Victoria Harbour Ferry
Victoria Harbour Ferry
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 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! We have something for everyone...Including the Pickle Pub Crawl! Come down anytime to pick up a wristband, which you can use for four harbour ferry rides to "hop" from one harbour brewpub to another. Plus, groups of four or more get free appetizers at each location! So much to do, and so much to see...Victoria Harbour Ferry!
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Victoria Harbour Ferry
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(91 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
954 reviews
Excellent
619
Very good
242
Average
44
Poor
24
Terrible
25
Claire M
1 contribution
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.
PMahdis
Edmonton, Canada1,125 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.
Terry S
Fareham, UK164 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Ten years after our first harbour tour returned for a second round the harbours tour. We were just as impressed this time. Lovely views and interesting commentary. As we approached the end of the trip saw five of these small boats doing a ballet sequence off the end of the jetty. Absolutely spectacular.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasmine039
Victoria, Canada425 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.
Pepper
9 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.
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.
twysted2015
Kelowna, Canada2,235 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.
Rick C
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Technology goes sideways.
What started out as a great experience went sideways within 10 minutes.
The audio system's magic smoke came out and the captain did his best to narrate the lightshow's movements.
At that point the captain called it and we returned to the dock. While the tried his best, it was all for not.
We were told by more than one person we would be contacted "tomorrow". Well, that was five days ago and not communication.
My wife has made repeated attempts to contact by email and we have had no response.
Shame on you Ralmax.
What started out as a great experience went sideways within 10 minutes.
The audio system's magic smoke came out and the captain did his best to narrate the lightshow's movements.
At that point the captain called it and we returned to the dock. While the tried his best, it was all for not.
We were told by more than one person we would be contacted "tomorrow". Well, that was five days ago and not communication.
My wife has made repeated attempts to contact by email and we have had no response.
Shame on you Ralmax.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JuneRL
Vancouver Island, Canada31 contributions
Dec 2022
As locals we were pleased to see that the Harbour Ferry was offering a Christmas tour, however, it fell a little flat. For young children it would have been a good event before Christmas but not after as one of the displays was about Santa's workshop. The recorded ferry commentary got old and was full pf platitudes. We would not do this tour again in it's present form although it was great to see the city lights and the parliament building all lit up from the water. If it happens again next year, there need to be more displays and better commentary. We love the harbour ferries as they add so much to the atmosphere of the harbour.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary S
Duncan, Canada75 contributions
Feb 2022
Captain Christopher was at his usual best with whimsical stories and humour along with history of Victoria Harbour. We were on the Valentine's Day Love Boat tour with dessert/Prosecco at the Delta Hotel. What a wonderful experience and what an innovative idea. Highly recommended anytime. Thank you Harbour Ferries. A1.
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cathrynoneill1
Victoria2 contributions
Are doggies allowed to go on the ferry?
Darline W
Maple Ridge, Canada183 contributions
We saw a couple of small dogs on the ferry.
patOntario
Ontario12 contributions
What time was the ferry boat ballet? What days? we arrive oct 2
Gill B
13 contributions
Sadly the ballet will finish for the season (23 September) before your arrival. 😔
Bobbsymary
Gargunnock, UK15 contributions
Can 2 of us take our luggage on board from China town to the empress?
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!
poetpoet11
Ventura, CA
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
Bob S
Geelong, Australia137 contributions
As far as I know, there is no ferry.
mands2004
Phoenix, AZ
what are the hours of operation for the ferry
Wolfwidow
11 contributions
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
askls
9 contributions
are you operating in the harbour at 10 am 13 March 2018?
RobertMJThompson
Victoria, Canada710 contributions
I am not an operator, but the ferries are running (floating?) and currently timed to a business day.
JoandBarry
Hunston, UK600 contributions
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.
Oceanwildernessinn
Shirley, Canada26 contributions
Yes, You can!
Patriklouie
Boulder, CO8 contributions
where do we sign up for this tour
KimCarey
Las Vegas, NV25 contributions
Right down by the Harbor...where all the boats are. You will see a small stand