Victoria Harbour Ferry (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Victoria Harbour Ferry?
What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Kids under 6 ride free and older children get discounts; commentary, seals and water ballet keep them engaged, yet 45-75-min boats have no toilets or shade, so prepare drinks and pre-boarding restroom.
Positives:
- Kids under 6 ride free: Children under 6 board tours and taxis at no extra cost when included in booking.
- Stroller friendly: Foldable strollers are allowed if collapsed before boarding.
Challenges:
- No onboard restrooms: Small boats have no toilets. Use dock facilities before you board.
- Limited seating: Vessels are small. Book early to secure seats together.
What is Victoria Harbour Ferry?
- A water transport operator in Victoria, BC, operating small “pickle boats” and electric vessels on the Inner Harbour and Gorge Waterway
- A hop-on, hop-off ferry network linking key waterfront docks from the Empress Hotel to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Songhees Landing
- A fleet of compact, traditionally styled ferries that operate scheduled water taxi services and guided harbour and Gorge tours
What is so special about Victoria Harbour Ferry for with kids?
- 45-minute narrated Harbour Tour with child fares and free ride for kids under 6
- Free 15-minute Water Ballet pickle-boat show on summer weekends
- Hop-on/hop-off Water Taxi to visit Fisherman’s Wharf and other docks
- Foldable strollers allowed; no onboard toilets, so plan restroom breaks
- Opportunities to spot seals, seaplanes, and city landmarks from the water
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a Harbour Tour, the Water Ballet show, and a short Water Taxi hop.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Victoria Harbour Ferry
Harbour Tour:
45-minute narrated cruise around the Inner Harbour with views of the Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, and floating homes.
Tip: Sit on the water-facing side for skyline views and scan for harbour seals near the docks.
Water Ballet Show:
Free 15-minute choreographed pickle-boat performance on summer weekends at 10:30 am.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at Ship Point to secure an unobstructed view for the kids.
Hop-On Hop-Off Water Taxi:
Fast boat service connecting 12 docks including Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown.
Tip: Buy a hop-on pass to explore multiple docks; plan 10-minute stops to keep kids engaged.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Victoria Harbour Ferry
- Book online in advance: Reserve tour tickets ahead to ensure side-by-side seating.
- Combine Water Taxi and tour: Use a hop-on pass before or after your tour to explore Fisherman’s Wharf and docks.
Reviews of Victoria Harbour Ferry
Manik Gupta
The Victoria Harbour Ferry Tour is such a fun and relaxing way to see the city from the water. The small boats give you a close-up view of the harbour, floating homes, marinas, and landmarks, all while the guides share interesting history and stories about Victoria. It’s not just scenic but also very charming — the little ferries feel intimate compared to big tour boats, and you really get a sens...
J C
Took the gorge harbour tour and loved it! Stan was our driver and he was so much fun! Highly recommend taking this little "Duffy boat" tour if you have a few hours free on a nice day in Victoria!
Mitchel Bachand
Visited: June 27, 2025, around 7:15 PM Also Visited: June 29, 2025, around 6:45 PM Took a water taxi with Victoria Harbour Ferry on two occasions, and both experiences were fantastic overall. On the first ride, from the time I called dispatch to the boat arriving was only about 3 minutes—super fast! The driver mentioned it was good timing, but I was still impressed. Dispatch was friendly, easy t...
wah chi yip
A really interesting harbour ferry. It can take you to many tourist spots so you don't need to drive and looking for parking in these busy area. They have a few ferry wharf in the whole area. But they don't offer day pass like Granville Island's ferries in Vancouver, it will be expensive if you going all others ferry spots. It's a good area for a stroll and taking some nice pictures.
Lesley Haw
Very interesting and informative . Our tour guide was born and raised on this route. He has personal knowledge and funny. Super friendly. We were visiting from Niagara Falls On an adventure we did this tour on day 2. Thank you
When is the best time to visit Victoria Harbour Ferry (Victoria, Canada)?
Water Ballet runs May–Sept weekends. Summer tours sell out—book 1–2 days ahead. In fall and spring, bring layers and rain jackets for cooler, wet weather.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Harbour Tour tickets (2 adults + 1 child 6–12) | CAD 111 |
| Water Taxi ride (3 tickets) | CAD 45 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 156 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Victoria Harbour Ferry
Address: 327 Harbour Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 3S2, Canada
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About Victoria Harbour Ferry
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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