D10 SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2019
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Find your perfect day in Esquimalt f you visit Esquimalt, you may just find your perfect day. First, the business of getting here is all pleasure. Yes, it’s a short drive from other parts of the CRD, but have you ever taken a harbour ferry? It’s a charming jaunt just across the water to Esquimalt’s West Bay Marina. The Songhees Walkway is a great way to get here while taking in the fresh seaside air. The walkway takes you from downtown Victoria to Esquimalt in coastal style. Stop at various points of interest and admire the views, and definitely snap a photo or two. If you haven’t yet traveled the E&N trail, you are missing out on a wonderful
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experience. By bike, stroller or whatever moves you, the E&N trail connects Esquimalt to Victoria, the West Shore and Saanich via various connected bike lanes. No bike? No problem! There are plenty of bike rental shops around the city. BC Transit has several routes going to Esquimalt and you can take advantage of their bike racks if you feel like a shorter ride. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Esquimalt has food choices for every taste. There’s no shortage of coffee shops and traditional baked goods for those who have a sweet tooth.
If you crave international fare, you’ll find East African, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines available, just to name a few. Thirsty? There is a craft brewery here, too. If you like your food to go, why not head to one of the picturesque parks for a picnic? Explore on your own or take advantage of one of the Township’s self-guided walking tours. The tours take you to Garry Oak ecosystems, naval historic sites, rhododendron gardens, tree-lined pathways, heritage architecture and impressive seaside views. Keep the kids busy by heading to the popular water park at the Esquimalt
Recreation Centre. If history is more your thing, the Esquimalt Archives is open Tuesday to Thursday mornings. For a more immersive experience, the Esquimalt Naval Museum has dozens of displays, many featuring life-sized replicas of war-era vignettes. The museum is free and open to the public, and is located just off the E&N trail. Cap off your day by taking in one of the many summer events such as the weekly award-winning farmers’ market or annual celebration like Ribfest. Whatever your taste, there’s always so much more to explore! More at: Esquimalt.ca/explore.
What’s your perfect day? Upcoming Events in Esquimalt Esquimalt is your place for the arts, local food, community events and more.
Esquimalt Arts Festival Sunday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial Park, 1212 Esquimalt Rd. A premier event in the Township’s thriving arts scene, the Esquimalt Arts Festival is a showcase of local artists’ work, set among the towering Garry oaks in Memorial Park. With food vendors, music and an artists’ walk, this event is a great way for the family to spend a Sunday in August.
Emergency preparedness for pet owners Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 to 8 p.m. Council chamber, Esquimalt Municipal Hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. This one-hour presentation will discuss how to prepare you and your pet family for an emergency, including planning, tips and tricks.
Summer outdoor movies: Top Gun Wednesday, Aug. 28, sunset (approximately 8:30 p.m.) Bullen Park, 527 Fraser St. Get your aviators ready for the latest movie in Esquimalt’s outdoor movie series. Bring something comfortable to sit on, grab a snack
from one of the on-site food trucks and tuck in for a high-fiving good time.
Esquimalt Farmers Market Thursdays, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Rd. Award-winning Esquimalt Farmers Market puts on this weekly community event featuring a fantastic lineup of vendors, food trucks and musicians. Outdoors, now until Sept. 19.
Free car seat clinic Sunday, Sept. 1, 1 to 3 p.m. Esquimalt Rec parking lot 527 Fraser St. Are you using the right seat for your child? All children must use a child seat or booster seat that’s appropriate for their weight and age until their ninth birthday. Visit this clinic and have a technician check your car seat for safety. Bring your car seat and its manual if possible. Food provided by Esquimalt Lion’s Club. Event is supported by the BCAA Child Passenger Safety Program and the Esquimalt Fire Department.
Cars, rods and rides Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Rd.
Esquimalt’s eighth annual car show. To show off your ride, be on site at Archie Browning Sports Centre parking lot by 8 a.m. No registration necessary. Vendors on site, live music and lots of prizes. Event supports TLC Fund for kids and Esquimalt Celebration of Lights.
Esquimalt Ribfest >>>> Sept. 6, 7, 8, starting at 12 noon Bullen Park, 527 Fraser St. A weekend of barbecued ribs, local entertainment, craft beer, cider and wine, free kids’ activities, local arts and vendors. Net proceeds go to local charities. More at: esquimaltribfest.com.
Esquimalt Community Garden Open Garden Day Saturday, Sept. 14 10 a.m. to 12 noon Anderson Park, 835 Colville Rd. Community garden members at Anderson Park would love to show the community this wonderful space. Watch demos, visit the produce stand, walk through the gardens and chat with the gardeners.
Children’s Story Festival — Reach for the Stars
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Don’t miss Esquimalt Ribfest! Sept. 6, 7, 8 Saturday, Sept. 21 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Memorial Park, 1212 Esquimalt Rd. Celebrate the 16th year of Esquimalt’s Story Festival with an awesome line-up of storytellers. Theme is ‘Reach for the Stars’. Lunch provided from Country Grocer, from 11 a.m. onward. Donations gratefully accepted and help fund the Macaulay School literacy program.
Fire Department Open House Saturday, Sept. 28 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Esquimalt Fire Department 500 Park Pl.
Fire Prevention Week: Oct. 6 to 12. Learn about fire safety; interactive activities for children, including extinguishing a fire alongside fire department crew, colouring station and bouncy castle. Esquimalt Emergency Program team on site to answer questions.
Being prepared: Earthquake + tsunami Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. Council chambers, Esquimalt Municipal Hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. Free presentation will discuss what to expect during and after a major earthquake, including tsunami risk for Esquimalt residents. Esquimalt.ca
To advertise in Experience Esquimalt contact SUSAN HICKMAN at the Times Colonist Phone: 250-380-5377 Email: shickman@timescolonist.com
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