We’re very fortunate here at SpringTide to be able to say that we work in such a beautiful place. Nestled in Victoria’s historic inner harbour, our building has a rich background, and is even home to the oldest well in the city, located in our lobby. Coupled with beautiful views out across the harbour, there’s only one thing that could make this location better – good neighbours! Luckily for us, we’ve got some of the best, so here’s a bit more information to help you get to know them as well as we do.
Victoria Harbour Ferries
Located next to where we board our ocean cruiser Marauder IV (opposite Milestones Restaurant), the Victoria Harbour Ferry and water taxis are one of the best ways to get around the harbour downtown. With stops from Burnside to West Bay, you can call a water taxi for a point-to-point transport, or hop on one of their informative harbour tours to learn all about the area from a local expert. If you’re lucky enough to be in Victoria on a Sunday or on a public holiday, you’ll also be able to catch their boats in the Water Ballet at 10:45am!
Destination Greater Victoria
Just above the dock we board Marauder IV is the office for Tourism Victoria, also known as Destination Greater Victoria. They are your one-stop-shop for anything and everything to do in Victoria and beyond! With recommendations galore, their knowledgeable staff are even able to book tickets to some of Victoria’s best attractions (us included!) on your behalf. If you’ve got space in your schedule or are after some inspiration, head over to their building for advice on how to make even more memories here on the island.
Harbour Air
Born in British Columbia in 1982, Harbour Air now operates one of the biggest sea plane fleets in the world. Employing more than 450 staff and connecting more than 500,000 passengers across the coast each year, they recently debuted the next big step in aviation: all-electric sea planes, also known as ePlanes. With their iconic blue and yellow branding, keep an eye out for their planes both in the air and on the water – and of course, look out for their mascot, Turbo the Otter!
Washington State Ferries
Watching the ferries come and go from Victoria Harbour is a normal part of our day, but it’s always fun to think of the people who are heading off on (or home from) their own adventures to Washington State and beyond. The foghorn sound from the M.V. Coho as it comes into the harbour marks its return from Port Angeles. A historic vessel built in the 1950s, the M.V. Coho has transported more than 26 million passengers, and over 7 million vehicles since 1959. The Victoria Clipper V, among the fastest passenger vessels in the Western Hemisphere, ferries people from Victoria to Seattle in style. It’s a newer boat with panoramic views – you may even spot a whale or two on your crossing!
Bastion Square
Just around the corner, between Darcy’s Pub and The Local (both great places for some lunch or a drink in the sun!), is Bastion Square. Aside from a few lovely shops and eateries, it’s also home to the Bastion Square Market on Thursdays through Sundays. Frequented by local artisans and vintage resellers, the market is a haven for those on the hunt for an extra special, unique memento of their time in Victoria.
Government Street
If you can’t find that perfect souvenir at the Bastion Square Market, countless shopping experiences await you on Government Street! Alongside plentiful souvenir shops, you can stop by artisan and Indigenous stores, clothing stores, homeware stores, and even pick up some new outdoor gear if you need it. Alongside numerous eateries and bars, Government Street is also home to a great many Victoria landmarks – so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some sightseeing. The street runs past the inner harbour and all the way into Chinatown and beyond, so it’s an easy place to while away a few hours. And the best part? Our ocean cruiser, Marauder IV, docks just around the corner from it, so you won’t even have to go far to find it after your trip!
… and so much more!
With Chinatown, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the Royal BC museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, and everything in between, there’s something for everyone in Victoria. Our crew are always happy to chat about this fantastic city and all the activities it plays host to, so let us know if you’re after any recommendations!