Spring has Sprung Early than ever

Spring has sprung in Victoria. Recent temperatures have been a few degrees above normal. The next few days look like 10-11 degrees C. As a result, the cherry blossom trees are starting to happen. Trees are turning pink throughout the city. Other trees are showing signs of leafing. The daffodils are up and snow drops are everywhere. I would say spring has arrived, just in time for the "Winter" Olympics. Good thing they are not in Victoria.

Victoria Flower Count - Get into the Spirit at Butchart Gardens

Each year in the early spring in Victoria (February 25 – March 4) Victoria begins a ritual, described as a "flower count". It is really an opportunity to gloat over the rest of Canada. Obviously spring comes first to Victoria and then to the rest of Canada. In any case, it is done in good fun.

To help involve visitors to Greater Victoria (and locals too) in the flower count this year Butchart Gardens has developed a way for them to help Butchart count the flowers at The Gardens.

Butchart Gardens is dividing the gardens into seven sections with one section being counted each day of the flower count. Visitors can pick up a counting report sheet (specifying the area to be counted) from either the Admission Gate or the Info Centre on the day of their visit. They can count the flowers and turn in their report. We will tally the total and divide by the number of participants to get an average count. This number will be submitted daily to the Flower Count web site.

On March 4th, the Gardens will post a list on our web site of the number of flowers counted per section and the number of participants. If visitors give their name and city that will be posted too.

Schedule of gardens

Feb. 25 Thursday The Sunken Garden

26 Friday Waterwheel Square

27 Saturday Japanese Garden

28 Sunday Rose Garden

Mar. 1 Monday Concert Lawn

2 Tuesday Piazza

3 Wednesday Italian Garden



For more information on the Flower Count visit www.flowercount.com

For more information on Butchart Gardens click here

Livingcolours 2010 Spirit Spectacular Centennial Square City of Victoria

From February 12-14 Victoria’s Centennial Square next to City Hall will come alive with Livingcolours 2010 Spirit Spectacular which will feature exciting events, sports activities and live performances. 

This will take place during the opening weekend of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. This event will take place rain or shine. Admission is free. Come and see Centennial Square come alive with and brilliant burst of color, energy and excitement!

Vancouver Island 2010 Olympics: be sure to stop by when you're in the neighbourhood!

When you visit Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics, be sure to hop over to Victoria & Vancouver Island while you're here - we're not as far away as you think.

For more info on how to get here, where to stay, and for things to do while you're here, check out our Victoria  and Vancouver Island Travel Directory!

Spring has arrived in Victoria

It was a rainy albeit balmy January in Victoria - the mildest January on record!  The grass is greener than I've ever seen it here.

And today when the sun came out, so did the flowers.  Robins are singing, cherry trees are blossoming, and the scent of spring is in the air.

If you're tired of winter, why not visit us here in Victoria BC?

Where to Be for FREE - Vancouver 2010

If you're going to be in Vancouver for the Olympics and want to have fun without breaking the bank, visit the City Caucus blog where you can check out Daniel Fontaine and Mike Klasson's comprehensive Vancouver 2010 Free Events Guide!  

You can also share your Olympic photos, videos, comments, and opinions here.  The countdown is on - the Games begin next Friday!