Category: Victoria

Fisherman’s Wharf – Victoria, British Columbia

Bobbing joyfully in the gentle waves at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf, I’m quacking with excitement to share my vibrant adventures from this delightful marine paradise! Just a hop, skip, and a splash away from the bustling Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and scrumptious flavours, making each day a new escapade.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a unique marine destination where food kiosks, charming boutiques, and unforgettable eco-tours await your discovery! Here, you’ll find an intriguing mix of fishing vessels, pleasure boats (complete with their live-aboard residents!), float homes, and dynamic commercial businesses. It’s a cornucopia of coastal life!

Barb’s Fish and Chips is practically a legend at the wharf, dishing out joy and fish since 1984! I love watching the excitement bubble up as locals and tourists line up, eagerly anticipating their bites of the world-famous crispy BC Halibut. The tantalizing aroma wafting through the air (can you believe rubber ducks can detect smells?) makes my fluffy little ears perk up in anticipation. With open-air picnic tables right by the water, it’s the perfect place to feast on this delectable seafood while seals frolic nearby.

Don’t even get me started on Jackson’s Ice Cream—oh, what a treat! I can barely contain my delight as I watch kids giggle and bounce around, their ice cream cones piled high with mouthwatering flavours. It’s the ultimate way to cool down after a day of exploring! I float in my cozy corner, catching glimpses of those gleeful little faces taking their first tastes, and let me tell you, I can almost savour the joy right along with them! But caution alert!

A curious little human flicked me right into the water while my human was busy enjoying his treat. Yikes! Luckily, my quick-thinking human rushed to my rescue, promising to keep me safe from future watery mishaps!

After that little scare, I had my humans stop by the 4 Winds Nest Boutique for a breather. Although I was hoping for a cozy spot in an actual nest (hey, I’m a duck, after all!), I was thrilled to discover this charming shop filled with beautiful creations by talented Canadian artisans. From hand-crafted pottery to stunning jewelry and delicious preserves, it’s a feast for the eyes! I enjoy watching humans marvel at the colourful displays while I float nearby, soaking in the creative energy that fills the air.

And oh, the excitement ramped up for our final stop! Aligning our visit with May 5th meant it was time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Puerto Vallarta Amigos! This delightful floating eatery serves up mouth-watering traditional recipes, bringing a taste of Mexico to the tranquil wharf. The Baja-style Fish Tacos have turned into the talk of the town!

The music, dancing, laughter, and delicious food brought the whole wharf to life on this festive day. Families gathered on the dock, sampling vibrant flavours and merriment, and I couldn’t help but bounce with delight at the radiant smiles lighting up their faces!

As we strolled back to our car, I drifted along the docks, admiring the unique float homes lining the waterway. Oh, how splendid and colourful they are! They tug at my heartstrings while I respectfully honour the privacy of their residents. Just imagine living in those whimsical floating abodes! I can picture the breathtaking views and the friendly waves from their cozy homes, each a little slice of life on the water.

Fisherman’s Wharf is not just a destination; it’s a vibrant community alive with flavour, creativity, and charm. From indulging in local delicacies to discovering boutique treasures, there’s always something extraordinary happening.

So, if you ever find yourself in Victoria, head on down to the Wharf and let the adventures unfold—I guarantee you’ll leave with a heart full of joy and memories to last a lifetime!

Never Miss A

May 24, 2025
Ogden Point Breakwater – Victoria, BC
Oh, hello there! I’m BOB, your friendly rubber duck, ready to take you on a splishy-splashy tour of the fabulous Ogden Point Breakwater in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia! Just imagine me bobbing along the waves, soaking in the sun, as I glide through this marvel of engineering.

It’s a gloriously sunny day, and the sparkling waters beckon me from Dallas Road. I waddle my way along the iconic breakwater, which stretches like a great concrete arm out into the mesmerizing Juan de Fuca Strait. What a fantastic view! I can see all sorts of vessels – cruise ships making grand entrances, ferries zipping across the harbour, and even float planes buzzing overhead. I kept my eyes out for wildlife sightings, such as seals, but alas, I did not spot any on our visit.

Now, let me spill the tea (or rather the seawater). Did you know that this breakwater was built because the City of Victoria wanted to welcome more shipping traffic after the Panama Canal opened? Smart thinking! With the powerful southeast gales trying to gatecrash the port, they needed some solid protection for the ships.

Construction on this beauty began way back in 1913. Over a million tonnes of stone and another million tonnes of granite were used – that’s a quack-load of rock! And through the years, Ogden Point has seen all kinds of action: grain terminals, fish processing plants, and major fires, oh my!

But today, oh boy, it’s a vibrant haven for both locals and visitors. In 1997, the first phase of public access opened, allowing more ducky pals and humans alike to enjoy the stunning views and get up close to the bustling marine life. And in 2002, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority took charge to ensure this lovely spot remains a go-to destination for frolicking and fun.

As I float along, I can spot the lighthouse waving hello at the end of the breakwater. It’s not just there for decoration! This trusty beacon helps guide ships safely into the harbour. And trust me, from this vantage point, the views are breathtaking. I can peer south toward the strait, west to Macaulay Point Park, and north to the bustling James Bay area. My humans and I sat on the benches at the base of the lighthouse, mesmerized by the serenity of the view.

Now, I must caution my fellow adventurers: If you decide to explore the lower levels of the breakwater, be careful! Those large cement blocks can get quite slippery when wet, and I wouldn’t want you to take an unexpected dip. So, tread lightly, and watch out for those waves! When we were there, many humans were exploring the lower level, some diving in search of treasures, some fishing likely for a whale, and some just enjoying the thrill of navigating the original structure and the picturesque indigenous artwork that adorns the sides of the breakwater.
My journey did not include an adventure to the lower levels of the breakwater, but what it did include was a stop at the Breakwater Café and Bar for a cocktail and a bite to eat. My only regret is that I did not save space in my ducky tummy for a visit to the ice cream shop! Next time….

So, if you find yourself in Victoria on a sunny day, don’t just paddle around – hop on over to Ogden Point Breakwater! Whether you’re a rubber duck like me or a two-legged adventurer, there’s something magical waiting for everyone. Dive into the experience, soak in the scenery, and quack your heart out!

NEVER MISS A
May 3, 2025