Like many locals, I drive by Craigdarroch Castle on a daily basis, always intrigued and curious, but too busy to stop and be a tourist in my own town. When the invitation came to watch a screening of a documentary about the castle, with reception to follow at the equally intriguing Union Club, I couldn’t wait to seize the opportunity. I am so glad I did.
The documentary begins with a glimpse in to the history of the Dunsmuir family, a rags-to-riches story that resulted in one of B.C.’s wealthiest families. Originally from Scotland, Robert Dunsmuir is in Canada on contract with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1850. Five years later, he independently discovers Vancouver Island’s richest coal stream to become Victoria’s Coal Baron. In the following years, Robert acts as a government representative and branches in to other industries such as iron, sandstone and real-estate. His sons help with the family business and his son James eventually becomes Lieutenant Governor of B.C. and even builds his own castle, Hatley Castle, now home to Royal Roads University. Construction on Robert’s Craigdarroch began in 1887, though Robert would not see it in completion as he passed away in 1989, a year before it was finished. The castle stayed in the Dunsmuir family until Roberts’ widow passed in 1908.
Since the time of the Dunsmuirs, Craigdarroch has played many roles in Victoria history. First serving as a military hospital for many years, then a home to Victoria College, which eventually developed into the University of Victoria. The school district used the castle for administration offices and the Victoria Conservatory of Music found a home there for a short while as well. Now it has been restored and returned to its original splendor and is open to the public for viewing and events.
Through the use of commentary, interviews and, my personal favourite, old images of Victoria, the documentary painted a vivid picture of every stage of the Castles’ long life. It also provided ample information on the development of Victoria as a growing city. Craigdarroch Castle is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the documentary, Victoria’s Castle, will be available for purchase mid-June. Be sure to check out the Castles’ website for special events, tour information and more.
Victoria is a great place to have a drink! Taking a tour through the many microbreweries in Victoria, a traditional cider house in Saanich and a spirits producer in West Saanich will quench your thirst of a local experience while whetting your whistle at the same time. Many of these businesses are family run and are more than happy to share their story.
Victoria is home to successful microbreweries of Driftwood Brewery and Vancouver Island Brewery. These microbreweries have given a new identity for beer. They produce craft beer that is no longer only meant to drink with the game. Restaurants are creating three course meals paired different types of beer and breweries are participating in culinary events across B.C.
About a month ago I had the pleasure of taking a tour through Sea Cider, which is located in Saanich. Sea Cider is bringing back the traditional English style of producing cider. Their cider is produced with champagne yeast which is known to produce sparkling wine. They offer a variety of ciders from very dry to sweet like a dessert wine. Before leaving I recommended you try the rumrunner cider. It is produced in rum barrels!
Only a 20 minute drive away from Sea Cider is Victoria Spirits, a national producer of Sprits, which includes their premium and quite famous Victoria Gin. Victoria Spirits’ products are handcrafted on a wood fired copper pot still. The still is quite the sight to see, so I suggest on our way back from Sea Cider stopping and taking a tour through their quaint distillery and tasting room.
If you want to hit a few designations at one time, a safe and fun way is to organize a transportation service. LA Limousines, Wilson’s Transportation and Vancouver Island Coach Lines offer different transportation options that take you from door to door while you enjoy a good pour!
With the weather looking up, now is a better time than ever to be golfing. Mentions of sweet tail winds, perfectly cut greens and Mr. Ballhead breaking par are reasons enough to lock in those tee times. Sure the irregularly windy past week has left most of us with lots of yard work to tackle, but what better reason to get out of it than to jump on the trail, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail that is.
When I asked myself what makes a good golf course, I shook my head and adjusted my focus. There are loads of good courses just about anywhere. More importantly, what makes a great course? St. Andrews’ Old Course in Scotland, the birthplace of golf, as unforgiving as ever, will always stand apart from the rest as a great course. Maybe not on accessibility or affordability–I’ve heard of non-members waiting from as early as 2 a.m. to join a half empty pair! But for the most part, course conditions, scenic views and signature holes can contribute to the greatness without a doubt.
The 250 KM Vancouver Island Golf Trail boasts some of the greatest golf courses in the Pacific Northwest, from Victoria to Campbell River. Breathtaking beauty of the Bear Mountain Resort, or even the new Highland Pacific Golf Club to the south, the dozen courses offer amazing conditions, supreme views and an excess of signature holes to cut into.
So pack your bags and come enjoy some of North America’s finest. Rated as one of the continents best values by Golf Magazine, the Six Nights and Six Rounds Package offers you your pick of accommodations and courses to build your dream golf getaway.
Not looking to drop a dime? You’re in luck too. Right now, Golf Vancouver Island is running a contest where you snap a photo of you golfing, add a giant ballhead to your pic and upload to their Facebook page for your chance to win the entire six nights and six rounds for free! For more details on how to win, “Like” Golf Vancouver Island’s Facebook page and follow the simple instructions to participate.
For everyone else who wants to approach the golf trail at their own speed, not a problem. Click here to view participating golf courses and keep in touch as there are lots of specials, contests and prizes for everyone all season.
What do you think makes a great golf course? Share your comments below!
Photo Credit Downtown Victoria Business Association
Ah Valentine’s Day. Like many holidays, you can almost feel it in the air this time of season. A sense of hope and anticipation from women across the land contrasted by a sense of dread and soon to be last minute urgency among men as the day approaches. I joke of course! Believe it or not, people of both sexes enjoy Valentine’s Day equally.
As a child, I loved it. I can’t recall anything really special in my mind that happened, except I would always receive a tub of red Gummi bears from my mom. Candy you see, was the way to my heart back then. I do not think much has changed by the way, if anyone is feeling romantic.
If you are looking for a romantic evening, Victoria has more than enough opportunity to come out looking like a hero. In my mind, the best bang for your buck would come from some of the great packages that are pre-arranged already, you just have to give your name, set a date and be on your best behaviour. One that really catches my eye (and sweet tooth. Hey, Valentine’s Day is for everyone!) is the Dip Me Inn Chocolate package from the Victoria Historic Inns.
This sweetheart of a deal contains two nights accommodations in any of the awesome historic inns, breakfast on both mornings, champagne to celebrate with, roses for the lady, chocolate truffles to indulge upon, a $100 gift certificate to one of several gourmet restaurants and to really seal the deal, a romantic half hour carriage ride around Victoria with Victoria Carriage Tours.
If you are planning something more than a romantic evening getaway, or perhaps planning to make more permanent arrangements, than look no further than the Inn at Laurel Point.
The Just Say I Do is perfect for those looking to pop the big question. With a fantastic panoramic view from the penthouse suite, a five course meal, champagne to match, personalized bathrobes, breakfast in bed and late checkout, Laurel Point sets the perfect evening for a decent proposal. They are so dedicated to getting it right for you, that they will even get a custom engagement ring ready to your specifications!
Not ready propose? Well just enjoy a romantic getaway by taking advantage of either their Naughty or Nice packages. The naughty package includes a Naughty Love Kit full of mischievous surprises and the nice package includes a Romantic Bath Kit and a rose petal turndown
For everyone that has a little hopeless romantic in them there are plenty more activities and getaways available in the romantic city of Victoria. Visit www.tourismvictoria.com to find out what else we have to offer. Don’t forget to share some love with me either. Comments are welcomed and appreciated below!
It has been a while since I have written, almost a month in fact. Time flies when you are having fun during the holidays …and you go on vacation in the middle of it.
It is always great to come home after being away for a spell and trust me, after living in various other places in Canada during winter, Victoria is definitely the place to be. The Christmas season is pretty special here, in that there is a city-wide spirit that you can get wrapped up in. I definitely recognized the difference when I was out and about in other locations.
Victoria is something else during the holiday season, but it doesn’t end there! While everyone is in the post Christmas malaise that is generally highlighted by your credit card bill, revulsion of turkey meals and back to work stress, there is still a consistent and exciting flow of events, performances, shopping and culinary activities taking place in Victoria. Even without the bright lights and looping festive soundtracks, the entertainment is top notch all the same. This city is known for its unique alternative scene mixing harmoniously with mainstream culture. The variety of the artists and virtuoso’s that are attracted to playing here is astounding, and the locals are stellar as well. On almost any given week, a person could take a quick look through an event catalog or our Calendar of Events and find something of interest, even in this “slow” period of the year.
Jim Cuddy, of Blue Rodeo and an excellent solo career, is touring for his most recent album release. This man really should need no introduction in Canada!
The Swing Dance Association of Victoria presents Tom Ackerman’s Killer Quartet to the Nothin’ But Swing dance night that includes live jazz, swing dancing and even a no partner required lesson.
Stand-up comedians Arj Barker, Dan Quinn, Glenn Wool, Pete Johansson and Craig Campbell plow through to Victoria bringing laughs and entertainment along the way
The Victoria Symphony Beltone Pops brings an exciting and energetic collection of orchestral hits from Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and others with an arrangement of guest performers
Dates: January 19, 2012, 2 p.m. and January 20 and 21, 2012, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $33
With the sun going down so early these days, it would be easy to miss out on some great concerts and unique acts. I know I am looking forward to Jim Cuddy tonight. Here is a sample from his new album Skyscraper Soul:
What event are you excited for?
Did I miss something that should be getting more attention? Let me know in the comments below.
Victoria is home to a great variety of local, boutique and all together different stores. No matter what type of gift you are looking for, Victoria can fit the bill with a non-big-box-store option. Collectables, toys and fun? Check. Clothes, shoes and bags? You better believe it. Home wares, trinkets and oddities? Got ‘em all! The boutique shopping scene is omnipresent throughout Victoria’s communities and is a defining part of the city’s culture. Women’s fashion reigns supreme, yet there is a definite niche for the men as well. However you define your own style, there is a selection of boutique shops where you can find the gift that is just right for the friends and family on your list. While you are at it, I am sure you will find something for yourself as well (and why not? The spirit of giving does not have a clause against giving to yourself!).
Shopping in Victoria is an adventure in cultures, architecture, style and socializing. With many of the boutique shops located right in the downtown core in the divisions of the Design District, Fort Street and Johnson Street, not only can a person enjoy the shops, but can also take in the historic architecture of the area. Many of the buildings the boutique shops are located in are historical buildings. I dare say it is almost impossible to not stop and take in the rainbow façade of the buildings along Lower Johnson, even on the rainiest of days.
Getting out on the streets while shopping is also reinvigorating for a person’s Christmas spirit. Victoria is bursting with holiday cheer and decorations all over the city. I do not know if it is because we are a smaller city or because we are on an island, but the Christmas shopping experience feels more about the spirit of giving than it does the pressure to exceed commercial sales quotas by corporations. You will not have to worry about getting pepper sprayed in a mob here either.
So all this shopping, all this holiday hoopla, all this walking, what else makes gift shopping in Victoria so special?
The pubs, cafes and tea houses of course!
There is no way better to beat holiday stress than one of the oldest relaxation techniques in the world. Tasty alcoholic concoctions, soothing varieties of tea and invigorating cafe drinks are sure to give you the boost you need to keep on your twinkle toes. Silk Road and Teaopia are must visit locations when you need to regroup for a second wind, while no holiday shopping excursion would be complete without a stop in the Bengal Lounge for a seasonal cocktail. Maybe extravagant drinks are not up your alley? Well Sauce Restaurant & Lounge makes a fantastic classic Martini or Old Fashioned to punctuate a successful foray.
Visiting Victoria over the Christmas season is about more than just shopping and gifts. The very nature of the city is so much easier going and relaxed than our big city brethren that it is difficult to not stop and enjoy the surroundings while taking in a beverage or two. Our cozy little island city is warm in both weather and soul (not just from the drinks either!) and the boutique experience is hard to beat. Whether shopping for that rare find or one-of-a-kind trendsetting new bag for the perfectionist or a new pair of shoes because you wore yours out while browsing, Victoria’s collection of street side storefronts have got everything you need to leave something special for everyone under your tree.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of this 2011 year, be sure to take a silent moment and reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by members of the armed forces of Canada since World War One.
Canada has held a sombre celebration at this time and date since 1919 in honour of the signing of the Armistice to end the First Great War. Every year, Remembrance Day increases in importance to the education and understanding as to what previous generations of great Canadians endured to ensure our way of life and freedom. While Canada has not mobilised for a total war in over 65 years, soldiers of numerous conflicts and missions must also be honoured.
Victoria has a strong naval history that is still a major component of the city to this day. We are lucky to also be a provincial capital city, where the Remembrance Day traditions get strong government backing. This Friday, November 11, 2011 please join one of the many events to around the Greater Victoria Area and pay tribute to our national heroes.
Here are a few of the Remembrance Day celebrations happening in the Greater Victoria area:
When: November 7 to November 11, 2011. Click here for daily activity details
What: RBCM has partnered with Veteran Affairs Canada to present five days of free talks, activities and displays that honour those who have and those who are serving our country
When: November 11, 2011, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. breakfast and candlelight ceremony, 10:35 a.m. parade and ceremonies
What: Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sooke begin with a candlelight ceremony and breakfast at the legion, followed by a parade from Evergreen Centre to the Sooke Canadian Legion Branch
There are very few events during the year that I always get excited for. Halloween is one of them. I don’t know if it is the excitement it creates in children’s imaginations (oh the motivational powers of candy), the spectacle of people in full costumes and regalia or just the darker theme of the season, but Halloween is special for me.
With the oldest Chinatown in Canada, haunted buildings and a colourful past, Victoria is easily one of the spookiest destinations this side of the after-life during the Halloween season. Whether attending a spooky play, a haunted zip line course, swashbuckling with pirates or taking a ghostly tour, the Greater Victoria Area has something that should get you in costume and enjoying yourself.
Tourism Victoria has a whole list of events that are happening in honour of All Hallows Eve available on the events calendar as well as a handy Halloween hit list here.
Read on for all the freaky details of events and activites taking place this October inVictoria…if you dare.
Depending on how many chills and thrills you are looking forward too, there is an event ready to accept the challenge. Make sure to book early though, many events have limited capacity and are filling up fast!
Be sure to share some of your pictures and comments with us on Facebook and Twitter. After all, where is the fun in getting all decked out in your Halloween vestments if you aren’t going to share with everyone?
The 2011 Art of the Cocktail is already upon us and like many people in the city, I am in the spirit to taste classic cocktails and experiment in molecular mixology! What is the Art of the Cocktail? It is a weekend festival running from October 1 to 3, 2011 that celebrates all aspects surrounding … you guessed it, cocktails!
In recent years, boutique and microbreweries have dominated the alcohol-based beverage scene around the city. The interest in more customized and character drinks is exploding and creators and fans of libations are not going to be left behind. The Art of the Cocktail is a three day event that involves education seminars, competitions and, most importantly, tasting!
Sip Around has been running over the course of the last few weeks and leads right up to the event. Sip Around has been building anticipation of the Art of the Cocktail by encouraging people to try a variety restaurants, lounges and pubs that might not have been attended previously. In doing so, the patrons will get the chance to challenge their taste buds with exotic new food and drink pairings created and presented by some of the most talented chefs and mixologists in Victoria.
One such pairing prepared by Lure Restaurant and Lounge is an appetizer of scallops and apples with apple-celery root puree, apple confit, basil and a cider reduction and complimented by a Vrai Pomme cocktail. This is a delicious concoction of Calvados Apple Brandy, Sea Cider Farm’s Pomona Dessert Cider, Green Chartreuse and Apple-Rosehip Bitters. My mouth is watering writing about it!
This is just a warm up to the main event though, the big draw of the Art of the Cocktail is The Grand Tasting. This is a two and a half hour event on Saturday night that allows guests to sample approximately 50 different flavours born from the world of spirits. Victoria is a great host in this regard because several outstanding local artisan distillers will be on hand, intermingled with some of the world’s largest brands and companies. While sampling and tasting is going on, patrons will have the opportunity to learn intimate cocktail secrets from some of the most respected industry representatives from around the world. Favourite drinks, recipes and intriguing ingredient ideas will be prevalent throughout the tasting.
It would not be responsible of me to mention attending an event that consists mainly of consuming alcohol (even in sample sizes) and not recommend safe transport and lodgings. Whether coming by ferry or already on the island, the Art of the Cocktail team have got you covered for the event.
BC Ferries Vacations has a round trip Vancouver to Victoria package for two including vehicle transport and a night stay in the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites. Click here to book now
The Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites is the host hotel for Art of the Cocktail and has a special rate for event participants. Call 1-800-663-5891 or the local line at 250-361-5656 for reservations
The Art of the Cocktail is only a week away and I have just scratched the surface of what is going on directly related to the event. It is definitely a whole weekend of hi-jinks awaiting the culturally adventurous. With fall weather setting in, what better way to keep warm and entertained than by taking in the new spirits, ingredients and lessons and giving them a try yourself?
Hello everyone! I am back after a few weeks off for vacation and am in the blogging groove. Did you miss me? I know I missed sharing news of upcoming events and wonders to behold in this great city of Victoria.
One such example of a tremendous event is Rifflandia Festival 2011. Rifflandia is entering its fourth year of operations and is expected to be the largest yet. Featuring a diverse and eclectic collection of performances, Rifflandia is sure to offer something for everyone. This years main stage is at Royal Athletic Park. The venue has had to expand this year due to the growing attention and attendance from “wristbanded Rifflandians”. “Rifflandians” are the attendees to Rifflandia and are referred to as such due to the awesome ticket system Rifflandia uses.
Instead of looking at four days of events from September 22 to September 25, and struggling with getting tickets for the shows you want, tickets for Rifflandia come in the form of a wrist band that allows open access to the venue for the length of the festival. This is fantastic because it also allows people to take in performances that they normally would not consider as well as reduces disappointment for anyone who perhaps would have missed out on tickets for their favourite performers (De La Soul or City and Color for example).
The Rifflandia Festival has grown steadily in the previous three years. Starting in 2008 with the main set up outside of the McPherson Playhouse and 65 acts performing, 1,500 people took in the spectacle. This increased in 2009 when 2,500 attendees experienced the wrist band magic. 2010 was a special year with 3,500 Rifflandians, a city wide treasure hunt named “Winlandia!” and several contests for attentive wrist band adorned fans.
2011’s Rifflandia Festival is shaping up to be a doozy. With the move to Royal Athletic Park, the venue has grown to accommodate a much larger audience. Royal Athletic Park has an official seat count of over 4,500. There is a wide range of ticket options available starting at $55 and peaking at $275. The Super Pass is the best bet for anyone looking to be fully engrossed in Rifflandia, but single day/night passes are also available for people who are unable to attend the full event.
With summer winding down and condensation on vehicle windows in the morning, the 2011 Rifflandia Festival is one of the last chances to get out and enjoy an event outdoors in one of Victoria’s marvelous parks (ok, Royal Athletic Park is a stadium and not really a park in the traditional sense, you got me). Rifflandia performers are also out and about at several venues around the city for evening performances so make sure to check out the festival schedule even if you can’t become an official Rifflandian!
Like many locals, I drive by Craigdarroch Castle on a daily basis, always intrigued and curious, but too busy to stop and be a tourist in my own town. When the invitation came to watch a screening of a documentary about the castle, with reception to follow at the equally intriguing Union Club, I couldn’t wait to seize the opportunity. I am so glad I did.
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