Ladysmith Christmas Light Up - an Island Spectacle

Last night we drove up the Island to Ladysmith to witness their 22nd annual Chistmas Festival of Lights. It is during the last week of November every year. I suggest you take it in at least once. Thousands of people line the main street in Ladysmith starting around 5 pm. There is a Spaghetti Dinner in one hall and a craft fair in another hall. There are a couple of entertainment stages and the music is piped along main street. Santa arrives at 6:30 to pull the switch and almost instantaneously, the entire street lights up with thousands of lights. They havea 50/50 draw to raise funds. Then the parade starts. The night ends with a pretty fantastic fireworks display. All along main street there are food vendors and people selling lights of various sorts. It is a really festive environment. The mini donuts and the hot chocolate concessions seemed to be the most popular. Check it our next year. Tomorrow night is the Light up in the City of Victoria. See you there.

For more information on Ladysmith, click here.

Christmas Activities in Victoria

If you are coming to Victoria during December, there are many things to do. For example the communities of Sidney, Oak Bay and Victoria, all have a sail past. It is very exciting to watch a variety of boats pass all lit up with Christmas Trees. Truckers have a night when they decorate their rigs and drive through the region raising funds and collecting for for the food bank. Today I visited the Queen Alexander Bear exposition. The bears are part of a silent auction to raise funds. Then we went over to the Laurel Point Hotel to see the Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread House fund raiser. These events are on till just before Christmas. If you are in town check around and you will find many more events. There are all kinds of Craft fairs and much more. Butchart Gardens over Christmas is spectacular.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Hark the Haro's Angles Sing at Haro's Lounge in the Pier Hotel in Sidney

To get yourself in the Christmas Spirit, why not try Haro's Lounge in the Pier Hotel and Spa in Sidney. Every Thursday from Nov 26-Dec 17, this event takes place from 5-8 pm, with free appies from 5 to 7 pm. Check it out.

For more information on Sidney, click here!

Dr. Zonk University of Victoria Special Event

Dr. Zonk performed at UVic last week. This annual fund raising event was fun and spectacular. Two of UVic scientists put on a chemistry show that entertained all. It was a bomb in the end, if you know what I mean. If you are in Victoria, the University of Victoria is one resource that you should tap into. There are lots of entertaining events and sport events there throughout the year. Check with the University Box Office. Spectacular colors, amazing changes, fire and explosions were what kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

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Victoria Harbour Ferries Santa's Ballet

If you are coming to Victoria in December, here is an event that you surely will enjoy. Every Friday and Saturday from November 21st to December 19th, at 7 pm, the Victoria Harbour Ferries will dance to Christmas music in the Inner Harbour. This is like no ballet you’ve seen before. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the harbour as world-famous skippers take their iconic green boats through a precision choreographed water ballet. It’s quite the sight and the whole family will love it.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Tourism Victoria - 2010 Marketing Showcase

A very special event occurred on Tuesday evening, November 10th. Tourism Victoria wants tourist just like you to visit Victoria, so they are trying hard to convince you to come here. The plan was outlined to board members, members of tourism Victoria and the media. There are some great places in the world to visit, but Tourism Victoria believes that Victoria is one of the best and they are doing a great job of letting the world know just that. Speakers at the "Showcase" included Randy Wright, Board Chair, Helen Welch, Vice-president, Marketing, and Robert Gialloreto, President and CEO, all with Tourism Victoria. Special guest speakers included Greg Klassen, Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy and Communications, Canadian Tourism Commission and Brian Price (pictured above) a 2008 Olympic Champion at Beijing China in the Men's Eight Rowing event. The staff did a great job outlining the 2010 strategy and how it relates to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Brian Price shared his personal story of his trip from childhood Leukemia to Olympic Gold and it was truly inspirational. His goal was to illustrate that everyone is capable of reaching the potential that is deep inside. Check out the Tourism Victoria web site and also to learn more about Brian Price visit http://www.podiumfirst.ca/. The Empress Hotel and a number of sponsors treated the crowd to some local cuisine and spirits, an excellent closure to a fine event. During the mixer and food, I had the opportunity to hold Brian's gold medal. That was a real treat for me as I have never even seen one before. I could feel the energy that was put into getting the gold. Too cool!

Lest We Forget - Remembrance Day Victoria 2009

Over the years the men and women of our Canadian Forces have fought wars and taken on roles as peacekeepers all over the world. The freedoms they fought for and protected have given us a quality of life that no other country in the world has. We are very lucky indeed and have much to be thankful for. Thanks to all....

The photo above was taken in Veteran's Memorial Park in Langford. The park was so full of people I waited till the end of the ceremony to take this picture of the wreaths placed in honor of the fallen. A number of events like this took place all across Greater Victoria and all were well attended giving tribute to the women and men of the Canadian Forces.

If you are visiting Victoria, when you are in the Inner Harbour, you will see on of the memorials on the grounds of our Provincial Legislature just across the street from the inner harbour. Take a moment to reflect.

What is your favourite season at Butchart Gardens?

Each season at Butchart Gardens offers a new look at these beautiful gardens. Which season is your favourite? Christmas is just around the corner. If you are in town for Christmas, you will find a wonderous Christmas spirit at the gardens with many of the flower beds filled with Christmas lights. You can skate outdoors or listen to live Christmas music while sipping on hot chocolate. No mater what the season, Butchart always has something to offer. Check out the seasons on their web site. Pick you favourite and plan a visit.

For more information on Victoria Attractions, Click Here.

Victoria Carriage Tours Fall Special

If you are looking for something really neat to do while in Victoria this Fall, check out Victoria Carriage Tours.

For more information on Victoria, click here.

Sidney Opera House - Sidney BC and The Pier Bistro

Sidney by the Sea is just 20 minutes north of Victoria. Yesterday, the sun was shining and it was one of the most beautiful November 1st days ever. There were dozens of sailboats out in waters just off Sidney. I thought I would give you a glimpse of Sidney's Opera House! Well, actually it is there band stand, but heh, looks a bit like the opera house in that other Sidney! Behind it is the fish market and then the Pier Bistro. Try the Pier Bistro, you will be delighted. It is right at the end of the dock, hanging over the water! Most of the sailboats had their spinakers up as they approached shore. What a gorgeous sight!