Locals And Visitors Adore Canada's Quirky Waterfront Harbor With Tasty Food And Unique Shops

Victoria and Vancouver face each other across the Strait of Georgia, and the two destinations have a lot in common: They're both sizable Canadian cities on the coast of British Columbia. They both have high-rise-studded skylines, energetic art scenes, and a buffet of dining options. Above all, both cities have a strong relationship with the water; shipping and sailing have always been important to these Pacific communities, and the Strait is a vital habitat for orcas and sea lions.

Central to this maritime culture is Victoria's Fisherman's Wharf, which spent much of its history as an industrial shipyard. In the late 1940s, the city started to develop the shoreline of Victoria Harbour, and commercial fishermen set up shop — and docked their trawlers — in this district. Bit by bit, these buildings were taken over by entrepreneurs and new residents; colorful houseboats popped up along the piers. These "float homes" look like quaint cottages that happen to rest on the water, and they've become a quirky alternative to terrestrial dwellings in town. Some of the eateries are buoyant as well, such as the beloved Barb's Fish and Chips. There's also a good chance you'll spot harbor seals playing in the water; Victoria is part of Vancouver Island, a great destination for wildlife-watching adventures.

Fisherman's Wharf has become a magnet for tourists, where paved streets are replaced with wooden docks, and the air smells of salt water and cooking seafood. If you want to see the water up close, you can rent a kayak or board a water taxi from Victoria Harbour Ferry. You can easily walk or bicycle here from downtown Victoria, a little over a mile away.

Canadians are famously friendly, but if you really want to connect with the folks on Fisherman's Wharf, you may enjoy an organized tour of Victoria through Viator. Skilled guides can show you around the Inner Harbour, pinpoint the best restaurants, and arrange eco-tours with a local outfit. These tours can incorporate any number of other Victoria attractions as well, such as the botanical wonders of Butchart Gardens, craft beers in local pubs, and the city's most scenic bike routes. You could even request to visit Hatley Castle, an iconic Hollywood filming location.

Victoria is a fraction of the size of Vancouver and can feel like a big town. However, it is the capital of British Columbia, and the palace-like parliament buildings give this seaside community a lot of clout. Victoria is significantly harder to get to than its big sibling; whereas travelers could drive straight from Seattle to Vancouver, they would either have to ferry or fly to Victoria. This remoteness is part of the island's character, as pristine nature and abundant wildlife flourish for hundreds of miles beyond the city limits. While you're exploring this area by land and sea, learn the locals' secret to the best time of year for local whale-watching.