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The self-guided tour is impressive and will enable you to discover the castle’s history. Hatley Castle, once owned by the wealthy Dunsmuirs, now houses the Royal Roads University. As such, visitors can tour the extensive gardens and see a small museum on the lower level.
Sunset at Cruise Port in Victoria, BC
Even if you don’t plan on staying or dining, the lobby and its surroundings are worth a quick peek. Just a stone’s throw away from the cruise terminal, Victoria’s downtown is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to unfold. For the convenience of visitors, you’ll find a Visitor Information Centre right at the pier, perfect for grabbing maps, brochures, or getting any last-minute questions answered. While English is the dominant language, you’ll find many locals and service staff also speak French, given Canada’s bilingual nature. Experience the thrill of a lifetime with Victoria’s Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure. This tour is perfect for cruise passengers seeking an unforgettable excursion.
UK Plan for Cruise Ship Migrant Housing Falters for Lack of a Port - The Maritime Executive
UK Plan for Cruise Ship Migrant Housing Falters for Lack of a Port.
Posted: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Parliament Buildings: Architecture and Tours
On a cruise to Victoria, BC, one thing you’ll discover is a burgeoning and impressive art scene. A gallery tour is a must-do activity for art lovers, like the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria on Moss Street or the Avenue Art Gallery for contemporary Canadian art. After your gallery hop, end the day with a glass of wine or by relaxing at Beacon Hill Park. Go back in time through millions of years of natural history at the Royal BC Museum, which is one of Victoria’s most informative museums.
Do I need passport for an Alaskan Cruise stops in Victoria?
The celebrated ritual features finger sandwiches, raisin scones with clotted cream, and sweet treats. Reservations are recommended, and the hotel caters to many allergies, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free. Located outside the downtown area, the world-famous garden features a Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, Rose, and Sunken Garden. Alternatively, if you walk east instead, you reach Mile Zero of the Trans Canada Highway and the Terry Fox Statue on the corner of Beacon Hill Park. Fisherman’s Wharf is always a buzz of activity, and it’s great to be part of the crowd.
You can take a shuttle downtown from the port, known as Ogden Point, arrange a tour to Butchart Gardens, or walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. Victoria is the capital of the province of British Columbia in Canada and is known for its English charm. Alaskan cruises often stop here to satisfy requirements for foreign registered ships to stop at a foreign port when doing a roundtrip from a US port. For US citizens, a valid passport is required for entry into Canada. Cruise passengers returning to the US on a closed-loop cruise (beginning and ending at the same US port) may use a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate instead.
Day Trips: Exploring Vancouver Island
The terminal is approx 10 min drive from Victoria International Airport. In 2006 was inaugurated "Berth 2" (floating dock, project cost CAD 25 million). The terminal facility consists of administration building, main building (terminal with Cafeteria and Coffee Shop), several kiosks (rented by local artisans and vendors), pay parking. When completed, the USD 24 million project will result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by over 46%. As you embark on your journey, may the memories you craft in Victoria be as timeless as the city itself. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, let the city’s charm envelop you, and may you depart with a piece of Victoria forever etched in your heart.
This is a 2-highway system - one on Vancouver Island, and one on mainland Canada. Since 2020, at Pier B can dock world's largest passenger ships (RCI's Oasis-class). The expanded facility allows berthing for vessels with max LOA length 350 m (1148 ft) and volume 225,000 GT-tons.
Going to Butchart Gardens is like stepping into a garden fantasy world. Swartz Bay is a terminal in North Saanich BC, serving BC FERRIES (Canadian state-owned passenger ferries). The terminal facility covers an area of 12 hectares (30 acres) and is located approx 32 km (20 mi) north of Victoria Harbour.
Entrance fees in the Spring, Fall, and Winter are lower than the peak summer season. When doing my research, I found that purchasing the cruise’s shore excursion package to Butchart Gardens was the best option for our situation. The gardens are now a National Historic Site of Canada and meticulously maintained by a staff of horticulturists. Be sure not to confuse Busch Gardens in Florida with Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The top tourist attraction in Victoria, BC is Butchart Gardens (at least in my opinion). Victoria is home to the country’s third-largest population of seniors over the age of 65.
After exploring the park, walk north through the park to the BC Legislative Buildings and the Inner Harbor. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Emily Carr House is a thoughtful dedication to the life of an incredible local painter. Her paintings were inspired by and paid tribute to the indigenous populations living on the Pacific Northwest coast. Touring her home is a must-experience tribute to both Canada and Carr herself. Roam the spacious lawns of stunning Butchart Gardens with its exotic flora, unusual topiary and exquisite fountains. Explore historic Bastion Square, the treasures of Chinatown and the many sights and sounds to be found along the boardwalk of the Inner Harbour.
Check for any discounts offered when you buy passes as group discounts apply, saving considerable costs for those traveling together. This is where I share my money-saving cruise & travel tips so that you can spend less and vacation more. Between Holland Point Park and the Cruise Ship dock is a lovely ocean walk. The Parliament Buildings are located across the street from the Inner Harbour. The grandiosity of the Empress Hotel almost makes you feel like you are on the cast of Downton Abbey.
The Bay Centre – 2 – 1150 Douglas Street – This gorgeous mall with over 90 shops isn’t just close to the sea, with its white and blue colour scheme it looks like it is truly meant to be there. Visitors to the area can stop by guest services to receive exclusive offers and special discounts. Free Internet access is available at McDonalds' restaurants and other fast food outlets in the city. For a romantic Italian experience, sit on the patio at Il Terrazzo to enjoy the sea breeze and a full-bodied glass of red wine.
Its gift shop is also worth exploring for unique Canadian souvenirs. High tea, which is early afternoon tea served with finger sandwiches and dainty petit fours, is a quaint tradition that speaks directly to Victoria’s roots as a British settlement. Victoria was indeed named after Queen Victoria herself, and there couldn’t be anything more peak Victoria than having a British high tea service at the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. The iconic hotel property dates back to 1908 and is just steps away from the harbour docks.
This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related. For those who enjoy a good walk, the city's extensive trail network offers plenty of options. One of the most popular routes is the Galloping Goose Trail, a multi-use trail that stretches over 55 kilometers from Victoria to Sooke. It's a fantastic way to experience the city's natural beauty and wildlife. Just a short stroll away, Fisherman's Wharf is a lively destination with floating homes, food kiosks, and boat rentals.
If your cruise departs from a port located within the United States (i.e. Seattle), a Passport is highly recommended but not necessarily required. If you do not have a Passport, you will require two pieces of ID, including Proof of Citizenship and a Government-Issued Photo ID. Photocopies or pictures of documents are not acceptable pieces of identification. The ferry terminal is connected to several public transit routes. Route 70 is an express bus service (1-hour drive) linking with downtown Victoria BC. Swartz Bay and Victoria BC are also connected via Lochside Regional Trail (length 29 km / 18 mi).
Be sure to walk it and enjoy the culinary delights along the way. No visit to Victoria is complete without touring the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. So, get your ticket first, and pass the time doing something else.
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