Victoria Canada is one of those cities that is often overlooked unless you happen to be on a cruise ship that makes a stop on the way to or from Alaska. Most passengers will be hustling off the ship to head to pre-booked excursions. But this city is so charming and you shouldn’t waste a minute of your precious port day! If you have one day to spend in Victoria Canada, this itinerary crams the best of the town’s charm into an unforgettable 6 hours.
Curious about how to squeeze all of Victoria’s best sights into just one day? Keep reading and I’ll share insights on exactly where to go, what to do, and how to make every minute count on your visit to this stunning capital city.
How to Spend The Day in Victoria
Victoria might be small, but there’s no shortage of things to do in this walkable city. Specifically if you are into nature. You’ll love the time you get to spend in Victoria and may even add it to a place you’ll explore for a longer period of time on a different visit. For now, let’s get you through this port day.
There are a few options for you to consider. You could hop on a short harbor ferry ride for a fun, quick tour of the water or head out to spot killer whales hanging around the harbor. This will take a fair amount of time but if you’ve missed whales on the rest of your cruise, it’s a great option to spot a few.
If you up for more of a city adventure, disembark your ship and head in the direction of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. You can choose to walk along the waterfront or save time and jump on one of the awaiting buses heading in that direction. If you’ve chosen to get there on foot, you’ll soon find flower-lined walkways of the Inner Harbour, just a short walk from where the ships dock. Continue your walk until you start to see the views of Parliament Buildings a great place to stop for a few photos.
If you place across the street, you’ll see the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel where you’ll definitely want to get a few shots of the amazing landscaping.
If you are looking to stay more around town, here is my list of things to do while in port in Victoria.
Explore Butchart Gardens
Just a 30-minute drive from the port you’ll find Butchart Gardens. This is one of Victoria’s most famous spots. Wander through acres of breathtaking themed gardens, bursting with vibrant colours and fragrant blooms. Don’t miss the Sunken Garden, a former quarry transformed into a floral masterpiece.
You can stroll through the stunning landscapes, from the Rose Garden to the Japanese Garden, all within 1.5 to 2 hours. If you are not pressed for time, linger a bit longer to soak it all in. You’ll love spending the day in Victoria with a little downtime in nature.
Thunderbird Park
If you want a little culture with your walk in the park, go to Thunderbird Park instead and immerse yourself in the breathtaking collection of totem poles carve by First Nations artist. Learn about the symbolism and stories behind this towering sculptures.
This park is on the corner of Belleville and Douglas streets right in Victoria. And certainly worth a visit.
Fisherman’s Wharf
If you are a bit over the cruise ship food and want to dive into some local fare, head over to Fisherman’s Wharf for a casual, waterfront lunch.
Spend some time exploring the colorful floating homes and perhaps some of the neighborhood harbor seals will pop in for a visit.
China Town
If you’re feeling the walk, head a little outside of the city center to China Town. It’s quant and a few of the alleyways are very photogenic. It’s actually the oldest in Canada and one of the most historic in North America
Walk through the iconic Gate of Harmonious Interest and pop into a few of the shops along the way.
Ultimately, you don’t want to miss Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, which is home to quirky boutiques and cafes. It’s a cool spot to stop for a photo that you can’t get anywhere else.
High Tea at Fairmont Express
If you’re looking to add a bit of elegance to your visit, pop into the Fairmont on your way back to the ship for a sip of tea. Enjoy a classic Victorian tea service with an array of teas, sandwiches, and pastries.
Take the opportunity to explore the atrium and gardens of this historic hotel before heading back to your ship.
Check out a Black Owned Business
I make it a point to look for a few black owned businesses while I’m visiting a new city. This was a bit tricky in Victoria but I did find the Good Vibe Space in downtown. It’s a lifestyle boutique that offers a collection of home decor, personal care products, and art, all of which are ethical and often locally sourced. It’s a great place to shop local and support a black owned business.
Of course businesses come and go, so I’d recommend you do a bit of a search before heading over to ensure they are still around. At the writing of this blog, their doors were open.
My Perspective
I loved Victoria. It was just the right sized city to explore if you want to break away from the cruise ship for the day. It’s totally walkable and the locals are super friendly. It’s not too overwhelming and if you veer a bit off of the beaten path, you might just see something amazing.
I found some cool restaurants and managed to have a very nice dinner near the waterfront before heading back to the ship. it was the perfect end to a great cruise and a great way to spend the day.
There are so many great cities to visit in Canada. While Victoria may be a convenient destination for cruise ship passengers, I’d encourage you to dive a bit deeper into this often overlooked North American country. Subscribe and follow for more tips and inspiration to explore other unique destinations.
FAQs About Spending a Day in Victoria from a Cruise Ship
How far is Butchart Gardens from the cruise terminal?
Butchart Gardens is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise terminal. Many shuttles and tours provide round-trip services, so it’s easy to visit within a 10-hour stop.
What’s the best way to get around Victoria from the cruise terminal?
Victoria is very walkable, especially around downtown and the Inner Harbour. Shuttles and taxis are available for attractions like Butchart Gardens that are farther away.
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