About us

 Meeting Our Members

The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is a group of like-minded Greater Victoria region retail businesses and industry service providers. Alliance members are enthusiastic supporters of Victoria’s annual cruise ship season for the range of benefits that it delivers to the community. In addition to showcasing the beautiful city of Victoria to the world, the jobs that come with the annual cruise ship visits support families, pay tuitions and mortgages and more. Cruise ship visitation also provides meaningful employment to the highly-skilled and well-educated work force in Victoria.

Every week we will be featuring one of our members, and focusing on the struggle their businesses face during the pandemic, and how they are finding ways through this unprecedented time.

Victoria Pedicabs

Andrew Capeau owns Victoria Pedicabs and found a way to give back to the community during this difficult time. “VPC has been on the road delivering essentials to the most vulnerable, mostly seniors and the immunocompromised. We are making lovely connections with the community and feel the appreciation every day I am out there. A friendly chat and a kind word goes far these days, and it’s given me a sense of purpose during this unusual time. The James Bay Thrifty’s has provided many safety protocols for their staff and customers, I feel safe out there in this community. Many thanks to Shain Boon for lending an ear and his assistance with this.”

Beaver Gift Shop

Simone Kearney manages the Beaver gift shop down at Ogden Point, and her family has seen how the industry has evolved in Victoria. “Our family owned business has been operating down at Ogden Point for the past 35 years. My parents, Ross and Bev Kearney have owned the store since 1984 and myself and my brother now manage the business. We have seen the tremendous growth in the cruise industry, and every year we look to add people of all ages and skill sets to our growing team. We normally employ between 25-30 people including kids in their first jobs and retirees who live in the neighbourhood. We love being a part of the community down here, and it’s a hard loss this season both financially and emotionally. We have seen ups and down with the industry, and like always, we will be here when the time is right for their return. “
Simone Kearney, Manager of the Beaver Gift Shop

Western Stevedoring

Western Stevedoring operates and manages the Victoria Cruise Ship and Deep Water Terminal at the Breakwater District on behalf of the Greater Victoria Harbor Authority. They have a historic presence on the waterfront in BC, and have operated at Ogden Point since 2003.
The staff at Western Stevedoring’s Victoria office are passionate about terminal operations and care deeply about local operators and the local community. They have been successful in managing the growth of the cruise industry by taking an innovative approach to improving terminal operations every year. Their hard working team are the ones behind the scenes every day, ensuring things run smoothly.
The health and safety of residents of Victoria, terminal operators and visitors has always been at the forefront of Western’s priorities, and that mandate is now more important than ever.
They continue to collaborate with local and global stakeholders to put in place comprehensive protocols to keep everyone operational, and most importantly keep them safe.
Their dedicated staff have risen to many challenges over the years, and will undoubtedly find the best way through these new uncharted waters we face as an industry.

Orca Spirit

Orca Spirit has been taking locals and tourists on magnificent rides along our coastline for years. Their award-winning guides have provided once in a lifetime glimpses at some of the most stunning wildlife in the world. The guests on Alaskan cruises have their fingers crossed they will get to see the scenic beauty and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Orca Spirit has given these tourists the opportunity of a lifetime, picking them up from Ogden Point and whisking them off to see the birds, marine life and Orca whales that call our waters home. Their crew are on the Terminal every week, welcoming guests to our city and showing them the beauty of this corner of the word.
Cruise makes up a substantial portion of their businesses, and the loss of the 2020 season has a dramatic effect on their operations as it does for all our industry partners. We cannot wait to once again see their vessels return to the dock, with the smiling faces of guests who were lucky enough to enjoy an experience they will never forget.

Pacific Northwest Transportation Services

Pacific Northwest Transportation Services (PNWTS) is the proud supplier of sustainable transportation services for the cruise industry in Victoria, BC. Operating a modern fleet comprised of 45 vehicles, including 2 fully-electric double decker buses, 24 diesel double deckers and a variety of coaches and mini-coaches, PNWTS is committed to providing the highest quality, most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options. Working to constantly improve our carbon footprint through fleet renewal and green technology, our goal is to continue to reduce air and noise emissions and decrease traffic through the local James Bay community.
Health and safety is paramount and PNWTS has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure the appropriate operating procedures are in place as we begin to welcome visitors to Victoria. We look forward to working with both Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance members and industry partners alike to ensure the safe return of cruise tourism to our region. We are proud to be a part of this industry, and we eagerly await the days when the city is buzzing with tourists again.