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fishermans wharf Victoria BC

Fisherman’s Wharf

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Victoria

Floating Homes, Bright Colours Fisherman's Wharf is the Perfect Stop for Lunch

Activity:
Walk, Food
Difficulty:
Easy
Location:
Victoria
Time:
1hr+
Distance:
.1km

Activity:

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Accessibility:

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Where to this weekend, Vancouver Island: Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria on Vancouver Island BC

All of your senses will be firing when visiting Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria. The bright colours of the floating houses, the smell of food at the kiosks and the fresh salty air.

Nestled in the heart of Victoria, this floating experience offers a fun venture and a bit of fun with the ongoing love affair with the ocean. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family on vacation, or a local exploring your backyard, Fisherman’s Wharf combines both playfulness and a solid connection to the coastal lifestyle.

Add in the occasional musician for entertainment while watching and feeding the seals as they frolic in the harbour. Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria is a great place to visit any time of the year.

Vibrant floating homes in various colours moored at Fisherman's Wharf, reflecting in the calm water with a clear blue sky above and a distant cityscape.

A Kaleidoscope of Floating Homes and Marine Life

At Fisherman’s Wharf, the charm starts with the array of floating homes, each painted in bright hues and boasting quirky designs. These aren’t just picturesque backdrops. Each house is unique in its own way as you walk up and down the marina wondering about the local lifestile and what it would be like living in the interesting tiny homes.

Then, there’s the marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for harbour seals playfully bobbing in the water, a common sight that delights both kids and adults.

The homes are privately owned on Fisherman’s Wharf, there are 33 berths specifically for floating residences living next to the famous visitor’s location.
Although it’s fun to admire the quirky designed homes from afar, please respect personal property and privacy.

Spending the day in Victoria on Vancouver island. Visited Fishermans wharf after a few hours of shopping around Victorias Harbour

The Food:

No visit to Fisherman’s Wharf is complete without indulging in the fresh seafood. From fish tacos to creamy chowders, the culinary offerings here reflect the rich bounty of the Pacific. Food stands and local eateries provide a casual yet authentic dining experience.

Choose from one of the six brightly coloured food kiosks. You have options for the whole family, including seafood, pizza, Mexican, ice cream, and mini doughnuts. A few of the kiosks have outdoor seating, and there are picnic tables are provided to sit and enjoy lunch or dinner on the floating dock. Public Washrooms are located down at the marina past the Fish store and Sweets shop.

 

  • Barb’s Fish and Chips – Serving Victoria fish and chips for over 38 years with house-made signature recipes, chowders, dips, cakes and burgers.
  • COCO Grill – Seafood restaurant with Asian fusion. This Hawaii-themed stop offers a patio and serves beer.
  • The Fish Store & More – Seafood restaurant and fish seller – purchased directly from the fisherman on the Wharf and processed on-site at the floating store. Fry bar, oyster bar, clams, mussels & crabs.
  • Jackson’s Ice Cream – You can’t be a tourist attraction without ice cream. Jackson’s Ice Cream offers everything you want on a hot summer day. Including Island Farm’s ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, lemonade, floats and Sundays.
  • Puerto Vallarta Amigos – Enjoy authentic Mexican food with a full menu, including seafood specials, and enjoy the covered seating no matter the weather.
  • Pirate Pizza – A west coast take on a New York Style Pizza. Wide sliced pizza with a foldable yet crispy crust. Pita wraps, wedge fries and salads are also available. And enjoy a cold locally brewed beer or cider as you sit front row at fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Sweets Mini Donuts – The only floating donut shop in Victoria. All sorts of sweet goodies including candy, mini donuts, salt water taffy, cotton candy and more.
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Shopping:

  • 4 Winds Nest Boutique – The whimsical floating artisan boutique offers local hand-made artisan pottery, glass, wood & jewelry.
  • Hi Gear Crab Sales – If you are looking for the largest top-grade Dungeness crabs, visit the Hi Gear Crab Sales boat, located on the marina side of the Wharf. 

 

A scenic view of Fisherman's Wharf with floating homes, diverse shops, and kiosks along a wooden dock, set against a backdrop of modern apartment buildings and clear skies.

The Adventure:

Adventure seekers can embark on kayaking expeditions right from the docks, offering a unique perspective of the harbour. For those looking to venture further, whale-watching tours offer the exhilarating chance to see majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat.

  • Fishing Charters – Salmon, halibut or cod from the Pacific Ocean, or drift fishing down one of Victoria’s pristine rivers for steelhead trout or salmon.
  • Whale Watching – Whale and wildlife watching company with daily tours leaving from Fishermans Wharf.
  • Kayaking – Enjoy a kayak tour into the Strait of Juan de Fuca or explore Victoria’s Inner harbour. Family tours are available.

Capture the essence of coastal life through your lens as you stroll along the boardwalk. The mix of natural beauty and vibrant community life at Fisherman’s Wharf provides endless opportunities for stunning photography.

Getting to Fisherman’s Wharf:

Fisherman’s Wharf is easily accessible from Victoria’s city center, with ample parking and public transport options. Plan to spend a few hours here to soak in the atmosphere and explore the hidden corners of this charming locale.

Walking/Biking: the most scenic route from the inner harbour is the 1.5km walk along the David Foster Harbour Pathway. As you get closer to Fisherman’s Wharf, stop and take the perfect photo of the floating houses across the bay.

There are bike racks available.

Driving: There are 135 paid parking spots located between the park and Fisherman’s Warf at 12 Erie St Parking

Water Taxi: If you are looking for a unique option to get from Fisherman’s Warf to more great spots in the harbour, try the Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxi. The cute 12-passenger pickle boats will putter you across to your next Victoria destination.

Public Transportation: BC Transit offers routes within Vitoria and James Bay and has a great app 

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Original Author:

Modified: November 23, 2023
Last Visit: March 22, 2023
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