The Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan BC

Recently we made a stop at the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan, built on six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the banks of the Cowichan River, a designated BC Heritage River, just off the Trans Canada Highway.  At the entry to the Centre, we met John our well-informed guide and joined a group of about 100 (!) visiting Japanese students for a tour.  John started with the Totem Tour, sharing the stories and traditions of the Cowichan people for hundreds of years past.  Each Totem had a unique and interesting story.  Madison particularly liked the Marriage Totem and the little artist in her appreciated the talent involved in carving them.  Following the totem tour, we watched a half-hour movie depicting the history of the Cowichan First Nation.  Then we enjoyed a display of traditional dance by local students.   The tour expands in the summer and includes more on-site displays and an authentic salmon BBQ.  Ever hungry and hoping for food, Madison was disappointed that the salmon BBQ is only held in the summer.  The Centre also showcases First Nations contemporary food in the restaurant and a West Coast themed gift gallery featuring local artists.  This is a well designed centre giving a close up view on native culture on Vancouver Island.  Thanks to John for such an interesting and educational experience that even kept Madison interested and attentive.  Go to our Facebook page to see more photos of this super attraction and our Blog Video of their Dancers.

We recently had friends in from Alberta and decided to introduce them to Oak Bay.  In Oak Bay Village there is a cultural experience waiting to be experienced.  There are seven galleries withing about three blocks of each other.  They are all worth a visit.  The picture above is the Winchester Gallery which is at the east end of Oak Bay Village next to Ottavio's bakery and deli.  Ottavio's serve some great Italian gelato amongst other things.  There are lots of other shops and restaurants in the village worth visiting as well.  We then took our guests to the Oak Bay Marina for a wildlife experience.  There are five harbour seals that call the fish cleaning table at the Marina home.  Thousands of people come there to see and feed these seals.  They are well fed and seem quite happy.  The do0 disappear for a short time each spring to have a family.  Oak Bay also has some amazing real estate and homes, particularly in the Uplands.  Cattle Point is a favourite spot for the tour buses to stop and look towards the spectacular Mount Baker.  There are also several very good lookouts with some of the best views in Great Victoria in Oak Bay.  On your next visit to Victoria, be sure to check out Oak Bay.

This company does and excellent job so we are sharing their change plan with you.  If you have transportation needs while in Victoria, check them out.  

CVS Sightseeing located at the corner of Government & Humboldt St. Information: 250-386-8652  www.cvscruisevictoria.com

Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa is Rennovating

Discover their exciting new guest rooms coming in April 2012!  Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa has just announced that all 240 guestrooms are being completely renovated with completion by April 2012. Each element of the new guest rooms have been chosen to reflect comfort, convenience and thoughtfulness for  guests. Visit http://www.deltavictoria.com for more information.

This beautiful hotel is right on Victoria's amazing Inner Harbour.  It is just steps from downtown shopping, restaurants and attractions and is serviced by the cute little Harbour Ferries and water taxis.

Check out their magnificent, spacious rooms with views of the Inner Harbour and lighted legislative building.  It can't get any better than this.  They have great food services and an excellent spa.  You will not be disappointed!

For more pictures of the hotel and surroundings, check out our Facebook Page.

Looking for fun- try Adrenaline Zipline

photo courtesy of Adrenaline

Have you ever wanted to fly or overcome your fear of heights while soaring over a majestic West coast forest? At Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tour, experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic zipline courses ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettable 1000 feet. Give these guys a try and you will have the time of your life. It is safe and lots of fun. Take it from a guy who does not like heights. I had a blast, soaring through the tree tops. You can learn more about them at

http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/victoria-attractions.html
For more pictures go to our Facebook Page.

Here is what I found.  When you are standing on the tiny platform, you have to walk down a small incline and when you do, the cable supports you before you step off in space....this really makes it easy for people like me who would never jump off a plane or bungy jump.  It really was a whole pile of fun.  The staff are there to assist you in take off and landing.  There is a breaking system as you approach the landing pad.  Give it a try, you will be really glad you did.

Tourist Season is just starting - Get Ready

My web site statistics just started their spring surge.  Over 50,000 people a month are looking for vacation information for trips to Vancouver Island and that is just on my web site.  So, it is time to remind ourselves as residents and business people on the Island that guest are arriving and they need to be treated like our "best friends", each and everyone of them.  Tourism is a staple of our Island economy, so we must do it right.

So here is my 20 second course on Customer Service.

Just focus on two things when you meet guests from off island....

# 1 Create good feelings.....ask yourself, how can I do that....it could be as simple as a smile and a warm greeting.

#2 Find Solutions to Problems...if you see some holding a map, ask them if they need, if they look lost on the streets, ask them if they need help....and so it goes.  

If you have a business, brainstorm with your staff and create a list of each.....many times, it is something easy to do and doesn't cost anything but a few moments of time.

This was not done to insult your intelligence but as a reminder.   Just blogging it made me do some thinking.  Have a great year.   Ron