Victoria : Profile

Clearance

The Customs Station is at the James Bay Dock.

Docking

Victoria is the oldest city on the west coast of Canada and is a vibrant, bustling city and seaport with a very English feel.

Although the harbour is very busy, the entrance is wide and the current only runs at about 2 knots, so entering is straight forward. Beware of the float plane landing strip in the area of the harbour known as Inner Harbour. It is marked by yellow buoys.

There are several marinas within the harbour area. James Bay dock has visitors' berths and is right in the heart of the town. It is situated just across the street from the Empress Hotel, which is a significant landmark in Victoria. There are more visitors' berths at the Wharf Street government floats, 4 blocks to the west. Both docks are managed by the Wharf Manager whose office is midway between the two. Stays at these two docks are limited to 3 days in the summer months.

Local weather Tel: 001 250 656 2714/15

There are other visitors' berths, although they are further from the city centre. The principal one is in the marina at West Bay, which is to port when proceeding through the outer part of the main harbour. It is about 1.5 to 2 miles from downtown Victoria, although it is a very pleasant stroll along a boardwalk alongside the water, called the Westsong Walkway. Alternatively, you can catch the harbour ferry which whisks you into downtown in minutes. The approach is via a narrow dredged channel.

Causeway Floats
James Bay Dock
Tel:001 250 883 0094, VHF Channel 73
Water and electricity at each berth. Stays limited to 72 hours during the summer. Customs clearance can be arranged. Showers and laundry in the summer.

Fisherman's Wharf
Erie Street Floats, 12 Erie St., Victoria V8V 1Y4
Tel:001 250 383 8300, Fax:001 250 383 8322, VHF Channel 73
These are government run floats. Ususally possible to find space in the summer months when the fishing boats are away. It is also home to a variety of long-term live-aboards. Services include water, electricity, showers and toilets.

Oak Bay Marina Ltd
1327 Beach Drive`, Victoria, BC
Tel:01 250 598 3369
Full service marina located 10 minutes from downtown Victoria, on the southern end of Vancouver Island.

Royal Victoria Yacht Club
3475 Ripon Rd., Victoria, BC, V8R 6H1
Tel:001 250 592 2441, Fax:001 250 370-2286
info@rvyc.bc.ca
The club is on the western shore of Cadboro Bay. Situated at the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, at the convergence of Haro Strait and Juan de Fuca Strait. Visitors mooring is available on a Reciprocal Privileges basis at the Cadboro Bay Facility, from April to October, on the northern-most outer slips. Prior arrangements mut be made. A smaller facility is located in Tsehum Harbour on the Saanich Peninsula just north of Sidney, B.C.

Victoria Marine Adventure Centre
950 Wharf Street, Victoria, B.C., V8W 1T3
Tel:001 250 995 2211, Fax:001 250 995 1222
info@marine-adventures.com
Floats in the Inner Harbour area. Open all year for boats up to 36 feet. All facilities. Bakery and a bar/restaurant. Reservations accepted.

Warf Street Floats
1104 Wharf St.
Tel:001 250 383 8300, Fax:001 250 383 8322, VHF Channel 73
Water and electricity at each berth. Stays limited to 72 hours during the summer.

West Bay Marina
Head Street, Victoria
Water, electricity, fuel, TV hookup, toilets, showers, and launderette. Also a slip and a RV park.