Victoria: Place to meet friend near port?

We're stopping in Victoria on our Alaska cruise, and are thinking of meeting a friend who would be driving up from Seattle. Anyone who is familiar with the port area have a suggestion for a good place for us to meet? Something that's not too far of a walk, but outside security and any taxi/tour craziness would be ideal. Our ship will be there 7:00 a.m. on a Friday, if that makes a difference.

Are you on a cruise ship embarking/debarking in Seattle? Wouldn't it be easier to meet your friend in Seattle?

No, to both questions.

I'd suggest somewhere downtown that you can be indoors and have access to washrooms/refreshments (in case of rain, delays in docking/friend arriving etc). That pretty much restricts it to a cafe serving breakfast, unless you will both have functional phones to enable a more flexible meetup scenario.

Murchies is a popular spot, easy to find, opens at 7:30am - by the time you get off the ship and downtown even by cab it should be open. Lots of parking lots/street parking around for your friend - it's the Government St branch on the page I linked (which can be walked to from the ship in about 30mins).

If you planned to meet later in the day (if friend is driving up same day for example) than howsabout a pub lunch somewhere like Swans?

And if you literally just want a landmark that won't be surrounded by a horde of tourists, then Christ Church Cathedral is a very distinctive building far enough off the touristy streets to mean you won't get lost in crowds.

Thanks for the suggestions! I was imagining someplace closer to the pier, but it seems "downtown" is closer than it looks on the map.

There is a coffee shop at Ogden Point, where the cruise ships dock, but I can't remember the name of it.

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You arrive at 7 and will need to wait until the ship is cleared by local authorities. We have done this itinerary and we were not cleared until an hour after we docked. Perhaps you might plan to meet your friend for breakfast at, say, 8:30, just to make things easier. You absolutely can meet just inside the pier gates - there is no security or anyone stopping your friends from driving in and parking for a few minutes. OR... you can walk outside the pier and meet them on Dallas Road where there is ample parking right along the waterfront there. Just a few minutes' walk, if that.

For breakfast Sam's Deli is a favourite local spot, as are The Blue Fox Cafe and John's Place. :D

Have fun!!

Thanks for the suggestions! I was imagining someplace closer to the pier, but it seems "downtown" is closer than it looks on the map.

Never even crossed my mind to suggest places around Ogden point, precisely because downtown is only about a mile away! Near the pier will also be busy at the beginning and end of the port day, since no matter where you want to go or come back from you have to use Dallas Road...

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Our trip is still a ways off, but it's good to know our options.