Instead of going abroad for a vacation, why not stay local and holiday on Vancouver Island? Thousands of people come here every year to marvel at the fantastic nature, architecture, and cuisine here, so take a break and enjoy this fantastic island from a tourist’s perspective.

This is Radar Hill’s local tourism newsletter, featuring our clients who cater to visitors and residents of this lush island. Treat yourself to a “staycation,” whether it be a full week in a hotel/B&B or just a spa day, take a break and experience the West Coast in all its beauty.

Categories:

Accommodation
Bed and Breakfast Directories
Food and Drink
Shopping
Spa and Style
Everything Sea
Hiking
Salt Spring
Art
International

Accommodation

One of the best parts of any vacation is staying somewhere new: somewhere spacious, somewhere luxurious, somewhere quiet. Whatever it may be, it is different and special to your usual home. But you don’t have to go far to find amazing accommodation to fit whatever experience that you’re after.

Accent Inns

Mandy Farmer, President & CEO of Accent Inns, was honoured as Hotelier of the Year by the Pinnacle Awards in 2016. Taking over the business from her father Terry in 2008, Mandy has grown the Accent Inns brand and evolved it for today’s guests. Environmentally friendly, pet friendly, and rubber duck friendly, you can expect a comfortable stay with free toiletries, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, at any of their locations in Victoria, Vancouver, Burnaby, Kamloops, or Kelowna.

Contact them at 1-800-663-0298, or visit AccentInns.com to book your holiday stay!

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

For the ultimate blend of luxury service, style and elegance, look no further than the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Located on the oceanfront, enjoy breath-taking views from your room and full access to the hot seaside mineral baths. Complete with three dining options, fitness studio centre, full service day spa and a theatre for dinner shows and movie nights, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers an unrivaled Pacific Northwest experience.

Call 1-800-668-7758 or visit oakbaybeachhotel.com to see the complete list of amenities and book today!

Heathergate House B&B

Located in historic James Bay, Heathergate House is in a superb location to visit the beautiful inner harbour of Victoria. Owned (and built!) by Ann and Ned Easton, this guest house offers an “English country garden” and a fully furnished two-bedroom cottage or two private one-bedroom flats. Listed in several leading guidebooks (including Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, and 10 Best Places to Stay in Vancouver and Victoria), whether you stay for two nights or two months, you will be warmly welcomed and looked after.

Call 250-383-0068 or visit victoria-vacationrentals.com to see availability and make a reservation today!

Dragonfly Ridge

Dragonfly Ridge is a beautiful two-bedroom vacation getaway in the West Shore. Enjoy private waterfront views at this lakefront property, including your own beach and deck. Located only minutes away from Victoria and the Bear Mountain Golf Resort, you get to enjoy a romantic getaway while still having fine dining, theatres, parks and shopping at your fingertips.

Call 619-857-0310 for more information and go to dragonflyridge.org to see pictures of this tranquil rental.

River Rock Bed and Breakfast

River Rock Bed and Breakfast is a cozy country cottage nestled in the trees on Lake Cowichan surrounded by the mountains of Vancouver Island. If you’re looking for a quiet holiday with relaxed days and evenings they have a private beach front for swimming in the crystal-clear lake.

Call 250-749-3370 or visit riverrockbnb.com for a full list of amenities.

Stonewood Bed & Breakfast

A stay at Stonewood B&B means enjoying their tranquil three acre property with beautiful terraced gardens nestled amongst tall trees, and lush green lawns with an in rock swimming pond. The fully appointed guest rooms all have a private ensuite, so it is a perfect central home base for the many activities the Cowichan and Chemainus Valleys have to offer, or just a wonderfully peaceful, comfortable getaway.

Call 250-746-3664 or go to stonewoodbandb.com for more details.

Mill Bay Beach House

Mill Bay Beach House is located just north of the Mill Bay ferry in the picturesque southern Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The waterfront house has spectacular views overlooking the Saanich Peninsula and Salt Spring Island. Located minutes from the Brentwood Bay/Mill Bay ferry, the house has easy access to Victoria Airport and Butchart Gardens by ferry and is within a thirty minute drive of Victoria.

Call 250-544-3181 or go to millbaybeachhouse.com for more information.

Victoria Pet Sitting

So you’ve decided to take a few days of holiday, and need to leave your pet Located in Central Saanich near Elk Lake, Victoria Pet Sitting is a “home away from home” for your little pet. Whether you are out for a day or several weeks, Victoria Pet Sitting can take care of your bird, rabbit, cat, or small mammal in complete safety. Having spent 26 years at the SPCA, Jennifer is experienced with every aspect of care and loves spending time with her animals. She thinks it is essential to provide a natural and spacious habitat in order to ensure health and happiness.

Call her at 250-208-2997 or go to VictoriaPetSitting.ca

Bed and Breakfast Directories

You might prefer the homely feel of Bed & Breakfasts instead of the hotel experience. But instead of randomly searching Google for a place, go to these sites below which have consolidated Bed & Breakfasts to make your search as easy as possible.

Victoria’s Finest Bed and Breakfasts

Victoria’s Finest Bed and Breakfasts offers fine B&B accommodations, whether you stay in a downtown heritage house, oceanfront home, country manor house, contemporary suite, rural retreat, or a romantic cottage. Choose from their distinctly unique and well-appointed Victoria B&Bs, where your hosts will gladly tell you about local attractions, festivals and events, shopping and restaurants, gardens and wineries. For your assurance, all Victoria’s Finest member accommodations are inspected and approved by Tourism British Columbia, and they all have a Canada Select 4-Star quality rating or higher for their extensive amenities, services, and comfortable and high-quality decor.

Go to victoriafinest.bc.ca to search for a fine B&B, and browse their breakfast recipes.

Vancouver Island Bed Breakfast

Stay and Play Your Way on Vancouver Island Bed Breakfast. They provide easy-to-navigate access to B&B accommodations, other places to stay, food, beverage, things to do, travel, services and much more. Now you are on your way to finding the perfect getaway and travel experience in your very own backyard.

Search vancouverislandbedbreakfast.com for a great island stay.

Canadian Bed Breakfast

If you’re wanting to go a little further abroad, but without using your passport, search Canadian Bed Breakfast for your perfect accommodation. Browse and you will find the finest in luxury accommodations or modestly priced places to stay. They have made it easy to arrange your stay or activity with any of their Ad-Page advertisers, eliminating the need to search multiple web sites. Now you are on your way to finding the perfect getaway and travel experience.

Search canadianbedbreakfast.com to find your Canadian accommodation.

Greater Victoria

Stay in British Columbia’s beautiful capital of Victoria, and find your accommodation on Greater Victoria.com. Browse the listings until you find one that is right for you and then book your stay. Featuring a variety of the best Victoria accommodations such as Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, Inns, Vacation Rentals, Lodges, Manors, Camping, Cottages, Pet Friendly, Farm Stays, Resorts, Wedding Places and much more. Your host can provide personal knowledge about the local area such as entertainment, shopping, attractions, travel, dining, recreation, and much more!

Search GreaterVictoria.com for great accommodation today.

American Bed Breakfast

If you’re looking to go to the States, search through American Bed Breakfast for the perfect accommodation. Search by the destination or type of lodging, be it a cottage, inns, or even a farm. So take your time and browse their extensive listings until you find the place that’s right for you and then you can book your stay.

Search americanbedbreakfast.com for your American holiday.

Food and Drink

Break up your routine and try somewhere new! Experience West Coast cuisine and fusion at any of these great places. Whether you want a cafe or fine dining, enjoy great food right here on Vancouver Island.

The Beach House Restaurant

Offering stunning ocean views, the Beach House Restaurant serves an eclectic mix of west coast inspired dining options. Perched right on beautiful Cordova Bay Beach, their spectacular dining room and intimate bistro are great for weekend brunches, casual lunches, romantic dinners and family-friendly gatherings. Vaulted wood ceilings complement their west coast eclectic design, and wall-to-wall windows fill the room with scenic ocean vistas.

Located on 5109 Cordova Bay Rd, call them for reservations at 250-658-5224, or go to beachhousevictoria.com for photos and their full menu.

Spinnakers Brewpub and Guesthouse

If you want a complete Victoria experience, stay at Spinnakers Brewpub and Guesthouse Inc. on Esquimalt’s waterfront. They are a guesthouse, a pub, a restaurant, and a store, all in a stunning heritage building. Serving and making in-house a wide range of beers, ciders, and cocktails (Hoppy Hour is 3 to 5 every weekday!) as well as a “relentlessly local” menu, Spinnakers is great location for West Coast chill.

Located at 308 Catherine Street, call 250-386-2739 or go to spinnakers.com to reserve a table or guestroom.

The Floating Fish Store

Take advantage of living on an island and visit the Floating Fish Store on Fisherman’s Wharf. They are a licensed processing plant and restaurant, and so serve some of the freshest seafood around. Twelve feet of dock, that’s as far as their Dungeness crabs ever travel. When it comes to local species such as salmon, halibut, snapper, albacore tuna, and spot prawns it is not uncommon to see a fishing boat tied up in front of the store as the fishermen carry their catch into it.

Serving fried fish, fish tacos, fish soups and whatever other seafood is available that day, go to 1 Dallas Road for a fresh fish feast, call 250-383-6462, or go to floatingfishstore.com to view their menu.

Sam’s Deli

Founded in 1972 by Sam Bawlf, Sam’s Deli has been providing Victorians and tourists alike with fresh delicious sandwiches for decades. Now owned by Kate Phoenix, who had been a fan of Sam’s for years, she is dedicated to maintaining what has made the deli so well known. Whether it is a shrimp and avocado sandwich, turkey bacon club, or Montreal smoked meat, they will make your sandwich to your specifications, right before your eyes. Their menu is filled with healthy portions of fresh quality ingredients, from sandwiches to salad, as well as baked goods. Catering is also available.

They are located in the historic Belmont Building at 805 Government Street which is just one block up from the Empress Hotel and steps from the Inner Harbour. Call 250-382-8424, or go to samsdeli.com to see their menu and some of their famous recipes.

The Village Taverna

At the age of 14 Terry Vassiliadis began working in his family’s business, Eugene’s Greek Restaurant. Fast-forward a few decades and he is now he is the owner of the Village Taverna, right in Cook Street Village. They offer a casual fusion of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine, readily prepared using only the best and freshest ingredients. Whether you take-out or eat-in, there is always great Greek food to be enjoyed.

They are located at #101 – 1075 Pendergast St, call them at 250-592-7373, or go to thevillagetaverna.ca for their menu.

La Roux Patisserie

One of Victoria’s newest spots, La Roux is a lovely café in Chinatown. Their beautiful shop is the perfect place to reward yourself, to treat a loved one to a pastry and time spent together, or to pick up a deliciously memorable gift on your way to a dinner party. All their desserts are made from the highest quality ingredients by people who love food. The menu ranges from exceptional French-inspired pastries to nostalgic treats from childhood.

Whether you want a classic eclair or a few macarons, visit them on 519 Fisgard Street, call 778-265-7689, or go to laroux.ca for their menu and create your own custom cake.

My Chosen Café

Since 1987 the Madill family and their team have been serving up hearty, home-style meals to the community of Metchosin. A true community spot, there is also the Sugar Shack Ice Cream and Bake Shop, serving classic sundaes, milkshakes, decadent cakes and more. While you’re enjoying a banana split, go see their Critter Corner and watch Peep (Turkey), Fonzy (Duck), or the many hens, roosters, and goats roaming around.

Visit them on 4492 Happy Valley Road, call the café at 250-474-2333, or for pizza 250-474-2333, and go to mychosencafe.com for their extensive menu and pictures of their adorable goats.

Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry

Since 1987 Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry has been providing gourmet take-out, catering, and picnic baskets. Have a lovely day out with one of Cheryl’s picnic baskets, which include a table cloth, napkins, wine opener, glasses, cutlery, and plates. Everything you need to have enjoy a spectacular afternoon in scenic Victoria. If you want to eat-in, they do have a deli that serves everything from seafood dishes, fresh salads, lasagnas, and many sweet treats.

They are located at 2009 Cadboro Bay Road, call 250-595-3212, or go to cherylsgourmetpantry.com to view the various amazing picnic baskets you can order.

Cakes Etc.

Since 1989 Cakes Etc. has been serving the retail and wholesale trade, with specialty cakes for all occasions, along with an assortment of desserts, cookies, bars and other baked goods. They bake with the finest quality ingredients available, such as chocolate imported from Belgium, dairy from Vancouver Island farms, and fresh fruit grown in neighbouring fields.

Located on 2821 Quesnel Street in Victoria, call 250-360-2390 to order a cake and go to cakesetc.ca to view their delicious menu.

Baan-Do’s Stir Fry

Situated in Duncan, Baan-Do provides fresh, healthy, and affordable food. From teriyaki to stir-fry to burgers, there is something for everyone. Their kitchen is open concept, so you can watch their chefs cook up your meal and serve it to you when it’s hot and fresh.

Make “The Healthy Choice” and visit them at 2680 James Street, call 250-701-0889, or visit baandos.com to view their menu.

Power Lunch Coffee Café & Catering

In Duncan you can find the Power Lunch café, which serves fantastic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and much more. Try their chai latte or Power Starter Breakfast for a great start to your day. They also cater, available for pick-up or delivery.

Visit them at 921B Canada Avenue, or got to powerlunchcafe.com to see their weekly lunch features.

Mad Greeks Pizza

Maybe you like pineapple on pizza, maybe you don’t. In the West Shore you’ll find Mad Greeks 2-for1 Pizza, offering plenty of choice since 1986. Serving pizza, pasta, chicken wings, and more, there will be something for everyone on those days that you don’t want to cook.

Located at 703 Goldstream Avenue, call 250-478-6112 to order, and go to madgreekspizza.com for the menu.

Blighty’s Bistro

In 1996 Richelle Osborne bought an Oak Bay fish and chips joint and transformed it into a favourite neighbourhood bistro featuring West Coast fusion cuisine. At Blighty’s Bistro they create a tasty array of seasonal, value-priced dishes to tempt serious gourmands and comfort foodies alike. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two, a business lunch, or a special group celebration, they adapt with your needs and provide a feeling of comfortable fine dining among friends.

Visit them at 2006 Oak Bay Ave, call 250-592-5111 to make a reservation, or go to blightysbistro.com to view their menu.

Eugene Wholesale Greek Food

Eugene’s began in 1979 when Eugene and Lina Vassiliadis opened a small souvlaki snack bar between Douglas and Fort Street. The business grew and expanded, and now their son Lee runs the company and warehouse, so that Eugene’s products are available in all grocery stores across Vancouver Island.

Go to eugenes.ca to see the full list of places where their Tzatziki, Homous and Pita Bread are sold, or call 778-351-1331.

Silverside Farm & Winery

Situated at the south end of the Cowichan Valley, Silverside Farm creates local award-winning berry wines. Using fresh strawberries, raspberries, and their specialty, blueberries, these wines utilize natural produce from right here on the island. In addition, they offer fresh berries and produce, as well as an assortment of jams, jellies, and syrups made right on the farm.

You won’t get much more local then that, so call 250-743-9149 or go to silversidefarm.com to see where you can find their wines.

Shopping

Out of Ireland

Located in a beautiful heritage building in downtown Victoria, Out of Ireland Irish Importers is well known for their eclectic collection of wonderful Irish knitwear, clothing, jewellery, fashion accessories, and gifts. Their selection of luxurious merino wool, silk, cashmere scarves ,and shawls complement the wraps and capes for which they are famous. You’ll find lines such as Guinness®, Belleek, Claddagh, Avoca, Bewley’s and more.

See the store at 1000 Government Street, call 250-389-0886, or go to OutOfIreland.ca to see what fantastic products they sell.

Cuban Cigar Shop

Cuban cigars are a particularly unique cigar, due in part to the specific variations
in soil that can be found in different regions throughout Cuba. In downtown Victoria you’ll find the Cuban Cigar Shop, which carries over 28 brands of the finest Cuban cigars, over 220 different Cuban cigars, including collectible and limited edition ones, and 120 non-Cuban cigars from around the world. They also sell a wide range of accessories, from ashtrays to humidors to cutters to cases.

Visit the shop at 938 Fort Street, call 250-592-7966, or go to cubancigar-shop.com for a full list of cigars and a taste guide.

Faith Grant’s Antiques On The Avenue

Established in 1929, Faith Grant’s On The Avenue specializes in 18th and 19th Century antiques. Run by brother and sister team Forrest Graham and Heather Graham-Dickson, they continue to operate the business as third generation dealers in home furnishings, decorative arts, and accessories. Their stock of furniture, silver, china, paintings, and accessories are handpicked from Island homes, and each item usually comes with a story. After all when it comes to antiques “we are all just temporary custodians.”

See the store at 1968 Oak Bay Avenue, call them at 250-383-0121, or go to faithgrantantiques.com to see the inventory listed.

Susan Koch Atelier

Susan Koch is an award-winning silversmith whose summers spent on Galiano Island inspired a lifelong fascination with beach stones and sea glass. Susan incorporates these elements in her hand-fabricated sterling silver jewellery, which are as unique as the people who wear them. From chains to rings to bracelets, these beautiful creations are a special way to commemorate a Vancouver Island vacation.

Contact her at 250-746-6874 or go to SusanKoch.ca for a list of retail locations you can find her jewellery.

Spa and Style

Treat yourself! Or someone else. Or give a gift certificate to someone and invite yourself to go with them. However you do it, just pamper yourself at one of these relaxing spas, or splurge and do something luxurious to your hair.

Le Sooke Spa

Located at the Premier Prestige Ocean Front Resort, Le Sooke Spa offers a tranquil escape for body, mind, and spirit. Consisting of 4 spacious treatment rooms there are many options from which to choose from to pamper yourself. Whether it is a short visit to the spa, a full day, or a wedding group, their highly-trained practitioners will make your spa experience memorable and beyond your expectations.

See them in person at 6929 West Coast Road in Sooke, call 250-642-7995, or go to LeSookeSpa.com for a full list of services and see their monthly specials. Gift cards are available.

Paris Styling Group

Paris Styling Group is full service styling salon with a Paul Mitchell focus, dedicated to providing its customers with the ultimate salon experience. From cuts to colour to styling all within a warm and inviting atmosphere, let them provide you with a great hair experience. If you have a big “to-do” they will also come to you, for special occasion styling.

They are located at 106 – 80 Station Street in Duncan, call them at 250-709-2004, or go to parisstylinggroup.com for a full list of services. Gift certificates are available.

Spa A’lita Esthetics

Spa A’lita creates an oasis where the stresses of everyday life are left behind and your well-being is nurtured and protected. Let their licenced estheticians and therapists provide you with a soothing session for beauty and health. They offer a variety of services including relaxation massages, body treatments, facials, hand and feet treatments and much more, along with offering monthly specials.

Visit them at 101 – 745 Goldstream Avenue in Langford, call 250-478-2252, or go to SpaAlita.ca to see their menu of spa treatments and services. Gift cards are available.

Everything Sea

Vancouver Island is of course an Island! Take advantage of that fact and explore the sea. Whether it’s a fishing day trip or luxury yacht, get onto the water and see the island from a different perspective.

Victoria Harbour Ferry

Serving Victoria for over 25 years, Victoria Harbour Ferry has transported over 3 million passengers. Offering tours, charters and water taxi service, experience the city from the water. Take a Gorge Tour up into Victoria’s historical inner waterway or a Harbour Tour to see first Nation sacred territories, float home communities, and amazing views of seaplanes as they land and take off. You may even catch a glimpse of otters, harbour seals, and herons.

Call 250-708-0201 to get gift cards, or go to victoriaharbourferry.com for the full list of stops and services.

Beasley’s Fishing Charters

For over 25 years Darren Beasley has been fishing in Vancouver Island’s waters. Now let Beasley’s Fishing Charters bring you on a fishing tour, whether it be salmon, halibut, or just whale watching. Cruising out on the Pacific Ocean right off Victoria’s beautiful downtown waterfront or away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be exploring through some of the Island’s most beautiful fishing locations. Fishing is a fun sport anyone can enjoy and take part in. They welcome all ages, male and female, from the seasoned pros to the novice beginners.

To book call 250- 381-8000 or go to beasleysfishingcharters.ca to view the full list of tours available.

Fantasea Charters

Fantasea Charters offers the ultimate Victoria sightseeing tours around Vancouver Island. They are proud to offer you a variety of services including party cruises, dinner cruises, whale watching, marine wildlife tours, stag and stagette cruises, as well as memorials. Cruise in comfort in the Fantasea luxury yacht, and enjoy Victoria’s ultimate party boat. Measuring 41′ in length, this fully covered and heated vessel is able to take large groups of up to 20 people. With over 30 years of experience, their captain and professional guide will take you around and about in this Transport Canada certified yacht, and is also liquor license with a full bar & hostess to serve.

They are located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, so call 250-812-6044 or got to fantaseacharters.com to book the ultimate party boat for your next event.

Mckenna’s Sport Fishing

Fish off the coast of Port Renfrew with a 27′ Northwest Aluminum with all the gear: radar, GPS, marine radio, sounder and safety gear. Kevin Mckenna has been fishing his whole life and will be your guide as you fish halibut, salmon, cod, and more, depending on the season. So go live and breath the tide and experience sport fishing with Kevin in a beautiful corner of the world.

Call him at 250-647-0123 to plan a visit or go to mckennasportfishing.com for more information and see the photo gallery.

Bayview Yachts Sales & Service

For true luxury there is nothing like a yacht. At Bayview Yachts they are Certified Professional Yacht Brokers, who will assist you in purchasing or selling your boat, whether it is locally or cross-border. Use their expertise to make the process a pleasant experience. They also offer a full range of service care, as on-site technicians are trained to service diesel or gas, and if you need repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, or general troubleshooting, let them do the work for you. Authorized Dealers for Raymarine, Espar, Planar, Tides Marine, Vacuflush and Coastal Marine Wifi.

Visit them at North Saanich Marina on 1949 Marina Way in Sidney, or the Oak Bay Marina at 1327 Beach Drive in Victoria. Call 250-655-0996 or go to bayviewyachts.com for more information.

Marine Equipment Leasing

If you don’t want to buy a whole yacht, just bareboat charter and cruise the Pacific Northwest in a Grand Banks 52 Europa. Marine Equipment Leasing Corporation provides you, the bareboat charter client, with the opportunity for expedition-styled cruising aboard the M/V Kiawah, a luxurious and modern 52′ passage making yacht. You will see the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest coast on cruises in the three primary cruising grounds in Washington State, British Columbia and Alaska.

Call 206-390-8557 for more information or go to pacificyachtleasing.com for the rates and itineraries.

Hiking

If you prefer to stay on land, there are so many beautiful places to walk and hike around. If you want to do it yourself there are many great books available, or might we suggest taking a guided hiking tour and enjoy a majestic view of Victoria.

Hike Victoria

Experience the natural beauty of Victoria with Hike Victoria. Mark Vukobrat is a local photographer and long time resident providing scenic hikes and tours, whose goal is to make your experience with him a highlight of your trip (or day out) to Victoria. He offers three different tours, each with stunning views. With a door to door hotel service, book today to add a tour to your Vancouver Island staycation and experience a new perspective of this beautiful city!

Call him at 250-889-3008 or go to HikeVictoria.com for more details of each tour.

Hiking Trails Books

Hiking Trails Books provides information about parks and trails on Vancouver Island. Since 1972 the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society has published, and routinely update, three hands-on books, each covering a specific geographic region of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. To make the information accessible to the public, the selling price of each volume is set as low as possible, just high enough to recoup the cost of its production, plus a narrow profit margin which is plowed back into the production of the next volume.

Visit them online at HikingTrailsBooks.com to purchase, or contact them at 250-474-5043.

Salt Spring Island

Grace Point Square

At the centre of things in Ganges, you’ll find Grace Point Square offering a choice of restaurants, art galleries, shops, day spa, liquor store, and more. They are footsteps away from the famous Saturday Market in Centennial Park, and is also conveniently located near all three marinas found in Ganges.

Visit gracepointsquare.com for a list of upcoming events, full store directory, and leasing opportunities, or call 604-313-7203 and plan your visit today!

Salt Spring Dream Vacation

Relax, enjoy, and pamper yourself to a stress-free vacation. Dream Vacation represent only the best accommodation available on Salt Spring Island. They have personally screened every home, cottage, condo and villa represented, and this first-hand knowledge of every property on their website means they can answer questions and inquiries accurately.

Call 250-538-8727 to personally discuss your needs, or saltspringdreamvacation.com to view the full list of rentals offered.

Salt Spring Island Tours

Salt Spring Tours is a homegrown tour business that caters to those wanting an exciting day away exploring Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands, with a special focus on Salt Spring Island. Our adventures begin on the open road meandering past lakes, fields and through lush forests with glorious views of the water. You will be visiting award-winning wineries, scrumptious cheese farms and bakeries alike, all with that unique West Coast feel.

Offering specialized events that can include birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or corporate events, call 1-877-439-6267 or go to saltspringtours.com home to see the full list of tours offered.

Art

A great part of travelling is picking up souvenirs and art to commemorate your trip. Below is some art and local artists for whom you do not have to travel far to view.

My Mondo Trading

Based in Brentwood Bay, My Mondo Trading Company was established to bring the very best of Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations art to a wider appreciation. Their art comes from many First Nations artists and they all bring a perspective rich in culture, legends, symbolism, and storytelling. Hundreds of pieces of artwork from dozens of artists go through My Mondo Trading Company each year.

Contact them at 778-350-3555 or go to mymondotrading.com to read the artists’ bios or to collect a piece of exquisite artwork.

Theresa Makes Paper Dolls

If you enjoy fashion, art, history fairy tales, spies, pirates, and nativity sets then Theresa Makes Paper Dolls has something for you. Paper dolls aren’t just for children as they are great for any age to keep your imagination flowing. Paper fashion is a stress-free world and can help you relax. With custom made dolls, with outfits whose only limits are your imagination, now is your chance to have a paper doll character of yourself and have an alter ego.

So call 250-598-6300 or go to theresamakespaperdolls.com to order a doll today!

Peninsula Gallery

Peninsula Gallery features an outstanding collection of original paintings, sculpture and limited edition prints. Since its establishment in 1986, Peninsula Gallery has prospered into one of Canada’s most acclaimed art galleries, presenting quality paintings and sculptures of artists both local and of nationwide praise.

Offering custom framework, visit them at #100 – 2506 Beacon Ave in Sydney, call 250-655-1282, or go to pengal.com to see upcoming events, artists, and new arrivals.

The Tapestry House

For over 20 years the family owned Tapestry House has been selling hand-selected European wall hanging tapestries. From traditional medieval to contemporary designs, and the famous Unicorn tapestries, these wall hangings incorporate the past and the present seamlessly. Coming in a range of sizes, tapestries bring beauty into your home and possess a sense of history, so purchase a piece of art that has been produced by artisans for centuries today!

Call 250-655-4439 or go to thetapestryhouse.com to see the huge range of gorgeous tapestries available. Free shipping in North America.

The Good Friday Project

John Hood lives in the Cowichan Valley and produced The Gaze of Jesus, an image that was done in pointillism, a form of meditative art. This print is now sold all over the world, 8 ½” wide by 11″ tall and printed on archival acid-free paper. John simply wants “more people to hold a treasure just like His Holy Father.” 60% of proceeds to go to the UN World Food Program and the price of $20 USD includes shipping.

Go to thegazeofjesus.org to purchase a copy today!

Julie King Landscape Artist

Since 2002 Julie King is a Vancouver Island artist working in acrylic and watercolour. Her highly textured landscape paintings are inspired by the mountains and west coast of Beautiful British Columbia. Her compositions are sometimes inspired by a specific location, but often the image will be a ‘collage’ of remembered views from time spent hiking the coastal mountains.

Currently her artwork can be seen at Excellent Frameworks Gallery on 28 Station Street in Duncan, or go to julieking.ca to see pictures of her artwork.

Periwinkle Studios

Figurative Fibre Sculptures with a blue skin tone are the works of Victoria Davis of Periwinkle Art Studios. She makes several various art forms, from works of hand-made fabric with faces and hands sculpted in clay and painted in oils, to jewellery as a mixture of fibre, to weaving and bead work.

Visit her artwork at #2-2333 Government Street, or go periwinkleartstudios.com to see pictures.

International

If you really insist on leaving Vancouver Island, if you’re tired of the trees and the water and summmer weather, go to China or Mexico! And of course you will need to pick up some currency.

Villa Victoria

Located in Pátzcuaro, Mexico, Villa Victoria B&B will captivate you with its perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury in a recently restored early 19th century adobe casa. There are five comfortable suites around a traditional central courtyard, each with spacious sitting and dining areas. Guests are served a full Mexican-fusion breakfast, and the villa showcases local and regional art, finely carved woodwork, handmade tiles, and hand-woven textiles.

Go to villavictoriapatzcuaro.com or call 250-361-5874 to discover the beauty of central Mexico.

Fly China

Fly China (for Canadian departures only) bridges the gap between independent travellers and travel suppliers by helping travellers plan and book trips while helping travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators, improve the efficiency of their marketing and distribution channels. They provide cheap flights, cheap hotel reservations, and cheap tickets through its “discount airline consolidation” strategy. By buying in bulk, they are able to offer specially negotiated, deeply discounted airline tickets up to 65% – 80% off. They can beat any prices and guarantee the lowest Asia airfares.

Their store address is Unit 318, 3980 Shelbourne St, call 250-884-3389 or go to flychina.cafor airline tickets and tour reservations.

FX Connectors

FX Connectors Ltd. is a Canadian currency exchange company based in Victoria serving clients across Canada and the United States. They take pride in saving customers substantial amounts of time and money on their foreign exchange transactions. With rates at 1-2% better than banks they have been a top provider of wholesale and retail rates to organizations and individuals for over 14 years. If you insist on leaving the Island, call 250-380-7888 or go to currencywholesale.com for a full list of services and rates.

Thank you for reading Radar Hill’s Tourism Newsletter! If you use or visit any of the services listed please let us know! And if you would like to be featured in any our upcoming newsletters or have any comments, please just get in touch.