The Storm Rider series aims to celebrate the strength of our industry while highlighting some of the many ways businesses have overcome the challenges resulting from COVID-19. We are proud to showcase how the following businesses have adapted while celebrating the people who are at the heart of what we do. In this post, we hear from Prince of Whales, located in Telegraph Cove and downtown Victoria.
Why do you do what you do?
I have always had a love of the ocean and at one time thought I should be an oceanographer. Being a lifelong sailor and boater, I had three summers of commercial fishing to reinforce my experience on the coast. In 1993 I had the opportunity to start a water taxi business in Sidney and it transformed into the whale watching operation in downtown Victoria as Prince of Whales, so my oceanographic curiosity has lead to a significant role in managing a fleet of vessels and staffing with the best marine naturalist team possible.
What is your hope for the future of our region?
As the leader in the BC marine wildlife tourism industry, my hope is that our business continues to be recognized as a world-class sustainable enterprise and deserves to operate without excessive regulations that hinder the evolution from many small vessels to larger safer more stable platforms like the Salish Sea catamarans.
In your own words, please share “Travel matters because … “
Since we have now all experienced a lockdown environment, everyone is itching to get back to exploring the world.
Other than your own business, what are 3 other businesses in your community that visitors should experience?
I love Miniature World, North Island Kayak, and exploring the coast and islands.
The spark to own/work in this business must motivate you each day. – what are some of your past experiences that have contributed to this spark.
During this essential travel perspective, I find that exercise in the form of biking, swimming, and walking is a good way to keep a positive perspective on the future opportunities and manage through this tourism recession.
