2017 ESSENTIAL VICTORIA by WHERE Magazine Victoria

ESSENTIAL VICTORIA WHERE VICTORIA ANNUAL 2017/18

Art, fashion and food create a vibrant ISLAND destination Must-See Victoria Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table Victoria Fashion Gallery Walk

adventures in the city Discover our West Coast gem

BEYOND BRILLIANCE

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CONTRIBUTORS

Hans Tammemagi, writer: Shop Walk

Chelsea Forman, writer: Creating Community

Susan Lundy, Essential editor

Hans enjoys writing about travel, environment and native culture. He has penned 10 books and writes for magazines across Canada.

Chelsea is a writer of all topics lifestyle.Â

Susan has worked as a journalist, editor and freelance writer for over 25 years. She is also the editor of Boulevard magazine.

Sara Wilson, writer: Organized Chaos

Tess van Straaten,: writer: Prince of the Sea

Sean McIntyre, writer: Up Front

Sara is a journalist and the editor of Monday Magazine and Where Magazine.

Tess is a journalist and television personality who has had the privilege of interviewing people for close to two decades.

Sean is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about West Coast places and personalities..

Don Denton, Essential photographer

Lia Crowe, Essential photographer/stylist

Cathie Ferguson, photographer: La Dolce VitaÂ

Don has photographed numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships and a Royal wedding.

Lia is a freelance stylist, creative director, photographer and writer with a long history of working in the fashion industry.

Cathie is a freelance commercial, fashion and lifestyle photographer based in Victoria.

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ESSENTIAL

TOURISM VICTORIA PHOTO

V I C TO R I A

contents

Land, Sea, Sky Outdoor living is key to those living on the West Coast. Come discover adventures in the city.

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Up Front Meet Christian Kluxen, the dynamic new music director at the esteemed Victoria Symphony Orchestra.

EVERY HOME IS A MANSION

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V I C TO R I A

Their Victoria

La Dolce Vita

Must-See Victoria

Two Victorians share their insights about the city they love, including their favourite places to explore together and with their children.

Rich and romantic fashion is certain to stir your heart and make you yearn for a piece of the sweet life.

If your time is short in the Garden City, what are the must-see stops? We offer our picks for the best in Victoria attractions and destinations.

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Chef’s Table

Gallery Walk

In the Neighbourhood

Cultural diversity and abundant culinary resources create a restaurant scene that is distinctly Victoria.

Explore Victoria from an entirely different perspective at the region’s finest galleries, bringing a cultured eye to city’s heritage and landscapes.

From its cosmopolitan centre and historic areas to stunning rural landscapes and picture-perfect shopping districts, Victoria offers much to discover.

Pacific Landing is a multi-use resort village offering luxury homes, a suite of community amenities and an unparalleled waterfront location. With open-concept living areas, spacious terraces and luxury finishings and interiors, homes at Pacific Landing are designed for the lifestyle you want. Inventory is limited â&#x20AC;&#x201C; act now to discover your new home in our vibrant community.

Now selling 2 bedroom, 2 bath luxury homes Register at www.pacificlanding.ca to learn more 3221 Heatherbell Road, Victoria, BC â&#x20AC;˘ 778.265.8288

Where victoria Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto Publisher Mario Gedicke 250-891-5627, mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca Associate Group Publisher Oliver Sommer Editor Susan Lundy Advertising Consultant Karleen Phillips Creative Director Lily Chan Creative Services Janice Marshall, Michelle Gjerde, Claudia Gross Distribution Marilou Pasion, Sarah Dodd 250-480-3208

Where Canada Group Publisher: Jonathan Harris National Account Managers: Catherine Lenihan, Suzanne Farago Credit Manager: Carmen Greene Accountant, Finance: Chris Douglas

St. Joseph communications Media group Chairman: Tony Gagliano LIA CROWE PHOTO

President: Douglas Knight General Manager & VP Finance: Karl Percy ESSENTIAL victoria is published and distributed by black press 818 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1E4 250-381-3484

WELCOME

ESSENTIAL is a registered trademark of St. Joseph Media Inc, used under license.

to beautiful Victoria, British Columbia

ESSENTIAL makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

Since I first stepped foot in Victoria 15 years ago, I was fascinated by this city and stunned by its glorious surroundings. I knew this was where I wanted to be.

ISSN 1717-2586 WHERE Canada

WHERE Victoria is a proud sponsor of the Victoria Hospitality Awards.

ESSENTIAL VICTORIA WHERE VICTORIA ANNUAL 2017/18

Welcome to the latest edition of ESSENTIAL magazine, where, in the following pages, Victoria reveals her glory. In addition to its unsurpassed beauty as British Columbia’s “Garden City,” Victoria blossoms with incredible restaurants, supremely talented artists, trend-setting fashion and top-of-the-line luxury retailers. ESSENTIAL magazine will be your guide to experiencing the unparalleled Victoria lifestyle.

ESSENTIAL VICTORIA WHERE VICTORIA ANNUAL 2017/18

I hope you enjoy the stories and visuals presented in ESSENTIAL magazine as our team offers up the hottest spots to visit and some of our favourite hidden gems. The lifestyle, fashion and creative energy our city offers will make this a most enjoyable visit. Consider this magazine your guide to living the authentic Victoria lifestyle, full of dynamic activities. It offers an exploration of everything that nature has to offer alongside a unique and cosmopolitan urban experience. See you around town! Mario Gedicke Essential Magazine

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ART, fAsHIOn And fOOd CREATE A VIbRAnT IsLAnd dEsTInATIOn Must-See Victoria Chef’s Table Victoria Fashion Gallery Walk

AdVEnTuREs In THE CITy D i s cov e r o u r W e st coast g e m

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Community News Media or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. WHERE is a registered trademark of St. Joseph Communications Media Group, used under license. Printed in Canada.

Land, Sea and Sky Adventures in the city Lifestyle is key to those living on the West Coast, and the weather, the scenery and the ability to get outside virtually every day of the year makes it a playground of activities for people of all ages and interests. BY susan lundyâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; photos courtesy tourism victoria and hikevictoria.com

Couple walking on Ross Bay Beach. 14

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Joggers on Dallas Road.

Goldstream Provincial Park.

Land of plenty (to do) For those who love to enjoy and explore the land, here are some of the city’s offerings:

Hot on the trail

A golfer’s paradise

The Greater Victoria area is home to more than 60 provincial, regional and municipal parks, which makes hiking easy and accessible, and provides a range of terrain and difficulty to suit every level of trail blazer. Minutes from the bustle of Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is a true year-round outdoor destination popular with everyone from young families to experienced hikers. Just north of Victoria on Highway 1, find towering, 600-year-old Douglas fir trees, a salmon spawning river, waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic sites. In October and November, the park is bustling with visitors witnessing the annual “salmon run,” when the fish return to spawn. Adventurous hikers can climb to the top of Mt. Finlayson, one of the highest points in Greater Victoria, but bring a trail map and be sure to leave plenty of time to return to your vehicle. Other hiking trails can be found at parks such as East Sooke, Mount Douglas, Gowlland Tod and the Galloping Goose Trail.

With its mild climate and spectacular terrain, Victoria is a golfers’ haven. The city is home to several championship golf courses, many of which offer sweeping ocean, mountain and forest vistas from world-class greens. Ranked as one of the best in BC, the course at Westin Bear Mountain Resort offers Canada’s only 36 holes of Nicklaus Design Golf. Choose the challenging Mountain Course or, for a more relaxing round, take on the Valley Course. Both courses will offer great golf experiences. Another “get to the greens” option includes Olympic View Golf Club with its 18 holes of championship golf complemented by water features. Other popular gold destinations include: Highland Pacific Golf, the historic Victoria Golf Course and Uplands Golf Course — both located in Oak Bay — and the Cordova Bay Golf Course, a Golf Digest 4-star rated course with views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker in Washington State. Scenic shot from Bear Mountain Golf Course overlooking Victoria.

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Biking Selkirk Trestle.

Two-wheelers Victoria is bike-friendly — Canada’s cycling capital, as a matter of fact — meaning two-wheel touring is second-to-none. A regional treasure, the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails will take you from the urban core to the south Island’s pastoral countryside and wild West Coast, 85 kilometres of accessible, picturesque trail along a former railway line – ideal for a scenic tour or a family excursion. The Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a 55-kilometre trail from Victoria to Sooke, is the first section of the Trans-Canada Trail. The Goose intersects with the Lochside Trail in Saanich and ventures out through the rolling farmlands of the Saanich Peninsula.

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From sea to shining sea SURROUNDED BY THE OCEAN, VICTORIA OFFERS FRESH SEA AIR AND A MULTITUDE OF THINGS TO DO ON OR NEAR THE WATER.

Come sail away Boating is big on the waterfront in Victoria, which is home to several marinas, including the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, which hosts races and regattas year round. Victoria is home to a huge boating community, and you can’t travel far without catching sight of a sail on the horizon or a marina filled with boats of every size and shape. From the beautiful Inner Harbour to the protected and scenic bays and inlets of the Gulf Islands and National Park Reserve, time on the water is an intrinsic part of island life. For those who have set sail on their own seafaring adventure,

numerous mooring opportunities and amenities exist all around Victoria and Sidney. For those arriving without wind in their sails, a variety of charter and rental options make is easy to become part of this stunning seascape.

Life’s a beach Victoria is awash in beautiful and easily accessed ocean-side and lakefront beaches. Just a 15-minute drive from Victoria’s downtown, find Willows Beach, located off Beach Drive in Oak Bay. Its shallow, protected water is perfect for family fun in the sand and sun, and it offers expansive views of Mount Baker and Discovery Island. There’s also a large grassy area, change rooms and washrooms, concession and a charming tearoom, picnic tables, benches, children’s play area, esplanade and walkway. Other sandy, ocean-side beaches include Cadboro Bay Beach (home of the legendary Cadborosaurus) and neighbouring Gyro Park; Cordova Bay Beach in Saanich; and Esquimalt Lagoon and Gonzales Beach on the border of Oak Bay and Victoria. Lakefront, visit the conjoined Elk and Beaver lakes, which offer four fabulous beaches, plus picnic areas and 15 kilometres of walking trails. Both lakes are popular summer swimming holes, with various amenities. In the community of Langford, find Upper and Lower Thetis lakes. Both feature fantastic beaches for sunbathing and clear fresh water for swimming. There’s no doubt, life’s a beach in summertime Victoria.

Paddle power Paddling — in a canoe or kayak — offers the chance to see the city from an entirely new perspective. Fortunately for visitors, rentals and tours are easy to arrange in many locations around the Capital Region, from downtown’s Inner Harbour to the far reaches of Sidney and Sooke. The iconic Inner Harbour creates a breathtaking backdrop for a morning paddle, or venture to the Upper Harbour and the park-lined Gorge Waterway. Other popular paddling locations include the inlets and bays of Oak Bay and Saanich, and Tod Inlet, a picturesque stretch of water between the Saanich Peninsula and the Malahat. The Peninsula community of Brentwood Bay is a common jumping off point for Tod Inlet adventures. Fresh-water paddles include Elk and Beaver Lakes in Saanich and in the West Shore community of View Royal, Thetis Lake. Both are about 15 minutes from downtown Victoria.

Authentic Idar

One of our more spectacular collections, the ‘Summer Series’ allows Idar free range to showcase our flora and fauna. Flowers including calla lilies, roses, and periwinkle, along with the beautiful summer creatures, such as ladybugs and dragonflies, inspire these handmade pieces of art.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING JEWELLERY DESIGNERS • SINCE 1972 946 Fort St, Victoria, BC • 250-383-3414 • www.idar.com

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The Summer Series exclusive + rare

Harbour Air floatplane in front of Legislative Buildings CREDIT: Tourism Victoria and Harbour Air

In the air tonight adventures on land and sea aside, victoria is a place to lift off and soar — whether that be in the air or amid a tiny piece of heaven.

Zip it up Zipline tours are increasing in popularity and Victoria is just a short distance away from Vancouver Island’s only canopy zipline, located at Adrena LINE near Sooke. The company offers concierge-style guest services, designing packages, providing detailed directions or arranging transportation there from Victoria. While ziplining is fun and action-packed, it’s considered a “soft activity” in that entire families can take part, from children to grandparents. (Tandem ziplining is also an option for parents and children.) It’s user friendly and no skills are required. The forest tour at Adrena LINE features several ziplines and suspension bridges, plus two hours of entertaining commentary that ties in the history of the area and other “cool, fun facts.” The company can also organize packages that combine ziplining with whale watching, kayaking or a hike through the rainforest.

Bird’s eye view Experience Victoria from above with a scenic seaplane or helicopter adventure. Several companies offer tours via floatplane and helicopter, where guests can take in the breathtaking aerial views of the twisting coastline and historic architecture of the city. The city is home to several companies that offer frequent scheduled service flights to downtown Vancouver plus Vancouver International Airport.

CREDIT: Adrena LINE

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A girls’ getaway at Bear Mountain Resort’s Sante Spa.

A bit of heaven While a spa day might not mean physically leaving the ground — it amounts to a virtual day in heaven, and for those looking to kick back, relax and submit to a few hours of divinity, Victoria has several spa options. One ultra luxurious spa adventure unfolds at the Boathouse Spa &Baths, which is perched at the ocean’s edge in Oak Bay. The full service seaside spa and hot mineral baths features everything from a licensed pool deck to healthy fare and a eucalyptus steam sauna, plus an extensive spa menu. Or, for something entirely unique, try floatation ther-

apy at Float House Victoria. Here you can float effortlessly on the surface of 12 inches of water supersaturated with Epsom salt and heated to skin temperature. Enjoy 90, sensory-deprived minutes in one of five private float rooms. Silk Road Spa is inspired by tea, featuring natural spa services with fresh, organic, 100 per cent natural products blended in Victoria, and using therapeutic grade essential oils and plantbased, biodegradable ingredients. Spend a day or a few hours in a Victoria spa — the toughest part might be choosing which one to visit. E

evoke drama We are designers and craftsmen, disrupting the modern home with dramatically contemporary furnishings, built from the finest wood in the world.

2101 Government Street, Victoria • (778) 433 5252

autonomousfurniture.com E S S E N T I A L V I C T O R I A 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

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Up front New VSO conductor shares his love of music By Sean McIntyre | Photos by Lia Crowe

ot so long ago, when Christian Kluxen was growing up in Denmark, there was a common expression about people with a good sense of culture and an interest in the arts. Such folks were said to have surely come from a home with a piano. Kluxen says the phrase is used less frequently these days as younger people draw inspiration from other sources in an entertainment universe that offers unprecedented scope at the expense of less and less time to meditate on what it all means. It’s a disturbing trend, which the 36-year-old says has been especially noticeable in the world of classical music. “We are the first generation where most of us didn’t sit down with our parents and listen to classical music,” he says. “I am convinced that ours is the lost generation of classical music.”

“I don’t go around hearing music inside my head all the time,” he says. “People often think that conductors and musicians are a mirror of what they saw in a movie like Amadeus, but I think you’ll find that most of them are really normal people. If they hear music all the time, everywhere they go, this would probably require some hours with a psychologist instead.” Kluxen is funny, opinionated and refreshingly unafraid to speak his mind. Qualities like these bode well for a conductor eager to inspire a broader, new generation of classical music lovers and who’s been given the keys to chart the VSO’s artistic direction. “I’m just myself and I will always speak my thoughts,” he says as he switches seamlessly from talking about the emotional weight of a great piece of music, the tragic consequences of funding cuts to local arts and culture and the power of music to address society’s ills.

But Kluxen wouldn’t have competed with hundreds of applicants in a multiyear process to become the Victoria Symphony Orchestra’s new music director if he wasn’t hopeful that change is possible. After all, we live in a world where classical music consistently evokes powerful emotions in popular films and primetime advertisements.

“I conduct in many places and, basically, I have to say it makes me very optimistic to always see that people are just people and that, actually, we all do the same things in slightly different ways,” he says.

All we need to do, Kluxen says, is make great music accessible. Providing the opportunity to experience Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 performed by some of the most accomplished musicians in the world, for example, is bound to generate enthusiasm and expand people’s musical understanding.

Thankfully, it may not be long until the family piano gets placed back in its rightful place after all. E

“I do this job because I like it, but I also believe that it has the power to change something for some people.”

“Culture is not something we make, it’s what we are. It lies within all of us already, it just has to be found and opened up,” he says. “Many people of my age are searching for something with depth. “If we can just get them in the concert hall once, or maybe twice, they will come back.” Small Danish flags on the office’s main reception desk welcomed Kluxen to the city this spring, and the VSO’s headquarters on View Street was charged with an atmosphere of eager anticipation and excitement over what’s ahead. Kluxen is one of those fabulously energetic people who can spark inspiration in those who surround him. A busy string of concerts and opera performances across Sweden, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Finland saw Kluxen spend fewer than 10 nights in his own bed during the first three months of 2017. Despite the gruelling schedule, Kluxen landed in Victoria with the same confidence, energy and enthusiasm that enabled him to complete a three-year assistant conductorship at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in 2013, and undertake a Dudamel Fellowship at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2014/15 season. He’s conducted orchestras around the world. After his brief stay in Victoria and a well-deserved two-week reprieve, he was off to Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Romania before returning to the West Coast in early summer. Kluxen likes to consider himself a normal guy with an extraordinary job. His interests are pretty commonplace: cooking, drawing, drinking and making crazy plans for the future with his girlfriend. Musically, his interests are understandably diverse, ranging from Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine to Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.

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CREDIT: Centric Photography

THEIR VICTORIA Jason and Amber Binab Whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cycling, walking, working, exploring coffee shops, or beachcombing with the kids, the Binabs love their city. By SARA WILSON

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ith a passion for real estate, luxury cars and interior design, Jason and Amber Binab are raising their family in Victoria’s Oak Bay neighbourhood — and that’s not by accident. “It’s the walkability to everything,” Jason said. “Like Willows Beach and the proximity of downtown.” Jason, who has called Oak Bay home for nearly 30 years, is in the midst of producing more episodes for a YouTube series called Rides With A Realtor. Jason has partnered with Silver Arrow Cars owner Tim Quocksister and business manager Joel Friesen to feature ultra-luxury cars and some of the country’s priciest properties in and around the Victoria area. In one episode, Jason and Friesen drive down Government Street in a 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4, on their way to a $7-million listing with south facing views of the island’s pristine coastline and Mount Baker. Jason, a St. Michaels University School alumni, formed the Binab Group in 2012 with his sister Sarah, Rodney Henderson, Melanie Mann and Amber. Inspired by the motto, “Every Home is a Mansion,” Jason moved to Engel and Völkers Vancouver Island in 2015. In addition to selling some of the city’s most prized properties, Jason spends some of his free time exploring the island’s world-class cycling routes. “I have a few friends that are big into cycling. One asked me to come out for a ride and I was hooked,” he said. “It’s like a brotherhood, you suffer together, and then you go and have coffee.” But it’s not all work for the busy couple; date nights at Vis à Vis — a wine and charcuterie bar in Oak Bay — and exploring local coffee shops is how the couple spends some of their free time.

Specializing in Contemporary and Historic Canadian Art Clayton Anderson, Mosquito Lake, 30 x 40, Acrylic on Canvas

“A lot of my friends live in Oak Bay so the walkability and the community feel is what I love about it,” Amber explained. As Amber balances being a mom to Benson and Jamison and a business owner of her interior design business, she finds afternoons at Willows and McNeill beaches perfect for recharging. “I’m a mom who does interior design when I can. I’ve found the perfect balance, I love it,” she said. “Any time I can, I’m working on interior design.” The power couple has built three homes together, each of which Amber has completed the interior remodels. “When we did our first house, it was a massive renovation,” she said. “It was intense, but it was fun.” E

www.madronagallery.com 606 View Street, Victoria B.C. 250 380 4660 E S S E N T I A L V I C T O R I A 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

“Most people are here to celebrate something, and it’s an honour to be involved in that process.”

Lance Glenn at idar Jewellers.

the PERFECT PIECE Personal touch shines bright at idar Jewellers By Sean McIntyre | Photos by Don Denton

orking among rare sapphires, alluring emeralds and prestigious Ethiopian opals may sound sublime, but the most precious part of Lance Glenn’s job is the people who walk through the door. “There’s an intimate contact, and you get to know people really well,” Glenn says during a tour of the idar Jewellers boutique on a quaint stretch of Victoria’s Fort Street. “I meet people when they’re getting engaged, just before their wedding day or others who are buying something to mark another important event like the birth of a child. “Most people are here to celebrate something, and it’s an honour to be involved in that process.”

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idar has been satisfying the expectations of jewelry lovers from the Victoria area and around the world for nearly 50 years. Company founder Idar Bergseth expresses himself through an exclusive range of creations that are as intricately detailed as they are unique. Award-winning designs that incorporate regional symbols such as calla lilies, arbutus branches and roses combined with precious stones and finely honed craftsmanship offer a product worthy of idar’s global reputation. “The attention to detail that goes into the construction of the jewelry makes me really proud. I don’t have a problem selling this because I know it’s such great quality,” Glenn says, adding that idar is one of the few shops in North America where jewelry is entirely designed and crafted in-house.

“It’s not garish and showy. People look at it and think it’s really nice — like a well-tailored suit. It’s just finished really well.” Glenn is most often the public’s first point of contact when they enter idar’s glittering showroom. He’s been welcoming customers for nearly 20 years, but his work with the company began in an intimate workshop, where an exotic array of stones, metals and precision tools create the treasures that define the business. He learned basic soldering and casting techniques but readily admits the job didn’t play to his strengths. A people person by nature, Glenn was compelled to move into the store’s showroom, a place where he could meet and speak with people, many of whom he remembers fondly by name for years. “My role is to help anyone who walks in to figure out what they want, which is really fun, and I really enjoy it,” he says. Glenn has honed a special ability to work with clients who are looking for a special something but who aren’t always sure what that might be. The nature of the occasion, a person’s hobbies and interests, when the piece will be worn, and the style of other accessories in the lucky recipient’s collection all go into creating a kind of profile designed to identify the perfect item. “I want to make sure that whoever is getting something is getting the right thing,” he says. “That they’re going to give it to someone and that person will be super happy.” E

Bernstein &Gold Exclusively curated collection of international designer fashion, jewellery, accessories and footwear.

Bernstein & Gold 608 Yates Street, Victoria 250.384.7899 www.bernsteinandgold.com

Bernstein & Gold Beautiful Things and Spa

bernstein_gold

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Canada Day fireworks from Inner Harbour waterview. CREDIT: Tourism Victoria

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA! Hot spots to celebrate 150 years By Hans Tammemagi

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites

It’s time to don the red and white and celebrate! Canada Day festivities this year will be the biggest and best in half a century. To help you revel in Canada’s 150th anniversary, some of the finest birthday bashes in Victoria and nearby areas are listed below.

Canada Day at this picturesque and historic site is special because it serves the country’s biggest birthday cake. Best of all, admission and a piece of cake are free. You can clap your hands and dance to the live music throughout the day. So put a few red maple leaf decals on your cheeks, join the activities and have fun. But remember: leave a bit of room for a piece of the huge cake.

So go out and party; celebrate being a Canadian and living in one of the most scenic, friendliest and best countries in the world.

Saturna Island Lamb Barbeque

Inner Harbour, Victoria Victoria is starting the birthday party early. For 11 days starting June 21 (National Aboriginal Day) and culminating on Canada Day, there will be live music, arts, culture and food and beverage offerings in the Inner Harbour. Every day at Ship’s Point starting at 11 am there will be live music, and on June 30 and July 1, the main stage on the Legislature lawn will resound with music as well. The celebrations will culminate with a massive fireworks display on July 1 at 10 pm.

Every Canada Day, this island transforms from serenity to frenzied, tumultuous fun. The population of the island more than triples as an enormous flotilla of boats arrives and a happy, boisterous crowd — bedecked in hats, face paint, capes and flags emblazoned with Canada’s red and white — celebrate the day. The party centres around a barbeque with about 30 lambs roasted on tall iron crosses like crucifixes set in a large circle around an alder-wood fire. It resembles a pagan ritual from medieval days, but the result is mouth-watering. A band plays, the sun shines, and kids throw baseballs at the dunk tank, hoping to soak their teachers. It feels like a small-town carnival of 30 years ago. E

SWEET

DREAMS BOUTIQUE

Sweet Dreams Boutique® beautiful bedding & linens

VICTORIA: 636 Broughton Street | 250.383.6133 SIDNEY: 2492 Beacon Avenue | 250.656.0510 sweetdreamsboutique.com E S S E N T I A L V I C T O R I A 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

Luxe Victoria Long removed from its days as a far-flung outpost of the British Empire, Victoria has matured into a cosmopolitan city known for its chic style, one-of-a-kind boutiques and designers inspired by the scenic beauty around them. Ours is a modern sophistication tempered by traditions from our European past, and a freeing West Coast aesthetic.

 OMEGA: THE SPEED MASTER AUTOMATIC True to OMEGA tradition, every new Speedmaster carries the spirit and design inspiration of the models that came before. In the new Speedmaster Automatic, this is immediately clear when you view the dial. The distinctive, minute-track style on this stainless steel watch first appeared on a 1968 Speedmaster model. Linked to the Speedmaster’s motor racing heritage, it returns again, this time on a matt-black dial. Other notable features on the dial include the orange markings and bevelled 18K white gold arrowhead indexes that are filled with white Super-LumiNova. Exclusively at Lugaro. Lugaro Jewellers Ltd. 1102 Government Street, Victoria, 250-382-2040 www.lugaro.com

kodo fresh  Kodo skin + body care products are created in Victoria without chemicals, preservatives, fillers, petroleum, and synthetic fragrances. From a green tea face mask to a coconut milk soak, the products are made from uncomplicated recipes using fresh, plantbased organic ingredients. Kodo Collection products are sold at boutiques throughout the city and at: www.kodocollection.com

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 KAIWA DINING TABLE In designing this piece, Kirk Van Ludwig aimed to angle the ends of the table to create multiple conversation lines between occupants. The biased grain direction, skewed leg direction, and crease-lined edge create different looks depending on one’s orientation to the table. Using sustainably sourced Western Red Cedar from Vancouver Island, the top is torched and finished with a UV protected German hard wax oil finish. The sides and legs are treated with a lightly white-tinted oil wax finish, offering a hint of Scandinavian design.

D7 CONSOLE  The geometric console table strikes a balance using natural Douglas fir in modern angles.The table incorporates a solid wood, multi-directional drawer with brass slides and magnetic closing. A waterfall end with a single clear acrylic leg allows light to pass through, and makes for a show stopping entryway console. Autonomous 2101 Government Street, Victoria, 778-433-5252 www.autonomousfurniture.com

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Blue lace and sequined dress ($445) by Adrianna Papell at Barbara’s Boutique; Swarovski crystal earrings ($110) by Karyn Chopik at Bagheera Boutique; black “snake” pumps ($200) by Wonders at Head Over Heels

la dolce vita By LIA CROWE | PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON

Fashion this year has been swept away by an Italian-like Romance. Luxurious velvet and lace, delicate ruffles and high collars, rich jeweLled and beaded detailing. In this fashion story, essential visits the gorgeous Villa Cielo at The Villa Eyrie Resort, perched high on the top of the Malahat, for a taste of the sweet life. Luxurate in beautiful fashion that puts you in The mood for romance.

Lace shirt ($159) and skirt ($159) by InWear; necklaces ($299 and $134) and earrings ($188) by Ayala Bar, all at Fabrications in Duncan; plum clutch ($138) by Hobo Bags, suede pumps ($199) at Cardinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes.

Sweater ($198) by Bryn Walker, crystal earrings ($89) and necklace ($525), and green beaded necklace ($250) all at AurĂŠa Gems and Essential Luxuries; velvet leggings ($159) by Part Two at Fabrications.

cutline goes here

Blouse ($415) and velvet leggings ($205) by Eileen Fisher, beaded necklace ($225) by LaurĂ¨l, all at Hughes Clothing; shoes ($390) by Miista at Cardinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes.

Dress ($199) by Part Two and Swarovski crystal earrings ($110) by Karyn Chopik, both at Bagheera Boutique; suede pumps ($199) by Ivanka Trump at Cardino’s Shoes.

Model Caitlin McKenzie Makeup and hair Jen Clark, in-house makeup artist for COSMEDICA using glo•MINERALS makeup StylinG and production assistant Katherine Suna PHOTOGRAPHED on location at Villa Eyrie Resort in the Villa Cielo

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must-see victoria top spots in the city From bursting gardens to grand castles, high tea and historical delights, Victoria offers an array of sizzling places to visit.  The Butchart Gardens When Robert and Jennie Butchart came to live at Tod Inlet on Vancouver Island they named their home “Benvenuto” — Italian for “Welcome.” Starting with sweet pea seeds and a rose bush, Jennie began a lifelong project to create a garden. With great vision, she transformed a barren limestone quarry, beginning what is now the Sunken Garden at the world famous The Butchart Gardens, located a short drive from Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. Today, more than 100 years later, the breathtaking gardens stretch across 22 hectares of the 53-hectare estate and are visited by close to a million people each year. During its 100th anniversary in 2004, The Butchart Gardens — still family owned — was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Open year-round The Butchart Gardens are pure magic no matter what the season. Extend your visit in the award-winning Dining Room Restaurant, enjoy the summer’s Saturday Fireworks and Night Illuminations, and return during the holiday season for the month-long seasonal light-up. Combine your explorations with a traditional tea experience at The Butchart Gardens, where guests dine in the original Butchart family residence while enjoying spectacular views of the Private Garden, or the Italian Garden and Tod Inlet. courtesy: Tourism Victoria

Beacon Hill Park  The crown jewel of Victoria’s city parks, Beacon Hill could take a full day to explore. With its formal history reaching back to 1882, when the Province of British Columbia granted 75 hectares to the City of Victoria to be held in trust, the park encompasses a vast array of landscapes, including native plant habitats, manicured gardens and playing fields, historic buildings, structures and monuments. Designated a municipal heritage site in 2009, Beacon Hill Park offers something for all ages, including playgrounds, a water park, children’s zoo and duck ponds for the little ones; as well as a putting green, bandshell (featuring summer concerts), accessible walking paths through formal gardens and many scenic spots to spread out a picnic blanket and savour some of Victoria’s delicious culinary treats. Let someone else do the driving with a scenic turn about the park from Victoria Carriage Tours, an ideal way to capture the beauty of the park and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Stone bridge over pond in Beacon Hill Park. courtesy Tourism Victoria

 Tea at the Empress

Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Empress courtesy Tourism Victoria

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The grande dame of Victoria’s hotels, the Empress has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles to Hollywood “royalty” over the generations. Even visitors who aren’t guests of the hotel can take in her treasures, from shopping or touring the gardens to enjoying the hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea. Tapestries, wing-back chairs and handcarved tables set the scene in the Empress Tea Lobby, where royals, celebrities and dignitaries have enjoyed a cuppa over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, Rudyard Kipling, Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, Sarah McLachlan, and the Emperor and Empress of Japan. In fact, nearly 100,000 guests are served tea annually, enjoying an estimated 500,000 cups of tea. Today’s guests sip an original tea blend — created specifically for the Empress — served with hand-made signature Empress scones, delectable pastries and tea sweets prepared in-house daily, and reflecting locally sourced ingredients to ensure an authentically memorable experience. Elsewhere in the hotel, a walking tour led by knowledgeable guides in Edwardian costume will enlighten visitors with tales of the hotel’s past.

 Chinatown Located in the Old Town, Chinatown is Canada’s oldest and it proudly exhibits its history and culture in its buildings, shops, restaurants and special events. The Gate of Harmonious Interest stands a towering welcome, and a tribute to the multicultural community all Canadians enjoy. The Bright Pearl statue is another often-photographed spot and the starting point for the award winning Discover the Past Chinatown tours, setting off year-round to explore this fascinating neighbourhood.

Dragon at entrance to Chinatown. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

Shopping districts  Home to so many artists and artisans, Victoria offers one-of-a-kind items around every corner. There’s a treasure trove of Aboriginal art and crafts plus dozens of shops that specialize in all things British. Government Street — located downtown near the harbour — is chockablock with bits of Ye Olde Britain: find woolens and bone china, Scottish tartans and Irish lace, plus many stores that specialize in Canadiana, First Nations art, original jewelry and fashion. Accessed from Government Street, there’s Trounce Alley and Bastion Square, offering European fashions and gift shops, plus great restaurants and harbour views. In Old Town, find Market Square — a block of particularly charming heritage shop fronts surrounding an open public square — and lower Johnson Street, famous for its boutique fashion shops. Chinatown is a great spot to browse and buy; and Fort Street is known as Victoria’s “Antique Row.” Ten minutes from downtown is the charming Oak Bay Avenue, described by some as “more English than England.” Here you can find high-end art, antiques and Vancouver-Island-made crafts to fashions, giftware and imported sweets. A 20-minute drive takes you to Mattick’s Farm — another unique shopping experience — and a little farther north, there’s “booktown” Sidney, famous for having six bookstores in a four-block radius.

Bastion Square at dusk. Courtesy Tourism Victoria

 The Royal BC Museum British Columbia’s provincial museum protects and preserves the natural and human history of this diverse corner of the globe and it does so with distinctive style and flair. Fascinating permanent exhibits explore everything from First Nations history to European exploration to the natural flora and fauna unique to British Columbia. Complementing these permanent displays are exceptional events and special exhibitions designed to let visitors of all ages truly experience this unique piece of B.C. E Courtesy Tourism Victoria

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Artist Luke Ramsey.

Organized chaos Artist in Residence pushes boundaries with expert use of colour By sara wilson | Photos by Don Denton

uke Ramsey is many things: illustrator, designer, muralist and painter, but above all he’s a proud Victorian. For locals, the award-winning visual artist is best known for his colourful contemporary murals.

Ramsey’s mastery of colour palettes traces back to his father and brother’s love of sports. Travelling as a young child through the United States to watch their favourite teams play, Ramsey found inspiration in the teams’ use of colours. “My brother is a huge Miami Dolphins fan and I really liked the combination of the orange and turquoise that the team uses. I would say sports teams’ colour choices are an influence on my colour palette.” In 2010, he completed a collaborative outdoor mural with artist Josh Holinaty on the John Howard Society building in Edmonton. The mural won an Award of Excellence from the City of Edmonton in 2011, and a 2012 National Urban Design Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

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Ramsey’s upcoming show at The Madrona Gallery in June will showcase a different side for the artist, who will feature his collection of West Coast landscape inspired paintings.

by friends and other artists that are in my life — being a part of that lineage of artists that have come and gone and are still alive — and feeling like I’m a part of a big collective.”

“I figured that I’ve spent so much time painting on walls that I should start painting on canvas and it’s been fun. I like murals because they are for the public and everyone gets to enjoy them, but I like the idea of someone owning or having a piece of art in their home,” he said.

The self-taught artist was named the City of Victoria’s Artist in Residence, and the experience is one the young artist wanted to check off his goal list.

After spending nine years on Pender Island with his wife (five of those years were dedicated to running the Islands Fold artist residency), Ramsey draws inspiration from the natural surroundings. “I have a dualistic approach to my perspective. I’m always trying to have that balance in my work to see the contrast between technology and nature, heart and mind and all sorts of things. I’m inspired

“It’s totally changed my perspective of art. I think it’s changed my perspective of having my eyes even more open to how many different people perceive art,” he said. “Through my career as an art-maker, I’ve always been sort of appealing to a specific crowd of people that like the work I do. … Working with the city, you’re opening yourself up to people that love art and people that don’t, so that’s changed my perspective.” E

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“The whole marine tourism and ecotourism industry has grown significantly over the last few years as people look for more experiential things to do.” credit: tourism victoria

PRINCE OF THE SEA “Visionary” Alan McGillivray has a whale of a time at work By TESS VAN STRAATEN | photo by don denton

lan McGillivray has a passion for the ocean. He grew up on the water in Saanich’s Ten Mile Point neighbourhood where he was always out boating and fishing.

“I have lots of salt water in my boots and salt in my blood,” says McGillivray, the owner of Prince of Whales, British Columbia’s largest whale watching company. But the entrepreneurial mariner also had a head for business and after completing an engineering degree at Queens University and a masters in business administration at the University of Western Ontario, McGillivray returned to the coast — keen to combine his passions. “I always knew I wanted to build an ocean-side business,” explains McGillivray. “I was looking for either a business to buy like a tugboat company or an idea.” McGillivray settled on a water taxi business that would be based out of Sidney and service the Gulf Islands. “Nobody was doing it very well there because no one had a decent boat,” he says. “I researched the boats in the rest of British Columbia and [found] heavy-duty aluminum boats, tough as nails, that could go out in the middle of the night in storms.” McGillivray ordered one of the 12-passenger skiffs and in the summer of 1993, Inter Island Watch Ltd. was launched. The company initially undertook runs across Saanich Inlet but after a few months, the Times Colonist approached McGillivray to deliver newspaper bundles to the Gulf Islands.

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“We signed a five-year contract and all my friends joked, ‘there’s McGillivray with a brand new $100,000 water taxi and he had to get a paper route to pay for it,” the father of three recalls. “We were out there in the middle of the night hustling to Salt Spring and the other islands.” The following summer, McGillivray got a call from Canada Post, who’d heard about his cargo run and wanted him to do the mail run to Pender, Mayne, Galiano and Saturna. He signed another five-year contract and combined the runs, but they were back at the dock by 8 o’clock in the morning with nothing to do. That same summer, Victoria hosted the Commonwealth Games and it gave McGillivray an idea. “I saw the whale watching boats in the Inner Harbour and my boat was better,” he explains. “The Queen came to town and all the headlines in August said, ‘Prince and Princess of Wales to Divorce’ so I decided to get another boat and re-brand.” The water taxis were moved to the Inner Harbour and were full on the first day the new Prince of Whales business launched in 1995. “We’d do the cargo run at night, have a crew change and do three whale watching trips a day,” says McGillivray. “It was really fun and one boat was getting about 18 hours of use a day, all revenue-generating.” The next summer, Prince of Whales started adding zodiacs and in 2005, launched the Ocean Magic, a 74-passenger boat that made whale watching more accessible for more people. Ocean Magic II soon followed, as the company expanded to Vancouver and started sight-seeing day trips between Vancouver and Victoria.

“I really think he’s a visionary in that sense because he’s always thinking about where to go next.”

Alan McGillivray and daughter, Elspeth.

“We’ve grown every year pretty well for 22 years and we’re not slowing down,” says McGillivray. “The whole marine tourism and eco-tourism industry has grown significantly over the last few years as people look for more experiential things to do. They don’t just want to sit on a tour bus and be driven around.” McGillivray’s youngest daughter, 22-year-old Elspeth, is now learning the management ropes after spending several summers working at the family business while she was going to school.

sense because he’s always thinking about where to go next.” But for McGillivray, who says his biggest mistake was probably being a little too conservative over the years and not being more daring, there’s nothing like being out on the water. “You can step on a boat and leave all your cares and worries behind you,” he says. “Every day on the ocean is different — the light’s different, the sea conditions are different and even the clouds over the Olympics are different. It’s just a wholly satisfying experience.” E

“It’s great to see all aspects of the business and I live with my dad so we quite literally talk about work all day long. I’m learning a lot,” says Elspeth McGillivray, who supervises office operations. “I love how dynamic it is and that every day is different.” But it hasn’t been easy. With 13 vessels and close to 100 staff during the peak season, the elder McGillivray says effectively managing a seasonal business is the biggest challenge. “It’s always very disappointing when October rolls around and our customer base thins out and almost goes down to just a trickle in the winter,” he admits. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to figure out a counter-seasonal business to keep all these people on our books and employed.” After more than two decades and hundreds of thousands of customers, McGillivray’s constantly looking for new ideas. In April, the newest vessel in the fleet — a sleek catamaran called the Salish Sea Dream will take over the Vancouver to Victoria run just as V2V and the Clipper prepare to launch passenger ferry service between the cities. “It seems like every year we have something new and he’s always trying to find a competitive edge,” says Elspeth. “I really think he’s a visionary in that

credit: prince of whales

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Above, Gautam Arora at Old Morris Tobacconist. Following page, Black Goat Cashmere.

“Shop walk” for men Exclusive finds in downtown Victoria By Hans Tammemagi | Photos by Don Denton and Lia Crowe

etermined to develop my questionable shopping skills, I set out on a journey of product discovery in downtown Victoria.

I have two goals. First, I hope to visit some fascinating shops and purchase some unusual items. The second is personal: I want to demonstrate to my wife that I — and men in general — are shoppers too. I meander north from the Inner Harbour with its flotilla of yachts, floatplanes and kayaks, heading along Government Street in the very heart of Victoria. I’m enjoying this already, wandering along rows of historic buildings with shops, pubs, eateries and cafés — clearly a popular destination.

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Entering Old Morris Tobacconist, I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. The store, the oldest tobacconist in Canada, was established in 1892, and is a national historic site. Much of the store’s original interior still remains, offering an air of “High Victorian.” An electrolier of rare Mexican onyx stands in the centre of the store, spouting two jets of flame for lighting cigars. Wires around the flames protect moustaches and beards. Originally, it included one of the first electric light bulbs in the city. Finally, I select a Belinda cigar from Cuba because, according to owner Gautam Arora, it’s milder and, thus, more suitable for an infrequent smoker.

WEST END GALLERY A short distance later, I’m drawn into Mango’s Boutique & Accessories on Johnson Street. The importance of quality and attentive service is quickly demonstrated by Nicole, who with her husband James, owns and operates the men’s and women’s clothing store. “What sets Mango’s apart is that we carry unique brands and I am constantly working to get in the latest colours and fashions,” says Nicole, showing me some colourful sports jackets and shirts.

A short stroll down Government and I’m greeted by Black Goat Cashmere. Its attractive displays are proof that simplicity is the epitome of elegance. All of Black Goat’s cashmere is sourced from goats in Mongolia and only the best long yarns from the undercoat are used. The result is a soft, durable fabric that is far warmer and more breathable than Merino wool. I run my hand along the best-selling printed shawls and find them incredibly soft. I try on a quarter-zip, two-tone sweater and am astonished at its comfort and warmth — and it looks pretty good on me too! Accessories next, I think, as I stride into Lugaro, a fine jewelry and watch shop. I’m drawn, partly because Lugaro is committed to using Canadian diamonds and gold. Just as significantly, however, Lugaro carries Victoria’s biggest selection of Rolex watches, something I’ve long yearned for.

photo credit: trevor cooper

At Nicole’s suggestion, I slip one on. Great! I’m certain it makes me look younger, trendier.

Representing the finest in Canadian Art for over 23 years. 1203 Broad Street 250-388-0009 or 1-877-388-0009

www.westendgalleryltd.com open daily E S S E N T I A L V I C T O R I A 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

Donning cotton gloves, store manager Krikor Kuspekian pulls out several Rolex models, explaining they are precision-made in Switzerland. Since 1905, Rolexes have been on the wrists of explorers and achievers around the world, and I am keen to join them. The Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II models embody the spirit of the sailor. The Yacht-Master II brings together the finest in Rolex technology to create a regatta chronograph built for yachting competition. Krikor also shows me some of the exotic diamond settings for ladies and gives me a short lesson on the four important “Cs”of diamonds: cut, clarity, colour and carats. I return to the Rolex counter and gaze wistfully at the elegant look of the Oyster collection. Outside, I turn the corner and enter d.g. bremner, whose speciality is menswear and accessories. Italian and European high-end brands of shirts, pants, sweaters, sportswear and suits surround me. Even better, Paul and Oggy really care about making the customer look good, and with more than six decades of experience between them, know how to do it. As I try on a pair of Coppley trousers, they carefully take measurements and make a few adjustments. “Our master tailor will make this perfect,” says Paul. “And that’s important to us: after all, you will be a walking mannequin, advertising our store.” I can’t wait to impress my wife with the new slacks. Nearby, Simply the Best carries more pens — about 10,000— than any store in Canada, so I can’t resist. Soon my head is swimming, for the store carries a cornucopia of unusual, discerning products including haberdashery, high-end watches, moustache wax, Moser glassware (the crystal of kings), Forge de Laguiole pocket knives, using 27 different woods, and much more.

Rolex watches from Lugaro are: (top) Yacht-Master II and Oyster Perpetual.

Jim, the owner, hands me the Homo Sapiens pen, noting it is made of basaltic lava from Mount Etna volcano. I scrawl my signature smoothly with the 23-k palladium tip. “This would even make cheque writing enjoyable,” I think. Laden with bags, I head back to the hotel, confident my wife will be proud. E

Join us for our

New Season!

Get your season tickets today! Your season includes: The Children’s Republic September 12—October 8, 2017

by Hannah Moscovitch

Onegin October 17—November 12, 2017

Book, Music & Lyrics by Veda Hille and Amiel Gladstone

Forget About Tomorrow January 23— February 18, 2018

by Jill Daum, with music by John Mann

Salt Baby April 17—May 13, 2018

by Falen Johnson

E S S E N T I A L V I C T O R I A 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

Plus you’ll receive discounts and priority booking privileges for: Summer Fun

Bed and Breakfast August 8—27, 2017

by Mark Crawford Holiday Classic

A Christmas Carol November 28—December 17, 2017

by Charles Dickens, adapted by Michael Shamata

2018 SPARK Festival Who Killed Spalding Gray? by Daniel MacIvor Ray Bradbury’s Tomorrow’s Child

by Eric Rose, Matthew Waddell and David van Belle

Season ticket packages, starting at $70, are on sale now. To get yours, call us at

250-385-6815.

Victoria:

a city with good taste Top chefs fulfill expectations for quality and variety By Sean McIntyre | Photos by Don Denton and LIA CROWE

Locals know the city’s top chefs have been stoking Victoria’s rapid rise among the ranks of North America’s must-visit destinations for food-centric travellers, but word is spreading about its focus on locally sourced products, an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere, and a distinctive Vancouver Island flavour. Essential takes a look at what’s hot and what’s ahead in Victoria’s inspiring and eclectic kitchens.

Room with a view Kreg Graham has been serving up a varied menu to visitors and locals alike at the iconic Oak Bay Beach Hotel for nearly two years. Guests can choose to eat overlooking the water in the hotel’s intimate, 34-seat dining room, grab a coffee or glass of wine by the fire or on the patio with a light snack at Kate’s Cafe or kick back in the Snug Pub, a Victoria original that dates back to 1954. “We’ve got something for everybody,” Graham says. There aren’t many places where diners can find all the stalwart comfort-food favourites like tacos, sushi and burgers next to ahi tuna tostadas, chicken tikka skewers and the new tofu-mango Buddha bowl. Summer brings with it a fresh bounty of flavours and menu items that, Graham says, will be featured based on availability. Pork and lamb sourced from Vancouver Island farms, organic produce from nearby Saanich and local wines will be the focus of the restaurant’s exclusive long-table dinners which get underway in late May. “We’ve already got a few different farmers lined up and we’re hoping to make these a monthly event,” he says. Menu details and reservations are available by calling the restaurant or booking online. E

Chef Kreg Graham from the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Chef Ryan Hayter from Glo Restaurant & Lounge.

Steaks on the waterfront Overlooking the Gorge Waterway in the city’s Burnside neighbourhood, Glo offers a great spot to mingle, relax and celebrate in large groups or intimate pairings.

around. The restaurant’s “steak program” features four staff members working together on timing, seasoning and cooking to produce an awesome steak experience.

“We have a good mix of age groups and demographics from local businesses and residents,” says chef Ryan Hayter. “We have mostly international cuisine and a little bit of something for everyone.”

If steak isn’t your thing, Glo features a funky tasting menu with a range of internationally inspired dishes like blackened chicken and minty Moroccan Tantan salad. There are also enough vegetarian and gluten-free options to satisfy all tastes and any appetite.

Hayter, who moved to Vancouver Island from Calgary, is especially proud of Glo’s signature Sterling Silver premium steaks. When it comes to grilling these marbled, grain-fed Canadian beauties, the Glo team doesn’t mess

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“We try to walk that line between casual and fine dining,” he says. “We try to push the envelope but not too far that people don’t recognize it any more.” E

A fresh culinary culture A few blocks west on Fisgard Street, next to Victoria’s historic Chinatown, chef and restaurant founder Bradley Holmes has created a regional culinary identity since moving to Victoria in 2010. The name of his restaurant, OLO, is borrowed from Chinook Jargon (or Chinook Wawa), which is a pidgin language specific to the Pacific Northwest. It means “hungry.” Just as that early culture blended influences from the West Coast’s First Nations with foreign influences from Europe and Asia, the menu at OLO proudly combines offerings from a wide range of growers from across the island. “It’s genuine. Each of these suppliers are all random and strong characters,” he says. “We want to feature the diet of the seasons and the land because it’s healthy and it will breed a greater respect for our region and environment.” At OLO, it isn’t uncommon to see a vegetarian or vegan tasting plate offered alongside a signature lamb burger, alder smoked salmon or Italian-inspired Cotechino sausage. Whether it’s for a weekday dinner or weekend brunch, Holmes says, his fare aims to satisfy diners of all types. “We all want variety,” he says. E

Chef Brad Holmes from OLO Restaurant.

Eat local. 509 Fisgard Street Victoria, BC | 250.590.8795 OLORESTAURANT.COM @olorestaurant

@olo_restaurant

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Putting the fresh in “fresh sheet” Downtown at 10 Acres, executive chef Marcelo Najarro offers diners a choice between The Bistro, The Commons and The Kitchen (formerly Pescatores). Each venue has a distinct decor and focus, ranging from urban weekday casual to fine dining seven nights a week. Regardless of which experience you choose, rest assured you’ll experience the restaurant’s commitment to healthy, local and ethical dishes. In recent years, Najarro says, diners in Victoria have evolved to settle for nothing less. “There is definitely a niche for this and people want to know where the food is coming from and how things are raised,” he says. “There is more consciousness.” Najarro adds that eating sustainably helps local producers — and it tastes great. Many ingredients are grown at the restaurant’s very own 10-acre farm just north of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. Year-round deliveries of farm-fresh meat and produce let patrons sample the ever-changing flavours of the season. Najarro has a tender spot for the farm’s signature pork. He says the meat offers endless versatility for diners, be it in the form of chops, pulled pork, pancetta, prosciutto or bacon. Whatever isn’t grown on the restaurant’s farm is sourced from Vancouver Island farmers, fishermen and other food purveyors. E

Chef Marcelo Najarro from 10 Acres.

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Pastry paradise Alexis Guillemin grew up on the Canadian prairies with a passion for baking and a soft spot for pastries. At 19, she cast her gaze west to attend culinary school here on the coast and soon received her coveted Red Seal certification. Now at 24 years of age, she’s leading the dessert team at the upscale, oceanfront Marina Restaurant in posh Oak Bay. “I’ve pretty much wanted to do this my entire life,” she says. Guillemin believes the restaurant’s dessert offerings are so much more than just an afterthought to a delicious lunch, dinner or brunch. Whether it’s a decadent crème brûlée, slice of gluten-free quinoa cake or a peanut butter brownie, dessert at the Marina Restaurant qualifies as a tasty exclamation mark. “It’s all about the flavour,” she says. “Looks may be important, but it doesn’t matter how good it looks unless it tastes good.” E Pastry Chef Alexis Guillemin from Marina Restaurant

MARINA TINI. Amazing cocktails. Breathtaking views.

250 598 8555 | www.marinarestaurant.com 1327 Beach Drive at the Oak Bay Marina E S S E N T I A L V I C T O R I A 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

ISLAND AESTHETIC Explore Victoria from an visual arts perspective at the region’s many studios and galleries.

Rest Stop, 36 x 72 inches, Acrylic on Canvas, by Karel Doruyter

 Madrona Gallery Celebrating its seventh anniversary, this historical and contemporary fine art gallery in the heart of downtown showcases both established and emerging Canadian artists working in a variety of media including painters, sculptors and Inuit carvers. Works also available by Members of the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, E.J Hughes and other Canadian masters. The gallery prides itself on providing a welcoming environment for new and established art collectors. 606 View Street 250-380-4660 madronagallery.com

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Simply The Best

FINE CLOTHING, WRITING INSTRUMENTS & ACCESSORIES FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION This approach makes Lamy products unmistakable style icons and the name Lamy a quintessential brand.

Canada’s largest Lamy selection with over1000 to choose from

Coast Colour, 40 x 60 inches, the avenue Gallery  Acrylic on Canvas, Discover Victoria’s premier art destination located in by Bi Yuan Cheng the prestigious Oak Bay Village. This impressive and accessible gallery prides itself on being a showcase for distinguished contemporary British Columbia and Canadian artists. Ever changing exhibits provide visitors and residents with an unsurpassed selection of remarkable fine art by painters, sculptors of stone, metal and wood, ceramic, and glass and jewelry artists. 2184 Oak Bay Avenue www.theavenuegallery.com

Visconti Movement VI-AC304-03 Automatic Chronograph Swiss Made, 57 Rubies, Top Assortment, Glucydur Balance Wheel, 28.800

Tan Island, 48 x 60 inches, Oil on Canvas, by Naomi Cairns

West End Gallery 

West End Gallery presents the finest in contemporary Canadian painters and glass artists. Offering a variety of styles from a wide range of artists, collectors both new and established will find works of lasting value. Painters represented include: Steven Armstrong, Fraser Brinsmead, Naomi Cairns, Claudette Castonguay, Rod Charlesworth, Ken Faulks, Greta Guzek, Dana Irving, Raynald Leclerc, Grant Leier, Joel Mara, Annabelle Marquis, Elka Nowicka, Glenn Payan, Guy Roy, Robert Savignac, Peter Shostak, Deborah Tilby, Peter Wyse and many more. Sculpture and glass artists represented include: Dulce Alba Lindeza, Robert Held, Tammy Hudgeon, Paull Rodrigue and David Thai. 1203 Broad Street www.westendgalleryltd.com

1008 BROAD STREET BETWEEN FORT & BROUGHTON

250-386-6661 • stb@aol.com • www.stbpens.ca

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Panoramic photo of the Inner Harbour at sunset.

IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD From its busy centre and historic neighbourhoods to breathtaking rural spots and trendy shopping and dining districts, Victoria offers lots to explore. STORY BY Jennifer Blyth l PHOTOS COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

Inner Harbour/Downtown At the heart of Victoria is the Inner Harbour, the most-often photographed and most easily recognized spot in the city. This was traditional lands of the Esquimalt and Songhees South Salish Nations, and visitors can learn more about their stories with the Signs of Lekwungen, an interpretive walkway along the Inner Harbour and surrounding areas. The Hudson’s Bay Company arrived here in the 1840s and established Fort Victoria. In 1858, the Fraser Valley gold rush created rapid change in the town, which was then the main port of entry to the Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia — and a stopping off point for those seeking their fortune. Today the Inner Harbour neighbourhood is a busy transportation hub and home to several renowned landmarks, including the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the BC Legislative Buildings. Other area attractions include the

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Royal BC Museum, the National Geographic IMAX Theatre, The Bateman Centre and the Victoria Bug Zoo. A variety of outdoor adventure purveyors are also found around the Inner Harbour, at Fisherman’s Wharf and at the nearby Causeway. A hub of arts and culture, and extremely walkable, downtown Victoria will appeal to lovers of all types of art: they’ll find fine art galleries, theatre, dance, opera, symphony and an incredible lineup of exciting annual festivals. Nearby, Bastion Square is the site of the original Fort Victoria and currently home to shops, restaurants and a summer artisans’ market. Shoppers will love Government Street, Fort Street and the Bay Centre. Take in views of the Inner Harbour with a stroll along the pedestrian walkway beginning near Belleville and Menzies streets and following the waterfront over the Johnson Street Bridge into neighbouring Vic West and Esquimalt.

Old Town/Chinatown Just north of Bastion Square and the shops of Government Street sits Old Town. During the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, this area was filled with colourful characters. Today, Old Town is a popular shopping and dining area. Stroll its colourful streets to take in many unique-to-Victoria restaurants and breweries; shop the boutiques of LoJo (lower Johnson Street) and visit Market Square, considered the “heart” of Old Town with its collection of shops and restaurants in restored heritage buildings. This is set around an open square, and is home to various special events throughout the year, including the Victoria Flea Market, Sundays though September. Also nearby is Victoria’s Chinatown, the oldest in Canada. It’s filled with restaurants and shops to explore along its colourful streets and interesting alleyways, including Fan Tan Alley, believed to be the narrowest street in Canada. Don’t miss the Gate of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street, a landmark constructed to recognize Chinese immigrants’ participation in establishing the City of Victoria.

James Bay and Fairfield James Bay is Victoria’s oldest residential neighbourhood, bordered by water on three sides and Beacon Hill Park on the other. In addition to tree-lined streets of historic houses and gardens — including Emily Carr House, the childhood home of one of Canada’s most beloved artists — find parks, a quaint village, celebrated restaurants and the terrific James Bay Community Market, Saturdays from April through October. Enjoy a waterfront stroll from the Inner Harbour to Fisherman’s Wharf, and then around the James Bay waterfront to the Breakwater for a whole new perspective of the city. Don’t miss the newest addition, The Unity Wall, a colourful mural extending the length of the Causeway. James Bay heritage house.

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Sidney Pier sunset. CREDIT: HikeVictoria.com

Continue on to Beacon Hill Park, one of Victoria’s best-loved green spaces since the 1850s. Unparalleled views mark every season, from spring wildflowers to winter winds that provide waves for windsurfers. Inside the park is a Victorian landscape of manicured flowerbeds, graceful trees, lakes and bridged streams, plus playgrounds, sports fields, cricket pitch, putting green and a seasonal children’s petting zoo. Don’t miss Mile “0,” the western-most terminus of the 8,000-kilometre Trans-Canada Highway. On the east side of the park is Fairfield, a residential neighbourhood with a trendy collection of shops and cafés called Cook Street Village. East of downtown, Rockland is a prestigious area of older, stately homes. Attractions here include Craigdarroch Castle, Government House Gardens and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, plus the Moss Street Market, with local organic produce, artisan wares and a funky urban vibe.

to two of the city’s most renowned golf courses — Victoria and Uplands — while for families, Willows Beach is a must with its long sandy beach, wide-open grassy fields, children’s playground and seasonal café.

Esquimalt Just over the Johnson Street Bridge from downtown Victoria is the historic community of Esquimalt, home to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. Take in the Westsong Walkway that links downtown Victoria and Esquimalt, enjoy the waterfront gardens and views at Saxe Point, and explore local and national history at the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum. At Esquimalt Gorge Park, stroll beautiful Japanese gardens, inspired by the former Takata Japanese Gardens located here before the Second World War.

Saanich & Cordova Bay Oak Bay This charming area of Tudor-style homes, oak trees and manicured gardens is a few minutes’ drive or a 10-minute cycle from downtown. Oak Bay Village on the “Avenue” is the main shopping area, with excellent boutiques and galleries, featuring antiques, art, gifts, home and garden accessories, fashion and jewelry. Dining options range from English-style pub fare and afternoon tea to modern bistros and beautiful waterfront dining rooms. With its long, picturesque waterfront and numerous bays to explore, Oak Bay is one of Victoria’s best paddling destinations. Or, stick to two wheels and cycle past its many landmarks, including the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Oak Bay Marina, Beach Drive and Estevan Village. The community is also home

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Saanich is a large residential area beginning north of downtown, offering several sites worth exploring. Highlights include the University of Victoria and nearby Cadboro Bay Beach and Village, Mt. Douglas Park, with hiking trails and panoramic views, and Elk/ Beaver Lake Park, a great spot for watersports, walking and fishing. There’s also the gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, popular with birdwatchers. Just east of Elk/Beaver Lake Park is the seaside neighbourhood of Cordova Bay, valued for its rural beauty and unparalleled views of Haro Strait and the San Juan Islands. Highlights here include a charming collection of shops and galleries called Mattick’s Farm, along with the premier Cordova Bay Golf course and its sister establishment, The Ridge, a family-friendly par 3 course offering stunning views over the ocean.

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yuan cheng – “cedar Grove”

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Johnson Street in Victoria’s Old Town.

Saanich Peninsula and Sidney The seaside town of Sidney is the largest community on the Peninsula, about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria along Highway 17. Beacon Avenue is the heart of the community, with its colourful flower displays, benches, public art and a delightful array of shopping and dining diversions. Follow Beacon to the waterfront to enjoy picturesque ocean views, the Sidney Sculpture Walk and the Port Sidney Marina, a full-service facility attracting boaters and visitors in search of adventures such as whale watching, kayak rentals, scuba diving and fishing charters. Off-shore, Sidney Spit is part of the breathtaking Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, and is accessible by passenger ferry departing from the dock at the foot of Beacon Avenue. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and beach activities. Other family-friendly Sidney activities include the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre — a terrific attraction filled with the wonders of the Salish Sea — the Sidney Museum, Sidney Summer Street Market on Thursday evenings and the Mary Winspear Centre, with a full lineup of special events and performances. The pastoral Saanich Peninsula is home to a number of excellent attractions, including the famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Heritage Acres. Agritourism is also a growing pastime, with such celebrated stops as Church & State and DeVine vineyards, Sea Cider Cidery and Victoria Distillers. With scenery second to none, you’ll also find excellent cycling and paddling opportunities and pleasant drives.

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West Shore Communities, Sooke & the West Coast About 15 minutes’ from Victoria, or a pleasant bike ride out the Galloping Goose Trail from downtown, find the growing West Shore region and the communities of View Royal, Highlands, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin and Sooke. Here you can indulge in a wide variety of outdoor activities or spend time at several hubs for shopping and dining West Shore attractions include Olympic View and Bear Mountain Golf Courses, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, Hatley Park at Royal Roads University, Adrena Line Zipline, the Sooke Region Museum and a thriving arts community. Beyond Sooke, the landscape grows even wilder, with lush coastal rainforest and dazzling beaches, such as French Beach, Mystic Beach and Botanical Beach — home to amazing rock formations and rich tidal pools. The 47-kilomtre Juan de Fuca Marine Trail traces the shoreline from China Beach to Botanical Beach and is divided into sections, allowing hikers to choose a portion of the trail as a day trip or to tackle the whole route over about three days. E

The numbers are in. Come and see why everyone is talking about Victoria’s Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

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creating community Pacific Landing: a place of union and inspiration STORY BY chelsea foreman l PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

ising on Esquimalt Lagoon near Victoria with sprawling views of the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Mountains is a new development called Pacific Landing. Planned in several phases over the next few years, the 12-acre property will ultimately house a multiuse village with condos, a boutique hotel and spa, grocery, pharmacy and other stores, gallery, restaurant, artisan studios and even a performing arts centre. Pacific Landing was both named and designed to honour the rich history of the land it occupies. Throughout the years, this land has been a pillar of inspiration and union for those — such as the indigenous people of 5,000 years ago and, more recently, famed painter Emily Carr — who gathered on it. Pacific Landing was developed with its significance as a place of togetherness and natural sanctuary at the forefront of the plans, and the concept behind it remains deeply rooted in community. “The vision is for Pacific Landing to be a place where friends and family come together to live,

Emily Royer, Pacific Landing’s director of marketing and sales.

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learn and play. It’s about being active, learning, growing and enjoying life,” says Emily Royer, Pacific Landing’s director of marketing and sales. Beyond a careful design that utilizes the natural amenities, each building has been created as a place of union. Phase 1 will have a treetop yoga studio, a cooking theatre and a workshop. The community garden in Phase 1 has been so embraced by the residents, it has inspired future plans for more community-driven amenities. “It’s really cool to see the community starting to take shape. We have a community garden that owners have started working in together weekly. Residents are beginning to meet each other and develop friendships,” Emily explains. “We want the community to participate in what we are trying to accomplish by contributing their special skills — whether that’s leading a tae kwon do class or teaching someone how to weld.” Expert care has been put into every aspect of the design and construction at Pacific Landing. Phase 1, comprised of 33 condo units will be complete this summer. The 20-unit, Phase 2 development is

scheduled to start immediately after that, and Phase 3 sales will also commence soon, with 62 condo units available. The entire site is anticipated to be complete in the next three to five years. The team behind Pacific Landing has over 30 years of experience developing and managing award-winning resorts and developments across North America. But Pacific Landing is a unique project for the team for many reasons — one being that it is a family effort. “We’re a family company, which I really love. I get to work with my family all day,” Emily says. “Our trustees have family members working at Pacific Landing too, so it has become one big extended family. When someone purchases a home at Pacific Landing, they really do become part of it.” Currently, the team at Pacific Landing is actively engaging owners to determine what kind of services they would like to see added and what they would like to contribute to the community. “The cooking theatre is going to be this big, state-of-the-art kitchen for the community to use,” says Emily, describing one of her favourite parts of the development. “People can host dinner parties, we’ll organize cooking classes, and we’ll have neighbours teach their special dishes. Plus there’s a pizza oven and the developer (my Dad) makes a mean wood-fired pizza.” Pacific Landing is successfully honouring the legacy of the land on which it’s built — bringing people together. As Emily describes it, “We’re creating such a special community and home for people. To be able to bring people together and make them this happy is truly amazing.” E

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Indulge in Oak Bay Seaside living at its best

ith its mix of long sandy beaches, lively shopping boutiques, art galleries, marinas, trendy eateries and beautiful, garden-lined streets, Oak Bay is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Just 10 minutes from downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is a vibrant, welcoming coastal community known for its spectacular seaside lifestyle, year-round golf courses, tree-lined boulevards and exquisite architecture. Unhurried and tranquil, Oak Bay is the perfect place to relax and explore at your own pace. The shopping villages of Oak Bay Avenue, Estevan and Cadboro Bay are reminiscent of the British high streets of days gone by, but with a modern twist of high style and culinary cool. People come from all over to shop for one-of-a-kind fashions, art and gifts, visit the galleries and dine on the mouthwatering, ocean-wise cuisine of chefs found throughout the whole area. And yes, the tradition of afternoon tea is still a local favourite! Oak Bay is a nature lover’s delight where everyday adventures include easy cycling, the exploration of endless trails, barefoot beach strolls, marine life viewing, fishing and gentle paddling along the shoreline. Oak Bay is home to many renowned artists and is quickly finding its place as a thriving arts and culture district with seasonal public art, a high concentration of galleries and studios, rotating outdoor sculptures and many year-round performances, exhibits and events. A variety of guided tours by land and sea offers a great way to experience First Nations and colonial history and learn how the community’s culture has evolved over time. Everyone is invited to join in the many local celebrations and events held year-round. For those seeking to unwind, the beautiful Boathouse Spa and Pools and quiet beaches await. And why not come to stay awhile? Whether you choose five-star, oceanfront, luxury accommodation or a guesthouse that’s rich with old world charm, you’ll wake up to a West Coast paradise and myriad activities at the doorstep. From downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is easily reached by bike, a leisurely seaside drive or with one of the hop-on hop-off services departing frequently from the Inner Harbour. E

courtesy Oak Bay Tourism

courtesy Tourism Victoria and HikeVictoria.com

At top, waterfront dining in Oak Bay; above, chairs overlooking McNeill Bay in the moonlight; at left, Penny Farthing Pub on Oak Bay Avenue.

courtesy Tourism Victoria and Victoria Pub Company

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T O B A C C O N I S T

1116 GOVERNMENT STREET VICTORIA BC • 250.382.4811 • 1.888.845.6111 OLDMORRIS.COM