Going Local

Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries opens at the Royal BC Museum

Philip Pierce — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:44:15 +0000

CVV Magazine reports on recent and upcoming arts and entertainment events in Victoria, B.C.

This week CVV’s John Threlfall previews The Royal BC Museum’s exciting new exhibit – Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries!

For many more Victoria, B.C. arts and entertainment videos, please check out CVVmagazine.com.

Craigdarroch, The Documentary: Victoria’s Castle

tourismvictoria — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:48:17 +0000

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.

Come Tour Through One of Victoria’s Breweries, Cideries, or Spirits Producers

tourismvictoria — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:06:10 +0000

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!

Victoria’s Arts and Entertainment Update: April 26, 2012 by CVV Magazine

Philip Pierce — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:07:20 +0000

CVV Magazine reports on recent and upcoming arts and entertainment events in Victoria, B.C.

This week: CVV’s Leanne Allen talks to the creators of The Finity Project, scenes from Victoria filmmaker Matteus Clement’s Rooftop Warriors, and more!

For many more Victoria, B.C. arts and entertainment videos, please check out CVVmagazine.com.

Victoria’s Weekly Arts and Entertainment Video Update: April 6, 2012 by CVV Magazine

Philip Pierce — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:25:03 +0000

CVV Magazine reports on recent and upcoming arts and entertainment events in Victoria, B.C.

This week: Cadence Fitness – a victoria business profile, Light on our Feet 4, the Tragically Hip are coming to Victoria, and more!

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For many more Victoria, B.C. arts and entertainment videos, please check out CVVmagazine.com.

Victoria’s Weekly Arts and Entertainment Video Update: March 12, 2012 by CVV Magazine

Philip Pierce — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:19:35 +0000

CVV Magazine reports on recent and upcoming arts and entertainment events in Victoria, B.C.

This week: Karen Elgersma from Shaw TV’s The Daily stops by for a visit, our latest Victoria area staycation feature, footage from the Pepsi Big Air competition at Mt. Washington, Sparkfest at the Belfry, and Dine Around and Stay in Town. Plus, this week we have bonus footage for all you snowboarders out there. Stay tuned after the update!

For many more Victoria, B.C. arts and entertainment videos, please check out CVVmagazine.com.

Come Experience Vancouver Island’s 250 KM Golf Trail

tourismvictoria — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:39:32 +0000

: Afternoon at Highland Pacific

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.

With powerhouse golf courses such as Highland Pacific, Bear Mountain (Valley & Mountain courses), Olympic View, Arbutus Ridge, Cowichan, Duncan Meadows, Fairwinds, Morningstar, Pheasant Glen, Crown Isle Golf Resort and Storey Creek–there are a dozen reasons to not rake the leaves.

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!

Victoria’s Weekly Arts and Entertainment Video Update: February 13, 2012 by CVV Magazine

Philip Pierce — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:39:54 +0000

CVV Magazine reports on recent and upcoming arts and entertainment events in Victoria, B.C.

This week: The National Geographic IMAX Theatre‘s 70mm Film Festival, Pacific Opera Victoria‘s Carmen and the latest CVV Travel piece – to be filmed at Mt. Washington.

For many more Victoria, B.C. arts and entertainment videos, please check out CVVmagazine.com.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in B.C.’s Romantic Capital

tourismvictoria — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:24:28 +0000

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!

IMAX Star Sean Casey Visits Victoria in the Tornado Intercept Vehicle

Philip Pierce — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:33:30 +0000

CVV Magazine’s Leanne Allen interviews Sean Casey of Storm Chasers and the new IMAX movie Tornado Alley, then she hitches a ride in the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV2) for a cruise around Victoria.

Tornado Alley is playing now at the Royal BC Museum’s Imax Theatre.

For many more Victoria, B.C. arts and entertainment videos, please check out CVVmagazine.com.