Entering Victoria Harbour & Docking

Victoria, BC, Canada

Public Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme

Skippers are advised to study the Public Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme prior to entry. All boats must adhere to Transport Canada regulations. Port of Victoria Harbour Patrol staff actively patrol the Victoria Harbour. Skippers should also have the official information for marine aids to navigation and water depths found on Canadian Hydrographic Services Chart 3412 which was updated in November 2023 – see preview chart and acquire a current copy through Canadian Hydrographic Services.

Skippers entering Victoria’s Outer Harbour are to tuck over by the Helijet terminal/James Bay boat ramp area to lower sails so their boat is out the way of other vessels and not impeding on runway Bravo.

All vessels, including media and safety vessels, must follow the Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme and speed limits.

Non-Canadian skippers/crew arriving by boat should check the Canada Border Services Agency website for the most up-to-date information or contact the 1.800.461.9999 Information line.  You may download the ArriveCAN app and fill in the information for each crew member. CBSA is aware that they will be busy. The decision whether to clear US boats and crew by phone is generally done on a case-by-case basis. US boats will clear Canada Customs at the Raymur Point CBSA Dock (Victoria) located on the south side of the Middle Harbour at Raymur Point. Phone 1.888.226.7277.

For all Swiftsure boats arriving, Swiftsure will have a RHIB monitoring VHF on Channel 9 patrolling the outer harbour on Thursday and Friday, May 23 and 24 ’24.

  • Please change to Channel 9 as you enter the outer harbour (whether clearing Customs or not)
  • After obtaining your boat’s LOA and draft, Swiftsure’s RHIB crew will relay your information to the crew on the Causeway docks
  • As you enter the Inner Harbour, deeper draft boats will be directed to go toward A, B, or C docks
  • Shallower draft boats will be directed to F or G docks on the Causeway’s south side
  • Once tied to the dock, proceed to the Check-in desk near the Causeway dock ramp leading to shore