Inner Harbour

We did a 3-​night stay at a hotel in the Inner Harbour area of Victoria recently, and this area definitely provided the center of our attention. The hotel’s location afforded some rather decent partial views of the harbour, and some of the happenings (boats, yachts, ferries, seaplanes, working areas, et al), but the choice views of the settings of the harbour itself, were experienced via our walks from there to downtown, and other areas adjacent the harbour. The weather during our stay was rather variable, and helped to provide some rather nicely-​varied ‘contrasts and lightings’ to our viewings.
We explored much of the area and it’s immediate attractions on foot — both on the way to downtown, and the other way, out towards Laurel Point. To downtown — the Legislature buildings (nice grounds, and the buildings all lit up at night), grounds of the Royal BC Museum (many great totem poles), the Fairmont Empress Hotel (checked out the lobby, and soon to be gone, the very regal and elegant Bengal Lounge) and in the same area, the Victoria Conference Centre (the beautiful lobby, and and some lovely First Nations art), and of course, all the walkways right alongside the harbour itself (with all the boats, water and property views, both immediate, and over there, across the water, and the added fun of many gulls, and crows coming ‘close & personal’ seeking your attention for handouts! To the area before Laurel Point — Huntington Manor (with its lovely grounds, and elegant buildings), and the other hotels and properties along the way (many lovely water and land views).
And by driving a ways, we gained some wonderful views of Victoria and harbour, from across the water at Esquimalt (especially enjoyed the views from Spinnakers Pub, and along the waterside walkway from there).
We found the Inner Harbour to be alive with sights, sounds, and attractions, and sure enjoyed seeing and experiencing this lovely area of Victoria.

Inner Harbor is absolutely beautiful and is certainly the highlight of my Victoria trip! Especially on a sunny day, the sight of clear water filled with boats and surrounded by majestic buildings like the British Columbia Legislature and the Empress Hotel is simply gorgeous. This is the main focal point of many Victoria attractions, so you will be spending a good amount of time either exploring places or just relaxing.
Be sure to see the Inner Harbor at night too for an even more stunning sights as the harbor is lit up!
Man, I wish I was back there eating fish and chips on the pier…

Inner Harbour is a relaxing place to enjoy the water. Tons of boats docked, beautiful view, and a place to take tours. There are people who you can watch that put on shows to earn a few bucks. It’s in the center of all the monuments, restaurants, and shopping.

A very beautiful harbor. You can enjoy if from H20 taxi or from the bank. Evening sunset is lovely. There are many artist perform at the dock.

The Inner Harbor is a cute little ‘boardwalk’ with some street vendors and street performers. It nice to take a walk and watch the sea planes, boats, and ferries, and grab a bite to eat on a nice day. It isn’t that exciting, but it is a great way to walk off a big meal.

Really only a small area, the Victoria Inner Harbour is fun in a funky way, largely due to the street performers (there is even a piano that anyone can play) and seaplane landings. Aside from that all you have are a couple of restaurants and gift shops. It’s around the other attractions, so wander by and see what’s up. Don’t missing the «Welcome to Victoria» floral arrangement on the bank next to the Parliament building.

Victoria Harbour is a harbour, seaport, and seaplane airport. It also serves as a cruise ship and ferry destination for tourists and visitors to the City and Vancouver Island. Historically it was a shipbuilding and commercial fishing centre. Several port facilities in the harbour are overseen and developed by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, however the Harbour Master’s position is with Transport Canada.
Gayle and I entered and left Victoria through the Inner Harbour on the Clipper. We also had a modest view from our Magnolia Hotel Room. It’s a signature view on either side of shore, with pretty sights including the Fairmont Empress, the Legislative Assembly Buildings, landing float planes, water taxis, and happy folks (including us) walking hand-​in-​hand along the shoreline and taking it all in.
My only complaint is that Inner Harbour is perhaps a victim of its own popularity and less than optimum urban planning. I mostly see that in the various styles of modern architecture that sit «side-​by-​side» with the more historical Francis Rattenbury «English» buildings. The result (in my opinion) is a whole that does not equal the sum of its parts.