Victoria Harbour Ferries | Victoria

Victoria Harbour Ferries offers a unique and scenic way to explore the city of Victoria from the water. The ferry service operates throughout Victoria’s Inner Harbour and along the Gorge Waterway, providing both tourist attractions and water taxi services. Established in 1990, the company has grown from a small fleet of just two boats to a full fleet of 15 distinctive passenger ferries, known as "pickle boats" due to their iconic green and black colors.

Services Provided

Harbour Tours

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Route: The guided tours navigate through Victoria’s Inner Harbour, showcasing some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Passengers get the chance to see notable attractions like the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the stately Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the floating homes at Fisherman’s Wharf. These tours provide rich historical insights into Victoria’s maritime heritage.

Experience: The guides provide informative commentary throughout the journey, ensuring that guests gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Victoria. The proximity to key landmarks makes this a popular choice for visitors looking to get an overview of the city from the water.

Gorge Waterway Cruises

Duration: 75 minutes

Route: This cruise ventures deeper into the Upper Harbour, where passengers pass working shipyards and scenic, historic residences along the Gorge Waterway. The Gorge Waterway is an important waterway in Victoria, with both commercial and residential properties lining its banks. The cruise offers a peaceful and scenic way to experience this less-visited part of the city, providing a mix of natural beauty and maritime history.

Experience: The cruise offers an intimate view of Victoria’s water-based life and gives visitors an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective.

Water Taxi Services

On-Demand Transport: Victoria Harbour Ferries also offers water taxi services, making it easy for passengers to travel between over a dozen different waterfront locations around the city.

Popular Routes: The service connects well-known locations like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Songhees neighborhood, and the Gorge Waterway, as well as less-known areas that are only accessible by water. This is ideal for both tourists and locals who want a convenient and scenic alternative to driving or walking.

Flexibility: The on-demand nature of the service allows passengers to be picked up and dropped off at their convenience, offering a personalized travel experience.

Unique Features

Sunday Morning Water Ballet

What It Is: One of the most distinctive features of Victoria Harbour Ferries is the Sunday Morning Water Ballet. During the summer months, the company organizes synchronized boat performances, also known as "water ballet," where the ferries perform coordinated maneuvers to music.

When: This event happens every Sunday morning and has been a beloved tradition for over 20 years. It draws both locals and tourists, offering a fun and lighthearted spectacle on the water.

Why It’s Special: This performance is unique in that it combines the charm of Victoria’s small boats with the art of synchronized movement, delighting audiences along the waterfront. The event is free to watch and adds an element of whimsy to Victoria’s vibrant harbor life.

Experienced Captains

The company prides itself on its team of experienced captains, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds, including retired naval officers, former mayors, and other professionals with rich maritime histories.

Personal Touch: These captains often share personal stories and historical anecdotes with passengers, enriching the experience. This personalized service makes each journey feel more like a conversation with a local historian, adding a deeper connection to the area.

Booking and Practical Information

Location: The ferries depart from several docks around Victoria’s waterfront, with the main location being at the Empress Dock, directly across from the Fairmont Empress Hotel at 721 Government Street. It is one of the most central and easily accessible locations for both tourists and residents.

Operating Hours: The service operates daily, typically from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, depending on the time of year. The summer months see extended hours due to higher demand, particularly during the tourist season.

Booking: For tours and water taxi services, it's often possible to just show up and hop on a boat, though for more specific requests or larger groups, reservations can be made in advance.

For more information or to make a reservation, visitors can contact Victoria Harbour Ferries at (250) 708-0201 or visit their official website at victoriaharbourferry.com.

Why Visit Victoria Harbour Ferries?

Spectacular Views: One of the most appealing aspects of Victoria Harbour Ferries is the spectacular views of Victoria's waterfront. The city is known for its stunning Inner Harbour, and there is no better way to experience its beauty than by boat.

Historical Perspective: The harbor is rich with history, and these tours provide a chance to learn about the city’s maritime legacy, including its early years, development, and the importance of its waterways to its growth.

Access to Unique Areas: The water taxi service allows for access to parts of Victoria that would otherwise be difficult to reach by land. It is also a practical way to get between waterfront attractions, making it easier to visit multiple destinations in a single day.

Relaxing Experience: The boat rides offer a relaxing and leisurely way to experience the beauty of the city without the crowds and noise of the streets. The serene environment allows passengers to appreciate the calm waters and lush surroundings.

Family-Friendly: The Harbour Tours and Gorge Waterway Cruises are ideal for families, providing entertainment and educational value for all ages. Additionally, the Water Ballet is a fun and family-friendly event.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for a relaxing way to see Victoria, need a convenient water taxi service, or want to enjoy a bit of local flair with the Water Ballet, Victoria Harbour Ferries offers a delightful experience. It combines scenic views, historical significance, and charming local characters to create a memorable outing on the waters of one of Canada’s most beautiful cities.