Victoria
On September 9th we will be docked in Victoria, BC from 7pm – 11:59pm. Just a few short hours to explore. Remember that this is Canada so any cash you plan to spend needs to be Canadian. If you do not exchange before getting on the ship, you can always exchange at Guest Services on the Fiesta deck.
Erected in 1843 as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post on a site originally called Camosun (the native word was “camosack”, meaning “rush of water”) known briefly as “Fort Albert”, the settlement was renamed Fort Victoria in November 1843, in honor of Queen Victoria. IN 1852 the townsite was laid out and the name Victoria was adopted.
Get to know Victoria, BC.
Here are some things that you might enjoy (please keep in mind that booking through these links will take you directly to my Cruise Planners website and I will earn a small commission).
Private Butchart Gardens Tour $111.35/person
Private tour to The Butchart Gardens. Discover the stories behind these stunning gardens as we drive through the surrounding countryside. Explore the gardens at your leisure and leave at your convenience.
Historical Landmarks Tour of Victoria Grand City and Craigdarroch Castle $303.54/person
This 3-hour tour will introduce you to the beautiful landscapes and scenery of Victoria, in addition to the downtown core near the city’s inner harbour. Explore the historical landmarks as you follow your local guide. Stops include the Royal BC Museum, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Chinatown, Victoria’s Heritage Mansions, and several shops, plus a guided tour of Craigdarroch Castle.
Admission inside the castle is NOT included in the tour pricing. This is an exterior tour only. Travellers wishing to tour the inside may purchase tickets on site. Visitors MAY possibly be required to walk two blocks from Fort Street to the castle due to local traffic closures in this residential neighbourhood.
Victoria Castles and Neighborhoods Bike Tour $51.70/person
Weave your way along Victoria’s picturesque streets by bicycle as you learn about the history of British Columbia’s charming capital on this 2-hour tour. Explore neighborhoods like Fernwood, Chinatown and Cook Street Village; cruise along bike paths through parks such as Beacon Hill and Ross Bay; and pass by the glistening waters of the buzzing Inner Harbour. See Craigdarroch Castle, one of the tallest totem poles in the world and Victoria’s famous breathtaking architecture. This ride will show you why Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly and most livable cities in Canada.
Hop On Half Day Sightseeing Victoria $39.77/person
Experience Victoria like no other aboard one of our open top double-decker buses! Sightseeing Victoria’s Hop-On Hop-Off Afternoon CitySights Tour allows guests great flexibility to explore the many popular attractions Victoria has to offer. Our fully narrated guided tour will give you an in-depth understanding of Victoria’s local history and best attractions. From China Town to Oak Bay there is something for everyone. Our 15 different destinations give you an array of options. Truly the best way to discover Victoria’s must-see points of interest!
Victoria Clue Solving Adventure – After The Gold Rush $49.27/person
A thrilling adventure through Victoriaʼs fabulous old streets, alleys and shops!
Solve the mystery of who stole your familyʼs Gold Rush fortune in a race against time, as rival gangs try to unravel the clues first. Along the way you will find famous sites and hidden gems, and there are frequent opportunities for shopping and dining!
Mystery Towns Clue Solving Adventures are designed for teams of 2 – 5 people, priced per team. You and your team work together to solve a series of clues & puzzles delivered to an App on your phone. Each clue guides you around Victoria solving puzzles as you enjoy seeing many interesting spots and hidden gems that the locals don’t even know about.
You can start any time (Daylight hours suggested). The puzzle of an escape room, the fun of a scavenger hunt, and the thrill of the amazing race. So! Much! Fun!
As you can see there is so much to do, we have only scratched the surface. There is also brewery and whale watching tours that can be booked in advance.
Victoria BC has so much to offer, the above is just the beginning. There is bear viewing, whale viewing, wildlife tours and more. If we have not mentioned something you are interested in, email Terri and she will assist you in planning the perfect excursion for Victoria BC.
Here is a 21 page destination guide that focuses on Victoria, BC, feel free to download and read at your convenience.
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