Sports Scene – Where to Find the Action in Victoria

Whether you prefer the chilly air of an arena or the smell of fresh cut grass on a sunny field, we can all agree that sports are awesome. It’s where kids make lifelong friends while having fun, cities cheer for the hometown team and families and friends celebrate wins or lament losses together. It really is the glue of any community and here in Victoria, it’s no different. From hockey and baseball to lacrosse and soccer, we’ve got it all. So while you’re visiting, be a part of the action and come support one of the local teams!

Hockey

Victoria Grizzlies

The Victoria Grizzlies is a junior A hockey club that recruits the best players from all over North America to play in showcase-style league competitions. It’s here that WHL and NCAA scouts search for talent and recruit players to these elite organizations

Victoria Royals

The Victoria Royals is a Western Hockey League (WHL) junior hockey team whose games you can go watch at Victoria’s impressive Save On Foods Memorial Centre downtown Victoria.

Since its inception in 1966, the WHL has been considered one of the best player development leagues in the world and continues to be a reliable supplier of talent to University teams, all levels of Canada’s National teams and the NHL!  No matter where you’re staying on Southern Vancouver Island, these two local teams are fun to watch and great to support! So grab yourself some tickets to one of their games, join Victoria in cheering them on and see if you can spot the next NHL superstar! 

Soccer

Victoria Highlanders 

The Victoria Highlanders is an elite team who play in the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) and offer a full-time, two year residency for talented players. With European-style player development principles and extensive connections with the Bundesliga, every player on the Victoria Highlanders is on a path towards either national or international collegiate opportunities or professional level soccer careers in Germany! For all you footie fans wanting to catch a match and support a local team, then you’ll want to get yourself tickets to a Victoria Highlanders match! Centennial Stadium on the UVic campus is their home pitch making it easy to get to no matter where on Southern Vancouver Island you’re staying!

Baseball

Victoria HarbourCats

The HarbourCats play in the West Coast League (WCL) which includes teams from Oregon, Washington and of course, BC. Not only does the WCL feature MLB prospects and top talent from college programs all over North America but no other college summer league has had as many drafted players – in 2013 alone, 57 WCL players were called up to the big leagues! When you think about summer and sports, you think baseball. When the warm weather hits, you can be sure to find our ‘boys of summer’, the Victoria HarbourCats hard at work. With alumni all over the MLB rosters, the HarbourCats are our hometown pride and for Victorians who love baseball, the HarbourCats games are one of the best summer entertainment events, hands down. With their home field at Royal Athletic Park it’s easy for anyone staying downtown Victoria to get to! 

Lacrosse

Victoria Shamrocks

Founded in 1950, the Victoria Shamrocks is one of the best box lacrosse teams in North America. The Shamrocks play in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) a senior A men’s league along with six other British Columbian teams. The WLA calibre of lacrosse is very high so it’s no wonder that some of the greatest lacrosse players in the world – Jack Bionda and both Paul and Gary Gait for example – have come straight from the Victoria Shamrocks. With 9 Mann Cups and 20 Provincial Championships under their belt, the Victoria Shamrocks are a daunting opponent and an incredibly exciting team to watch! Get your tickets here and see some world-class lacrosse! 

Football

Westhills Rebels

This Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) team offers exceptional post-high school players an opportunity to participate in highly competitive junior football in the hopes of grabbing the attention of college or CFL scouts. The mighty Westhills Rebels home field is in Westhills, just outside of downtown Victoria in the City of Langford so it’s easy to catch a game when you’re staying nearby! Off the field, the Rebels are actively involved in the community and committed to the development of amateur football on the Island. So come out for a day in the sun, watch some great football, support our local team and the community!    

Book your Victoria Vacation with EMR Today!

Whale Watching on South Vancouver Island

There is no denying that Vancouver Island is beautiful. If you’re a nature-lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Vancouver Island has probably been on your ‘must go’ list of destinations. Here you can surf, ski and everything in between almost year-round. No need for reservations or tightly packed itinerary, here you can grab your board or bike and head outside! But if you’re wanting to make some truly memorable moments, booking a whale watching tour with one of our many highly-rated tour operators is a must! Come and explore the natural beauty of the Island from a different vantage point and meet some of our neighbours, up close and personal!

Sooke 

Sooke Whale Watching

1581 Dufour Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0T6

This family owned and operated venture sets its sights on providing every guest with the highest quality, environmentally conscious marine and eco adventures. Their highly trained, professional team ensures that your three hour adventure will be safe, exhilarating and unforgettable. Their impressive rating over multiple platforms speaks for itself! 

Adventures by HIP

6971 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1

Started by two of Vancouver Island’s nature photographers, Sarah and Mike (and their furry companion, Bentley) offers four distinct packages; the Ocean Wildlife package for those wanting to see as much of our local marine life as possible, the Golden Hour Package, a perfect tour for those aspiring and professional photographers to get some incredible shots in the perfect light, plus two private charter services.

Victoria 

Springtide Whale Watching and Eco Tours

1119 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T7

For three decades, locally owned and operated Springtide has worked tirelessly to provide their guests with exceptional experiences! Dan and Joanne Kukat offer their guests sport fishing charters that end with jaw dropping catches and awe inspiring beauty eco tours where you can see marine mammals up close!  

 BC Whale Tours

1234 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 3H9

If you are looking for some impressive horsepower and eager to get out as far as you can during your tour, you can’t go wrong with BC Whale Tours. With their state-of-the-art, custom designed and locally built vessels that are not only leading the industry in sustainability and safety but boast an impressively long range. That means that for each and every tour you’re sure to capitalize on seeing as much of Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife as possible! 

Eagle Wing Tours

1 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2

For the last fourteen years in a row, Eagle Wing Tours has been rated number one for whale watching on Vancouver Island with more than two thousand reviews on Tripadvisor! What makes them so amazing? Their incredibly skilled and professional team take pride in providing every single guest with the best experience possible and will extend the tour time to ensure that every tour is a successful one. Plus, they are a leader in understanding the role that eco-tourism has in conservation efforts. 

Sidney 

Sidney Whale Watching

2537 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y2

Their incredibly professional and experienced team has been taking visitors on exceptional tours for two decades and are sure to impress! If you’re lucky enough to be staying in Sidney, this local gem is a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers. 

Cowichan Valley 

Ocean Ecoventures

1721 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0

If you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley, you’ll want to visit the incredibly unique, houseboat community of Cowichan Bay. This quirky, friendly, community is where you’ll also find Ocean Ecoventures, the passion project of owner and captain Simon Pidcock. Simon grew up on the ocean and has turned his passion into a rewarding profession, taking guests to explore the ocean, meet some wildlife and learn about this incredible area.

Nanaimo  

Vancouver Island Whale Watch

90 Front St #5, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7

For those who are looking for a whale watching adventure near Nanaimo, you’re in luck! Founders, Mike, an environmentalist and Jilann, a marine biologist have been working with whales for over a decade through scientific study, tours and navigating vessels in the area. With their passion for the local marine life, these two are creating world-class, sustainable whale watching experiences by taking their guests to see the transient whales rather than the endangered resident pods. 

Seeing whales in their natural habitat is one of the most breathtaking experiences and with so many excellent options on Vancouver Island, no matter where you are you can find the perfect tour for you! 

Book your Vancouver Island Adventure with EMR Today!

The Best Cideries on Vancouver Island and Beyond

person holding a glass of cider

Canadian winters are notoriously tough and while winter on Vancouver Island, Canada is more mild than the rest of the country, it can be drudgery. In British Columbia’s temperate rainforest, winters are cold and wet with a minimum of 1500 millimetres of rain falling per year – that’s rain with a capital ‘R’. With days are dark and looming clouds during the season, it can hamper even the toughest outdoor lover’s plans. If you’re a little tired of the coffee shop visits and endless rain walks and need something a little outside of the box, try visiting one of the many award-winning cideries on Vancouver Island! Take a day to tour the cideries, learn about cider making and try the incredible batches made from heritage apples! 

South Vancouver Island

Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery 

8750 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 1H2 | 250-642-1956

To kick off our list of West Coast cideries, we’re starting at the southwest corner of Vancouver Island in Sooke. While technically not a cidery, this unique farm needed to be on this list! At Tugwell you can find many different types of mead, the ancient potable made from fermented honey, yeast and water. This beautiful farm is home to carefully tended beehives that are perfectly placed to allow the bees to forage the local wildflowers, producing the most flavourful honey. If you are searching for a unique experience and you’re staying at a lovely EMR rental in  Metchosin or Sooke, Tugwell Farms is worth the trip! 

Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse

2487 Mt St Michael Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1T7 | 250-544-4824

All the way on the other side of Vancouver Island, on the Saanich Peninsula close by all the gorgeous EMR rentals in Saanichton you’ll find one of the most well-known cideries on Vancouver Island. Boasting over 60 certified organic varietals of both cider and heritage apples, Sea Cider offers visitors a chance to both sample their large selection of award-winning ciders, explore the beautiful apple orchard and snack on carefully created dishes in the tasting room. 

Merridale Cidery & Distillery

1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0 | 250-743-4293

Just north of Victoria, in the Cowichan Valley, is the charming Merridale Cider. The large, inviting, barn-turned-restaurant and tasting room sits on the 20 acre farm & orchard in Cobble Hill. It’s a great place to kick back on a rainy day and sample some small batch dry ciders, especially if you’re staying close by at one of the many beautiful EMR rentals in the Cowichan Valley.

Valley Cider

7661 Mays Rd, Duncan, BC V9L 6A8 | 250-510-1018

Heading north, just outside Duncan and only 20 minutes away from the EMR Cowichan Valley rentals is the hip Valley Cider. Bruce MicKinlay, the passionate owner and operator ensures that  Valley Cider always creates excellent quality craft cider and that the super friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions. Make sure you leave with some cider to enjoy later – the label alone is worth purchasing a few!

Central Vancouver Island

Raven’s Moon Craft Cider

4905 Darcy Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1R5 | 250-338-9765

In the beautiful town of Courtenay, just a hour north of Nanaimo you’ll find this cool cidery that not only produce traditional cider apples for their libations but a variety of fresh fruit like blueberries, blackberries and plums, grown right on the farm to produce some surprisingly delicious flavour combinations on-site! 

Coastal Black Estate Winery 

2186 Endall Rd, Black Creek, BC V9J 1G8 | 250-337-8325

Just north of Raven’s Moon is the quirky-meets-classic farm, where they take their slogan take a break from the grape very seriously. You won’t find any traditional grape varietals here, instead, the folks at Coastal Black produce sensational, farm based fruit wines, mead, sparkling wine and port-style wine using local berries and fruit. 

Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are home to some incredible cideries and while they are a little off the beaten track, they are absolutely worth a visit. 

Twin Island Cider

5601 Lupin Rd, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1 

First up on our Gulf Island cideries list is the artisanal Twin Island Cider on Pender Island. With varieties of apples and pear harvested from hundred-year-old trees, these avid and conscientious farmers are making excellent craft cider and perry that’ll delight your taste buds and make the trip to the Island worth it! 

Salt Spring Wild Cider

151 Sharp Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2P6 | 250-931-5554

Hopping over to Salt Spring Island, you’ll find a quaint, rustic cider house run by a stone sculptor and a philosopher. This little cidery makes its popular libation as close to the traditional English version as possible from a combination of apples from the heritage apples from their orchard, local organic orchards, and wild apple trees in the area. 

Ravenskill Orchard and Gabbie’s Cidery

1240 Coats Dr, Gabriola, BC V0R 1X4 | 250-325-1111

This unique orchard is a popular u-pick site as well as a cidery and with over a thousand trees and over 25 varieties, Ravenskill has produced some exceptional, traditional, dry cider. For guests enjoying one of the lovely EMR rentals in Nanaimo, Parksville & Qualicum Beach or the Comox Valley it’s a short drive to Departure Bay where you can take a BC Ferry to Gabriola Island.

Winter in BC can feel very long but with so many cideries to visit, even the winter months can be full of new experiences. Just make sure to pick up a few bottles on your visit, local hand-crafted cider makes a great present and can be an excellent pairing to your favourite home-cooked meal – an excellent way to see it through the winter months!

Book your EMR rental today!

A’si’em nu schala’cha: Experience Coast Salish Culture

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There are so many reasons to visit British Columbia, lush forests, beautiful beaches, walkable cities, great shopping, dining and nightlife, and outdoor adventures to last a lifetime. But one would be remiss not to mention that we share this land with Indigenous People who were here long before any Europeans set foot on this soil. BC has the greatest diversity of Indigenous cultures in all of Canada, 60% of the languages of Canadian Indigenous People are spoken here and it is home to 198 distinct First Nations*. On Vancouver Island, the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw People have been the stewards of this beautiful island since time immemorial and while their language, culture, history and way-of-life were once threatened with obscurity, the First Nations of Vancouver Island have resolutely persevered, surviving the most severe tests of the human spirit, gathering and sharing their stories and languages, reigniting their traditions and and again, thriving. So if you’re looking to experience all aspects of Vancouver Island’s heritage during your stay, immerse yourself in the many moving and awe-inspiring Indigenous cultural experiences all over the island.

  1. Mid-Island

One of the most well-known symbols of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest is the totem pole. Totem poles are colourful, intricate monuments that are traditionally carved from red cedar and can feature animals, stylized human forms and supernatural beings. Totem poles document the stories and histories of First Nations family groups. One of the best places to see these beautiful monuments is only a 20 minute drive from Marble Bay Lakefront House and only 10 minutes from Falcon Villa in the town of Duncan. Home to the Cowichan Bands, this little town is aptly nicknamed The City of Totems as it houses over 40 beautiful and richly historied totem poles. To see them all, you can take the Totems Tour, a self-guided walking tour that leads you to all of the totem poles dotted around the town. Just follow the yellow footsteps painted on the sidewalks at your leisure and soak up the history and beauty. 

While you’re in Duncan, swing by the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre to gain deep insights into every aspect of the Cowichan Tribes culture. Quw’utsun’ Center has lots to offer guests from local guides who know all aspects of First Nations culture to live demonstrations (the Khowutzun Tzinquaw Dancers is a must-see). Here you can visit the world’s largest carving house and both learn about the traditions of carving and carve your own totem. Make sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase authentic, traditional art or buy a traditional Cowichan sweater and support local First Nations artisans. 

  1. Victoria

Visitors from all over the world come to Victoria and marvel at the city’s seamless blend of its colonial past and modern present. But there was a time before Victoria was Victoria – a time when the Songees and SIXMELEL Nations, descendants of the Lekwungen People and members of the Coast Salish family, lived and prospered on the southernmost shores of Vancouver Island. No matter if you’re staying close by or further away at Barkley Manor, the extensive and interactive First People’s Gallery at the Royal British Columbia Museum is a must! From the Living Languages exhibit, where visitors can hear the greeting of over 34 First Nations languages, to the moving Totem Hall, that evokes the feeling of a 19th century First Nations coastal village, you can learn so much about the incredibly diverse cultures that call BC, home. Right outside the Royal BC Museum doors you can find Thunderbird Park, an outdoor exhibit of totem poles from all over BC. And don’t forget to see one of the tallest, free-standing totem poles that has been carved out of a single cedar in Beacon Hill Park! 

To get a real taste of Coast Salish culture, try a culinary tour! The Multi-award winning Cree-Metis Executive Chef, Shirley Lang offers guests a culinary tour of Vancouver Island focused on First Nations cuisine and culture. Hike through the forest and learn about the traditional edible and medicinal plants used by the Indigenous communities, witness a dance ceremony and enjoy traditional Coast Salish feast. 

Before you leave, make sure you stop by Indigenous owned and operated Eagle Feather Gallery to shop for traditional First Nations art – here you can find traditional jewelry, carvings, paintings and prints. If you’re on the search for a traditional, handmade Cowichan sweater to take home with you, you can go to Cowichan Trading Co. for an ample selection of the incredibly beautiful, intricate garments.

  1. Sidney & the Saanich Peninsula

If you’re on the Saanich Peninsula and staying at Bazan Bay Beach House there are plenty of spots to see and experience First nations culture not far from your doorstep. The Sidney Museum is a great place to start! With over 8,000 artifacts and a regularly updated, permanent, First Nations exhibit, this humble but robust museum won’t disappoint. 

The Saanich Peninsula is located on the Salish Sea, an intricate network of coastal waterways that were an important trade route for the Coast Salish People and remain an important source of food and a deep part of the Coast Salish People’s identity, today. What better way to understand the intricacies of the area than with a trip to the Shaw Center for the Salish Sea? At this world-class, hands-on aquarium guests can see over 150 species of marine life, and attend lectures and workshops where you’ll gain an appreciation for the incredible biodiversity of the Salish Sea. If you’d prefer something a little more adventurous, whale watching may be more your speed. Sidney Whale Watching is highly rated and operates on WSANEC First Nation territory and the Salish Sea. This area is home to both transient and resident Orcas, Grey whales, Humpback whales and so much more.  

*On south Vancouver Island, there are nine different Coast Salish Communitiesº, on the Saanich Peninsula there are five bands that make up the Saanich Nation; the Tsawout, Tsartlip, Tseycum, Malahat and Pauquachin. These fourteen bands share five languages found in the southern Island, SENĆOŦEN, Malchosen, Lekwungen, Semiahmoo and T’Sou-ke. Just north of Victoria in the Cowichan Valley is the Cowichan Tribes whose traditional language is Hul’q’umi’num’. A part of the Coast Salish People, the Cowichan Band has nearly 5,000 members, making it the single largest First Nations band in BC. ºSIXMELEL (Esquimalt) Nation, Songhees First Nation, Scia’new First Nation, T’Sou-ke First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Tseycum First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, Malahat First Nation and Metis Nation

Cycle, Hike or Ski into the New Year! Winter Adventures on Vancouver Island

Happy New Year! With the holidays behind you and the new year ahead, what better time to shake off that holiday excess with some incredible winter activities on Vancouver Island? The best thing about winter on the island? We’re not known for our long white winters and that means that it is a perfect place to indulge in many outdoor adventures all year-round. Hike or cycle one of the many incredible trails that wind all across the island. For the experienced surfers, you can find excellent surfing nearby, especially in the winter. And if you are looking for a winter wonderland, you can head north to one of the top Alpine Resorts in Canada. We really do have it all. 

Vancouver Island is world renowned for its incredible, natural beauty and with so many trails all over the island, it’s easy for everyone to get out there, no matter your skill level. No matter what level of cyclist you are, you won’t be disappointed with a ride along the Galloping Goose Trail or the ‘Goose’ as locals call it. This 55 kilometer, excellently maintained, popular trail begins downtown Victoria and winds its way west through Metchosin, Sooke and then heads north to end at the top of Sea to Sea Regional Park. While you won’t be able to do the entire trail in one day, it’s so long you can quickly access this trail no matter if you’re staying at Victoria at Reef Executive Condo or Metchosin at Arbutus Hill or Sooke at Pacific Coast Beach House and Suite and experience different parts of this incredible trail. Just north of Victoria and for anyone staying at Heron’s Landing, the Lochside Trail is a picturesque, multi-use trail that stretches from the tip of the peninsula at Swartz Bay and connects to the Galloping Goose in downtown Victoria. On this trail you can experience the Saanich peninsula’s beaches, agriculture, wetlands and rural neighbourhoods. From urban to rural to wilderness, if you’re looking for a great way to experience the natural beauty of the West Coast on a bike, there’s no better way to do it than from either the Goose or Lochside. Adventurers take note! If you’re cycling in the winter, you’ll want to make sure that you have appropriate gear – find out how to prepare for a winter cycle on the West Coast here. 

If you’d prefer to explore on two feet rather than two wheels, both the Galloping Goose and Lochside are good options as they both provide hikers with easily accessible, well maintained trails. But for those of you looking to get a little off the beaten track, there are lots of trails just north of Victoria, right nearby the Nature’s Gate Executive Home that are sure to impress.The Cowichan Valley Trans Canada Trail is a whopping 132 kilometers of well-packed gravel that is easy to ride, walk or jog along. Mostly following old CN rail lines, this section of the Trans Canada Trail winds through BC’s lush temperate rainforest that is home to some of the world’s tallest trees. You can find more information about the trail including maps and trail closures here and if you need information about the trail sections, parking and rest-stops you can find all that here. Just a 5 minute drive from the Malahat Mountain House is Spectacle Lake, a perfect fit for those looking for a more easy-going hike and for anyone who loves to fish. This trail is flat, well maintained and loops around the beautiful lake with plenty of places to stop and drop a line. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better hike than the popular Cobble Hill Mountain. Just a beautiful 10 minute drive from Cowichan Bay Oceanfront Estate, Cobble HIll Mountain is made up of 26 kilometers of well maintained, signed trails ranging in difficulty so finding the right trail for you is easy. The trails will lead you through multiple ecosystems and breathtaking views of the Cowichan Valley. Come find out how the locals stay in shape! 

You don’t have to fly to Hawaii or Australia to get in some great winter surfing – although it will be a little colder! If you’re an experienced surfer and are ready to brave the icy waters, you can catch some excellent waves right here on Vancouver Island. Tofino and Uculet are surfing hotspots but you might be surprised to hear that south Vancouver Island has some killer waves too! Only 30 minutes from Pacific Coast Beach House, 45 from Station Villa Executive Condo and an hour from Arbutus Hill is Vancouver Island’s hidden surfing gem, Jordan River. This tiny little community on the edge of the Pacific Ocean offers up some incredible views and even more incredible surfing. Just a little farther north is Sombrio Beach. Sombrio has great surfing at any tide level and offers a beach and reef break, which provides more consistent waves than Jordan River. With waves that can range from 2ft to 10ft, unpredictable conditions, freezing water and Pacific Ocean currents, neither Jordan River nor Sombrio are good spots for a novice. For those of you who feel at home on the waves, keep a close eye on the surf conditions here and here and don’t forget to grab your booties, gloves and hood – you’re going to need them!  

We may not be known for our white winters but when we do get the occasional snowfall, Victorians really take advantage of it in one of the best ways – sledding! So when the snow starts to stick, Victoria is a great place for the young and young-at-heart to bundle up and head to the nearest slope. Not far from Dalmeny Farm Estate, the famous Beacon Hill Park has acres of meandering groves of oak trees, ponds, gardens, moss covered boulders and one of the top sledding hills in Victoria! What could be better than a beautiful, snowy walk through the park and an afternoon of sledding? Just a short drive from Barkley Manor Executive you’ll find the Cedar Hill Golf Course which is another very safe, easygoing, fun hill to go sledding. Because it’s a golf course, you’ll find the area excellently manicured with no hidden rocks or brambles to get stuck in, plus there’s plenty of parking to make the trip that much easier. Without snow, Mount Tolmie is known for its steep, rocky incline but with a thick blanket of snow, it’s an ideal place to go for those looking for a more thrilling sledding experience but there are some gentler options for younger ones that may go with you. If you’re staying at EMR (Oak Bay/Rockland/Uplands), the Victoria Golf Club is a great spot for a sledding adventure! Like Cedar Hill, Victoria Golf Club is a manicured slope that means it’s super safe for all ages. Afterwards, you can stroll through historic Oak Bay village and check out the local shops and grab some cocoa in a perfect wintry village. If you’re really desperate for a proper snowy adventure, don’t despair! Mt Washington Alpine Resort has everything you could want from an alpine resort, great skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and sledding. If you’re coming from Victoria, you’re looking at a 3.5 hour drive to get there but if you’re staying at Kye Bay Winter Beach House, you’re only a 40 minutes from a winter wonderland! 

No matter what you’re into, biking, hiking, surfing or snow, Vancouver Island has the perfect adventure just for you! 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas! Great In-Person and Online Holiday Events Around Victoria

The holidays are a magical time of year – a time where life is filled with gifts for loved ones, heartfelt cards, great food, music and classic Christmas performances. There’s nothing like bundling up for a day of shopping for great local gifts then stopping to support a local charity. Get dressed up and step out into those long, bright wintry nights and go see live music or your favourite seasonal production. Or stay in your comfiest clothes, slip on some fuzzy slippers, mix your favourite potable and enjoy your holiday favourites in comfort. From contemporary holiday music to the Nutcracker, charity events to holiday markets, south Vancouver Island has something for everyone to get a dose of Christmas cheer.

This year, everyone’s holiday season is going to look a little different but for those of you who are at the Manor Suite Off Rockland or staying at the Beacon Hill View Condo and love getting out there to explore, there are still lots of in-person events happening around the city!  Have you ever dreamt of travelling in time to see what Christmas was like in yesteryear? Well now you can! Visitors to The Royal BC Museum will be able wander through cobbled streets of Old Town dressed to the nines in holiday cheer and peek into the elaborate and meticulously laid out rooms, listen to the sounds of hooves on the pavement and catch a Charlie Chaplain short in the mini theater. If you’re looking for somewhere to really soak up the spirit of the season and get a few gifts checked off your list, the Bastion Square Christmas Market is a must visit. Experience the feeling of a small town market with tons of local artisans in BC’s beautiful capital city. It’s a great place to snag thoughtful, one-of-a-kind pieces for everyone on your list. Just a short trip north of Victoria and near to Heron View Cottage is one of Canada’s most celebrated country music performers will be serenading the audience with all of holiday standards! So if you’re looking to head out for some live music, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better to get into the holiday spirit than George Canyon’s Acoustic Christmas at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney BC. 

Most years, there are so many holiday events happening and not nearly enough time to get to all of them. One of the benefits of this unprecedented time is that so many organizers have taken their events online which means that you can ‘attend’ as many as you want without having to take off your slippers! This year, the 12th Annual Gingerbread Showcase is online and in person! This year’s theme, “Coastal Living” has been interpreted by thirty-three talented bakers who have each created unique and incredible displays. Browse their masterpieces, read about the process and donate to help Habitat for Humanity raise funds to build affordable housing in North Saanich. You can also download a map of where these confectionery creations are being displayed in Victoria and Sidney and go see them from outside. If you’re staying at either Dalmeny Farm Estate it’s a great way to explore the area! There have been so many versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol it can be difficult to choose a favourite! This year if you’re in the mood for something a little outside of the box then be sure to buy tickets to the Blue Bridge Theater’s, online, one-man version starring Sanjay Talwar. It’s a great way to spend an evening at Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home. This reimagining is sure to delight kids of all ages! If something traditional is more to your taste, then you won’t want to miss the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet. The cameras will take you backstage to hear from the artists, designers and creators of this production to see how the magic is made. You can experience the holiday classic in a whole new light with this ground-breaking debut right from the comfort of Oceanside Lodge On Saanich Inlet! Hermann’s Jazz Club has been a staple in Victoria’s art and music scene for 40 years and has always had an incredible line-up of live music – this year is no different. Hermann’s has moved all of their performances to livestreams which means that you can enjoy the incredible talents that grace the stage without having to make the trip. Curl up on the couch and livestream Charlie Brown Christmas: Music From the Network Television Special or make a festive feast in the gorgeous kitchen at one of our oceanfront properties and watch Christmas with the Maureen Washington Quartet. If you love a good holiday spectacle, then you certainly don’t want to miss Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. With glitzy costumes and incredible energy, this band is sure to get even the biggest Scrooges rockin’ around right alongside them!

No matter how different the holidays are this year, or where you’re celebrating from, there are still lots of ways to make your Christmas merry and bright with these holiday events.  

Great In-Person and Online Holiday Events Around Victoria

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The holidays are a magical time of year – a time where life is filled with gifts for loved ones, heartfelt cards, great food, music and classic Christmas performances. There’s nothing like bundling up for a day of shopping for great local gifts then stopping to support a local charity. Get dressed up and step out into those long, bright wintry nights and go see live music or your favourite seasonal production. Or stay in your comfiest clothes, slip on some fuzzy slippers, mix your favourite potable and enjoy your holiday favourites in comfort. From contemporary holiday music to the Nutcracker, charity events to holiday markets, holiday events in Victoria have something for everyone to get a dose of Christmas cheer!

This year, everyone’s holiday season is going to look a little different but for those of you who are at the Manor Suite Off Rockland or staying at the Beacon Hill View Condo and love getting out there to explore, there are still lots of in-person events happening around the city!  Have you ever dreamt of travelling in time to see what Christmas was like in yesteryear? Well now you can! Visitors to The Royal BC Museum will be able wander through cobbled streets of Old Town dressed to the nines in holiday cheer and peek into the elaborate and meticulously laid out rooms, listen to the sounds of hooves on the pavement and catch a Charlie Chaplain short in the mini theater. If you’re looking for somewhere to really soak up the spirit of the season and get a few gifts checked off your list, the Bastion Square Christmas Market is a must visit. Experience the feeling of a small town market with tons of local artisans in BC’s beautiful capital city. It’s a great place to snag thoughtful, one-of-a-kind pieces for everyone on your list. Just a short trip north of Victoria and near to Heron View Cottage is one of Canada’s most celebrated country music performers will be serenading the audience with all of holiday standards! So if you’re looking to head out for some live music, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better to get into the holiday spirit than George Canyon’s Acoustic Christmas at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney BC. 

Most years, there are so many holiday events happening and not nearly enough time to get to all of them. One of the benefits of this unprecedented time is that so many organizers have taken their events online which means that you can ‘attend’ as many as you want without having to take off your slippers! This year, the 12th Annual Gingerbread Showcase is online and in person! This year’s theme, “Coastal Living” has been interpreted by thirty-three talented bakers who have each created unique and incredible displays. Browse their masterpieces, read about the process and donate to help Habitat for Humanity raise funds to build affordable housing in North Saanich. You can also download a map of where these confectionery creations are being displayed in Victoria and Sidney and go see them from outside. If you’re staying at either Dalmeny Farm Estate it’s a great way to explore the area! There have been so many versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol it can be difficult to choose a favourite! This year if you’re in the mood for something a little outside of the box then be sure to buy tickets to the Blue Bridge Theater’s, online, one-man version starring Sanjay Talwar. It’s a great way to spend an evening at Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home. This reimagining is sure to delight kids of all ages! If something traditional is more to your taste, then you won’t want to miss the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet. The cameras will take you backstage to hear from the artists, designers and creators of this production to see how the magic is made. You can experience the holiday classic in a whole new light with this ground-breaking debut right from the comfort of Oceanside Lodge On Saanich Inlet! Hermann’s Jazz Club has been a staple in Victoria’s art and music scene for 40 years and has always had an incredible line-up of live music – this year is no different. Hermann’s has moved all of their performances to livestreams which means that you can enjoy the incredible talents that grace the stage without having to make the trip. Curl up on the couch and livestream Charlie Brown Christmas: Music From the Network Television Special or make a festive feast in the gorgeous kitchen at one of our oceanfront properties and watch Christmas with the Maureen Washington Quartet. If you love a good holiday spectacle, then you certainly don’t want to miss Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. With glitzy costumes and incredible energy, this band is sure to get even the biggest Scrooges rockin’ around right alongside them!

No matter how different the holidays are this year, or where you’re celebrating from, there are still lots of ways to make your Christmas merry and bright with these holiday events.  

Lights Up! Where to find the Best Christmas Lights Around Victoria

Aaaah, the holidays. It’s the time of year that conjures up Rockwellian images of large family gatherings, magical snowmen, copious amounts of hot chocolate, decadent food, the big guy in red and white and endless strings of Christmas lights that twinkle through the long wintry nights. This year, in Victoria, British Columbia, the Christmas season kicks off with some exceptional light festivals and displays around the capital city. So, bundle up, grab a cocoa to go, and hop in the car, if you traveled by air, grab a rental car and check out how Victoria is lighting up the magic of the holidays. 

The Butchart Gardens

December 1st – January 6th

The Butchart Gardens is the undisputed master of Christmas light displays on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re staying in Victoria or one of the beautiful EMR properties in Saanich this little slice of holiday paradise is worth seeing! The Magic of Christmas is the annual Christmas light festival where visitors can wander through the gardens completely aglow, see the Twelve Days of Christmas display, enjoy some live entertainment, and do some traditional ice skating on the outdoor ice rink and stop by the coffee shop for a hot cocoa and gingerbread! 

The Festival of Trees

November 17th – January 3rd, The Bay Center 

Whether you’re staying right in downtown Victoria or if you’re enjoying the peace and quiet of winter at a stunning Cowichan Valley property, you’ll want to do a little bit of Christmas shopping at The Bay Center in downtown Victoria. Not only does The Bay Center offer a myriad of stores from national and global chains to local boutiques and fun kiosks but during this time of year, the mall is filled with holiday magic. The high ceilings drip with twinkling lights, bannisters are decked with garlands and ribbons and the mall is filled with Christmas trees! Each tree is sponsored and decorated by a local business or organization and put on display in the mall. Shoppers vote for their favourite tree and make a small donation to help raise money for the BC Children’s Hospital!  

Lights of Wonder 

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from December 15th – 31st, Centennial Square 

If you’re looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit just a walk away from one of the cozy condos in downtown Victoria, this is it! From December 15th to the 30th, Centennial Square will be a veritable winter wonderland with themed holiday lights, including four light tunnels, a 40ft Christmas tree, food vendors and live entertainment! 

The Inner Harbour

During the holidays there is no better, more Christmassy place to go than the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria. Whether you’re staying in a rental right in the heart of downtown or if you’re making the trip into town from Sooke, the Cowichan Valley or Sidney a walk through the Inner Harbour to see the Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress and up Government Street all lit up with thousands of twinkle lights is a must!  

Santa Claus Parade

November 26th at 5:00 starting at Belleville and Government St. and ending at 251 Esquimalt Rd

The beloved Santa Claus Parade is back! This year, IEOA truck convoy and Esquimalt Light Parade are working together to light up the city with a long line of cars and trucks all decked out with holiday lights, Christmas music and the big guy himself, this parade is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! The parade route has been extended by a few blocks for 2022 to allow more space between spectators and masks are recommended but not mandatory. Bring a non-perishable food item with you for the food back and meet up at the end of the route to see the holiday plaza, get pictures with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, great food, and warm drinks! 

Neighbourhood Displays

One of the easiest ways to get into the holiday spirit is to take yourself on a Christmas lights tour, checking out all the amazing neighbourhood Christmas displays! These homes go to great lengths to set up their elaborate light displays and they’re a must see during the holiday season. Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of homes that have put on incredible displays every year plus the Times Colonist publishes an interactive Christmas lights map each year to show you exactly where to go to see the incredible displays of lights around Greater Victoria! 

Royal Oak 

610 Vanalman Ave 

629 Vanalman Ave

  

Gordon Head and UVIC area 

4360 Torquay Drive

1827 Dunnett Crescent 

3943 Emerald Close 

Oaklands 

1311 Hillside Ave

2820 Grosvenor Rd 

1888 Townley St

Fairfield/Oak Bay area

615 Linden Ave 

1888 Townley St

Book a holiday rental and enjoy Victoria at Christmas!

It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Holiday Shopping! Best Local Shops on the Peninsula

Whether you prefer turquoise waters where cold drinks melt in your hand, icy peaks where you feel like you’re on top of the world or invigorating coastlines that make you want to curl up next to a crackling fire, travelling during the holiday season is magical. So is wrapping up the gifts you’ve found while you’re away to fill stockings or place under the tree. It’s these mementos – from the tacky fridge magnet that made you laugh to that rare treasure, watching friends and family enjoy the gifts you’ve brought them from your adventures is wonderful. South Vancouver Island has some incredible shopping where you can find everything from the truly outrageous to incredibly meaningful – you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday list, including you.

At the top of the Saanich Peninsula, you’ll find the little town of Sidney. If you’re staying at either the stunning Oceanside Lodge or Pendray House, you’ll be thrilled to find that a short drive will take you to Sidney town center: an easily walkable and an excellent place to find great holiday gifts. Cameron Rose is basically a one-stop-shop for everything you’re searching for. While Cameron Rose isn’t a large store, it carries everything from clothing and jewellery to games, puzzles and toys to novelty napkins and magnets. This is a great place to go if you’re pressed for time and you need unique, travel-friendly gifts. If you are looking for amazing gifts for the ladies on your list, Miss Bliss Boutique is an excellent option. This little store prides itself on personalized service and high quality women’s clothing and accessories – you’ll find your holiday ‘wow’ here. There are few better places on the Peninsula to find an excellent selection of books than Tanner’s Books. This little bookstore is a fixture in the community for good reason – besides the selection, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better, more helpful staff of literary experts than at Tanner’s. If you’re looking for something a little different, Galleon Books & Antiques specializes in non-fiction books and has a plethora of antiques and collectables to peruse – it’s a great store to stop into even if you’re with a non-shopper. Last, but certainly not least is Snowden House Gourmet & Gifts Ltd. A lovely little farm just west of Sidney town center, Snowden House will have the perfect gift for any gourmand. With small batch vinegars, pre-mixed bread kits, dips, rubs, herbs and spices as well as cards, locally crafted vessels and more – you won’t be disappointed!

A quick trip south of Sidney and close to bothDalmeny Farm Estate is one of the longest running markets in the Victoria region, the Peninsula Country Market. Located at the Saanich Fairgrounds, this market hosts vendors that “make, bake or grow” everything they sell. It is a great place for anyone who really wants to immerse themselves in the community and find some amazing gifts even in the winter – check when the market is running while you’re visiting here. For those who love to rummage through eclectic shops, The Old Attic should be your next stop. Part retro, part vintage, part antique, this store has nothing but top quality collectables and one-of-a-kind pieces for the one-of-a-kind people in your life. Way out there in left field is Quarky Science, an absolute must for all the professional and amateur scientists on your holiday list. You can find something for every scientific discipline here from small 3D bug specimens and brass magnifying glass sets to prepared microscope slides and telescopes.

Only a half an hour drive from the top of the Peninsula is Victoria, one of the most visited cities in the world, for good reason. Between the breathtaking beauty of the Juan De Fuca and the preponderance of perfectly maintained historical buildings, this incredibly vibrant, heritage city on the tip of Vancouver Island is the perfect blend of natural and architectural beauty. There are a few stops that you won’t want to miss and if you’re staying at either EMR properties, Arbutus Hill or Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home, these gems will not be far from your doorstep. At the top of the list is Murchie’s Fine Tea and Coffee flagship store located in the heritage Murchie’s building on Government street, right in the heart of Victoria. Since 1894, Murchie’s has been blending perfectly balanced teas, providing Victorians and visitors alike with unique and exceptional products. The soaring ceilings and rich, dark wood shelves inlaid with stained glass that line each wall, showcase the art deco era of the building and give patrons an experience from another time. But it’s not just the beauty of the building that draws people from all over the world – in the tea room you can find an extensive food menu and decadent treats to nibble while the adjoining gift shop carries a myriad of different tea sampler boxes, tea cups, mugs, tea towels and so much more. If you’d prefer to seek out small, local businesses and artisans, then give the mall a miss and head to Lower Johnson or “LoJo” as the locals call it, where you’ll find every kind of gift you could possibly want. From genuine, First Nations artisan ware to smart eco-friendly toys, to luxurious clothes to fun gadgets and knickknacks, Lower Johnson has it all. While you’re checking out LoJo, make sure you visit Market Square. The historic, Italianate building was built in the late 1800’s and is the cornerstone of Victoria’s Old Town. Today it’s home to dozens of locally owned businesses where you can find one-of-a-kind merchandise, dine-in and take-out restaurants and an open-air square that is a venue for art installations, performances and fairs.

With so much choice for holiday shopping, make sure you visit and support local businesses where you are sure to find unique, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

Best Christmas Shopping Near Sidney, BC

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Whether you prefer turquoise waters where cold drinks melt in your hand, icy peaks where you feel like you’re on top of the world or invigorating coastlines that make you want to curl up next to a crackling fire, travelling during the holiday season is magical! So is wrapping up the gifts you’ve found while you’re away to fill stockings or place under the tree. It’s these mementos – from the tacky fridge magnet that made you laugh to that rare treasure, watching friends and family enjoy the gifts you’ve brought them from your adventures is wonderful. Christmas shopping in Sidney BC is incredible and you can find everything from the truly outrageous to incredibly meaningful – you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday list, including you!

At the top of the Saanich Peninsula, you’ll find the little town of Sidney. If you’re staying at either the stunning Oceanside Lodge or Pendray House, you’ll be thrilled to find that a short drive will take you to Sidney town center: an easily walkable and an excellent place to find great holiday gifts. Cameron Rose is basically a one-stop-shop for everything you’re searching for. While Cameron Rose isn’t a large store, it carries everything from clothing and jewellery to games, puzzles and toys to novelty napkins and magnets. This is a great place to go if you’re pressed for time and you need unique, travel-friendly gifts. If you are looking for amazing gifts for the ladies on your list, Miss Bliss Boutique is an excellent option. This little store prides itself on personalized service and high quality women’s clothing and accessories – you’ll find your holiday ‘wow’ here. There are few better places on the Peninsula to find an excellent selection of books than Tanner’s Books. This little bookstore is a fixture in the community for good reason – besides the selection, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better, more helpful staff of literary experts than at Tanner’s. If you’re looking for something a little different, Galleon Books & Antiques specializes in non-fiction books and has a plethora of antiques and collectables to peruse – it’s a great store to stop into even if you’re with a non-shopper. Last, but certainly not least is Snowden House Gourmet & Gifts Ltd. A lovely little farm just west of Sidney town center, Snowden House will have the perfect gift for any gourmand. With small batch vinegars, pre-mixed bread kits, dips, rubs, herbs and spices as well as cards, locally crafted vessels and more – you won’t be disappointed!

A quick trip south of Sidney and close to bothDalmeny Farm Estate is one of the longest running markets in the Victoria region, the Peninsula Country Market. Located at the Saanich Fairgrounds, this market hosts vendors that “make, bake or grow” everything they sell. It is a great place for anyone who really wants to immerse themselves in the community and find some amazing gifts even in the winter – check when the market is running while you’re visiting here. For those who love to rummage through eclectic shops, The Old Attic should be your next stop. Part retro, part vintage, part antique, this store has nothing but top quality collectables and one-of-a-kind pieces for the one-of-a-kind people in your life. Way out there in left field is Quarky Science, an absolute must for all the professional and amateur scientists on your holiday list. You can find something for every scientific discipline here from small 3D bug specimens and brass magnifying glass sets to prepared microscope slides and telescopes.

Only a half an hour drive from the top of the Peninsula is Victoria, one of the most visited cities in the world, for good reason. Between the breathtaking beauty of the Juan De Fuca and the preponderance of perfectly maintained historical buildings, this incredibly vibrant, heritage city on the tip of Vancouver Island is the perfect blend of natural and architectural beauty. There are a few stops that you won’t want to miss and if you’re staying at either EMR properties, Arbutus Hill or Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home, these gems will not be far from your doorstep. At the top of the list is Murchie’s Fine Tea and Coffee flagship store located in the heritage Murchie’s building on Government street, right in the heart of Victoria. Since 1894, Murchie’s has been blending perfectly balanced teas, providing Victorians and visitors alike with unique and exceptional products. The soaring ceilings and rich, dark wood shelves inlaid with stained glass that line each wall, showcase the art deco era of the building and give patrons an experience from another time. But it’s not just the beauty of the building that draws people from all over the world – in the tea room you can find an extensive food menu and decadent treats to nibble while the adjoining gift shop carries a myriad of different tea sampler boxes, tea cups, mugs, tea towels and so much more. If you’d prefer to seek out small, local businesses and artisans, then give the mall a miss and head to Lower Johnson or “LoJo” as the locals call it, where you’ll find every kind of gift you could possibly want. From genuine, First Nations artisan ware to smart eco-friendly toys, to luxurious clothes to fun gadgets and knickknacks, Lower Johnson has it all. While you’re checking out LoJo, make sure you visit Market Square. The historic, Italianate building was built in the late 1800’s and is the cornerstone of Victoria’s Old Town. Today it’s home to dozens of locally owned businesses where you can find one-of-a-kind merchandise, dine-in and take-out restaurants and an open-air square that is a venue for art installations, performances and fairs.

With so much choice for holiday shopping, make sure you visit and support local businesses where you are sure to find unique, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.