GVHA publishes regular updates about the cruise business in Greater Victoria on this page.
New Location for Cruise Shuttle Stop
GVHA and several partners have revisited the location of the cruise shuttle stop in downtown Victoria for the 2025 cruise season. The location will move to the 900 block of Government Street from the 700 block.
Feedback indicated that passengers were not dispersing into downtown and created congestion in front of The Fairmont Empress hotel. The 900 block is between Broughton and Courtney streets.
GVHA, City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Victoria Business Association and Pacific Northwest Transportation Services worked together to develop and test several options.
Market Returns Returns to the Breakwater District
An artisan market will return to the Breakwater District at Ogden Point for the 2025 cruise season. Starting on April 4, the Market on the Pier will feature 40 local vendors and will operate when cruise ships are at moored at the terminal.
The market’s location will alternate between the north (Helijet) side of Pier B (the red-roofed building) and in front of Pier A (the large blue warehouse) depending on the cruise ship arrivals. These locations are easily accessible to passengers while not blocking access to tour operators and transportation providers. Visit the cruise schedule for ship arrival times.
This market, a collaboration between SSA Marine (terminal operator) and Summer’s Sunday (market organizer), will enhance the passenger experience and create a vibrant welcome for visitors returning from Alaska. The market will offer local handmade goods from body care to jewelry to tasty treats and artistic wares of all kinds, including works from Indigenous artisans.
If you are a vendor and interested in selling at the Market on the Pier, please contact Katrina at Summer’s Sunday for more details.
Transport Canada announces $22.5 million for Victoria Shore Power Project
On February 11, Transport Canada announced funding of $22.5 million to support the electrification of the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. The investment, part of the Green Shipping Corridor Program, will help establish a green cruise corridor along the Pacific Northwest coast. It is a critical first step in electrifying our port. Read the full announcement.
Join the Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance
The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is inviting businesses to get involved in shaping the future of Victoria’s cruise sector. Co-chaired by Kyara Kahakauwila (LA Limousines) and Jade Lake (Experience Victoria), VCIA is a collaborative network dedicated to promoting the economic and social benefits of the cruise industry, including jobs, business growth, and showcasing Victoria as a world-class destination. By sharing insights and best practices, VCIA members work together ensure the sustainable success of our region’s cruise industry.
If you’re interested in joining, email Kyara Kahakauwila (kyarak@lalimo.ca) or Jade Lake (jade@experiencevictoria.com).
Cruise engagement sessions – what we heard
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is creating a cruise strategy to guide our work into the future, and we asked for your input.
The process began in 2024 with three cruise engagement sessions where members of the Victoria community were invited to share their knowledge and experiences of working with cruise passengers and provide feedback on GVHA’s strategy.
Our goal is to learn from the community, discuss opportunities and challenges and to create a shared plan for next steps. From the cruise engagement sessions, GVHA created a ‘What we heard’ document detailing the meetings and your feedback.
Download a PDF of the What We Heard document.
GVHA will periodically send email updates about cruise and further events. Subscribe to receive our cruise emails.