A Perfect Ocean Getaway in Victoria
Enjoy your dose of Vitamin Sea!
Where to Stay: Your Seaside Home Away From Home
Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA
For those hoping to immerse themselves in all the Salish Sea has to offer – this coastal hotel is for you. Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA is nestled between charming Fisherman’s Wharf and Victoria’s Inner Harbour, a short stroll from downtown Victoria. Their suites’ breathtaking harbour views will sweep you off your feet – especially at sunset. Their award-winning restaurant, Blue Crab Seafood House is beloved by locals and visitors alike as the “Best Seafood Spot in Victoria”, featuring the freshest possible, environmentally-conscious seafood and beautiful ocean-side dining. Other aquatic amenities include a 52-slip marina (in case you are boating into Victoria!) offering both temporary and permanent moorings, and the only Victorian indoor-outdoor pool overlooking the sea. The only thing you risk about the Coast Victoria Hotel is never wanting to leave!
Inn at Laurel Point
A waterfront sanctuary just steps from the Inner Harbour, the Inn at Laurel Point has made its mark despite being on the edge of the city. With two distinct “wings” of the hotel, each with its own unique style, furnishings, and viewpoint, the rooms are sure to appease every ocean lover – whether you are a family, a couple, group of friends, or a business group. Being the first carbon neutral hotel in BC, the Inn at Laurel Point also boasts numerous sustainability awards and accolades. Back when the hotel was being built in 1989, architect Arthur Erickson had ocean conservation in mind – installing a marine cooling system that pumps ocean water through the hotel as a means of efficient temperature control.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
For possibly the most magical views of the harbour and situated right on a waterfront promenade, your stay at Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort will help you see the sea in a different way. You can expect your room to be spacious, comfortable, convenient and modern, with well-equipped amenities such as a health club, an indoor swimming pool, and tennis courts. This hotel hosts one of Victoria’s hottest waterfront patios – LURE Restaurant & Bar – where you can sip on a delectable cocktail while watching water taxis, kayakers, and dragonboat racers paddle by. Book a stay, and you’ll be in for a real island treat!
Where to Stroll: Victoria’s Many Marinas
Whether you are hoping to cruise the coast, or to walk the dock and enjoy a pleasant ocean breeze – Victoria has plenty of marinas and sea-side communities that are worth checking out. For a pleasant sightseeing walk (or sail, or wildlife viewing excursion!), look no further than a visit to these marinas.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Not only can you find a beautiful park, a charming houseboat community, a marina, and the best fish and chips in the city, you’re likely to see a few harbour seals or river otters up-close and personal as well. Fisherman’s Wharf is one of their – and our – favourite places to hang out! Operated by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), the eclectic float-home moorage and marina is full of personality and creatively named boats. We recommend you visit for a pleasant sea-side lunch, ice cream, and stroll.
Oak Bay Marina
The Oak Bay Marina is located just 10 minutes from downtown Victoria in the timelessly elegant Oak Bay neighbourhood, featuring spectacular views of Mount Baker. The marina hosts to two restaurants, a gift shop, eco tours, kayaking tours offered by Ocean River Sports, and more, making the marina a perfect destination for summer cruisers, permanent moorage, and visitors alike.
Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina
An all-around wonderful oceanside getaway, staying at the Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina means stepping out your door straight onto their marina harbouring the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Their 114-slip marina is the finest in Sooke and can accommodate vessels of various sizes – from small crafts to those of up to 50 feet! Sooke is a scenic 45-minute drive from Victoria and is a great small-community destination for those seeking a more remote experience.
Things to Do: Kayaking Tours
There’s no better way to experience Victoria’s oceans then by getting out on kayak! Our kayaking operators offer tours that are fit for all levels whether you are brand new to kayaking or a seasoned expert, with safety and formidable experiences in mind.
Kelp Reef Adventures
Explore the protected waters and hidden waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Kelp Reef Adventures takes off through Fisherman’s Wharf and guides you through to hidden pockets alongside our harbour’s coast, visiting seal rookeries along the way. New to their roster of adventures are their spectacular sunset tours starting at 7PM. Enjoy a new perspective of the Legislature, the Empress, and Victoria’s inner core from our great, blue backyard.
Ocean River Sports
Ocean River Sports offers nearly 40 years of experience in the business and is set-up in three locations: downtown Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and Oak Bay. Choose your own adventure – they have lots on their roster. If you’re new to kayaking and are wishing to sightsee, check out their harbour tours for a fresh perspective of the city. If you’re looking for a challenge, consider their full-day or multi-day tours, which include skill development, overnight camping, swimming, snorkeling, and a rugged outdoor adventure. If you feel confident without a guide, they also do kayak and paddleboard rentals!
Things to do: Fishing Charters
Do you have an avid fisher in your group? Victoria’s waters are legendary for fishing. From the waters of Sooke, to the numerous banks centered in the straight of Juan De Fuca and all the way to luxurious Oak Bay, fishing hot spots are abundant in the 70 mile long straight. Let the experts guide you, guaranteeing not one, but many catches-of-the-day that will have you boasting to your friends back home.
No Limit Charters
No Limit Charters is a full-service fishing charter operating from Wharf Street. Owner Lewis Freeman’s fishing vessel is fully equipped with two GPS sonar chart plotters, essential for successful salmon and halibut fishing. His passion shows through his customer testimonials and reviews – appealing to beginner, veteran, and families of fishers alike, Capt. Lewis’ personable and conservationist character shines, providing unforgettable experiences that have travellers boasting.
Reel Obsession Sport Fishing
Take to the bountiful waters of the Salish Sea with Reel Obsessions Sport Fishing. With year-round full-day and half-day tours available out of Victoria's Inner Harbour or Sooke, Reel Obsessions offers a unique opportunity to get out on the water, connect with our natural surroundings, and reel in the big one! While fishing for salmon or halibut, keep your eyes peeled for our other marine residents, such as humpback whales, grey whales, orcas, and more!
KingSize Adventures
Looking for a fishing trip that's larger than life, look no further than KingSize Adventures, a luxury sport fishing business located in Oak Bay. Captain Grant takes guests out on the water in one of the largest and most luxurious boats in all of Victoria's entire fishing fleet - A Grady white 330 Express. Take to the seas in style with KingSize Adventures.
What to Eat: Seafood!
No trip to Victoria is complete without indulging in some of our island-fresh seafood! Try out these picks for your next sea-to-table meal.
Aegir Room
As sustainable as it is delicious, Aegir Room seafood menu is 100% in line with Ocean Wise requirements, which aim to protect endangered species, support marine conservation and limit by-catch. Located inside the Oswego Hotel, they also boast some of the finest southern Italian cuisine in town, often paired with live music!
Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails
The folks at Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails have championed the three c’s: famous pork chops, cold cocktails, and sustainably-caught seafood that you’ll be writing home about. Set in a heritage 1860’s building with a beautiful 60-seat patio overlooking the Inner Harbour, Finn’s ticks off all the boxes of an authentically Victorian seafood dining experience.
Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House
Just steps from the Inner Harbour, Nautical Nellies has been serving steak and Ocean Wise seafood in Victoria for over 20 years. With beautiful views, a heated patio, and an award-winning wine list, Nautical Nellies is a haven for seafood lovers. Tuck into fresh shucked oysters, grab gourmet sushi from the sushi bar, and savour the region's finest seafood in this award-winning restaurant.
Other Uniquely Victorian Must Do’s
Whale Watching
We couldn’t complete our ocean-themed blog without mentioning whale watching! A quintessential Victorian experience, whale watching is a must-do while vacationing – and don’t visitors know it. It’s a good thing we have an extensive list of responsible whale-and-wildlife watching providers that are committed to giving you an unforgettable, educational experience. While you’re undoubtedly going to be seeing whales up-close-and-personal, you’ll also have the chance to see stellar sea lions, jellyfish, seals, porpoises and ocean birds. Thank us later – you’ll have a killer time!
3-Hour Sail
Your adventure awaits. Embark on a tall-ship adventure with 3-Hour Sail on the heritage sailing vessel Duen, originally built as a fishing vessel in Flekkefjord, Norway in 1939. A highly unique oceanic excursion, you are encouraged to help sail by hauling the sails, taking the helm, and even riding on the bowsprit. They also offer evening sunset cruises! One thing’s for sure – your three hours on Duen will cruise by spectacularly.
Hot Tub Boat Victoria
Have you ever sailed the seas by… hot tub?! A unique, exciting, and oddly therapeutic experience, Hot Tub Boat Victoria may be exactly what you need for a highly memorable group experience. Each hot tub boat fits up to 6 passengers. and comes stocked with waterproof speakers, dry bags for your personal items, and spa-item options such as Epsom salts to kick your relaxation to a new level.
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