Known affectionately as “June-uary”, this month can be temperamental with days of sun and warmth followed by sudden temperature drops and rainy days. But don’t worry! Every year, no matter what is happening outside, us locals make the most of it and know all the best rainy day things to do in Victoria while we wait for sunnier skies to come. Here are our top favourite ways to spend a rainy June day in the beautiful capital city!
Continue readingJune in Victoria is a beautiful time of year. Right on the precipice of summer, the sun sparkles off the sea and the city is filled with people enjoying walking around, shopping, dining on the patios, market season is in full swing and you can really feel that summer is right around the corner. However, locals have always had a love/hate relationship with this month in particular. Known affectionately as “June-uary”, this month can be temperamental with days of sun and warmth followed by sudden temperature drops and rainy days. But don’t worry! Every year, no matter what is happening outside, us locals make the most of it and know all the best ways to escape the rain and wait for sunnier skies to come. Here are our top favourite ways to spend a rainy June day in the beautiful capital city!
While you’re staying in Victoria, what better way to spend a gloomy day than in the peace and tranquillity of one of the top spas in the capital city? You’ll be sure to leave feeling refreshed and ready for the next beautiful sunny day!
633 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for a truly indulgent experience downtown Victoria, then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Willow Stream Spa. With treatments ranging from body scrubs and facials to RMT massages, you’re sure to find a treatment or package that is perfect for getting rid of the June-uary blues. Rated one of the top spas in Canada by Condé Nast, you’re sure to feel like royalty during your visit and leave feeling totally refreshed.
714 View St, Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for a spa experience that will cleanse and refresh both mind and body, Sapphire Day Spa is where you need to go. At this Ayurveda-inspired sanctuary, you will find everything from Ayurvedic treatments to RMT massages and everything in between. Have a look at their services page to book your ideal treatment package and get ready for a truly holistic experience!
1175 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC
At Victoria’s premier oceanfront spa, guests will be able to relax in the tranquil spa facility while enjoying stunning ocean views from the mineral pools that you can use in between your treatments. Whether you’re looking for an individual treatment and some meditative time in the pools or if you want to book in a full day of treatments, this is the place to go!
5325 Cordova Bay Rd #121, Victoria, BC
Located in the peaceful artists hub of Mattick’s Farm in idyllic Cordova Bay, is the best full service spa for all your needs. Whether you want to go for a more intense restorative treatment or relax with a full body massage, Pure has it all!
Curling up with a good book and a great coffee can be an amazing way to spend a cool June day downtown Victoria. Whether you’re coming into Victoria for the day from Sidney or Sooke or if you’re enjoying a downtown Victoria rental, we’ve created some perfect book and coffee pairings while you’re downtown so you can get in a great reading session, enjoy some local roasted coffee and people watch!
1108 Government St & 817 Government St
If you haven’t popped into Munro’s books on Government St. yet, you should. This heritage building houses one of Victoria’s most beloved and extensive book stores where you can browse the shelves and enjoy the architecture while searching for the next novel or nonfiction to sink your teeth into. When you’ve made your purchases, walk the two minutes south to Milano Victoria on the corner of Courtenay and Government, grab your favourite brew, a snack and a seat and dive into your book.
Bastion Square
There are lots of different types of readers: kindle users, new book lovers, book club goers. But if you’re the type of reader who often finds themselves looking through bargain bins, thrift stores, and rare book stores for a great find, this shop is for you. When you’re done treasure hunting, take your haul to Farmhouse, right across the alley from Basiton Books. This Italianate café offers snug seating, incredible food and coffee – the perfect place to crack the spine of your recent literary find!
633 Johnson St, Victoria, BC & 560 Johnson St #122, Victoria, BC
Calling all comic book lovers! Legends Comics and Books downtown Victoria is an institution when it comes to the comic crowd in the capital city. If you’re looking for the place to find comics, graphic novels, collectibles, back issues and more, this is it. When you’re ready to grab some food and flip through your finds, head down to Hey Happy, the funky new hotspot for great coffee, delicious food made with incredible ingredients and the perfect atmosphere to spend some time getting lost in a new comic.
Improving or expanding your skills is never a bad idea and with these fun, interactive classes, you’re sure to make the most of an overcast June day!
Whether you’re looking to up your culinary game or wanting to learn a few new recipes, The London Chef cooking classes are your best bet. Classically trained French chef and Victoria local, Dan Hayes has worked all over Europe with chefs from Michelin star restaurants and now he can share his knowledge with you! With flexible online classes and tons of class options, no matter where you’re staying on Vancouver Island if you want to learn some new recipes, and you’re looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, this is it!
There’s no doubt that Vancouver Island is an artists’ Island. With hundreds of incredibly talented artists working in various mediums, in and around Victoria, there’s no wonder why there is a plethora of Art Galleries, each filled with incredible art. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint or draw, now is your chance! Many local artists hold classes and workshops where they will teach you basic skills as well as tips and tricks to making your own masterpiece. Have a look at the incredible list of art class offerings, find which one suits you and sign up!
The Hands on Collective: 1910 Store St, Victoria, BC
In downtown Victoria, this collective is run by a group of artists who sell their work and offer classes! Check out their classes and workshops in June!
Earth and Fire Pottery: 115 Ross Durrance Rd, Victoria, BC
If you’re serious about learning how to throw clay and sculpt beautiful creations, Earth and Fire offers workshop series rather than one-off classes that are perfect when you’re looking to really get hands on!
744 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
The Maritime Museum hosts adult classes and workshops from sea glass jewellery making to Maritime Masterclasses led by experts in maritime topics and skills. Have a look at their website to see what’s up next!
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can have a look at the list of classes being held in and around Victoria, find your favourite and sign up! From botanical sketches to making your own herbal first aid kit, there’s always something fun happening in Victoria!
While the sun is shining, one of the best things to do in a city like Victoria is walk! While Victoria is a relatively young city, there are quite a few heritage areas and buildings that are a fascinating peek into the past. Many of these sites are located downtown, with a few located just outside the downtown centre. So if you’re staying downtown Victoria, you can step out your door at any time to begin your heritage tour! But no matter where you’re staying, whether you’re on the water in Sooke or Sidney, or enjoying a countryside getaway in the Cowichan Valley, these sites are worth the drive into Victoria!
Located in the beautiful Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings might be one of the most recognized landmarks in Victoria since they were built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Built by a young and exuberant architect from England, Francis Rattenbury designed the building to create a sense of importance and provide the burgeoning city with a seat of Parliament as it sought to join Canada. Rattenbury’s impressive building is also a testament to the raw materials found on the island and how new, foreign material can be used to create a building that is as impressive and opulent as the Parliament Buildings. While the exterior is grand and impressive with its domed oxidized copper roofs, a grand facade and stately grounds, the interior is equally magnificent. With each stately room adorned with filigree, gold leaf, murals stained glass, important artifacts, columns throughout and the magnificent rotunda, you can see how this building was and still is, such an important part of Victoria’s identity. You can go on a free guided tour to learn more about building and even watch the action when the legislature is in session!
Not unlike how Haussmann changed the face of Paris under Napoleon, Francis Rattenbury was an instrumental part of defining Victoria architecture and creating the city’s identity. Not long after the construction of the Parliament Buildings was completed, Rattenbury was again commissioned to create a hotel that would be suitable to entice the wealthy Canadians during the gold rush of BC to come from the eastern Provinces of Canada as a part of the Canadian Railway project. In 1908 The Empress Hotel was constructed and today still stands as a functioning hotel and a stunning piece of architectural history. The enormous chateau-style building that sits adjacent to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, looks out over the water and encompasses an entire city block. Over the years, The Empress has undergone an incredible amount of changes, upgrades and expansions and while one would think that this would detract from the heritage qualities of the building, the most recent renovation has spared no expense in bringing her back to her full beauty while exquisitely maintaining all the features that make The Empress a truly Victorian, heritage landmark.
Just behind The Empress, set back from the hustle and bustle of the Inner Harbour and on the corner of the exquisite Beacon Hill Park you’ll find St. Anne’s Academy. Constructed in 1858, St Anne’s was the first Roman Catholic Church in Victoria at the time and offered a place for the Catholic community of Victoria a place of worship. By 1910, the building was truly completed and was a Catholic Girl’s school until its closure in 1974. At that time it had fallen into total disrepair and had to be condemned and boarded up. However, a municipal restoration project acquired funds to work on repairing the buildings and grounds of St. Anne’s and today, guests can visit these restored heritage sites. The chapel, adorned with stained glass, a beautiful altar and a pipe organ from 1913 is a glimpse into Victoria’s beginnings and on a sunny afternoon, St. Anne’s gardens are lovely to wander through. Spending a peaceful afternoon in the gardens of St. Anne’s is the perfect activity for a sunny day where you can explore the formal garden, the summer house alive with perennials and a lush herb garden.
In 1858, gold was discovered in the Fraser Canyon. Word spread like wildfire and a sudden surge of immigration to BC began. Many of the newcomers were from California, the site of an early gold rush, and approximately one third of these newcomers were Chinese. Within only a year, word about the gold in BC had made it across the Pacific Ocean to China where many decided to leave their country to seek fortune in BC. Not only was it the gold that prompted this emigration but also war, famine and drought in many parts of China made the dangerous journey across the Pacific to a strange, new land an attractive prospect. Victoria’s Chinatown was initially just a collection of crude wooden huts at the edge of a trading post-turned-burgeoning city but it evolved into an area that was densely populated with thriving businesses, theatres, schools, temples and a hospital. Despite this, Chinatown gained a dark reputation mainly because of the opium factories, gambling dens and brothels in the area. In the late 1800s and early 1900s Chinatown grew rapidly until its peak in 1911 when it occupied six city blocks at the north end of downtown. Today, Chinatown occupies the 500 to 600 block of Fisgard St. in downtown Victoria. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors, a National Historic Site and famed for the incredible food, shopping and beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest. While Chinatown in 2022 is small, there is no quantifiable measure to express the immense impact and importance the Chinese community has had in the growth, success and diversity of Victoria as a city.
Whether you’re familiar with the work of Emily Carr or not, this heritage site is worth a visit! Tucked away in the beautiful neighbourhood of James Bay, on a quiet street, is the childhood home of Emily Carr. Known best for her abstracted paintings of the BC wilderness, Carr spent her life painting, writing about and appreciating her home on the West Coast. With her unique painting style, her appreciation for and affinity with the First Nations people of BC, and straightforward writing style, Emily Carr remains an important artist in Canadian history. For her time, Carr was an anomaly: an unmarried woman who was insistent on living life on her own terms. She spent many years travelling alone to both Europe to learn to paint and meet with other artists and to remote parts of BC to live with different First Nations groups, drawing, painting and writing about what she saw. In addition to the visual arts, Carr was also an author and wrote many books, most notably, her novel Klee Wyck which won the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Literature. While Carr’s work is ubiquitous in the galleries and museums around BC, the Carr house provides something different. It allows visitors to interact with this interpretive display of Carr’s life, work, passions and legacy.
As one of the oldest streets in Victoria, Government Street is a fascinating street to walk down for the history and architecture, but it is also one of the best places to shop and dine as well! While you’re walking up this street, there are a few places that are a must to pop in!
Officially the oldest house in Victoria, Helmcken House looks out of place on the concrete courtyard section of Thunderbird Park outside the Royal BC Museum. Helmcken House is not just the oldest house in Victoria, but was also the home of the famed Doctor Helmcken, a figure who was instrumental in Victoria’s growth. Originally a prominent employee of the Hudson Bay Company, Helmcken was a highly respected medical professional, the founder of the British Columbia Medical Association and one of the three negotiators that manoeuvred BC to becoming an official province of Canada. As a visitor, you can tour the house and see how life for people in 1920 Victoria was as well as getting a glimpse into the medical bag of a 19th century doctor!
Built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir, the son of the incredibly wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this grand fortress-like building was an enormous undertaking. The stunning gardens weren’t built until 1912 when the Dunsmuirs hired a landscaping company out of Boston to design the entire estate. Their landscape designer created three ‘garden rooms’ – a popular style of the time – the Japanese, Italian and Rose gardens. Today, the grounds stand as a testament to the opulence and order of Edwardian garden design. Hatley Castle was James’ home until his death in 1920 and would stay in the Dunsmuir family until 1937 when James’ wife and daughter died. After that time, it stayed in the care of their caretaker for three years before it was purchased by the government and was a Naval training base. It then became a military college and is now the administrative offices of Royal Roads University. It has been used as the backdrop for many TV shows and movies and is an incredibly popular site for visitors and locals to visit. You can opt for a self guided tour and walk the expansive Edwardian-style gardens and grounds,
Built by local coal baron, Rober Dunsmuir in the 1800s, Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful heritage site nestled in the lovely neighbourhood of Rockland. Built for entertaining and impressing their peers, when the Dunsmuirs lived there, there was seldom a weekend when there wasn’t a gathering of all of Victoria’s wealthiest families. And it is certainly impressive! With endless dark wood and intricate carvings, the spiral staircase to the turret, grand living spaces and beautiful grounds, it is clear that Robert was determined to recreate a European-style castle in Victoria. Today, thousands of people visit each year to marvel at this stunning modern-era castle that boasts 39 beautifully preserved rooms, stately staircases and soaring turrets. Take a wander at your own pace on a self guided tour and be transported to another time.
Built in 1860, the Fisgard Lighthouse, positioned on the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour was originally a beacon to guide the British Royal Navy’s Pacific Squadron as they came into Victoria. In 1929, the beacon was automated but for sixty nine years a lighthouse keeper was stationed at Fisgard Lighthouse to ensure the beacon functioned and kept vessels safe. Today, visitors can see artefacts from the history of the lighthouse including displays detailing the life of a lighthouse keeper, the west coast storms and ships lost at sea. Additionally, this is a stunning location to watch the sunset, get a glimpse of our marine life and watch the sailboats drift through the water on a warm summer evening.
While the sun is shining, one of the best things to do in a city like Victoria is walk! While it is a relatively young city, there are quite a few heritage sites in Victoria BC that offer a fascinating peek into the past. Many of these sites are located downtown, with a few located just outside the downtown centre. So if you’re staying downtown Victoria, you can step out your door at any time to begin your heritage tour! But no matter where you’re staying, whether you’re on the water in Sooke or Sidney, or enjoying a countryside getaway in the Cowichan Valley, these sites are worth the drive into Victoria!
Located in the beautiful Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings might be one of the most recognized landmarks in Victoria since they were built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Built by a young and exuberant architect from England, Francis Rattenbury designed the building to create a sense of importance and provide the burgeoning city with a seat of Parliament as it sought to join Canada. Rattenbury’s impressive building is also a testament to the raw materials found on the island and how new, foreign material can be used to create a building that is as impressive and opulent as the Parliament Buildings. While the exterior is grand and impressive with its domed oxidized copper roofs, a grand facade and stately grounds, the interior is equally magnificent. With each stately room adorned with filigree, gold leaf, murals stained glass, important artifacts, columns throughout and the magnificent rotunda, you can see how this building was and still is, such an important part of Victoria’s identity. You can go on a free guided tour to learn more about building and even watch the action when the legislature is in session!
Not unlike how Haussmann changed the face of Paris under Napoleon, Francis Rattenbury was an instrumental part of defining Victoria architecture and creating the city’s identity. Not long after the construction of the Parliament Buildings was completed, Rattenbury was again commissioned to create a hotel that would be suitable to entice the wealthy Canadians during the gold rush of BC to come from the eastern Provinces of Canada as a part of the Canadian Railway project. In 1908 The Empress Hotel was constructed and today still stands as a functioning hotel and a stunning piece of architectural history. The enormous chateau-style building that sits adjacent to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, looks out over the water and encompasses an entire city block. Over the years, The Empress has undergone an incredible amount of changes, upgrades and expansions and while one would think that this would detract from the heritage qualities of the building, the most recent renovation has spared no expense in bringing her back to her full beauty while exquisitely maintaining all the features that make The Empress a truly Victorian, heritage landmark.
Just behind The Empress, set back from the hustle and bustle of the Inner Harbour and on the corner of the exquisite Beacon Hill Park you’ll find St. Anne’s Academy. Constructed in 1858, St Anne’s was the first Roman Catholic Church in Victoria at the time and offered a place for the Catholic community of Victoria a place of worship. By 1910, the building was truly completed and was a Catholic Girl’s school until its closure in 1974. At that time it had fallen into total disrepair and had to be condemned and boarded up. However, a municipal restoration project acquired funds to work on repairing the buildings and grounds of St. Anne’s and today, guests can visit these restored heritage sites. The chapel, adorned with stained glass, a beautiful altar and a pipe organ from 1913 is a glimpse into Victoria’s beginnings and on a sunny afternoon, St. Anne’s gardens are lovely to wander through. Spending a peaceful afternoon in the gardens of St. Anne’s is the perfect activity for a sunny day where you can explore the formal garden, the summer house alive with perennials and a lush herb garden.
In 1858, gold was discovered in the Fraser Canyon. Word spread like wildfire and a sudden surge of immigration to BC began. Many of the newcomers were from California, the site of an early gold rush, and approximately one third of these newcomers were Chinese. Within only a year, word about the gold in BC had made it across the Pacific Ocean to China where many decided to leave their country to seek fortune in BC. Not only was it the gold that prompted this emigration but also war, famine and drought in many parts of China made the dangerous journey across the Pacific to a strange, new land an attractive prospect. Victoria’s Chinatown was initially just a collection of crude wooden huts at the edge of a trading post-turned-burgeoning city but it evolved into an area that was densely populated with thriving businesses, theatres, schools, temples and a hospital. Despite this, Chinatown gained a dark reputation mainly because of the opium factories, gambling dens and brothels in the area. In the late 1800s and early 1900s Chinatown grew rapidly until its peak in 1911 when it occupied six city blocks at the north end of downtown. Today, Chinatown occupies the 500 to 600 block of Fisgard St. in downtown Victoria. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors, a National Historic Site and famed for the incredible food, shopping and beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest. While Chinatown in 2022 is small, there is no quantifiable measure to express the immense impact and importance the Chinese community has had in the growth, success and diversity of Victoria as a city.
Whether you’re familiar with the work of Emily Carr or not, this heritage site is worth a visit! Tucked away in the beautiful neighbourhood of James Bay, on a quiet street, is the childhood home of Emily Carr. Known best for her abstracted paintings of the BC wilderness, Carr spent her life painting, writing about and appreciating her home on the West Coast. With her unique painting style, her appreciation for and affinity with the First Nations people of BC, and straightforward writing style, Emily Carr remains an important artist in Canadian history. For her time, Carr was an anomaly: an unmarried woman who was insistent on living life on her own terms. She spent many years travelling alone to both Europe to learn to paint and meet with other artists and to remote parts of BC to live with different First Nations groups, drawing, painting and writing about what she saw. In addition to the visual arts, Carr was also an author and wrote many books, most notably, her novel Klee Wyck which won the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Literature. While Carr’s work is ubiquitous in the galleries and museums around BC, the Carr house provides something different. It allows visitors to interact with this interpretive display of Carr’s life, work, passions and legacy.
As one of the oldest streets in Victoria, Government Street is a fascinating street to walk down for the history and architecture, but it is also one of the best places to shop and dine as well! While you’re walking up this street, there are a few places that are a must to pop in!
Officially the oldest house in Victoria, Helmcken House looks out of place on the concrete courtyard section of Thunderbird Park outside the Royal BC Museum. Helmcken House is not just the oldest house in Victoria, but was also the home of the famed Doctor Helmcken, a figure who was instrumental in Victoria’s growth. Originally a prominent employee of the Hudson Bay Company, Helmcken was a highly respected medical professional, the founder of the British Columbia Medical Association and one of the three negotiators that manoeuvred BC to becoming an official province of Canada. As a visitor, you can tour the house and see how life for people in 1920 Victoria was as well as getting a glimpse into the medical bag of a 19th century doctor!
Built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir, the son of the incredibly wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this grand fortress-like building was an enormous undertaking. The stunning gardens weren’t built until 1912 when the Dunsmuirs hired a landscaping company out of Boston to design the entire estate. Their landscape designer created three ‘garden rooms’ – a popular style of the time – the Japanese, Italian and Rose gardens. Today, the grounds stand as a testament to the opulence and order of Edwardian garden design. Hatley Castle was James’ home until his death in 1920 and would stay in the Dunsmuir family until 1937 when James’ wife and daughter died. After that time, it stayed in the care of their caretaker for three years before it was purchased by the government and was a Naval training base. It then became a military college and is now the administrative offices of Royal Roads University. It has been used as the backdrop for many TV shows and movies and is an incredibly popular site for visitors and locals to visit. You can opt for a self guided tour and walk the expansive Edwardian-style gardens and grounds,
Built by local coal baron, Rober Dunsmuir in the 1800s, Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful heritage site nestled in the lovely neighbourhood of Rockland. Built for entertaining and impressing their peers, when the Dunsmuirs lived there, there was seldom a weekend when there wasn’t a gathering of all of Victoria’s wealthiest families. And it is certainly impressive! With endless dark wood and intricate carvings, the spiral staircase to the turret, grand living spaces and beautiful grounds, it is clear that Robert was determined to recreate a European-style castle in Victoria. Today, thousands of people visit each year to marvel at this stunning modern-era castle that boasts 39 beautifully preserved rooms, stately staircases and soaring turrets. Take a wander at your own pace on a self guided tour and be transported to another time.
Built in 1860, the Fisgard Lighthouse, positioned on the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour was originally a beacon to guide the British Royal Navy’s Pacific Squadron as they came into Victoria. In 1929, the beacon was automated but for sixty nine years a lighthouse keeper was stationed at Fisgard Lighthouse to ensure the beacon functioned and kept vessels safe. Today, visitors can see artefacts from the history of the lighthouse including displays detailing the life of a lighthouse keeper, the west coast storms and ships lost at sea. Additionally, this is a stunning location to watch the sunset, get a glimpse of our marine life and watch the sailboats drift through the water on a warm summer evening.
There are so many things to look forward to when you’re visiting British Columbia. The bountiful natural beauty, quaint cities and towns, access to the ocean, and friendly people are just a few things. But one of the most unique aspects of this part of Canada is off the coast of Vancouver Island. Between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland British Columbia, in the Strait of Georgia (more commonly known by the First Nations name: the Salish Sea), there are many little islands known as the Gulf Islands. Not only does each Island have a different ‘personality’ with distinct communities, geography, accessibility, and population size, but collectively they have a unique Mediterranean climate and are intrinsically a part of the Canadian West Coast identity. While you’re staying on Vancouver Island, taking the opportunity to explore some of these islands, spend the day shopping and dining, soaking up the atmosphere and culture of these hidden gems is always a great idea. Choosing which Island to visit can be a daunting task though, which is why we’re here! We’ve created a list of the must-see islands, how to get there and what to do while you’re visiting!
By far the largest of the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring is known as an alternative resort destination on the West Coast with a healthy blend of bohemian aesthetics and philosophies blended perfectly with high-end amenities and highly sought after experiences. While you’re on Salt Spring Island, there is so much to see and do – especially in the summer months! Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, cultural activities, outdoor recreation or find some R&R at the spa, it’s all here! We’ve made a list of our favourite spots on this gorgeous Island, and trust us, you’ll want to go more than once!
How to Get There:
From Swartz Bay: If you’re staying at the top of the Saanich Peninsula at an EMR Sidney property, you can very easily get to Salt Spring via the Swartz Bay BC ferry terminal. Ferries to and from Salt Spring from Swartz Bay typically depart every two hours so you can go at any time of the day! It’s always a good idea to check the sailing times here. No need to pre-book your sailing, simply drive up to the terminal and purchase your ticket for the next sailing! From Crofton: If you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley at a stunning EMR home – it’s easy to get to Salt Spring! All you have to do is drive thirty minutes north to the little town of Crofton, where you’ll find a little ferry terminal ready to take you to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring! Make sure to plan your trip accordingly and check sailing times here!
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Pender Island itself is a misnomer, because this Island is actually two! North and South Pender Island are separated by a canal that was dredged in 1903 however they have been connected by a one lane bridge that was built in 1955 and still stands today. Unlike Salt Spring Island, Pender Island is a fairly quiet Island where you can easily find yourself one of the only people on a forest trail or enjoying a beach spotting the orcas – if you’re looking for some peace and quiet this is a great option! North Pender is known for the pristine natural ecosystems, friendly people and laid back vibe. Here, you can find activities like golfing, boat rentals, fishing charters, great dining, quaint shopping experiences and incredibly friendly people! Below, we have a handy list of our favourite things to do, places to see and food to eat when you’re on Pender!
How to Get There:
From Swartz Bay: There is only one way to get to Pender Island from Vancouver Island, and that’s via the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. While the ferry terminal is just a stone’s throw away from the EMR Sidney properties, it’s an easy (and beautiful) half-hour drive from Victoria as well! If you’re staying at any EMR Victoria property, visiting the Gulf Islands for the day is absolutely possible! If you’re interested in Island hopping, there are many routes to other Gulf Islands from Otter Bay on North Pender Island! Check out all the Southern Gulf Island schedules here to plan your trip to North Pender!
This long, thin Gulf Island, named after the 18th century Spanish explorer who explored the West Coast of Canada in 1792 Dionisio Alcalá Galiano, it is equidistant between Vancouver’s Tsawwassen BC ferry terminal and Swartz Bay. Galiano is known as the wildest gulf island because of the mountainous geography and expansive forests and is a perfect getaway for amateure and expert botanists, as this island holds an abundance of rare, native plant populations. Plus if it’s raining on Vancouver Island, there is a good chance that the sun is shining on Galiano as it is one of the driest, sunniest Gulf Islands! With beautiful, peaceful beaches, incredible views of Mayne Island and Active Pass, wooded trails, artists’ studios, galleries and lovely marina, visitors will have no trouble finding things to do on this remarkable Island.
How to Get There:
From Swartz Bay: Galiano Island can be accessed via the Swartz Bay ferry terminal from Vancouver Island. The Sturdies Bay terminal is also a stop on many routes to and from other Gulf Islands so if you’re interested in exploring more than one Island on your outing, you can! If you’re staying at an EMR property in Sooke, it might seem out of reach to make a day trip to a Gulf Island but in fact, you’re only an hour away from Swartz Bay ferry terminal! Whether you’re going straight to Galiano and back or if you want to do some Island hopping, make sure to check the schedule here before you go!
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Just off the coast of Nanaimo, there is a fun, funky northern Gulf Island with a great upbeat vibe and an incredible art community called Gabriola Island. It’s a favourite Island for Vancouver Islanders to visit and is home to an active, friendly, permanent community who are proud of their home. Known as the Isle of the Arts, it has the highest per capita number of resident working artists and has a unique sense of community that you can really feel! If you’re interested in checking out local artists, simply look out for the yellow flags! If you see a yellow flag flying outside a home or at the end of a driveway, you know that the studio is open and the artist is there to greet guests! With white sand beaches, incredible sandstone bluffs, towering evergreens, an abundance of wildlife, fun farmers markets and a truly unique community of residents, Gabriola is a special place.
How to Get There:
From Departure Bay: The only access from Vancouver Island to Gabriola is via the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo. So if you’re staying at an EMR Nanaimo or EMR Parksville & Qualicum Beach property you’re in luck because you’re at most, a twenty minute drive away! The crossing is a beautiful 20 minutes and absolutely worth it to spend a day exploring this special Gulf Island!
Living right on the edge of the ocean has many advantages, gorgeous water views, fresh ocean air all year ‘round, numerous beaches to enjoy and cold but refreshing swimming in the summer. One of the other advantages to being perched at the tip of an Island and surrounded by water is that no matter what time of year it is, there is always an abundance of incredible, fresh seafood. Whether you’re looking for casual eats, classic fish and chips or a high end seafood experience Victoria has it all! From meaty salmon fillets to buttery halibut, fresh shucked oysters and plump mussels this city is the place to find the best, freshest and most stylish ways to enjoy a harvest from the ocean.
1006 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1N8
Tucked away in the Inner Harbour, right near the Harbour Air office is one of the best places to find a huge variety of casual seafood dishes. Here, you’ll find incredible fish and chip combos, tacones and sandwiches – a perfect way to fuel up while you’re exploring Victoria or if you’re craving some seafood and staying downtown Victoria!
2559 Estevan Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 2S8
Right on the edge of Oak Bay, near the beautiful Willows Beach is the long-time neighbourhood favourite: Willows Galley. Whether you’re staying nearby in Oak Bay, Fairfield or Rockland or if you’re staying farther out in Langford, Willows Galley is a great spot to stop and grab some classic British style fish and chips!
1 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2
At the colourful houseboat community of Fisherman’s Wharf, you can find the neighbourhood fishmonger and casual seafood spot: The Fish Store. This funky, long-standing shop window is the place to go to get incredible fresh, casual dishes and gorgeous, fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Stop by this little window to get buck-a-shuck, wraps, fish and chips and more and enjoy it on the dock!
805 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1H6
This comfy, casual restaurant with great patio seating and Indian-French inspired seafood dishes is a great option if you’re in the mood to try new, inspired flavour combinations! A hugely popular spot for locals to enjoy incredible seafood dishes and just a short walk away from any downtown Victoria rental!
611 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W8
This popular restaurant group takes the farm-to-table movement to a whole new level! With a dedicated 10 Acres farm in North Saanich and four incredible restaurants, 10 Acres offers their guests the very best of Vancouver Island food. Using only the freshest, seasonal crops from their farm and sourcing the very best seafood from local fishmongers, when you order seafood at 10 Acres, you’re sure to have an incredible culinary experience!
536 A Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8
For over 30 years, Ferris’ has been serving up dependably excellent food – but this local hotspot is more than it seems! With their upscale, intimate restaurant Ferris’ Upstairs and the Spanish inspired tapa and cocktail spot Perro Negro, guests have three distinct and delicious dining experiences to choose from. No matter which restaurant you decide to visit, you can be sure that you’ll find great seafood choices made with top-quality ingredients and fresh-from-the-docks seafood.
1208 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 3B9
Set right on the water’s edge in a stunning heritage building on Wharf Street, Finn’s is an impressive place to find high-end dishes and incredible service. If you’re staying downtown Victoria this is a great restaurant to walk to on a special evening. Whether you’re looking for seared tuna, fresh salmon, shellfish or crab, Finn’s is the place to go for haute oceanic cuisine.
146 Kingston St, Victoria, BC V8V 1V4
On the other side of the harbour from Finn’s is the high-end, modern Blue Crab Seafood House. With stunning harbour views and an impressive chop and seafood menu, when you’re in the mood to splurge on some incredible surf and turf, this is the place to go!
739 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N9
No seafood list is complete without some incredible sushi and when it comes to sushi in Victoria, it’s hard to find a place that isn’t delicious. But if there is one stand-out sushi restaurant in the city, it would undoubtedly be Nubo. With a completely unique and authentic take on Japanese dining, Nubo offers their guests dishes that are inspired by global cooking techniques, traditional flavours and of course incredible local ingredients. With two locations to choose from, no matter where you are staying in Victoria, Nubo is just a walk away!
1001 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T6For 25 years, Nautical Nellies has been Victoria’s premiere restaurant for steak and seafood. With mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood, including hand rolled sushi, stunning views and a large, heated patio – it’s no wonder that this restaurant is always buzzing! If you’re in the mood for succulent hard-to-find cuts of steak and incredible fresh seafood dishes with stunning harbour views, Nellies is a great option!
If there is one thing that most locals look forward to in the summer, it’s visiting their favourite Vancouver Island farmers market. Sure the beaches all over Vancouver Island are stunning and yes, there are endless cycling and hiking adventures to be had, but market season is special. It’s the time of year where all the local growers and makers come together to show and sell their wares. It’s where you can find incredible, fresh, high-quality foods and beautiful, unique gifts and support a local while doing it! And if that wasn’t enough, market days have a celebratory vibe to them and they’re a great way to spend a sunny afternoon getting to know the area and the locals a little better. So no matter if you’re just browsing, looking to try some locally grown foods or hoping to grab a special gift, markets are the place to go!
May to October 10am – 2pm, November – April 10am – 1pm every Saturday
Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
For over three decades, the Moss Street Market has hosted vendors from all over the city and surrounding areas in the heart of Fairfield – and this year is no different. With over fifty vendor tents to peruse you can find an eclectic and delightful gathering of local artists, growers, and producers at this beloved market. With live music and great food, anyone staying in Victoria can wander down, enjoy the music, stock up on the most incredible food and produce, support a local artisan and soak up life in this lively community! For a complete list of the markets around Victoria, check out our blog post about them here!
May 8th to September 25th every Sunday 11am – 3pm
Sidney by the Sea is one of the best kept secrets on Vancouver Island. With its beautiful, walkable downtown core, picturesque seaside trail and marina, and incredible dining scene, it’s the perfect place to be if you’re looking for seaside tranquility and urban amenities. Every Sunday during the summer and early fall, the grounds of the Mary Winspear Theater is transformed into an outdoor pedestrian mall with vendors, music, and delicious smells floating on the fresh ocean breezes. Here, you’ll find row upon row of local farmers, food producers and artisans offering fresh produce, ethically raised meat, gorgeous art, and incredible crafts. Whether you’re a walk, drive or cycle away at one of the beautiful properties in North Saanich you’ll want to visit this incredible market – it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday!
April 2nd to TBA 9am – 2pm every Saturday and 10am – 2pm fall and winter season
In the square near Duncan City Hall
When you’re staying in the stunning Cowichan Valley, a great way to spend a weekend is to explore the little town centers throughout the valley – especially when it’s market season! One of the best and most long-standing markets is the Duncan Farmers Market. Located in the historic downtown area, the Duncan Farmers Market is an incredible community market. Since its conception, it has grown each year and now, it has over 100 vendors selling an enormous array of produce, prepared foods, handmade goods. Plus, when you’re finished at the market, you still have the quaint downtown center to explore!
May 7th to September 10th every Saturday 10am – 2pm
Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front Street Downtown Nanaimo beside the Bastion
If you’re in Nanaimo and looking for a great market, the Nanaimo Farmers Market is a must! From early May to September, right next to the historic Bastion on Front Street you can find a collection of incredible growers and craftspeople offering some of the most incredible fruit, veggies, flowers, handmade homewares, beauty and wellness products, preserves, meat, seafood and so much more. Plus, for the entire season, there are so many events and activities for the entire family! This market really is the make bake or grow center of Nanaimo!
While you’re in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, exploring the beaches, enjoying the incredible nature and relaxing, you must visit these two incredible markets!
May to September 10am – 1pm every Saturday
1550 Veterans Rd, Errington, BC V0R 1V0
This is the place for anything made, baked, grown, raised or foraged in the Parksville area! Since the early 1970s, this community market has been serving the Errington, Parksville, Coombs, Hilliers and Whiskey Creek connecting local farmers and producers with local customers. At this incredible little market you can meet friendly locals, ask the vendors questions and get help finding your perfect ingredients for a wonderful dinner, get unique gifts, fresh seafood and meat, eggs and so much more!
Year round 8:30am – 12pm every Saturday
172 Veterans Way #160, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8
Central Vancouver Island has a wealth of farms, both large and small and attracts artisans from all over the world who seek out the tranquility of Vancouver Island. Every weekend, all year ‘round, the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market gives you access to a small portion of the incredible wealth of the island. From beautiful, handcrafted goods, top quality produce, flowers, and other food items, there is so much to see – and buy – at this lovely local market!
With the return of the sun and warm weather, here on the West Coast, we don’t waste a second before we head back to the beaches! Even if there is a little nip in the air, if the sun is shining, it’s likely that we’re beach bound. We may not be in our bathing suits diving into the waves yet but there are still lots of ways to enjoy the beach before the heat of summer sets in! One of the best ways to experience a West Coast beach in the spring is to make a day of it! Bring some delicious food and your favourite book and just enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh ocean breezes. To ensure a super successful beach day at this time of year, you’ve gotta prepare properly – that’s where we come in. We’re going to give you the lowdown on where to go, local eats and how to prepare for a cooler, sunny beach day on Vancouver Island!
No matter where you go on Vancouver Island for your spring beach day, it’s important to be prepared! Here’s our handy checklist of items that are our must haves for a successful day on the beach.
The capital city is surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in the world. In fact, there are so many to choose from, it can be tough to know where to go to make the most of your beach day. If you’re staying at an EMR Victoria property, these are our top three beaches to enjoy on a sunny spring day in Victoria!
Holland Point Park: This waterfront park is the perfect place to find a little spot on the beach to sit, enjoy the sun, watch colourful kite surfers sail through the sky, sailboats skim over the sparkling ocean and enjoy some food and a good book while the Olympic range shimmers in the distance.
Ross Bay Beach: This popular pebbly beach is filled with driftwood and offers lots of great spots to lay a picnic blanket down to enjoy the ocean views. On the far east side of the beach, there is a small sandy bay with large rocks and tide pools that are great for kids of all ages to explore.
Gonzales Beach: With soft sand and gentle lapping waves, warmer shallows and surrounded by jaw-dropping homes, this little neighbourhood beach is a must visit while you’re in the area!
Eats in the Area
James Bay:
Fairfield:
Cook St.:
This beautiful seaside town is home to one of the prettiest marinas on the South Island, an incredible outdoor art walk, cafes, eateries and boutiques. If you’re staying in, these are the two beaches we like the most on the top of the Peninsula!
Lochside Waterfront Park: At this beautiful beach you can pull up a log or lay down a blanket and watch the boats skim along the water to and from the marina and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll probably be able to spot the dorsal fin of an orca or see a friendly seal pop up to say hello!
Robert’s Bay: This tranquil migratory bird sanctuary is an excellent spot to have a beach picnic, especially if you’re looking for somewhere that is less populated! Make sure you have your binoculars so you can check out the marine birds as they fly and fish in the bay and keep a lookout for the sweet sea otters that are known to frequent Robert’s Bay.
Eats in the area
The verdant Cowichan Valley is known for being one of the top wine destinations in BC and has some truly incredible vineyards and if you’re looking for a great local beach to enjoy, we got you!
Cherry Point: This beautiful little beach on the edge of the valley is one of the best places for a great beach day. With a long strip of pebble and sand shore to explore, plenty of driftwood to lean against and picnic tables if you prefer, this super sunny spot is a great way to soak up the spring sunshine and listen to the wind rustling through the trees. If you bring binoculars, you can have a look for marine birds and mammals that are known to frequent the area.
Eats in the area
While you’re staying in the Nanaimo area if you’re looking for a great day on the beach, no worries!
Neck Point Park: This stunning park, just north of Naniamo provides visitors with a stunning park and beach to explore and enjoy. Take a walk over the rocky bluffs covered with grasses for an incredible view and when you’re ready for a picnic, head down to the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
Eats in the area
The quaint resort towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach have many attractions, both man made and natural. People from all over the Island, BC and beyond flock to these towns in the summer months to soak up the sun and enjoy all the outdoor amenities. If you’re staying in the area and are looking for a great beach picnic spot in the area, we’ve got just the place for you!
Qualicum Beach – East Beach: When it comes to picturesque West Coast beaches, Qualicum Beach might take the cake. With endless soft sandy shores to walk on and gorgeous views of the Coast Mountains on the mainland, Qualicum Beach is a truly spectacular place to spend a spring afternoon.
Eats in the area
With the return of the sun and warm weather, here on the West Coast, we don’t waste a second before we head back to the beaches! Even if there is a little nip in the air, if the sun is shining, it’s likely that we’re beach bound! We may not be in our bathing suits diving into the waves yet but there are still lots of ways to enjoy the beach before the heat of summer sets in! One of the best ways to have a great Vancouver Island picnic on the beach in the spring is to make a day of it! Bring some delicious food and your favourite book and just enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh ocean breezes. To ensure a super successful beach day at this time of year, you’ve gotta prepare properly – that’s where we come in. We’re going to give you the lowdown on where to go, local eats and how to prepare for a cooler, sunny beach day on Vancouver Island!
No matter where you go on Vancouver Island for your spring beach day, it’s important to be prepared! Here’s our handy checklist of items that are our must haves for a successful day on the beach.
The capital city is surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in the world. In fact, there are so many to choose from, it can be tough to know where to go to make the most of your beach day. If you’re staying at an EMR Victoria property, these are our top three beaches to enjoy on a sunny spring day in Victoria!
Holland Point Park: This waterfront park is the perfect place to find a little spot on the beach to sit, enjoy the sun, watch colourful kite surfers sail through the sky, sailboats skim over the sparkling ocean and enjoy some food and a good book while the Olympic range shimmers in the distance.
Ross Bay Beach: This popular pebbly beach is filled with driftwood and offers lots of great spots to lay a picnic blanket down to enjoy the ocean views. On the far east side of the beach, there is a small sandy bay with large rocks and tide pools that are great for kids of all ages to explore.
Gonzales Beach: With soft sand and gentle lapping waves, warmer shallows and surrounded by jaw-dropping homes, this little neighbourhood beach is a must visit while you’re in the area!
Eats in the Area
James Bay:
Fairfield:
Cook St.:
This beautiful seaside town is home to one of the prettiest marinas on the South Island, an incredible outdoor art walk, cafes, eateries and boutiques. If you’re staying in, these are the two beaches we like the most on the top of the Peninsula!
Lochside Waterfront Park: At this beautiful beach you can pull up a log or lay down a blanket and watch the boats skim along the water to and from the marina and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll probably be able to spot the dorsal fin of an orca or see a friendly seal pop up to say hello!
Robert’s Bay: This tranquil migratory bird sanctuary is an excellent spot to have a beach picnic, especially if you’re looking for somewhere that is less populated! Make sure you have your binoculars so you can check out the marine birds as they fly and fish in the bay and keep a lookout for the sweet sea otters that are known to frequent Robert’s Bay.
Eats in the area
The verdant Cowichan Valley is known for being one of the top wine destinations in BC and has some truly incredible vineyards and if you’re looking for a great local beach to enjoy, we got you!
Cherry Point: This beautiful little beach on the edge of the valley is one of the best places for a great beach day. With a long strip of pebble and sand shore to explore, plenty of driftwood to lean against and picnic tables if you prefer, this super sunny spot is a great way to soak up the spring sunshine and listen to the wind rustling through the trees. If you bring binoculars, you can have a look for marine birds and mammals that are known to frequent the area.
Eats in the area
While you’re staying in the Nanaimo area if you’re looking for a great day on the beach, no worries!
Neck Point Park: This stunning park, just north of Naniamo provides visitors with a stunning park and beach to explore and enjoy. Take a walk over the rocky bluffs covered with grasses for an incredible view and when you’re ready for a picnic, head down to the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
Eats in the area
The quaint resort towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach have many attractions, both man made and natural. People from all over the Island, BC and beyond flock to these towns in the summer months to soak up the sun and enjoy all the outdoor amenities. If you’re staying in the area and are looking for a great beach picnic spot in the area, we’ve got just the place for you!
Qualicum Beach – East Beach: When it comes to picturesque West Coast beaches, Qualicum Beach might take the cake. With endless soft sandy shores to walk on and gorgeous views of the Coast Mountains on the mainland, Qualicum Beach is a truly spectacular place to spend a spring afternoon.
Eats in the area
After a long winter, Victoria is again coming alive with events all over the city! Whether you’re staying right in the city at one of the EMR Victoria properties or just a drive away in Sidney, the Cowichan Valley or Sooke these events are worth the trip in!
Downtown Victoria – Monday, May 23
After two years of having to skip one of the most beloved events in the capital city, the annual Victoria Day Parade returns. This year’s parade is all about honoring the real-life Superheroes, frontline workers, who have got us through the last two years with their hard work and dedication. The Thrifty Foods 122nd Victoria Day Parade presented by CHEK TV and hosted by The Greater Victoria Festival Society will be a world class event to celebrate our frontline workers from various business and nonprofit organizations and showcasing our diverse cultures.
Bullen Park – Friday May 13th to Sunday May 15th
This fun and engaging event is back for 2022! Partnering with Esquimalt Parks and Recreation and West Coast Amusements, the Esquimalt Buccaneer Days is a community fundraising event that is perfect for all ages. This fun-filled weekend offers attendees events, dancing, entertainment, skydivers, kids play zones and so much more.
Centennial Square, downtown Victoria – Saturday May 14th at 11:00am
This fun, lively parade will begin at Centennial Square to promote the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival the following weekend. The parade route will follow Government St. to the Legislature where pipes will be played, the highland fling will be on display and colourful floats will accompany the festivities.
Topaz Park – Saturday May 21st, 5:00pm to 9:00pm & Sunday May 22nd, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Put on by the Highland Games Association, this fun filled weekend will include:
Hosted at Topaz Park, this lively festival is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful spring day in Victoria.
Mary Winspear Centre – Friday May 6th & Saturday May 7th
Located at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, this incredible market showcases dozens of local artisans with incredible collections of handmade, small batch, locally designed, slow fashion goods that will delight. This is the perfect place to find some lovely, meaningful souvenirs and gifts!
Victoria Arts Council Society – May 1st – May 22nd
2022 marks the first time the Grand National Fibre Art Exhibition has decided to take this exhibit across the country and in May it’s set to be in Victoria! With 48 unique forms of fibre art from artists across Canada and judged by some of the most prominent figures in Canadian art and textiles, this unique exhibit will explore the concept of what it means to take one’s Crossroads.
Bema Black Box Theatre, Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue – May 5th to May 15, 7:30pm to 9:00pm + 2 matinees 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Treat yourself to the winner of the Long Beach Playhouse New Play Contest and a finalist for the Woodward-Newman New Play Award in Victoria this spring!
“Men Overboard focuses on a Bar Mitzvah for a boy who doubts he’s ready to become a man. The boy’s Bar Mitzvah brings together his politician father and two brothers, a therapist, and a Buddhist monk. Add their fading but forceful father and the boy’s Bar Mitzvah tutor, a woman who loves the boy and possibly one of his uncles, and it’s easy to see that the boy is torn between obedience and defiance of his father.
Tensions grow, affecting everyone in the family, until anger becomes abuse and it becomes clear that the family’s status quo is no longer an option. Men Overboard asks “What makes a man?” as it explores the responsibility each of us has to protect the souls of those we love.”
Hermann’s Jazz Club – Friday May 6th 7:00pm – 9:00pm
If you’re looking for the perfect evening to kick up your heels and hit the dance floor, Raise the Bar for Hermann’s is the perfect evening to do just that! Playing all the best blues and jazz classics that are Hermann’s party mix, Victoria’s popular jazz club will be hopping. Join Heather Ferguson and the band for a great evening that’ll support Hermann’s Jazz Club.
The Bay Centre Mall – May 7th 10:00am – 6:00pm & May 8th 11:00am – 5:00pm
Victoria Market Collective is an incredible organization that supports the shop small movement by organizing incredible markets that showcase local artisans. With over 140 talented makers on their roster, any market that is hosted by Market Collective is sure to be a local shopping event not to miss! This May, the Mother’s Day market at the Bay Centre, will host many local artisans that make unique, high quality, luxury gifts that are perfect for Mom or even yourself!
On the corner of Menzies & Superior – May 1st, 9:00am – 3:00pm
In the spring, the small downtown neighbourhood of James Bay is positively picturesque. Here you’ll find sunny beaches, beautiful heritage homes, incredible eateries and every Saturday from May until October, the small community market. At this laid back village market, you can get local produce and ethically raised meat, lots of incredible locally made prepared food and artisanal goods. Plus, if you are staying in downtown Victoria, this market is just a walk away!
McPherson Playhouse – May 13th 7:30pm
To honour the 75th birthday of Andrew Loyd Webber, Sound the Alarm: Music/Theater will be touring 13 cities in British Columbia to perform his most iconic theatrical music. Audiences will be delighted to hear the best scores from Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Evita and more! Book your tickets for an incredible evening and help celebrate the most successful musical theatre composer of all time!
The Beach House – May 14th 6:00pm – 10:00pm
This annual gala supports all the essential services offered by the Victoria Brain Injury Society. The evening is one of the most elegant soirees of the year with decadent local food, delicious cocktails, entertainment and prizes!