Table Of Content
Their ships usually stop in Victoria on relocation cruise itineraries (to and from Alaska). According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), after Europe, Alaska is currently the world's second-leading cruise ship travel destination (excluding Asia). In 2014, the cruise port handled 210 ship calls and over 454,000 passengers. In 2017 were handled 239 ship calls (record year) with 600,000 passengers plus 239,000 crew. In 2018, the cruise port handled 243 ship calls and ~640,000 passengers plus ~260,000 crew. Currently, the cruise port's contribution to the local economy is estimated at ~USD 130 million.
Victoria British Columbia Cruise Port: Complete Guide!
It is also adjacent to a walking path along the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views of Washington’s Olympic Mountains. From the cruise port, it’s a pleasant 30-minute walk along the scenic waterfront to reach downtown Victoria. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle, pedicab, or taxi for a quicker journey. Once in the heart of the city, you’ll find an array of attractions, landmarks, and culinary experiences to suit every taste. Some things have changed in downtown Victoria regarding bike lanes and pedestrian walkways since 2019 when the latest cruise ships were here.
Day Trips: Exploring Vancouver Island
Constructed in the late 1800s, their Neo-baroque design is truly a sight to behold, especially when lit up at night. Guided tours are available for those keen to delve into British Columbia’s legislative history and witness the grandeur from the inside. Victoria’s Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, is a vibrant enclave of culture, color, and history. As you meander through its narrow streets, be sure to venture into Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, brimming with quirky shops and rich stories from the past. This area offers a peek into the lives of Chinese immigrants who made Victoria their home in the 19th century.
How Many Cruise Ships Use The Victoria Cruise Port?
Canadian Port Welcomes 10 Millionth Cruise Passenger - Cruise Hive
Canadian Port Welcomes 10 Millionth Cruise Passenger.
Posted: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
We’ve been on many cruises, and as a result we’ve been in a few cruise ship terminals. It can feel confusing and disorienting when you arrive at a port you’re unfamiliar with, depending on how well everything and everyone is organized. Although there is an entry fee to access Butchart Gardens, tours of the gardens are self-guided and you are free to spend as much time in each of the gardens as you wish.
He or she does have a schedule to keep, but theyre happy to help when possible. The Victoria cruise port is both a port of call for Alaska cruises and an embarkation port for cruises elsewhere, such as Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera. Visiting Victoria BC is considered by many to be a highlight of their cruise port stops.
What to Do in Victoria BC Cruise Port
Enjoy local cuisine while your kids play in safe, fun-filled areas. The city lights come to life, and The Parliament Building, with its stately architecture, takes center stage. With its blend of food, music, shopping, and cultural attractions, Victoria promises you won’t be bored during your visit. You’ll see many folks enjoying theirs on Government Street, so don’t be surprised if the line is out the door.
Victoria Bc Cruise Port: Tips Attractions And Weather
It’s a garden oasis for gardeners and wannabe-gardeners alike. Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden in Victoria, British Columbia. People come from around the world to enjoy the splendour of these beautiful gardens. On Princess Cruise Line, all non-US Citizens require a valid piece of Government-Issued ID. Always check the cruise website for most recent guidelines as they are subject to change. If you are travelling by air to the United States to catch your cruise (i.e. Seattle), you will require a Passport.
Travel information Canada
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it offers direct transportation from Victoria, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transit routes with transfers. Opting for an Uber from Downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens offers unparalleled speed and efficiency, ensuring you reach your destination with ease.
Alert Bay, British Columbia
Cruise ships dock at the Ogden Point Cruise Ship Terminal in Victoria, BC. The Ogden Point Cruise Ship Terminal is located 1.49 miles (or 2.4 km) from the Inner Harbour and is walking distance to many attractions in Victoria. The USD 6,8 million project was scheduled for completion in May 2019 but postponed for November. By this project, Port's existing cruise berth was extended by 55 m (180 ft) and concrete bollard platforms and 2 breasting dolphins (fixed on each side of the extended pier) were added. Larger dogs might be permitted during off-peak hours but always check with the local transport guidelines. Ensuring a smooth journey goes beyond planning the fun activities whether you are a new cruiser or more seasoned.
The much loved ritual of afternoon tea is embraced and celebrated in Victoria, and venues such as the Fairmont Empress have served thousands over the many years this has been offered. If you happen to be in Victoria from April – October, on selected days. You can watch the water ballet from many viewpoints within the harbour. You can take the cruise shuttle to downtown and walk across the Johnson Street Bridge to access Westsong Walkway.
Victoria ranks as one of my favourite cruise port cities of all time. If you are wondering what to do in Victoria, you’ve come to the right spot. This quick guide will help you navigate the best things that Victoria has to offer in a short amount of time. The highlight of your Alaskan Cruise may very well be the Cruise Port in Victoria British Columbia. The Causeway marina is located in Victoria’s city centre, close to the provincial legislature, the famous Empress Hotel, and the Royal BC Museum.
This is a 2-highway system - one on Vancouver Island, and one on mainland Canada. Victoria BC cruise port terminal is located at Ogden Point (distance to downtown approx 1,5 mi / 2,5 km). Victoria International Airport is approx 18 mi (29 km) from the passenger terminal. The address is "202–468 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9, Canada". In 2023, the Port reported a record season with handled 326 ship calls and ~970,000 tourists (+26% over 2022). Maiden visits made the liners Carnival Luminosa (CCL), Scenic Eclipse (Scenic USA) and L’Austral (Ponant).
However, if you don’t want to wait around for a guided tour, you can opt to take a free self-guided tour instead. If your cruise is departing from a port city located in Canada (i.e. Vancouver or Victoria) and you plan to arrive to your port city by air, you will require a Passport. All airline travel with destinations outside the United States requires a valid Passport.
While this dream may seem out of reach due to budget constraints, the good news is that Victoria now offers popular rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. Remember to check the Victoria bus schedule and have the exact change for the fare. In this section, we’ll walk you through the myriad of transport options at your disposal, ensuring your adventure to Butchart Gardens is nothing short of magical. Simply put, no Victoria Itinerary is complete without a visit to Butchart Gardens – even if you’re just here on a cruise layover. The Butchart Gardens are a renowned collection of floral display gardens located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada. The attraction is located about 25 kilometres, or 45 minutes by car from the Victoria Cruise Port.
You don’t have to walk far from the cruise port in Victoria, BC, for entertainment. You can see many historical sites, taste the local products, including those in Chinatown, and have a guide to point out the highlights along the way. The port also provides a shuttle service from Victoria cruise port into town.
