Denniston By the Sea

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

2011-11-04T11:03:00.001-07:00

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. It you want to stay right in the middle of lots of this fall foliage, try Denniston by the Sea Bed and Breakfast.

Ghost Bus Tours Victoria BC

2011-10-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

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
For a great place to unwind and spend the night check out Denniston By the Sea Bed and Breakfast. It is not haunted, guaranteed.

The Great Blue Heron at Esquimalt Lagoon Victoria BC

2011-10-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

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! Stay at Denniston by the Sea bed and breakfast and you will not be far from beautiful Esquimalt Lagoon or Beacon Hill Park.

Skinny Tato Polish Restaurant Downtown Victoria BC

2011-06-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

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.
If you are staying with us at Dennistorn by the Sea, you are just minutes to downtown and once you cross the blue bridge. just go about 1.5 blocks up Johnson Street and you will see the Skinny Tato on your right.

Ric's Grill 910 Government Street Victoria BC

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

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.

While in Victoria, stay at Denniston by the Sea Bed and Breakfast. We are only minutes away from Ric's Grill.

Great Picnic Spot - Inner Harbour Victoria BC

2011-04-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

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! You are just minutes away from this spot while staying at our B&B!

Downtown Public Markets - Bastion Square and Centennal Square Victoria BC

2011-04-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

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.

When you stay at our B&B you are just minutes from these markets.

Golden City Seafood Restaurant - 721 Fisgard Street Downtown Victoria

2011-04-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Stay at my B&B, we are just minutes away from the Golden City Seafood Restaurant in downtown Victoria.

Race Rocks Light Station - superb scuba diving and more.

2011-04-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for an ecological experience unsurpassed, you will want to go to Race Rocks. Many of the local whale watching tours often go to Race Rocks when whales are nearby but also go there when they cannot find whales because it is such a great experience. There are hoards of seals and sealions on and around Race Rocks as well as many sea birds. Below the surface is a world that surpasses Butchart Gardens. It is my favourite diving sight in this area.

For more pictures and a detailed description of the undersea life at Race Rocks please follow the link to our facebook page. You can also read additional information on our web site. Stay at our B&B and then visit Race Rocks.

Spring in Esquimalt

2011-03-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

The township of Esquimalt wins my vote for the pinkest area in Greater Victoria. It is amazing to drive through the streets and see what is unfolding this time of year. Some streets are like driving through a pink tunnel. This is a sure sign that spring is here for good. Our weather is headed towards 15C by the weekend. You gotta love it! For more pics go to our Facebook page. While there, indicate that you like our page and you will be entered into a contest for one of our pdf books that we call the Best Kept Secrets of Victoria. It is an insiders guide to Southern Vancouver Island. You can check out this book on our web site. We will be giving out 1 of these books for every ten additional likes that we get. Have fun, it is spring.

If you stay at one of these Bed and Breakfasts, you will be in the middle of all this pink splendor. Hemingways by the Sea or Denniston by the Sea

Emily Carr- The Other Emily at the Royal BC Provincial Museum

2011-03-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

The Other Emily: Redefining Emily Carr will shake off the stubborn stereotypes that have come to characterize this iconic artist.

The exhibition draws on the Royal BC Museum’s vast Carr collection to mount the first-ever exploration of the artist’s life before she became famous – from her teenage years to just before her emergence on the national art scene in 1927.

This new story of her life includes twenty of Carr’s masterpieces, including one painting recently acquired by the Royal BC Museum and on public display for the very first time.

In addition to the outstanding original Carr paintings, visitors can admire more than a dozen rarely-seen sketches and drawings, view numerous manuscripts and handwritten letters, read personal diary accounts, examine archival photographs, and much more. Eighteen contemporary paintings of Carr by artist Manon Elder are presented in counterpoint with the archival photographs that inspired them. See Facebook for more pictures.

March 2 to October 10, 2011-Don't Miss it! Stay at our B&B as we are only minutes from the Museum.

Text copied from the museum site.

Denniston Park in Esquimalt

2011-03-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is a small but delightful park in Esquimalt. You get to it by travelling west on Esquimalt Road to Grafton. Turn left and drive to the end of the street. There is parking for about 6 cars. There are great views of Juan de Fuca Strait and out towards Race Rocks Light Station. Shore views are of Saxe Point Park, the Esquimalt Naval Base and more. Great place for a picnic on a warm summer day. Enjoy. For more pics go to Facebook

This is right below our B&B.

Spring officially is Sunday at 4 but Victoria is ahead

2011-03-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Beacon Hill Park to get my dose of Spring Fever....One shot was not enough. Seemed like everywhere I turned the color just got better and better. Passing back through the city I could not help but notice a good number of cars from frozen Alberta. Smart people! Enjoy.... For more pics, visit our facbook site at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34103&l=16599c13d8&id=152079471515355

Although these photos were taken at Beacon Hill Park, you can see more of the same walking 20 min or so to Saxe Point Park, not far from our B&B.

Victoria showing signs of spring coming

2011-03-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Following the appearance of snow drops and daffodils poking through the earth, the trees are starting their bloom. Once this starts Victorians know that spring is really on the way. In a few weeks full spring bloom will occur. There are a few rhododendrons blossoming as well. So, if you are looking for a place to get out of the snow, Victoria is the place. Come and stay at our B&B.

Spring has Sprung in Victoria - predictions are right

2011-02-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

This tree is not laden with blossoms but they are starting to come out. The snow-drops are coming out of the ground as are the tulips. Buds are starting open. I must admit that I have seen blossoms in late December and often in the middle of January, so these are not really that early, even though they have been out for about ten days. I hesitate to post our weather conditions because I have seen what it has been like across Canada and in the USA. We again feel really lucky to live here. We did get snow for a short while. It was however short lived. The second snowfall, I did not even bother to shovel. I let the liquid sunshine take it away. This does not mean that we could not have another downturn in the weather, but all forecasts are for an early spring, so we hope these early signs will bring it on! Spring is in the air!

The Year of the Rabbit - Victoria Chinatown Celebrates February 3-6

2011-01-28T10:58:00.001-08:00

Picture above: Crowd watches the Lion Dance just outside the Gates of Harmonious Interest in -
Top Picture: Year of the Rabbit..one of UVic's finest - Why do they hang out there?

Victoria's Chinatown. If you have not gone before, do so soon. It is quite a spectacle of color and pageantry. It is exciting and very well attended. Get their early to get a good viewing point. This year's celebrations take place from February 3-6th.

Victoria Tea Festival Feb 12, 13 at the Crystal Garden

2011-01-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

Visit the Victoria Tea Festival
February 12 & 13, 2011 at the Crystal Garden

Come visit the largest public tea exhibition in North America! Hosted in the tea capital of Canada, the 5th annual event features tea tastings, tea-food selections, complimentary presentations, and opportunities to purchase tea, tea-related products, and exquisite tea wares. A Silent Auction (live and online) will be offered. Proceeds to Camosun College Child Care Services! It’s a one stop shop for all things tea! For more info & ticket outlets, click here.

Critic's Choice - Victoria's Best Restaurants

2011-01-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

Photo above Courtesy of the Hotel Grand Pacific.

The Victoria Times Colonist Food Critic, Pam Grant just released her Best of Victoria Restaurants for the 2010 year. The Mark shown above is one of Victoria's best restaurants. Her is what Pam says about the Mark. "The city's most exclusive dining spot seats 26. Menus illustrate genuine respect for both ingredient and methodology, offering unique and faultlessly harmonious dishes. Indulge in one of the seasonally themed tasting menus or dine a la carte, with local oysters with horseradish oil and preserved lemon mignoinette, followed by duck breast, butternut squash and chestnut confit and molasses butter. Desert? Perhaps roasted pear tart scented with fennel seed and orange zest, served with tarragon panna cotta and cranberry compote. Service in all venues at this hotel, whether a formal evening at the March or Chef Choy's fabulous dim sum on the patio of the more relaxed Pacific Restaurant is simply exceptional".

Well if you are looking for something special, this is certainly one of the best in the City. We have eaten there and certain "ditto" Pam's remarks. When a food critic gives you the high sign, it is hard to go wrong. Be sure with all of the restaurants discussed here that you make a reservation to avoid disappointment.

Other restaurants that got the go from Pam Grant are:

The West Coast Tap House in the Four Point by Sheraton Victoria Gateway, 829 McCallum Road in beautiful Langford, phone 250-474-6033. We have had great food here as well.

Basilico Ristorante and Lounge, 832 Goldstream Avenue in Langford. Phone 250-391-5589. We have eaten here a number of times and the food is sensational.

Kim's Vietnamese Restaurant, 748 Johnson St., phone 250-385-00455 - We have had good food here as well. Downtown Victoria.

Nar, 2540 Windsor Road, Oak Bay. Phone 250-598-1085. Turkish fare. We have heard good things about this restaurant.

Green Leaf Bistro, 1684 Douglas Street, phone 250-590-8302. Downtown Victoria.

Ulla, 509 Fisgard Street, phone 250-8795. Downtown Victoria.

Bon Sushi, 1467 Hampshire Road, Oak Bay, phone 250-592-0008.

Evadar's Bistro and Wine Bar, 2829 Peatt Road, in Langford. Phone 250-391-8636. As we live near here, we have been to this place multiple times and it is great!

Al-Sultan, 1813 Douglas Street, phone 250-590-4044.

Amrikko's Fine Indian Cuisine, 298 Old Island Highway, phone 250-590-4044.

The Marina Restaurant, 1327 Beach Drive, Oak Bay. Phone 250-598-8555. This restaurant has been around for a long time and it is always good.

Golden Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant, 627 Fort Street, phone 250-388-3148.

Restorante La Piola, 3189 Quadra Street, Saanich. Phone 250-388-3148.

Ho-Ting Chinese Restaurant, 809 Craigflower Road in Vic West, phone 250-383-8897.

To view Pam Grant's comments on these restaurants, click here to view the promo I received.

The Sun Sets in Victoria - a fine Winter Day

2011-01-02T15:51:00.001-08:00

With slightly cooler weather on the West Coast, we often get more blue sky. With the clear skies come great sunsets. These two were from last night. We were on the move through Victoria, so we were not strategically located for great photos. As we drove the intensity of the sunsets increased. It was a spectacular evening in Victoria. Enjoy.

For more information on Victoria click here. For a great place to view waterfront sunsets, stay at Hemingway's by the Sea or Denniston by the sea.

Deepest Start in Resort History - Mount Washington Ski Resort Vancouver Island

2010-12-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Mount Washington has literally been hammered by snow this week. The resort, already famous for being the home of Canada's deepest snow, beat it's own record for four day snowfall.

“We've seen unbelievable volumes of snow here over the last few days,” explains resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “Over 1.5 metres has fallen in the last 24 hours and we've received over 2.5 metres of new snow in the last four days. I've never seen a start to the season like this.”

The snowbase at Mount Washington currently sits at 480 centimetres, which is now the deepest mid-mountain snowbase worldwide. With more snow in the forecast through Sunday, the resort is busy digging out as it prepares to host thousands of skiers and boarders through the holiday season.

Mount Washington reported some of the strongest occupancy numbers it's seen in years over the Christmas time period. La Nina and superb snow conditions are considered the two major factors for the resort's early season success.

“If you're looking for a winter wonderland this holiday season, this is definitely the place,” says Curtain.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the home of Canada's deepest snowpack. 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.

For more information on Courtenay and Comox, Click here.

Winter in Victoria - Late Dec. 2010

2010-12-20T04:20:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow it is officially Winter in Canada. Most of Canada is covered in snow this time of the year. It is not that we do not get snow in Victoria, but it certainly does not come very often and it does not usually stay very long. Right now, we consider ourselves blessed. We have had some great sun shine days. December has had its fair share of rain this year, but when we get the good days, we know this is the best weather in Canada. We are lucky and know it. In the following days, I will share more winter pictures with you. Yesterday, December 19th, it was sunny and thousands of Victorians were out playing in the sun. The rest were last minute shopping. The pictures above are Mount Baker in Washington State, just south of Vancouver BC and the spectacular sunshine off Dallas Road in Juan de Fuca Strait. For more spectacular views visit our Facebook page.

For two great places to stay check out Hemingways By the Sea or Denniston by the Sea, two great B&B's. For more information on Victoria, click here.

Comedy of Errors this Weekend - Don't Miss It

2010-12-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

Company C - the Canadian College of Performing Arts co-op program will be this weekend December 17-19 "The Comedy of Errors" at the Metro Studio on Johnson and Quadra.
Check the link for details.
The Comedy of Errors Teaser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cjU7PQ2HOU

Christmas Contest Magnolia Hotel - Got a good Christmas Drink

2010-12-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

What warms you on a cold winter day? Hop on over to The Magnolia Hotel & Spa and spread some holiday cheer by entering an original photo of your favourite winter beverage! There are 2 chances to win a gift stay at the hotel - just in time to put under the tree.

The Magnolia has decided to host a last minute Christmas contest where we're asking people to submit photos (and recipes!) of their favourite winter/festive beverages for a chance to win a one night gift stay at the hotel.

Contest Link: http://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaHotelVictoria?v=app_95936962634

New Year's Eve at Sooke Harbour House

2010-12-07T10:21:00.001-08:00

Stay at Denniston by the Sea and you are only a short hop from Sooke Harbour House.

Inside Butchart Gardens - A seasonal display

2010-12-06T22:12:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for something special to do during the holiday season, please go to Butchart Gardens. If you get there about 3, you can take in their wonderful high tea. It starts with a signature candied ginger scone served with strawberry jam, whipped vanilla Devon-style cream and maple butter. Then come the hot traditional delicacies like Cornish pasty, roasted vegetable and cheese quiche, and chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent. Then sandwiches and savories and topped off with house made sweets and very delicious tea! It doesn't get any better than that. While there for some great fun go ice skating and ride the fantastic carousel. The lights are truly amazing and the colors are dazzling. Be sure to watch for the twelve days of Christmas starting with a partridge in a pear tree and ending with 12 drummers drumming. This is truly a captivating experience that everyone should try. Expect nothing less at this world class attraction, undoubtedly Victoria's best!

IOEA Lighted Truck Parade Victoria BC

2010-12-06T12:14:00.001-08:00

This spectacular event took place Saturday evening. It is one of the best food drives on the Island and is attended by thousands of people who line the streets from Dallas Road and all the way to Speedway Park in Langford. The rigs are really well decorated and thrill the throngs lining the roadways. Then at 7 pm one of the three lighted boat parades took place in the Inner Harbour. Quite an evening in Greater Victoria.

DINOSAURS ALIVE and THE ULTIMATE WAVE TAHITI at the IMAX VICTORIA

2010-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

(Photos courtesy of Imax Theatre Victoria)

DINOSAURS ALIVE is a global adventure of science and discovery -- featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant IMAX® screen. Through the magic of Imax we were able to journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendents of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film follows paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. Through the magic of scientifically accurate computer-generated animation, these newly discovered creatures, and some familiar favorites, come alive on screen in a really big way in a big way! It is narrated by Michael Douglas. Take it in as it is very worthwhile!

THE ULTIMATE WAVE TAHITI plunges into the stunning beauty of an island paradise on a quest to find the perfect wave-riding experience. Nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer are amazing as they seek out the best waves breaking on the reef at Tahiti's famed surf site Teahupo'o. As the quest unfolds, we are plunged beneath the surface of things, to explore the hidden forces at work shaping ocean waves and the islands that lie in their path.
Amidst playful surfing action, the film navigates the cosmos and an ocean storm in a search for the source and nature of a wave's energy. Exploring mountainous Tahiti, the film thrusts into the turbulent volcanic past of the island and its neighbors and discover the seagoing, wave-riding roots of the islanders themselves -- a culture still rich in the music, dance and lore of the sea. Beneath the ocean, swimming with our surfers, the film explores the stunning, fragile beauty of the reef habitat -- a turbulent, wave-shaping interface that envelops the island and nurtures the ocean's multitudes in motion -- fish, dolphins, sharks and whales.
When the truly big surf arrives at Teahupo'o, surfing play becomes surfing survival as the riders artfully tackle some of the heaviest surf on the planet -- spectacularly captured for the giant screen for the first time. Very educational and well photographed. Check it out at the Imax Web Site.

For what else to do in Victoria, click here.

Springtide Whale Watching Victoria BC - at its best

2010-07-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

The very first time we went whale watching the three resident pods were all in the same place at the same time, just off Henry Island near Roche Harbour. We could not turn our heads fast enough to see all the action. It was truly amazing. I have said many times that being on an island with out a boat is like being bird poo on a rock. To experience Vancouver Island you need to get out on the water. There is no better way to do that that with a charter like Springtide Whale Watching. They have a large fast yacht with a washroom and plenty of viewing space inside, on the top deck, back deck and bow. They are skilled and knowledgeable, but your still need nature to cooperate. The photo pictorial can be seen at: Click Here

For more information about whale watching in Victoria, click here.
For a great place to stay in Victoria, click here

Victoria Harbour Ferry Experience Victoria's Inner Harbour

2010-07-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Victoria Harbour Ferries provide a great opportunity for a marine experience while visiting Victoria. You will get a great tour of our beautiful Inner Harbour and Gorge Waterway. The drivers are all very knowlegeable and give a great commentary throughout the trip. It is a fun and exciting way to see Victoria. You can visit Fisherman's Wharf and have Barb's famous fish and chips and wash that down with an ice cream cone from Jackson's. Or you can go to Spinakers Pub and have some beer from their famous brew pub and restaurant. The complete tour is really worthwhile and there is a version where you can hop on and off as much as you like. Give it a try. You will be glad you did. For more info, click here. For lots of great pictures of the Harbour Ferry experience, click here. For a great place to stay in Victoria, just a short distance from the Harbour Ferry dock, visit Denniston by the Sea B&B.

Helijet Service Victoria to Vancouver - Helicopter Travel

2010-07-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

We recently flew by Helijet from Victoria to Vancouver and stayed overnight in Vancouver with friends before catching our train to Whistler early the next morning. Flying with Helijet is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. This is such a special experience. It starts when you enter the Helijet Passenger Lounge. The Passenger Lounge offers complimentary beverages and snacks, telephone, television, and wireless internet access. The assortment of snacks and beverages offers healthy options, something for everyone. The crew is efficient, courteous and helpful. They can easily connect you with ground transportation options to meet your needs once you are in Vancouver or back in Victoria. Our bags were checked in and all we had to do was walk to Helijet's Sikorsky S76- Spirit of Vancouver - waiting for us on the tarmac. There is no time consuming security check.

We slipped in the complementary ear plugs and lifted off. As we ascended over Victoria’s Inner Harbour we quickly realized how special this trip was going to be. The scenery was spectacular. Our course to Vancouver crossed directly over Greater Victoria. We flew over Esquimalt, View Royal, Victoria and Saanich and then on to the Gulf Islands, taking pictures as fast as we could! We seemed to be floating over the landscape and then the sea. The ride was incredibly gentle. This is the way everyone should see our beautiful city and the surrounding islands and ocean. It is so beautiful from the air. We feel so lucky to live here.

Give it a try....sooner rather than later. Top photo courtesy of Helijet. To check out more about our trip, go to our Travel Magazine. While in Victoria stay with Denniston by the Sea.

Chateau Victoria - A great place to visit

2010-06-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Whether it is Clive's Classic Cocktail Lounge you stop by for one of their legendary cocktails, or the Vista 18 for dinner, you will be thoroughly impressed by the great food, the selection of drinks and the helpful and friendly staff at the Chateau Victoria. We just toured the hotel and I would certainly recommend it to any of my friends and acquaintances. The rooms are reasonable priced but the services in the hotel are second to none. They have great chefs that produce quality and very tasty items. If you click here you will be taken to our Facebook site for a photo pictorial of the hotel. The views from the rooms and especially from Vista 18 are the best in the city. Check it out on your next visit to downtown Victoria. The location is great, only two blocks from the Inner Harbour and all the action downtown Victoria has to offer. At the very least, drop by Clive's Classic Cocktail Lounge for a drink after work. Tell them Ron sent you.

Victoria Waterfront June 1 and 2 - Fog, Sun, Rain, Sun and High Winds

2010-06-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today we played tourist and spent some time along the waterfront between Clover Point and the Ogden Point Breakwater along Dallas Road in Victoria BC. We started day one in dense fog and low tide and then the sun burned off the fog. That night it rained and then today we spent time at Clover Point in brilliant sun and high winds. There was lots of marine traffic and lots to see. Spring brings the lowest tides of the year so there is lots of shoreline that we rarely get to see. Check out our pictures, click here.

Real Chinese Food - An Experience to Remember - Golden City Restaurant

2010-05-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Larry the lobster was just one of the delicious items on the menu during our tasting tour of the Golden City Restaurant at 721 Fisgard Street in downtown Victoria. Our menu included Pork and Prawn rolls and Prawn and Cilantro Dumplings from the Dim Sum Menu as well as Prawn and Seaweed Spring Rolls, Stir Fried Prawns with Deep Fried Milk, Steamed Atlantic Lobster with Garlic, Singapore Style Rice Vermicelli, Jay Jay Singing Chicken Hot Pot, Chili and Peppered Calamari, Egg Friend Rice, and Satay Style Pork Chop with Onion. Ever single dish was delicious. Portions were substantial and the service was excellent. If you are looking for a "real" Chinese dinner, give them a call. If Daniel Low, the manager is on duty, he would gladly help you choose from the menu. He selected the menu for our dinner and it was excellent. I would recommend the restaurant and from the satiated look on the face of our group, they would too! Make your reservation at 250-386-8404. For a photo pictorial of our tour, click here.

Inside the Fairmont Empress Hotel - A tour

2010-05-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of the Fairmont Empress

Incredible decor, super friendly staff, incredible food, amazing shops, superior service, the best location, and plenty of history....what more could you ask for. Linda and I recently were invited to a tour of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. We have a photo pictorial on Facebook. Check out our tour of the stately Fairmont Empress Hotel.

We had a reception with Martinis and hors d'ouevres in the Empress Room and then were taken on a tour of the hotel. The Bengal Lounge is exceptional and it was hard to walk by the Curry Buffet without having week knees. The food looks and smells delicious and it is a well known buffet by locals and tourists who frequent the hotel. The tea lobby is where the famed Empress Afternoon tea is served. That history has been going on for over a century. It has set the standard for afternoon tea. The Willow Stream Spa is one of the best there is and offers a full range of Spa services. Great dining is available in the Empress Room. You can expect outstanding cuisine that showcases the finest ingredients from Vancouver Island and British Columbia. The hotel has a long history and has hosted movie stars, dignitaries and even Royalty. If you want to have the best dining seat in the city try the hotels Veranda and watch the world go by Victoria's magnificent Inner Harbour. The service we experienced throughout the hotel was as good as we could find anywhere. We had a sample of afternoon tea and goodies and it was excellent. To fully appreciate the Fairmont Empress, you need to experience it. We highly recommend you give it a try.

Coast Collective Gallery Art Show

2010-05-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Now here is an event worth taking in. The Coast Collective Gallery at Havenwood next to Esquimalt Lagoon is hosting an opening reception on Saturday, June 5th from 2-4 p.m. The address is 3221 Heatherbell Road. For more information you can call 250-391-5522. For more information, click here. The show focus on getting from here to there physically, mentally and spiritually. Check it out.

Muse Winery Saanich Peninsula strikes Gold

2010-05-24T15:53:00.001-07:00

Celebrations were just beginning for the awards received at the NorthWest Wine Summit in Oregon this year when in came the results from the All Canadian Wine Competition 2010 and it’s Gold, Gold, Double Gold for the Muse Winery!

The Double Gold went to the new Foch/Noir, a first for Muse Winery and the first Vancouver Island red blend. Foch/Noir combines Marachel Foch with Pinot Noir, both Vancouver Island grown grapes. The blend is tantalizing taste buds and obviously wowed the judges. Also new this year for Muse Winery is their Rosé, winning Gold along with the Muse Ortega. Taking the Bronze was their new Late Harvest Viognier. Four medals and three of them new wines for Muse Winery, a fantastic accomplishment for any winery, greater still for this small boutique winery in Deep Cove on Vancouver Island.

Bug Me Please at the Victoria Bug Zoo

2010-05-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today Madison and I visited the Bug Zoo in Victoria. One of the exciting things to do is to hold the bugs in your hands. As you can see from the picture above and the facebook pictures, it is a lot of fun. Once you get over your preconceived notions, it is a blast. Today I held a scorpion, a tarantula, and a millipede in my hands. The millipede tickled my hands as it move its hundreds of feet over my hand. My grand-daughter loved it and she really like all the other bugs as well. It is fun and educational. Today I learned that centipedes are carivores and they only have one foot per body segment and that millipedes are herbavores and they have two feet on every body segment. If you are in Victoria you must visit this great attraction.

Pacific Northwest Raptor Centre near Duncan British Columiba

2010-05-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself watching a fantastic bird of prey demonstration while visiting Vancouver Island! Watching these amazing birds flying will be an irresistible draw to your curiosity and a great value added surprise for your vacation. The birds of the Pacific Northwest Raptor centre are skilled and comfortable at flying near and around people making them fantastic ambassadors for their wild cousins. They fly on a daily basis free of any attachments and outside of cages. Our flying demonstrations are highly popular across B.C. - at such places as, Vancouver Aquarium and Butchart Gardens. We regularly attend various events with our eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons and owls.

Pacific Northwest Raptors received the Tourism Vancouver Island “Raising the Bar” award in 2009 for our innovative and educational programs and this year we were nominated for Business Achiever of the Year by the Duncan Chamber of Commerce. I am sure you will appreciate that to conduct successful flying demonstrations with birds such as Bald Eagles near people in locations such as Vancouver Aquarium takes experience, professionalism, and attention to every imaginable safety detail. The staff at the centre are very good at their job and take very good care of the birds. Make sure you visit this attraction while on Vancouver Island, it is truly amazing. The Centre is just north of Duncan, which is about 50 km from Victoria. It is an easy day trip from Victoria.

Spring Time is Good Food Time in Victoria

2010-05-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

Spring is time for renewal. The farmers in the area bring us produce and the fishers provide us with the bounty of the sea. It is a great time to eat! If you are in town or coming to town, check out these items.

Travel With Taste’s Culinary Walking Tour starts each 1st and 3rd Saturday morning during the months of May through September at 9:30am in downtown Victoria. Aspiring culinary tourists will taste their way through town beginning with a little ‘brunch’ at Willie’s Bakery and Café. Next we experience a structured tea tasting at Silk Road. The walking tour will be about three hours with a cornucopia of tastes along the way such as; cheeses, meats and house-made pâtès at Choux Choux Charcuterie, pastries at the iconic Dutch Bakery, Victoria landmark Roger’s Chocolates, plus a wine tasting at the Artisan Wine Shop. Cost is $89 per person plus GST/HST with 5-6 tasty stops. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring empty stomach.

To book, please contact Kathy McAree at (250)385-1527 or by e-mail at kathymcaree@shaw.ca using a Visa or Mastercard number. Payment will be processed in advance and a receipt will be available to you on the tour if requested. You will receive confirmation by e-mail along with details to meet. Please note that 8 persons are needed to run the tour. Tour can be cancelled 24 hours prior without sufficient advance reservations.

Peter Greg from the Floating Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf has put a hot kitchen in the lower level of our store to compliment the cold kitchen upstairs. Since Spot Prawn season has just begun they will be offering these wonderful local delicacies for people to take home and cook themselves, or we can cook a pound of them in garlic butter and serve them with focaccia to eat right here on the dock. It really doesn’t get much more West Coast than that!
The Fish Store at Fishermans Wharf
Victoria, B.C. Phone 250 383 6462, Fax 250 383 6482

Fishermans Wharf also has a Barb's Fish and Chips stand and great ice cream...Jackson's Ice Cream Float‎
16-12 Erie Street, Victoria, BC V8V 4X5, (250) 383-0057‎ - worth a visit.

Photo courtesy of Floating Fish Store.

Dance on Dallas - Abalone on the Move

2010-05-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you walk the ocean shores you see amazing things. During one of the spring low tides we were walking along the breakwater at Ogden Point on Dallas Road in Victoria. We were with our grand-daughter Madison checking out the intertidal life when we spoted an abalone right out of the water doing a dance for us. Its shell was raised right off the granite blocks and it was gyrating back and forth. I have often seen abalone out of the water, but I have never seen one doing such a dance. See picture above. For more interesting information about Vancouver Island, click here. For a great B&B stay click here.

Kunamokst - Coastal Inpirations - Victoria Airport then Galiano Inn

2010-05-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was at the Victoria Airport and I had a chance to see the Mosaic call Kunamokst. 131 artists from BC and Alberta made panels that were put together to make this amazing mosaic. Take time to review many of the panels and you will see how amazing this project really is. Some very famous artists participated in this project. It was unveiled at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. It is now in Victoria until near the end of June and then it will be moved to the Galiano Inn on Galiano Island where it will live. Take it in if you can, it is wonderful.

Are You A Movie Star - Victoria is your chance

2010-04-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Are you a budding movie star? Do you golf? Do you know all about golf? Are you between 20 and 35? Will you be in Victoria on Saturday May 8th? If so, you may want to apply, see information above. See you in the movies! Hard to read, click here.

Eclectic Gallery Victoria BC specializing in local original fine art paintings and sculpture

2010-04-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Eclectic Gallery is a locally owned specializing in local original fine art paintings and sculpture. We also promote local artisan glass, ceramics and wood, as well as handcrafted jewellery by several Victoria artists. Our aim is to support Victoria and regional artists and artisans, providing high quality art for affordable prices. Additionally, Eclectic is unusual because we offer one-of-a-kind international artifacts, as well as unique designer jewellery. Most of our jewellery contains semi-precious gemstones, and we carry stones in their natural forms for interior design pieces. With rotating art exhibits, no matter how many times you may visit, we are never the same. When you want a special gift for one of life's celebrations, Eclectic Gallery is a perfect destination.

Bistro Muse opens May 6th Victoria BC near Sidney BC

2010-04-22T13:49:00.001-07:00

Bistro Muse opens May 6th for another magical season of gourmet delights carefully paired with Muse wines for your enjoyment. This casual open-air alfresco bistro amidst the vineyard grapes has a refreshing ambiance. Bistro Muse opens this year under the direction of Doug Stuart, owner of the Stonestreet Café & Catering in Sidney. Doug has been working with Jane & Peter Ellmann providing the in-house catering for Muse. His savoury creations and attention to detail made him a natural choice to take over the Bistro helm. Doug will be working with his sister, Sherril Gazarek, to bring fantastic new dishes paired to Muse Wines. The new Tasting Plates will feature local cheeses from Saltspring Island, Qualicum Beach and Comox Valley, with a charcuterie choice. A scrumptious Artichoke & Three Cheese Bruschetta will be a menu regular, with flatbread pizzas & quiche changing weekly. You’ll find a wonderful selection from the sea, with chowder, salads and prawn plates to tempt, along with old favourites like The Winemaker’s Special baby back ribs.

Visitors will be pleasantly surprised with the new look of Muse Winery from the moment they drive in. New colour, new look and even new wines being released this spring, all the surprises are good! The fabulous weather over last summer has produced an exceptional vintage of the 2009 Island varietals. The new teal coloured label on the Ortega brings to mind summer skies and balmy seas. Spring releases are ready just in time for the Bistro Muse opening. Look for Island favourites Ortega, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and the new Foch/Noir blend, along with meritage blends from small lot vineyards in the Okanagan. There are a plethora of wines to choose for every occasion, even a Late Harvest Viognier dessert wine that has been added to tantalize your taste buds.

The winery continues to promote art and music events to enhance the Muse experience, keeping it fresh and inviting. Come to Bistro Muse for lunch, but you might just want to stay the afternoon.

Pauline Olesen, (250) 655-4812 , For Muse Winery

This is a great place to take guests you want to impress or go and impress yourself. Have a wonderful lunch or afternoon at the Muse Winery and Bistro.

Ron

Marmot Living in Downtown Victoria

2010-04-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Outside one of Victoria's hotels, lives a yellow-bellied Marmot. We have seen and heard of cougars, bears, deer, eagles and the infamous UVic Rabbits, but we had no idea there was a marmot living in downtown Victoria. This photo was given to me by a friend who works near the Marmot. Sorry for being so elusive, but if I told everyone where the marmot was, he would get no peace. So, you will just have to hunt for him. He lives within five blocks of the Inner Harbour...that is the best I can do. Good hunting...he is a cute little guy. One day, I may even see him for myself.

Kunamokst - Coastal Inpirations - Victoria Airport then Galiano Inn

2010-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

The objective of the "Mural Mosaic" is to creat Unity through diversity by bringing together hundreds of individual paintings created by hundreds of artists into one unifying image with each painting reflecting the artists unique creativity and style. As each painting is completed it is placed in sequence within the mural to assemble one masterpiece. No special effects are used, just lots of paintings brought together to creat a masterpiece. If you are in the Victoria region, you can see the "Mural Mosaic" at the Victoria International Airport from April 17- June 17, 2010. The Victoria International Airport is at, 201-1640 Electra Blvd, Sidney, BC. In the summer of 2010, the "Mural Mosaic" will be moved to a permanent location at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn, 134 Madrona Drive, Galiano Island, BC. Be sure you see this amazing work of art. Photo Courtesy of Mural Mosaic web site.

Bear Mountain Golf Course - The Mountain Course Victoria BC

2010-04-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well, spring weather is finally heading our way, so we dust off the clubs and head to Bear Mountain for a game of golf. There are two courses at "the Bear" The Mountain Course and the Valley Course. Today we are on the Mountain Course. Both courses are very scenic and carved into a wilderness area that is on part of Skirt Mountain. Every hole has distinct beauty and many provide a good challenge to all levels of golfers. Each hole usually has at least 4 tee positions and the reds give a good measure towards female golfers, better than most courses.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=164314&id=111354889003&l=ee72fa4696 will take you to some facebook photos take during our round of golf. This is likely one of the most scenic golf courses you will ever play, so be sure to give it a try. Bear Mountain is in Greater Victoria at Langford.

When you are done, stop by the Copper Rock Restaurant or Lounge for some fine food, or maybe Jack's Place for a lunch and beer.

A Whale of a Time in East Sooke Park near Victoria BC

2010-04-08T15:58:00.001-07:00

A gray whale washed ashore in East Sooke Park, just west of Victoria. It appears to have died from malnutrition. A fierce storm last Friday brought the large whale to our shores. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a close up view of such a large animal. It is about 9 meters or 30 feet in length. Tons of people from Victoria and area have gone to see the whale. I would suggest that if you are in the area you go see it. It is a large baleen whale, which means that it feeds from bottom mud and uses its baleen to filter out all the goodies that live in the mud. One year we watch about 10 gray whales feed just off the Ferry Terminal in Sidney for about 3 weeks. They are beautiful creatures. If you would like to see my facebook pictures of the whale, click here.

If you are from out of town, stay at Hemingway's by the Sea or at Denniston by the Sea. Either will gladly direct you out to East Sooke Park.

Delivering the Dream - Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Resort

2010-04-06T21:40:00.001-07:00

Below is a link to the travel magazine section of my web site and the latest article is http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/travelmagazine/ Click on Delivering the Dream. It is all about Galiano Island and the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa. I think you will enjoy reading about this very special island. It is located in the southern Gulf Island, a short 1 hour ferry ride from Victoria BC and Vancouver Bc.

It is a great place for a getaway and you should put it on your to do list for your next visit to Vancouver Island.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Canoe Cove Marina Sea Life Experience near Sidney BC

2010-04-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

At Canoe Cove Marina, if you stay to the right hand side and go as far as you can you will get to "E" dock. For some reason, these docks are ripe with sea life that is up close and personal. There are anemones lined up, just a couple of inches from the surface of the water. Other life includes purple tube worms, star fish, and more. White plumose anemones are everywhere. It is a great place to take young children to see sea life in the wild. For photos click here. Photo above highlights white plumose sea anemones.

IMAX BLAST OFF WITH HUBBLE ROYAL BC MUSEUM

2010-04-02T11:00:00.001-07:00

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio and vividly captured with IMAX technology, HUBBLE recounts this amazing journey. Check out this amazing IMAX production soon, you will not be disappointed.

To find out more about the IMAX and the BC Provincial Museum, click here.

Chateau Victoria Clives Tiki Tiki Summer Cocktail Launch Party

2010-03-31T11:58:00.001-07:00

TIKI PARTY
APRIL 1 ~ 6pm – 8pm

Tiki culture has always been associated with long summer nights, gaudy mugs and even gaudier garnishes. Tiki is the epitome of what summer should be if you were in the tropics.

Clive’s Classic Lounge is proud to announce the launch of its new Spring/Summer cocktail list with a launch party with a difference. TIKI TIKI is taking over the lounge in a big way with a full page of the new list dedicated to Tiki drinks such as the Zombie, Mai Tai and Pisco Punch. Clive’s will be the place to come after the sun goes down and you want to continue the summer rush.

The launch party is April 1 starting at 6pm, come dressed in your favourite Hawaiian outfit and enjoy samples of some classic Tiki cocktails and finger food with Shawn and the gang.

This is your opportunity to kick off the summer right!

Located Lobby Level ~ Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
http://www.clivesclassiclounge.com/ 250.361.5684

For more info on the Chateau Victoria, click here.

Christ Church Cathedral Easter Weekend

2010-03-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

Check out what is happening this weekend at Christ Church Cathedral.

Student Fine Art Show and Sale Victoria BC - Victoria College of Art

2010-03-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

Join us to celebrate our 36th annual year-end show at Victoria College of Art. This is a free event with live music and refreshments featuring over 400 works of art on display and super sale from $25 and up. The college is in an interesting 104 year old ex public school close to Richmond and Oak Bay, built by the Rattenbury firm, architects of the Empress and Parliament buildings. You will thoroughly enjoy Artblast. The show runs Friday April 9th - 7:00 - 9:30pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The school is at 1625 Bank Street and details can be obtained at 250-598-5422.

Secrets of Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

2010-03-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Ogden Point Breakwater on Dallas Road in Victoria is one of the secrets of the city that only a few tourist find. You can walk out on the breakwater for a half mile to the mouth of Victoria's Inner Harbour. We found lots of marine life including barnacles, limpets, chitons, mussels, snails, several anemones and an abalone that had its shell dancing for us. On other visits we have seen seals, sealions, and whales. You just don't know what you will see when you walk into the sea. It is a great place to scuba dive or watch divers in action. People fish off the breakwater and catch ling cod, rock fish and even salmon. All the marine action from the Inner Harbour passes the end of the breakwater. Cafe 199 is a great place to have coffee, tea, cool drinks and snacks or lunch. The view is spectacular as you can clearly see the Olympic Mountains that backdrop Juan de Fuca strait. Sea birds are everywhere. You can see pictures on Facebook so become a friend a stay tuned on Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Or follow us on Twitter to keep tuned to what is happen now. Follow our blog, Facebook and Twitter and you will be on top of what is happening on Vancouver Island, Victoria and the Gulf Islands. We also do articles on special locations on our travel magazine. Stay with us and you will be informed on Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The Secrets will unfold before your eyes.

Sooke Harbour House Sooke BC Special Event

2010-03-19T16:30:00.001-07:00

When you know how to grow your own herbs and vegetables, cooking takes on a new dimension. Check out this special event at Sooke Harbour House. Visit Sooke Harbour House, Click Here.

Galiano Island Galiano Inn Gulf Islands BC

2010-03-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Do you know what you are looking at? We are in the Gulf Island near Victoria. These photos are taken on Galiano Island. The top picture is the view from our room at the Galiano Inn on Galiano Island. This beautiful Inn is within walking distance from the Sturdies Bay Ferry Dock. Behind the dock is spectacular snow-covered Mount Baker in Washington State. The picture above that is a spectacular cave on the west side of the island at Retreat Cove. It is accessible from shore which is rare. The photo just above was take at the Bluffs Park and you can see all the way to Victoria and beyond to the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. This is just a sample of what can be found on Galiano Island. If you go there, I recommend you stay at the Galiano Inn. It is very special and has a great spa and very good food.

For more information on Galiano Island click here.

Bear Mountain Valley Course - Beyond Scenic

2010-03-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

Almost every hole on the new 18 hole valley course at bear mountain could be called a signature hole. The holes are beautiful with a dash of trouble on almost every hole. There are a few sand traps that could sub in for the beach at Thetis Lake Park. There are a few water hazards that keep you honest. The greens were probably designed by Leonardo da Vinci, beautiful but full of intrigue. All in all, it is a very impressive golf course. With the different tee choices, there are lengths for every level of golfer. The women's tees are well planned to give females a competitive position against long hitting male partners. Everything at Bear Mountain is done with class. The on-board GPS really helps when you are playing the course for the first time. It helps with the distance guess work. Thanks to all the staff who helped put on today's event, especially my personal guide Rick. He was so helpful, especially with the advice about the arbutus tree. If you are looking for some great golf on world class golf courses, Bear Mountain has two of them. Check it out. Have a look at the monster trap (above) on one of the par 3 holes.

For more information on golf on Vancouver Island, click here.

Terrible Snow Storm Hits Victoria Mid March

2010-03-12T15:46:00.001-08:00

Today was an unusual day in Victoria. Overnight it snowed, however it was a typical spring snow. It was supposed to rain, but overnight temperatures caused the rain to turn to snow. I exercise each morning and during my exercise the snow started to melt. I ran to grab my camera to take a photo before it melts. You can see the cement where the snow has already melted. It is going up to 9C today, so it will all be gone soon. This is a good day, no shovelling. Too bad though, it did cover over the blossoms along side the curbs. I am not sure the tulips liked the snow.

Painting in the jungle with Wild Arts at Victoria Butterfly Gardens

2010-03-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

Painting in the jungle with Wild Arts at Victoria Butterfly Gardens!
Come explore your Wild Side with creative adventures for kids.

Workshops include a tour of the gardens, interactive personal artistic encouragement, all painting supplies, a nutritious snack and all day access to Victoria Butterfly Gardens following your class.

After a playful exploration of the beautiful plants and creatures inhabiting the Gardens, we will paint and draw what most inspires us. Wild Arts instructor, Fiona Percy encourages us on this magical adventure into our creative wild side.

Children's workshops in March:
March 8th, 10th, 12th, 15th, and 17th
From 11:30 am - 1 pm

Children's workshops in April:
April 17th & 18th
From 11:30 am - 1 pm

Cost: $22.50 plus tax includes all day admission, a healthy snack,
all necessary materials and art to take home! *Children aged 4 - 12 years

Adult, Senior and Student Workshops in April:
April 17th & 18th
From 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Cost: $24.50 plus tax includes all day admission, a healthy snack,
all necessary materials and art to take home! *Student age begins at 13 years

Contact Kacey at Victoria Butterfly Gardens for details and registration.
Email: info@butterflygardens.com
Phone: 250-652-3822 ext. 101

For more information on Butterfly Gardens, click here.

Easter Brunch Victoria Style - Inn at Laurel Point

2010-03-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for something special to during the Easter holiday season, check out the brunch at the Inn at Laurel Point. Enjoy a lavish buffet brunch this Easter at the Inn with adults at $39 and children 5-11 years $20. At this popular event, seatings are every half hour from 9:30am until 1:30pm (Seatings are reserved on a 1¾ hour basis. You can reserve on-line at www.aurarestaurant.ca or via telephone 250.414.6739

For more information about the Inn at Laurel Point, click here. For more information about Victoria, click here.

Spring time in Victoria, Blossom Boom

2010-03-01T15:35:00.001-08:00

There are many things I like about Spring in Victoria, but it is the blossoms that really let me know that it is time for a new "beginning". The cycle starts again with a blast of color all over the city. The snow drops and blue bells are up first, followed by the daffodils, all of which were really early this year. Sometimes the first Cherry trees blossom in early January, but the explosion happened in February. The city is currently filled with white and pink blossoms. It is beautiful and early leafing trees are starting to bloom. Some of the Cherry trees are already past their peaks and starting to show green leaves. What is really cool is when the blossoms start to fall and the streets and curb sides are filled with blossoms. It looks like snow, but it isn't. This is the spectacular part of living in Victoria. The rest of Canada wont get this kind of weather till May or later. Enjoy the pictures of Spring in Victoria.

To find out more about Victoria, click here.

Downtown Lighting Project - Chinatown Gets New Lights

2010-02-26T11:07:00.001-08:00

The DVBA has renewed its commitment to enhancing the appeal of downtown in the evening by continuing its ILLUMINATE Downtown program. Grants of 25% of the cost of purchasing and installing lights for aesthetic or security purposes are available to a maximum of $5000. Please go to our website for more details or contact Ken at ken@downtownvictoria.ca or (250) 386-2239. For more information on Chinatown, click here.

Ballet Victoria Presents Carimina Burana

2010-02-23T15:24:00.001-08:00

Check out Ballet Victoria's "Carmina Burana, March 26-28 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria and April 7th at the Cowichan Theatre in Duncan.

Chinese New Year and Lion Dance Celebration Victoria Bc

2010-02-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association's annual traditional Chinese New Year Celebration and Lion Dance will take place on Sunday, February 21. Fisgard Street in Chinatown has some new decorations and all is set to go. There is usually a large crowd at the even, so get there a bit early and stake out your spot. Starting at approximately 12:00pm, this colourful procession will make its way throughout Chinatown for about 1 1/2 hours. The ceremony is colorful and exciting.

For more information on Chinatown, Click Here

Amazing Canadian Olympic Athletes - Go Canada Go

2010-02-16T20:16:00.001-08:00

I have been most impressed with the composure of our Canadian Olympic Stars. Starting with Jen Heil who took silver in Freestyle Skiing, and Canadian Hero Alexandre Bilodeau who won our first Olympic gold medal won on Canadian Soil, followed by Mike Robertson winning a Silver in Snowboarding, Kristina Groves wh won silver in Speed Skating, and today Maelle Ricker (Mighty Mouse) who won Gold in Snowboarding. They have accepted their awards with graciousness and handled the press who stick mikes in their face and ask really dumb questions, rather than congratulating them and telling them how we all love and support them for what they are doing. Everyone of them have respresented Canada superbly. Well done athletes. Learn More.

VICTORIA DINE AROUND AND STAY IN TOWN

2010-02-15T13:51:00.001-08:00

This ever-popular event, organized by Tourism Victoria and the BCRFA, runs from February 18 – March 7. Participating restaurants offer three-course meals for $20, $30, or $40 per person, while hotels offer stays for $69, $79, $99, and $129. A Gala Launch starts the event off, held February 17th from 5 – 7 pm at the Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites (345 Quebec). At the launch event, 28 Dine Around participants will be showing off their food, paired with VQA wines, in an evening to remember. Details on both events are available at www.tourismvictoria.com.

We have taken part over a number of years and the food is great and the deals awsome. Check it out. For more information on Victoria Restaurants, CLICK HERE.

The Story of Esperanza - A Love Story

2010-02-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

Recently our friends in Guadalajara, Raul and Peggy rescued a baby hummingbird from their garden. The petitie little bird had been unable to fly for 3 days. When they picked her up, she seemed to realize that she was getting loving help. She let them hold her and became so calm that after a while, she just sat quietly on Peggy's hand and looked up at up at Peggy for 2 days and one night. She was fed every 15 minutes. Then when she was put back in the garden in a glass cage, the other hummingbirds gathered around her. Then suddenly, she just flew away on her own. That night they spotted her on the feeder right beside them. They new it was her because of the distinctive left wing and her tiny body (much smaller than the others). They named her Esperanza Guadalupe. Esperanza means hope and many females in Mexico are named Guadalupe. It is obvious that Peggy's mothering instincts saved this little bird. It is also a great example of the deep bond we have with all the living things on this planet we all share. What a lovely story. Thanks Peggy and Raul.

Spring has Sprung Early than ever

2010-02-11T20:35:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-09T14:50:00.001-08:00

Each year in the early spring in Victoria (February 25 – March 4) Victorias begin 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 Btchart 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 Gardnes 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

2010-02-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

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!

Victoria Bc Clover Point Victoria in the Spring

2010-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

We have had a great run of weather. Temperatures have been around 12C which is a few degrees higher than normal for this time of year. Daffodils and snowdrops are popping out of the ground and bushes are starting to bud. Yesterday we saw a rhodo starting to bloom. Signs are an early spring. Yesterday we went down to Dallas Road and so did many other people. At clover point I found a couple flying a great looking kite. While this was going on a freighter was in close to shore. This is very unusual. There seemed to be three pilot boats at the freighter which is also unusual. Wish you were here.

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville Travel Magazine Article

2010-01-19T12:41:00.001-08:00

If you are on Vancouver Island and in the vicinity of Parksville, be sure to stop in at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort. Stay for a while, or at least use there fabulous Grotto Spa. The food there is excellent, so stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You will be glad you did. Check out my experience there just this past week. It is really exceptional. See it at my Travel Magazine. Enjoy.

Catering in Victoria BC by Kitchens of Distinction

2010-01-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

In the past few months I have discovered that my new neighbour is a fantastic caterer. Shirley Lang operates a catering business called Kitchens of Distinction. If you are visiting Victoria and staying in a bed and breakfast, or a rental condo or any other accommodation where you can bring in meals, you should seriously give Shirley a call. Shirley caters to couples or small groups. What is better than going out for dinner? Having dinner where you are staying is a great option, especially when you can engage a cook like Shirley. Check out her web site. You will be glad you did.

Stay at Denniston By the Sea Bed and Breakfast and then hook up with Shirley.

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville Photos

2010-01-17T12:40:00.001-08:00

I just paid a visit to the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville. You can see some of the pictures at my facebook site. I will be publishing an article this week on my travel magazine. Check back later in the week. The picture above is the award winning Grotto Spa at the resort. Above, Ron on the deck of our Condo at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort.

Victoria Past Video Travelog

2010-01-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

Click here for a great video on Victoria Past
This is a great "Travel Talk" film done by Metro Goldwyn Meyer and presented by Turner Broadcasting. Check it out. It is a classic.

Visit our web site http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/ .

British Columbia Legislative Buildings Victoria BC

2010-01-09T20:30:00.001-08:00

The BC Legislature is on the south side of the Inner Harbour. It is often referred to as the Parliament Buildings. These however are in Ottawa, our nations capital. The BC Legislative Buildings are the seat of our Provincial Government and are located in the Capitol City of BC, Victoria. There is a lot of history in the building and tours are offered. There is a cafeteria in the building that I told serves great lunches. You might check it out when in the building. I know if you tour the building you will find it very interesting. There is also lots to see on the grounds of the building as well. The building provides a great backdrop to the Inner Harbour.

For more information on Victoria, Click Here Visiting Victoria - Stay at Denniston by the Sea

2010-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the Royal BC Museum to see the S'abadeb: The Gifts. It is an amazing show, well worth seeing. It is enlightening to say the least. My 7 year old granddaughter was enthralled with the displays and asked a lot of questions. Later, we spent the rest of the afternoon just checking out the remainder to floor two. The museum is such a delightful place. Check it out.

For more information on things to do in Victoria, click here.

Stay at this great B&B while in Victoria.

Royal BC Museum offers admission by donation

2010-01-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of the RBCM

VICTORIA, BC – As a gift to thank the community for its continued support, the Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is carrying on its New Year’s tradition by offering admission by donation. Visitors are asked to pay-what-they-can from Jan. 2 - 9.

“A measure of success for any museum is its community backing,” says RBCM CEO Pauline Rafferty. “And, despite our changing economy, support for the Royal BC Museum this year has been considerable. Offering admission by donation is our gift to the community, a way we can show our thanks.”

Those visiting the RBCM during admission by donation week will see two Canadian premiere exhibitions. S’abadeb – The Gifts: Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists, a feature show organized by the Seattle Art Museum, brings together 165 ancient and contemporary works of art from the Coast Salish peoples of BC and Washington state. The Silver of the Stars collection showcases contemporary silver drinking vessels, created for some of the biggest names in film, music, fashion, theatre and literature.

In addition, the holiday festivities continue at the RBCM – the streets of Old Town are decked in the season’s finest and, until Jan. 3, historic Helmcken House is open, welcoming visitors to experience an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas.

As the provincial museum and archives, the Royal BC Museum preserves and shares the stories of British Columbia – on-site, off-site and online – through its research, collections, exhibitions and educational programs. Its two-hectare cultural precinct also includes a number of historically significant buildings and First Nations sites.

For more information on the latest activities, events and exhibitions at the Royal BC Museum, visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or call 1-888-447-7977.

DETAILS:

Admission by donation, Jan. 2 - 9, 2010, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information about Victoria attractions, click here. Stay at Denniston by the Sea while in Victoria.

Goldstream Park - Find Waldo

2009-12-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

Today I travelled the short distance from my house to beautiful Goldstream Park. The salmon run appeared to be over but the sun was shinning and the park was full of people. For the 28th of December it was about 6C and the sun was shinning. 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 carcases. 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. Stay at Denniston by the Sea when in Victoria.

Undersea Gardens - A Victoria Attraction

2009-12-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

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.
For a great place to stay in Victoria, check out Denniston by the Sea.

Victoria BC Vocal Ensemble Christmas Entertainment

2009-12-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

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. Stay at Denniston by the Sea when in Victoria.

Bright City Lights - A Victoria Holiday Tradition

2009-12-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

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.

To really enjoy the Christmas season book a stay at Denniston by the Sea

Christmas Spirit: Good Entertainment in Victoria

2009-12-11T11:07:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

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:

Victoria Art Exhibition Ho Ho Part Two Victoria BC

2009-12-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Stay at Denniston By the Sea while in Victoria

Ladysmith Christmas Light Up - an Island Spectacle

2009-11-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

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.

If you are staying at Denniston by the Sea in Victoria, you are only an hour or so away from Ladysmith.

Victoria Christmas Activities

2009-11-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

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. For a great place to stay in Victoria, contact Denniston by the Sea.

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

2009-11-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

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!

Looking for a place to Stay over Christmas - Try Denniston by the Sea.

Dr. Zonk University of Victoria Special Event

2009-11-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

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.
If you need to stay in Victoria, try Denniston by the Sea B&B

Victoria Harbour Ferries Santa's Ballet

2009-11-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

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. If you are looking for a place to stay in Victoria, try Denniston By the Sea.

Tourism Victoria - 2010 Marketing Showcase

2009-11-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

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!

Looking for a place to stay while in victoria...try Denniston By the Sea

What is your favourite season at Butchart Gardens?

2009-11-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

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.

Stay at Denniston by the Sea while in Victoria.

Victoria Carriage Tours Fall Special

2009-11-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Stay at Denniston by the Sea

The Sidney Opera House Sidney BC and the Pier Bistro

2009-11-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

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!

For a great place to stay in Victoria and just a short hop to Sidney, try Denniston BB.

For more information on Sidney, click here.

Vancouver Island Hummingbirds

2009-10-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

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.

For a great place to stay on Vancouver Island, choose Denniston.

Art Showing by Inge

2009-10-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Stay here while in Victoria

The Bay Centre Victoria's Premier Shopping Destination

2009-10-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

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.

For a great place to stay while shopping Victoria, click here.

Muse Winery Saanich Peninsula Fall Harvest

2009-10-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Looking for a great place to stay while in victoria, Click Here.

The Birds....getting hungry

2009-10-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Stay at Denniston by the Sea B&B while in Victoria, we are only 10 minutes from Esquimalt Lagoon.