Earlier this week, the union representing member-employees of the Seattle-Victoria ferry service FRS Clipper announced members voted in favour of taking legal strike action as early as Sunday, September 3. This potential action falls within the Labour Day long weekend, and could begin if a contract cannot be reached before then. We are hopeful that a resolution can be reached prior to the Labour Day weekend, one of the most popular travel weekends of the year.
We understand FRS Clipper is preparing a contingency plan to minimize any potential disruptions to their service, should they arise. We advise customers to contact the company directly for updates and information.
As the destination management organization for Greater Victoria, we share travel tips and itineraries with visitors. There are many ways to get to Victoria. People can travel by air, or by ferry from Washington State or the Lower Mainland.
Destination Greater Victoria’s full team – from marketing to travel trade sales to visitor services – is prepared with information for both individual clients and business-to-business clients on alternative ways for customers to reach Victoria on the Labour Day weekend and beyond. We will be working together to minimize disruptions and will be communicating those as needed.
By working in lock step with all our member businesses, together we can protect vital business for our community. DGV and its members have rallied together to overcome adversity in the past. This is just another example of working together to overcome a challenge.
Paul Nursey
CEO - Destination Greater Victoria
Enjoy drinks and snacks from a variety of Destination Greater Victoria members, mix and mingle, and celebrate successes with colleagues and fellow members at DGV’s corporate office.
Destination Greater Victoria would like to thankfully acknowledge our members who are hosting a sampling station at the upcoming Open House.
Sampling tables are still available! If you would like to partner with us, please reach out to the membership team atmemberservices@tourismvictoria.com
DGV/Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Helps Boost Canada's Performance at Olympic Qualification Sevens Rugby Tournament
Rugby Canada is coming off a successful international tournament at Starlight Stadium, featuring the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams. The Canadian women earned a trip directly to the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, while the men advanced to an Olympic Repechage Tournament after a loss to the United States in the Gold Medal final.
Playing a significant role in this successful weekend, Destination Greater Victoria and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission (GVSTC) stood as valued sponsorship partners for the event. Beyond financial support, the GVSTC facilitated accommodations for all visiting teams and provided access to our Sport VIP Program. The program gives visitors access to a variety of discounts on dining, tours, and services.
To learn more about the Sport VIP Program, or to become involved, please visit:
We had a lot of fun connecting with colleagues and working on our golf skills while enjoying food and beverage samplings.
Of course, it was all for a good cause. The BC Hospitality Foundation raises funds for industry scholarships and to support those in the hospitality industry facing financial crisis due to a health condition.
Top photo L-R: Bernard Rechico Moisan, Travel Trade Specialist, DGV; Miranda Ji, Executive VP Sales & Business Development, DGV; Mena Bhavsar, Event Manager, Sandbox Events Inc.; James Burrough, Director of Sales, Victoria Conference Centre.
Middle photo L-R: Astrid Chang, Executive Director, Corporate Communications & Community Relations, DGV; Karissa Bourgeault, Project Manager, BC Hotel Association; Bill Lewis, GM Magnolia Hotel & Spa; Jodi Westbury, VP Marketing Communications, DGV.
Bottom photo L-R: Keith Wells, Executive Director, Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission; Courtney Walsh, Coordinator, Business Events Victoria; Gareth Rees, Director, Commercial and Program Relations, Rugby Canada; Koben Meausette, Sport Tourism Specialist, Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.
New Team Member Joins Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Ella aims to have a "paw"sitive impact on guests and employees
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has a new team member – Ella, the Canine Ambassador! A charming and gentle companion, Ella arrives at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel with a mission to enhance the overall guest experience through her warm and welcoming presence.
We want to make sure that visitors to Greater Victoria are aware of the Your VICation Contest and have the opportunity to enter. In addition to the digital asset package, we can now provide you with a starter supply or booster supply of business cards perfect for placement inside hotel key card holders, or perched counter-top at your establishment. To receive your starter pack or request a second pack, please email gareth.speight@tourismvictoria.com.
COVID-19 Initiative Turned Permanent Landmark
Dr. Bonnie Henry Commemorative Community Garden Unveiled
Next time you visit the Huntingdon Manor Hotel and Pendray Inn and Tea House, take a stroll through the Dr. Bonnie Henry Commemorative Community Garden. The newly established permanent community garden promises to be a place of hope, kindness and unity.
The garden was initially established in collaboration with the James Bay Neighbourhood Association in May 2020. Originally a temporary community space to provide local residents an opportunity to access fresh produce during a period marked by uncertainty and challenges, it has taken root as a permanent feature to provide both fresh produce and a peaceful space for mental rejuvenation.
"In response to the challenges of COVID-19 and wanting to support our community, we transformed an unused land into a community garden," said Julia Canton, Director of Sales & Marketing in a news release. "From a temporary 12-plot project, it has grown into a permanent garden with 25 plots, including 3 that are accessible. Named in honour of Dr. Bonnie Henry's leadership during the pandemic, this garden embodies community collaboration and the therapeutic embrace of nature."
This garden is more than just a space; it's a vision and a commitment. It represents a pledge to see land differently, as a vital resource for growing food. Moreover, it's a commitment to mental well-being, forging deeper connections with nature, and celebrating the unwavering spirit of the local community.
Applications for the 2023 Ecostar Awards close next Wednesday!
The Ecostar Awards, hosted by the Synergy Foundation, have recognized outstanding environmental achievements and leadership on Vancouver Island. The awards are presented to Vancouver Island-based businesses, non-profits, academia, governments and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional environmental and social initiatives.
There are 15 award categories this year, including Community Leadership, Greenest Retailer, Sustainable Workplace, and Inspirational New Venture.
The awards gala will be held at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, BC on November 9. We can't wait to celebrate our community's trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers that are paving the way towards a sustainable, regenerative, and socially just future for ourselves and generations to come!
Visit the Ecostar website to view the award categories and apply today.
Do you:
Design policies that affect tourism?
Teach a tourism and hospitality course?
Care about tourism’s positive or negative impacts on communities?
Believe the positive, sustainable growth of tourism in Canada is a key economic driver?
Destination Greater Victoria maintains a dashboard that compiles key statistics for Greater Victoria’s tourism industry, such as accommodation metrics, booking pace, and visitor volume. The dashboard brings together data from a number of sources and is updated weekly.
Beyond Van Gogh is a new truly immersive experience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, our show breaks barriers by incorporating both still and moving art.
Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear, and disappear, flow across multi-surfaces -- the minutia of details titillating our heightened senses. The show is projected on every surface around you, this makes you feel as though you have stepped directly into a Van Gogh painting. We accompany the show with a beautiful score and include many other surprises!
Enjoy 15% off spa services* valued $100+ Monday-Thursday until December 31, 2023.
Experience relaxing treatments with natural products in a peaceful and tranquil setting. It’s just that simple. From stress-relief and self-care to special occasions and spa days, our qualified team provides a wide-range of thoughtfully curated experiences. Offering organic and sustainable products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, guests can relish in the pure bliss of massage, facial, pedicure, or body treatments provided by a team of highly skilled therapists.
Industry Partner Rates
Adrenaline Zipline Adventures
Guided Canopy Tour: flat rate of $70
Big Zip: $20
Learn more about the Guided Canopy Tour and Big Zip Dual Racer Adventure Ride at
Advertise with DGV at the highly visible Visitor Centre at Victoria's Inner Harbour! With an average of 340,000 visitors to the Visitor Centre annually, this is a great opportunity to showcase your business.
There are currently openings for static screen ad displays and video on the big screen. For information and pricing, email Kathleen or Heather.
The Chocolate Project
The Chocolate Project is a retail store and education centre specializing in bean-to-bar craft chocolate from around the world. Customers can taste, learn, shop, and experience the finest chocolate on Earth. All our bars are sustainably sourced and ethically produced. They began in Victoria in 1999 and now carry the largest selection of ethical chocolate in Canada. Owner David Mincey is a renowned local chef, lecturer and International Chocolate Judge. Located in the Atrium at 1311 Blanshard St.
Victoria Hospitals Foundation
The Victoria Hospital Foundation (VHF) works in partnership with Island Health to enable donations to every area of care at Royal Jubilee, Victoria General, and Gorge Road hospitals. As Island Health's charitable partner, they raise donations for medical equipment, special projects, education, and research. VHF donors fund an incredible 40% of the equipment in Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals.
10 Things to do in September in Victoria
Welcome to Victoria, where the warm transition from summer to fall is embraced with open arms. From walks through vibrant foliage to savouring local flavours, there’s no rush here. Together, let’s embark on a relaxed journey through Victoria in September. Read more here.
Share this minute with your colleagues or on social media.
