The capital of British Columbia, Victoria is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is known for its temperate climate, beautiful natural environment, and diversity of landscapes ranging from forests and mountains to a rugged coastline and bustling city center—all surrounded by stunning Salish Sea views.
The city sits on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations, also known as the Lekwungen peoples. Therefore, it has rich Indigenous roots and offers cultural experiences that inform visitors about tribal history. Victoria is Biosphere-
certified, which is a sustainability standard of the Spain-based international nonprofit Instituto de Turismo Responsible (Responsible Tourism Institute) that reflects a commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism, and The Paris Agreement. Victoria is a leader in environmental sustainability and was named the top destination in North America last year by the Global Destination Sustainability Index, which measures and ranks the sustainability performance of tourism destinations around the world.
“Victoria stands out because it offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, world-class amenities, and a relaxed West Coast energy that puts attendees at ease,” says Aidan Henry, owner and creative director of Brink Events, an event design agency in Victoria. “The city is walkable and picturesque, with ocean views around every corner, historic architecture, and unique venues ranging from castles and gardens to waterfront resorts. Plus, its thriving culinary and cultural scenes ensure that every event feels like an
unforgettable experience.”
From elegant hotels and modern conference centers to nature hikes and cultural tours led by Indigenous guides, the Garden City’s extensive amenities help ensure planners host meetings and events that leave a lasting impression on attendees.
Lodging Notables
Affectionately referred to as the Castle on the Coast, the Fairmont Empress is a lauded property that has been open since 1908 and is located near the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. It offers 23,000 square feet of flexible event space, plus an additional 73,000 square feet at the adjoining Victoria Conference Centre, making it suitable for events of any size. The hotel, which itself is Biosphere-certified, has an integrated monitoring system that allows groups to measure food waste generated from their event, and the hotel also houses an on-site bee apiary with insect denizens that pollinate the gardens while the harvested honey is used in the property’s culinary offerings.
“Fairmont Empress is a premier event venue due to its historic charm, elegant spaces, prime location, and exceptional service,” says Christine Ball, director of sales at the hotel. “Beyond the event venues, attendees can enjoy breathtaking harbor views, beautifully appointed rooms, and award-winning cuisine, making it a distinctive and memorable experience for all.”
The Inn at Laurel Point has 10,000 square feet of event space, much of which overlooks the water. It offers an acre of gardens, which includes a kitchen garden where the hotel’s culinary team plants, grows, and harvests fruits, herbs, and vegetables. The hotel has been carbon-neutral since 2009 and also offers low-carbon menu options that feature Vancouver Island-sourced products and plant-rich dishes.
“We have a sustainability chair employed at the hotel who dedicates 50% of his time to run, plan, and organize our sustainability efforts,” says Brooke Harris, director of sales and marketing at the inn. “He works through the goals of our 2030 plan, which guides us forward and ensures we stay committed to our Biosphere and Green Key Global certifications and more.” Green Key Global is a hospitality sustainability organization based in Ottawa, Ontario.
Across the street from Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour has five meeting and event venues that range from a 294-square-foot boardroom to the 2,915-square-foot Pacific Ballroom for 200 attendees. Other spaces include the outdoor garden terrace, which hosts up to 100 people in its 2,026 square feet of space, and the 1,108-square-foot Humboldt Room on the 16th floor, featuring panoramic views and tall windows.
On the shores of the Salish Sea, Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a luxury boutique resort offering light-filled event spaces in a historic waterfront setting. Its Seaside Gardens are set against the sea, making it the ultimate outdoor venue with 1,000 square feet of space that accommodates a maximum of 130 people. The 996-square-foot Grand Lobby features a cozy fireplace area and sea views, ideal for elegant gatherings of up to 90 attendees.
Venue Diversity
Offering 77,000 square feet of meeting space in the heart of downtown across from Inner Harbour, the Victoria Conference Centre is the city’s largest convention facility. It hosts everything from small intimate events to gatherings of up to 2,000 people, and it includes a 400-seat theater, 25,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and 21 additional event spaces. It’s also a Biosphere-certified venue that caters to eco-friendly events and has reduced its carbon footprint by 70% by using LED lighting, purchasing renewable natural gas, and employing a multistream recycling program. The latter diverts waste into several categories to better separate and process recycled materials.
“The foyer, with high ceilings, is awash in natural light, and brings Garden City vibes with foliage and fountains,” says Miranda Ji, executive vice president of sales and business development for Destination Greater Victoria, the city’s destination marketing organization. “This nod to the natural world is also reflective of the Victoria Conference Centre’s commitment to sustainability, so planners and attendees can feel good about doing their part to minimize waste while enjoying the airy, but intimate, feeling of the venue.”
Hatley Park National Historic Site, 25 minutes from downtown Victoria, was featured in several motion pictures, including “Deadpool” and “X-Men.” Set in an old-growth forest with views of Juan de Fuca Strait, the historic site is home to Royal Roads University and has many event spaces, ranging from a 250-person ballroom and 500-person auditorium to the 14,000-square-foot Hatley Castle. Built in 1908, the medieval-inspired mansion hosts up to 200 people, and rentals include use of the entire first floor, outdoor terrace, terrace lawn, and the Italian Garden.
On the Move
Prince of Whales, a whale-watching operator, has 15 vessels across three locations in British Columbia (Victoria, Vancouver, and Telegraph Cove). The company offers shipboard tours to see wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, seals, and eagles. The vessels include open-air Zodiacs (a French brand of functional, inflatable boats) that host 12 people per boat and luxury catamarans with capacity for 95 passengers. The latter has catering services available.
An especially great option for groups interested in learning about the region’s nautical history, The Maritime Museum of British Columbia opened as a naval museum in 1955 and offers self-guided group tours to explore its exhibits. The museum also provides workshops that cover a range of skills and crafts, including sea-glass jewelry making and the popular fabric linocut activity. The latter has participants carve their own stamp from a block of linoleum, coat it with ink, and apply it to a cotton tea towel or tote bag. Planners can book private workshops in the gallery or off-site upon request.
For those interested in learning about Victoria’s Indigenous nations, Songhees Tours is the only Indigenous-owned and -operated tourism experience in the city’s Inner Harbour. Led by Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) guides, the company’s two-hour canoe tours are in replica traditional canoes, teaching participants paddling techniques and water protocols while listening to the Indigenous songs and stories passed down through generations. Also available are one-and-a-half-hour walking tours that lead groups through downtown Victoria to walk the Seven Signs of Lekwungen to learn about land, identity, ceremony, and resistance. These signs are a collection of site markers throughout Victoria that designate culturally significant areas of the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations.
“We share the living history of the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) peoples—stories not found in textbooks or treaties, but carried in our voices and hearts,” says tour guide Melissa Barnhard. “We speak for our ancestors, telling truths that foster curiosity, understanding, and compassion. By creating a safe space for questions and learning, we aim to break down stereotypes, challenge racism, and build respectful relationships with all people who walk on our lands.”
