Goldstream Park - Find Waldo

Today I travelled the short distance from my house to beautiful Goldstream Park. The salmon run appeared to be over but the sun was shining and the park was full of people. For the 28th of December, it was about 6C. It is hard to get a better day. At this time of the year the moss on the trees is spectacular. The river had a number of birds in it looking for the remaining fish carcasses. 

My wife spotted a small bird standing on a rock. This bird turned out to be an amazing swimmer. I am sure it was feeding but I am not sure on what. It would dive into the river and swim back and forth, then surface and stand on a rock with the current rushing by its tiny feet. I called him Waldo....See if you can find Waldo. 

To find out more about interesting sights around Victoria, click here to visit our website.

Undersea Gardens - A Victoria Attraction

One of the better attractions for tourists that is open year round is the Undersea Gardens in the inner harbour of Victoria. This attraction takes you beneath the sea to an exhibit of local marine life. Once an hour they put on a show where a diver brings a variety of sea life right to the windows. You will see up-close and personal octopus, wolf eels and many other local critters. You can also walk through the display and see much more. There is also a touch pool where you can have a really close encounter with sea anemones, starfish and much more. The attraction is open everyday and even during inclement weather, so if the winter rain gets to you, here is a perfect place to get away from the weather. They also have a well stocked gift shop.

If you would like to know more about other Victoria attractions, Click Here.

Victoria BC Vocal Ensemble Christmas Entertainment

If you are looking for a nice night out on the town, check out this vocal ensemble on Wednesday evening December 23 at 7:30 pm in the Christ Church Cathedral. For more information, contact 250-652-3508 or this website. Enjoy the "Night Before the Night Before! Get into the Christmas Spirit, purchase your tickets soon!

For more Victoria Information click here.

Bright City Lights - A Victoria Holiday Tradition

Christmas time is so wonderful. The city is decorated and light displays are everywhere. Two of my favourites are the Harbour Ferries that are decorated and provide an entertaining water ballet of sorts every Friday and Saturday nights around Christmas. Thousands of people also line the streets and roadways throughout the region as the Lighted truck prade of some 80 heavy rigs adorn themselves with lights and travel through many of the Municipalities in the region. There are three sailpasts on the water with boats decorated as well (one in Sidney, one in Oak Bay and one in the Inner Harbour. If you are visiting Victoria over the Holiday Season check out these events or try Butchart Gardens, who are the masters of light displays. Cheers and best of the season.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Christmas Spirit: Good Entertainment in Victoria

If you are looking for a festive activity, check out the poster above and take in this event at the Christ Church Cathedral, Wed. Dec 23 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $25 adults, $22 senior, $10 students, Children under 12 free when accompanied by a ticket holder. Tickets are available at:Ivy’s Bookshop, Christ Church Cathedral office, Larsen Music, Long & McQuade, and from choir members. Tickets also available at the door. Merry Christmas.

Tourism Victoria Gala Event to announce 2010 Leadership

Today at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa Tourism Victoria officially welcomed both the 2010 Board of Directors and the 2010 Destination Marketing Commission (DMC) at the Annual Christmas Luncheon and Elections Meeting.

“This diverse group is a great asset for Tourism Victoria,” said Randy Wright, Tourism Victoria Board Chair. “Their collective knowledge in a variety of markets will provide further guidance to the organization as it markets Victoria as a world class destination.”

“The Tourism Victoria team joins me in welcoming the 2010 Board of Directors and DMC,” said Robert Gialloreto, President & CEO of Tourism Victoria. “We value their contributions and support and look forward to their input as we head into 2010.”



2010 Board of Directors

Board Chair: Randy Wright (Harbour Air Seaplanes), Vice-Chairs, Deirdre Campbell (The Tartan Group), Dave Cowen (The Butchart Gardens),Mandy Farmer (Accent Inns), Reid James (Hotel Grand Pacific), Pauline Rafferty (Royal BC Museum).

Directors: Jim Allard (Hyack Air (1981) Ltd.), Kathleen Burton (Wildplay Westshore Victoria), Don Calveley (The Truffles Group Ltd.), Lynn Hunter (City of Victoria), Martin Leclerc (The Fairmont Empress), Jason Lowe, (Arbutus Ridge Golf Club), Ian MacPhee (Abbeymore Manor B&B Inn), JC Scott, (JC Scott Design Associates).

The 2010 Destination Marketing Commission is comprised of: Chair: Deirdre Campbell (The Tartan Group), and appointed members:Randy Wright (Harbour Air Seaplanes), Robert Gialloreto (CEO Tourism Victoria), Janet Carson (BC Ferry Corporation), Lynn Hunter (City of Victoria), Joan Murrell (Accent Inns), Kimberly Hughes (Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa), James Bogusz (Victoria Airport Authority), Jocelyn Jenkyns (Victoria Conference Centre) and elected members: Brian Friesen (Hotel Grand Pacific), Avril Matthews (Inn at Laurel Point), Graham Bell (Butchart Gardens), Andrea Carey (Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence),
Theresa Mackay (Royal BC Museum), Craig O’Neil (Kenmore Air), Brandon Williams (Harbour Air Seaplanes) and non-voting members: Dave Petryk (Tourism Vancouver Island) and Wanda Boden (KPMG).

Tourism Victoria
Tourism Victoria is the official not-for-profit tourism industry association that works in partnership with over 1,000 business members and municipalities in the Greater Victoria area and surrounding communities of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Canada. Tourism Victoria’s mandate is to increase the economic impact of tourism for Greater Victoria by marketing the destination and servicing visitor needs. For more information about Tourism Victoria, visit www.tourismvictoria.com. These are the folks that keep tourism industry functioning in Great Victoria.

Pictures above:

Top: A sellout crowd at this very special event hosted by Tourism Victoria.
Centre: Audience participation: one person at every table was assigned to cut the turkey...just like with the family at home!

Bottom: The event was also a fund raiser for the Mustard Seed Foodbank. The Victoria Hotel Association raised enough food and funds to fill this enormouse shopping cart!

For more information on Victoria and Vancouver Island Click Here:

Christmas Art Exhibition Victoria BC -Ho Ho Part One

If you are looking for something fascinating to do during the festive season, why not check out the 22 artists who are having an exhibition during the month of December. It opens December 4th and runs through December 31 at the View Art Gallery 104-860 View Street. For more information call 250-213-1162.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Ladysmith Christmas Light Up - an Island Spectacle

Last night we drove up the Island to Ladysmith to witness their 22nd annual Chistmas Festival of Lights. It is during the last week of November every year. I suggest you take it in at least once. Thousands of people line the main street in Ladysmith starting around 5 pm. There is a Spaghetti Dinner in one hall and a craft fair in another hall. There are a couple of entertainment stages and the music is piped along main street. Santa arrives at 6:30 to pull the switch and almost instantaneously, the entire street lights up with thousands of lights. They havea 50/50 draw to raise funds. Then the parade starts. The night ends with a pretty fantastic fireworks display. All along main street there are food vendors and people selling lights of various sorts. It is a really festive environment. The mini donuts and the hot chocolate concessions seemed to be the most popular. Check it our next year. Tomorrow night is the Light up in the City of Victoria. See you there.

For more information on Ladysmith, click here.

Christmas Activities in Victoria

If you are coming to Victoria during December, there are many things to do. For example the communities of Sidney, Oak Bay and Victoria, all have a sail past. It is very exciting to watch a variety of boats pass all lit up with Christmas Trees. Truckers have a night when they decorate their rigs and drive through the region raising funds and collecting for for the food bank. Today I visited the Queen Alexander Bear exposition. The bears are part of a silent auction to raise funds. Then we went over to the Laurel Point Hotel to see the Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread House fund raiser. These events are on till just before Christmas. If you are in town check around and you will find many more events. There are all kinds of Craft fairs and much more. Butchart Gardens over Christmas is spectacular.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Hark the Haro's Angles Sing at Haro's Lounge in the Pier Hotel in Sidney

To get yourself in the Christmas Spirit, why not try Haro's Lounge in the Pier Hotel and Spa in Sidney. Every Thursday from Nov 26-Dec 17, this event takes place from 5-8 pm, with free appies from 5 to 7 pm. Check it out.

For more information on Sidney, click here!

Dr. Zonk University of Victoria Special Event

Dr. Zonk performed at UVic last week. This annual fund raising event was fun and spectacular. Two of UVic scientists put on a chemistry show that entertained all. It was a bomb in the end, if you know what I mean. If you are in Victoria, the University of Victoria is one resource that you should tap into. There are lots of entertaining events and sport events there throughout the year. Check with the University Box Office. Spectacular colors, amazing changes, fire and explosions were what kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

For more Victoria information, Click Here.

Victoria Harbour Ferries Santa's Ballet

If you are coming to Victoria in December, here is an event that you surely will enjoy. Every Friday and Saturday from November 21st to December 19th, at 7 pm, the Victoria Harbour Ferries will dance to Christmas music in the Inner Harbour. This is like no ballet you’ve seen before. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the harbour as world-famous skippers take their iconic green boats through a precision choreographed water ballet. It’s quite the sight and the whole family will love it.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Tourism Victoria - 2010 Marketing Showcase

A very special event occurred on Tuesday evening, November 10th. Tourism Victoria wants tourist just like you to visit Victoria, so they are trying hard to convince you to come here. The plan was outlined to board members, members of tourism Victoria and the media. There are some great places in the world to visit, but Tourism Victoria believes that Victoria is one of the best and they are doing a great job of letting the world know just that. Speakers at the "Showcase" included Randy Wright, Board Chair, Helen Welch, Vice-president, Marketing, and Robert Gialloreto, President and CEO, all with Tourism Victoria. Special guest speakers included Greg Klassen, Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy and Communications, Canadian Tourism Commission and Brian Price (pictured above) a 2008 Olympic Champion at Beijing China in the Men's Eight Rowing event. The staff did a great job outlining the 2010 strategy and how it relates to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Brian Price shared his personal story of his trip from childhood Leukemia to Olympic Gold and it was truly inspirational. His goal was to illustrate that everyone is capable of reaching the potential that is deep inside. Check out the Tourism Victoria web site and also to learn more about Brian Price visit http://www.podiumfirst.ca/. The Empress Hotel and a number of sponsors treated the crowd to some local cuisine and spirits, an excellent closure to a fine event. During the mixer and food, I had the opportunity to hold Brian's gold medal. That was a real treat for me as I have never even seen one before. I could feel the energy that was put into getting the gold. Too cool!

Lest We Forget - Remembrance Day Victoria 2009

Over the years the men and women of our Canadian Forces have fought wars and taken on roles as peacekeepers all over the world. The freedoms they fought for and protected have given us a quality of life that no other country in the world has. We are very lucky indeed and have much to be thankful for. Thanks to all....

The photo above was taken in Veteran's Memorial Park in Langford. The park was so full of people I waited till the end of the ceremony to take this picture of the wreaths placed in honor of the fallen. A number of events like this took place all across Greater Victoria and all were well attended giving tribute to the women and men of the Canadian Forces.

If you are visiting Victoria, when you are in the Inner Harbour, you will see on of the memorials on the grounds of our Provincial Legislature just across the street from the inner harbour. Take a moment to reflect.

What is your favourite season at Butchart Gardens?

Each season at Butchart Gardens offers a new look at these beautiful gardens. Which season is your favourite? Christmas is just around the corner. If you are in town for Christmas, you will find a wonderous Christmas spirit at the gardens with many of the flower beds filled with Christmas lights. You can skate outdoors or listen to live Christmas music while sipping on hot chocolate. No mater what the season, Butchart always has something to offer. Check out the seasons on their web site. Pick you favourite and plan a visit.

For more information on Victoria Attractions, Click Here.

Victoria Carriage Tours Fall Special

If you are looking for something really neat to do while in Victoria this Fall, check out Victoria Carriage Tours.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Sidney Opera House - Sidney BC and The Pier Bistro

Sidney by the Sea is just 20 minutes north of Victoria. Yesterday, the sun was shining and it was one of the most beautiful November 1st days ever. There were dozens of sailboats out in waters just off Sidney. I thought I would give you a glimpse of Sidney's Opera House! Well, actually it is there band stand, but heh, looks a bit like the opera house in that other Sidney! Behind it is the fish market and then the Pier Bistro. Try the Pier Bistro, you will be delighted. It is right at the end of the dock, hanging over the water! Most of the sailboats had their spinakers up as they approached shore. What a gorgeous sight!

Hummingbirds on Vancouver Island

It seems that each fall we see a lot of hummingbirds at our feeders. We know for sure that certain varieties stay over our mild winters. They are such cool birds that I thought I should do a small blog on them. See some of the ones we have seen on the island in the collage above.

For more information on Vancouver Island, Click here.

Art Showing by Inge

On Sunday November 22, from 1-4 pm, travel to the magnificent Fairholme Manor at 638 Rockland Place (off Rockland between Pemberton & St. Charles) in Victoria where you can check out the unique art work from local artist Inge Ranzinger.


Inge says, “In painting, my aim is to capture some of my feelings, surroundings and inspirations into a free flowing form on canvas. I work mostly with acrylics, but use other mediums to create texture and dimension.
Throughout my life, I’ve used my creativity at my place of work from museum display, ad writing to lay­out. At present, I work as an independent interior designer and painter.”

For more information on Victoria, click here.

The Bay Centre Victoria's Premier Shopping Destination

Great shopping is part of a great vacation, so make sure to visit The Bay Centre, downtown Victoria’s premier shopping destination.
Covering one full city block in the heart of town, The Bay Centre has a mix of over 90 street front and interior shops where you’ll find great unique brands, tasty dining options and exceptional service in an urban shopping environment.

Featured retailers include: Aerosoles, Chlorophylle, Esprit, Eco Chic Spa & Salon, Geox, Guess?, Jacob, Melanie Lyne, Sport Chek, The Bay, The Tuscan Kitchen, Quiksilver and so much more.

Exclusive Visitor Savings
If you are visiting The Bay Centre from outside the Greater Victoria Region, please visit Guest Services, along with verifi cation of visitor status, to receive your complimentary Visitor Savings Card that provides 5% to 30% discounts at participating retailers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Guest Services
Tel: (250) 952-5690
Email: tbccares@cadillacfairview.com

For additional tourist information, click here.

Muse Winery Saanich Peninsula Fall Harvest

After two weeks of being totally immersed in grape juice, bees and fruit flies the crush ended this past Saturday and tomorrow the Syrah is the last red to be pressed. There was a literal cornucopia of fruit from the island growers, so make no small plans for Pinot Gris, Marechal Foch, Ortega and the Bacchus will be back in stock next spring. We'll be releasing a "late harvest" Viognier next summer as well as several other special treats that folks have been asking for over the past two seasons.

For more information on the Muse Winery click here.

The Birds....getting hungry

Looks like a scene from the old Hitchcock movie "the Birds". We took some old bread down to the beach at Esquimalt Lagoon and it was a big hit. They came by the hundreds and fought for the food. I guess fall is upon us and the birds are starting to get hungry. There we so many we thought we might get dumped on. Luck was on our side....hard to believe. They were all around us and above us. Today is 14C and sunny....another great fall day in paradise.

Great Food - Sooke Harbour House

Just west of Victoria is one of the finest dinning spots in North America. If you are living on Vancouver Island, Sooke Harbour House would like to thank you for all your support over the years. Below is a special they currently are offering.

We truly appreciate the support we receive from our local guests. If you reside on Vancouver Island, we invite you to visit our dining room and enjoy our Local Special 3 course dinner for $45.00 per person on Friday or Sunday evenings, excluding holidays. Please alert our staff when calling that you are reserving for the Local dinner. And thank you, we look forward to welcoming you to Sooke Harbour House.Call 800-889-9688 or 250-642-3421 today.

Fall at Goldstream

Fall is coming to Goldstream. The leafy trees are starting to turn color and soon the salmon will be crowding the river on their return spawn. Between now and December is a great time to enjoy this beautiful provincial park. It is very special in the fall. The salmon spawn is amazing, even if you have seen it before. Check it out.

A Crafty Time of Year

Fall is craft fair time. All over Vancouver Island you can find Craft Fairs, Fall Bazzars, Teas and Shows most of which are dedicated to promoting the sale of local arts and crafts. If you are looking for a special, one-of-a-kind gift, then check out the schedule of events on our web site. Many of these events are in Victoria but you will notice they are also all over Vancouver Island. You could easily spend an entire weekend going from show to show. You might find something unique like the shell wreath above. Enjoy.

Robins in Migration Fall in Victoria

Fall could be in the air...I have noticed that the robin migration south has begun. They seem to be everywhere right now. This on decided to frame the moon. This was taken at the Olympic View Golf Course in Metchosin. The weather in Victoria is about 17 degrees Celcius and super sunny. If you are not here, you should be. Right now I think we have the best weather in Canada.

Treasures: World Cultures from the British Museum

The Treasures exhitibit at the Provincial Museum is over. If you missed it, that is too bad! It was spectacular and as with all exhibits at the museum, it was very well done. If you hear of future exhibits, go next time, you will not be disappointed.
From October 23, 2009 to January 10, 2010, the Royal BC Museum is proud to present the Canadian premiere of Silver of the Stars – a stunning collection of contemporary silver designed by, and created for, some of the biggest names in film, music, fashion, theatre and literature.

Each of 10 celebrities, including Sir Sean Connery, Billy Connolly and Ewan McGregor, partnered with one of 10 Scottish silversmiths to create elaborate drinking vessels. Based on the theme “a drink with a close friend,” the celebrities’ answers to a series of questions became the inspiration for the finished silverworks: the motorcycle handlebars on Ewan McGregor’s coffee pot and mug are reminiscent of a world-journey McGregor once made, and novelist Ian Rankin’s desire for a reflection of Scotland’s industrial past comes across in a drink tray modelled after the famed Forth Bridge in Scotland. CHECK IT OUT!

Classic Boat Festival On Labour Day Weekend

If you have never been to the Classic Boat Festival in Victoria's Inner Harbour, best you show up this weekend. It is held on the Labour Day Long Weekend during the early part of September every year. That usually puts it during the first week of September. Labour Day is usually the first monday in September. These grand old yatchs and boats that are put on show during this weekend are beautiful and worth a visit. Entrance is off the lower causeway in the Inner Harbour, see you there.

If you want to learn more about special events in Victoria, click here.

Squamish - the Stawamus Chief

Most people who visit Victoria feel the need to visit Vancouver. If you get there, take the highway north towards Whistler. It is a beautiful drive with so much spectacular scenery. One of the amazing things you will see along the way is the Stawamus Chief, the larges single slab of granite anywhere. It is a very popular climbing rock, probably the most famous in North America - as you will see in the pictures. Not far away is the beautiful Shannon Falls. You can see Black Tusk Mountain along the route. It is spectacular to say the least.

For more information on Vancouver, Click Here.

Artichokes in Blume

We recently went to a special event at the Glendale Gardens and Woodlands in Victoria. During our walk through the Japanese Garden we discovered these beautiful looking plants. They really are artichokes in bloom. Pretty amazing! So is the Glendale Gardens and Woodlands. You might want to give it a visit when you are in Victoria next time.

For more information on Victoria attractions, Click Here.

Amazing Park-Parksville's Top Bridge Park

If you go to Parksville, you need to check out one of my all time favourite places to go walking is Top Bridge Regional Park off Chattel Road in Parksville. The newly installed 81 metre suspension bridge now links Englishman River Park with Top Bridge Park adding more special trails and more chances for exploring. The suspension bridge crosses a small narrow gorge that has beautifully sculpted rocks. Although no young people were swimming in the river the day we were there, I suspect this might be a hot spot for locals and tourists that find this park. Check it out.

For more information on Parksville, Click Here.

Sand Sculptures in Parksville

Just a bit less than 2 hours north of Victoria is the picturesque community of Parksville. For years now they have been holding sand sculpture competitions. This years competition is over and the art work is now on display until September. If you are in Victoria and looking for something unusual to do check out the sand sculptures in Parksville. There are many talent people who have done work on these artworks. If you are travelling north on the Island, be sure to take it in. It is just a bit north of Nanaimo. There are a lot more like this. The theme this year was the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler.

For more information on Parksville, Click Here.

Live Like a Local - Swap Meet Western Speedway

When you come to Victoria, if you are looking for that something really different to take home, why not do what many locals do, go to a SWAP MEET. Every Sunday in Langford on the edge of Victoria, at the Western Speedway, hundreds of people converge on the Swap Meet. It starts at 7:00 am and those looking for the really good deals get there early. If you want to try something really different, give a swap meet a try.

For lots of really cool pictures of Victoria and Vancouver Island, check out my Vancouver Island Travel Guide Facebook Page. You will be glad you did.
Click Here.

Unique Island Experience - Air Tour

If you are looking for a really exciting experience why not consider an air tour of the area around Victoria BC. Harbour Air is just one of the companies that provide this service. They are an excellent company with a great reputation. Their ISLANDS EXTRAVAGANZA TOUR is departing Victoria on Sundays at 11:00 am. Take this tour and you will depart from Victoria's Inner Harbour and enjoy a meandering flight over the Canadian Gulf Islands and the American San Juan Islands. View picturesque villages and farms, sailboats anchored by tiny coves, and cottages perched by the water’s edge. Orca whales, sea lions, and bald eagles are common sights on this tour.

You have not seen whales until you have seen them from the air. What a spectacular sight that will be. Seeing all of the above from the air gives you a totally new perspective of this beautiful country. Give it a try.

To find out more about Transportation, Tours and Harbour Air around Victoria, click here

Ron

Vancouver Island Kayaking - Ladysmith Harbour

There are lots of good places on Vancouver Island to Kayak. This long weekend we decided to kayak in Ladysmith Harbour with our good friends Darrel and Edith Martin from St. Albert. There is a kayak rental outfit right on Transfer Beach. That makes for a pretty easy entry. Fairly early in our trip we spotted a huge bald eagle looking like the captain of the boat shown. What we found out when we got closer that he had his eye on some otters that were under a nearby dock. Seals were also in the vicinity. Ladysmith harbour is full of oyster, especially in the shallows. Word is that they are contaminated...too bad! There was lots to see and do on this trip. We just had a short carry from the parking lot with out kayaks. The park was busy when we got out of the water as it was Ladysmith Days. It is always a good day on the water!

For more information on Ladysmith, click here!

Albert Head Lagoon/Beach

Just a short drive on Metchosin Road, from Colwood and when you pass Latoria road on your right, take the next road (lower park drive), then park drive and then Delgrada Rd until you come to the parking lot. Behind you is Albert Head Lagoon and in front of you is Juan de Fuca Strait. There is a long beach hear and at the end of it is the opening to the lagoon. It is possible to swim in the ocean here on warm summer days and the scenery here is second to none. Many people do not know where this beach is so it is often quite quiet. Check it out.

Explore our web site to find out more secrets like this. Click Here

Sannich Pennisula Wine Tour

Dates: May through OctoberMeeting Time: 9:00 a.m.Departs From: 1000 Wharf St., Victoria BCDuration: Approximately 7-8 hoursDistances: 55 kmCost: $119.00 Cdn/PPRide Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

This day-long guided cycling adventure incorporates the best of cycling trail networks and quiet country roads that make Victoria the undisputed “Cycling Capital of Canada”. Add in locally operated Wineries, Cideries and even a Ginnery and you have a truly unforgettable cycling experience. The ride begins in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour and follows the Lochside Trail as it traverses bird sanctuaries, active farmlands, and train trestles. This tour offers incredible views of the Coastal Mountains, including the massive Mount Baker volcano. After a delicious lunch we stop for some tastings at the local wineries and return via the picturesque Colquitz River Trail.

This full day of touring includes a hybrid-style bicycle, helmet, map, water bottle, all fares and transfers, lunch, and, of course, your friendly guides.

For more information on Victoria, click here.
To contact CycleTreks, click here

Muse Wineery Saanich Peninsula North of Victoria BC

Our lunch arrives and the presentation is spectacular, so we quickly take some photos and then dig in to these culinary delights. Each bite brings a new burst of flavour. The Bistro Muse bills itself as an intimate alfresco open- air dining patio. The weather is over 25C, the sky is pure blue, we are nestled right against the vineyard, we have great food in our hands and good wine in our glasses –it seems more like heaven. The Muse Bistro has indoor dinning space as well but on a day like this the patio is perfect. As we enjoy our incredible lunch, the flow of guests is steady. Many take a seat for lunch and some just stop for a wine tasting. It is $5.00 for five wines at the tasting bar. We shared a couple to tasting plates to get a good feel for what was available at the Bistro. One was a selection of local cheeses and meats paired with delectable compotes, Little Qualicum Spice Cheese, Rosenborg Blue Cheese with Pear, Pinot Gris Salami and Prosciutto, Comox Valley Brie and Elk Salami. The other plate, The Muse Trio, had three fabulous tarts, a layered candied salmon tart with mascarpone cheese and lemon zest, a caramelized onion tart with gorgonzola and thyme drizzled with balsamic vinegar glaze. The final of this trio was a spectacular dark chocolate panache with raspberry coulis. Have I got your attention yet? This is an excerpt from an article on the Muse Winery just 20 minutes north of Victoria. Don't miss this winery and bistro. It is exceptional and what a setting!