In the world of luxury living, few experiences rival the freedom, privacy, and a life of exclusivity aboard a yacht. It’s the ultimate embodiment of luxury living. For many, it is the ultimate escape — a home away from home on the water. Yet even the most refined yachts require careful consideration for moorage, fueling and maintenance.
Victoria, BC has become a premier destination for yacht owners and visitors. The city’s picturesque harbour and seamless access to the Pacific offer safe, convenient moorage options and a vibrant lifestyle on shore. Victoria offers world-class dining, boutique shopping experiences, beautiful gardens, and historic charm. Victoria provides a unique blend of natural beauty and elevated amenities.
In this article, we highlight some of the finest yacht moorage options and full-service marinas for discerning yacht owners.
Victoria International Marina
Victoria International Marina is the only purpose-built luxury marina in the country, located just across the bridge from the downtown core. This relatively new facility is world-class, specifically designed with 28 slips for yachts over 65ft.
Yacht moorage is available at a per-foot cost, with discounts available for extended stays beginning at one month. But it’s the luxury services and amenities that truly sets Victoria International Marina apart. Each slip is fully secure with access to shore power, fibre Wi-Fi, slip-side pump-out, and two water connections. Repair and maintenance services are available on site, plus the marina can provide luxury treatment including a concierge, VIP program, catering and route planning.
Inside the marina, yacht owners have the opportunity to recharge in the lap of luxury. You’ll feel rejuvenated after getting some work done in the business centre, using the gym and showers, then stepping into Boom + Batten for some cocktails and food.
Location: 1 Cooperage Place, Victoria
Oak Bay Marina
Oak Bay Marina is situated in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Victoria, right off Beach Drive in Oak Bay. Just 10 minutes away from downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is home to the best luxury real estate in the city plus great golfing, beaches, and quality restaurants.
Moorage at Oak Bay Marina is available year-round for monthly or annual stays. They can accommodate yachts up to 70ft, supplying each with 15-and 30-amp power plus free car parking. As a full-service marina, Oak Bay Marina also has a fuel dock and ship repair services.
With your yacht safe and sound, head inside and check out the gift shop or dine at the gorgeous waterfront Marina Dockside Eatery. The marina can help you book eco-tours, guided fishing charters, kayaks or paddleboards, or you can head to the neighbourhood’s nearby pubs and restaurants.
Location: 1327 Beach Drive, Oak Bay
Van Isle Marina
Van Isle Marina is one of the largest full-service marinas in the province, offering not only moorage and maintenance but yacht sales as well. Located in Sidney, Van Isle is located about 45-minutes from downtown Victoria. However, many visitors choose Sidney as their destination, as a charming seaside village known for its stunning pier, oceanfront restaurants, museums and book shops.
Van Isle can accommodate annual, monthly, and nightly moorage for yachts up to 200ft, with discounts available for longer stays. As a full-service marina, yacht owners can also access the fuel dock, maintenance workers, haul-out services, and yacht sales department. Also on-site is the West Coast Grill, a new oceanfront dining experience that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Location: 2320 Harbour Road, Sidney
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority Marinas
If you want to stay in the centre of the action, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) manages several marinas right downtown with easy access to all major attractions, restaurants and retail shops.
The Inner Harbour is the focal point of downtown Victoria, located right in front of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, sandwiched between Belleville, Wharf and Government streets. The Harbour can accommodate yachts of all sizes at one of their two primary marinas.
- Causeway Marina
The Causeway Marina is found in the southernmost corner of the harbour, front and centre by the Empress Hotel and BC Parliament Buildings. This marina can accommodate vessels under 60ft.
- Ship Point Marina
Ship Point Marina is located just off to the side next to the Causeway Marina. This marina is able to accommodate larger luxury yachts and superyachts well north of 60ft.
- Wharf Street
The GVHA also operates marinas and facilities near Wharf Street, located just slightly north of the Inner Harbour. The Wharf Street Marina is found next to the seaplane terminal, and offers year-round moorage for vessels that are 20-375ft. Washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities can be found next door on the Broughton Street Pier.
Moorage for all GVHA marinas is based on per linear foot of length overall (LOA), and is available all year round with lower rates from mid-September through mid-June. 20-100 amp power is available for an additional charge.
Pedder Bay Marina
Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina is located well west of Victoria, through Metchosin and towards Sooke. If you want to recharge in the serenity of nature, Pedder Bay may be your best option. This part of the Island is peaceful, rugged and beautiful, with forests or ocean surrounding you in every direction. Some of Greater Victoria’s most iconic parks, East Sooke Regional Park and Matheson Lake Regional Park, are nearby as well.
Pedder Bay Marina can accommodate smaller vessels under 50ft, and can provide 30-amp power and Wi-Fi. There’s also a fuel dock and laundry for convenience. Best of all, the marina is packed with amenities and services that will help you enjoy this outdoor playground. Boat, gear and kayak rentals are available, a live bait and tackle shop will get you set for a fishing excursion, and the general store and café will provide everything you need for your stay. Plus, the Pedder Bay RV Resort is set up for cozy camping!
Location: 925 Pedder Bay Drive
Anglers Anchorage Marina
Anglers Anchorage Marina is nestled in peaceful Brentwood Bay, away from the hustle and bustle, but very near some of Victoria’s finest attractions. Located a good 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, Anglers Anchorage has unique proximity to Butchart Gardens, Victoria’s world-famous botanical garden. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa is also next door, along with hiking trails, Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Church & State Wines.
Anglers Anchorage is available for daily, weekly, monthly or annual moorage. There are berths open for vessels up to 50ft, plus side tie docks that can accommodate yachts up to 160ft. Marina services include pump out, free Wi-Fi, rentals and storage for paddleboards and kayaks, and 15-50amp power.
Location: 905 Grilse Lane, Brentwood Bay
North Saanich Marina
North Saanich Marina is an ideal location to explore the Gulf Islands and US San Juan Islands from, given the marina’s northernmost location on Vancouver Island. The marina is also extremely close to the Victoria International Airport and the BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal, which accesses the mainland and other destinations.
North Saanich Marina welcomes short-term visits and annual stays for vessels up to 70ft. The marina provides free parking, along with water hookups and 15-50amp power. There are even covered and secure sheltered slips available upon request. And if you’re staying a while, consider joining the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club next door for boating activities and social events.
Location: 1949 Marina Way, North Saanich
While Victoria remains a smaller city, it’s easy to live a luxury lifestyle with all the marinas, oceanfront property, charming neighbourhoods, top-tier restaurants, and lively arts and culture scene.
