There is a shuttle bus that runs between the airport and the terminal, which takes approximately 30 minutes. There is also a taxi service available, which costs approximately $50.

4.3 Esquimalt

Esquimalt is a city located on the Saanich Peninsula, British Columbia, Canada. It is situated on the southern tip of the peninsula, approximately 10 kilometres (6 mi) north of Victoria, the provincial capital. Esquimalt is home to the Esquimalt Harbour, which is a major port for cruise ships. The harbour is also home to the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, which is the largest military base in Western Canada.

Esquimalt is a popular tourist destination, and the harbour is a major hub for cruise ships. In 2019, over 1.3 million passengers passed through the harbour, making it the third busiest cruise ship port in Canada. The majority of these passengers were cruise ship passengers, who accounted for over 80% of the total traffic.

The Esquimalt Harbour is operated by the Port of Victoria, a Crown corporation that is responsible for managing the ports of Victoria and Esquimalt. The harbour consists of two berths, which can accommodate two cruise ships at a time. The cruise ships that serve Esquimalt are the Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mary 2, and the Norwegian Bliss, which are all large ocean liners that can carry up to 5,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members.

The Esquimalt Harbour is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the Victoria International Airport. There is a shuttle bus that runs between the airport and the harbour, which takes approximately 45 minutes. There is also a taxi service available, which costs approximately $75.

Victoria, British Columbia is a popular tourist destination, and the cruise ship industry is a major contributor to the local economy. The two main cruise ship ports in Victoria are Swartz Bay and Esquimalt, which together handle over 2.8 million passengers each year. These ports are located approximately 40 and 10 kilometres north of Victoria, respectively.

Where do the cruise ships dock in Victoria BC?

  • Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the main cruise ship terminal in Victoria, British Columbia. It is located on the waterfront in downtown Victoria, and is just a short walk from many of the city’s attractions, including the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the Empress Hotel.
  • The Inner Harbour has two cruise ship berths, which can accommodate up to four ships at a time. The berths are located on the north side of the harbour, and offer stunning views of the city skyline and the Olympic Mountains.
  • The Inner Harbour is a popular destination for cruise ships, and it is often the first or last stop on a cruise to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest. In 2019, over 1 million passengers visited Victoria on cruise ships.

What are the different cruise lines that dock in Victoria BC?

  • A variety of cruise lines dock in Victoria BC, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line.
  • The most popular cruise lines that dock in Victoria BC are Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.
  • Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of cruises to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and many of their cruises include a stop in Victoria BC.
  • Princess Cruises also offers a variety of cruises to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and many of their cruises include a stop in Victoria BC.

**What are the best things to do in Victoria BC while on a cruise?

  • There are many things to see and do in Victoria BC, including visiting the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the Butchart Gardens.
  • The city is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars, so you can easily find something to do to suit your interests.
  • Here are some of the best things to do in Victoria BC while on a cruise:
  • Visit the Parliament Buildings – The Parliament Buildings are a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, and they offer stunning views of the city.
  • Explore the Royal BC Museum – The Royal BC Museum is home to a collection of over 7 million artifacts, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of British Columbia.
  • Visit the Butchart Gardens – The Butchart Gardens are a world-renowned botanical garden, and they offer a beautiful and peaceful escape from the city.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront – The waterfront is a great place to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise.
  • Visit one of the many restaurants in Victoria BC – Victoria BC is home to a variety of restaurants, so you can easily find something to suit your taste.

**How can I get from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Victoria?

  • There are a few different ways to get from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Victoria.
  • By foot – The cruise ship terminal is located just a short walk from downtown Victoria. It is a pleasant walk along the waterfront, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the city centre.
  • By bus – There are several bus routes that stop near the cruise ship terminal. The 99 bus runs from the terminal to downtown Victoria, and the 72 bus runs from the terminal to the airport.
  • By taxi – Taxis are available at the cruise ship terminal. The fare to downtown Victoria is about $10.
  • By car – There is a parking lot at the cruise ship terminal. The cost of parking is $15 per day.

**What are the best hotels near the cruise ship terminal in Victoria BC?

  • There are a few different hotels near the cruise ship terminal in Victoria BC.
  • The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a historic hotel that is located right on the waterfront. It offers stunning views of the city and the harbour.
  • The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa is a modern hotel that is located just a short walk from the cruise ship terminal. It offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a fitness centre.
  • The Sandman Hotel Victoria Harbourfront is a budget-friendly hotel that is located just a few blocks from the cruise ship terminal. It offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

**What are the best restaurants near the cruise ship terminal in Victoria BC?

  • There are a variety of restaurants near the cruise ship terminal in Victoria BC.
  • The Blue Fox Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. It

    Victoria, BC is a popular cruise ship destination due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city has a variety of cruise ship terminals, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. The Inner Harbour terminal is the most central, but it can be crowded during peak season. The Ogden Point terminal is larger and has more parking, but it is further from downtown. The Swartz Bay terminal is the most convenient for passengers who are continuing on to Vancouver Island, but it is the furthest from Victoria. Ultimately, the best cruise ship terminal for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

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.