Treasures: World Cultures from the British Museum

Photo courtesy of the Royal BC Museum All images © The Trustees of the British Museum.

Starting May 1st and running until September 30th, an exhibition titled: “Treasures: the World’s Cultures from the British Museum” will be in town. This exhibit will display over 300 artefacts from the collection of the renowned British Museum. Included are an Egyptian mummy, a shield from the Bronze Age, works from Picasso and Rembrandt, this warriors helmet and a whole lot more. I would suggest that you take this in if you are going to be around. Most of these exhibits have drawn people from all over the world, so don’t miss out. They do not go to very many museums. Victoria is on the “A” list because they do such a good job.
It is amazing. Take it in. For more information on Victoria Attractions like the Royal BC Museum, Click Here.

Swiftsure Sailing Race

This last weekend was the annual Swiftsure Yacht Race. It is actually a number of races, the longest going from Clovepoint on Dallas Road to the Swiftsure Bank which is just after the opening of Juan de Fuca Strait. It is a festive time and a serious race. It is one of the many special events and activities that visitors to Victoria can take part in. All of the sailboats congregate at Cloverpoint. It is quite a site to see hundreds of boats under sail getting ready for the start of the race. The shoreline is lined with thousands of people who come to watch the race. For more information on activities in Victoria, Click Here! From May to September is special event time in Victoria. When you get here, check the local paper, the Times Colonist (especially the Thursday edition), or ask at the accommodation you are staying at. They will likely know what is on.

Spectacular Mountain View

If you want to see one of the views that Victoria is known for around the world, just find any high point in the city and look to the East. Spectacular Mount Baker rises from the state of Washington. It is snow covered year round and provides much beauty to the background of our beautiful city. Great viewpoints are Mount Tolmie, Mount Douglas or the shores of Oak Bay. You can see Mount Baker from Goldstream Avenue in Sidney. I have seen it as a back drop to downtown from Juan de Fuca Strait. There are great views also from Bear Mountain. Check it out.

It is truly a vision.

For more information on Victoria, click here

Victoria IMAX Theatre and National Geographic Store

Looking for something to do on a rainy day in Victoria? Look no further than the IMAX Theatre and National Geographic Store, located in the Royal BC Museum, downtown.

If you haven't seen an Imax film yet, now's your chance! The larger-than-life screen is six stories high and eighty feet wide, putting you in the centre of the action. The images are so vivid, you feel like you can reach out and touch them. The soundtrack wraps around you at 360 degrees, surrounding you in crystal clear digital sound. There are always a number of films to choose from, and most are as educational as they are entertaining. What an adventure - and all you have to do is sit back and relax!

Afterwards, you can visit the National Geographic store and investigate their wild and wonderful collection of educational children's toys, books, games, and DVDs. You'll also find very useful travel gadgets and tools, and lots of gift choices for your family and friends.

While you're there, be sure to get a big, free BEAR HUG from the friendly bear in the entrance, just like Lisa did - see photo, above!

For a list of more fun things to do in Victoria, visit the Attractions Page on the Vanisle Tourism Web Site.

Pink Snow, it is spring!

This time of year, when the wind blows, it often seems link there is pink snow in the air. The gutters are lined with pink. It is one of my favourite times of the year. Spring is earths renewal and the pink just lets you know how good that is. Come for a visit and see the pink. Certain areas of Victoria, like Esquimalt, have more pink flowering trees than others. We often joke with our prairie neighbours (Alberta and Saskatchewan) that it is time to get out the blossom-blower! For more information on Victoria, click here.

Cruise Ship Season

This year will be the largest fleet of cruise ships to ever visit Victoria. There are lots of places you can go to observe these magnificent ships. One of mine favourites is a park on Roberts Street in Vic West. The views from here are spectacular as seen above. For more information on Victoria, visit here.

Muse Wines Saanich Peninsula North of Victoria BC

Hidden in Deep Cove on Saanich Peninsula is Muse Winery (formerly Chalet Estate Winery); a small self sustaining, family winery owned by Peter & Jane Ellmann. This boutique winery has been producing fine limited edition wines since 2001. Fine Wine begins in the vineyard and the Ellmanns strictly adhere to organic practices using natural ingredients to fertilize the vines and control weeds. Extensive canopy management, hand cropping and picking ensures that only the finest fruit is used in the production of their Award Winning Wines and minimal to no sulphites are added to any of the wines. The newly opened Bistro Muse, offers elegant food pairings to go with the Muse Wines. The Bistro is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Whether you prefer a structured tasting, a glass of wine on the Vineyard Patio, a gourmet bite or just shopping, Muse Winery has something for everyone. Summer hours are 11am to 5 pm daily, closed Mondays. Please call ahead for winter hours or appointments- 250-656-2552, or visit the website http://www.musewinery.ca/
Muse Winery (formerly Chalet Winery) 11195 Chalet Road, N. Saanich, BC
For more information on other Wineries, Click Here.

A Small World B and B Chemainus

The town of Chemains, "the Little Town that Did" has a Bed and Breakfast that is little also. A
Small World Bed and Breakfast isnt't really small, but it features miniatures made by one of the owners Lynne. This is her passion and the work is truly amazing. Her and John make you feel at home and they serve great breakfasts and provide excellent accommodations. The murals in Chemainus depict the history of the community and they are truly amazing. A Small world is in the middle of town with retaurants and shops within a couple of blocks to downtown and old town. It is a great little community worth a visit. Check out a small world. If you need more info on Chemainus, click here. If you need travel info on Vancouver Island click here.

BUTTERFLY GARDENS

One of Victoria's finest attractions is Butterfly Gardens. It is just a short drive from Victoria and many visitors heading to Butchart Garden's pass by this great little gem. If you are one of them, then next time you are out that way, stop by. The lush gardens are full of butterflys, displays, plants, flowers, fish, flamingoes, birds and much more. It is a tropical paradise. Check it out. You will be pleasantly surprised. Click here if you want more information and pictues about Butterfly Gardens. If you are looking for a place to stay while visiting Victoria, Click Here.