14 minute read

Shop Like The Locals

Next Article
Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island

Whether you are a visitor or resident, there is one thing we can agree upon — we all love to enjoy the side of Vancouver Island that people around the world are talking about.

There are many things that make our region a bucket-list destination, including the unique experiences and shops and services that Greater Victoria o ers from Sooke to Sidney and from the Westshore to Oak Bay.

We all want to discover the local gems, eat where the locals eat and create great memories.

Greater Victoria would not be the diverse and remarkable community it is without the local, independent businesses that provide everything from groceries, stationery, clothes and shoes to accounting services and auto repair. These business owners take the time to understand their customers’ needs because they live here, too. Their products and services are geared for life in Greater Victoria, and they deliver them in a way that works for the people in their community.

There can be a real sense of connection when you buy from a local business. In fact, you might see the owners of Buddies Toys

Discover Unique Businesses

Shop like a local and build a thriving economy.

You don't have to go far to

Authentically Local Since 1976 www.chateauvictoria.com 1-800-663-5891

at a weekend soccer game with their kids, or the CEO of Monk O ce eating lunch at a local café, or one of the fourth-generation owners of Robinson’s Outdoor Store at a charity event. Their passion for their business directly translates into passion for their community’s growth and prosperity.

At Think Local First, the goal is to support these local, independent businesses and help everyone understand the huge impact that spending our money with local businesses has on the prosperity of our region. We aim to raise the awareness of local businesses because they each contribute to the success and sustainability of our economy. We are working with other likeminded organizations to build neighbourhoods that fl ourish for those who live in them and those who visit.

Getting the message out about the benefi ts of shopping locally is a full-time passion. “Victoria’s strength and vibrancy comes from the incredible neighbourhoods that have unique experiences and passionate community-minded locally-owned businesses who are the pillars of the community providing expert service to locals and visitors.” says Steve Pearce, president of Think Local First.

The Think Local First app is an excellent tool to help people navigate our great communities and receive rewards for doing so. “By connecting visitors and locals to the experience, diversity and expertise that our local businesses o er, we are creating a sustainable future for the economy and culture of Victoria. We are also participating in continuing to make Victoria a preferred destination for world travellers.”

This free Think Local First app rewards people for visiting more than 300 locally owned businesses as well as points of interest that make Greater Victoria one of BC’s most popular destinations.

The app is both a wayfi nding tool and a gamifi ed way to reward people for shopping locally. The app’s Explore button takes you to the map of Greater Victoria, which has pins indicating the location of local businesses and the area’s unique points of interest, from heritage sites to places for outdoor recreation.

When you click on each pin on the map you get more information about that place. Locations are assigned a point value. Tap the “Collect Points” button while physically visiting a location and the app will add the location’s points to your point total. Your accumulated points can be redeemed for discounts on goods or services at any of the Rewards locations listed in the app.

When you use the Think Local First app, not only are you discovering local gems, you are directly helping to strengthen and enhance the local economy. You are also contributing to making Greater Victoria a place where new and diverse local businesses can thrive. This adds to the unique character of our region, so it continues to draw the attention of people around Vancouver Island, Canada and the world.

The Spirit Loop

Incomparable treks, great food, friendly communities

If you’re looking for a close-to-home getaway, look no further than the South Island Spirit Loop. Experience the communities of Langford, Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan and the Malahat Nation, and enjoy their hospitality, spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities and variety of cuisine options.

WE BUY GOLD!

Established in 1998, Victoria’s largest Gold buyer and estate jewelry store. Weoffer the most competitive prices on Vancouver Island.

www.oldngold.com 250-361-1892 BULLION

GOLD-SILVER

www.GoldVictoria.com Visit us on Fort St.

(Between Douglas and Blanshard)

You can start your day anywhere in Langford. Visiting or overnight camping at Goldstream Park is a must. The beautiful setting is matched only by its proximity to some of the best hiking in the area. For a great morning and unparalleled views, take a hike up Mount Finlayson.

Once you’ve finished exploring Goldstream, consider a stop for lunch at the newly opened Liberty Kitchen. Open until midnight and featuring pizza, pasta and other home-cooked specialties, the restaurant boasts spacious booths, a bar, tables and a covered patio. It’s the perfect spot for families, dates, birthdays and hangouts.

Next, make the drive to Sooke Potholes. Following the winding birch, Douglas Fir and cedar-lined trail towards Peden Lake, veer off to the Mary Vine Creek waterfall. It’s a short walk (1.8km out and back), but shoes with decent treads are key.

If you’re craving something sweet, duck into Sooke’s Bits of Bliss for a cupcake or a dipped donut. Or, if you’re feeling hungry, visit Wild Mountain for takeout or dine-in. Known for their wood-fired pizzas and unique offerings, a trip to Sooke isn’t complete without visiting Wild Mountain.

There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from on the journey between Sooke and Port Renfrew, from camping on China Beach to stays at luxurious resorts and B&Bs. Visit SpiritLoop.ca to explore the different accommodation options available.

BOB IANSON LANDON COOPLESTONE

SONGHEES EDITION

901 GORDON ST, VICTORIA, BC 616FORTST, VICTORIA, BC 1502ADMIRALS RD, VICTORIA, BC

WITHIN THE HOUR CANNABIS DELIVERY

seedandstone.com | songheescannabis.com

LANDON COOPLESTONE

LANDON COOPLESTONE

As you continue down West Coast Road on the way to Port Renfrew, a stop at Shirley Delicious is always necessary. The works of local artisans adorn the walls, and you can pick up a sweet treat or a savoury snack. Since you’ve already turned off Highway 14, take the five-minute drive to the Sheringham Lighthouse parking lot. It’s a brisk 15 minute stroll to the lighthouse where you can breathe the salt air and take in the ocean views.

Stop at Jordan River to watch the surfers and make your next stop near Port Renfrew at Botanical Beach, which offers oceanside exploration unlike anywhere else. It has 251 hectares of natural habitat that offers an unparalleled opportunity to view the abundance of intertidal marine life on Vancouver Island.

www.knight-limousine.com

Professional, Quality Transportation Service.

Let us transport your family or group in comfort &safety.

Our Fleet:

•Clean/well maintained, 100% non-smoking •Sedans, minivans, SUVs &mini coaches, up to 24 passengers •Excellent Airport, Ferry &Charter Rates •Wheelchair accessible vehicles available

Book Online –Prompt Confirmation info@knight-limousine.com 250-598-5855 Expect the Best!

During the low tide, walk endlessly across the flat sandstone and granite outcroppings to view tide pools and brightly coloured starfish, urchins and mussels.

If you’re stopping in Port Renfrew for the night, be sure to check out some of the local accommodations, including Pacheedaht Campground, where you can camp beachfront. Enjoy a hot meal at the infamous Renfrew Pub or visit Bridgeman’s West Coast Eatery.

Continuing on the “loop,” make your way down Pacific Marine Road, and you will eventually arrive in Lake Cowichan. Take in the local sights and attractions as you head toward the Malahat region. Stop in at Merridale Cidery for a flight of ciders and snacks or visit Villa Eyrie and take in the incredible views of Saanich Inlet while you enjoy an exquisite meal.

If you can’t get enough of the views, make sure to stop in at the Malahat Skywalk. This tourism facility opened in 2020 and offers unparalleled views atop the Spiral Tower lookout, 250 metres above sea level. The walk to the tower via the TreeWalk boardwalk is an adventure in itself as you walk high above the forest floor, surrounded by arbutus trees. Make sure to try and spot the wood carvings hiding in the trees. Once you’ve made your way to the top of the Skywalk, the only question is whether you’ll walk down or slide down! The 20-metre spiral slide makes for an exciting – and much quicker – exit.

LANDON COOPLESTONE LANDON COOPLESTONE

BOB IANSON

The best part? The Welcome Centre, TreeWalk and Skywalk are all wheelchair and stroller friendly.

If you fi nd yourself craving a snack before wrapping up your trip, continue the drive down the Malahat through Goldstream Park and head back into downtown Langford. Make your way to House of Boateng for a meal you won’t soon forget. Featuring African-Canadian fusion cuisine with an emphasis on presentation, their menu items include fresh, local ingredients that are uniquely delicious. Owner and executive chef Castro Boateng can often be seen in and out of the kitchen — he may even serve your meal!

Visit SpiritLoop.ca to learn more about the communities of Langford, Sooke, Port Renfrew and Malahat and their amenities.

Walk Among The Giants

Alittle fi shing village and logging hamlet, Port Renfrew is surrounded by ancient rain forest. The wilderness brings visitors from around the world to look with awe at Canada’s tallest and largest Douglas fi r, cedar and spruce trees. ■ Port Renfrew is the southern entrance to the Pacific Rim National Park and the world renowned “shipwreck life saving trail” now called the West Coast Trail, and the beginning of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. ■ This is the home of the Pacheedaht First

Nation. The name translates to ‘Children of the Sea Foam.’

■ The Avatar Grove and Canada’s Gnarliest

Tree are in a magnificent forest, within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht

First Nation.

■ The forest contains a stunning and impressive grove of monumental oldgrowth trees. ■ The Red Creek Fir is the world’s largest

Douglas fir tree at 74 metres high, or 243 feet, and there are others, called the Three

Sisters, nearly as high, as well as Big

Lonely Doug. ■ The San Juan Spruce in the region is the largest Sitka spruce tree in the world.

EXPERIENCE A GREENER ISLAND ADVENTURE

Usingi-Phi™partial hydrogeninfusion green powertechnology to reduce carbonemissions

Victoria,BC 1-844-391-2617

www.eaglenestcharters.com/green

Explorethe untouched natural splendour of Desolation Sound, Bella Bella, andthe GreatBearRainforest

Book earlyandsaveup to15%!

poweredby

Langford: Gateway to recreation

Whether it’s majestic hikes, epic bike trails, golfi ng, paddle boarding our pristine lakes, an ultimate spa day or hotel stay, Langford o ers something for everyone.

A city surrounded by nature, Langford combines epic outdoor experiences with fi rst-class amenities and unforgettable adventure. Outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful in Langford, with a provincial park, four lakes, a variety of hiking trails, golf courses and an intricate biking and cycling network all located within the city boundaries.

You can also spend a sunny afternoon exploring Langford’s many lakes by kayak, paddleboard or boat. Langford Lake is the city’s largest lake, home to accessible boardwalks, beaches for excellent fi shing opportunities, and a boat launch on the western shore for an even better chance to land a trout.

With countless trails to explore, one can experience the thrill of the Sooke Hills Suspension Bridge, summit the epic Mount Finlayson and kick back in Veterans Memorial Park, all within city limits.

With an expansive series of trails for mountain biking, including the new Jordie Lunn Bike Park, you can challenge yourself to experience nature in a new way.

In need of some excitement? Langford o ers a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Whether you are looking to play a round of golf, bowling to bouldering, Langford has it all. City Centre Park is a family-fun mecca, with the region’s only ten-pin bowling alley, an 18-hole mini-golf course and the Playzone indoor jungle gym.

Visit the new BoulderHouse indoor climbing gym, the largest climbing facility on Vancouver Island.

Just a short drive from Langford, you’ll fi nd other exciting attractions to discover, such as the new Malahat Skywalk, Hatley Castle (as seen in Deadpool and the X-men movies), Fort Rodd Hill, and WildPlay Adventure Park.

Known as a national sporting capital in Canada, Langford is home to several national and provincial-level teams that play and train in the city, including Rugby Canada, Pacifi c Football Club, Tennis Canada, Golf Canada, Cycling Canada, Rowing B.C. and Boxing B.C. These teams train at world-class training facilities, including the Al Charron National Training Centre, Pacifi c FC Island Training Centre, the Bear Mountain Tennis Centre and more.

From high-end golf course resort properties, business class full-service hotels to fully equipped apartment-style hotels Langford has you covered. The emerging restaurant scene o ers a variety of unique cuisines waiting to be discovered.

WHO DOESN’T LOVE

EXPLORE OUR CATAMARANS!

BOOK NOW 1-888-383-4884 princeofwhales.com

VICTORIA | TELEGRAPHCOVE | VANCOUVER

TRAVEL IN STYLE &COMFORT

JUNIOR NATURALIST ACTIVITYBOOK

FREE PHOTO PACKAGE

This article is from: