·

Destinations: Victoria, BC’s Capital City

Victoria

June 10, 2021

In the June edition of Canadian Yachting Marianne Scott takes us to a city she knows well, Victoria.

Victoria Harbour is well protected from strong winds and Coast Salish people flourished in the area for several thousand years. In 1843, the Hudson’s Bay Co. set up a stockaded fort in the area near today’s Bastion Square with the goal of trading with the Indigenous people. Neither HBC nor the successive settlers that farmed, traded, created sawmills and other industries, built schools and a hospital, asked for permission to occupy the land. Instead, Queen Victoria, who bestowed her name on the city she never saw, gave them permission to seize it.

Moorage in downtown Victoria is available at several locations: The Causeway in front the Empress, Ship Point that accommodates yachts 60 feet and more, and at the Wharf Street Floats. Moorage for yachts 65 feet and up can also berth at the Victoria International Marina. These docks are centrally located and have security gates (see sidebar).

Kwakiutle Bear Pole by Henry HuntKwakiutle Bear Pole by Henry Hunt

Historic Victoria

Victoria, as the oldest city on Canada’s west coast and BC’s capital, is home to a lively downtown with many of its historic buildings preserved—wonderful sightseeing, museums, theatres, shopping, dining, antiquing, tours, totems and flower gazing begin right at the harbour and extend over a wide and very walkable area. Visitors can easily spend several days wandering around. I advocate that you don’t just keep your eyes at street level—look up the buildings’ façades to enjoy the gargoyle-like sculptures and other decorations.

Marinas managed by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, gvha.ca/.

Causeway, 30-amp power, showers at the Broughton Street Pier.

Ship Point, for larger yachts.

Wharf Street Public Wharf, 50-amp power, 1,780’ of dock space.

Other Marinas

Coast Harbourside Hotel Marina, coasthotels.com/coast-victoria-hotel-and-marina-by-apa/.

Victoria International Marina for yachts 65 feet and more, vimarina.ca/.

Victoria Harbour is a no discharge zone; pumpout at Fisherman’s Wharf, end of B dock.

Fuel: Victoria Marine Fuels Ltd., at Fisherman’s Wharf, victoriamarinefuels.com/.

Enjoy a whole lot more about Victoria’s charm in the June issue of CY.

Related Articles

The Other Virgin Islands Trunk Bay

The Other Virgin Islands

We’ve dropped the anchor in the northwest corner of Pillsbury Sound, hard by a channel bisecting two lush islands. Waters rush through the passage, lured by the beauty of St. John, an island that reclines in the afternoon sun like a Renaissance courtesan. 

Our skipper today, Captain Wilson, knows these islands like the back of his hand. He should – he’s boated here almost daily since 2008. “I will take you where you want to go,” he promises. “I will show you what you want to see.” 

I’ve cruised the British Virgin Islands numerous times but I’m just getting my feet wet here. Today’s the perfect introduction. 

alt

Support The Call For 12 New Marine Protected Areas By 2012

I think it’s a given that as a Canadian Yachting reader, you are passionate about Canada’s waters and protecting them from pollution and wildlife threats. Recently, an article in the Globe & Mail presented a way to easily demonstrate our commitment to the waters we love so much.

Back in June, tied to ‘Oceans Day 2011’, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society challenged the federal government to establish 12 new marine protected areas by the end of 2012.

CARIB-St.MartinHeineken125NEW

St. Maarten/St. Martin

Two cultures – one island. Where can a winter-weary Canadian Yachting reader go to “get-away” this winter? How about someplace that offers the breath-taking atmosphere of the Caribbean and the combined flare of European and Caribbean cultures? If that sounds good – then St. Maarten/St. Martin might just be the “two countries in one” island for you!

Video Gallery

Sea Ray Launches the New SDX 250 and SDX 250 Surf

Sea Ray is expanding its next-generation SDX lineup with two new models. The dynamic SDX 250 and SDX 250 Surf blend quality, functionality and capability to provide limitless fun. Available in sterndrive and surf configurations, the vessels feature powerful propulsion, abundant storage, optimized seating and premium amenities to suit any aquatic activity. Whether entertaining or wakesurfing, the versatile SDX 250 is well-equipped with plenty of room for full days on the water with family and friends.

Read More

Destinations

Dockside Dining: Frind Winery

I’m a boater – I always take friends and visitors to Frind when we’re on the boat.

Frind Winery is the perfect place for boaters to go for lunch or dinner in the Kelowna area.  You can tie up on the dock or beach your pontoon on the spacious beach. 

Frind has an Italian style brick pizza oven for gourmet pizzas and a great selection of other menu items.  You can eat on the patio, at a picnic table, on the beach, or on the lawn. You can also get your order to go and enjoy your meal out on the lake. 

Read More

Lifestyle