Sooke & Port Renfrew

D4 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019

Enter to Win! YOU COULD WIN A WEST COAST EXPERIENCE!

A Red-Seal Chef’s Choice Dinner for Two! Prize includes: Three-course Dinner for Two at the Stickleback West Coast Eatery. The lucky winners will enjoy Stickleback’s waterfront patio and views while they are served a custom-tailored, three-course meal for two, including salad, entree and dessert. Stickleback’s certified Red Seal Chef Justin Shippit will discuss dietary and ingredient options with the winners to create something truly special — just for them.

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Deliciousness Awaits AT THE STICKLEBACK WEST COAST EATERY

Here’s how to enter: Simply email your name and daytime phone number to: funandgames@timescolonist.com and tell us what you like about Stickleback’s patio and restaurant, or what you think you would like.

Include ‘Stickleback’ in the subject line.

Contest closes on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 at midnight.

The winner’s name will be drawn on Monday, Dec. 16.

Winners will be contacted by phone or email. No purchase is necessary. The odds of winning are dependent upon the number of entries. Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia at the age of majority. One entry per email address per day. Winners must correctly answer a skill-testing question. No cash value. Prize must be accepted as awarded. sticklebackeatery.com

REGIONAL EVENTS Sooke Brewing Company Open Mic EVERY THURSDAY FROM 6:30 TO 10 P.M.

Acoustic open mic is hosted by local musicians, Pamela Hardy and Matt Brett. Join an evening of acoustic music and enjoy a glass of craft beer at Sooke Brewing Company, 2057 Otter Point Rd. Limited space, solo and duo acoustic acts only. House guitar provided; musicians are encouraged to bring their own for a 15 to 20 minute set. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. The list often fills quickly. facebook.com/SookeAcousticOpenMic

0011666800 Come Relax Wit h Us! LE SOOKE SPA Sooke to Port Renfre Le Sooke Spa 3 x 30 Located in the beautiful Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke

www.lesookespa.com phone: 250-642-7995 | email: info@lesookespa.com

Breakfast with Santa SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 9 TO 11 A.M.

Sooke Lions Club hosts Breakfast with Santa at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 54, 6726 Eustace Rd.

Shirley Christmas Country Market SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M.

Local artisans, natural and handmade gifts and home-baking for sale in the historic community hall. Twenty minutes past Sooke, beside the Shirley Delicious Cafe. 2795 Sheringham Pt. Rd.

Sooke Bear Project SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2 TO 4 P.M.

Where are the bears? Black bear habitat use and conflict on Southern Vancouver Island.

Joanna Klees van Bommel will give a presentation about bears at the Sooke Region Museum, 2070 Phillips Rd.

Sooke Community Choir Winter Concert This Shining Night DEC 6 AT 7:30 P.M.; DEC. 7 AT 7:30 P.M.; DEC. 8 AT 2 P.M.

0011699504 BAD DOG BREWING CO Sooke to Port Renfre 311:00 x 53 Open Daily am - 7:00 pm 7861 Tugwell Road Sooke 250.642.3621 www.baddogbrewing.ca CMYK, , Facebook @ sookebaddogbrewing Instagram baddogbrewingco

A collection of inspirational music that spans the ages, from Mozart to Pentatonix. Featuring Silvina Samuels on cello, Jeff Poynter on soprano sax and Kathy Russell on piano.

Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd. sookecommunitychoir.com

This Mountain Life Awareness Film Night WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11. 7 TO 9 P.M. EDWARD MILNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL THEATRE, 6218 SOOKE RD.

Our backyard is bigger than you think. 75 per cent of B.C. is composed of mountain terrain that almost nobody will ever see. Breathtaking 2018 film,"This Mountain Life", brings moviegoers high into the snowy peaks of B.C. Martina and her 60 year-old mother embark on a six-month, 2300 km. journey from Squamish B.C. to Alaska. It is not easy. We meet others who share a passion for the mountain life: a group of nuns inhabiting a mountain retreat; a photographer who was buried in an avalanche;

0011701490 ADVENTURES BY HIP Sooke to PR 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

an impassioned alpinist; a focused snow artist and a couple who have been living off grid for nearly 50 years.

Shot in cinematic detail by Vancouver filmmaker Grant Baldwin, and Tania and Martina using their GoPro (charged by solar panel), we see why it is that First Nations people consider mountains to be alive and sacred. By donation.

Bring a food donation for the EMCS students' "10,000 Tonight" Sooke Foodbank Drive to be held on the same night at the school.

International Nativity Display FRIDAY, DEC. 13, 5:30 TO 8:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2 TO 8 P.M.

Holiday Toy Drive SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 7 TO 10 P.M. HAPPY HOUR: 3 TO 5 P.M.

The Renfrew Pub hosts a holiday toy drive featuring live entertainment and free beer (with a donated toy)! 17310 Parkinson Rd., Port Renfrew. Free admission.

Skate with Santa SUNDAY, DEC. 15, 1 TO 2:30 P.M.

Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit SEAPARC. Skate with Santa and enjoy holiday inspired crafts and refreshments.

Free exhibit features nativity sets and artwork from around the world, crafted in a variety of special and native materials, including rare nativities carved from olive wood from Bethlehem. Children's activities, Christmas arts and crafts and nativity movie. Refreshments served. Food donations accepted at 6868 West Coast Rd., Sooke.

West Coast Outdoor Adventure

Terms and conditions apply. See website for hours.

Santa Claus will be visiting the Sooke to Port Renfrew region!

Sooke Santa Run DEC. 14, 5 P.M.

A well-loved holiday tradition in Sooke, much needed cash and food donations are collected by firefighters in support of the Sooke Christmas Bureau and local families in need.

Sooke firefighters decorate their trucks, fire up the Christmas music and take to the streets at dusk to collect food and cash donations for the Sooke Food Bank.

In addition, the Santa Run collects toys donated by Sooke residents.

You Deserve Luxury

0011666878 EAGLE REACH Sooke to Port Renfre 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

Eagle Reach - A West Coast Cottage Port Renfrew, BC

Book Your Stay With Us Today www.eaglereach.ca | 1-778-926-2974

0011762200 @Sooke Harbour Resort 6971 West Coast Rd, Sooke BC 250-664-7794 WEST COAST OUTDOOR www.WestCoastOutdoor.com ADVENTURE RENTALS TOURS SALES BringSooke this ad in for off until March 2020. to15% Port Renfre 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

Limited supply of helmets and skates available, please bring your own if you have them. Admission by donation of food or cash for the Sooke Food Bank. SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Rd., Sooke.

tours 0011760657 RENTALS LESSONS WESTSTICKLEBACK & sales COAST EATERY Sooke to PR 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

R ES E RV E N OW ! 7 78. 4 2 5. 4 4 9 9 w w w. ST I C K L E BAC K E AT E RY. cO M

Award Winning Labour of Love

S

ooke Oceanside Brewery (S.O.B.) was born out of a desire to bring the love of craft beer to the West Coast. The brewery was founded in 2015 by owner Ryan Orr, and ever since, has been a long standing, award winning labour of love. Head brewer Garritt Lalonde brings his experience, creativity and a passion for brewing solid, classic, great tasting beer.

Brewed by the oceanside with love — you are always welcome to come for a taste and have a chat with the crew. The tap room is open seven days a week for Growler fills, grab a bottle to go, or enjoy a flight at the bar. Ph: 778-352-2739. #15529 Sooke Rd. sookeoceansidebrewery.com

SOME OF THE CRAFT BEERS YOU’LL FIND AT THE SOOKE OCEANSIDE BREWERY.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019

D5

WEST COAST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Discover Vancouver Island Most of Canada is hunkered down and hiding from the cold this time of year.

F Port Renfrew Winter Getaway

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ften considered a go-to summer destination, Port Renfrew offers more than one may think. Imagine forested hikes, driftwood lined beaches and quaint seaside cottages, all complimented by peaceful winter weather.

Here are a few reasons to visit this Pacific Northwest paradise over the serene season.

Storm Watching It’s a time of year many look forward to, when Mother Nature puts on her show of magnificent grey skies, pounding waves and gusty gales. Unwind in the comfort of a seaside cottage with a fireside view of nature’s main stage.

A Stay with Wild Renfrew Explore Wild Renfrew’s perfectly curated getaway packages that will make your trip planning simple and sweet. Make your holiday shopping easier with a Wild Renfrew gift certificate, providing the ideal present for people in your life that crave experience.

Great Food in a Friendly Ambience The Renfrew Pub is a Vancouver Island gem that brightens up the winter days with a daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. During lunch and dinner service, they offer a delicious paired

SOOKE’S MOST

down menu full of West Coast classics, and on Saturday evening’s, their talented culinary team prepares a prime rib special not to be missed!

Tranquil and Quiet Experience Winter months offer a peaceful place — far from the crowds. The Vancouver Island tourism boom has softened which promotes a languid pace of life in Renfrew, making now the best time to enjoy a relaxing getaway immersed in nature.

Winter Community Events Winter in Renfrew brings a coming together of the community. Don’t miss your opportunity to have fun with some great events such as karaoke, paint nights, games nights and sports events with Wild Renfrew and The Renfrew Pub. Visit their social media pages for updates on things to do.

Port Renfrew epitomizes the best that Vancouver Island has to offer in a place where the hectic pace of everyday life immediately melts away. With a perfect cozy cottage setting for total relaxation and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, you’ll find Port Renfrew is the best choice for a winter getaway. wildrenfrew.com

Delicious Tradition

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Phone: 250-380-5314; Email: sconrad@timescolonist.com

SOOKE TO PORT RENFREW SPECIAL FEATURE Contact: Stephanie Conrad

If you are interested in advertising in the next

ittle Vienna Bakery is Sooke’s most delicious tradition and favourite meet up place! Spacious indoor and outdoor seating means you can delight in their garden patio well into fall or enjoy the warmth of their indoor cafe when it’s chilly outside.

Serving fresh, hot breakfasts, hearty lunches with specialty coffees and teas, a wide selection of lighter fare salads, sandwiches and made-from-scratch, freshly baked pastries and treats. They also offer many gluten and dairy free and vegan options. Take home the finest fresh breads, meats, cheeses and much more from their marketplace. “A must-visit when in Sooke!” littleviennabakery.com

or the most part, here on Southern Vancouver Island, all we have to do is have an umbrella, a coat and toque close at hand. Many newcomers to the area have spent years living in other parts of the country where from Halloweeen to the May long-weekend, heading outdoors for an afternoon kayak or a bike ride is the very last thing on their minds. If this is you — welcome to the West Coast way of life!

Have you ever been out for a walk in the forest on a still, crisp morning and experienced that feeling of oneness with nature?

When you’re out in a kayak on one of those calm, serene days, that feeling is intensified somehow — just you, the water and the wildlife. There are very few other boaters, if any, and the wildlife seems more relaxed, less guarded and curious as to who you are.

The first question everyone asks us is “but won’t I get wet?” “No, we use Hobie MirageDrive pedal kayaks.

These kayaks are stable, quick and easy to control with the rudder at your hand. We suggest you just wear the same clothing you would if you were just going for a walk in the woods; just bring along a toque and a pair of gloves to keep your fingers snuggly.

In minutes, you’ll be gliding along the water — just you, a friend or two, and a curious seal or two to keep you company as you explore the Sooke Harbour area — taking in all the sights, sounds and serenity that’s only available at this time of the year.

Or hop on a bike and explore

the Galloping Goose trail. Waterfalls are abundant; the Sooke River can be alive with waters cascading from the hills, or summertime calm.

With so few leaves on the trees, vistas open up at every turn. After a two-year closure, the 102 year old Todd Creek Trestle is currently undergoing repairs. Completion is due in February, meaning that once again, the ride to Sooke Potholes Park and beyond will be easily accessible for all.

Explore parts of the Sea to Sea Park / Harbourview. A huge amount of work has been carried out recently on trail clearing and new bridges such as the the Charters River crossing have been installed. No longer just a MTB area for the hardcore, more and more beginner and intermediate trails are beginning to appear to give you options for different routes to explore.

We really are an all-season destination.

Where else can you feel this remote, surrounded by this much nature and beauty, and still be able to catch a Victoria city bus to see a concert, sporting event, or even get the airport or ferry terminal in a twinkle?

Give us a call, we love getting you “into” nature at any time of the year. Bring this article with you for a discount! Bookings essential over the winter months. westcoastoutdoor.com

Sooke’s original brewery

S.O.B.

0011670803 is an award-winning indie brewery dedicated to the SOOKE OCEANSIDE craft of BREWERY beer since 2016 Sooke to Port Renfre 5 x 50 CMYK, , Renfrew Red Ale

Bear Beach Baltic Porter

Whiffen Weizen

778-352-2739 #1-5529 Sooke Rd.

sookeoceansidebrewery.com Follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook @SookeBrew

0011731491 LITTLE VIENNA BAKERY Sooke to PR 5 x 50 CMYK, , 0011668324 SHIRLEY DELICIOUS Sooke to Port Refrew 4 x 110 CMYK, ,

0011732130 17310 PARKINSON ROAD HOLDINGS Sooke to Port Renfre 5 x 60 CMYK, , www.Wild www.WildRenfrew.com dRenfrew.com m