Victoria Harbour Ferry partners with harbour-front business

Victoria Harbour Ferry partners with harbour-front business to offer local residents a memorable, but affordable seaside vacation in their very own backyard

Victoria, BC, May 28 2009 -  The Victoria Harbour Ferry Co. wanted to get creative and think outside the box when planning for their 20th season of operations - so they have been reaching out to their harbour-front business partners and have created two new offerings and a community launch event to cater to local and nearby residents, many of whom aren’t travelling as far this summer, but are still looking for memorable and affordable “staycations.”

As more people tighten up their travel budgets, they are staying closer to home and doing things in their own backyards that they may not have ever done before.  The Victoria Harbour Ferries are inviting “staycationers” to re-discover Victoria’s waterfront by “hopping” around to all the unique restaurants, shops, attractions and hotels.

The Harbour Holiday Pass has been created to offer residents and guests two days of “Harbour Hops” combined with discounts on spa services, lunches and dinners, hotel stays, whale watching and other attractions all for the reasonable price of $30 per person or $65 for a family (two adults and two children under 12).

Barry Hobbis, Vice-President of Operations, is very proud of how the Victoria Harbour Ferries have grown over the past 20 years and the integral role the ferries play in connecting many of the harbour-front businesses and destinations in Victoria.  “People come from around the world to experience all that Victoria has to offer.  As we enter our 20th season we are thrilled to be focusing much of our attention on inviting local residents to experience our harbour in a fresh new and affordable way.”

“Harbour Holiday-ers” can spend time exploring hidden neighbourhoods, indulge in a seaside facial or pedicure or enjoy a special dinner over looking the water – all in the world class destination that Victoria is- instead of flying half way around the world for often similar experiences.

Participating community and business partners include: The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Barb’s Place, Jackson’s Ice Cream, Princess Mary Restaurant, Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & GuestHouses, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa, Dockside Green, Caffe Fantastico at Dockside Green, Glo EuroPub and Grill, Spring Tide Whale Watching, Accent Inns and The Victoria Harbour Authority.

Just for locals- The Ambassador Pass
An Ambassador Pass, a season’s pass just available to locals, is also now available in response to many regular riders’ requests.  This pass includes Harbour Hops throughout the season and also offers discounts for harbour-front restaurants and attractions. Passes are $65 per person and are available at the Harbour Ferry head office.

About the Harbour Holiday Launch

On Sunday, May 31, from 9am-1pm locals and visitors are invited to ride the Victoria Harbour Ferries free with a donation to kick off the Harbour Holiday program.  All funds raised from the Harbour Hops and related activities will benefit the Gorge Waterway Action Society.

“We have chosen to celebrate our anniversary by giving back to our community and the waterways on which our Ferries have hosted over 2 million riders from our own community and from all corners of the world,” says Hobbis.  “Each year we support over 100 local charities, schools and non-profit organizations and this is just one more way for us to give back to our community.”

• Fisherman’s Wharf will be the Launch Day Headquarters.  Here visitors can learn more about the Gorge Waterway Action Society and enjoy family entertainment from 11:00-12:30.  Partial proceeds from Barb’s Place and Jackson’s Ice Cream will also benefit the Gorge Waterway Action Society on Sunday.
• Activities will be taking place around the Inner Harbour including, hand massages and crab cake samples at the Delta Victoria Ocean Point Harbour Ferry stop, tours of Dockside Green and other activities with many harbour-front businesses. 
• The Harbour Ferry Ballet will perform at 10:45am in the Inner Harbour.
• The Gorge Waterway Action Society will use funds received from the Victoria Harbour Ferries Launch Day to offer inner city kids (grades 4-8) hands-on learning opportunities at the Gorge Waterway Discovery Centre located in Esquimalt Gorge Park. 

For more information on the launch event and the Harbour Holiday Passes, please visit http://www.harbourholiday.ca or please call 250-708-0201 .

-30-