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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside Butchart Gardens - A seasonal display

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

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

(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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.