City Guide 2012 M
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City Guide 2012
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City Guide 2012
Top 50 things to rediscover in and around Victoria CONTRIBUTED BY TIM COLLINS
SURE, OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY IS A POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION AND THERE’S NO LACK OF GREAT THINGS TO SEE AND DO, BUT THERE ARE CERTAIN WONDERS THAT EVEN THE LOCALS NEED TO MAKE SURE AND NOT MISS. HERE’S OUR LIST OF 50 TO TRY THIS YEAR.
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The Dallas Road Walkway — and not just in summer. The scenic walkway stretches from the Odgen Point Breakwater to Ross Bay and it’s a perfect place to go in storm season to watch crashing waves, chaotic waters at Ogden Point and electrical storms that will burn lasting memories into your soul.
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Get a free tattoo to show your support for breast cancer research. Empire Tattoo (1672 Douglas Street) shop owner Ory Periera feels strongly enough about the cause to give away over a hundred free pink ribbon tattoos every year. Watch for the event during Breast Cancer Awareness week in November.
Dozens of private and public golf courses await in and around Victoria
47 45 48 46 Check out the Awesome Shit Club. There’s this group of Victoria entrepreneurs who host their own version of Dragon’s Den every four months at Fort Street Café (742 Fort Street). 50 folks contribute $50 to become the awesomites who judge ideas from folks with awesome shit and award the cash to help other budding entrepreneurs. Check out the website awesomeshitclub.com and join in.
Golf. Mark Twin said “Golf is a good walk spoiled”, but he never played Victoria’s courses. There are dozens of private and public courses ranging from pitch-andputts to world class links complete with waterfalls, ocean views, mountain vistas and lush forests rife with wildlife.
Go fishing. Whale watching is great, but you don’t get to eat them when you’re done. B.C. salmon is world famous and you don’t need your own boat or gear to catch
one. Charters are available year round for the adventure of a lifetime. Check out our many salmon fishing charter services for a new and delicious adventure.
Fill your pockets with change and support the local buskers. There’s some great music on our streets; everything from classical musicians to one man bands (you have to see Dave Harris at the Inner Harbour). While you’re at it, mark July 20 to 29 on your calendar and go to the 2nd annual International Buskers Festival in downtown Victoria.
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City Guide 2012 LOCAL LUMINARY LIKES
Captain Craig Baines Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt
aptain Baines was first posted to Victoria in 1988 and has returned here on four separate occasions since. His most recent posting here began in 2007 and he’s served as the base commander since 2010. He’s seen a lot of the world in his various missions and postings, yet Victoria always keeps a special place in his heart.
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“I’ve been utterly impressed with how supportive Victoria has been of its Navy, CFB Esquimalt and the Canadian Forces in general. We very much feel like we are part of the community as opposed to being something separate and disconnected.” That’s an important part of Victoria’s culture, of course. As the headquarters for Canada’s Pacific Fleet, Lower Vancouver Island has a long history of military tradition. But Captain Baines’ love of the city extends well beyond its support of the Navy. “Victoria combines the best aspects of city living with an outdoors feel and focus that would come with a more rural environment. It’s not too big and it’s not too small. I don’t want to sound ‘three bears-ish’, but it’s just right! I think it’s awesome that I get to live by the Pacific Ocean in such an idyllic setting. The people of Victoria are friendly and welcoming and survive being a tourist destination while at the same time not being overly touristy.” FAVOURITE ACTIVITIES? “I love hiking, golfing and being out on the water (usually sailing). I especially love that I can call my brother in Winnipeg after golfing in the morning and mowing the lawn in the
afternoon. His ‘snow shovelling’ stories in -30°C don’t stack up somehow.” “I love going to the Royal Theatre. No matter what the performance, the atmosphere is excellent. There is an amazing range of talent here.” “My favourite place is actually the waterfront down by the Empress. The pathway around the harbour is a fantastic walk.” PLACES TO EAT? “I love spicy food so I usually take guests to Thai Siam on Fort Street every chance I get. The food and service are excellent.” “And then there’s John’s place. It’s a little restaurant on Pandora that has more atmosphere than most. It’s my favourite breakfast spot. During all my postings to Victoria, it has been a constant that I’ve always enjoyed.” BEST THING ABOUT VICTORIA? “Beyond the people, the best thing about Victoria is its integration of old and new in a beautiful waterside setting. I feel privileged to get to live here.” M
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Feeling stressed? Walk the labyrinth at the University of Victoria. It’s a 10-meterwide labyrinth modelled after the one on the floor of the 12th century Chartes France cathedral. There are instructional aides to show you how to use walk it to relieve stress and gain spiritual insight. It’s the perfect meditative exercise for winding down after a tough day. It’s not always there though, so call ahead to Multifaith Services Centre at 250-721-8338.
Explore Fan Tan Alley. It’s only three to five feet wide and runs between the weather-worn bricks of buildings that loom three storeys high on either side. The gambling houses and opium dens of the past are gone now (we think) but there are still the shops, a barber, a café, an art gallery and more. Enter the maze that is the Chinatown Trading Company and you’ll wonder if you’ll ever find your way out. Find the alley between Fisgard and Pandora, in the heart of Chinatown.
Afternoon Tea. Voted one of the best high-teas in the world, it’s impossible not to recommend High Tea at the Empress. Its William Edwards china, sterling silver service and award-winning pastry chef D’oyen Christie’s handmade scones and pastries in a setting right out of a fairy tale. For those on a budget, however, there are many other fantastic choices in James Bay, Oak Bay, Sydney and throughout Victoria.
While you’re in Chinatown; eat! It’s the oldest and most authentic Chinatown in Canada and you can’t leave there without trying the Dim Sum lunch. The menu is gone, replaced by carts full of bamboo steamers, covered plates and trays. Just point out which of the delights you want to try and you’re set.
City Guide 2012
SUNDAY’S SNOWFLAKES PURE DAY SPA
ALL THE ELEMENTS FOR SHOPPING
HOMEBODY INTERIORS
Adrienne’s Tea Garden • 250-658-1535 Art Knapp Garden Centre • 250-658-1013 A Stable Way of Life • 250-658-3052 Country Gift Shoppe • 250-658-1812 Elephant Flowers • 250-658-2445 Gramma Fay’s Ice Cream Parlour • 250-658-1535 Homebody Interiors • 250-477-1101 Ladybug Candles & Gifts • 250-658-3807
LADYBUG CANDLES & GIFTS
RED BARN MARKET
“With over 15 shops to choose from, there is something for everyone.”
MATTICK’S FARM MINI GOLF
TOYING AROUND
YOU’LL FIND EVERYTHING FROM SHOES TO CARROTS!
Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf • 250-658-4053 Paper Chain • 250-658-2725 Pure Day Spa • 250-590-7873 Red Barn Market • 250-658-2998 Sunday’s Snowflakes • 250-658-8499 The Continental Kitchen • 250-658-8191 The Gallery • 250-658-8333
ELEPHANT FLOWERS
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Find a secret message. Walk down Broad Street and you may notice that the granite street signs embedded in the sidewalk have a series of lines across their top. These may seem like random designs but if you happen to be a WWII mariner, you’ll recognize them as fragments of Morse code. What do they say? Well that’s the real fun! The sign pictured above says “by an old wall”. If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. It’s all pretty enigmatic. They are actually fragments of a poem entitled Broad Street Blues by Michael Kenyon, written during the time of the Broad Street Renovation Project in 1998. The poem included references to drugs and the sex trade and was judged to be too racy for display on the street. Instead, segments of the poem were quietly included in the project when the city planner. Mickey Lam, and the project architect, Christopher Rowe, found a creative way of displaying at least part of the work. They were placed without any formal announcement or explanation.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC FABULOUS SHOPPING FABULOUS SHOPPING YOU’LL FIND EVERYTHING
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COUNTRY GIFT SHOPPE
Take in a festival. Between Aug. 23 and Sept. 2, Victoria plays host to one of the oldest Fringe Festivals in Canada. Going into their 26th year, this mid-sized, unjuried and uncensored festival serves up the whole range of human emotion as 52 theatre companies perform their plays at one of eight venues. Music lovers can check out the TD Victoria International JazzFest (June 22 - July 1), FolkWest (Aug 10-12), Vancouver Island Blues Bash (Sept. 1 - 3), Rifflandia (Sept. 13 - 16) and many more.
VQA WINE SHOP
MATTICK’S FARM
A STABLE WAY OF LIFE
Classic boats. Every Labour Day weekend over a hundred classic boats converge on the Inner Harbour where landlubbers and sailors alike can get up close and personal with boats that have more miles on them than Nick Nolte. There are sailboats and powerboats and some novelty boats that are sure to entertain. Take a stroll and tour while imagining yourself setting sail for parts unknown.
THE CONTINENTAL KITCHEN
ADRIENNE’S TEA GARDEN
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Climb Mount Douglas. It’s on the east side of the Saanich Peninsula on Cordova Bay Road, no more than 20 minutes from downtown. Hardwood forests form a cathedral setting for the trails that slowly wind up the mountain. Depending on your fitness level, the climb takes 90 minutes to two and a half hours, but the view from the top is amazing. Of course you can also drive most of the way up and enjoy the view without the perspiration.
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THE GALLERY
ART KNAPP VICTORIA GARDEN CENTRE
City Guide 2012
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✁ EUROPEAN DESIGNER FASHION
Spring/Summer 2012
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Men without pants! The Highland Games and Celtic Festival is the longest running cultural event in the region, with its roots going back to 1864. The festival is held at Topaz Park in mid-May and it features the best of Celtic art, sport and culture. There are competitions for sheep herding dogs, highland dancing, great food and music to stir the Celt in all of us. The heavy events are amazing and showcase very large men in kilts throwing (among other items) impossibly heavy wooden poles and stones the size of Mini Coopers. And, naturally . . . there are bagpipes.
Celtic art, sport and culture.
ff 0O 3 for chase d A r this ing pu , 2012 n I r g p e1 Brin any s exp. Jun $
Sports 635 Fort St.
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250-381-2131
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This summer’s mu must sees … Image Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum
The exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amh.org), in collaboration with the Houston Museum of Natural Science; California Academy of Science, San Francisco; The Field Museum, Chicago; and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. © American Museum of Natural History. Image Courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton:
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration
MAY 17 – SEP 16
#mymuseum www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
June 1 – Sep 3
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Big Bad Johns. Speaking of traditional attractions, this place has seemingly been around forever. It’s a bar in the Strathcona Hotel (919 Douglas Street) and it holds the oldest liquor license in B.C. It’s a self proclaimed Hillbilly bar with peanut shells on the floor, stumps for seats and bras decorating the ceiling. It’s a place where the bartenders play pranks and the waitresses call you “honey”.
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“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” Well, maybe you should be. Victoria is one of Canada’s most haunted cities. Whether it’s Bastion Square and Helmcken Alley, the Maritime Museum, Rogers Chocolates or any of a raft of other haunted spots, it’s great to explore and hear the stories. Take the Ghostly Walk tour (year round) or wait for the Ghosts of Victoria Festival as Halloween approaches and ride the bus or trolley.
City Guide 2012
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If you are a fully independent and active senior or one who requires a little assistance each day; or perhaps someone who requires a bit more residential care, it is good to know that our retirement communities offer choices that will suit your needs and lifestyle. Our trademarked principles of Wellness & Vitality™ encompass a philosophy that helps ensure that our services, activity programs and qualified on-site staff will enhance your enjoyment of life. Why not visit today and discover the Amica that is just right for you! Amica at Somerset House 540 Dallas Road Victoria, BC V8V 4X9 250.380.9121
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City Guide 2012
City Guide 2012 LOCAL LUMINARY LIKES
D’Oyen Christie Executive Pastry Chef
hen D’Oyen Christie received a bit of fan mail last December from an out-of-town guest who, months earlier, had attended high tea at the Empress Hotel, he responded in an unexpected manner. He took the time to pen a thank you note inside a Christmas card and sent it along with a box of the “diabetic cookies” that the guest had raved about. He also sent the recipe. D’Oyen Christie is the Executive Pastry Chef at the Empress Hotel and it’s his genius that lies behind the handmade scones, pastries and tea sweets that has ranked high tea at the Empress as one of the top four tea services in the world. For over a century the world famous tea lobby has served old England’s most beloved tradition in a style that is second to none. They’ve played host to royalty, dignitaries and more celebrities than can be name-dropped in a limited space. In fact, the tea room serves between 90,000 to 100,000 guests every year. Christie came to the Empress from Alberta in 2002 and was called upon to serve the Queen of England the very next year. “It was a real trial by fire,” Christie recalls. “That’s definitely not a guest you want to disappoint with anything but a perfect English Tea Service.” Christie was also the chef on stage with the premier, prime minister and cabinet ministers when he presented B.C.’s birthday cake to assembled dignitaries. But what Christie really loves is preparing his pastries for the regular guests of the Empress tea. “I challenge my staff to excel, and they never disappoint me.”
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WHAT DOES CHEF CHRISTIE LOVE ABOUT VICTORIA? “The people here are amazing; so easy to meet and make friends. I play in the Lower Island Soccer League and I meet everyone from doctors and lawyers to construction workers and fishers. We all get along. That’s the magic of Victoria.” AND WHERE DOES A WORLD FAMOUS CHEF LIKE TO EAT? “I love The Whole Beast (2032 Oak Bay Avenue)! You can get this amazing charcuterie (that’s smoked meat for those of you who aren’t chefs.) I go and sample a variety of meats there and I am always amazed at the taste and quality of the product.” “The best fish and chips I’ve had is served right here at the Bengal Lounge in the Empress; but there are a lot of great places for seafood on the Lower Island.” “There is a lot of great food out there. The best thing to do is stroll around and explore. It’s a beautiful city and there are all kinds of restaurants and eateries hidden away in China Town, downtown Victoria and the surrounding municipalities. Get out there and explore.” M
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Your Local Organic Farmers Market Season starts April 7, 2012
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City Guide 2012
LOCAL LUMINARY LIKES
Ian Case “I believe in this community”
hat statement by Ian Case, general manager of Intrepid Theatre Company, sums up his deep love of our great city. Ian arrived here in 1986 to attend the University of Victoria where he majored in English and Theatre. He’s put that education and his indomitable, creative spirit to great use in the intervening years and Victoria is the richer for his efforts. Ian has worked with Theatre Inconnu, the Victoria Shakespeare Festival, and just about every other theatrical enterprise on the Island. In 1998, he founded Giggling Iguana Productions. “It’s sort of my hobby company,” Case explains. “We did three productions at the McPherson Playhouse but have moved onto some less traditional stages as well. For example, we’ve done shows for twelve years at Craigdarroch Castle; a very untraditional stage, but a tremendous backdrop.” Ian has also worked with inmates at William Head Correctional Institute to stage the only theatre productions within a federal penitentiary in Canada. “It’s open to the general public and has managed to deliver some very powerful and meaningful productions.” But Intrepid Theatre is Ian’s first love. He founded the company in 2002 and has served as its general manager since that time. Intrepid Theatre is responsible for hosting the Victoria Fringe Festival and Uno Fest and operates the Intrepid Club theatre (1609 Blanshard) and the Metro Studio Theatre (1411 Quadra).
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WHAT DOES IAN LOVE ABOUT VICTORIA? “Victoria has a range of creative energy that is second to none. It’s possible here for emerging artists to create fresh and important work; work that has
been internationally recognized. That’s exciting. But there is also a stable of very experienced and established theatre professionals here. The combination of those groups of people makes for a very powerful theatrical force.” “The number of venues is pretty exciting as well. There are about a dozen theatrical spaces in Victoria and many more just outside the city. But what’s really inspiring are the number of untraditional spaces for theatre; places like Craigdarroch Castle for
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Watch artists paint the town red (or blue or green . . . all the colours are there, really). The TD Art Gallery Paint-In happens on July 21 and gives you a chance to take in the Island’s largest visual art event. Over 150 professional and emerging artists display their work on Moss Street and you have the chance to see them at work and talk to them about their work. Find the face in Clover Point Rock. You may have walked by it a hundred times without noticing that there is a face watching you from the rocks lining the walkway. No one is entirely sure who carved the enigmatic visage, but if you can find it and take the time to examine it closely, you can see that it was no mean feat to carve its features. It is an old face, complete with wrinkles around the eyes and sides of the face and its expression is a bit sad. Long time residents report that they knew of the face over 50 years ago, but no one has ever taken credit for the carving and no one seems to know who might have been responsible.
Can you spot the face?
31 example. Those spaces allow for a range of work to be preformed that stretches from very traditional works to incredibly diverse and avante-garde creations.” “What’s important to realize though is that it’s all possible because this community is hugely supportive. The arts are alive in Victoria.”M
Swim at Thetis Lake Park. OK, the Thetis Lake monster legend was exposed as a hoax, but Thetis Lake (20 minutes from downtown on Hwy 1) is still worth the visit. You can enjoy a swim off the sandy beach or fish for rainbow trout. Walk the trails, have lunch at one of the picnic areas or use a kayak or canoe to explore the conjoined lakes (no power boats). A great place to kick back and relax on a hot summer day.
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Learn to dance. From Tango to Highland Dance, and from North African rhythms to Norwegian Folk Dance, there are
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Explore Estevan
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A hidden gem located 3 blocks from Willows Beach
Ageless
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City Guide 2012
Think Spring! B Our new arrivals rivals includee Sandwich, h, Sympli and nd Simon Chang ang
N Mattick’s Farm Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 daily 5325 Cordova Bay Road Victoria BC • 250-658-8499
Admission to the Bug Zoo - $10 Making peace with insects and spiders
PRICELESS!
dozens of dance groups in Victoria. From serious instructional groups to clubs that just like to move, there is something out there for every age group. A simple online search for the group that’s right for you and you can be finding your groove in no time.
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Walk on air. Walk over the South Lawn at the Empress Hotel and you might wonder why there are no trees gracing this part of the grounds. Well, the truth is that what appears to be solid ground is, in fact, an illusion. In 1909, not long after the completion of construction of the hotel, the whole building started to shift. Engineers were hurriedly brought in and it was determined that the weight of the earth at the south side of the building was pressing against the foundation, causing the entire side of the hotel to sink. The earth was excavated to relieve the pressure and solve the problem. But that left another problem; a gigantic pit next to the hotel (not a good thing for guests out for a midnight stroll). The whole thing was resolved through the use of gigantic beams and a whole lot of timber. A structure was built in the pit and the roof was covered in soil and grass. So, when you’re walking on that lawn, consider that you’re actually walking over a gymnasium sized hole in the ground.
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Carriage Tours of Victoria. Love the charm of horses, but don’t want to ride? Victoria Carriage Tours and Tally Ho tours both make their home beside the legislative building. Tours vary in length and theme, but they all provide guests with a unique exposure to our fair city. The horses are gentle; the guides are informative and entertaining; and the experience is unforgettable. Romance tours are available, too, if you’re looking to impress that special someone. Explore the lighthouse. Fort Rodd hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse are national historic sites that take you back to a time of sea and sail. You can tour the lighthouse, use a GPS device to explore tunnels and camouflaged emplacements, and even play a video game that tests your ability to navigate a 19th century schooner into harbour. Check their calendar for special events that include military reenactments, a wine and art show, a vintage Cadillac car show, Canada Day celebrations and a food fair.
You can tour the lighthouse, explore tunnels and test your ability to navigate a 19th century schooner.
631 Courtney Street • 384.BUGS (2847) • www.bugzoo.com
Open Daily
UNWIND VICTORIA HOT SPOTS AFTER 5PM
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City Guide 2012
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Get out on the water. Victoria’s Harbour Ferry offers tours of the harbour with stops at Fisherman’s Wharf (try delicious fish and chips). The Ferry service also offers a tour of the Gorge Waterway. For the more adventurous, there are sailing adventures including a threehour sail aboard the tall ship Thane (at the Inner Harbour). If you’re looking for adventure, try Caddy Marine Tours (1581 H Hillside Ave.) and go on a 90-minute tour in search of the Cadboro Bay Sea Serpent. They guarantee a sighting, but it’s all tongue in cheek.
Tour the harbour by water for a different view.
museum is located at 1910 Norseman Road, near the Victoria International Airport.
25 24 The British Columbia Aviation Museum. There’s something about getting up close and personal with historic aircraft that stirs the imagination. The museum collects, restores and displays aircraft with a long history of service in Canada (and especially B.C.). There are biplanes, helicopters and other aircraft; all there to preserve the memory of a golden age of flight. The
Go to prison; see a show. The most unique theatre venue on the Island can be found at the William Head Institution; a minimum-security prison at 6000 William Head road. Inmates and volunteers stage annual plays inside the prison and the public is invited to attend. For the more conventional theatre buff, the Royal and McPherson Theatres (625
Fisgard) offer plays, performances and concerts in warm, inviting venues dating back nearly a hundred years. The architecture is classic, but the shows are fresh and exciting. For a more intimate setting try Metro Studio (1411 Quadra) or Intrepid Club (2-1609 Blanchard). They’re all great, but the prison theatre is not to be missed.
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Dine in elegance on the cheap. McDonald Restaurants may all look pretty much the same on the outside, but consider the Victoria McDonalds on Douglas Street that managed to salvage the light fixtures of a local hotel slated for demolition. The fixtures are all pretty impressive, but the pièce de résistance is a large chandelier that hangs in the stairway to the upstairs seating area. It’s 24 carat gold. The McDonalds Corporation isn’t in a big hurry to put a value on the light fixture in its fast food restaurant, but with today’s soaring gold prices, an estimate well into six figures isn’t out of the realm of possibility. So the next time your significant other complains about not being taken to a fancy restaurant, take them to McDonalds and point out the lighting.
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City Guide 2012 (Don’t worry; you don’t have to walk all of it.) See modern warships and the supports that keep them running in this one-of-a-kind tour.
flavor of the antique district. Wait for a sunny day and take a stroll into the past.
22 20 18 19 21 17 Take a wine tour. There are over two dozen wineries on lower Vancouver Island and there are several companies who will take you to the best of the bunch. Taste the best wines and tour the beautiful vineyards. Speak with expert vintners about the variety of wines and the appropriate food pairings for every vintage. Other stops at specialty shops and restaurants round out the experience. Try Wine Country Safaris or Executive Wine Tours for a relaxing day with first class transportation and expert guides.
Join the Navy (for a tour of the base, not a tour of duty). Bus tours are available Monday to Friday and a walking tour of the base is available every Saturday from June to August. The tours are guided and take in both the historical and modern aspects of the home of Canada’s Pacific Fleet. The base has been around since 1845 and has over 1,500 buildings spread over 23 sites and 500 hectares of land.
Eat some breakfast. Breakfast eateries go a long way to defining a city. Victoria’s offering of breakfast is as diverse as the city itself. Everyone has their favourite restaurant — and there are so many great ones to choose from — so try a new one each week to really challenge your tastebuds. Go antiquing. Some say that Victoria is more British than Britain and Antique Row on Fort Street may be the defining proof of that statement. It’s a three block section of Fort Street characterized by well preserved buildings of the Edwardian and Victorian eras. The many antique shops offer up furniture and bric-a-brac from the Victorian era and are considered to be North America’s best source of British antiques. There are also auction houses, restaurants and art galleries; all of which add to the very English
TORIA VICRN ATIONAL
BUSKERS FESTIVAL
INTE
uly 20-29 J 2 201
• Featuring street performance from around the world! • A FREE-TO-ATTEND family oriented festival • Free program guides available June 1st Visit website to download or for a list of South Island guide locations
N VICTORIA W O T N W O D S E 8 STAG
www.victoriabuskers.com w ww w w vicctor ctoriiab buske k
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The Royal B.C. Museum. This attraction makes our guide every year for very good reason. While its permanent exhibits (Human History, First People’s History and Natural History) are always fun to revisit, there is always something new happening. This year the museum plays host to the astonishing photo exposition of the Wildlife Photographers of the Year, a special exposition of rarely seen photos and portraits commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, and a blockbuster exposition of new discoveries about dinosaurs. See how modern techniques and discoveries have shed new light on these fascinating creatures and find out how (and if) they became extinct. Bookstores. You can’t throw a chestnut in Victoria without hitting a bookstore
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City Guide 2012
LOCAL LUMINARY LIKES
Jodi Lundgren: Author
odi Lundgren grew up in Victoria and loved the natural beauty of the Island. “We climbed trees, picked blackberries, rode our bikes and jumped rope.” She also tried gymnastics, badminton, figure skating and dance; all kinds of dance. She also tried her hand at theatre; once playing the part of Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. But most of all she loved reading and dance. In some ways not much has changed for Lundgren. These days she still loves to read, but has turned her hand to writing. She is the author of two books, Touched (2009) and Leap (2011) and has a variety of short stories and creative non-fiction to her credit. She teaches creative writing at Camosun and wants to inspire others to feel the same love of literature that is at the heart of her life. She still loves to dance, too. Lundgren is a member of Fizzik’l; a semi professional dance company in Victoria.
“The people are pretty amazing as well. There is so much talent on the Island; writers and poets and dancers and actors. The creative power is overwhelming sometimes. I belong to a writers group here on the Island and we get together and share ideas and some of what we’ve written. I’m not sure I could do that in other cities; not with this kind of talent surrounding me.” “Sometimes I love just sitting outside a café and watching the people go by. Murchies on Government Street is a favourite as is Bubby Rose’s on Cook Street.”
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“Victoria loves the arts and has a very active cultural community. I can dance here and practice yoga; I can also cycle and hike and just enjoy the natural beauty all around me.” WHAT DOES LUNDGREN LOVE ABOUT VICTORIA? “I think it’s the amazing natural beauty of the place; the wildness that surrounds us. You can’t experience the windstorms, or the wind on the ocean, and not experience a sense of freedom and passion.” seemingly endless supply of smaller shops. There are specialty book stories for specific tastes in genre (everything from crime to witchcraft) and used shops where first editions can be found at reasonable prices. Also be sure to visit Sidney, which is known as “Booktown” for its many bookstores and bronze statues of readers on benches.
16 There are dozens of local authors to discover and enjoy. of some kind. Bolen Books (Hillside Mall) is a well known and significant independent, and a trip to Munro’s on Government St. is a must if only to see the beautiful architecture of this magnificent building. Both are well stocked with a broad selection of well established and emerging authors. The remarkable thing about Victoria’s book scene though lies in the
Get your English (or Irish or Scot) on and hit the pub. The British heritage that is at the heart of Victoria’s charm has a strong representation at the pumps. Dozens of microbrewed beers and traditional favourites like Guinness and Harp are available in pubs that, in some cases, date back over a hundred years. With names like the Penny Farthing, the Sticky Wicket and Maude Hunter’s Pub, it’s clear that the aura is bound to be authentic. Some of our favourites include the Six Mile Pub, Garrick’s Head and Irish Times. The food is great, the ambience is inviting and the music is always fun and lively.
HOW ABOUT BOOK STORES? “There’s an incredible number of great book shops in Victoria, of course, but my favourites include Sorensen’s (1927 Cook Street) or the Fairfield Bookshop (247 Cook). You can find used and rare books there; forgotten treasures. Electronic books are convenient, but there’s nothing like the feel of paper; the feel of a real book.” M
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The Chalk Art Festival. This is a first for Victoria. Sure, we’ve had some remarkably talented people drawing truly astounding pictures with chalk on Government Street and in Bastion Square, but this festival takes the art form to a whole new level. Besides the amazing reproductions of old masters (how the heck do you do that on cement with chalk?) there is a whole new breed of 3D artists. Large works are created on the pavement that, when viewed from a particular vantage point, take on an almost magical three-dimensional aspect. It all starts on Sept. 11 and admission is free (donations welcome).
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Go to market. Victoria and surrounding areas are rife with summer markets that feature everything from fresh organically grown vegetables to silver craft, art work, weaving and crafts. It’s a great place to find
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local artisans and artists with a real West Coast feel. There are markets in Bastion Square, Centennial Square and Market Square; as well as markets in Sydney, and James Bay. A favourite is held every Thursday through Saturday at Ship Point. Scores of vendors display a dizzying range of goods while live musical performances set the mood. It’s the perfect diversion for a warm summer evening.
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Visit Hatley Park and gardens. Go for the castle and stay for the peacocks. There’s no question that Hatley Castle is amazing. Completed in 1908, it would be a prime attraction all on its own (after all, the X-Men lived there in their series of movies). Still, the 650-acre grounds are an attraction all by themselves. There are three formal gardens (the Japanese, the Italian, and the Rose Garden) in which peacocks roam at will. The surrounding grounds (once a hunting preserve for James Dunsmuir) are home to 250-year-old Douglas firs that are the oldest in the area.
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St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The Cathedral was dedicated in 1892 and stands as a spectacular example of Victorian-era architecture. Still, renovations that occurred in the 1980’s added a particular West Coast flavour. The decorative panels are based on the Book of Kells in homage to the British (Irish) cultures. The alter is made of giant blocks of yellow cedar that rest on traditional native ‘bent boxes’. That alter was designed and built by acclaimed West Coast Native artist Charles Elliot. Finally, the working pipe organ resounds in a building with extraordinary acoustics. It’s a truly remarkable and inspirational site.
What about flying to Butchart Gardens for dinner?
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Take a seaplane. Take off from the Inner Harbour for any one of a variety of tours that you’ll remember forever. You can take a short half hour flight over Victoria and the harbours, or enjoy a longer meandering flight over the Juan de Fuca Islands or even across the strait to the Olympic Mountains. Especially interesting outings involve a fly and dine experience to Butchart Gardens where you get to enjoy the gardens, eat a three-course meal, ride in a vintage Daimler limousine and fly back to Victoria, where you touch down on the water to complete your adventure.
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City Guide 2012
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Rent a scooter and explore. Fully automatic scooters are available at the Inner Harbour and only require a valid driver’s license. It’s fun and inexpensive and gives you a chance to explore the various sights of Victoria while minimizing the sore feet and tired legs. Scooters let you experience the city in a way that can’t be duplicated from inside a car. All safety equipment is provided, as is a short riding lesson. Play wild at WildPlay. Not for the faint of heart but perfect for folks who want to check off some of the items on their ‘bucket list’. Participants move through a mixture of zip lines, rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, wobbly bridges and other surprises as they navigate their way through a course that’s designed to boost your confidence as it scares the pants off you. A reasonable fitness level is required, but the courses are designed to be accessible for all ages. Try a sea kayak. Rent a sea kayak and explore Victoria’s scenic coastline and surrounding islets. A wide variety of tours are available; ranging from a three-hour morning paddle and picnic to an evening paddle to watch the sunset. All the equipment is provided and all tours are guided by a professional sea kayak guide. Slide through the water to get up close and personal with sea otters, great blue herons, bald eagles, mink and seals. Rentals are available at the Inner Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf. Experience Craigdarroch Castle in a different way. The 39 rooms of Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Crescent) are tremendous and the self-guided tour is worth the price of admission. But the castle is also a wonderful backdrop for plays. The whole place becomes the backdrop for the plays as the audience follows the actors around the “set” to take in the production. Past performances have included A Christmas Carol and The Fall of the House of Usher. Check the calendar of events and join the experience. Enjoy Halloween. With thick fog and more than our share of ghostly sightings, it’s only fitting that Halloween activities are a popular event. We’ve mentioned the ghost tours, but at Halloween the Victoria College of Art and a local theatre group (SKAM) have combined to create a three-storey haunted house complete with zombies! Galey Farms (450 Blenkinsop Road) offers a corn maze, hayrides and a child friendly haunted house. For something really different, go to Oak Bay Avenue and see the hundreds of uniquely carved pumpkins featuring Canadian Idols, cartoon characters, TV shows, the Royal Family and even a few jack-o-lanterns.
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Take a Double Decker Bus Tour. See the city from a different perspective. The Royal Blue Line departs from the Port Angeles Ferry Terminal on Belleville and travels through Chinatown, over to Craigdarroch Castle, through Oak Bay Village, past Cattle Point and Uplands Park, through Beacon Hill Park and past Fisherman’s Wharf. You can jump off the bus, explore the area and catch the next tour bus as it rolls on by.
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Go underground. One of the most spectacular adventures can be found within a few hours’ drive of Victoria — underneath the ground. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park boasts seven different caves that are 120,000 years old. There are challenging tours for the experienced caver, but the park offers an easy one-hour family tour into the protected Riverbend Cave. Be warned that the inside of the caves are not lit (that means they’re completely black) but helmets with lights are provided and tour guides are always on hand. There are no tight squeezes or crawls required; just a sense of adventure.
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The Victoria Day Parade. The Victoria Day long weekend is very special in the city that bears the name of the Queen being honoured by the holiday. It’s a time for all manner of special events and activities but the most spectacular of them all is the parade. Over 120,000 people turn out to watch the marching bands (from all over North America), the floats, jugglers, and performers of every stripe. The parade travels down Douglas Street into downtown Victoria and the whole thing takes about three hours to pass by any given point on the route. Bring a lawn chair and some refreshments and kick back to watch the fun.
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Get in the picture. This “thing to do” won’t be found in any guidebook, but it’s something we’ve noticed happening, if only by accident. Every year, thousands of tourists stream off the ferries, arrive in cruise ships and otherwise make their way to what is arguably the most beautiful city in Canada. They take lots of pictures with the Inner Harbour as the backdrop, or the Empress Hotel, or the shops and restaurants on Government Street. It’s a great reminder that we’re lucky enough to live in a place that others come to visit. So . . . get yourself in the background. See how many times you can get into a tourist’s picture (without spoiling the shot, of course). If you can find yourself in the vacation pictures someone posts on a social networking site, you win. If not, you win anyway. You live in Victoria, after all.
LOCAL LUMINARY LIKES
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John Vickers : Showman
ohn Vickers wears a lot of hats these days. He’s active in community affairs, having served as the Chair of the James Bay Community Project, and having championed a variety of causes, including increasing pedestrian access to Government Street and the unification of the Capital Region Municipalities. But at heart, Vickers is a showman. He loves entertaining people by providing them with fresh and engaging opportunities for fun. Take his Pumpkin Art Display. It began in 1998 and now boasts hundreds of pumpkins carved in a plethora of themes. It’s an annual attraction for children and adults alike and although it’s moved a few times, it’s attracted tens of thousands of fans and now has a permanent home at the Oak Bay Municipal Village. Then there’s the Masquerade Ball. Vickers founded that black-tie charity event seven years ago and until last year served as its chair. It’s now been passed onto the BC-SPCA, but continues as a premier event in Victoria. Last year, Vickers brought life to the Inner Harbour with his first annual International Buskers Festival. The event was a smashing success and looks to be even more fun in 2012.
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WHAT DOES HE LOVE ABOUT VICTORIA? “You couldn’t ask for a better stage for
festivals and events. You have the boats and the Inner Harbor, the Empress Hotel, the legislative buildings and the charming streets of downtown. Together they create a natural and fantastic stage . . . a marvellous backdrop that is second to none. All it takes is a little imagination and the willingness to fill that stage and you’re bound to succeed.” FAVOURITE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS? “Skafest has a great feel, as does the Jazz Festival. I love the Dragon Boat Festival as well. They all tend to bring life to the city. One of my favourite events was the Folk Fest. I really hope it makes a comeback one day soon.” AFTER THE SHOWS “I’m a dog lover and I love taking Archie for walks in one of the many dog parks.” (Archie is Vickers’ constant companion and about the cutest ball of fur you’d ever want to meet.) “Let’s face it, Victoria is a beautiful place. We have this natural beauty on our doorstep and its all no more than a bike ride away.” “You want a great meal? Try Pescatores! The food is fantastic.” FUTURE EVENTS? “I’m hoping to bring an International Chalk Art Festival to Government Street in 2012. It’s going to be amazing and, like the Busker’s Festival, it’s all provided free of charge!” M
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City Guide 2012
You know it’s a party when the pipe band shows up.
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Celebrate Victoria’s 150th Birthday. Our city turns 150 this year and special celebrations are being planned for Aug. 2 – the day of incorporation in 1862 – as well as year-long merriment. On Aug. 2, celebrations will take place at Centennial Square, with food, music, clowns, speeches and activities. A similar event, dubbed Unity 150, will take place four days later, in conjunction with the United Way of Greater Victoria’s 75th anniversary. Also, on a day yet to be finalized, the city will host a fortmaking competition as a tribute to the original Fort Victoria. Throughout 2012, expect banners, promotional products and a 150-theme at annual events such as Symphony Splash and the Victoria Day Parade. History2Life, a historical interactive performance company, will be present at many of these events, in the form of stilt walkers, magicians, giant puppets and more. Plus, visit the outdoor art history mural at 916 Gordon Street. And to continue the party, our neighbour Esquimalt is celebrating its 150th with a myriad of activities, walking routes, and more.
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