Victoria Fisherman's Wharf

Come to this working harbor to see its colorful floating houses, go on a kayaking trip or a wildlife-spotting cruise and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood on the docks.

At Fisherman’s Wharf you can feed seals, explore a picturesque floating village, enjoy fresh seafood, join whale-watching tours and watch a unique water “ballet.”

The most idyllic way to cross the harbor is by hopping on a tiny ferry from Wharf Street. The captain doubles as tour guide, so you can learn more about the wharf’s history and houses as you go.

Other trips include family-friendly pirate tours, eco-adventures by kayak in the Inner Harbour or boat cruises in the straits to spot the marine life. You can see seals and orcas year-round and seasonally also humpback, minke and gray whales.

Take a walk around the Float Home Village with its collection of colorful floating houses. Each has its own style and the residents are often happy to chat about life in their village. Keep an eye out for the historic photos wrapped around electrical boxes during your waterfront stroll.

Try some fish and chips at the floating restaurants or buy fresh seafood straight off the boats. Visit The Fish Store in the late afternoon to get a good deal on oysters and take a seat at one of the picnic tables for a special dining experience.

Don’t miss the weekly Harbour Ferry Ballet in summer when ferry captains skillfully maneuver their boats in time to classical music. This show started out as a joke and became such a hit that now, 20 years later, it still draws in the crowds.

The wharf is just around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, which has even more attractions and also includes a seaport and seaplane airport.

Victoria Fisherman’s Wharf is a 30-minute walk from the city center and served by public buses. Free on-street parking is available but it has time limits, so choose a pay-and-display parking space if you are planning a longer visit. The wharf’s website has information about all tours and events. The whale-watching season starts in May, but humpback sightings are most common from late August to October.