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!