Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf consisted of food court type food (overpriced and small portions of food) and beer. There are stalls for whale watching tours and kayaking experiences and gift shops with water themed knick knacks. There are boats around the wharf were one sold fresh lobsters and crabs. Most importantly there are privately owned homes that are colorfully decorated. I feel bad for them living here given all the tourist and voice, but then again, they know exactly where they're living in.

That's pretty much it at this wharf. There really isn't much to do if you're not getting food. We spent about 15 minutes here walking around and leaving as we were not interested in the food nor were we going to watch whales and kayak.

When I think of Fisherman's Wharf, my mind goes to Pier 39 in San Francisco or Pike's Place in Seattle. While the wharf is marketed as a special place to visit, there really wasn't much to see. There are a few very touristy restaurants that serve semi-decent food, but the best thing to see are the houseboats that line the dock. Keep in mind that people live there and there are signs warning you to provide them with privacy.

The view from the dock was beautiful, but I can't say there's much to do or see here. Not anything special.

Unique Fisherman's Wharf [Victoria BC]

I've enjoyed going to a few Fisherman's Wharf in California where tourists and locals can eat, play, and shop but much is to be said for this unique fisherman's wharf... people actually live here in floating homes like a small community. It wasn't as big as San Francisco's or Monterey's in California but it was cool seeing the private homes.

* Food - they have pizza, fish & chips, a Hawaiian-themed grill, and Mexican food. Order lunch or dinner at any of these food kiosks and find a place to sit at the community table seating area. Enjoy the views! They also have a mini donut shop and an ice cream shop (Victoria's famous floating ice cream store) LoL!

* Shops - there was only one gift store we saw. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived. Business hours were 11:00a to 6:00p.

* Water taxi - these iconic pickle boats will transport passengers to any designated ferry stops within the harbor and surrounding waterways. You can travel by water taxi or enjoy a guided tour. Fun to see them on water.

* Whale Watching Tours - tours are available at their kiosks. Open and covered boats are available for booking

* Private homes - there are 33 berths designated for floating residences, we strolled on the docks and admired these float homes. They seem to be all occupied. I loved seeing each uniquely designed colorful homes. Please respect quiet hours and private property.

* Commercial fishing vessels - love fishing? Fish for salmon, halibut or cod in the Pacific Ocean... steelhead trout or salmon when you go drift fishing down one of Victoria's rivers. There is a company that will take you there.

Eat, shop, and explore at this unique marine destination. This was a hidden gem we're glad we discovered. Paid parking is available. I enjoyed seeing the house boats the most so I apologize for all the photos.

Review #3168

Awesome houses and businesses that are colorful and cool. The shops around it are fun to look in and see. The floating houses throughout this area are awesome!

Great Service. Love the food. The Ambience is the really nice it suits the building. Everybody should go here 5 stars

TOURIST TRAP! This is one of the most overrated and overhyped tourist sites in the history of tourism. If you're not hungry, you probably won't need more than 30 minutes here, it's VERY small!

But since you're in Victoria, you've probably heard about it, so you just have to see for yourself. The houseboats are cute and whimsical, but they are real private residences. There are some eateries around, The Fish Store is a good one. There were a couple shops charging high tourist prices. Some boating companies offering whale watching or paddleboarding, though it's quite cold especially if you fall in the water! Come here with low expectations, and come hungry.

I found Fishermen's Wharf to be intresting & odd.

It's a scaled down version of Granville Island & even Pike Place Market in Seattle.

I won't even mention San Fran as that's way more massive.

I think I actually much rather prefer the whole Steveston Village & Wharf in Richmond, when comparing the two.

Lots of colourful houseboats & a few restaurants here & that's it.

If you're wanting to go out whale watching, this is where you catch your boat.

It's kinda like having gone to Vegas for years & suddenly you end up going through Reno.

It's like - what the heck!?!

I think FW better serves the locals better than first time out of town visitors, who've been to & experienced massive fisherman wharfs the world over.

I just did not get excited about it - put it that way.

I was put off by the sign warning people to 'keep off' & away from the houseboats.

Isn't this a tourist mecca?

I'm not asking to walk into your houseboat, sit on your couch & start sipping tea with you!

I just wanna check out the outside & marvel at the cool architecture & colours. That's it.

Somethings missing & I can't quite put my finger on it.

One point of note - in Vancouver you can take the Aquabus around False Creek for much cheaper than the $12 each way I paid for a 10min ride from outside the Empress Hotel to Fisherman's Wharf.

This is a favourite wharf to come to for many who seem to get all giddy & has me wondering - have you travelled to other waterfront cities?

But who am I to destroy ones happiness?

Go on with your giddiness - enjoy.

Cute spot (wharf) by the water. Has a few eateries worth checking out. Cute little coloured floating houses. Seating space on the patio by the water. On your way there, follow the trail and grab an ice cream at a green coconut kind of shop. 97 flavours of soft ice cream. Try pineapple coconut.

Fisherman's Wharf is worth checking out if you're in Victoria for a weekend trip. Like all fisherman wharfs, it's a pier area where boats dock off from and to, and has businesses along the walkway.

We visited fisherman's wharf for a few hours before our ferry back home. The fisherman's wharf area is southwest of the downtown Victoria area, so is easily walkable. It's also conveniently located right next to Belleville Terminal, which is where the Clipper is located.

This fisherman's wharf area is small, especially compared to other fisherman wharfs in the country. There are houseboats here, along with other boats that are docked here and eateries to choose from, which primarily make up the businesses here. It's easy to just spend an hour or two here, mostly just to walk along the docks and get some grub. We visited on a Monday afternoon and it was busy, but not crowded. If you're visiting the Victoria area for the first time, then fisherman's wharf is worth seeing.

Small Fishermans wharf that's a distance from the downtown. It's nothing like the Monterey or San Francisco wharfs and has a few restaurants. It's a good place for some food. I walked here and took a water taxi back to the downtown. If you are nearby or want to try a restaurant, I would say stop by. Otherwise it's not worth going to just to see it.

Cute place to walk around and grab lunch if you're in the area but not as many things to look at as I had originally thought! I don't think you would be particularly missing out on anything if you didn't go here, but if you're around, it's worth a pop-in since they have some places with seafood, oysters, ice cream or mini donuts.