Harbour ferries, Victoria

These funny little boats are an excellent way to take in Victoria by water. They depart from the Inner Harbour Causeway in front of the Empress Hotel every 15 minutes and the ride takes 45 minutes. Sights along the way include shipyards, marinas, fishing boats and floating homes. You can disembark at any of the stops and then hop on again later. Summer hours are form 9 to 9.

It's been years since I've taken a tour on one of Victoria's Harbour Ferries, but one of my students recently raved about his tour around the Inner Harbour and up the Gorge. These little ferries have been in operation for more than fifteen years. Each boat seats twelve passengers and is captained by a knowledgeable local guide. Visitors can tour the Inner Harbour area (with stops at Fisherman's Wharf, the Songhees Walkway and the Westbay Marina) or connect to a tour heading up the Gorge Waterway (with views of historic homes and stops at Point Ellice House for optional afternoon tea).

Adult fares are $17 and children and seniors are cheaper. Family discounts may apply.

Each Sunday morning (10.45 am) in summer the ferries do a choreographed "water ballet" in the Inner Harbour, complete with music. It's totally free to watch the ballet.

There are harbour ferries that go in and ou tof the inner harbour in Victoria. They cost about $2 CND and are great fun to ride. They have quite a few stops that you can get on and off and the drivers are super friendly and knowledgeable. I haved lived in Victoira allm y life and I still love to take the ferries