GVHA offers multiple event spaces around Victoria’s vibrant waterfront. Our properties host yacht and dragon boat races, music and food festivals, markets, community events and fundraisers, exercise classes, corporate events and receptions, and many other activities.
Our event spaces include:
Ship Point Pier – Adjacent to the City of Victoria’s Ship Point area in Downtown Victoria, GVHA’s large open-air pier is ideal for community and corporate events with large numbers of people.
Lower Causeway marina and Ship Point docks – Loved by boaters and yacht clubs, these picturesque marinas are located just yards from the heart of Victoria in the Inner Harbour.
Lower Causeway – Enjoyed by thousands of pedestrians each day, this historic waterfront promenade boasts views of The Empress Hotel, B.C.’s Parliament buildings and the Inner Harbour. The promenade includes Victoria’s famous Welcome to Victoria flowers and lək̓ʷəŋən artwork.
Breakwater District at Ogden Point – Another spacious area at our cruise terminal, this event space includes the Pier B building, GVHA’s warehouse, access to deep-water berths, and extensive parking lots.
James Bay public boat launch – This boat ramp offers easy access to the water, parking, and is the ideal place to construct a custom marine platform or to adapt a vessel for an event on the water.
GVHA offers in-kind sponsorship in the form of reduced fees for events organized by charities and not-for-profit organizations. The level of sponsorship is determined by five factors:
Community impact and involvement such as free entrance for the public or participation of community associations. GVHA welcomes culturally diverse events that support the local economy, encourage participation, and promote tourism.
A marine or maritime component such as an activity on the water or a connection to the marine world. GVHA welcomes events that show a working harbour and promote seafaring, ecotourism, and the ‘blue economy’.
First Nations’ participation. The harbour is the ancestral home of the lək̓ʷəŋən People. GVHA works in partnership with the xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation. First Nations’ participation may include a traditional welcome, performances by singers or dancers, the inclusion of Indigenous vendors or other First Nations’ businesses.
A sustainability component. This might be an event that promotes a healthy harbour, environmental sustainability or practices that benefit the environment. Your event could feature, local, organic or vegan food, zero waste or promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
Involvement of key GVHA partners. These include the City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Victoria Business Association, and James Bay Neighbourhood Association.
Before applying for event space, read our event requirements.
To inquire about renting event space from GVHA or to arrange a preliminary site visit, email events@gvha.ca.
To apply for event space, complete our application form. We recommend applying at least six months before your event.