Canada – Victoria, BC

Here are a few tips for Cruisers who would like to take a walk in Victoria. We were on the Island Princess, repositioning the ship from Vancouver to San Francisco. I know this is the end of Alaska’s cruise season, but here are a few tips for future travelers to Alaska.

We arrived in Victoria with only a few hours to see the City. We decided to walk off the ship and walk to town.

The cruise ship terminal at Ogden Point is 1.49 miles from the City Center of Victoria. There are tourist information people standing on the dock with maps and information.

Get a map, walk up a small hill above the terminal. You will not need it. The signage is excellent.

Take the Walking Path Downtown Route (approximately 15- 30 minutes)

Follow the Signs

Walking downtown, there are many architecturally interesting buildings along the way. Fisherman’s Wharf – the Wharf is made up of a group of small shops, cafés, and restaurants – then there are a couple of arms of houseboats (each decorated in different ways and great to see)

Walking downtown 
When you reach the Black Line Ferry Terminal, get the Outdoor Self-Guided Walking Tour. It details 14 notable statues, fountains, gardens, and memorials surrounding the 12 ½ acre Parliament Building property. Being a tourist, we stopped at the terminal as we were walking back to the ship. Missed a few things.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings were constructed in 1893.

Empress Hotel – Situated over Inner Harbour, this is a National Historic Site.

The British Royal Museum and A Emily Carr, Canadian painter, and writer statue

Walking back, you can either take the same route along the waterfront or take Oswego Street – it will bring you to the water – the ship will be to your right

If you are still in the mood for Walking, take the Unity Wall and Breakwater Walk. The Ogden Point Breakwater is a narrow and spectacular walkway jutting out about 800 meters from the shore, with a lighthouse at the far end. The return trip is almost exactly a mile. It is located next to the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Island Princess