If you’re not in the mood for getting wet and breaking a sweat but still want to enjoy the water and be restaurant and sightseeing ready, the Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxis are the way to go!
Continue readingVictoria is the gem of Vancouver Island, a capital city surrounded by the sea. If you love the ocean as much as we do, you’ll want to be on it or near it as much as possible. Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to enjoy our shoreline and get some exercise in the sun. If you’re not in the mood for getting wet and breaking a sweat but still want to enjoy the water and be restaurant and sightseeing ready, the Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxis are the way to go! With Victoria Harbour Ferry, you can book tours, go on their famous pub crawl or buy a ticket and access fourteen different docks all over Victoria from downtown to Esquimalt to the bottom of the Gorge Waterway. Whether you’re staying right in Victoria, in Sooke or in Sidney at the top of the Peninsula, while you’re in town, jump on one of these ‘pickle boats’ and see Victoria in a way that’s faster than walking, easier than driving and uniquely Victoria!
Gorge Tour – During this 45-minute scenic tour of the Gorge waterway, guests will learn about the rich and ancient history of the Coast Salish Peoples, the pollution and near destruction of the Gorge waterway and the tireless restoration efforts that saved it. You’ll also be able to spot some of our famously friendly marine life and enjoy your time on the water!
Harbour Tour – During this 45-minute tour, guests will get a first-hand look at how this harbour functions as a busy city seaport with seaplane terminal, cruise ship port and ferry destination. Learn more about the historic colonial landmarks, see colourful float home communities and see important First Nations hunting and fishing grounds.
Combo Tour – This 45-minute tour combines the best of both tours where guests will be taken through the majority of the Inner Harbour and the lower Gorge Waterway.
While the term ‘pub crawl’ may spark images of drunken teenagers swaying through the city streets, have no fear – this ‘pub crawl’ is actually an incredible way to visit some of Victoria’s most popular waterway restaurants in style and with ease. On this tour, guests will be able to check out the bustling Milestones Grill & Bar, enjoy Canoe Brew Pub for elevated pub fare, join the local joviality at Bellevilles’ Watering Hole & Diner, kick back at the low key neighbourhood Santiago’s Cafe, sip a craft cocktail at the lovely LURE Restaurant & Bar and sample fresh, local seafood at Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro. Tickets are only $25.00CAD for each passenger, when you’re done at a location you simply call for pickup to your next destination and for groups of four, you can even enjoy a complimentary appetizer at each location!
Selkirk Landing – If you’re looking for a fun way to get to Glo Restaurant, the Harbour Ferry has your back! At Selkirk Landing you can find access to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and a great way to walk along the historical Selkirk Bridge.
Point Ellice House – Built in 1861, Point Ellice House is a National Heritage site overlooking the waters of Victoria’s scenic Gorge Waterway. Come here for tours of this historic house, ever-changing exhibits and find out how this house and its occupants are important in Victoria’s rich history.
Dockside Green – Dockside Landing is your entryway to the historic neighbourhood of Victoria West. Just a few steps away from the Galloping Goose Trail, the lovely harbour pathway system and only steps away from downtown.
Chinatown – This dock is the gateway to Victoria’s Chinatown and design district as well as Johnson Street shopping district! Visit the historic Fantan Alley, peruse the many incredible home furnishing shops and pop into one of the many delicious restaurants in the area.
Old Town – This ferry stop is positioned in the middle of downtown Victoria. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Inner Harbour, walk up to Old Town, through Bastion Square and enjoy some of the great shopping and dining of downtown Victoria.
Red Fish Blue Fish – Located at the bottom of Broughton Street, this ferry stop is right next to the incredible Red Fish Blue Fish food truck! This is a great stop to grab some delicious seafood and wander along the edge of the Inner Harbour.
Empress Dock – Located across the street from the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Empress Dock is the main hub for our ferries. Our captains and sales staff are stationed at this dock to serve you.
Delta Dock – Located right across the bridge from the downtown area, this stop sits in front of the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. Book a trip to this amazing spa and take the Harbour Ferry to your appointment! Or get dropped off here to walk over the Johnson Street Bridge for a pretty stroll through Lower Johnson.
Songhees Landing – Just a short walk from the Victoria International Marina and the local hotspot, Spinnakers Brewpub, this ferry is the perfect stop to have a fun pub lunch and a walk along the beautiful Songhees Walkway.
Coast Marina – Visit the Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina for some amazing seafood at the Blue Crab Seafood House then stroll along the beautiful David Foster Harbour Pathway, all the way to the Inn at Laurel Point Hotel where you can watch floatplanes, the Coho and Clipper ferries coming and going.
Fisherman’s Wharf – At this popular stop, guests can walk through a colourful mix of float homes, restaurants, kayaking rentals and fishing charters. It’s here you can find the top-rated whale watching tours in Victoria. Hungry? Grab a meal on the docks! At this unique waterfront neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone!
West Bay Marina – Hop off at our West Bay stop to check out this funky marina! Right on the edge of Esquimalt, this marina has a mix of beautiful vessels and float homes. Explore the marina and then enjoy a walk along the Songhees Walkway all the way downtown!
Harbour Air – This stop is adjacent to the entrance of the Harbour Air airport entrance, which makes it a perfect way to travel back to EMR at the ferry stop before or after your flight.
Railyards Landing – This interesting residential area in Victoria West has industrial style condos, green spaces and is a great way to access a section of the Galloping Goose Trail.
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, British Columbia Canada, you’ve got to experience the abundance of outdoor activities available in this breathtaking city. With year-round opportunities for cycling, hiking, jogging, whale watching, kayaking, and more, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had. However, one water sport in particular has surged in popularity thanks to its ease of learning and versatility: paddleboarding. Victoria BC stands out as the top city for paddleboarding, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. Thanks to a variety of excellent rental companies, idyllic weather, and calm, clear waters, Victoria’s shores offer an unbeatable paddleboarding experience.
Paddleboarding is when you stand on a large board called a stand up paddleboard or SUP and propel yourself across the water’s surface using one oar, much like a canoe. SUPs can be inflatable, or hard fibreglass/epoxy with a long oar to allow you to reach the water while standing. As far as versatility goes, standing is the typical way to use and propel a paddleboard, but you can comfortably sit or kneel on the board as well if standing seems like a dubious option. You’ll see a lot of families put kids on the SUP and take them for a little paddle, dogs are often spotted on these incredibly popular pleasure crafts and when you need to take a break, you can jump off your board for a quick dip, hop back on and relax in the sun until you’re ready to paddle again.
Summer:
When you’re heading out for a day of summer paddleboarding, you’ll want to prepare with appropriate clothing. While our summers are rarely scorching, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. A swimsuit layered under shorts and a t-shirt is recommended and if you have any UV protective, lightweight clothing that can be a good option. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must and make sure to lather up and bring along sport sunscreen of 30 spf or higher.
Winter:
Because Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, you can often spot some dedicated paddleboarders heading onto the water even as the temperatures drop. If this is something you want to try, you’ll have to be properly equipped! It is important to wear a wetsuit or drysuit, gloves, and hood to stay warm in case you fall in the water. Additionally, you should wear appropriate footwear that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction on the board. If you need some help finding the right equipment, go to MEC or Ocean River Sports and ask the helpful staff to kit you out.
No matter what time of year it is, you’ll want to make sure you bring a life jacket and take the extra step to check the conditions and forecast – local water recreation enthusiasts swear by Big Wave Dave.
There are lots of options for your next paddleboarding adventure. Whether it’s your first time out and you’re looking for lessons and a tour or if you’re already comfortable and are just looking for paddleboard rentals for a solo adventure, these companies are our go-to for all of your paddleboarding needs!
Fairway Gorge Paddling Club: 2940 Jutland Rd #115, Victoria, BC V8T 5K6
Palli Palli: Multiple locations
Paddle ‘n’ Go: 285 Kerwood St, Victoria, BC V9B 1A2
Oak Bay Marina : 1327 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC V8S 2N4
Ocean River Sports: Docks, 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2
South Island SUP: 273 Richmond Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 3X9
West Coast Outdoor Adventure: 6971 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1
If you’ve decided to set out on your own, there are lots of great places around Victoria for a day on your board. With both lakes and ocean to choose from, you really have so many option for a perfect paddleboarding adventure.
Ocean:
Gorge Waterway: Known simply as “The Gorge” to Victoria locals, this waterway is a narrow tidal inlet that connects Victoria Harbour to Portage Inlet and a walkable paddleboarding location for guests staying at an EMR property downtown Victoria. Here you can paddle past waterfront neighbourhoods, historic bridges, eelgrass meadows and massive kelp beds below the surface.
Inner Harbour: Located right downtown Victoria, this is a great place to adventure, but it’s important to make sure that the water traffic is low otherwise it can get a bit hairy! On slower days, paddling past all the downtown attractions provides a beautiful, new perspective on this heritage city.
Gonzales Bay: This beach is one of the most popular downtown beaches! Known for its soft white sand and warm shallows, this is also an incredible place to put in your paddleboard. This sheltered cove offers incredibly calm waters and absolutely stunning ocean front homes set on the backdrop of Victoria’s signature ocean and mountain views.
Willows Beach: In one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Victoria is Willows Beach, a long sandy beach perfect to paddleboard the length of if you’re a beginner and a great place to set off for an adventure if you want to venture a little farther.
Esquimalt Lagoon: With miles of stunning beachfront and a beautiful view of the Strait and the Olympic Mountains across the water, Esquimalt Lagoon is stunning. It’s also a great option for guests staying in Langford or those looking to avoid the often-crowded summer beaches in the downtown core
Tod Inlet: This historic, peaceful park is a beautiful place to explore by land or water and right on the shores of the Saanich Inlet. Gowlland Tod Park is gorgeous and densely forested, so this is a completely different paddling experience than the other urban sites listed.
Brentwood Bay: The sheltered waters of the bay offer calm conditions perfect for beginners to learn or for experienced paddleboarders to enjoy a leisurely paddle. The beautiful scenery of the bay and surrounding mountains make for a picturesque backdrop while exploring the bay’s many hidden coves and inlets.
Lakes:
Thetis Lake: One of the most popular lakes in the Victoria area, Thetis is a wonderful place to explore by paddleboard when you’re staying in Victoria! Paddleboarding also gives you the advantage of a spot to swim from without having to compete for a highly coveted spot on the beach!
Langford Lake: The calm, warm waters of Langford Lake make it a great place for a paddleboarding adventure. The water is cool but isn’t as cold as the ocean and there are lots of shorefronts to explore as you paddle around.
Elk Lake & Beaver Lake: These lakes are uniquely joined with a narrow way between the two offering paddleboarders a uniquely large area to explore. This lake has numerous beaches and picnic areas, you’ll be able to paddle up for a bite and head back out for more exploring!
Matheson Lake: This stunning lake in Metchosin is a perfect place to go for a dip in a small lake, beat the summer heat and enjoy an easy-going day out paddling.
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, British Columbia Canada, you’ve got to experience the abundance of outdoor activities available in this breathtaking city! With year-round opportunities for cycling, hiking, jogging, whale watching, kayaking, and more, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had. However, one water sport in particular has surged in popularity thanks to its ease of learning and versatility: paddle boarding! Paddle boarding in Victoria is a great way to spend a sunny day, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. Thanks to a variety of excellent rental companies, idyllic weather, and calm, clear waters, Victoria’s shores offer an unbeatable paddle boarding experience.
Paddle boarding is when you stand on a large board called a stand up paddle board or SUP and propel yourself across the water’s surface using one oar, much like a canoe. SUPs can be inflatable, or hard fibreglass/epoxy with a long oar to allow you to reach the water while standing. As far as versatility goes, standing is the typical way to use and propel a paddle board, but you can comfortably sit or kneel on the board as well if standing seems like a dubious option. You’ll see a lot of families put kids on the SUP and take them for a little paddle, dogs are often spotted on these incredibly popular pleasure crafts and when you need to take a break, you can jump off your board for a quick dip, hop back on and relax in the sun until you’re ready to paddle again.
When you’re heading out for a day of summer paddle boarding, you’ll want to prepare with appropriate clothing. While our summers are rarely scorching, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. A swimsuit layered under shorts and a t-shirt is recommended and if you have any UV protective, lightweight clothing that can be a good option. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must and make sure to lather up and bring along sport sunscreen of 30 spf or higher.
Because Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, you can often spot some dedicated paddle boarders heading onto the water even as the temperatures drop. If this is something you want to try, you’ll have to be properly equipped! It is important to wear a wetsuit or drysuit, gloves, and hood to stay warm in case you fall in the water. Additionally, you should wear appropriate footwear that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction on the board. If you need some help finding the right equipment, go to MEC or Ocean River Sports and ask the helpful staff to kit you out.
No matter what time of year it is, you’ll want to make sure you bring a life jacket and take the extra step to check the conditions and forecast – local water recreation enthusiasts swear by Big Wave Dave.
There are lots of options for your next paddle boarding adventure. Whether it’s your first time out and you’re looking for lessons and a tour or if you’re already comfortable and are just looking for paddle board rentals for a solo adventure, these companies are our go-to for all of your paddle boarding needs!
2940 Jutland Rd #115, Victoria, BC V8T 5K6
Multiple locations
285 Kerwood St, Victoria, BC V9B 1A2
1327 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC V8S 2N4
Docks, 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2
273 Richmond Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 3X9
6971 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1
If you’ve decided to set out on your own, there are lots of great places around Victoria for a day on your board. With both lakes and ocean to choose from, you really have so many option for a perfect paddle boarding adventure.
Gorge Waterway: Known simply as “The Gorge” to Victoria locals, this waterway is a narrow tidal inlet that connects Victoria Harbour to Portage Inlet and a walkable paddle boarding location for guests staying at an EMR property downtown Victoria. Here you can paddle past waterfront neighbourhoods, historic bridges, eelgrass meadows and massive kelp beds below the surface.
Inner Harbour: Located right downtown Victoria, this is a great place to adventure, but it’s important to make sure that the water traffic is low otherwise it can get a bit hairy! On slower days, paddling past all the downtown attractions provides a beautiful, new perspective on this heritage city.
Gonzales Bay: This beach is one of the most popular downtown beaches! Known for its soft white sand and warm shallows, this is also an incredible place to put in your paddle board. This sheltered cove offers incredibly calm waters and absolutely stunning ocean front homes set on the backdrop of Victoria’s signature ocean and mountain views.
Willows Beach: In one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Victoria is Willows Beach, a long sandy beach perfect to paddle board the length of if you’re a beginner and a great place to set off for an adventure if you want to venture a little farther.
Esquimalt Lagoon: With miles of stunning beachfront and a beautiful view of the Strait and the Olympic Mountains across the water, Esquimalt Lagoon is stunning. It’s also a great option for guests staying in Langford or those looking to avoid the often-crowded summer beaches in the downtown core
Tod Inlet: This historic, peaceful park is a beautiful place to explore by land or water and right on the shores of the Saanich Inlet. Gowlland Tod Park is gorgeous and densely forested, so this is a completely different paddling experience than the other urban sites listed.
Brentwood Bay: The sheltered waters of the bay offer calm conditions perfect for beginners to learn or for experienced paddle boarders to enjoy a leisurely paddle. The beautiful scenery of the bay and surrounding mountains make for a picturesque backdrop while exploring the bay’s many hidden coves and inlets.
Thetis Lake: One of the most popular lakes in the Victoria area, Thetis is a wonderful place to explore by paddle board when you’re staying in Victoria! Paddle boarding also gives you the advantage of a spot to swim from without having to compete for a highly coveted spot on the beach!
Langford Lake: The calm, warm waters of Langford Lake make it a great place for a paddle boarding adventure. The water is cool but isn’t as cold as the ocean and there are lots of shorefronts to explore as you paddle around.
Elk Lake & Beaver Lake: These lakes are uniquely joined with a narrow way between the two offering paddle boarders a uniquely large area to explore. This lake has numerous beaches and picnic areas, you’ll be able to paddle up for a bite and head back out for more exploring!
Matheson Lake: This stunning lake in Metchosin is a perfect place to go for a dip in a small lake, beat the summer heat and enjoy an easy-going day out paddling.
