Victoria: Voted the World’s Best Small City… again
Named the world’s best small city by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2023 and 2024, Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, offers an unforgettable experience for cruise passengers. Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and situated on the traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People, Victoria welcomes cruise passengers with breathtaking views of the city, the Salish Sea, Mount Baker, and the Olympic Mountains in the U.S.
The cruise terminal is located in the Breakwater District at Odgen Point and it is an important port of call on the Alaska cruise experience. Victoria is usually the final destination on an itinerary before vessels return to Seattle or Vancouver. Alaska destinations include Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. The terminal welcomed 316 cruise ship calls in 2024.
A Wealth of Things to Do

Visit the Inner Harbour – Cruise visitors can walk or take shuttles into the city where there is a host of attractions, including the Inner Harbour and its marina. The Royal BC Museum, the famous B.C. parliament buildings, and the Empress Hotel – with its iconic afternoon tea – are located next to the harbour.
Visit downtown – Steps from the Inner Harbour, Victoria’s downtown features a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, bars, museums, art galleries, and an historic Chinatown. Our friends at Tourism Victoria showcase numerous attractions for visitors.
Explore James Bay – The Breakwater District at Odgen Point borders one of North America’s oldest neighbourhoods, James Bay, which is filled with historic buildings such as artist Emily Carr’s house. It also features Fisherman’s Wharf, a charming marine community of float homes and restaurants.

Walk the Breakwater – Situated next to the terminal, the Breakwater is loved by locals and visitors alike. This 800-metre structure offers views of the sea, mountains, boats, and wildlife on the stroll to the lighthouse at the end. Since 2009, First Nations artwork, the Unity Wall mural, has adorned its walls as a reminder of this area’s Indigenous heritage.
Stroll Dallas Road – Running alongside the terminal and the shoreline, Dallas Road offers another memorable walk with more scenic views.

An array of operators, based in the terminal, offer services and full-day excursions, including:
- An artisan market;
- Pedicabs, rickshaws, shuttles, and taxis
- Horse-drawn carriages;
- Walking and bicycle tours, plus bike rentals;
- Bus tours around the city and to destinations such as Butchart Gardens.
A Warm Welcome
Victoria has been a cruise ship destination since the 1970s. Friendly volunteers greet passengers at the terminal, providing maps, brochures, and recommendations on what to see and do. Voted the world’s friendliest city, Victoria has a long tradition of welcoming people from around the world with its small city charm and vibrant harbour life.
Contact GVHA
For more information on the 2025 cruise ship season, view the draft cruise schedule. For cruise-related inquiries, contact GVHA’s Lindsay Gaunt, Director, Cruise Development.
