Victoria Inner Harbour

Make the Inner Harbour a starting point for your Victoria sightseeing. The ferry terminal is walking distance from top sites, while cruise passengers arrive on frequent shuttles. The Inner Harbour hosts festivals and shows through summer, and there are plenty of landmarks, shops, and cafes for browsing. Hop-on hop-off tours of Victoria generally stop right in the Inner Harbour, which is also a focal point for many guided excursions, as well.

• The Inner Harbour is a must-see for all visitors to Victoria and is especially popular with history buffs and nature lovers.

• For a quick trip across the Inner Harbour, try taking one of the city’s affordable water taxis.

• Paid parking is available in the Inner Harbour, but it's recommended to use public transit to access the area, which can be crowded.

Government Street fronts the Inner Harbour, bracketed by Wharf Street to the north and Belleville Street to the south. Several paid parking lots are available nearby, including the City of Victoria lot at 900 Wharf Street. Information is available at the Greater Victoria Visitor Centre located at 812 Wharf Street, on the northern edge of the Inner Harbour.

Sunrise and sunset are preferred times to visit the Inner Harbour, especially for photographers who can take advantage of shooting the coast in the soft light of morning or evening. After dark, many landmarks around the Inner Harbour are illuminated, making a nighttime stroll by the water a popular option.

If you’re looking for a meal, you have plenty of options in the Inner Harbour. Look for waterside seafood spots that range from takeout seafood and tacos to restaurants with a more casual, pub-style dining room. Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress is an institution in Victoria, a dress-up affair complete with finger sandwiches, sweets, and other treats.