In this newsletter we highlight our clients that are in the memory-making business, so whether it’s just an evening or a weekend getaway, you can enjoy everything that this splendid Island has to offer.
Accommodation
OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL
Nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Victoria is the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, a luxury boutique property like no other. It overlooks the Juan de Fuca Strait and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Baker in the distance. A worthy legacy to its renowned predecessor with a history dating back to 1927, the new hotel features several restored elements of the original Tudor-style building while offering the comfort and amenities of a modern resort. Inspired by an English country manor house, this grand hotel is at once timelessly elegant and luxuriously welcoming. Let them provide the perfect vantage point from which to experience the Pacific Northwest. To book your luxurious getaway, visit www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
“Staying here was magical. The view from our room incredible and the amenities really made the experience one of luxury. I was blown away and wanted to stay much longer. I will definitely be returning.”
– Cally Hale (Google)
SALISH SEASIDE RV HAVEN
The freedom of the open road, driving in your RV and seeing the country go past is a great pleasure in life. Occasionally you have to stop, and there is no better location than the Salish Seaside RV Haven. With all the amenities required for a peaceful stay, admire the stunning views of the coast, only a short drive from everything Victoria has to offer. Proudly owned and operated by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, enjoy a pleasant stay right by the harbour. To reserve a place, see www.salishseasidervhaven.com
“This is the ultimate RV park. Gorgeous views of the inner harbour. Activity galore with sea planes, harbour ferry, wildlife, etc at your doorstep! You can walk to downtown Victoria, which is a bit of a ways but you can take a harbour ferry too! Would recommend and would definitely be staying again!”
– Iluvcello (TripAdvisor)
MILL BAY BEACH HOUSE
Adorable seals bark along the waterline, as you hear the waves crashing against the shore. Seagulls circulate above, on the hunt for fish and anything else they can find. Tall and imposing Douglas Fir trees line the coast, the deep green a stark contrast with the serene blue of the sky and water. Where can you find this picturesque environment? In Cowichan Bay when you stay at the waterfront Mill Bay Beach House as it has spectacular views overlooking the Saanich Peninsula and Salt Spring Island. To reserve your piece of paradise, see www.millbaybeachhouse.com
“If you are looking for a Westin, this isn’t your place. However, if you are looking for the most amazing sunrises/sunsets, clearest of nights with moon so close you can almost catch it, waking up to sounds of sea lions and ducks, dinner with sounds of waves and calmest of sea…this is the place to be. I was here last week and it was probably my best vacation..ever!! their website does not do justice to the awesome place this is. Barbeque meals, bonfire at night, the largest window that opens to the sea…Going forward I will no longer book luxury hotels and look for a place like this for my vacation.”
– Anupam Goel (Google)
HEATHERGATE B&B
Let the stress melt away as you relax in this home away from home. At Heathergate House spend time enjoying the English style country garden with its myriad of elegant plants and blooming flowers. Full of colours and textures, the garden is the perfect spot to savour a drink and plan your days in Victoria. Being just a few minutes walk from the bustle and charm of the picturesque Inner Harbour and downtown, you can easily partake in all the city has to offer. With all the amenities of a home, but all the luxury fittings of a hotel, this B&B is a fantastic base for an idyllic break. To book your room, see www.victoria-vacationrentals.com
“From the moment we arrived at HH BnB we realised we had hit the jackpot. We were 2 couples and stayed in the cottage which has very spacious living and dining areas. The kitchen and fridge were well stocked with lots of fruit and muffins. The front of the house had a beautiful secluded garden which provided pleasant relief from the heatwave conditions we experienced. The location is great being just a short walk from the ferry terminal and harbour. And Ned was a very gracious and generous host providing us with lots of useful information about how to spend our time on Vancouver Island.”
– Graemdaw (TripAdvisor)
Food and Drink
SPINNAKERS BREWPUB
Brewing craft since 1984, Spinnakers is a Victoria institution known for pioneering the craft beer industry and paving the way for modern day brewpubs in Canada. Victoria has become a hub for craft breweries, but Spinnakers isn’t just about the drink – they also believe that the measure of a good pub is in its ability to serve a good meal along with a good pint. Using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to create an unforgettably satisfying spin on pub classics, a visit to Spinnakers is a perfect West Coast experience. To see their full menu, visit www.spinnakers.com
“If you don’t know what to drink, order a flight of beer or cider. Favourite place to take people from out of town. Great food, friendly service. Awesome atmosphere being the oldest brewpub in Vic. Can’t go wrong for a walk along the inner harbour and stopping in upstairs for a few cheeky pints.”
– Christian C (Google)
BLIGHTY’S BISTRO
On beautiful Oak Bay avenue step into this cosy neighbourhood bistro where you’ll be treated like family. In this intimate space, indulge in succulent mussels, tender steak, or the latest pasta creation. Owner Richelle Osborne creates a sophisticated ambience with West Coast flair – the 13-table restaurant oozes a relaxed candlelit warmth that works for any occasions. Whether it’s an intimate meal, business dinner, or special group outing, Blighty’s Bistro is a delicious experience.
To book your own table at this unique restaurant, see www.blightysbistro.com
“Our favourite place to celebrate with friends from town, and visitors..We have never been disappointed. The ambience is cozy, Richelle goes out of her way to make you feel welcome, and the food is always delicious. We have been going for many years, and it has been fun to watch the menu continuously evolve.”
– Cindy Hughes (Google)
CAKES ETC.
The centrepiece to any birthday, celebration, or event, should be a cake that will wow a crowd. Your guests will marvel at how exquisitely decorated it is, and will be even more thrilled at how delicious it tastes. A sumptuous sponge filled with rich cream topped with enormous chocolate curls – what more could be wanted? There are a variety of baked products that can be ordered that will tantalise and make your taste buds happy. Impress your guests with delectable party trays, or cater to the gluten free people in your life – because life is better with pastries and sweets. To see their beautiful selections, see www.cakesetc.ca
“Best Cakes I Have Ever Tasted! I have been purchasing cakes from Cakes etc. for years (@ least 10) & for a special occasion would not even consider going anywhere else. Celebrating everything from Birthdays, Christmas, to Engagements parties they have come thru flawlessly with service, quality and quite frankly the best cakes I have ever tasted!
I should have written this review long ago, my apologies for that!!”
– Margaret B (TripAdvisor)
MY-CHOSEN CAFÉ
A true Metchosin institution offering an old fashioned country atmosphere, come to enjoy good food, good company, and good service. Grab an ice cream cone from the café and spend some time watching Peep, the wild turkey, Fonzy, the Muscovy duck, who just arrived one day for a visit and never left, or the many hens and roosters roaming around, at the always entertaining Critters Corner. Adorable goats and delicious food – what more could be wanted. To see their full menu, visit mychosencafe.com
“I love this place. The food is awesome and totally consistent. The staff are lovely and it feels totally genuine. Also very family friendly. I drive from oak bay to eat here (30 to 40 mins depending on traffic).”
– Justin Robertson (Google)
CHERYL’S GOURMET PANTRY
A small wispy white cloud floats across a serene blue sky. The grass is lush and green as you reach into a wicker basket and pull out a blanket, ready to set up your picnic. Birds are chirping in the distance as you tuck into a delicious assortment of seafood, feeling all is right in the world. This blissful atmosphere is possible with one of Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry picnic baskets, the perfect treat to celebrate an anniversary with or impress your date. Everything needed for the perfect afternoon is included – you just have to pick it. To order your own blissful afternoon, see www.cherylsgourmetpantry.com/picnic-baskets
“Cheryl and her amazing team helped with our wedding a little while back and we are still hearing compliments on the amazing food from our guests. I can honestly say that they’ve gone above and beyond for us. Each crazy idea we had was refined into a brilliant and memorable event. We are so incredibly happy that this wonderful team could be a part of our day.”
– AK AK (Google)
LA ROUX PATISSERIE
Step into an elegant cafe located in the heart of Chinatown and indulge in exquisite pastries. The perfectly flaky croissants will transport you to the streets of Paris, as you imagine the bustle of the Champs-Elyseè. From the moment you step in the friendly service at La Roux beckons you to stay and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether it’s a classic French pastry or a delicious custom cake, they are a bakery you will return to again and again. To view their full selection, see www.laroux.ca
“I first came here on a food tour where I got to try a couple macarons and hear the owner’s story of how she got into this business. The macarons were so delicious that I immediately returned after the tour to have some tea and a couple more desserts. Everything I tried was incredible, the service is fantastic, and the atmosphere is so fancy and enjoyable to be in.”
– Damian Herman (Google)
SAM’S DELI
Seconds away from the grand Empress Hotel sits a deli steeped in history. Step inside and be welcomed by friendly staff and enticing scents – fresh soup and sandwiches are their specialty. A crisp green pickle accompanies every handmade sandwich, and choose from a selection of fresh pastries for dessert. In this relaxing and old fashioned deli atmosphere, take a break from the bustle of downtown Victoria and have a reinvigorating lunch break. To read their full story, visit www.samsdeli.com
“I went just for a basic lunch and was really impressed with the friendliness of all the staff and the speed of service. I got a half sandwich and I’m glad I did because they really fill it up. It was delicious and I wish I’d found it before my last day so I could go again!”
– TravelAsh970 (TripAdvisor)
BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT
Nestled on the bluff overlooking idyllic Cordova Bay is a restaurant that offers stunning views. Enjoy a glass of wine as you admire the blue ocean, with waves slowly crashing down below. In this elegant setting indulge in an eclectic mix of local and West coast inspired food, from fresh seafood to artisan pizzas. To see their full menu, visit www.beachhousevictoria.com
“I was lucky enough to be invited to a post wedding brunch here. The restaurant offered something to the event that no other place could have. The large ocean side home turned restaurant boasts a wall to wall view to showcase any sunrise. The interior has an elegant wood finish with stone accents and historical photos throughout, offering unconventional conversation starters. The location is close to access to the local beach, which made for a great post brunch walk with the family. Spending time with friends and family would have been great regardless, but this venue made it all the more memorable.”
– Sean Russell (Google)
EUGENE’S WHOLESALE GREEK FOOD
When people share their culture and share their food, good things happen. Victoria has benefited immensely from Greek immigrants Evgeni (Eugene) and Paschalina opening up a Souvlaki snack bar in 1979. Their son Lee now operates Eugene’s, a wholesaler of delicious hummus and tzatziki. Indulge in quality products that have a long history, as they make a great side addition to a meal, or as a snack. Just serve with pita bread and enjoy! To see the full list of where you can get their products, see www.eugenes.ca
“Very yummy Tzatziki! Love having great local Greek food items available at the grocery store.”
– Jennifer Palmer (Facebook)
THE VILLAGE TAVERNA
A neighbourhood kitchen in the heart of Cook Street Village, you can’t go wrong ordering from the Village Taverna. Exquisite Greek dishes await, from calamari to souvlaki. Owner Terry uses recipes passed down from generations, as he inherited his love of cooking from his parents, the founders of Eugene’s. Terry opened this local restaurant so that everyone can taste the flavours of Greece in a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere. The heart of a Greek family’s home is the kitchen, as it’s a place where everyone is welcome. At its heart, The Village Taverna is built on the concept of ‘filoxenia’— legendary Greek hospitality. To see their full menu, visit www.thevillagetaverna.ca
“Absolutely the best Greek around, always excellent fresh tasty food (and plenty of it) with friendly relaxed atmosphere. Service is always good, made to feel very at home. Always have a plate of humus and pita, it’s made here and frankly is the best ever. Highly recommended.”
– Philip Davies (Google)
MAD GREEK PIZZA
In this low key eatery in Langford, you will find sumptuous pizzas that are loaded with toppings. From vegetarian to meats, gluten free or thick crust, all are 2for1. They also offer donairs, subs, pasta and wings – there is something for everyone. Cater your next movie night with classic Greek food that is true Westshore flair. To see their full menu, visit www.madgreekspizza.ca
“Hands down the best pizza around. Pizza subs incomparable and absolutely delicious. I’ve been a loyal customer for well over 20 years, and the food, service, and ownership is as good as you’ll get!!! Solid 5 stars.”
– Blair Coates (Google)
POWER LUNCH CAFÉ
Nourish your senses at the Power Lunch Café in Duncan. Offering a selection of wraps, sandwiches, and ever changing weekly specials, with friendly service, this is a café to return to again and again. For further details, see www.powerlunchcafe.com
“The food is all prepared with love using the best ingredients. The ladies, who work here, are friends in our local community and they shine a bright light. I always feel welcome and nourished at Power Lunch.”
– Bonnie Ell (Google)
Splendid Sea
FANTASEA CHARTERS
Splash out and celebrate any occasion with a fabulous boat party – welcome aboard the 41 foot Fantasea Charter! Fully licensed with a bar, party with your favourite people as you admire beautiful Victoria from the water. Book this exceptional experience and impress all your friends, as you become known as queen/king of parties. Whether it’s for stag/hen nights, fishing, or just a celebration, partying aboard a luxury yacht is fun times for all. To reserve your own party cruise date, see www.fantaseacharters.com
“We had the best time for my friends 30th bday. Music was amazing, weather was perfect, the ride was smooth and we had a great host. Do it again in a heartbeat”
– Meagan Kacan (Facebook)
BAYVIEW YACHTS
Wind blows past your face as the emerald blue sea rushes by. Everything is right in the world as the boat sails forwards towards the infinite horizon, and responsibilities and worries melt away. How did this blissful situation arise? By using Bayview yachts, expert yacht brokers. Whether you want to sell your existing boat or want to experience the life of being a sailboat owner, they can help navigate you through the entire process. With them there is no stress, just a luxurious boat on the other side of the transaction. To become one step closer to being on your boat of paradise, see www.bayviewyachts.com
“Great experience. We used Troy at Bayview to help buy our new Meridian cross border. the process couldn’t have gone better, any and all issues that came up were dealt with quickly and professionally, we would highly recommend their services for buying or selling.”
– Mitch Hammond (Google)
BEASLEY’S FISHING CHARTERS
The line strains and begins to move wildly as you cling onto the line, desperate to not let it go, adrenaline coursing through you. The line pulls and pulls as the fish on the other end is frantically trying to swim away – but then you are able to reel it in and a huge shiny salmon flops onto the boat. Where can you get this fishing buzz? At Beasley’s Fishing Charters in Victoria, where Darren Beasley will bring you out, giving a memorable experience for family gatherings or work outings. Whether it’s salmon, halibut, or trout, sailing around Vancouver Island catching fish is a glorious day out. To book your own day of heaven, see www.beasleysfishingcharters.ca
“My husband and I and our 7 year old son went fishing with Beasley’s Fishing Charters and had a great time. We were novice fishers and so having the skill and expertise of Darren Beasley (owner) on board with us was quite a treat. We were able to snag three good sized salmon that day to take home with us, we caught and released three smaller sized salmon, and then there were a few that got away. Overall our experience was very relaxing (it was such a beautiful day) intermixed with those adrenaline-pumping moments of reeling in a fish. Thank you to Darren and his company for such a wonderful day and the relaxing experience of fishing and the thrills of catching a few!”
– Tammy Taurone (Google)
MCKENNA FISHING
Located in beautiful Port Renfrew, let Kevin McKenna take you out fishing. An expert fisherman, he is a fantastic guide as you sail in the pristine blue waters. Be prepared to reel in tons of fish – there are particularly aggressive feeding grounds around Swiftsure Bank. Halibut and salmon are plentiful, and Kevin takes care of everything so all you need to do is enjoy the stunning views of the West Coast and watch out for salmon and halibut. To reserve your perfect fishing day, see www.mckennasportfishing.com
“My family and I were lucky enough to book in with Kevin for my grandads birthday. Our expectations were exceeded. First Kevin is so knowledgeable and has a ton of experience. He is so kind and personable. He knows all the best fishing spots and wastes no time ensuring you get your desired catch. We got salmon, halibut, and cod. We even saw whales. His boat is amazing. Tons of room and you will feel very safe with Kevin driving. Nothing compares. We fish regularly too so we had very high expectations which he met and all his hard wok blew us away. This is the perfect trip for family / friends to experience fishing together. Highly recommended !!!!”
– Mia W (TripAdvisor)
GREG C. MARSHALL NAVAL ARCHITECT
The sun is shining as you lounge on the deck, the yacht gently rocking with the waves. A cocktail in hand and some music playing in the background, this is pure bliss. Travel the ocean blue in lavish surroundings, with not a care in the world. Experience this luxury and design your own yacht with Greg Marshall, expert naval architect. Along with business partner Gord Galbraith, they will provide you with the yacht of your dreams, all crafted with care. To see a gallery of pure luxury yachts, visit www.gregmarshalldesign.com
KIAWAH CONSULTING GROUP
The M/V Kiawah is for sale for the first time since it was built by the owners of Pacific Yacht Leasing. It is advertised for sale at USD $499,000 or available to charter at USD $7,995 per week. Host an unforgettable trip along the Pacific Northwest as you invite family and friends to board the Kiawah. In this luxury charter, see all the magnificent islands that exist around Vancouver Island, all the way up to Alaska. Experience remote anchorages, warm water temperatures, and unmatched natural splendour of the Coast, with plenty of fishing and crabbing opportunities. Seeing the beautiful coast and amazing wildlife from the comfort of your own bareboat charter – what could be more perfect than that? To book your bareboat charter now, visit www.pacificyachtleasing.com
“Kiawah is a cruising legend throughout Alaska, British Columbia and Washington State. Its accommodations are superb and its reliability unchallenged on trips ranging from, easy cruises to long distance exploration as far off as Prince William Sound and west to Seward Alaska.”
– Steve Simmons
Salt Spring
SALT SPRING DREAM VACATION
One of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of a trip is booking accommodation. You can go through hours of research, reading reviews, trying to select the one with the right amenities for you and your family, and when you get there, it is an utter disappointment. Avoid that fate by simply choosing to contact Salt Spring Dream Vacation. With them you will be treated with the highest level of service, quality and comfort as they carefully hand-select every one of their properties, and match you up with the perfect accommodation for you to be able to enjoy every aspect of your holiday. To start your dream vacation, visit www.saltspringdreamvacation.com
“Mornings of hot tubbing and watching the sunbeams come down over the Douglas firs thru the mist. This island is mystical and magical, and our cottage was a peaceful retreat where our pulses and breathing were slowed to a true island pace. We look forward to next year! Thank you for making it so easy.”
– Greg and Cathy (website)
GRACE POINT SQUARE
In the heart of Ganges on Salt Spring Island you will find Grace Point Square, offering amongst others, a selection of restaurants, art galleries, shops, day spa, and liquor store. Enjoy a day out strolling around the biggest of the Gulf Islands, where nature is plentiful and the scenery is simply stunning. Feel like a local as you indulge in West Coast cuisine and admire the work of local artists, in this welcoming and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit gracepointsquare.com
Hiking
HIKE VICTORIA
At the Top of Gowlland Tod Park you will see stunning vistas of the most prominent fjord on southern Vancouver Island, the mountains in the Gowlland Range, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. Remember to breathe! See the best views in the Victoria area with a local photographer and long time resident as he shares with you his favourite views and Victoria’s hidden gems. See why Hike Victoria is rated by Tripadvisor as #1 of 89 outdoor activities in the Victoria area. To see the various tours offered, see www.hikevictoria.com
“My sister and I did the Top of Gowlland Tod Hike with Mark from Hike Victoria and it was an amazing experience. The views were breathtaking, like none we’ve ever experienced, seeing fjords, mountains, etc. Mark was awesome. He was knowledgeable about the area, sharing facts about the terrain and as well some history on Victoria. We were given breaks when needed and Mike prioritized safety, making sure everyone was aware of where they were stepping. He gave us great hiking tips and reminded us to keep hydrated. Overall we would do this hike again and we highly recommend it. You will be blown away.”
– Pauline D (TripAdvisor)
VANCOUVER ISLAND TRAILS INFORMATION SOCIETY
Explore the beautiful trails that Vancouver Island has to offer at your own pace with one of three hiking trail guides published from the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society. Since 1972 they have been a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing information to the public about parks and trails on this spectacular island. The guides provide information about the best hikes and outdoor experiences, and promote outdoor activity, fitness and tourism. Go out and explore the wonderful West Coast, knowing you’re covered with all the essential information required for a splendid but safe hike. To order your copy, see www.hikingtrailsbooks.com
“Great book that outlines hikes. You can find some information online, but it is not as detailed or organized like a book. Recommend buying if you want to explore this are of the island.”
– Corey Hargreaves (Amazon)
Leisure Living
LE SOOKE SPA
Let the tension and stress melt away as you treat yourself to a spa day. Relax your entire body as the expert practitioners at Le Sooke Spa use a variety of techniques designed to target pressure points and sooth your muscles. Take advantage of this serene environment and indulge in all their services, from manicures and pedicures to full body scrubs. Feel leaving refreshed and invigorated after partaking in this tranquil escape for body, mind and spirit. To see their full list of services, visit www.lesookespa.com
“Very relaxing. Friendly service. Beautiful setting. Had a great Pedicure with massage from Crissy. The massage chair was wonderful. Looking forward to trying many other services at the spa. They also do hair and makeup and you can even get an outdoor massage. The Spa looks out onto the Harbour. Just beautiful.”
– Lynne G (Yelp)
JULIE KING – LANDSCAPE ARTIST
The West Coast of Canada is undeniably a beautiful part of the world, with its rolling hills, active coastlines, and imposing forests. As fantastic as it would be to live always being able to observe this stunning scenery, that is not always possible – hence why brilliant artwork is needed to capture perfectly the feeling of the rugged West Coast, and Julie King does this splendidly. Her highly textured landscape paintings are inspired by the mountains and coastline of BC, as her working methods attempt to emulate the effects that time and the elements have on the land. To see her portfolio, visit www.julieking.ca
VIPER FUELS INC
BBQs are the perfect summer event – good food, good company, good weather. This chill social atmosphere is an ideal afternoon, and the only thing that can mar it is heavy rain, or running out of fuel for the BBQ. There isn’t much that can be done about the rain, but the fuel is something that can be mitigated against. Viper Fuels take the stress out of dealing with your propane tank, as they can refill your tank complying with all the safety guidelines, or will give you a brand new one. A small but essential detail, don’t let your propane tank undo your perfect summer afternoon! For further details, see www.viperfuels.com
“These are the guys to deal with. Knowledgeable and good service.”
– Stephen Burnage (Google)
International
VILLA VICTORIA PÁTZCUARO
Situated in the colonial heartland of Central Mexico, in Pátzcuaro, is a delightful B&B that will captivate you with its perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, all in a recently restored early 19th-century adobe casa. Villa Victoria showcases local and regional art, finely carved woodwork, handmade tiles and hand-woven textiles. Guests are served a full and delicious Mexican-fusion breakfast. As they are located just steps away from the bustling markets and artisanal shops of Pátzcuaro’s main square, everything you want for that perfect Mexico vacation is close at hand. To book your perfect Mexican vacation now, visit www.villavictoriapatzcuaro.com
“What a wonderful week!! With a friendly warm host like Michael, there to answer any questions, you cannot find a nicer place in beautiful Patzcuaro! We spent a lovely week in his garden suite, picking oranges, limes and avocados in his opulent garden. The fireplace, mattress heaters and electric heater took off the evening and morning chill…the Michoacan sun took care of the rest. Do not hesitate…this is a lovely place…an architect’s attention to detail is visible at every turn.You do have a B&B option as well as his Casitas… gorgeous week!! We will return!!”
– Mary and Merrill (TripAdvisor)
FX CONNECTORS
When planning a vacation the least glamorous but essential aspect is the financing part of it. You want to be able to enjoy yourself abroad – don’t let the stress of exchanging money or excessive credit card fees be a hindrance to your holiday. Talk to FX Connectors and let them help you sort everything out. Whether it’s exchanging a few hundred dollars into cash or a bank transfer, they will help sort everything in a smooth and easy fashion. To relieve the stress of foreign money, see www.currencywholesale.com
“When I finally found the perfect flat in Edinburgh I needed to get all my references and finances sorted within a few days, and I was panicking. I still had most of my money in my Canadian account and needed it transferred to my UK account ASAP. Mike from FX Connectors was so efficient and easy to communicate with, he even called me on my UK mobile to talk me through everything that was needed for a smooth transfer. Within a few days it was done, and I got my flat! Knowing the bank transfer was being taken care of by a real person helped ease a lot of stress.”
Caitlin (This newsletter)