Inner Harbour Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Visit this central city harbour to enjoy waterfront walks, take whale-watching and wildlife-spotting tours and witness a classic boat festival.

At Victoria’s Inner Harbour you can join wildlife-spotting tours and see historical buildings, enjoy waterfront walks and a boat festival. This lively harbour stretches from Laurel Point Park to Songhees Point, in the Victoria West district.

There is no lack of water-based activities at Inner Harbour. Join a whale-watching tour for the chance to spot orcas and humpback whales. Learn about the history of Victoria and look for seals on a guided kayak tour. Rent a kayak and paddle independently up the Gorge Waterway. You can even board a seaplane and enjoy aerial views of the harbour and Olympic Mountains.

Walk along the Inner Harbour Pathway to Johnson Bridge to enjoy views of the harbour and Gorge Waterway. Cross the bridge to the Songhees Walkway, a waterside path that will take you to Lime Bay Park. Keep watch for seals and birdlife, including eagles and the great blue heron.

Some beautiful buildings overlook the harbour. Learn about British Columbia’s legislative history on a free tour of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Nearby is the chateau-style Fairmont Empress hotel. Stop by this hotel for a traditional afternoon tea to experience what has been a popular event since 1908.

If you happen to visit Victoria during Canada’s Labour Day weekend, don’t miss the Classic Boat Festival. Watch rowing demonstrations and dory boat races and step aboard the ships to have a closer look. Visit the festival’s official website for a schedule of events.

Combine a visit to the harbour with a walk to Victoria Fisherman’s Wharf around the corner where you can see a floating village and sample fresh seafood, such as crab and oysters.

Located at the western edge of downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour is a short walk from major city attractions. Most free parking spaces in the area have a time limit, but pay-and-display parking is available nearby if you want to stay longer. Public buses and water taxis stop at the harbour’s main places of interest.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Inner Harbour Hotel Deals

The Smith Hotel

The Smith Hotel

3 out of 5
221 Queen St, Kingston, ON
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kingston Waterfront and Kingston Penitentiary ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

The Smith Hotel
Dwell Aparthotels

Dwell Aparthotels

4 out of 5
7 Colborne St, Kingston, ON
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kingston Waterfront and Kingston Penitentiary ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"Very nice unit with excellent customer support!"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025

Dwell Aparthotels
Confederation Place - Hotel

Confederation Place - Hotel

3 out of 5
237 Ontario St, Kingston, ON
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,636 reviews)
"Everything is perfect"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Confederation Place - Hotel
Kingston Marriott

Kingston Marriott

4 out of 5
285 King St E, Kingston, ON
The price is AU$244 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$244
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (317 reviews)
"Always great!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Kingston Marriott
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kingston Central by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kingston Central by IHG

2.5 out of 5
11 Benson Street, Kingston, ON
The price is AU$160 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$160
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,535 reviews)
"Average breakfast. Not entirely eco-friendly with no option of re-cycling at the breakfast area. No blackout drapes with street light right outside the window. Room is clean and staff are friendly."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kingston Central by IHG
Motel 6 Kingston, ON

Motel 6 Kingston, ON

2 out of 5
1542 Robinson Court, Kingston, ON
The price is AU$121 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$121
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,674 reviews)
"Safe and well stocked"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Motel 6 Kingston, ON
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Inner Harbour

Default Image

Downtown Kingston

While visiting Downtown Kingston, you might make a stop by sights like The Grand Theatre and Slush Puppie Place.

Downtown Kingston
Default Image

Williamsville

When in Williamsville, you can plan a visit to The Grand Theatre and Kingston Centre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Williamsville
Default Image

Sydenham

If you're spending some time in Sydenham, The Grand Theatre and Kingston Waterfront are top sights worth seeing.

Sydenham
Default Image

Queen's

If you're spending some time in Queen's, Lake Ontario and Agnes Etherington Art Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Queen's
Default Image

Sunnyside

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

While Sunnyside isn't home to many top sights, Kingston Centre and Kingston Penitentiary are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sunnyside
Default Image

Alwington

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alwington and surrounding area, you can visit Kingston Penitentiary and Bellevue House National Historic Site.

Alwington


Inner Harbour Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: