Black Meetings & Tourism - SUSTAINABILITY MEETS WORLD-CLASS EVENTS IN VICTORIA, BC

Industry Briefs
SUSTAINABILITY MEETS WORLD-CLASS EVENTS IN VICTORIA, BC
Victoria, British Columbia stands out as a leader in environmental initiatives, ecological well-being, and community-focused economic development, and that commitment extends to its meetings and events. The coastal capital pairs innovative sustainability programs with world-class venues, where hotels and conference spaces prioritize carbon reduction, local sourcing, and eco-conscious operations. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Inner Harbour, Victoria also offers plenty to enjoy outside of the meeting room, from spotting orcas on the water and unwinding at luxury spas to guided forest excursions and a vibrant downtown scene. Groups planning a meeting or event in Victoria can create a meaningful community impact through the Impact and Legacy Program. Eligible group bookings may receive up to $5,000 through the Business Events Victoria incentive to support event costs or contribute to local environmental, social, and community initiatives. Below are a few standout venues, hotels, and experiences across Greater Victoria for your editorial consideration. Images can be found here, but please let me know if you need any additional information or would like to speak with a representative. · In downtown Victoria, Parkside Hotel & Spa is a climate-positive, Biosphere Certified, and carbon-neutral property offering six flexible event spaces, locally sourced catering, and expert planning services. Nearby, the Inn at Laurel Point, British Columbia’s first carbon-neutral hotel, features more than 10,000 square feet of event space with sweeping 180° views of downtown, the Inner Harbour, and the southern tip of Vancouver Island. · Set along the Pacific Ocean, Oak Bay Beach Hotel is an elegant boutique retreat blending old-world-charm with contemporary style. One of the first hotels in British Columbia to achieve Biosphere Certification, the property also offers oceanfront event spaces including The Theatre, Seaside Gardens, and The Conservatory. With seasonal West Coast ingredient-driven menus, sweeping views of Mount Baker, and exclusive AV services through a partnership with Lumera Productions, the hotel provides a refined and intimate setting for meetings, retreats, and special events. · Overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the iconic The Fairmont Empress, known as Canada’s “Castle on the Coast,” has been the city’s social centerpiece since 1908, hosting everything from royal visits to grand galas and large conventions. Today, the historic hotel pairs elegant, state-of-the-art meeting spaces with varied sustainability initiatives, including its Bee Sustainability Program, locally sourced cuisine, and the removal of single-use plastic amenities, all while offering easy access to downtown Victoria, nearby parks and beaches, and the luxurious Fairmont Spa. · Victoria’s largest conference facility, the Victoria Conference Centre features 77,000 square feet of meeting space across 21 multipurpose rooms and can host up to 2,000 guests. With more than 35 years of operation, the venue has long been committed to sustainability, achieving carbon neutral designation in 2021, while focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction to support eco-friendly meetings and events. · Beyond the meeting room, Victoria offers a range of exciting team-building and off-site experiences for groups. Take advantage of one of the mildest climates in Canada with a guided forest excursion with Rainforest Tours, exploring scenic trails in East Sooke Park or along the coastal Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Groups can also head out on the water to spot iconic orca whales with carbon-neutral and ocean-friendly tour operators like Orca Spirit, Eagle Wing Tours, and Prince of Whales. For a locally immersive experience, visit FED Urban Farm, where guests can tour rooftop gardens and help harvest produce that supports the local community.

Industry Briefs

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS WORLD-CLASS EVENTS IN VICTORIA, BC

Victoria, British Columbia stands out as a leader in environmental initiatives, ecological well-being, and community-focused economic development, and that commitment extends to its meetings and events. The coastal capital pairs innovative sustainability programs with world-class venues, where hotels and conference spaces prioritize carbon reduction, local sourcing, and eco-conscious operations. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Inner Harbour, Victoria also offers plenty to enjoy outside of the meeting room, from spotting orcas on the water and unwinding at luxury spas to guided forest excursions and a vibrant downtown scene.

Groups planning a meeting or event in Victoria can create a meaningful community impact through the Impact and Legacy Program. Eligible group bookings may receive up to $5,000 through the Business Events Victoria incentive to support event costs or contribute to local environmental, social, and community initiatives.

Below are a few standout venues, hotels, and experiences across Greater Victoria for your editorial consideration. Images can be found here, but please let me know if you need any additional information or would like to speak with a representative.

· In downtown Victoria, Parkside Hotel & Spa is a climate-positive, Biosphere Certified, and carbon-neutral property offering six flexible event spaces, locally sourced catering, and expert planning services. Nearby, the Inn at Laurel Point, British Columbia’s first carbon-neutral hotel, features more than 10,000 square feet of event space with sweeping 180° views of downtown, the Inner Harbour, and the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

· Set along the Pacific Ocean, Oak Bay Beach Hotel is an elegant boutique retreat blending old-world-charm with contemporary style. One of the first hotels in British Columbia to achieve Biosphere Certification, the property also offers oceanfront event spaces including The Theatre, Seaside Gardens, and The Conservatory. With seasonal West Coast ingredient-driven menus, sweeping views of Mount Baker, and exclusive AV services through a partnership with Lumera Productions, the hotel provides a refined and intimate setting for meetings, retreats, and special events.

· Overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the iconic The Fairmont Empress, known as Canada’s “Castle on the Coast,” has been the city’s social centerpiece since 1908, hosting everything from royal visits to grand galas and large conventions. Today, the historic hotel pairs elegant, state-of-the-art meeting spaces with varied sustainability initiatives, including its Bee Sustainability Program, locally sourced cuisine, and the removal of single-use plastic amenities, all while offering easy access to downtown Victoria, nearby parks and beaches, and the luxurious Fairmont Spa.

· Victoria’s largest conference facility, the Victoria Conference Centre features 77,000 square feet of meeting space across 21 multipurpose rooms and can host up to 2,000 guests. With more than 35 years of operation, the venue has long been committed to sustainability, achieving carbon neutral designation in 2021, while focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction to support eco-friendly meetings and events.

· Beyond the meeting room, Victoria offers a range of exciting team-building and off-site experiences for groups. Take advantage of one of the mildest climates in Canada with a guided forest excursion with Rainforest Tours, exploring scenic trails in East Sooke Park or along the coastal Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Groups can also head out on the water to spot iconic orca whales with carbon-neutral and ocean-friendly tour operators like Orca Spirit, Eagle Wing Tours, and Prince of Whales. For a locally immersive experience, visit FED Urban Farm, where guests can tour rooftop gardens and help harvest produce that supports the local community.