Fisherman’s Wharf is a colourful float home community located just ten minutes walk from the Inner Harbour of Victoria, B.C. We’ve been to Victoria dozens of times. I don’t know why it took us this long to discover this eclectic village of house boats and shops.
You’re welcome to stroll along the piers where the float homes are moored. Be respectful as you go past, these are private residences. With the exception of a yard the owners of the houseboats are lacking little in comparison to the average dwelling. Many of them have all the architectural features of a house, including decks and balconies. There are charming little house boats complete with flower filled window boxes to extravagant three story homes. Some people have taken liberty to have a very unique, quirky and colorful design.
Life appeared to be as normal for the residents of the wharf as is for land dwellers. We saw bicycles being stored on decks, small container gardens, satellite dishes and cats sunbathing in window ledges. The typical car parked in a driveway was replaced by a row boat. All normality aside, it’s a unique lifestyle when your home has a life preserver hanging at your front door.
The activity of the harbour itself is very entertaining. There is a variety of marine traffic that is continually in motion, including float planes landing and taking off. Keep your eye out for seals, otters and various sea birds. On a clear day you can take in the views of the Olympic Mountains located in the state of Washington, U.S.A.
The cafes along the wharf are the perfect place for a seafood meal. Besides old fashion fish and chips you can have grilled halibut, oysters, or a fish burgers. Don’t worry you can get your cappuccino or latte fix too, or treat yourself to an ice cream cone. If you are visiting the harbour area by kayak you can stop by Grilligans paddler pick up window!
This is a functioning wharf, if you visit earlier in the day you might see fisherman busy at work. The local catch of the day is available for purchase at the Fish Store. Depending on the season some of the selection may be Halibut, Salmon or crab. They can package for travel.
If you’re lucky you might spot a few harbor seals popping their heads up around the boardwalks.
Fishing, kayaking, sailing and harbour cruises can be booked with Seaking at their floating Sea Adventure Center. It is open daily. Or you can book a whale watching trip through Wing Tours.
From the inner harbour you can catch one of the small Victoria Harbour Ferries over to Fisherman’s Wharf or follow the walking path along the seawall. If you drive there is on site pay parking available.
Aphloathaus says
Great write-up and pictures about the wharf. I think you captured it very well. One note though….these are floathomes and not houseboats as they are non-navigable and have no motors.
Cheers
Audrey says
Thanks for the compliments on the post 🙂 Good point about the floathomes, I did refer to them as such in the write-up. I’m not sure how I ended up putting houseboats in the title.
Cheers,
Audrey