In general, there are two types of travelers, those who like to be in the center of the action and those who don’t. In Victoria, the center of the action is the downtown Inner Harbor. Not sure where to choose? Here’s a list of pros and cons to help you decide if staying in the Inner Harbor is right for you.
Let’s start with the good news, shall we?
The professionals:
1.Many attractions nearby
Downtown Victoria is home to most of the city’s top attractions. Aside from the bustling Inner Harbor with its street performers, entertainers and stalls, you’ll be right next to the Royal BC Museum, Parliament Buildings, Empress Building, St. Anne’s Academy, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown.
2. Lots of amazing restaurants/food options nearby
Victoria has a high concentration of restaurants serving almost every type of food imaginable. Again, many can be found right in the center of the city, in the heart of the action. With local produce and easily accessible meals, you can expect the restaurants to give off more of a farm-to-table vibe, proudly serving sustainable and locally grown/raised vegetables and meats. Not to mention, Victoria is the brunch capital of Canada.
3. No need for a car or a bus/walk/taxi far away
Since you’re already central to just about everything, you most likely won’t need a car. While Victoria has a strong public transport system, unless you’re heading to Butchart Gardens or the select few attractions outside of the city center, you’ll be ready with a good pair of walking shoes.
4. Shopping
Downtown Victoria is full of exclusive shops and stores. It is known as a famous shopping destination. There’s even a Bay Center bounded by four main streets in historic downtown Victoria. There is nothing more convenient than that! The center is also the best place to buy a souvenir of your time in Victoria.
5. Panoramic views
Any downtown Victoria hotel is almost guaranteed to have a spectacular view. From up high, you’ll be able to see the bustling Inner Harbour, the glittering Parliament buildings at night and, depending on the orientation of your room, the picturesque Olympic Range.
6. Close to the best clubs and music venues
Music lovers and party goers alike will rejoice in the harbour, as many of Victoria’s best clubs, music venues and bars are located nearby. Whether you’re looking for a place to sleep the night away or a cozy spot with live music, you’ll find it just a short walk from where you stay in the harbor.
7. Most tours depart from the center
Any tour you sign up for—bus, hike, scenic flights, whale watching, or otherwise—will likely depart from a designated site downtown or from the Inner Harbor itself. Staying right next to where you’ll be departing takes a lot more of the stress of the day – there’s no need to rush or find a way to make your tour, you can just walk out the door of your hotel and be on your way.
And now for the deciding factors…
The cons:
1. Busy late
Being in the heart of the city, you can expect traffic, be it boats, people, cars, or even tour groups, in the area until quite late at night. Although Victoria is considered a quieter city overall compared to, say, Vancouver or Toronto, the city center is still the center of the city. University students, among others, often party until late.
2. Street Parking / Expensive Parking
Your hotel likely has underground or designated parking, but if they don’t, that means it’s up to you. Parking on the streets or in parkades in Victoria can generate a solid account. In addition, you must be confident in parallel parking and be prepared to have to walk a long way to your destination; depending on the time of day and week, a parking spot can be a hot commodity. If your hotel has parking, you are at their mercy for the additional parking fee.
3. Port traffic
Seaplanes, harbor taxis, sailboats, kayakers, tour groups, street performers, buses, coaches, taxis… The harbor hardly ever stops. If you’re looking for quiet moments of solitude on a balcony overlooking the ocean, don’t expect to find it while staying harborside.
4. Confined to an Area
Most of the attractions are already in the city center, so chances are you’ll spend most of your time there, especially if you’re also staying there. That’s unfortunate when there are so many beautiful areas in Victoria to discover. Also, if you forego a car regarding Con #2, getting to those areas can be a bit of a journey.
5. Bright lights at night
Stunning at night, the Inner Harbor is well worth a visit after sunset. However, the Parliament buildings are illuminated with some 3,500 bulbs. If you’re staying in the area, the 3,500+ light bulbs will shine in your window all night long. On top of that, street lights, bar, cafe and restaurant signs, headlights and other general city glare will be present throughout the night.
6. Looking at the port
There is no doubt that the Inner Harbor is an incredible sight. For some, however, the hotels, buildings, and boats detract from the ocean and mountain scenery. Other areas in Victoria provide unobstructed views of the more natural, stunning scenery the city has to offer.
7. Expensive
Victoria ranks high as a destination city, which is reflected in the price of accommodation in the area. The closer you are to the action, the higher the cost, especially in the peak summer season. Sometimes you can get more upscale accommodation at a lower price, simply by being a little further from the Inner Harbour.
There will always be pros and cons to where you choose to stay in a place, so it really depends on your needs and style of travel. However, one thing is for sure; Victoria has a style of accommodation and an area that suits everyone. Happy travels!
