Victoria Harbour Ferry
Victoria Harbour Ferry
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Victoria Harbour Ferry's boats provide the best view of Victoria...From the ocean! Take a Harbour Tour, historic Gorge Waterway Cruise, or hop on an H2O Water Taxi as you explore inner Harbour destinations. Visit us on the dock in front of the Empress Hotel. From there, a VHF Captain can take you to Victoria's best-kept secret: Fisherman's Wharf! Feed the seals, grab some lunch from Barb's Fish and Chips, check out the funky float homes, go for a whale-watching or kayak adventure with Eagle Wing or Kelp Reef, and pick up an ice cream cone from Jackson's on the way back into town! So much to do, and so much to see...Victoria Harbour Ferry!
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Victoria Harbour Ferry
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,030 reviews
Excellent
680
Very good
248
Average
50
Poor
25
Terrible
27
Redwing780
Edmonton, Canada69 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
It was a “west coast day” today so we weren’t into a long walk and our hotel was close to the Inner Harbour. We’ve seen the small water taxies since we got here and decided today was the day to give them a try. The “full meal deal” (harbour-plus-the Gorge) 90 minute trip was only $25 each, all-in and well worth every penny. Our captain, Pete, is a master mariner from the Netherlands but has made Victoria his home. The boat ride was accompanied by his knowledgeable Victoria history lesson and occasional funny story. There’s room for 8 on the boats, which are pretty much fully enclosed but offer a great view. Masks are mandatory. You can get off at any number of stops along the route but you would have as long as an hour wait for the next taxi and it could only pick up a party if there was room aboard. Tip: grab the brochure/map before you get on and follow along with the captain’s description of sights.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rlmptl
Lloydminster, Canada1,232 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
We booked the harbour tour for 45 minutes leaving at 10 am from the Empress Dock. only another two ladies and two kids came on. They talked loudly and visited while the guide was trying to talk that was annoying thankfully they got off half way through
Our guide i believe his name was Gaton was so awesome and informative. we got to see otters, seals and sea lions. its stops at fisherman's wharf if you want off and then you can get back on another ferry. I highly recommend this tour next time we want to go whale watching
Our guide i believe his name was Gaton was so awesome and informative. we got to see otters, seals and sea lions. its stops at fisherman's wharf if you want off and then you can get back on another ferry. I highly recommend this tour next time we want to go whale watching
Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald K
Edmonton, Canada1,174 contributions
Dec 2021
After the ride, I am thinking that I would like to move near water and get a boat just like these. A little 10hp diesel that putts along pretty good. I gave this a 5 because I see someone gave them a 1 because they asked for proof of vaccination. I like not being with anti vaxxer nuts.
At night when we were there they had the boat ballet which was great considering it was short and cost nothing.
At night when we were there they had the boat ballet which was great considering it was short and cost nothing.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine039
Victoria, Canada437 contributions
Dec 2022
I’ll start with the Cons. Given the hype about the lights and audio show “A Winter Dream,” this tour was very disappointing. Even more so when you consider the $35.00 cost per ticket (plus tax)! The narrator’s voice was bland, the voices of the characters were amateurish (child, father, guests), the music nothing special, and as for the story itself? It was a message straight out of a Hallmark greeting card. Didactic, schmaltzy, repetitive: “The magic of Christmas is being there for others.” The narrator made sure we heard it several times. “Be there.” Yes, we get it already. The scenes projected on the sides of buildings were cleverly done, although if you were on the wrong side of the boat, you couldn’t see them clearly, in spite of the captain saying he would ensure that the boat was turned around so that everyone had a good view. There were only three such scenes.
The Pros. We went on a lovely evening, and the sea was like a mirror. The Christmas lights from sailboats and buildings reflected in the water were so beautiful we hardly needed the “enhancement” of a story. The 16-passenger ferry was warm, uncrowded, and the seats were very comfortable. We loved when the “show” was over and the soundtrack switched to Christmas songs and carols. If Harbour Ferries were to scrap the audio-visual show, lower the price, and offer harbour lights tours with Christmas songs, I would highly recommend this tour. If you don't want the Christmas music, just hop on one of the pickle-boats (water taxis) and view the harbour lights at a fraction of the coast. I would not recommend “A Winter Dream.”
The Pros. We went on a lovely evening, and the sea was like a mirror. The Christmas lights from sailboats and buildings reflected in the water were so beautiful we hardly needed the “enhancement” of a story. The 16-passenger ferry was warm, uncrowded, and the seats were very comfortable. We loved when the “show” was over and the soundtrack switched to Christmas songs and carols. If Harbour Ferries were to scrap the audio-visual show, lower the price, and offer harbour lights tours with Christmas songs, I would highly recommend this tour. If you don't want the Christmas music, just hop on one of the pickle-boats (water taxis) and view the harbour lights at a fraction of the coast. I would not recommend “A Winter Dream.”
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susanjanetwright
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2022
My grandsons and I visited Victoria this past weekend, leaving today. We had saved a harbour ferry ride until this morning and arrived downtown to book our tickets about 9:30. We wanted to go up to Chinatown.
I was shocked to find that the fare was $30. for the less than 5 minute ride!! No discounts for seniors (which I am) or even teens (my eldest grandchild is 14) or free for children. We didn’t stop at any of the stops in between, just scooted up to Chinatown and that was it. My receipt is attached.
I feel cheated and taken advantage of - I didn’t want to walk away, although the woman in front of me did, because of my grandchildren. So we took the ride but it felt like a typical “tourist trap”, overcharged and underdelivered. We took a tour and visited several galleries during our stay, all of which were worthwhile and reasonably priced.
I will pass along my feedback to friends who visit Victoria and I send it to you in the hope that you will adjust your prices to be more in line with the actual experience.
Thank you for listening,
Susan
I was shocked to find that the fare was $30. for the less than 5 minute ride!! No discounts for seniors (which I am) or even teens (my eldest grandchild is 14) or free for children. We didn’t stop at any of the stops in between, just scooted up to Chinatown and that was it. My receipt is attached.
I feel cheated and taken advantage of - I didn’t want to walk away, although the woman in front of me did, because of my grandchildren. So we took the ride but it felt like a typical “tourist trap”, overcharged and underdelivered. We took a tour and visited several galleries during our stay, all of which were worthwhile and reasonably priced.
I will pass along my feedback to friends who visit Victoria and I send it to you in the hope that you will adjust your prices to be more in line with the actual experience.
Thank you for listening,
Susan
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pepper
10 contributions
Dec 2022
My adult daughter and I were very disappointed with the tour. The light show was only on the one side of the boat and it was very childish…maybe suited more for children but even the children on the boat did not seem all that interested in it either. The commentary was amateurish. I’m sorry to say for the price of $35 per person it was a total letdown.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NicoleandMatt2014
Duncan, Canada59 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
This was a perfect sitting down activity for our group who needed to rest their legs/feet and not walk all day to explore the city. We did the 75 minute gorge tour. The tour ran on time, we had a friendly and informative driver and were very happy with what we saw along the way. Our boat driver/tour guide had lots of interesting facts and was happy to chat all about the city. I would highly recommend getting off at Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy either a bite to eat or just to be able to walk amongst the house boats and explore the area. It is very easy to hop back on a water taxis (included in the cost of your tour) to get you back to the Empress Dock, where you started your tour.
We were provided with QR codes/passes that I added to my Apple wallet but was never asked for them at the check in desk.
We were provided with QR codes/passes that I added to my Apple wallet but was never asked for them at the check in desk.
Written August 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twysted2015
Kelowna, Canada2,326 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We had a really nice operator take us from fisherman’s wharf to the delta drop off which was about 7 minutes or so by their boat. It was pleasant after a long walk that day, but I downgraded the score due to the price point. 24 dollars for the two of us on a single 7 minute trip was very high in my experience. Still, I would do it again, but definitely not use it as a regular means of travel.
Written November 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valenklein
Victoria, Canada53 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Even though we booked in advance and when I booked we were the first on the boat, there wasn't room on our scheduled tour and we had to wait 30 minutes for the next boat. The person running the counter was doing both taxi and tour coordinating so we had to wait in line for a while even though we already had tickets. The tour itself was fairly boring, especially for locals, and not worth $40 per adult. The guide was friendly and it was nice to be able to get off at Fisherman's Wharf and get another ride into town, but would have been better to get more taxi rides with tour price. I wouldn't do the tour again and would stick to a taxi ride.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire M
2 contributions
Dec 2022
We enjoyed our trip very much. The festive lights of the city and the boats were almost as impressive as Paintscape’s presentation. Our grandchildren were mesmerized by the changing media offerings. The charges for children was reasonable, the adult charge was a little high and no senior rate. Still a wonderful addition to the holiday season.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes! We love when pups come aboard. Just be sure they are leashed and can fit on the floor in front of you! We try to limit dogs roaming around the cabin for the safety of passengers and captains.
Written March 27, 2023
What time was the ferry boat ballet? What days? we arrive oct 2
Written September 12, 2018
Sadly the ballet will finish for the season (23 September) before your arrival. 😔
Written September 12, 2018
Can 2 of us take our luggage on board from China town to the empress?
Written June 21, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Victoria, Canada
1 contribution
Thank you all for sharing information and providing answers. If you call our dispatch line 250-514-9794, for a water taxi pick up, you can let us know that you are carrying luggage. We will be happy to assist!
Written July 11, 2018
poetpoet11
Ventura, California
Please let me know if:
1. there is a ferry from Nanaimo to Victoria;
2. what is the price per person (no car);
3. what is the schedule for when it leaves Nanaimo until it arrives at Victoria; and
4. Where does it arrive in Victoria?
Thanks very much for your efforts to answer!
Jerry
Written June 13, 2018
Hey there, first off checking the BC Ferries sight for information on the Victoria Harbour Ferry won't help you get answers as they are not affiliated. apparently I can not post the link for you so simply google Victoria Harbour Ferry and you will be able to find all their sailings and time of year etc of operation
Written April 3, 2018
I am not an operator, but the ferries are running (floating?) and currently timed to a business day.
Written March 13, 2018
Hi. Can you start the harbour your from any point? We will be staying close to The Steamship terminal on April 3rd-4th 2018 so would ideally like our harbour tour to start there. Thank you.
Written January 14, 2018
Right down by the Harbor...where all the boats are. You will see a small stand
Written September 14, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 12