When it comes to sheer breathtaking beauty, Victoria’s stunning harbour is hard to beat.
Beautiful boats and small cruise ships dot the azure blue waters that lie on the doorstep of this famous heritage city, providing a gorgeous backdrop to Victoria’s many quaint historic streets and magnificent buildings.
Such a wonderful setting works as an incredible stage for the many marine-themed events that are hosted along the harbour each year. Here are four of our favourites…
1. MASSIVE MARINE GARAGE SALE
Pier A Warehouse, Ogden Point Cruise Ship Terminal, April 22
If you love boats and you love bargains, you’d be crazy to miss the Maritime Museum of BC’s annual fundraiser. You’ll be able to pick up everything from clothing, winches, outboard engines, fishing gear and books to tents, paddles, kayaks, Zodiacs and trailers. Entrance costs just $5 and the kids can come along for free.
2. THE VICTORIA INNER HARBOUR BOAT SHOW
Victoria Inner Harbour, April 27 – 30
Staged directly in front of the iconic Empress Hotel, the Victoria Inner Harbour Boat Show is the largest in-the-water boat show on the West Coast. Meet yacht brokers and hop onboard to learn all about the features of the magnificent vessels on display. There are usually around 200 boats of all sizes in the water, as well as many marine-related business displays located under a large tent on Ship Point.
3. SWIFTSURE 2017
Royal Victoria Yacht Club, May 27 – 29
Monohull yacht racers can choose from four overnight courses or two shorter one-day races. Highlights include the Swiftsure Lightship Classic for PHRF and ORC handicapped yachts, which leaves Victoria for Swiftsure Bank before returning to Victoria. Another favourite is the Hein Bank Race for ORC handicapped yachts, which goes to Neah Bay in the USA and Hein Bank, before returning to Victoria. Multihull yacht racers can choose either a long overnight course or a one-day race.
4. BOAT FOR HOPE
Victoria Inner Harbour, June 3
This pirate-themed adventure gives kids with special needs a chance to enjoy a day of fun at sea. Skippers from three local boating communities deck out their vessels as pirate ships and take the kids and their families to visit treasure stations along the Inner Harbour. Marauding ‘pirates’ chase the boats and the kids fend off their attempts to steal their treasure water pistols.
Ideally located in the Upper Harbour District, Days Inn Victoria Uptown offers breathtaking views of the Gorge Waterway by day and the sparkling lights of the BC Legislature Building by night from the property’s junior suites.
