Butchart Gardens

If you are planning a visit to Victoria, British Columbia, make sure you don't miss the Victoria Harbor Ferry Gorge Tour. This tour offers a unique way to explore this beautiful city and you get to see the most iconic landmarks of the city while cruising through the scenic gorge waterway. From the iconic Fairmont empress hotel to the iconic gorge waterway, the tour has plenty to offer for tourists and locals alike.

What to Know

The Victoria Harbor Ferry Gorge tour is a 75-minute guided tour that departs from Empress Dock at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. The tour takes you through the picturesque inner harbor of Victoria and into the Gorge Waterway. You’ll see the stunning views of the city, the Parliament Buildings, and the historic Johnson Street Bridge, while your guides share interesting facts and stories about the area’s history and culture.

This tour is operated by Victoria Harbor Ferry, a local company that has been providing water taxi and sightseeing services in the city for over 30 years. The company’s distinctive yellow taxis are a familiar sight in the harbor and the Gorge Tour is one of their most popular offerings.

How To Get There

The Victoria Harbor Ferry Gorge Tour departs from Empress Dock at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, located at 721 Government Street in downtown Victoria. The hotel is easily accessible by foot, bike, or car and there are several public parking lots nearby as well. If you are arriving by cruise ship, the express dock is a short walk from the Ogden Point Cruise Terminal. You can also take public transit to the downtown area and walk to Empress Dock from there.

Booking a Guided Tour with us is the best way to visit Victoria, as we offer convenient pick-up and drop-off services and will take you to all the must-see hotspots of the city. Let us handle the logistics while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful destination!

Best Time To Visit

The tour operates year-round, with several departures every day. The tour is a great way to explore the city’s sights and attractions in any season, but the summer months are particularly popular. If you are visiting during peak tourist season (June to August), it's a good idea to book your tickets in advance to avoid any disappointments. This tour is also the best way to see the city’s holiday lights during the festive season.

Highlights

One of the highlights of this tour is the stunning views of the city’s landmarks and natural beauty. The tour provides a unique perspective of the city’s harbor, ginning you an up-close view of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour also takes you through the Gorge Waterway, which is a peaceful escape from the hustle ad bustle of the city.

Another highlight of this tour is the informative commentary provided by the guide. The guide will share the interesting history and facts about the city’s history and attractions, giving you a deeper understanding of Victoria’s culture and heritage.

Features

The Victoria Harbor Ferry Gorge Tour is a unique way to explore the city’s harbor and gorge. The tour is conducted on a charming boat, known as the “pickle boat”, that seats up to 12 passengers. The boat is equipped with a canopy to provide shade during sunny days and heaters to keep you warm during the winter months.

The tour also provides a flexible schedule, allowing you to customize your experience. You can choose to hop off at one of the stops along the way and explore the area on the foot. The tour also offers private charters, perfect for groups or special occasions. Free admission to Victoria Maritime Museum is also included in the tour.

Natural History

The natural history of Victoria Harbor and Gorge is fascinating and provides insights into the geological forces that shaped the region. The area’s coastline was formed over thousands of years by the erosion of soft sedimentary rocks, which created steep cliffs and deep gorges.

The gorge itself was carved by the flow of water from glaciers’ movement, such as the smooth, polished surfaces of the bedrock and the U-shaped valley of the gorge. The area is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including bald eagles, harbor seals, and sea otters, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.