Victoria has been named Canada’s “No. 1 Best Boating Town” for 2026, topping a new national ranking released by BoatBooker.
The annual list highlights destinations where boating is closely tied to local culture, tourism and accessibility. Victoria earned the top spot thanks to its direct access to the Salish Sea and the steady flow of activity in the city’s Inner Harbour.
According to BoatBooker, Victoria stood out for its strong connection to saltwater boating and its role as a gateway to southern Vancouver Island’s coastline.
“Beyond its boating appeal, Victoria’s coastal setting supports a wide range of on-water experiences throughout the season,” reads the report.
“From calm harbour cruises to longer outings along nearby shorelines, boating plays a visible role in how people experience the city and its surroundings.”
The area offers something for everyone, from experienced boaters to first-time visitors. Harbour tours, wildlife cruises and sightseeing trips are a common sight along the waterfront, and the city’s marinas and central shoreline make it easy for both locals and tourists to get out on the water.
Boating isn’t just seasonal in the capital, it’s part of how people experience Victoria year-round, from calm harbour cruises to longer outings along nearby shorelines.
The Inner Harbour anchors the downtown core, with museums, waterfront paths, parks and historic landmarks all within walking distance. Combined with Greater Victoria’s relatively mild climate, it creates a destination where time on the water fits naturally into a broader coastal experience.
Victoria was one of two BC communities to make the top 10 list. Kelowna also earned a spot, alongside cities across the country.
The full ranking for 2026 includes:
- Victoria
- Kingston, Ontario
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Kelowna, British Columbia
- Ottawa–Gatineau, Ontario and Quebec
- Trois-Rivières, Quebec
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Shediac, New Brunswic
- Sylvan Lake, Alberta
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
BoatBooker says its ranking is based on internal booking data, traveller interest and destination-level boating activity over the past year.
The platform connects travellers with boat captains for tours and excursions, offering more than 8,400 trips in 710 destinations worldwide.
