Vancouver Island Travel & Tourism

Famous sister

2012-01-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

Around Edmonton, my sister is fairly well known....kind of famous....especially in the Halls of the U of A Physical Education Building....so when she hit the news papers and TV during a game when Canada's Juniors wiped the Ice with Finnish hockey players, I could not resist to show the world her picture. That is what blogs are for. I'm really proud of her and her accomplishments...but not when she kicks my butt on the golf course.

Hi sis..... the guy to her left is her mate...he was a buddy in high school.....he's OK...

Snow is here to Stay so What Now?

2012-01-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

Day one it snowed and melted mostly...that is typical Victoria. Day 2, it snowed and turned the area into a winter wonderland. Day 3, the pineapple express that was supposed to hit Washington State hit Victoria and buried us. This doesn't happen in Victoria. Well now it seems to be happening. Minus 5..yeah I know you prarie people are freezing, really freezing, but heh, this is Victoria and THiS is not supposed to happen. Whine, Whine, Wine...now theres and idea. Linda and I went to the empress to have one of the 1908 cocktails. What else can you do when it snows like this. This is one of those things you have to try when you come to Victoria. Get your 1908 cocktail at the Bengal Lounge in the Fairmont Empress.For pictures of the snow, check out our Facebook Page.

Maritime Museum of BC in Bastion Square Victoria BC

2012-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

Visit the Maritime Museum of British Columbia at 28 Bastion Square. Three floors of exhibits....1st floor...find one of the jewels of the museum...Tillicum a dugout canoe that circumnavigated the world....2nd floor our marine history ...3rd floor...18th century Supreme Court and Library....don,t miss the magnificent elevator. Enjoy. To see more photos of this great Victoria attraction go to our facbook page.

Sauce Restaurant and Lounge - Great Food Victoria BC

2012-01-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Linda and I spent our Sunday evening getting to know a Victoria Restaurant that we had never been to before. We were there with friends from the Victoria Guest Services Network. We had great service from the friendly staff and were provided with some of the best food we have had in Victoria. I had Beef Short Ribs as did a few others. The staff said it was one of the best items on the menu. The Ribs were to die for. Linda had a steak as did a few others. The appetizers were wonderful. We found the menu to have lots of selection. There is something on the menu for everyone as you will see if you go to our Facebook page and look at the pictures of the marvelous food fed to our group. We certainly are beginning to recommend this restaurant to our friends. As tourism promoters for Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, we are proud to add this to our list of recommended restaurants. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

A Cold Day in Victoria -1C...yikes

2012-01-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

Today it was only -1C...cold for Victoria and what is worse, we had snow....what did we do to deserve this. Oh well, lets make the most of it. How about we go to Esquimalt Lagoon and feed the poor birds who are starving for sure. Then perhaps make a snow person, or ghost, or something in the front yard. This was a tough task, because there wasn't very much snow and it was not sticky as it was in the shade. Maddy did her best. On the way past the Fisgard Light House we noticed a cruise ship and a BC Ferry in for repairs. They dwarfed the light station. Check out all our photos on Facebook.

Wanna be a Star...check it out...

2012-01-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

National Leader in Performing Arts Training Celebrates 15 Years of Discovering & Training Top Talent
Victoria— The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) is looking to top a very successful 2011 season with a new round of national auditions and large-scale 15th anniversary celebrations.
“Students who earn a spot at the College this year will be a big part of our commemoration,” says CCPA College Director Ron Schuster. “This past year we challenged our students with nationally renowned instructors and directors, tremendous performance opportunities and a rich and rewarding outreach program.
Highlights of the 2011-12 season include(d):
Mounting stellar productions guest-directed by veteran Stratford Director Darcy Evans and Stuart Aikins, Casting Director of The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Eclipse and the recently released Breaking Dawn.
Long-awaited return performances with the Victoria Symphony featuring suites from South Pacific, Footloose and Ragtime. Collaborations with Jacob Richmond, the creative force behind this year’s acclaimed national touring production of Ride the Cyclone.
Workshops and Master classes with Artistic Directors like Michael Shamata, of the Belfry Theatre and guest instructors like Richard Lucas of Lucas Talent Agency.
Continued success by CCPA alumni in earning top-contracts in theatre and musical theatre productions across the country and around the world (see attached Where Are They Now).
CCPA’s national tour goes from February 4 to March 3 and includes stops in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and Vancouver. Video auditions are also accepted until May 1. The tour includes the New Horizons Scholarship given for Most Promising Overall Audition Performance. For more information about the college and auditions, go to www.ccpacanada.com or call 250-595-9970.
The college is owned and operated by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS), a registered charity that oversees the college’s operations. CHAS ensures that training at CCPA is financially accessible to all Canadian students, raising $500,000 in Bursaries, Scholarships and Tuition Subsidies for CCPA students!
-30-
Editors: Profiles of CCPA grads who come from, or are working in your city are available upon request.
For more information, contact:
Steven Seltzer,Communications Manager
Communications@ccpacanada.com
Phone: 250-595-9970
Cell: 250-882-8441 www.ccpacanada.com

Victoria Tea Festival Feb 18, 19 at the Crystal Garden

2012-01-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

North America’s Largest Tea Festival Predicts Record Attendance for 2012

VICTORIA, BC: The countdown is on to the launch of North America’s largest tea festival. The 6th Annual Tea Festival takes place Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 19th at Victoria’s historic Crystal Garden. 4,000 Greater Victoria residents and visitors are anticipated to attend this weekend tea extravaganza that presents tea from every possible angle.

Festival attendees are invited to taste teas from around the world, sample tea-foods, attend complimentary presentations on a variety of tea topics, shop for hundreds of teas, tea-related products and exquisite tea wares, and bid on items in the Festival’s Silent Auction.

“We’re expecting record level attendance in 2012, due in part to media the festival attracted last year including the Globe and Mail, National Post, and the Washington Post,” said Festival Chair Lisa Stekelenburg. “The Festival also has a loyal following of fans that come back year after year to sample and stock up on their favourite teas, tea products and tea wares.”

Generous support from sponsors also plays an important role in making the event happen. “Murchie's has been a proud member of the BC community since the company was founded in 1894, said managing partner Kelly Robinson. We’re delighted to be a Victoria Tea Festival Diamond Sponsor again this year and share our award winning teas with festival attendees.”

Advance tickets are $20 each; $25 at the door. Attendees can also buy five tickets and get one free. For a complete list of ticket outlets, event details and presentation descriptions, visit http://www.victoriateafestival.com/ or call 250-370-4880.

The Victoria Tea Festival is a fundraiser for Camosun College’s Child Care Services and is sponsored by Silk Road Tea, Murchies Tea & Coffee, Serious Coffee, Vancity, Times Colonist, Chek News and Ocean 98.5.

For more photos, please go to our facebook page.

Skiers Alert - Learn all about Avalanches at Mt. Washington

2012-01-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Mt. Washington

When it comes to avalanches on Vancouver Island, a popular misconception is that they don't happen. Not only do they happen, they happen frequently and can wreak havoc on a back country adventure.

To promote avalanche awareness and provide basic education on snow safety, Mount Washington is hosting an Avalanche Awareness Day this Saturday, January 14th. The event will be fun, informative, and will provide a jumping-off point for skiers and boarders looking to increase their knowledge in the world of snow.

“We have an extensive avalanche control program at Mount Washington that incorporates both explosive and ski cutting techniques to initiate avalanches within our Resort boundaries," explains Jesse Percival, Patrol Director at the Resort.

Mount Washington's Pro Patrol staff make their way up the slopes in the early hours of the morning to ski cut and detonate explosives in the snow to release weaker layers hidden within the snow pack. The control work is vital in maintaining safe slopes for skiers and boarders on the mountain.

“We have a team of Pro Patrollers that are trained as Avalanche Technicians,” adds Percival. “All of our Avy Techs have received their certification through courses developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association.”

On Mount Washington, steeper terrain in the popular Outback and West Basin areas are part of the regular curriculum for avalanche control work after a big dump of snow. In the backcountry and beyond the patrolled boundaries of the Resort, the slopes are not controlled and this is where the greater risks exist for skiers and boarders.

“You need the proper training and tools to perform self-rescue when venturing into uncontrolled terrain.”

It sounds like serious business and at the end of the day, it is. The Avalanche Awareness Day this Saturday will provide a great introduction to the tools and techniques used in determining snow stability and performing snow rescue. In addition, there will be an amazing Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog (CARDA) demonstration and, as always, there will be beacon races for those with a more competitive nature!

A silent auction will also be held during the day with all proceeds going to the Canadian Avalanche Association. The money will be used to support snow safety education programs and the maintenance of various avalanche bulletins across the province through the Canadian Avalanche Centre.

The event takes place at the new Backcountry Access Beacon Training Park which is located on the flats between the bottom of the Whiskey Jack and Eagle Chairs. For more information and the event schedule for this Saturday, visit the event calendar at mountwashington.ca.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located 30 minutes above the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Island Express service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). To find out about accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 250-338-1386. Surf to www.mountwashington.ca for additional information including our live snow cam.

Food Sustainability - A Concern for Victorian's

2012-01-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

We import so much of our food that it is quite likely that with continued population growth, there will be a world food shortage. It bygone years about 75% of our food was produced locally and now that percentage has dropped dramatically (5-10%) or so. A solution is to promote local production and support local production. One way is to support local markets where local producers can show and sell their products. If they are well supported their businesses will grow and we will all benefit. Fresh produce is always a lot better than shipped produce anyway. Check out Victoria's Downtown Farmers' Market. See above. For other markets check here.

Ducky, just Ducky - a good day to feed the ducks

2012-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

Took my granddaughter to Cadboro Bay today to feed the ducks. There were a bunch of cool looking Mergansers about so I got so wrapped up in trying to get a good photo of one that I forgot to take a picture of my granddaughter. Sorry Madi. These are one cool looking bird. For more photos, see our Facebook page.

Seasons of Love at the Muse Winery

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

January events in Greater Victoria

2012-01-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

Click here to find out what is going on in Victoria during the month of January 2012.

Great New Fresh Snow at Mt. Washington...where are you?

2011-12-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

To see the video of the fresh snow on mt. Washington, click here. Great New Fresh Snow at Mt. Washington...where are you?

Hamper Party a huge sucess thanks to Joyce Kline and Peter Such

2011-12-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

An annual Christmas Hamper party that brought some 300 people together that jointly produce 158 hampers that the Salvation Army delivered to grateful people throught out Greater Victoria was held December 18 at the home of Joyce Kline and Peter Such. Well done Joyce, Peter and Friends. This amazing event just continues to get bigger and bigger and the idea has now spread to other North American cities and what a great idea it is. To see more pictures go to our Facebook page.

Santa Bringing Snow This Christmas to Mount Washington

2011-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Santa Bringing Snow This Christmas!
Image: The Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks will light up the night sky on Boxing Day.
Credit: Slipstreamimages.com

La Nina was in full force in November. The snow was falling fast and furious, the temperatures were below normal and Mount Washington opened ahead of schedule. It was the kind of early season dreams are made of. Then something strange happened, La Nina went on holidays.

“Since opening on December 2nd, we've had one of the sunniest, driest Decembers on record,” explains Resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “That's not what you would expect from a La Nina weather pattern. It's been a great start for fairweather skiers and boarders but not the best for the powderhounds.”

Looking at the forecast, it appears the sunny and dry conditions are going to change pretty quick and it definitely looks like La Nina's holiday is coming to an end. According to snow-forecast.com, snow is expected to fall moderately beginning Friday afternoon with heavy accumulations expected through Sunday.

“It looks like we may get another epic Christmas Eve like last season,” says Curtain.

Going back to last year's Christmas Holiday, Mount Washington received a whopping 1.5 metres of snow on Christmas Eve. The snow in the forecast isn't expected to arrive in the same epic proportions that it did last year, but new snow is more than welcome for the holiday season.

“The new snow will put a nice frosting on the trees and turn the Resort into a winter wonderland just in time for Christmas, thanks Santa!”

The conditons will be perfect for Mount Washington's holiday events over the next two weeks:

December 23 Carols by Candlelight
December 24 Christmas Eve Service
December 26 Pepsi Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
December 31 New Year's Eve Celebrations

If you're looking for a white Christmas, Mount Washington is the perfect location! For more information on the holiday events, check out the full event calendar at mountwashington.ca.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located 30 minutes above The Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Island Express service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). To find out about accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 250-338-1386. Surf to www.mountwashington.ca for additional information including our live snow cam.

Sun Shines on Victoria To Golf or not to Golf

2011-12-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Sun Shines on Victoria - To Golf or not to Golf, that is the question. The golfer next to the oak tree has a Santa hat on. I love golf, but I have my limits. These photos were taken around 11:30 am this morning and although it was sunny, the temperature was only about 5C or 41F. I like about 15C for a minimum to golf...yes I know, what a weep! Check out our Facebook page for more photos and to see what our City fountain looks like at 5C or 41 F. Enjoy

Birds and Seals get hungry too....

2011-12-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

Today I took my granddaughter to the Oak Bay Marina to feed the seals and to Esquimalt Lagoon because these are a couple of her favourite things to do. It was a nice day and all the critters were really hungry. Merry Christmas critters....from Madison. For more pictures go to our Facebook page.

CVS Sightseeing Tour to Butchart Gardens

2011-12-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Last night members of the Victoria Guest Services Network toured the incredible Butchart Gardens winter display. The Gardens do such an amazing job it is easy to see why they are the number one tourist attraction in Victoria and why they are world famous. The displays are amazing and the light show is simply incredible. Thousands of lights cover the flower beds, trees, walk-ways and buildings. Search for the 12 Days of Christmas displays as you walk through the Gardens. We all had a ride on the Carousel which is also world class. All of the critters are wood carved, which is amazing in this day and age. We finished our tour with supper in the blue poppy. Everyone raved about the great food. Well done Butchart Gardens. Thanks to Josh Bickerton from Sales and Marketing for organizing and guiding our tour and to Dawn as well and to April, manager of the Blue Poppy Restaurant for making sure we were all well fed. Butchart is such a classy organization. Be sure to visit the Gardens and see for yourself. Bring you family and friends. There is definitely something for everyone. For more pictures visit our Facebook sight. Thanks to Tom and driver Adrienne from CVS Sightseeing for arranging and driving us to and from Butchart Gardens. CVS are the best way to get to and from the Gardens.

Mount Baker viewed from Victoria BC West Shore

2011-12-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

Today Victoria is covered in glorious sunshine and a high pressure over the city is giving us incredible views of our surroundings. Mount Baker to the east of the city is beautiful as you can see.

See more pictures on our Facebook page.

Culture in Vancouver - An Amazing Sweepstake Opportunity

2011-11-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Photo credits: bottom - CREDIT: Derek Jackson, top - CREDIT: The Dirty Apron Cooking School

Tourism Vancouver with the assistance of smashLab has just announced a campaign to introduce local culture to you. The campaign highlights the vast amount of arts and culture available in Vancouver; it promotes all types of culture as accessible, from opera to burlesque; and it encourages people to try something different. Visit Vancouver and find out why it is BC's most significant cultural destination. Learn more at http://www.cultureinvancouver.com/ &
at http://www.tourismvancouver.com/

A Sweepstakes is a significant component of the campaign. Tourism Vancouver is offering five incredible prizes, in which each “experience” has been uniquely tailored with themes ranging from Theatrical to Culinary. Each of the prizes offers truly special experiences that are uniquely individual. The Ultimate Experience—the grand prize—will offer a three-day weekend of behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into some of Vancouver’s most notable cultural venues, including passes to some of the most coveted local events. For each prize, the winner and a friend will receive two to three nights stay in Vancouver and dine at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants. Entering the sweepstakes is easy: just submit your name and email once for a chance to win any one of the five Experiences. The sweepstakes will end with the drawing of the final winner on January 6, 2012. Learn more at www.cultureinvancouver.com/sweepstakes

For more photos, please go to our Facebook Page.

Summer-like day in the Fall - Nov 3-2000 Victoria BC

2011-11-03T22:08:00.001-07:00

It was a spectcular sunny fall day and the city was awash with fall colours. It was warm, with the occassional ugly clowd floating by toward Vancouver, but Victoria was under a whole in the sky. For Nov. 3 it was amazing. Enjoy the fall colors of greater Victoria. Maybe if you are somewhere else in the world you might want to come for a visit. October and now into November was great weather. For more pictures please visit our Facebook Page.

Prospect Lake Rd. Enjoying a warm fall afternoon

2011-10-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

Drove to Hartland Landfill to day and decided to take the scenic road home. It was a great sunny afternoon and I should have stopped for a round of golf at Prospect Lake. Just took my clubs out of my car or I may have. It was so warm in the mid-afternoon sun...hard to believe it snowed at the other end of the country. Enjoy today on Vancouver Island. For more photos check out our Facebook Page.

Ghostly Bus Tour - Discover the Past Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went on a Ghostly Bus Tour which was a fund raiser to the Old Cemeteries Society. Our leader and knowledgeable story teller was John Adams. I learned so many things about this City. We just toured Oak Bay and Victoria and heard many credible stories. We started in Oak Bay and got out at the Royal Victoria Golf Course 7th fairway to look for Doris in her pink outfit. Never saw her but I sure felt the high energy at this site. We finished at the spooky Christ Church Cathedral where there are 1300 bodies buried in Pioneer Square (the original graveyard for Victoria). I highly recommend John's Tours. See his web site at Discover the Past. It was very well done..Thanks John! For more pictures check out our Facebook Page.

Nautical Nellies Steak and Seafood Restaurant Victoria BC

2011-10-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight we attended a familiarization tour at Nautical Nellies Steak and Seafood Restaurant. This is truly one of the best restaurants in Victoria and well worth a visit. They strive to be different and do it their way and this is reflected in the amazing food seen above and in the service, friendly staff, and great ambiance at this downtown Victoria Restaurant. We urge you to give it a try.

Please go to our facebook page to see some of the delicious food that the restaurant prepares. It is an amazing menu, the food is well presented, looks and is delicious, the staff are friendly and the service staff were excellent. What a great culinary experience. Be sure to give them a try. I know you will not be disappointed.

Dallas Road on a Sunny Day Victoria BC

2011-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

On a bring sunny day, people in Victoria flock to the waterfront at Dallas Road where you can spend you time looking at Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains. There is lots to see and do. There is the Dallas Road Breakwater, the Ogden Point Cafe, Beacon Hill Park, and Clover Point...all within a short distance of each other. For more pictures, please go to our Facebook Page.

2011-10-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Fall is definitely arrived. Yesterday we drove up island and there were piles of pumpkins everywhere. To see more pumpkin pics....see our Facebook page.

Sandy Terry at the Sidney Art Show

2011-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the Sidney Art Show at the Mary Winspear Centre just off Beacon Ave. in beautiful Sidney by the Sea. If you missed it, that is unfortunate. It was an excellent show. There was a couple hundred exibits to delight everyone in attendance. Above is up and coming artist Sandy Terry with on of her great works. Watch for it next fall and be sure to take it in. For more pictures check us out on Facebook.

Sunset on Vancouver Island

2011-10-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Our house faces North and as a result we often miss some of the really great sunsets that we get on Vancouver Island. A few nights ago we did not miss an incredible sky, so we thought we would share it with you. Enjoy more on our Facebook Page.

Victoria Store offers exceptional deals on I-Pads

2011-10-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a special deal on I-pads, you need to come to Victoria....see above a picture of the eye pad.

Swans Brew Pub in Old Town in Victoria BC

2011-10-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a great place to eat? Why not try Swans Brewpub at 506 Pandora, just a hop skip and jump from the Blue Bridge. The pub has great food and good ambiance. The pub has lots of seating in an open air patio, where you can enjoy the sun and the great flower displays in the spring and summer. The heritage hotel looks very cool and the pub has lots of stunning original artwork and First Nation's Carvings. It is just a really neat place to go for a beer and some really good food. Check it out. They also serve good breakfast.

Ghost Bus Tours Victoria BC

2011-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Victoria is the most haunted city in British Columbia and many visitors come to experience haunted holidays. Ghostly Walks are popular walking tours in downtown Victoria throughout the year, but at Halloween the Ghostly Walks team, in conjunction with the Old Cemeteries Society, conducts Ghost Bus-tours. Now in their eighteenth year, Ghost Bus-tours are two-hour excursions in the luxury of a modern coach. The routes are different each year and are kept secret until the tours begin. Ghost Bus-tours glide through Victoria’s heritage neighbourhoods and into the suburbs to explore the city’s most haunted places. New stories are added each year, but by popular demand the favourites from past years are always included. One of the locations that has become an annual tradition is the Victoria Golf Course where the ghost of Doris Gravlin, murdered there by her husband in 1936, is frequently seen. John Adams, well-known historian and ghost storyteller, is the host for Ghost Bus-tours. Proceeds from Ghost Bus-tours assist the restoration and education programs of the Old Cemeteries Society.

Ghost Bus tours 2011 have tours scheduled on October 22, 28, 29 and 30. On each night there is a 6:30 pm departure. On Saturday October 29 there are departures at 6:30 and 9:00 pm. Tickets are $32 each plus HST. They are available exclusively through Tourism Victoria. Purchase them in there ways: at the Visitor Information Centre counter; by telephone 250.953.2033; or online at www.tourismvictoria.com/ghosts

The Great Blue Heron at Esquimalt Lagoon Victoria BC

2011-10-06T18:12:00.001-07:00

Today was such a great sunny day, I had to get out. Yesterday as we were passing by Beacon Hill Park, we saw a heron and took pictures with our phones. Today it was such a special day in the sun, I took my camera and headed for the Park. Workers had a front end loader right beside the lake, so most birds were far away. So, I headed out to beautiful Esquimalt Lagoon and took a bunch of pictures which you can see on my Facebook Page. Enjoy!

Orcas Whales - L-Pod sighting - near San Juan Island about 5 miles from Victoria

2011-10-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

We have been lucky enough to have gone whale watching perhaps 25 times or more. We have seen all three resident pods in the same place at the same time and after that show, nothing has ever been as good. This year we got out to see the L-Pod, of J, K, and L pods, our local resident (summer pods). About two days before we went out, there was a news article with a picture of a bunch of whales swimming in a straight line. I thought this was unusual behavior as we had never seen it. Two days later we did. One of my pictures shows at least 15 in a row. Some days you get lucky and some are just OK. This days L pod show was great. A new baby joined L pod this year and there are a few pictures of it on our Facebook Page. Whale watching continues for most of the winter as there seem to be lots of transient whales coming through. It is a stunning sight to see Orcas doing their thing! Enjoy. For more pictures, please go to our Facebook page. Above is a classic Orca Picture, showing the big dorsal fins.

Victoria to Vancouver and Return through Active Pass on BC Ferries

2011-10-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Getting to Vancouver Island from Vancouver takes you through active pass. If you click on the LINK to our facebook page, we will share with you pictures from our latest trip over to Vancouver and return the same day. It was a typical West Coast high pressure weather with blue sky and no wind....it just does not get any better than this. The pictures of Mount Baker are good, but this was not one of the clearest days we can get. Enjoy and come for a visit.

Tour of BC Legislative Assembly Victoria BC

2011-09-27T21:46:00.001-07:00

Today I was lucky enough to have a special tour of the Legislature. If you go to this link, you too can see well inside the legislative buildings in Victoria BC.

Spock does Milestones on the Inner Harbour Victoria BC

2011-09-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a birthday celebration at Milestones on the Inner Harbour. The meal was great and the complimentary "Ganache Torte" they gave me with the sparkling candle was so delicious it bordered on being criminal. My friend Terry said he saw Spock in the restaurant and we all thought the wine was getting to him. Later when we were leaving, I saw this guy who was about 6'9" tall and when I approached him, he had an uncanny resemblance to Spock. Maybe he still might be out there.....who knows what the far reaches of the Universe will unfold? The young hostess at the door never heard of Spock....yikes...I think I have had too many birthdays. If you look closely behind Spock, up and to the right you will see the beam of light locking on to Spock. I heard him say, "beam me up Scotty-some idiot is taking my picture" and he vanished.

French Beach - the surge is up

2011-09-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

The surf from surge always seems to roll in at French Beach. Often you can hear the rattle of stones as the waves receed...add in a bit of gorgeous scenery and you have French Beach!

French Beach - A Great Place on a Warm Day

2011-09-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

For more images of French Beach visit our Facebook Page. This is a great place to go on a warm summer day, like to day and the past 40 or so days in and around Victoria. We have been blessed by an amazing August and September. Blue Sky, warm temperatures...keep it coming, we love it. I hope you had the opportunity to share part of this great summer and I hope you had an opportunity to visit French Beach.

Olympic View Golf Course - A Victoria Gem

2011-09-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today we played the beautiful and amazingly scenic Olympic View Golf Course. The staff we met were very friendly and helpful and the course was in good shape as usual. This course has a lot of unique holes that set this course apart from others in Greater Victora. It doesn't get much better than this. The restaurant and lounge serves great food and it has one of the best views from the outside deck. The proshop is very well equipped. It is really worth a visit if you have not been there before. If you have been there before, you did come back, right? The weather was amazing....I take credit for that! I certainly urge you to give it a try.

Arbutus Ridge Golf Course - A must do....

2011-08-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today we played a round of golf at Arbutus Ridge Golf Course. The course was in great shape, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the weather was near perfect, our game....well that is another story.

We had a great time and enjoyed the course immensely. It is very scenic and every hole is different. It is not a difficult course, but it is also not easy either. We have been here a number of times before and recommend it to you. Give it a try...you will be pleased. It is close to Duncan and about 30 minutes north of Victoria.

Smoked Out in Cowichan Bay

2011-08-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today we were golfing at the beautiful Arbutus Ridge Golf Course. After we were done, we headed for Cowichan Bay because the Rock Cod Cafe serves the best fish and chips in the country. We were early for dinner, so we went to the Bay Pub.
This is a great place to relax, soak in one of the valley's excellent ocean views, and savour some pub style tummy pleasers. It is also a great place to get smoked out.

Two years ago I was there and did a follow up with the owner/manager. You see, they allow smoking on their outer deck. There is about half of it reserved for non-smokers and the other half is reserved for smokers and according to the waitress, they are visited often by inspectors who indicate that this smoking area is OK....

Well, as far as I know, it is illegal to smoke in bars/pubs indoors and on outdoor patios. The last time we were inside and the doors were open and the smoke drifted inside. This time, we were outside and when the smokers arrived, the breeze was blowing our way, and we simply had to leave. Not sure why this place is allowed to operate this way?

The Fish and Chips at the Rock Cod Cafe made up for the bad end to our beer at the Bay Pub.

Sooke Potholes - the best of the West Coast Watering Holes!

2011-08-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Sooke Potholes are beautiful, polished rock formations carved into the natural bedrock of the Sooke River by ancient glacial activity. The river water is bright aqua-green, and cascades down through waterfalls into deep crystal-clear pools - a perfect place to cool off, rest, and regenerate in the summer months - especially during this gorgeous heat wave we've been having!

It's a very popular place with the locals, too - so be sure to come early to find the best spot, and bring a picnic lunch with you. Hiking can be a bit tricky with steep inclines to navigate and slippery river rocks, so good footwear is a must. Children should be well attended to, and diving is not advised.

Directions: From Douglas Street in Victoria, travel west on Trans-Canada Hwy 1 towards the West Shore. Take Colwood exit 10 and travel for about 30 min on Sooke Road (Hwy 14). Keep on the lookout for Winks Convenience Store on the right (just past Edward Milne Community School) - Sooke River Rd is just beyond it (you may want to stop at Wink's for ice cream, or make a plan to come back here at the end of the day - we sure did!)

At Winks, turn right onto Sooke River Rd and drive for another 5 km - straight to the first parking lot. If you'd prefer to park for free, stay here, but if you don't mind paying $2.50 for the day (bring change), proceed to the 3rd parking lot and follow the map trails to find the first set of Potholes.

Enjoy - maybe we'll see you there next Sunday!

Time to take some advice.....

2011-08-13T12:50:00.001-07:00

"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance." Cicero - 55 BC

What have we learned in 400 generations (2066 years.)? Comon boys, about time you took the advice of those who came before you....they knew something...obviously.

Thanks to my good friend Roy Vickers for passing this quote along to me...it is so now!

Magic Show Last Show of the Summer Aug 19th

2011-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

For a great magic show, head out to the Victoria Conference Center Next Friday and watch Murray Hatfield spin his magic web in front of your eyes. This show is amazing. See you at the show! Click Here to seea sample of Murray and Teressa in action.
August 19, 2011 An Incredible Evening of Magic Victoria Conference Centre Theatre

Fringe Festival Coming Aug 25 to Sept 4

2011-08-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

DON'T MISS THE ANNUAL FRINGE FESTIVAL...FOR INFO GO TO:
VICTORIAFRINGE.COM

Celebrity Car Wash and BBQ - Fundraiser fvor Habitat for Humanity

2011-08-03T16:36:00.001-07:00

Norma's Art - one of Victoria's Best Kept Secrets!

2011-07-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Nestled beside the bicycle path on Lochside Trail, just off of Royal Oak Drive, is a magical village with all manner of creatures.

Norma's Art is one of Victoria's Best Kept Secrets. Unless you have the inside story, this place can only be found by chance. This is Victoria's most fascinating collection of folk art. Norma creates all of her art out of recycled materials, including broken bits of glass.

The Little People abound here, and will be happy to take any spare change you might have.

Bring the kids, your camera, and keep your eyes open! You never know what you might find.

Be careful, though - or you might end up like this guy!

The Victoria International Buskers Festival - welcoming the world to the Inner Harbour!

2011-07-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

With its year-round street performers and king's court architecture, Victoria is a perfect place to host an International Buskers Festival - one even grand enough to rival Halifax's famous annual event. For the past 10 days, our fine city has done just that! With 6 stages, over 400 performances, and a colourful array of global entertainers, Victoria welcomed the world to the Inner Harbour.

Local buskers had a special place, too, with locations known as "Busk Stops" strategically placed close to the action, but not so close that the stage acts would cramp their space.

"I loved every minute of it," says local performer Darth Fiddler, who had one of the coolest signs of the bunch.

"Events like this help restore busking to its original place in society - it truly is an ancient, legitimate art form, worthy of celebration and respect."

World-class performers included contortionist Bendy Em from New Zealand, fire-throwing mavericks Flame Oz from UK, and hula hoop champion Becky Hoops from Montreal, to name a few! There was even a trapeze set up on the front lawn of The Empress Hotel for the Aerial Angels from Kalamazoo - it was a surreal sight, to say the least!

There was also an opportunity for audiences to vote for their favourite busker for "The People's Choice Award." The winner? Master Juggler Victor Rubilar! Originally from Argentina and now based in Sweden, Victor gave a fantastic performance, actively engaging the audience and wowing the crowd with his "football juggling" - which has broken a number of Guiness World Records. We caught him when he was just getting revved up - and boy, did he draw a crowd!

The Festival was the brainchild of John Vickers, who was inspired one summer evening 2 years ago as he watched a crowd form around a local performer on Government Street. He thought of the Halifax International Buskers Festival, and wondered why we couldn't have an equally popular one here.

"He's a brilliant man," says Darth Fiddler, "and he's worked very hard to put this on. Being from the Maritimes myself, I had always wanted to go to the Halifax Festival. With the success of this one, though, it looks like I won't have to travel very far after all."

Thanks to John Vickers, the volunteers, and performers who helped make this happen. We're all looking forward to next year!

Great Canadian Oil Change in Langford - exceptional customer service

2011-07-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are getting prepared for a trip in our Ford Explorer, so we stopped in to Great Canadian Oil Change at 876 Langford Parkway. The mechanic had a hard time getting the line off a part to do the transmission flush. Short story, the part broke. The manager Brandon immediately got on the phone to locate the magical part. First story, it was in Toronto. So Brandon kept searching and found one in Vancouver. It was shipped over and we anxiously waited to find out the results. It took three days to resolve. We know that accidents can happen but the result is how it is dealt with. Great Canadian Oil Change payed for and installed the very expensive part, did not charge us for the flush and Brandon and owner Monte Graham delivered the car to our driveway. They understand customer service. Very nice guys. You have just earned a customer for life and we will tell everyone we know, just how great a recovery you performed. Well done! In this day and age, going the extra mile is rare and we want everyone to know just how well you did!

You can print yourself one of their coupons on their website.

Victoria International Buskers Festival -Victoria Inner Harbour-Now On

2011-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Have you got your guide for the Buskers Festival yet? From July 15th (STARTS Tomorrow) until the 24th, downtown Victoria will be alive with fantastic street entertainment. The inagural Victoria International Buskers Festival will feature performances at six downtown stages with artists from all around the world. There is no admission charge to any of these stages - though viewers are encouraged to donate to the artists that they enjoy. Guides feature a full festival program and can be purchased for just $2 at The Bay Centre, the DVBA, and participating downtown merchants. See you at the Festival....don't miss it!

Whales, whales and more whales-L Pod near San Juan with Great Pacific Adventures

2011-07-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Whales, whales and more whales....all Orcas. Today we were out with Great Pacific Adventures aboard the King Salmon. This large vessel could keep pace with the zodiacs so it took little time to get to the whales. The views from the cabin are through large clean panoramic windows...and wow what views. We had views of the Olympic Mountains, the beautiful homes along Dallas Road in Victoria and then in Oak Bay, and the Islands we passed, Trial and Discovery.

Up stairs there is a large viewing area on top of the boat. Our Captain Joanne guided us to within a safe distance that protects the whales and naturalist Nate did an amazing job of providing us with information about the area and the whales. Did you know that Trial Island got its name because the Canadian Navy used to bring their ships there to circumnavigate the Island to test how sea worth the vessels were?

We spent the afternoon with L pod, one of the three resident Orca (Killer Whale) pods that spend the spring and summer around Victoria. Visit our Facebook page where the pictures and captions tell the story. We were lucky to see a brand new baby whale born just days ago. In addition to whales we saw both Dahls and Harbour Porpoises, seals, a bald eage and many sea birds. We had a wonderful time...we certainly can recommend this outfit to you. Well done gang.

The Inn at Laural Point - A spectacular Victoria Hotel in Downtown Victoria

2011-07-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Inn at Laurel Point is a downtown Victoria BC Hotel that is an architectural masterpiece, has lush gardens, amazing views of the Inner and Outer Harbour, some delicious food created by Executive Chef Takashi Ito and his staff and so much more. It is a great place to stay in Victoria with a super location to access all that Victoria has to offer. We had an opportunity to taste some of the food that is served to guests and it was delicious and so well presented our mouths started watering well before we tasted each dish. The after-taste was amazing. The food was simply and explosion of many flavours. You just have to try the Aura Restaurant.
If you are coming to Victoria or have guests coming to Victoria, recommend this hotel as a great place to stay. It is a great place for a wedding or a conference.

Check our Facebook page for many more photos of this excellent hotel.

Victoria is Mosquito Free - Escape Here

2011-07-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight's news was full of stories about the bug and particularly the mosquito problem going on in the prairies and much of BC. Not in Victoria however. One of the joys of living here is that there are very few bugs and we rarely see a mosquito. So if you want to escape, come here. There is always the danger that someone from Alberta or Saskatchewan will open their car trunk while in Victoria, but there is little we can do about this.

So if you are looking to escape, make it destination Victoria.

Greater Victoria Bakeries - Which one is your favourite?

2011-07-03T20:35:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a favourite Bakery! Mine is the Sidney Bakery on main street in Sidney, about one block from the waterfront. They have a great selection of "goodies" and some are my favourites. There are some really good bakeries a few of which have a sit-down cafe associated with the bakery. Some which come to mind are: the Dutch Bakery, Arts Bakery, Bubba Rose's Bakery, Sally Bun, The Royal Bakery in Colwood, Foi Epi Bakery, Tooks on Cook, 6 Mile Bakery, Willie's Bakery Cafe, Wildfire Bakery, Cascadia Wholefoods Bakery The Italian Bakery and more. Take a few minutes and complete our survery on Facebook to let us know you choice. We would love to hear from you. More pics on Facebook.

The Whale Centre Tofino BC Whale Watching at its finest

2011-06-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Excitement abounds on a whale watching and eco tour on the West Coast of Canada out of Tofino. There is so much to see and do that 3 hours passes very quickly. We were lucky enough to see both grey and humpback whales, seals, sealions, otters, tons of sea birds including bald eagles and puffins, dolphins, and some of the most amazing scenery in the woirld. When you are on an island like Vancouver Island, if you are not out on the water for some great experiences then you really have "missed the boat". This tour was through the Whale Centre in Tofino and we certainly recommend them. They are safe, take out only small groups, provide excellent commentary throughout from the captain and naturalist, and they have tons of experience as all the captains grew up in Tofino and spent their lives on the water. Come and enjoy!

For more great photos of this exciting adventure and ecotour, check out our Facebook Page.

Ocean Outfitters Tofino BC Hot Springs Cove Tour

2011-06-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Wildlife and Hot Springs Cove Tour - nothing but excitement, incredible scenery, amazing ocean sites and super relaxation in the hot pools. Day one we went on the Hot Springs Cove tour which is best shown in the pictures on our Facebook Page. It is a great place to relax in the warm water and enjoy conversations with people from all over the world. It is too neat to explain in writing. You just have to go there and savour the moment. The walk in is through an amazing rain forest with amazing sights. Also shown are some of the wildlife we saw on the way to and from Tofino. This was truly and excellent experience provided by Ocean Outfitters in Tofino. Give them a try, you will be glad you did. This is the West Coast as it should be.

Great Pacific Adventures 950 Wharf Street Victoria BC

2011-06-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today we attended an industry familiarization tour of Great Pacific Adventures. They are situated at 950 Wharf St. on the spectacular and "Super Natural" Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is the home base of operations for Great Pacific Adventures Incorporated. Serving visitors year-round to Vancouver Island and Victoria since 1995, GPA has lead the industry in innovation and customer service for outdoor eco-tour adventures. Tonight they partnered with the Flying Otter Restaurant, neighbouring business Cycle Treks, and Dragonfly Winery to showcase their new location, boats, office and staff. Guests were treated to some great food at all three venues, some libations, and a tour of the harbour on the King Salmon. If you are looking for a great ocean experience and want to check out Pacific wildlife give these guys a call. While you are there, enjoy a great meal on the Flying Otter restaurant floating on the Inner Harbour. Then to wear off the meal, rent a cycle from Cycle Treks and tour Victoria's amazing waterfront. Enjoy Victoria.

For more pictures of this event please go to our Facebook page.

Spotted Bear Bistro in Tofino BC on Vancouver Island

2011-06-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Spotted Bear Bistro's owner and Chef Vince prepared a tasting menu for us from his new summer menu. We love tasting menus as we get to sample multiple dishes without overeating.

Alison brought our first course, a local Morel Soup with house smoked bacon, scallions and truffle oil. The soup had a rich velvety texture with a mild bacon meatiness and taste galore. It was bowl-licking good!

For the second course we were treated to a fillet of local pan-seared Halibut served on Panzanella Salad, with roasted cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olive tapenade. The halibut was cooked perfectly, fresh and flaky the way we like it.

Then plates of roasted local Duck Breast arrived, with house smoked bacon, leeks, fingerling potatoes, and a port wine reduction which added a sweet fruity complement to the rich duck breast. We didn't leave a morsel!

To finish we enjoyed Berry Blast, a blackberry sorbet with a port wine/cinnamon reduction. Now we were truly sated, and a decaf coffee went down well as a chaser. The Spotted Bear has an extensive wine list featuring local and imported wines, as well as a number of cocktails and beers.

We hope we have your attention by now as everything in this meal was an explosion of flavours that left a wonderful after-taste. Chef Vincent has raised the bar on gourmet food in Tofino and certainly sets a standard for customer service as well. We keenly watched other meals flow across the enormous cedar plank bar as the restaurant filled. They all looked and smelled delicious. We recommend you give the Spotted Bear your attention when you visit Tofino. You will be glad you did. Visit our Facebook page for more pictures and information.

Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast Tofino BC on Vancouver Island

2011-06-25T11:54:00.001-07:00

Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast is one of the finer accommodations in Tofino. There are two suites and one cottage on the property for rent. The buildings are constructed out of cedar which has been naturally maintained giving the property a rustic appearance. After our stay, we coined the phrase rustic elegance to aptly describe the accommodations. The accommodations are filled with wood floors and features adding much warmth to the feel. All the amenities you will ever need are there. Todd and Linda re-wrote the book on customer service and provide an exceptional stay. The breakfast are first class as is everything at this B&B. They go the extra mile to make sure your stay is the best it can be. All of the art on the walls is Todd's photography nicely presented as Canvas Giclees. The best part is that you are steps from the beach which is phenomenal. Check out our Facebook page for more photos and descriptions of Chesterman Beach B&B.

Prestige Oceanfront Resort and Convention Centre Opens Today in Sooke BC

2011-06-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the Grand Opening of the Prestige Oceanfront Resort & Convention Centre at 6929 West Coast Road in beautiful Sooke BC. It is a magnificent building with many amenities. If you check out our Facebook page, you will see pictures throughout the Resort. It is a beautiful building that adorns the shoreline of Sooke. It is only a short 35 km scenic drive from downtown Victoria. Come out and take the opportunity Sooke offers to explore Victoria’s incredible backyard.

The Prestige Oceanfront Resort is and ideal haven for you to relax and rejuvenate. This full service resort features luxurious guest rooms, exceptional dining experiences, and extraordinary hospitality. Rising above the Pacific Ocean, this exceptional waterfront resort offers breathtaking views of Sooke Harbour, Sooke Basin, Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. It is conveniently located near unique local attractions, including the Sooke Pot Holes, French Beach, and the West Coast Trail. We recommend that you try this resort for a true West Coast experience.

For more information on Sooke, click here.

Victoria International Buskers Festival 2011

2011-06-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of the Festival Society.

Professional street performers from around the world will be converging on downtown Victoria July 15th-24th for the Victoria International Buskers Festival, presented by the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria. We are presenting an array of local, national and international busking talent that is fun for everyone! The festival features six downtown stage locations, multiple single performer street locations, an international food village and a Buskers Bistro on the Inner Harbour. For more pictures go to our Facebook Page.

Stage Locations:

• The TELUS Stage – Ship Point Area along Inner Harbour
• The Harbour Air Stage – Ship Point Area along Inner Harbour
• The Tourism Victoria Stage – Fairmont Empress Lawn
• The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority Stage – Lower causeway along Inner Harbour
• 100.3 The Q / The Zone @ 93-1 Stage – Beside Maritime Museum, Bastion Square
• The BAY CENTRE Stage – Main Foyer (12 & 1pm Daily)

FESTIVAL TIMES AND DATES:

Friday, July 15th: 5PM – 10PM
Saturday, July 16th – Saturday July 23rd: Noon – 10PM Daily
Sunday, July 24th: Noon – 5PM

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Free-to-attend 10 day family oriented festival

• Street performer acts from around the world. Tips to busker hats welcomed and appreciated.

• Event is programmed – Hourly stage performances, ten hours daily. Program guides are $2.00 and available at BAY CENTRE, lower level kiosk.

• Volunteers are encouraged to apply on event website or at our BAY CENTRE kiosk.

• Inner Harbour vendor locations still available, applications on the event website.

PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS

Victor Rubilar (Sweden) – Multiple Guinness World Record Holder (Juggling) Picture above
Becky Hoops (Montreal) - #1 in Hula Hoops – many at one time! Picture above

Fraser Hooper (UK) - #1 Clown / Comedian Picture above

Bendy Em (Australia) – Amazing Contortionist
The Aerial Angels (USA) – High Flying Trapeze Artists
And many more! Visit the “Who’s Coming” tab at victoriabuskers.com

High Resolution Performer Photos Available Upon Request

MAIN SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS: TELUS, Coca-Cola
SILVER SPONSOR: The Provincial Capital Commission

Skinny Tato Polish Restaurant Downtown Victoria BC

2011-06-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

A friend recommended this small Polish Restaurant at 615 Johnson Street to me a couple of weeks ago. Tonight we gave it a try and absolutely loved it. The first thing I heard from the cook in the kitchen was, this is a disaster. Well if this dinner was a disaster, the bring on the plague. Katherina, the cook and owner was upset because her normal cook and server did not show for work and she was left alone. Well, dinner was served in good time and it turned out to be one of the best meals we have had in a while. When we left, the flavour remained in our palate for a long time. All four of the salads were very good and the Potato Pancake was to die for! I had mine stuffed with Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut and Linda had spinach and feta. So, I am passing on the recommendation for a West Coast Polish Disaster Dinner at the Skinny Tato. Katherina has a great sense of humor and I am sure she will appreciate the humor. I am going back for sure.

Darth Fiddler Attacked in Victoria's Inner Harbour

2011-06-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

There has been a disturbance in the Force. Seems like dumb and dumber are alive and either hiding in or visiting Victoria. Darth Vader was attacked while performing in Victoria at his usual spot at Government and Wharf Street. Nobody messes with the Force and wins. Good always wins over evil. Think how messed up the Karma of the attacker is. Darth is OK and Larsen music rallied to provide him with a new violin. Hundreds of well wishers came to the support of Darth. So there dumb and dumber.

Victoria Wild Play Element Park

2011-06-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today we took our 8 year old granddaughter to the Victoria Wild Play Element Park in the property of the Juan de Fuca Recreation centre on Victoria's West Shore. The staff here are very safety conscious and did a great job making sure the children's safety was job one! Well done gang. Every child there had tons of fun. A child with special needs was given individual attention. This is one of Victoria's great attractions. I took a look at the adult side and it gets progressively more challenging as you progress through the stages. If you are looking for a good core workout, this is just the place. You can have fun will you work on your six-pack! Give it a try, you will be glad you did. Also, for a pictorial of the Park, check out our Facebook Page.

Victoria International Cycling Festival, the Jump Ship Event

2011-06-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

As part of the Victoria International Cycling Festival, the Jump Ship Event showcased the world's best freeride mountain bike riders who wowed the crowd with their mind blowing skills. Riders competed for a cash prize. These young me performed incredible moves high above the appreciative crowd. For more pictures, please go to our Facebook page.

For more information about Victoria British Columbia go to our website.

The Warmland Beckons - visit Cowichan Lake - an Article worth reading

2011-06-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Warm Land Beckons article features beautiful Cowichan Lake and the surrounding area. Read about the amazing places to stay, things to do and the gourmet food at local restaurants. Then pack your bags and head out! Lake Cowichan is in the centre of the Cowichan Valley and close to so may attractions, vineyards, amazing sights, and cool activities.
Above is Lake Cowichan, a sample of great food ahd te amazing Kinsol Trestle.

Vancouver Pizza - It can't get any better than this

2011-06-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Now these guys have class. Perhaps when the Canucks win the Stanley Cup, maybe they will make it permanent. I like their style and there food is great too. Of all the business support given to our hockey team, this one wins my vote for the best eye catcher. Kind of gives a new meaning to the "Boston Brute", finger food, and a whole lot more.

Ric's Grill 910 Government Street Victoria BC

2011-06-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

My wife Linda and I were fortunate enough to be invited to a wine and food paring hosted by Ric's Grill in Victoria. For a photo-pictorial of the event and some great pictures of their food, please go to our Facebook Wall. The staff were amazing. Our servers Meghan and Amy were constantly available refreshing our drinks, taking away our empty dishes and bringing us one great dish after another. We started with some incredibly delicious bread pared with Prospect Riesling. Then came the appetizer plate, followed by a seafood plate and then a 3-steak plate. Chef Randy Davis and Sous Chef Brett Hewitt prepared excellent dishes. Valerie-Marie Lessard, the Wine & Beverage Director did an excellent job finding just the right wine for each course. Thanks to host and CEO Sonny Gupta for providing us with an overview of the history and direction of their restaurant chain. They definitely are on the right track, excellent food, great drinks at reasonable prices and staff that are friendly, helpful, and courteous. A job well done! Look for their opening at The Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke.

Ogden Point Breakwater Mural Dedication Ceremony and Blessing Port Victoria BC

2011-06-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations blessed and celebrated Phase 2 of the Odgen Point Breakwater Mural headed up by artists Butch Dick and Darlene Gait. The Victoria Harbour Authority sponsored the mural. Shirley Lang a First Nations Caterer and owner of Kitchens of Distinction provided the food for the event. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful ceremon with a large crowd in attendance. Check out the pictures. The large crowd was filled with residents, tourists, politicians, First Nation elders and members, and one approving eagle and heron. It was a great event and show-cased the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. For a pictorial of the event please go to our Facebook Wall.

Feeding the Seals at Oak Bay Marina

2011-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Bus loads of tourists and lots of locals go to Oak Bay Marina where at least four harbour seals hang out by the fish cleaning table. The only seem to eat frozen herring from the Marina bait freezer. They are fat because they are well fed and they hang around there most of the year. There are signs everywhere telling people not to hand feed them to avoid getting bit. Many do not heed the warning. The seals seem so tame. I wonder if they like finger....

Aboriginal Happenings in Victoria BC

2011-06-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Sips Artisan Bistro in James Bay Victoria

2011-06-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Victoria Guest Services Network has an orientation to Sips Bistro. This amazing little restaurant is a gold mine waiting for you to discover at 425 Simcoe in James Bay. Find Thrifty's and go west a few steps. Then discover delicious cuisine and amazing staff. For some great photos of the amazing food in this Bistro visit this Facebook page.

Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat - Special Offer

2011-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for a great get-away....here is the deal for you! We were just there and it is a wonderful place to stay. Click the image to enlarge if you find it hard to read.

2011 Swiftsure International Yacht Race Victoria BC hosted by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club

2011-05-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

Did you miss Swiftsure? This is one of the most spectacular of the spring happenings in Victoria. Thousands of people line the Dallas Road Waterfront for a view of the 150 or so boats, most of which are in one of the races. Watch them jockey for a spot on the start line and then they are off, some not coming in to harbour until the next day. If you would like to see more photos of this very special event, please click on our Facebook Link and also go to the Swiftsure International Yatch Race Website. Enjoy.

Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria

2011-05-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today was the 140km Tour de Rock bike ride. I got there just in time to see Ryder Hesjedal ride by. My camera would not take the picture and zoom they were gone. I was impressed that they could leave downtown Victoria travel out to Metchosin and then into Langford in just over an hour.

The Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria is a supported mass participation cycling event, catering to all ages and fitness levels by offering three distances: 140km for the enthusiast, 90km for the entry-level rider and an up to 1.5 hour Community Ride for beginners, families, and for those who want to experience cycling for the first time.

Check out some of the events over the next 10 days or so....

Lake Cowichan Gourmet Food in three Restaurants

2011-05-26T17:50:00.001-07:00

Gourmet Food in Lake Cowichan...who would have guessed it! Not us...we were absolutely blown away by the three restaurants that we dined at while visiting Lake Cowichan. If you live in Victoria or Nanaimo or anywhere in between, take the short drive to Lake Cowichan and have dinner some evening...any evening...it is so good and well worth the trip. Good food, great hospitality and exceptional service...that is Lake Cowichan. See you there!

You can see more great pictures of food and restaurants in Lake Cowichan on our Facebook Page.

2011-05-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

We recently took a trip to Lake Cowichan in the amazing Cowichan Valley. Our mission was to discover what this region really had to offer tourists coming to Vancouver Island. Stick with us over the next couple of weeks to discover what we found. Our first Facebook Page and Blog below was on the Kinsol Trestle and today we are featuring the Lake Cowichan Accommodations we were able to stay at and explore. There is something to satisfy the needs of everyone looking for a great place to stay. We have posted pictures on our Facebook site that detail the inside-outs of a number of accommodations. Check them all out and then make your choice for you next visit. Enjoy our Lake Cowichan Article that we will announce on this blog and be sure to stick with our facebook page to see what we found in Lake Cowichan! Enjoy. Above you can see the luxurious and spacious room we had at the Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat and at the top the room and luxurious suite we had at the Cowichan River Wilderness Lodge.

Kinsol Trestle - Trans-Canada Trail just south of Duncan BC on Vancouver Island

2011-05-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

We recently completed a tour of Lake Cowichan in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Our first stop was at the Kinsol Trestle, just south of Duncan. The Trestle was in bad shape and could no longer be used. It is now under re-construction and by early summer it will be open for use. If you have not been there, be sure to check it out. You can get the closest too it by going to the north side.

To get there, from the Trans-Canada Highway, turn west on to Koksilah Road, then drive under a narrow railway overpass (see pics on

Facebook) and then over a wooden bridge. Then turn left onto Riverside Road. Follow it on the pavement for 4.6 kilometers. The road then turns into a narrow gravel road for the next 4.7 km. When you come to a small parking area with several large boulders, you are there. A short walk will take you to the viewing are.

This trestle will be the river crossing for the Trans-Canada Trail.

If you go to our facebook page you can see more photos of the Kinsol Trestle and how it looked before resurection.

Spring Snow Storm brings Pink Fury to Greater Victoria

2011-05-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a pink snow storm bashed Greater Victoria. Please go to our facebook site to see the incredible devastation cause by nature's fury! It is hard for our prairie friends to appreciate what we have to endure. Please read the captions describing the treacherous sidewalks, dangerous roads, suffering plant life and businesses without customers....it is a tragedy folks! We know how cold and miserable it can get across Canada during the winter, but really folks, this is just too much. Be sure to watch the twister video on our facebook page as well....it was soooo scary! I risked my hide bringing your this story...so please read it with respect. The real tragedy is that I sold my "Blossom Blower".

Adrenaline Zipline Adventure Tours and Fun It Is

2011-05-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

We recently went out by Sooke to experience this exciting tour and it was a blast. We would recommend it to anyone. It is exhilerating and breathtaking as you soar through the tree tops. You have to try this sometime. Ron does not do well with heights and he managed this quite well. It is just plane fun that you have to try to understand. It is well run and very safe. It is located on the side of the 17 mile Pub, so have some fun and then have a beer and a great meal in the pub afterwords. This is a must do if you live in Victoria or if you are visiting. Everyone we rode with was from out of town. Check out the smile on Linda's face....it pretty much says it all. View our video of this exciting day.

Spring in Langford BC - where we live

2011-05-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you would like to check out the impact spring has in Langford in the Western part of Greater Victoria, go to our Facebook Page and have a look. These photos are in our backyard. Even the vegetable garden is edible. Last night we had salad with fresh lettuce from the garden. How good could it get!

One of the nicest entries to a city in Canada is Veteran's Memorial Parkway, the main entry into beautiful Langford BC. Go to our facebook page to check it out.

Special Events Calendar City of Victoria 2011

2011-05-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

CITYVibe - Victoria's Guide to Festivals and Outdoor Events

Looking to celebrate summer in Victoria with family and friends? Get your CITYVibe, your free go-to guide for festivals and outdoor events in the Capital City.

In its second year, this City of Victoria publication showcases festivals and celebrations that are recipients of the City's 2011 Festival Investment Grant. The guide also features Victoria's vibrant public markets, City sponsored concerts and events at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, and Summer in the Square programming in Centennial Square, next to City Hall.

Watch for CITYVibe in early May in your community newspaper, or pick up a copy at your local library, recreation, community or seniors centre, or at Victoria City Hall. To see a photo pictorial of some of the events that occur in Victoria, check our Facebook web site.

You can also view CITYVibe online below.

To view these pdf calendars of events, please click here for live links.
2011 CITYVibe - [PDF 5.3MB]
You can also view the guide by section:

Outdoor Festivals and Events - [PDF 3.7MB]
Stage in the Park (Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park) - [PDF 969KB]
Public Markets - [PDF 1.0MB]
Summer in the Square (Centennial Square, next to Victoria City Hall) - [PDF 701KB]
CITYVibe Map - [PDF 696KB]

Make CITYVibe your guide to summer fun in Victoria! For more information, contact:

Parks, Recreation and Culture Department - 250.361.0388 - Information from the City of Victoria

Avatar Grove in Port Renfrew - an old growth forest of EPIC proportions!

2011-05-10T16:04:00.001-07:00

If you live on Vancouver Island, or plan to visit anytime soon, be sure to check out Avatar Grove. This ancient-growth forest is just a 20 minute drive from Port Renfrew (a two-hour drive from Victoria), and it is well worth it!

Avatar is one of the most breathtaking forests of old-growth Red Cedars and Douglas Firs on the Island. Named after the blockbuster movie in an effort to help save it, it truly lives up to the name.

This beautiful forest is particularly precious because it is endangered. According to the Ancient Forest Alliance, "A small portion of the Grove is protected within an Old-Growth Management Area, but most of the largest trees have been surveyed and flagged for logging. So far the Ministry of Forests and Range has not issued any cutting permits for Avatar Grove, but that could change quickly."

The Grove is easily accessed from the road, but the hike is quite rugged and not for the faint of heart! There's no official trail and ropes are provided for climbing up/down steep inclines. The overall distance is about 3 km, and can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you want to stay with some of these amazing trees. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, layer your clothing, and be prepared for some very large mosquitoes! This is the Wild West Coast in its purest form, and one of the best adventures we've been on here so far!

Visit while you can, enjoy your trip, and be sure to take lots of pictures!

For more photos visit our Facebook Page. For more info on Avatar Grove - and for directions, please visit the AFA Website.

Cidermaster Dinner - at Vista 18 Chateau Victoria

2011-05-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Sea Cider

Cidermaster Dinner, Thursday, May 12, 6:00pm - Check out this dinner....mmmmm at the Chateau Victoria and co-hosted by the Sea Cider Farm

Pommeau Cocktail
Assorted canapés to start
~
Pippins
Oyster Bisque
smoked oyster eclair
~
Kings and Spies
Pan Fried Skate Wing
cider beurre blanc and wilted spring greens
note: this is subject to availability. May be a different white fish
~
Wild English
Oven Roasted Chicken Ballotine
smoked cheddar and chorizo farce, soft polenta, sautéed nettles
~
Rum Runner
Blue Cheese Cheesecake
crisp sgambato, cider braised pork, rhubarb caviar
~
Pomona
Orange Maple Crème Caramel
hazelnut shortbread
Cidermaster Dinner

$80.00 (includes applicable tax and gratuity)
For tickets or more information, please call Kevin Neilson at 250.361.5692
Chateau Victoria

World Cocktail Week at Clive's Classic Lounge downtown Victoria BC

2011-05-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Clive’s Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria is proud to announce along with the generous sponsorship of Hendrick’s Gin & Plymouth Gin, the festivities that are planned for World Cocktail Week (WCW). World Cocktail Week was established in order to help broaden understanding and appreciation for the cocktail and its historical and culinary significance throughout the world. It will be celebrated this year from May 6 – 13, 2011 with fundraising events planned in cities around the world. The WCW fundraiser also serves to increase our membership, raise much needed revenue for our year-round operating, and enables us to produce our popular Monday Mixology Series.

Clive’s Classic Lounge will be participating in World Cocktail Week by having two fundraising events at the start and the end of the week.

Firstly, to kick the week off right, we will be partnering with Hendrick’s Gin to bring you a very special Experimental Mixology menu focusing on the theme of Cucumber & Rose. When the week is all but almost over, our closing party with Plymouth Gin Party will round the World Cocktail Week off. Plymouth Gin punch, feature cocktails & food will be there to close the week down in style.

Donations will be in the form of $2 from every feature cocktail going to the Museum of the American Cocktail. Show your support & enjoy some of the feature libations coming from the Clive’s Classic Lounge crew.

Clive's Classic Lounge, named after hotel owner Clive Piercy, defines modern elegance while embracing the unique and distinctive qualities of the hotel and its owner. Don't miss this event!

To find links to this hotel and lounge, visit our web site.

Clive’s Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
1 250 884 3116

Adrena Line Adventure Tours - A ZIP Line Adventure

2011-05-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today we visited AdrenaLINE Adventure Tours near Sooke BC, just on the outskirts of Victoria BC, on Vancouver Island. Our adventure started in the office where we geared up. Then we walked up to the training line to get some practice. Then we loaded up on the ATVs and rode to the top. Then the adventure really began. It was exhilarating, exciting, scary at times, but a real blast overall. Fun is the name of the game and these guys do a really great job. They are extremely safety conscious, but they do everything they can to make sure you have a good time.

You have to experience the ride to believe it! Be sure to give it a try. It is good for all ages. The harness is comfortable and the ride very smooth. When you hit the braking device, there is a slight bump, but it is really nothing.... a good friend making sure you don't crash into the landing pad. We were really high in the tree tops, riding through the canopy of the trees. It was amazing. I am not a lover of heights but it was manageable for me. I was not fond of the suspension bridge, but I just took my time and handled it okay. The rest go easier and more comfortable with each ride, which the guides know and expect. Everyone there truly enjoyed the day. Thanks guys.... !

For more photos, check out our Facebook Page. To find more Adventures like this, visit our Vancouver Island Travel and Tourism web site.

Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island

2011-05-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Cathedral Grove is one of the most accessible stands of giant "old growth" Douglas Fir in British Columbia. You only have to go from your car a few steps into the woods to see these magnificent GIANTS. MacMillan Provincial Park is located between Parksville and Port Alberni on Vancouver Island and it is a magnificent attraction, well worth a visit. When you stand among these giant trees you will find peace and tranquility. You will be humbled by their magnificence. For additional information check out our web site.
For more pictures of Cathedral Grove go to our Facebook Page.

Little Qualicum Falls near Coombs Vancouver Island

2011-04-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Little Qualicum Falls is not far from Parksville and even closer to Coombs on Vancouver Island. It is so beautiful and in the spring the water is raging. There is a circular route from the parking lot to the lower falls, then the upper falls and back to the parking lot. Walking steadily, it might take you 30 to 40 minutes, but you will want to stop often to take pictures. This is one of many quality photo ops on Vancouver Island. Enjoy. For more pictures of this incredible area go to our Facebook page. Check out Coombs on our website.

Cordova Bay Golf Course Victoria BC

2011-04-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

Cordove Bay is one of the better golf courses in greater Victoria. I used to be a very good golfer when I was young and appreciated golf courses that challenged me. Now I feel like those championship course just beat me up. I am a recreational golfer and like a course that doesn't beat me up. I leave that to my sister..."down the middle" Sandy. Cordova Bay is such a course. The holes are not to long, well laid out and very well groomed. The rough, sand traps and water....add some challenge, but not too much. This is a great course. Give it a try. They have great food in their restaurant, the staff are accommodating and friendly and the course is ready. It is not a private course. Call in or book online.
For more pictures check out our facebook page. For info and links to Victoria and Vancouver Island Golf Courses, click here.

Butterfly Gardens Event - Victoria BC

2011-04-27T22:04:00.001-07:00

Tonight Butterfly Gardens hosted a "Caribbean Party" and hosted members from the hospitality and tourism industry. Appetizers were provided by Truffles Catering. The Sea Cider Ciderhouse and Farm had samples of their products as did the Canoe Brewpub. The purpose was to introduce the new displays and the gardens to people who deal with tourists coming to Victoria. It was an amazing evening as you will see when you look through these pictures. If you have not been to the Butterfly Gardens in a while, it is time to return. It is better than ever. Well done Butterfly Gardens. For more pictures, check out our Facebook Page.

101 Plus Things to Do - Victoria BC

2011-04-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

Todays suggestion from our web page of 100 plus things to do on Vancouver Island is to go Whale Watching.

Whale Watching is a "must do" for most people visiting Vancouver Island. The od...ds of seing a whale, particularly between the months of May to September are very good (in the 80-90% range). That is because three resident pods (J,K, L) spend their spring and summers in local waters. In addition you can see transient Orcas (Killer Whales- the ones that eat seal, sea lions and fish), grey whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and much more!Check our Facebook page for many more photos of Whales in the waters around Vancouver Island.

Welcome to Whale Country. Find a good Whale Tour Company here.

Great Picnic Spot - Inner Harbour Victoria BC

2011-04-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

On a warml summer day this is probably one of the best spots in Victoria for a picnic. You just have to be the first person there. Only one table but what a view. From here you can watch the harbour traffic come and go - pleasure craft, the Coho Ferry, float planes by to dozen, whale watching charters,kayakers, the 3-hour sail, fishing charters, fish boats, the coast guard, Helijet to Vacouver and much much more! You can also see the Olympic Mountains across Juan de Fuca Strait and watch marine vessels and cruise ships come into the Port of Victoria. It is truly amazing what happens here on any given day. Check out our facebook page for more photos and "Like Us" while you are there and win!

Easter Contest - Win a Book

2011-04-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Rather than hide some Easter eggs for you, I have created a contest. Please visit our facebook page for details and how to enter. You could win a book. It is our insider's guide to Southern Vancouver Island. We call it the Best Kept Secrets of Victoria. Tell us the location of the picture above. Be sure to go to our facebook page.

Downtown Public Markets - Bastion Square and Centennal Square Victoria BC

2011-04-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

You can tell that spring has arrived when the public markets open up downtown!

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from now until October 15th, Bastion Square is transformed into a colourful and eclectic European-style artisan's showcase and open-air marketplace; vendors sell original paintings and prints, stained glass, multi-media jewelry, woodwork, pottery, herbal soaps, clothing and accessories, and so much more.

Many artisans will be demonstrating their work on-site from 11am on.
On May 1st, the popular Government Street Market moves into Centennial Square, to offer its exciting assortment of crafts, locally-designed clothing, imports, food, and entertainment, as well as a farmer's market. The "Sunday Market in the Square" will run from May until September 25th, every Sunday from 11 am - 4:30 pm.

Washing State Ferry Runing from Sidney BC to Anacortes

2011-04-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Ferry Chelan runs once daily between Annacortes Washington and Sidney BC on Vancouver Island. These photos are of things and sights we saw along the way. The Ferry ride takes three house including a short stop in Friday Harbour. It is less expensive that the BC Ferry from Vancouver Island to Vancouver BC. So you might want to give it consideration when coming to Victoria and Vancouver Island. It is a beautiful route and is very protected throughout the passage. Most of the time you are in the American San Juan Islands. Enjoy the photos and be sure to read the captions. For more pictures, visit our Facebook Page and Like Us while you are there....and by Liking Us, you will be entered in a draw for a Free Insider Guide to Southern Vancouver Island (called Best Kept Secrets of Victoria).

Record snow at Mount Washington -Closing for the season

2011-04-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

If you want to ski or snowboard at Mount Washington, this weekend is your last chance to hit the slopes. The final weekend of the snowiest season on record sees the resort reopen this Friday, April 22nd through to Easter Monday on April 25th.

“We've seen more snow fall on the mountain this winter than any other on record,” explains resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “Our total snowfall accumulation to date is over 1840 centimetres, which surpasses our previous record of 1835 centimetres in the 1998-99 season.”

The old record fell last week when a significant weather system moved through the region. The system dumped over 40 centimetres of new snow onto Mount Washington's slopes. The La Nina weather phenomenon, which was predicted in early fall, brought a barrage of snow early to the mountain in November and never let up.

“Even with snow settling and less frequent snowfall over the last two weeks, the amount of snow we have up here for late April is amazing,” adds Curtain.

Ideal late season conditions have enabled the resort to keep its Ozone Snowtubing Park, Nordic Centre, and Sunset Ski programs running right up until the final weekend.

“You can still go cross-country skiing, night ski, or slide down the lanes in our Tubing Park in near perfect snow conditions,” says Director of Business Operations Don Sharpe. “This will also be the last weekend for our Green Chair, the longest serving chairlift on the mountain.”

The venerable Green Chair is the anchor of Mount Washington's Green Zone learners area and was installed when the mountain began operations back in 1979. The mountain will remove the lift this summer and there are plans already in place for a whole new look for next season.

“Our main goal is to make the new Green Zone as user-friendly and accessible as possible,” explains Sharpe. “If you want to ride the Green Chair one more time for nostalgia's sake, now is the time to do it!”

Mount Washington's last weekend is jam-packed full of great events which includes the two-day Monster Rail Jam-o-rama beginning Friday evening and an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Don't forget that the first two stages, the alpine and nordic legs, of the Royal LePage Snow to Surf Race take place on the mountain on May 1.

For all the details on Mount Washington's final weekend of the season, surf to mountwashington.ca.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort's final weekend of winter operations takes place April 22-25. The resort is located 30 minutes above The Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Island Express service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). To find out about accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 250-338-1386. Surf to www.mountwashington.ca for additional information including our live snow cam.

Bear Mountain Golf Course and Golf Academy Victoria BC

2011-04-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Bear Mountain.

One of the best golf courses on Vancouver Island is Bear Mountain...there are actually 2 - 18-hole golf courses - the mountain course that features the 19th hole shown above and the Valley Course. My favourite is the Valley Course because every hole looks like a signature hole to me. John and Lori Randall are the pros that run the golf academy at Bear Mountain. They are two of the best instructors around. My wife Linda and I have taken some lessons from Lori and she was great! Check out Bear Mountain soon.

Junction Artist Market at Whippletree Junction near Duncan BC

2011-04-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Junction Artist Market opened April 17th. This is NOT just another market -- It's like a Fair with workshops for the kids, Strolling Entertainers, and Special Interactive Events for the Whole Family. And they will be DIFFERENT, EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY!

Each and Every Artist will Dazzle you with their Abilities and Personality.

EACH AND EVERY VISITOR has at least one chance to WIN our Weekly Door Prize!

There will be beautiful hand crafted art objects on display,yours to be bought or won.
There will be events that you can talk about all week long!

We are just one hour away from both Victoria and Nanaimo, so after your Sunday Brunch, head over to Whippletree Junction and get in on the fun!

Every Sunday April 17 to October 16 from 11AM to 5PM. Will we see you at the fair? Hope so.

Check out Current Swell - Tickets on sale now....

2011-04-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Check out this great group at Sugar, 858 Yates Street...doors open at 9: pm, tickets $20 available at Lyle's Place.

Golden City Seafood Restaurant - 721 Fisgard Street Downtown Victoria

2011-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended a familiarization dinner at the Golden City Seafood Restaurant - 721 Fisgard Street Downtown Victoria. The purpose of the dinner was to educate and demonstrate to members of the Victoria Guest Services Network how different and special a Chinese dinner could be. As Daniel Low, our host stated...."no chow main, no chop suey". His mission was to show our members how the restaurants chefs could prepare and present a different Chinese dinner experience to visitors coming to Victoria. All guest have to do is call the restaurant or have a hotel concierge contact the restaurant and indicate that they would like to have a different and special dinner. Golden City will custom make a menu that features local specialties and local cuisine. They can also accommodate dietary restrictions guests may have. The restaurant also serves traditional menu items, but after experiencing the dinner Daniel presented, I would certainly recommend his approach. The food was delicious and very well presented. Our mouths were watering before we dug in.

If you check our Facebook page you will see more pictures of the restaurant and the unique dishes that were presented. The signature dish was Sauteed Prawns with pees and Honey Glazed Walnuts. The seafood was very fresh and super tasty. Every dish we had was very good.

Golden City is a large, well lighted and bright and clean restaurant that is tastefully decorated. There is ample space for large parties. The service was excellent and I would certainly recommend the delicious food.

Members of the Victoria Guest Services Network are all front line staff working in the hospitality sector. Through these kinds of sessions members learn first hand about services available to visitors to Victoria.