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PRIZED QUARRY Salt water sport fish of the Pacific Northwest include five species of Pacific salmon, ling cod, rockfish and halibut. 16 | Destination Greater Victoria 2020 | 800-663-3883 A C T I V I T I E S Pocked with sheltered inlets and bays, including the harbour and Gorge Waterway, Victoria's shoreline offers even novice paddlers the opportunity to explore the rich marine environ- ment up close. You can rent stand-up paddleboards from Ocean River Sports (which has locations downtown and in Oak Bay) and South Island SUP, as well as kayaks from Victoria Kayak. Many rental operators also offer scenic tours, which is a great way to get your bearings and become acquainted with the area's aquatic residents – you're guaranteed to see at least one oer or harbour seal! Speaking of wildlife sightings, you'll never forget the first time you see a pod of black orca fins slicing through the water, or a humpback splashing and rolling in the waves without a care in the world. Whale watching is some- thing everyone should do at least once in their lives, and Victoria has numer- ous local charters that take you right into the action in speedy open-air boats or luxury catamarans to witness grey whales, orcas, harbour porpoises, sea lions and more in their natural habitat. Scenic sunset paddle tours from Kelp Reef Adventures showcase the marine wildlife (under Victoria's signature pink skies), while 3 Hour Sail offers landlub- bers the chance to steer the ship on a pleasure sail in the Salish Sea. Tight for time? You don't need a reservation for the charming Victoria Harbour Ferry – just hop on one of its 15 docking stops around Victoria's Inner Harbour and up north through the Gorge. Small green vessels give you an intimate look at Victoria from the water (tickets start at $7). Harbour Ferry also offers 10- and 12-person group tours that run 45 and 75 minutes, starting at $30 per adult. If Northwest Coast fishing is on your bucket list, Adam's Fishing Charters and Island Outfiers offer thrilling high-sea adventure quests, from local salmon and halibut to crab, clam and oyster tours. ON the Water Gonzales Beach (top) boasts white sand and crystal clear water; whale watching tour operators can take you where the orcas are in just a few hours (above); create your own itinerary on the Victoria Harbour Ferry (left); or try to land a mighty tyee salmon with Island Outfitters (below)